What to do
Which dental plan fits you?
Which dental plan fits you?
All Aetna Dental plans offer a wide choice of dentists, wellness discounts and convenient digital tools. But your plan features and costs will vary depending on the plan you choose. We’ve broken down the differences between our DMO® dental benefits and insurance plan and our PPO dental insurance plans to help you decide. Just check with your employer to see which plans are available to you.
Aetna DMO®* plans vs.
Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans
What’s the difference?
DMO =
Lower premiums
No yearly dollar limits
No deductibles
You’ll need to select a primary care dentist in the DMO network.
If you need a specialist
your primary care dentist will refer you to one in our network.
Have a family?
Everyone can get their own in-network primary care dentist.
What about PPO plans?
PPO =
Go to any dentist
No primary care dentist needed
No referrals
Get lower rates when you go to a dentist that’s in your PPO network.
Which dental plan is right for you?
Learn more and see if your dentist is in the network with these plans on aetna.com.
Aetna Dental DMO plan
A primary care dentist (PCD) helps guide your care with this DMO* plan.
|
How it works |
---|---|
Choose a PCD from our network**: Use our provider search tool to find one. |
See your PCD for regular exams and to get referrals if you need specialty care.
|
Visit your PCD: If you see someone other than your selected PCD, you could end up paying more. |
Check your benefits summary, so you’ll know what to pay. Pay your share of the cost. This may be a copay, which is a set dollar amount. Or it may be coinsurance, which is a percentage of the dentist’s charge. That’s it. No deductible, no claims forms and no yearly dollar limits. |
What to do |
Choose a PCD from our network**: Use our provider search tool to find one. |
---|---|
How it works |
See your PCD for regular exams and to get referrals if you need specialty care.
|
What to do |
Visit your PCD: If you see someone other than your selected PCD, you could end up paying more. |
How it works |
Check your benefits summary, so you’ll know what to pay. Pay your share of the cost. This may be a copay, which is a set dollar amount. Or it may be coinsurance, which is a percentage of the dentist’s charge. That’s it. No deductible, no claims forms and no yearly dollar limits. |
Aetna Dental PPO plan
You have the freedom to care for your smile your way with this PPO plan.
Your options |
Pick your dentist |
How it works |
---|---|---|
In network: no paperwork, lower costs |
Visit a dentist in the Aetna Dental PPO* network. |
Network dentists offer special rates for covered services. So your share of the cost is usually lower. Network dentists file claims for you. |
Out of network: choices |
Visit any licensed dentist outside the network. |
You may pay more when you get care from dentists who aren’t in the network.** You may have to file your own claims. |
Your options |
In network: no paperwork, lower costs |
---|---|
Pick your dentist |
Visit a dentist in the Aetna Dental PPO* network. |
How it works |
Network dentists offer special rates for covered services. So your share of the cost is usually lower. Network dentists file claims for you. |
Your options |
Out of network: choices |
Pick your dentist |
Visit any licensed dentist outside the network. |
How it works |
You may pay more when you get care from dentists who aren’t in the network.** You may have to file your own claims. |
Healthy mouth, healthy body
Routine dental care can help you have stronger teeth, healthier gums and a brighter smile. Studies show that a healthy mouth helps you avoid health problems in the body, too.
Mouth/body connection
Understand the link between oral health and overall health.
Member perks and savings
Aetna Dental plans come with special perks and discounts, including exclusive offers from CVS Health®. There are no claims or referrals to worry about, and no limits on how much you can save.
At-home products
Get a discount on blood pressure montiors, pedometers, activity trackers, pain relief devices and other Omron® products.
Healthy lifestyle choices
Save on gym memberships, health coaching, fitness gear, wearable fitness devices, group fitness on demand and more.
Weight management
Get savings on weight-loss programs and meal plans, and enjoy one-on-one help, personalized menus, online tools and chat rooms.
Natural products and services
Pay less for acupuncture,* chiropractic visits, therapeutic massage and nutrition services** — and for products like wearable fitness devices and fitness kits.
Eyewear and exams
Save on popular designer frames*** and vision items that don’t need a prescription.† You can visit national chains and thousands of doctors in private practice.
Hearing aids and exams
Enjoy discounts on hearing aids, exams and hearing aid batteries mailed to your home. Choose from leading manufacturers and get free follow-up service for one year.
Oral health care
Get discounts on oral health care products like Z Sonic™ toothbrushes, replacement brush heads and various oral health care kits.
Digital tools to manage your care
Digital tools to manage your care
Whether you’re at your desk or on the go, our easy-to-use digital tools help you manage your dental plan, save money and make smart decisions about your care.
You can:
- Use our provider search tool to search, in the network, by name, specialty or procedure
- See your benefits summary and get information about what's covered
- View and pay claims
- Pull up your ID card whenever you need it
Once you’re a member, you have two ways to engage with your plan online.

*Acupuncture is an essential health benefit, and the discount for this service may duplicate benefits if you are enrolled in a full-service plan.
**Through the ChooseHealthy program, which is provided by ChooseHealthy, Inc., a subsidiary of American Specialty Health Incorporated (ASH). ChooseHealthy is a federally registered trademark of ASH and used with permission herein.
***Certain brands impose a no-discount policy.
†Pediatric dental essential health benefits include frames for glasses for pediatric patients; the discount for frames may duplicate benefits if you are enrolled in a vision plan that covers your dependent children.
Legal notices
Aetna is the brand name used for products and services provided by one or more of the Aetna group of companies, including Aetna Life Insurance Company and its affiliates (Aetna).
This material is for information only. Dental information programs provide general dental information and are not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a dentist or other health care professional. Information is believed to be accurate as of the production date; however, it is subject to change.
Dental benefits and dental insurance plans contain exclusions and limitations.