HRD > Benefits Administration Services > Dental

Dental Benefits

If you are an exempt employee with one year of continuous state service, the state pays the full cost for you and your eligible dependents to participate in a dental plan.

You can choose to participate in either the DeltaPreferred or the DeltaPremier plan offered through Delta Dental of Ohio. When you participate in either of the dental plans, you can go to the dentist of your choice and receive benefits. However, you will generally pay less when you go to a dentist within the DeltaPreferred or DeltaPremier network. When making your coverage selection, be sure to check with your dentist to determine whether he/she belongs to the DeltaPreferred or DeltaPremier network.

When utilizing participating dentists, the exempt dental plan emphasizes preventive services at no cost by offering:

• Routine exams
• Cleanings
• X-rays

Once you are enrolled in a dental plan, go to the Delta Dental member Web site to check eligibility, claims status, benefit availability, print an identification card or locate participating dentists. Log in using your Social Security Number and date of birth.

*Dental plan information on this page is effective July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008. For 2008-2009 information, click here.

Comparing Your Dental Options
The individual yearly deductible is $25; it will be applied to your covered dental expenses once during each benefit year. No deductible will be applied to Class I (preventive) Dental Services or Class IV (orthodontic) Dental Services.

Class I Benefits: Diagnostic and Preventive Services
Services and procedures to evaluate existing conditions and/or to prevent dental abnormalities or disease.

• Examinations - Initial, periodic and emergency examinations.
• Prophylaxes - Teeth cleaning and polishing.
• Fluoride Treatments - Topical application for cavity prevention up to age 19 and age 55 or older.
• Emergency Palliative Treatment - Emergency treatment to temporarily relieve pain.
• Radiographs - X-rays as required for routine care or as necessary for the diagnosis of a specific condition.
• Sealants - Up to age 19.
  

Class II Benefits: Basic Restorative, Periodontics and Oral Surgery Services

• Minor Restorative Services, such as amalgam (silver) and resin (white) fillings. With the exception of the frontal surfaces of the front teeth, white fillings are considered cosmetic. You will be responsible for the difference in cost between amalgam and white fillings if you elect this option.
• Oral Surgery Services - Extractions and dental surgery, including pre- and post-operative care.
• Endodontic Services - The treatment of teeth with diseased or damaged nerves (example: root canals).
• Periodontic Services - The treatment of diseases of the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. This includes periodontal maintenance following active therapy (periodontal prophylaxis).
  

Class III Benefits: Major Restorative and Prosthodontic Services
Services and appliances that replace missing natural teeth (such as bridges, partial dentures and complete dentures).

• Major restorative services, such as crowns, used when teeth cannot be restored with another filling material - one per tooth every 60 months.
• Relines and repairs to bridges, partial dentures and complete dentures - 60-month replacement limit.
• Dental implants and abutment placement - lifetime maximum of $1,000 on dental implant services.
  

Class IV Benefits: Orthodontic Services
Services, treatment and procedures to correct malposed teeth; no age limit.

• Class IV services have a maximum to the benefits that you can receive in your lifetime. Your benefit amount is dependent upon which dental plan you have and the type of provider you choose.
  

What's Covered?

Dental expenses are the costs incurred by you or any of your covered dependents. Covered expenses are any charges made by a dentist or dental specialist for services provided in the Schedule of Dental Services. Expenses will only be covered if:

• The dental service is performed by, or under the direction of, a licensed dentist.
  
• The expense is essential for the necessary care of the teeth.
  
• The service takes place while you are insured for dental expense benefits.

If the dental service is performed on a date other than the date the service was recommended or considered necessary, the dental service will be considered to begin on the date the actual performance of the service begins.