---
title: "What Is Explanation of benefits (EOB)? Dental Glossary"
description: "An explanation of benefits (EOB) is a statement from your plan showing what it paid for a dental claim and what you may owe. It is not a bill."
url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/explanation-of-benefits-eob
publisher: Town Center Dental
phone: +1-636-273-5866
quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment
---

Insurance and Billing

# Explanation of benefits (EOB)

An explanation of benefits (EOB) is a statement from your plan showing what it paid for a dental claim and what you may owe. It is not a bill.

An EOB is a detailed summary from your dental plan about payments made for your dental services. The plan sends one after a [claim](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/insurance-claim) is submitted. It also shows how to appeal a decision.

An EOB usually lists the date of service, the fee the dentist charged, the amount the plan allowed, what the plan paid, and what you owe. It is not a bill. Compare it to the statement from the dental office. If something looks wrong, call the plan or the office.

If your plan paid less than you expected, the EOB can say why. Common reasons include your [deductible](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/deductible), a [frequency limit](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/frequency-limit), or a waiting period. See the [insurance and financing page](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/patients/insurance-and-financing) for this office's information.

## Related terms

-   [Insurance claim](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/insurance-claim)
-   [Deductible](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/deductible)
-   [Frequency limit](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/frequency-limit)
-   [Waiting period](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/waiting-period)
-   [Balance billing](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/balance-billing)

## Sources

1.  [National Association of Dental Plans: Glossary of Dental Insurance Terms](https://www.nadp.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/GlossaryInsuranceTerms_updated_12_31_20.pdf)
2.  [National Association of Dental Plans: Glossary of Dental Insurance Terms](https://www.nadp.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/GlossaryInsuranceTerms_updated_12_31_20.pdf)

## Ready when you are

[Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)