---
title: "What Is In-network dentist? Dental Glossary | Town Center Dental"
description: "An in-network dentist has a contract with your dental plan and accepts the plan's set fees. Seeing one usually costs you less than going outside the network."
url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/in-network-dentist
publisher: Town Center Dental
phone: +1-636-273-5866
quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment
---

Insurance and Billing

# In-network dentist

An in-network dentist has a contract with your dental plan and accepts the plan's set fees. Seeing one usually costs you less than going outside the network.

An in-network dentist has agreed to a contract with your dental plan. The contract sets the fees the dentist accepts for covered services, often called negotiated or contracted rates. Usually, you pay less out of pocket when you see an in-network provider.

HealthCare.gov calls the contracted group a network: the providers your plan has contracted with. Some plans, such as a [DHMO](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dhmo-dental-hmo), cover care only inside the network. A [PPO plan](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/ppo-dental-plan) lets you go outside it for more cost.

The network can change, so check with your plan before a visit. A dentist who is [out of network](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/out-of-network-dentist) may bill you for the difference between the charge and the plan's allowed amount. See balance billing. The [insurance and financing page](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/patients/insurance-and-financing) has this office's information.

## Related terms

-   [Out-of-network dentist](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/out-of-network-dentist)
-   [PPO dental plan](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/ppo-dental-plan)
-   [DHMO (dental HMO)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dhmo-dental-hmo)
-   [Balance billing](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/balance-billing)
-   [Fee schedule](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/fee-schedule)

## Sources

1.  [HealthCare.gov Glossary: Network](https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/network/)
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)