---
title: "What Is Out-of-network dentist? Dental Glossary"
description: "An out-of-network dentist has no contract with your dental plan. The plan may pay less or nothing, and you may owe more of the bill."
url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/out-of-network-dentist
publisher: Town Center Dental
phone: +1-636-273-5866
quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment
---

Insurance and Billing

# Out-of-network dentist

An out-of-network dentist has no contract with your dental plan. The plan may pay less or nothing, and you may owe more of the bill.

An out-of-network dentist is one who does not have a contract with your insurer. HealthCare.gov calls this a non-preferred provider and says you will pay more to see one. NADP adds that you usually pay more out of pocket for out-of-network care.

What happens next depends on your plan. A [PPO](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/ppo-dental-plan) may cover part of the cost. A [DHMO](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dhmo-dental-hmo) usually covers none outside the network. An out-of-network dentist may also bill the difference between the fee and the plan's allowed amount. This is called [balance billing](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/balance-billing).

Before you book, ask your plan how it treats out-of-network care. Ask the dental office for an estimate. A pre-determination can also show what the plan expects to pay. See in-network dentist.

## Related terms

-   [In-network dentist](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/in-network-dentist)
-   [Balance billing](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/balance-billing)
-   [PPO dental plan](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/ppo-dental-plan)
-   [DHMO (dental HMO)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dhmo-dental-hmo)
-   [Usual, customary and reasonable (UCR) fee](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/usual-customary-and-reasonable-ucr-fee)

## Sources

1.  [HealthCare.gov Glossary: Non Preferred Provider](https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/non-preferred-provider/)
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)