Dental plan

1. Optional insurance offered by commercial insurance or managed care plans that provides payment of expenses for dental care. Dental benefits may be combined with a health insurance plan or may be a separate policy with a different insurance company. 2. Insurance coverage for dental services and supplies including preventive care.

Dental service

Care of teeth and gums that includes preventive care, diagnostic x-rays of teeth and gums, and treatment to promote, maintain, or restore dental health. Ancillary services might be teeth whitening procedures, straightening and realigning teeth with braces, and so on.

Dentist

State-licensed individual who specializes in dental surgical procedures (DDS) or dental medicine (DMD). See Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) and Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) .