1. Optional benefit offered by commercial insurance or managed care plans. 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 basic dental services such as cleanings, cavity repair, and necessary dental surgery including preventive care. Most dental plans do not cover the cost of orthodontia.

Outpatient facility that provides dental services by a group of dentists practicing together and assumes dental care responsibility for patients (e.g., examination of teeth and gums, cleaning of teeth, diagnostic x-rays for caries, educational services for prevention of diseases of the teeth and gums).

Organization endorsed by the American Dental Association that maintains the data content specifications for dental billing. Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), this committee acts as a consultant for all transactions affecting dental health care services.

Managed care plan similar to a health maintenance organization (HMO) that provides only dental care.

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.

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.

Examination and treatment room in a dental facility that includes a dental chair, dental unit, dental light, and wash basin where clinical dental procedures are performed.

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) .