A Dental Maintenance Organization (DMO) is a type of dental insurance plan that requires individuals to select a primary care dentist from a network of providers. This dentist manages all of the insured’s dental care, including referrals to specialists when necessary. A co-payment is typically required for each visit, and covered services are generally provided at a lower cost than with other types of dental insurance. For example, a routine cleaning might require only a small co-payment, but any specialist visit requires a referral from the primary dentist.
DMO plans often prioritize preventive care, leading to improved oral health outcomes for enrollees. The structured approach to care, with a designated primary dentist coordinating all services, can improve care coordination and patient understanding of their dental health needs. Historically, DMOs emerged as a cost-effective alternative to traditional indemnity plans, seeking to manage costs through network restrictions and emphasis on preventive services.
