Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is this dental plan considered "insurance?"
   No, American Dental Plan, founded in 1978 and Arizona's oldest voluntary dental benefit plan, is classified as a "discount" dental plan. By joining the Plan, you obtain access to a network of participating dentists and healthcare providers who are willing to accept a reduced fee for service in exchange for immediate payment, no advertising costs, no submitting of claim forms, no pre-certification checks, and no calculation of deductibles or co-payments. (It's like having a coupon every time you visit the dental office.) And unlike traditional insurance, you only pay for the dental and health services you actually receive without paying monthly "premiums". There are no waiting periods, no claim forms, and no limitations to dental services, participation is voluntary and membership is available regardless of your employment status.
   
   
2. Why isn't my dentist on your plan?
   Since 1978, hundreds of Arizona dental offices, (many with multiple dentists), have participated with American Dental Plan; many for over 20 years! Even though we contact dentists on a continual basis to join the provider network, there are reasons why some dentists simply do not wish to reduce their fee. The provider list only includes those dental offices that are currently accepting NEW patients from the dental plan. Those offices who are closed to new patients or unable to accept new patients will not be listed. Certainly feel free to contact your dentist directly or call customer service, (602) 265-6677, to see if your dentist is accepting the Plan.
   
   
3. Why are the dentists on your plan willing to accept lower fees?
   All of the participating dental offices are independently owned and operated. These dental facilities understand the economic benefit of reducing operating costs associated with advertising, submitting claim forms, waiting for reimbursement checks from insurance companies, as well as reducing staff time calling for pre-certification of benefits, verification of benefits, and having to resubmit claim forms to insurance companies. And in return, members of American Dental Plan are able to receive a reduced fee for service without affecting the profitability of the dental office!
   
   
4. Can I coordinate my insurance plan with American Dental Plan?
   There are just a few ways to utilize both an insurance plan and American Dental Plan. First of all, most insurance plans have waiting periods of 6 months to one year before certain services can be covered. You can use American Dental Plan to get the work done immediately without having to wait. Secondly, most insurance plans will place a yearly dollar limit on dental services. You can continue your treatment plan by using American Dental Plan for the extended services and be able to receive a reduced fee instead of having to wait until the next calendar year. Third, in some instances, our reduced fee may be less than your co-payment on your insurance plan. Fourth, should you change jobs, your employer sponsored plan will terminate but American Dental Plan will continue regardless of your employment status. Fifth, most insurance plans do not recognize co-habitation. Therefore, if you are living together, outside of marriage, your "significant other", and any dependents, may not have dental coverage with your employer sponsored plan. And last, few dental insurance plans provide orthodontic benefits. By using American Dental Plan, your children can get their braces without impacting your insurance limits and you can save hundreds of dollars.
   
   (If you are attempting to coordinate benefits, we suggest you select a dentist that accepts BOTH dental plans. This will allow for continuity in dental care. Also, we suggest you determine which dental plan you will be using for each specific procedure. This will help minimize clerical errors at the dental office accounting dept.)
   
   (Remember, if you are retiring from your current job, dental benefits are seldom included in your benefits package.)
   
   If you are enrolled with AFLAC or Allstate indemnity dental insurance, you may be able to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses by using American Dental Plan. Call customer service at (602) 265-6677 for more details!
   
   
5. Can I use American Dental Plan in another state or with a dentist "out of network?"
   American Dental Plan is only available in Arizona with those dentists who have signed a contractual agreement. Only those dentists listed will provide dental services in accordance with the most recent fee schedule. There is no reimbursement from the Plan for using "out of network" dentists.
   
   
6. How can I change to a different dentist?
   If you decide to change to a different general dentist, for any reason, just call our customer service department (602) 265-6677 and obtain a new sticker for the back of your ID card and have your name placed on the office roster. It is not necessary to obtain a referral from a general dentist in order to see a specialist on our dental plan.
   
   
7. I haven't used my dental plan membership, can I get a refund?
   Once you join American Dental Plan, membership benefits are available for an entire year. You may assign your benefits to another person, and they may continue to use the dental plan for the remainder of the membership period, but there are no refunds.
   
   
8. Why aren't all dental procedures listed on your fee schedule?
   Our fee schedule is designed to identify what we believe to be "basic clinical dentistry". These procedures have been time tested to provide an economically feasible approach to providing dental care. Many new techniques are constantly being created, but at higher fees. And even though these new procedures may not be specifically identified on the fee schedule, our providers are willing to offer their "usual cash discounted prices" on any procedure performed which is not listed on the fee schedule.
   
   
9. Why don't we list procedure codes on our fee schedule?
   Each year, new codes are being created to help identify new procedures or to bundle, or unbundle, previously coded procedures. By identifying the actual procedure, rather than using the code, it is easier for the dental office to identify the correct "discounted" fee for our members. If you are attempting to submit a claim form to your insurance company for reimbursement, please discuss all procedure codes with the treating dentist to ensure accuracy.
   
   
10. Other competing Plans advertise savings of 50% and sometimes up to 80%. How is that possible?
    Think about it for just a moment. What successful business person is willing to discount THAT much of their service and still remain in business? It is absolutely impossible! The national average operating overhead of a general dentistry office is 65-75%. How then can they discount 80% of their normal fee and remain in business? Those numbers are merely marketing "mirrors" designed to attract your interest in buying their dental plan. Be sure to ask about lab fees and other charges the dentist can add back into the total fee. In many cases, the end result is no different than paying full price. Be sure to ask questions. It might take some time, but the facts will speak for themselves.
    
    
11. Can I transfer my membership from another dental plan?
    If you currently own a competing dental plan and wish to change plans, send in your original ID cards along with a completed American Dental Plan application. We will re-issue you an ADP membership for the remainder of your original dental plan.
    
    
12. Do I receive anything for referring others to join American Dental Plan?
    Yes! If you would like to refer another individual or family and they join the dental plan, you will receive a $5 coupon that can be used towards your next annual renewal. Accumulate enough $5 coupons and your dental plan can be FREE! Think of all your friends, relatives, co-workers, classmates, etc that might be looking for an affordable alternative to dental benefits. Call (602) 265-6677 and give us their name and address. Each application will be sent from our office with your member # so that we can identify the source of the application. When we receive the application from the new member, the $5 coupon will be mailed to you immediately.
    

Top Ten Reasons To Use American Dental Plan

1. ADP is Arizona's oldest voluntary dental benefit plan, founded in Phoenix in 1978. We have 30 years direct experience in the Arizona dental plan marketplace. Our company has been family owned since its inception.

2. The administrative office is located in Phoenix, AZ. Customer service is a top priority. The company President will come to your office if necessary.

3. There are over 650 local dentists, (both general and specialists) that currently participate with ADP. Many have participated for over 20 years! And we maintain our own dental provider network.

4. In almost every situation, you will save enough money at your first dental visit, (with the free exam and x-rays) to pay for the cost of your yearly membership!

5. You only pay for services that you actually receive. Unlike traditional insurance or prepaid dental plans that require monthly payments without ever receiving care. It's like having a coupon everytime you go to your dentist.

6. There are no employment, wage, or age restrictions.

7. Enrollment is always open.

8. Should you change employment or retire, your dental benefits will continue.

9. ADP can be coordinated with traditional indemnity or PPO plans to cover waiting periods, pre-existing conditions, gaps in coverage, or any procedure not covered by your dental insurance plan. Be sure to select a provider that accepts both dental plans.

10. It is simple and easy to use. Participation is voluntary and enrollment is always open.

Additional questions can be answered by our customer service department between 9:00am and 4:00 pm Mon-Thursday and until 3:00pm on Fridays.