MetLife dental coverage is most often a PPO plan called the Preferred Dentist Program (PDP). You can visit any licensed dentist, and your costs are usually lower with a participating dentist. In a few states, employers can also offer a MetLife dental HMO.
Check whether your plan uses the PDP Plus network (MetLife’s largest PPO network), the PDP network, or Dental HMO/Managed Care. The network name decides which dentist search to run.
Representative dental illustration from the Family Dentistry Clinic image library.This guide explains how common dental plan types and networks work. Benefits, networks and costs differ from plan to plan and change over time. Family Dentistry Clinic is an independent directory and is not affiliated with any insurer. Confirm coverage with your plan and the dental office before treatment.
| Plan or network | How it works | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Preferred Dentist Program (PPO) | A dental PPO. Visit any licensed dentist or specialist; participating dentists have agreed to negotiated fees, so out-of-pocket costs are usually lower in network. | Which network your plan uses — most use PDP Plus. |
| PDP Plus network | The largest MetLife PPO network, used by many employer and marketplace plans. | That the dentist is listed under PDP Plus, not only under another network. |
| Dental HMO / Managed Care | Available only in some states (MetLife lists California, Florida, New Jersey, New York and Texas). You select a participating dentist before receiving services. | That you have selected the office as your DHMO dentist before your visit. |
Representative imageUse MetLife’s Find a Dentist tool, choose the network shown in your plan materials (usually PDP Plus), and search by ZIP code. For a DHMO plan, choose Dental HMO/Managed Care and enter your plan name.
Then call the office and confirm participation for your specific plan and the dentist you will see. Ask whether they will request a pre-treatment estimate for major work.
Write down the name of the person you spoke to and the date. Coverage questions are easier to resolve later when you have a record.
These clinics in our directory list this plan in the sources we checked. Plan participation changes, so confirm your specific plan and network with the office.
Don’t see a clinic near you? Browse the clinic directory and ask each office about your plan.
Yes, PDP is a PPO plan, so you can see any licensed dentist. Your plan may pay less and the dentist can bill you the difference, so ask for an estimate first.
No. MetLife lists its DHMO/managed care option only in certain states, and not every employer offers it.
PDP Plus is the MetLife PPO network with the largest selection of participating dentists and specialists.
We checked carrier, government and employer plan documents listed below. Plan names and networks can change, and individual plans vary.
Family Dentistry Clinic is an informational directory and does not sell insurance or provide dental treatment. See our editorial policy and medical disclaimer.
Use the clinic directory to find practices near you, then call to confirm they participate in your plan’s network. Compare typical fees in our dental cost guide.
