Understanding Dental Insurance in California: What You Need to Know Before Your Visit
- Arcadia Medi-Dental Group
- Aug 7
- 3 min read
Let’s be honest—dental insurance can be confusing. From different types of plans to what's covered (and what’s not), many patients in California feel overwhelmed trying to figure out how their dental benefits work. At Arcadia Medi-Dental Group, we hear it all the time:
“Do I need a referral?” “What’s covered under my plan?” “Do you take my insurance?”
That’s why we’re breaking it all down for you. This post is your go-to guide to understanding dental insurance in California—including the different types of plans, how they work, what to look out for, and how we can help simplify the process at your next dental visit.
Dental Insurance Doesn’t Have to Be Stressful
First things first: we get it. Navigating insurance can feel like a headache—but we’re here to help. At Arcadia Medi-Dental Group, our team is always happy to answer your insurance questions, help you understand your coverage, and check your eligibility before you come in.
All we need is a valid government-issued ID and a copy of your dental insurance card.
Types of Dental Insurance Plans in California
Let’s explore the most common types of dental insurance and how they affect your care.
1. PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) — We Accept These Plans
Most Flexible, Most Popular
PPO dental plans are the most widely accepted—and the only type of insurance we accept at Arcadia Medi-Dental Group.
Pros of PPO Plans | Cons of PPO Plans |
|---|---|
You can visit any licensed dentist, in-network or out-of-network. | Monthly premiums are usually higher than HMO plans. |
No referrals required for specialists. | There may be an annual deductible and yearly maximums. |
Typically cover preventive care (cleanings, exams, X-rays) at 100%. | Patients may owe a portion of treatment costs (co-pays or co-insurance). |
Partial coverage for fillings, crowns, root canals, etc. |
Examples of Common PPO Dental Insurance Providers in California:
Delta Dental PPO
MetLife Dental PPO
Cigna Dental PPO
Aetna Dental PPO
Guardian DentalGuard PPO
United Concordia PPO
Anthem Blue Cross PPO
If you’re unsure whether your PPO plan is accepted, just send us your insurance card and ID—we’ll check for you.
2. HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) — Not Accepted at Our Office
Limited Network, Lower Cost
HMO plans are typically more affordable but come with more restrictions.
Pros of HMO Plans | Cons of HMO Plans |
|---|---|
Lower monthly premiums. | You must choose a primary care dentist within the HMO network. |
Often no deductibles or maximums. | You’re required to get referrals for specialists. |
Very limited choice of providers. | |
Often, less coverage or higher co-pays for major procedures. |
Unfortunately, HMO plans require patients to see a specific network dentist—which means you cannot use HMO insurance at Arcadia Medi-Dental Group, since we are not contracted with any HMO providers.
3. DMO (Dental Maintenance Organization) — Not Accepted
DMO plans are similar to HMO plans and come with the same limitations.
You must use in-network providers only.
Referrals are typically required.
Services may be limited or vary by location.
Again, DMO plans are not accepted at our office, as we are an out-of-network provider for these plans.
What if I Don’t Have Insurance?
No insurance? No problem!
At Arcadia Medi-Dental Group, we welcome cash-paying patients regardless of your insurance status. Whether you’re between jobs, waiting for coverage to kick in, or just choosing to pay out of pocket, we’re here to support you with:
Transparent pricing
No surprise bills
Flexible payment options (ask us for details)
We’ll walk you through your treatment plan step by step—no pressure, no confusion.
Let Us Help You Navigate It
If you’re not sure what your insurance covers or whether we can accept your plan, we’re more than happy to do the checking for you.
Just send us a copy of your government-issued ID and insurance card, and we’ll verify your benefits and eligibility before your visit.
Need to Schedule Your Visit?
We’re here to make dental care simpler and more accessible—insurance or not.
📞 Call us at (626) 515-8090
📍 Visit us at 311 E Live Oak Ave, Arcadia, CA
Let us take care of your smile while you leave the insurance worries to us.
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