Is Paid Dental Benefits, Inc. a part of the Texas Dental Association?

Yes, Paid Dental Benefits, Inc., which does business as Freedom-of-Choice Dental Plans, is a wholly owned, for-profit affiliate of the Texas Dental Association. 

Why is the TDA interested in promoting dental plans?

Dental benefit plans provide a large share of dollars spent on dental care each year.  How dental plans are created and administered impacts important aspects of dental care, including quality of care and access to care.  Our plans are freedom-of-choice dental plans. 

What plans do we promote?

Direct Reimbursement plans as promoted by the ADA.

What is a Direct Reimbursement dental plan?

Direct Reimbursement is the simple, self-funded freedom-of-choice group dental plan promoted nationally by the ADA.  It is the preferred plan for all employers, large or small.  Freedom-of-Choice Dental Plans, a wholly owned TDA affiliate participates in the ADA’s national DR promotional program and coordinates marketing activities for Texas. Direct Reimbursement is dollar based not procedure based. All procedures are covered except purely cosmetic procedures. Limitations and restrictions are minimal.

What do these plans cost?

Cost depends on many factors including demographic make-up of the employees group, relative cost of dental care in their locale, and the richness of the plan chosen by the employer.  Direct Reimbursement usually costs 25% to 30% less than traditional dental insurance for similar benefits.

If Direct Reimbursement costs less and represents a simpler, more logical method of offering dental benefits, why don't all employers use it?

Direct Reimbursement usually costs less, but employers must assume the risk for claims.  Although dental claims can be very predictable, with a traditional plan, an insurance company assumes the risk for claims and offers a guaranteed budget expense.

How many employees must an employer enroll to qualify for one of our plans?

Direct Reimbursement dental benefit plans are available for employers with ten employees and up.

Does Freedom-of-Choice Dental Plans offer individual and family dental plans?

No.  Because dental care is predictable and has no catastrophic expense risk, it is difficult to offer a plan with reasonably good value.  Dental plans are subject to adverse selection. In general, those who know that their dental expenses will be greater than the premiums charged will enroll; those who predict minor expenses will not enroll.  The insurance company then must protect itself from excess claims and resultant financial losses by designing a plan that has waiting periods, exclusions, limitations, deductibles and other protections that make the plan less valuable to covered individuals.  For this reason, your TDA owned affiliate has decided to avoid this business.

How can my office staff and I help?

Be aware of our plans as you are talking with patients.  If they are complaining about their dental plan, suggest they contact us.  If you know you are treating a decision-maker, ask if they have a dental plan...and if they are pleased with it. 

How do I contact Freedom-of-Choice Dental Plans?

David Baker is the manager of Freedom-of-Choice Dental Plans located at the TDA offices in Austin on the third floor.

Contact information:
E-mail    david@tda.org
FAX     (512) 443-8112
Phone   (800) 980-2230
www.freedom-of-choicedental.com