What you need to know
Sandia’s dental care program can help to keep your pearly whites healthy and provide coverage when you need a procedure or two.
The dental plan is available to regular employees, post-doctoral appointees, limited-term employees, and eligible dependents. Student interns are not eligible.
Preventive dental care – cleanings and x-rays – are covered at 100%.
When you need care, you can go in- or out-of-network. When you use a Delta Dental provider, you will pay less.
You do not have to enroll in medical coverage to elect dental benefits.
Network Providers
When you need to see a dentist, you have a choice of providers and networks:
| Delta Dental PPO™ Preferred | Delta Dental Premium® | Out-of-Network |
|---|---|---|
| Dentists in this smaller, preferred network charge the least for covered services. When the total cost of care is lower, your portion of the costs are also lower. | This is a larger network and providers in this network charge more for their services. However, you are not responsible for any amounts over the Delta Dental maximum approved fee. | You may use any provider; however, dentists in this network do not discount their fees and you will be responsible for any amounts over the Delta Dental maximum approved fee. |
To find Delta Dental providers in New Mexico:
Visit www.deltadentalnm.com > Find a Dentist > In-State Search > Select Delta Dental Premier or Delta Dental PPO
To find Delta Dental providers outside of New Mexico:
Visit www.deltadental.com > Find a Dentist > Advanced Search > Select Delta Dental Premier or Delta Dental PPO
Register for the Delta Dental consumer toolkit to check covered benefits, view your claims, and get a copy of your plan ID card.
Coverage Highlights
Coverage levels and benefits are the same when you seek care from PPO and Premier in-network dentists. However, the network discount on the PPO plan can really save you money in your out-of-pocket costs.
| Dental Care | Coverage Highlights |
|---|---|
| Individual deductible | $50 |
| Family deductible | $150 |
| Annual maximum benefit | $1,500 |
| Lifetime orthodontics maximum | $1,800 |
| Preventive care (not subject to the deductible) | 100% covered |
| Basic restorative | 80% covered |
| Major services and orthodontics | 50% covered |
| Out-of-network | 50% of allowed amount |
Monthly premiums for dental
If you enroll in dental benefits, you can also enroll your eligible spouse and/or dependents. The monthly premium is based on the number of people you cover (employee only, employee + 1 or employee + 2).
Get an ID Card
Most in-network Delta Dental providers will not require an ID card at the time of service.
However, if you need to print or save an electronic copy, you can do so from the Delta Dental consumer toolkit once you register.
If your dependents live outside of New Mexico, remind them to bring an ID card to their visit. Their claims will be processed and paid faster.
Contacts and Resources
Delta Dental
800-264-2818, available 24/7
www.deltadentalnm.com
Find a Dentist – New Mexico
Find a Dentist – Outside of New Mexico
Delta Dental Consumer Toolkit
Complete your health assessment
In less than 30 minutes you can receive an insightful report on your health status and potential health risks. Knowing your status is the first step in improving your health!
Quick Tip
In-network dentists file claims for you
Dentists who participate in the Delta Dental PPO Preferred or Premier network will submit claims for you. After processing, providers will bill you for your share of the costs. If you go out-of-network, you will have to submit a claim for reimbursement; you can get a claim form through the Delta Dental consumer toolkit.