Dental HMO insurance plans, also known as dental health maintenance organizations or DHMOs, are usually much cheaper than PPO dental insurance plans and dental indemnity insurance plans. HMO dental insurance plans have networks of dentists under contract with the dental insurance company that offer dental services to insured members at pre-determined rates. HMO dental insurance plans are usually used by businesses to insure their employees, but can be used by individuals and families as well. Individuals who do not receive dental insurance through their employers often turn to HMO dental insurance plans as an option.

One of the main advantages of HMO dental insurance plans is that they usually have lower premiums than the other dental insurance options. Regrettably, HMO dental insurance plans have been known to impose strict restrictions on insured members. For example, the dental HMO will not provide a reimbursement if the insured sees a dentist that is not in their network. People insured with HMO dental insurance plans must select a primary dentist from a pre-approved list. All referrals to dental specialists must be provided by the primary dentist.

One of the key differences between dental HMO insurance and dental PPO insurance is that DPPOs usually allow dentists to spend more time with insured patients. Dentists in dental HMO insurance plans are expected to see a certain number of patients, so some dentists have been known to rush through dental appointments. Additionally, participants in HMO dental insurance plans often complain about tiresome referral and claims procedures. Despite some of the restrictions and limitations associated with this type of dental insurance, HMO dental insurance plans are a feasible option for many people due to their low cost in relation to other dental insurance plans.