---
title: "What Is Credentialing? Dental Practice Glossary"
description: "Credentialing is the process in which a plan or facility checks a dentist's license, training and history before the dentist joins its network."
url: https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/credentialing
publisher: Copeland Consulting Services
email: drcopeland@joncopelanddds.com
contact: https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/contact
---

Insurance and network

# Credentialing

Credentialing is the process in which a plan or facility checks a dentist's license, training and history before the dentist joins its network.

NCQA says credentialing involves verifying practitioner credentials and committee review of practitioners. Health plans use it before they let a provider join a network.

A new associate or a new practice may need to be credentialed with each plan. Ask each plan how long this takes before claims are paid at in-network rates. The steps differ by plan, so get the requirements in writing, and keep copies of every form and date. See [in-network](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/in-network) and [dental PPO](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-ppo). Ask each plan for its timeline.

[Next stepPractice consulting with Dr. Copeland](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/contact?topic=consulting)

## Related terms

-   [In-network](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/in-network)
-   [Dental PPO](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-ppo)
-   [Insurance verification](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/insurance-verification)
-   [PPO participation](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/ppo-participation)

## Sources

1.  [NCQA: Credentialing](https://www.ncqa.org/programs/health-plans/credentialing/)

## Talk with Dr. Copeland

[Contact Dr. Copeland](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/contact)[Email](mailto:drcopeland@joncopelanddds.com)