Finance and valuation
Dental claim
A dental claim is a request sent to a dental benefit plan for payment, listing the services performed, the dates of service and an itemized cost for each.
The ADA's glossary of dental terms defines a claim as a request for payment under a dental benefit plan; a statement listing services rendered, the dates of services, and itemization of costs. The completed request serves as the basis for payment of benefits. Claims can be sent on paper or electronically, using a claim form that reports procedures to a payer. The ADA developed the paper form. After the plan processes the claim, it sends an explanation of benefits showing what it paid. Claims are central to dental billing and to the practice's accounts receivable.