---
title: "What Is Out-of-network? Dental Practice Glossary"
description: "Out-of-network describes a dentist who has no contract with a plan, so the plan's fee agreements do not apply to that dentist."
url: https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/out-of-network
publisher: Copeland Consulting Services
email: drcopeland@joncopelanddds.com
contact: https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/contact
---

Insurance and network

# Out-of-network

Out-of-network describes a dentist who has no contract with a plan, so the plan's fee agreements do not apply to that dentist.

An out-of-network dentist has not signed a contract with the patient's plan. HealthCare.gov explains that, under a PPO, members can use providers outside the network for an additional cost.

The plan may pay less, or pay on a different basis, so the patient may owe more. Rules differ by plan and by state.

A practice can choose to be out-of-network, and some do. The trade-offs involve fees, patient volume and paperwork. Compare with [in-network](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/in-network). See also [dental PPO](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-ppo) and [PPO participation](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/ppo-participation).

[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)
-   [PPO participation](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/ppo-participation)
-   [Reimbursement rate](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/reimbursement-rate)

## Sources

1.  [HealthCare.gov Glossary: Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)](https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/preferred-provider-organization-ppo/)
2.  [HealthCare.gov Glossary: Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)](https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/preferred-provider-organization-ppo/)

## Talk with Dr. Copeland

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