Evaluating dental networks
When comparing dental benefits network size often gets reduced to a single number. A plan with 100,000 dentists sounds better than one with 50,000, and the conversation ends there.
That number matters, but it only tells part of the story. The real question is whether your valued clients and their employees can find credentialed, in-network dentist close to home and get care at a cost that makes sense. Delta Dental of North Carolina connects members to the nation's largest dental network, giving your clients access to care that supports whole-person health.
Here is a look at seven factors that shape how large dental networks affect coverage, costs, and overall well-being.
Network Size Directly Affects Employee Access to Care
A large dental network means more options when booking an appointment. This is especially true in rural or underserved areas where fewer dental offices operate.
When the network is too small, employees may need to travel farther or wait longer for openings. According to the National Association of Dental Plans (NADP) 2025 report, employer-sponsored plans still cover more than half of all individuals with dental benefits, making network reach a critical factor for workforce coverage.
In-Network Dentists Help Control Out-of-Pocket Costs
Dentists participating in a large network agree to negotiated fee schedules. Group members pay a set coinsurance rate on those reduced fees rather than the dentist's full charge.
With Delta Dental of North Carolina's network, members never pay full price upfront and there is no balance billing from in-network dentists. That predictability helps plan members budget for dental care and avoid unexpected expenses after routine visits or procedures.
Credentialing Standards Protect Your Employees
Not every large network uses the same credentialing process. Ask carriers how they verify licenses, malpractice coverage, and continuing education records before adding a dentist to the network.
Delta Dental of North Carolina evaluates dentists through DentaQual, an objective, data-driven quality rating tool. This added layer of review gives brokers and employers confidence that network size does not come at the expense of care quality.
PPO and Premier Networks Serve Different Purposes
Many carriers offer more than one network tier. A PPO network typically has fewer dentists but deeper discounts. A broader network like Delta Dental Premier includes more dentists and prioritizes access.
For businesses of all sizes, combining both networks gives employees the widest range of choices. Four out of five dentists nationwide participate in Delta Dental networks, so employees are less likely to need out-of-network care and the higher costs that come with it.
Geographic Depth Matters More Than National Totals
A plan may list 100,000 dentists nationally but have limited coverage in your specific state or county. Before selecting a carrier, check the number of participating dentists near employees' homes and workplaces.
Delta Dental of North Carolina offers over 4,400 dentists in North Carolina and more than 153,000 nationwide through the Premier network. That combination of local density and national reach matters when your clients' workforce is spread across multiple locations.
Preventive Care Access Connects to Broader Health Outcomes
A wide network makes it easier to keep up with routine checkups and cleanings. Those visits do far more than protect teeth; dentists can often detect early warning signs for conditions like diabetes and heart disease during a standard exam.
When employees put off routine care because they cannot find a convenient in-network dentist, untreated oral health issues can lead to missed work and higher medical expenses. Investing in a plan with broad network access supports workforce wellness and can reduce long-term healthcare costs.
Claims Processing and Administrative Simplicity Vary by Carrier
Large networks can also simplify the administrative side of dental benefits. When members visit an in-network dentist, the dentist files claims directly with the carrier, reducing paperwork for team members and the HR department.
Delta Dental of North Carolina processes claims quickly and accurately. Employers can use the Benefit Manager Toolkit for real-time group eligibility and claims management, while employees track claims 24/7 through the member portal and mobile app.