Glossary
Our glossary features any dental term you need to know, from A to Z. Still confused about something? Give us a call — we’re happy to help.
- Pre-Existing ConditionOral health condition of an enrollee which existed before his/her enrollment in a dental program
- Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)A formal agreement between a purchaser of a dental benefit program and a defined group of dentists for the delivery of dental services to a specific patient population, as an adjunct to a traditional plan, using discounted fees for cost savings.
- Prefiling Of FeesThe submission of a participating dentist's full fees for the purpose of establishing, in advance, that dentist's full fees and the fees in a geographic area to determine benefits under a dental benefit program.
- Premedication The use of medications prior to dental procedures.
- PremiumThe amount charged by a dental benefit organization for coverage of a level of benefits for a specified time.
- Prepaid Dental PlanA method of financing the cost of dental care for a defined population, in advance of receipt of services.
- Pretreatment Estimate See predetermination.
- Preventive DentistryAspects of dentistry concerned with promoting good oral health and function by preventing or reducing the onset and/or development of oral diseases or deformities and the occurrence of oro-facial injuries.
- Primary DentitionThe first set of teeth; see deciduous.
- Primary PayerThe third party payer determined to have initial responsibility in a benefit determination.
- Prompt Payment LawsAlso known as fair claims practice regulations. Enacted state by state, prompt payment laws set standards for the prompt, fair and equitable settlements of insurance claims by requiring that a set amount of interest be paid on "clean claims" that are paid beyond the established timeframe.(...)
- Proof Of LossVerification of services rendered or expenses incurred by the submission of claim forms, radiographs, study models, and/or other diagnostic material. Documentary evidence required by a payer to prove a valid claim exists. It usually consists of a claim form completed by the patient's treating(...)
- ProphylaxisRemoval of plaque, calculus and stains from the tooth structures. It is intended to control local irritational factors.
- Prospective ReviewPrior assessment by a payer or payer's agent that proposed services are appropriate for a particular patient, and/or the patient and the category of service are covered by a benefit plan. See preauthorization, precertification, predetermination, second-opinion program.
- ProsthesisArtificial replacement of any part of the body.
- Prosthodontic RetainerA part of a prosthesis that attaches a restoration to the abutment tooth, implant abutment, or implant
- ProsthodonticsProsthodontics is the dental specialty pertaining to the diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation and maintenance of the oral function, comfort, appearance and health of patients with clinical conditions associated with missing or deficient teeth and/or oral and maxillofacial tissues(...)
- ProsthodontistA dental specialist whose practice is limited to the restoration of the natural teeth and/or the replacement of missing teeth with artificial substitutes.
- ProvisionalFormed or preformed for temporary purposes or used over a limited period; a temporary or interim solution; usually refers to a prosthesis or individual tooth restoration.
- Public Health DentistA dentist whose practice is limited to the science and art of preventing and controlling dental diseases and promoting dental health through organized community efforts.