Q. What are the advantages of being a participating dentist with Delta Dental?
A. When you join Delta Dental of South Dakota's Premier Network, you gain access to all the advantages associated with doing business with Delta Dental:

Delta Dental of South Dakota is the largest provider of dental benefits in South Dakota, providing
     dental coverage for more than 288,000 members.

Delta Dental dentists are likely to see more patients who have our coverage than patients from any
     other carrier.

The names and office locations for Delta Dental dentists are searchable in an online Dentist      Directory on Delta Dental's website and a dentist directory is sent out to all our groups.

Delta Dental pays you directly, improving your cash flow and reducing your accounts receivable.

Paperwork is simple, and Delta Dental accepts claims electronically, making claims submission even
     more convenient.

Delta Dental processes claims accurately and rapidly, especially when you file your claims
     electronically.

Skilled Professional Services staff members are available to answer any questions you may have.

Q. Who is eligible to become a Delta Dental participating dentist?
A. A dentist duly licensed and in good standing under the laws of South Dakota and who has completed Delta Dental's credentialing requirements can become a Delta Dental of South Dakota participating dentist.

Q. What is the purpose of a Participating Dentist Agreement?
A. Through the Participating Dentist Agreement, Delta Dental and the dentist work together to provide affordable dental care. The most common elements of the agreement are:

You agree to file claims for your Delta Dental patients.

You agree to accept direct payment from Delta Dental.

You agree that subscribers will not be charged more than the pre-established coinsurance amount.
     In other words, you agree not to balance bill patients any difference between the Delta Dental-
     approved amount and your usual fee, if any.

You agree to Contract Compliance Reviews.

You agree to submit diagnostic aids (such as x-ray films) as necessary to help Delta Dental verify
     that treatment is covered by the group contract.

You agree to cooperate with state or local peer review committees and with dental consultants.

You agree to inform Delta Dental with your most current dental practice information
     (i.e. credentialing information) at least once every four years.

Q. Does Delta Dental require credentialing?
A. Delta Dental believes in nurturing long-term partnerships with highly qualified individuals and organizations who share our commitment to quality dental care and services. As part of our commitment to quality, Delta Dental of South Dakota has a formalized credentialing process through which we objectively evaluate dentists against formalized standards.

Q. How do I become a participating Delta Dental Premier dentist?
A. In order to become a participating Delta Dental Premier dentist, you must sign a Participating Dentist Agreement, a Professional Profile, a credentialing form and a W-9 form. Contact our Professional Services Department at 1-800-627-3961 to request a Delta Dental Premier participation packet.

Q. What are the advantages of participating with Delta Dental Premier?
A. Participating Delta Dental Premier dentists are guaranteed direct payment for services rendered to Delta Dental Premier patients. This will save you a significant amount of time as well as reduce your billing costs. Your name is also published as a participating Delta Dental Premier dentist in directories sent to our groups, as well as on our website. Delta Dental Premier subscribers generally have reduced out-of-pocket expenses when they visit participating Delta Dental dentists.

Q. What reimbursement will I receive as a participating Delta Dental Premier dentist?
A. Delta Dental of South Dakota's reimbursement is based on the maximum plan allowance (MPA) concept. Our MPAs are derived from current claim history and specialty training. Provisions of federal anti-trust laws prohibit DDSD from publishing MPAs.

Q. Can I choose to participate only with Delta Dental of South Dakota?
A. By signing the contract to participate with Delta Dental of South Dakota, you also agree to see patients who have coverage through other Delta Dental member companies.