An in-network dentist is one contracted with the dental insurance company to provide services to plan members for specific pre-negotiated rates. An out-of-network dentist is not contracted with the insurance company. Typically, if you visit a dentist within the network, the amount you will be responsible for paying will be less than if you go to an out-of-network dentist. Though there are some exceptions, in many cases, the insurance company will either pay less or not pay anything for services you receive from non-network dentists.
As a general rule, Dental PPO (and other managed care) plans utilize provider networks. Dental Indemnity plans typically do not utilize a network of providers.
