The program is very simple and convenient to use. Employees receive discounts from normally billed charges whenever a participating dental provider is used.

The program involves obtaining service from a network of more than 39,000 credentialed dentists throughout the United States. The program costs nothing and the negotiated charges are generally less than normal dental charges. There is no reduction in benefits for those who don't use the network.

There are several advantages to people who use the Shared Savings Program.

Cost Savings
Employees who visit a participating dentist may receive lower out-of-pocket expenses. This is due to paying a percentage of the lower, negotiated fee versus a higher fee with dentists who are not part of the network.

Choice
Individuals have the freedom to choose any provider and still receive dental benefits. Employees can also encourage their current dentist to enroll in the network.

Quality
All dentists enrolled in the network must meet high standards of credentialing and profiling requirements. This means that employees can be confident
of competent dental care.

Convenience
Employees can locate a participating dentist by visiting the Christian Brothers Services website at www.cbservices.org. By clicking on the Network Links icon and then choosing the Dental PPO icon, you can navigate to the Dental Program Providers.

The Employee Benefit Trust wants to make sure that employers and participants get the most out of their benefit dollars. With our Shared Savings Program, we can help our dental customers do just that – smile.

Note: The Shared Savings Program is also available for Religious Institutes who are members of one of the Religious Medical Trusts and are set up so the trust provides direct pay to providers. This includes those members with Medicare coverage.

by John Airola, Managing Director, Christian Brothers Employee Benefit Services