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Dental

Dental Network Information and Resources


 

The Dental Network Information and Resources page is designed to support Alabama dental providers with easy access to the tools, guidelines and program information needed to deliver quality care and navigate Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama’s dental policies. 

Whether you are newly joining our network or seeking updates on current programs and procedures, you can use this webpage as a hub to help you manage your practice efficiently and stay informed.

Quick Links: 

Refer to the following categories to learn more: 

 Preferred Specialty Dentist Program

 Additional Dental Programs

 Identification Cards

 Coding and Claims Resources

 Predetermination of Benefits

 Preferred Dentist Program Advisory Committee

 Dental Contacts Resources

Preferred Specialty Dentist Program

Effective December 1, 2025, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama launched the Preferred Specialty Dentist Program. This program recognizes the advanced education and specialized training of oral surgeons and endodontists, which directly impacts quality of care for certain procedures.

An enhanced fee schedule is available to oral surgeons and endodontists who meet the participation criteria and submit a signed acknowledgement form.
 

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Additional Dental Programs 
 

Pediatric Dental Essential Health Benefits 

Pediatric dental coverage is an Affordable Care Act (ACA) essential health benefit that must be offered to families buying health insurance in the federal and state-facilitated marketplaces for the individual and small-group insurance markets. Essential health benefits include pediatric dental benefits for children up to age 19. 

ALL Babies 
ALL Babies provides comprehensive healthcare coverage such as medical, dental, vision, maternity services and more. Coverage begins the date the approved application is received and continues two months after the pregnancy ends. 

ALL Kids
ALL Kids offers low-cost health coverage for eligible children younger than 19. Covered services include routine checkups, immunizations, sick visits, prescriptions, vision and dental care, hospital stays, mental health and substance use services, along with many additional benefits.

Blue Advantage® 
Blue Advantage offers affordable dental plans that cover routine cleanings, exams and X-rays along with many basic and major services. Dental plans are available as optional coverage when a patient enrolls in a Blue Advantage plan.

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Identification Cards 




Always check Eligibility and Benefits at each patient visit. If a member has dental coverage, the word “DENTAL” may appear on the identification card. Contracts with an XAD prefix denote a dental contract only. Contracts with other prefixes may also include dental coverage; therefore, always include the prefix along with the number when filing claims. 

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Coding and Claims Resources

To achieve uniformity, consistency and specificity in accurately reporting dental treatment, the American Dental Association (ADA) developed the Code on Dental Procedures and Nomenclature (Dental Code). 

You may obtain a copy of the ADA User's Manual by calling by calling 1-800-947-4746 or visiting ADA Store Online.

Refer to the Dental Provider Manual for more information on Claims Processing Guidelines.
 

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Predetermination of Benefits 

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama processes predeterminations for the following dental services:

  • Veneers 
  • Anterior crowns 

Preoperative x-rays may be required for these procedures. On a case-by-case basis, dental claims may request x-rays or other supporting documentation. 

All x-rays submitted to Blue Cross must include the dentist's name and individual NPI number, as well as the patient's name and contract number. This policy applies to all dental groups that Blue Cross administers, including the Federal Employee Program (FEP). 

Remember that predeterminations check for dental necessity only and do not override contract benefits. 

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Preferred Dentist Program Advisory Committee 

The Preferred Dentist Program Advisory Committee was created to serve as the principal liaison between Preferred Dentists and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama. 

This committee guides dental policy considerations in conjunction with the clinical leadership of Dr. Karen Littleton, DMD, Blue Cross’ Dental Services Advisor. Click here to email Dr. Littleton.

The Committee represents dentists in each of the five districts by giving advice and making recommendations to Blue Cross regarding the practice of dentistry and quality of dental care and the Preferred Dentist Program including:

  • Dental treatment guidelines as outlined in Exhibit B of the Preferred Dentist Agreement;
  • Matters involving professional dental expertise and judgment and the quality of dental care; 
  • The course and direction in general of the Preferred Dentist Program in relation to professional matters involving the practice of dentistry.

In the performance of its functions, the Committee consults with Preferred Providers, including dental/medical specialty organizations or groups, as appropriate. 

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Dental Contacts Resources

Use the contacts below for answers and resources regarding coding and documentation, eClaims and remittances, medical policies and pre-service reviews and more.

Helpful Phone Numbers

  • Preferred Dental Program Customer Service: 1-800-373-4879 
  • The Federal Employee Program (R prefix): 1-800-492-8872 
  • Healthcare Information and Technology Department: 1-205-220-6899 
  • Provider Engagement Consultant: 1-866-904-4130 
  • IVR: 1-800-648-9807 

 


Please note that the telephone numbers listed above are for providers only. Your patients should contact Blue Cross’ Customer Service Department using the telephone number listed in their benefit booklets or on their identification cards.