Here we go again—another lease share has hit the market. This time, it’s between Dental Health Alliance (DHA) and MetLife. Starting October 18, 2025, MetLife PPO members will gain access to DHA’s network in most states, with a few exceptions rolling out later (CA, IL, VA on Nov 17, 2025; NC, NJ, WA pending approval).
Like all lease shares, the impact on your practice really depends on how you are credentialed with both networks. Let’s break it down.
What This Means for Your Practice
👉 If you hold a direct contract with DHA (but not MetLife): MetLife PDP+ patients will now process in-network under your DHA contract. This could open up access to new patients who may not have considered you in-network before.
👉 If you hold a direct contract with both DHA and MetLife: In most cases, your direct MetLife contract will override the lease arrangement. That means you probably won’t notice any major changes in claims processing or reimbursement.
👉 If you hold a direct contract with DHA and are in-network with MetLife through another lease agreement (e.g., Dentemax, Connection, etc.): You may see a shift in how MetLife claims are being paid. Since there are multiple lease pathways, the network ‘stacking’ can change which fee schedule applies.
👉 At this time, this is not a reciprocal share. If you hold a direct contract with MetLife, you cannot access DHA through this agreement. We are monitoring this closely, as reciprocity may be subject to change in the future.
Important Details
– Fee Schedules: Your DHA schedule applies under this arrangement. If you have other leased or direct relationships with MetLife, a different fee schedule could take precedence. Questions? Call MetLife at 800-942-0854 (available starting October 13, 2025).
– Products Covered: Applies to commercial PPO dental plans only.
– Orthodontia: Not included. Ortho claims will not be considered in-network under this lease share.
– Participation: No action is required to participate. If you want to opt out, you must submit your request by October 3, 2025 using this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2025MetLife
The Takeaway
Another new lease share means another round of questions for your front desk and billing team. These arrangements always look simple in the press release, but in reality, the outcome depends on your unique PPO contracts.
For some practices, this will expand patient access and bring in more MetLife members. For others, it may create confusion or even reduce reimbursements if the wrong fee schedule ends up driving claims.
The bottom line: watch your EOBs closely, especially in the first 60 days. If you start seeing a change in how MetLife is processing, verify which contract is being applied and whether you’re being paid on the correct schedule.
Another lease share is here. Whether it’s an opportunity or a headache depends entirely on how your credentialing is set up.