Do Dentists Really Need a Type 2 NPI? A Straightforward Guide for Dental Practices

As the Founder of PPO Advisors, I spend a lot of time helping dentists understand the national provider identifier, navigate the maze of insurance, credentialing, and compliance. One of the most common questions I hear is: 👉 “Do I really need a Type 2 NPI for my dental practice?” It’s a great question, because the ...

Filed Under: PPO Advisors

Guardian & Principal Network Lease Agreement: What It Means for Your Practice

As of December 1, 2025, Guardian and Principal will enter into a new network sharing arrangement. Guardian providers who participate in the DentalGuard Preferred Select (DGPS) network will automatically become participating providers for Principal’s PPO plan members. This means your office will soon be able to see Principal members under the same Guardian fee schedules ...

Filed Under: PPO Advisors

Update: DHA & MetLife Lease Share Now Reciprocal

In our last blog, we shared the news that Dental Health Alliance (DHA) had entered into a lease share with MetLife. At that time, the agreement was one-way only: MetLife PPO members could access DHA providers in-network, but the reverse wasn’t true. That’s now changed. The arrangement has been updated to be reciprocal, which means ...

Filed Under: PPO Advisors

Another New Lease Share: DHA & MetLife

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). ...

Filed Under: PPO Advisors

How AI in Dental Insurance Will Impact Your Dental Office

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s already reshaping the way dental insurance companies operate. As the founder of PPO Advisors and someone who spends every day helping dentists navigate the complex world of PPOs, I see both the promise and the pitfalls of this shift. Dentists and practice owners need to understand ...

Filed Under: PPO Advisors

Why NPI Fraud is a Risk You Can’t Afford

When buying a dental practice or bringing on an associate, you’ll often hear bad advice: “Just bill under the seller’s NPI until your credentialing is complete.” It may sound harmless, but this practice is considered insurance fraud — and the risks are far greater than the short-term benefit. What is NPI Fraud? – Each dentist ...

Filed Under: PPO Advisors

When Insurance Becomes the Dentist: Why Delta Dental’s Move in Wisconsin Should Alarm Us All

In recent weeks, Delta Dental of Wisconsin announced its acquisition of Cherry Tree Dental, a dental practice group with more than 25 locations across Wisconsin and additional offices in neighboring states. On the surface, this move is being positioned as a way to “improve access to care” in underserved communities. But let’s be honest—this is ...

Filed Under: PPO Advisors

Major PPO Changes Ahead: What You Need to Know About New Shared Agreements

Major PPO Changes Ahead: What You Need to Know About New Shared Agreements The PPO landscape is shifting quickly, with new shared agreements between major carriers set to roll out over the next few months. These agreements can directly affect reimbursements, participation, and patient flow in ways many practices don’t anticipate. At PPO Advisors, our ...

Filed Under: PPO Advisors

What You Need to Know: The New Cigna–Ameritas Shared Agreement

What You Need to Know: The New Cigna–Ameritas Shared Agreement Starting November 1, 2025, Ameritas members will gain in-network access to participating providers in the Cigna PPO Shared Administration Network. This new shared agreement between Cigna and Ameritas is something every dental practice needs to understand, because it may have a direct impact on your ...

Filed Under: PPO Advisors

Cigna Leases Its Dental PPO Network to Humana—Effective November 1, 2025

Exciting Update: Cigna Leases Its Dental PPO Network to Humana—Effective November 1, 2025 Attention Dental Providers: Big news is unfolding this fall from Cigna! Beginning November 1, 2025, Cigna has entered into a third-party leasing agreement with Humana Dental PPO, extending to Humana Dental, FEDVIP PPO, and TeamCare members. How This Arrangement Affects Your Practice ...

Filed Under: PPO Advisors