Insurance Terms: Glossary of Dental and Vision Definitions

Simply scroll down to find the dental insurance terms you are looking for or use the alphabetical navigation to help you sort through the terms. This glossary of dental and vision insurance terms and definitions will help you make informed decisions concerning your health plan.

A  | B  | C  | D  | E  | F  | G  | H  | I  | L  | M  | N  | O  | P  | Q  | R  | S  | T  | U  | V

Quadrant
The dental term for the division of the jaws into four equal parts: upper right, upper left, lower left and lower right. Each quadrant generally contains five to eight teeth.

Quality Assessment
The measure of the quality of care.

Quality Assurance
The assessment of the quality of care and any necessary changes to either maintain or improve the quality of care.

Back to Top

Radiograph
X-ray.

Rebase
To replace the denture base.

Re-credentialing
Renewing approval of a provider to provide or participate in a benefit plan.

Referral
Permission to consult another doctor.

Regional Anesthesia
See Local Anesthesia.

Reimbursement
Payment made by a third party to a subscriber or provider for expenses of services or materials.

Reline
To resurface the side of a denture to make it fit more securely.

Removable Appliance
Harmful habit, space maintenance or orthodontic devices that a patient can remove.

Removable Partial Denture
An artificial device that replaces one or more missing teeth that a patient can remove.

Renewal
Continuing coverage under a policy beyond its original term with the insurer's acceptance of a premium for a new policy term.

Retainer


Rider
A document which changes a policy or certificate. It may increase or decrease benefits (i.e. coverage for orthodontia).

Back to Top

Scaling
Removal of plaque, calculus, and stains from teeth.

Schedule of Benefits
A listing of the services for which a benefit plan will pay.

Sealants
Plastic placed on the biting surfaces of back teeth to prevent cavities.

Section 125 Plan
A plan that provides flexible benefits that qualifies under the IRS code to allow employee contributions with pre-tax dollars.

Specialist
A provider who has been specially trained in and practices a specific type of care other than general practice.

Subscriber
The person who represents a family in a benefit program.

Back to Top

Temporary Removable Denture
An interim, artificial device designed for use over a limited period of time.

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)
The hinge between the base of the skull and the lower jaw.

Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction
Abnormal functioning of temporomandibular joint.

Termination Date
The date on which the contract expires or the date an individual ceases to be eligible for benefits.

Time Limit
The period of time during which a claim must be filed.

Back to Top

Usual, Customary, and Reasonable (UCR)
The commonly charged fees for services within a geographic area.

Back to Top

Veneer
In the construction of crowns or bridges, a layer of tooth-colored material.

Back to Top