Frequently Asked Questions about
The Penn Faculty Practice Plan for
University Employees
Will the PFP plan allow me to seek treatment by a specialist?
Yes, The PFP plan has several specialists in every field of dentistry. The specialty services available are Orthodontics, Endodontics (root canal treatment), Periodontics (treatment of diseases of the gums and bone), Prosthodontics (replacement of missing teeth), Pedodontics (treatment of children), Oral Surgery, and Implants.
I am interested in having Implants placed. Will my PFP plan cover them?
If the tooth that the implant will be replacing was extracted while you were covered by the PFP plan, you will have coverage for the implant. Each PFP University plan subscriber is entitled to 2 implants during their lifetime. The lifetime benefit for implants is $1000. The coverage is 50% for the first implant with the balance of the $1000. being used towards the second implant. PFP will also cover at its usual fee any crowns that are placed on covered implants. Crowns that are placed on non-covered implants will be the responsibility of the subscriber.
I have a crown that is failing due to tooth decay. Can I get a replacement crown and will it be covered by PFP?
If your crown is over five years old, the PFP will cover the replacement at the normal percentage. Crowns less than five years old will not be covered.
I like to have my teeth cleaned every three months. Will PFP pay for this service?
PFP covers two cleanings in a 12-month period. You may certainly have your teeth cleaned more frequently, but the additional cleanings will be at the subscriber's expense.
I frequently travel. If I have an emergency when I am away from a PFP provider what can I do?
Your PFP plan provides for emergency care if you are away. You may seek treatment outside the Dental Care Network. Please keep all receipts and turn them in for reimbursement. Your expenses will be refunded based on PFP's fee schedule. You also must seek follow up care from a PFP provider.
I like to have white fillings in my back teeth. Is this covered in my PFP plan?
Yes, white (composite) posterior restorations are covered at the fee allowed for silver (amalgam) fillings. The balance of the charge for white fillings is the subscriber's responsibility. White fillings for front teeth are covered at 100%.
I am interested in having veneers placed on my front teeth, they have become discolored over the years. Will they be covered?
No, PFP does not cover treatment that is strictly of a cosmetic nature, such as veneers and bleaching. These services are provided by the PFP staff but would be the responsibility of the subscriber and are not covered.
I have a removable partial denture and want to replace it with a permanent bridge. Will PFP cover the replacement?
This is considered an upgrade and is not a covered expense. If your partial denture is over five years old and not serviceable, you can certainly have a new one made and expect PFP to pay for a portion of it. If you would rather have a fixed (permanent) bridge made to replace your partial, you can use that portion of PFP's allowance for the partial denture toward the fixed bridge.
