Allstate, Guardian partner on dental PPO

Allstate Benefits and Guardian Life Insurance Company of America have joined forces to provide a group PPO dental product.

Allstate Benefits said it expects to begin offering DentalGuard, Guardian's group PPO dental plan, to employers starting in July 2012.

This agreement expands Allstate Benefits' capabilities by providing plan holders with access to Guardian's dental network of more than 79,000 dentists at more than 181,000 locations, according to a press release.

The agreement covers several plan options, including value plans, that can save employers an average of 15% to 20% compared to a typical PPO dental plan, and network access plans, for employers that require provider choice. An orthodontia benefit is optional on all plans.

The DentalGuard plan also will provide Guardian's Preventive Advantage, which does not deduct the dollars spent on preventive care services from the annual maximum benefit, providing more insurance against unpredictable, higher-cost dental needs.