When you or your covered Eligible Dependents require dental care and treatment, you should discuss in advance with your dentist what needs to be done and how much it will cost. If treatment is expected to cost $100 or more, you should ask your dentist to file for predetermination of benefits. This helps you avoid surprises by letting you know how much is payable for the proposed treatment before it begins.

Here is how it works:

• Your dentist submits the proposed course of treatment to MetLife by itemizing services and charges on a regular claim form.
• MetLife then determines the amount the plan will pay and informs you and your dentist by sending each of you a "Notice of Benefits Allowable" statement.
• You are free to pursue any treatment; however, the plan may only pay for the treatment that is indicated on the "Notice of Benefits Allowable."

Whether or not you request predetermination of benefits, MetLife will pay the claim ased on whatever information it has about your treatment.