Glossary of Common Dental Terms - M-R

Malocclusion - improper alignment of biting or chewing surfaces of the upper and lower teeth.

NADP - National Association of Dental Plans - a trade association that promotes and advances the HMO/PPO sector of the dental benefits industry to improve consumer access to affordable, quality dental care.

NAIC - National Association of Insurance Commissioners - assists state insurance regulators, individually and collectively, in serving the public interest and achieving fundamental insurance regulatory goals.

Network - a collective expression for all dentists who have contractually agreed to provide treatment according to administrative guidelines for a certain program.

NIDCR - National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research - promotes the general health of the American people by improving their oral, dental and craniofacial health. Through research and the development of researchers, the NIDCR aims to promote health, to prevent diseases and conditions, and to develop new diagnostics and therapeutics.

NIH - National Institutes of Health - part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The organization conducts research; supports the research of non-Federal scientists in universities, medical schools, hospitals, and research institutions. It also helps in the training of research investigators and fosters communication of medical information.

Orthodontics - a dental specialty concerned with straightening or moving misaligned teeth and/or jaws with braces and/or surgery. An orthodontist is a dental specialist in this field.

PANDA - Prevent Abuse and Neglect through Dental Awareness - educational program sponsored by a number of Cancun Dental Plans across the country that seeks to educate oral health professionals about child abuse and to help them learn how to diagnose and report potential abuse situations to appropriate authorities.

Panoramic radiograph - a single large x-ray of the jaws taken by a machine that rotates around the head.

Pediatric Dentistry - a dental specialty concerned with treatment of children. A pediatric dentist is a dental specialist in this field (also known as: pedodontist).

Periodontics - a dental specialty concerned with treatment of gums, tissue and bone that supports the teeth. A periodontist is a dental specialist in this field.

Periodontitis - inflammation and loss of connective tissue of the supporting or surrounding structure of the teeth (also known as: gum disease).

Plaque - a bacteria-containing substance that collects on the surface of teeth. Plaque can cause decay and gum irritation when it is not removed by daily brushing and flossing.

Prevailing fee - the fee most commonly charged for a dental service in a given area.

Prophylaxis - (prophy) a professional cleaning to remove plaque, calculus (mineralized plaque) and stains to help prevent dental disease.

Prosthodontics - a dental specialty concerned with restoration and/or replacement of missing teeth with artificial materials. A prosthodontist is a dental specialist in this field.

Provider - a unique individual dentist (preferred providers, general dentists, specialty providers, practicing providers).

Radiograph - x-ray.

Reasonable and Customary (R & C) Plan - a dental benefit plan that determines benefits based only on "Reasonable and Customary" fee criteria (also see Customary fee, Reasonable fee).

Reasonable fee - the fee charged by a dentist for a specific dental procedure that has been modified by the nature and severity of the condition being treated and by any medical or dental complications or unusual circumstances. Therefore, it may differ from the dentist's "usual" fee or the benefit administrator's "customary" fee (also see customary fee).