View the provider portal. Then, follow these steps:

1. Enter the taxpayer identification number (TIN) and last name of the provider; click “Next.”
2. Click “I consent” to the consent and agreement form.
3. Click “Find provider office.” Enter the zip code and/or the city. When you see your address, click “Select location.” Then, enter the administrator's first and last name, and email. Click “Next.”
4. We will send you, the primary administrator, an email. (Don't see it in your inbox? Check your junk or spam folder.) You must click the email activation link within 72 hours of receiving it. Then, follow these steps:
   • Verify your identity by providing a few personal details
   • Confirm that you agree to do business electronically.
   • Create your username and password.
   • Choose your security questions and answers. (These help verify your identity when you call customer service.)
   • Set up multi-factor authentication (MFA) for your account. MFA is a security step used to confirm your identity each time you log in. (See more on MFA below.) You may use an authenticator app such as Google Authenticator or a phone text or call. Follow the on-screen prompts to make your selection.
   • Type in the code that is sent to you and follow any directions on screen to complete log in.

Follow the steps above, using separate email addresses for each person.

You may log in from any Principal.com page; simply click the blue “Log in” button in the upper right hand corner. Enter your username and password; click “Log in.”

Note: Every time you log in, or if you forget your password, you will be asked for a verification code to confirm it’s really you. The first time you log in, you choose how you receive verification codes. Options include a phone text or call, or authenticator app.

Multi-factor authentication, a security measure, helps prevent cybercriminals from accessing your account, even if they have your password. Here’s how it works: If you log in from an unrecognized computer or mobile phone, forget your password, or make changes to your account, or if we suspect something out of the ordinary, we’ll send you a unique verification code to confirm it’s really you. You then enter that unique code, along with your username and password, to access your account.

An authenticator app is a third-party app you install on your mobile device or computer. All authenticator apps work like this: Once you open the app and choose the account you’re trying to log into, the app will generate a unique, one-time-use code to enable log in.

Authenticator apps are secure, with regularly refreshed codes unique to your device. Plus, if someone tries to gain access to your account, it’s more difficult for them to intercept your code since it’s generated by software installed on your device.

Our site has been optimized to work with the Google Authenticator app, but many other apps will work. If you wish to use Google Authenticator, here’s how to install it:

1. Open the App Store or Google Play Store and search for Google Authenticator (look for a multi-colored asterisk).
2. Install the Google Authenticator app.

If you wish to install another authenticator app, you may search for “install authenticator app” in your browser or in the app store you prefer.

If you connect your Principal log in to an authenticator app, the codes are generated securely and only on your device. To connect your Principal log in to your authenticator, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your Principal.com account; go to “My Profile” and then click on “Manage 2-Factor Authentication Preferences.” Click on the blue “Connect Authenticator” button next to Authenticator app. 
2. A QR code will appear on the screen; scan the code with your mobile phone or enter the 16 digit code.
3. Click the “Next” or “Continue” button on the Principal website.
4. Enter the authenticator 6-digit code (which changes every 30 seconds) on Principal.com.
5. Once you have successfully entered the code, your app is ready to use for Principal.com log in.

1. Click “Log in” at the top right corner of any Principal.com page.
2. Click the “Forgot username or password” link under the “Log in” button.
3. Choose “Dental providers.”
4. Provide the requested information to confirm your identity. Click “Continue.”
5. You’ll receive a verification code by email. Correctly enter your code. (Don’t see it in your inbox? Check your junk or spam folder.) Then, you’ll see your username and can either login or choose “Reset password.” If you reset your password, use your new password to log in.

For your convenience, your username continues to display on the password screen so you can confirm it’s been entered correctly. If you enter the correct password but receive an error message, please check that your username is entered correctly. If not, click the “cancel” button to return to the username entry screen.

A passkey is a simple, effective way to securely access your account using information that’s unique to you—think of a fingerprint, facial recognition, or PIN. A passkey is an alternative to a password.

Passkeys help improve the speed, security, and convenience of logging in to your account. Passkeys offer strong protection against phishing, and are better than passwords at protecting your phone, apps, and online access from others.

A passkey works like a pair of digital “keys”—one public and one private—that must match to let you into your account. When you log in, your device uses biometrics (like your fingerprint or face) or a PIN to verify it's really you. The private “key” stored on your device connects with the public “key” stored on the website or app. If they match, you're automatically logged in. Unlike passwords, you never have to enter anything, and the private “key” never leaves your device, and is stored in the password manager. This makes passkeys both more convenient and more secure than traditional passwords; they can't be stolen in data breaches or discovered during phishing attempts.

No, a passkey is not a password. While passwords are typed-in characters that you need to remember, a passkey is a secure technology that uses your device's built-in security to log you in quickly. Unlike passwords, passkeys can't be stolen or copied, and you never need to memorize anything.

To enable passkey for your Principal account, log in and navigate to “My profile.” Click on “Manage 2-factor authentication preferences.” Follow the on-screen instructions. Once you set up your passkey, it is then saved to your password manager on your device. Subsequently, when you sign in to your Principal account that has a passkey enabled, you’ll be prompted to provide the key you’ve chosen, and verify with the device’s unlock method such as a fingerprint.

Passkeys are unique to you and your account, and fingerprint, facial recognition, or PIN are always stored on your device.

Typically just a few minutes. You’ll register your passkey with Principal by signing in with your current username and password. Then, on-screen instructions walk you through the process of adding a passkey.

No. Your biometric data never leaves your device.

No. If you have a passkey set up and use it to log in, you no longer have to enter your password to access your account. You can choose to use your password, if you like. For example, if you are logging onto an account at a computer that isn’t yours, you may have to use your password.

Yes, you can use passkeys across multiple devices. If you use cloud services like iCloud or Google Password Manager, your passkeys will automatically sync across your phones, tablets, and computers. For devices you don't own (like a friend's computer or public device), you can quickly gain temporary access by scanning a QR code with your phone. When you scan the code, your phone verifies, through Bluetooth, that you're physically nearby, and then grants access without saving your passkey on that temporary device. This gives you the flexibility to securely access your accounts anywhere while keeping your passkeys protected.

Passkeys offer you even more security to protect your account information, as well as convenience and ease of access.

No. You need a separate passkey for each username. That’s because each passkey is uniquely tied to a specific username and account. This feature helps to increase security; it ensures each of your accounts remains separate, much as you have different passwords for other things in your life.

Yes, just as your password and one-time passcode options work for both roles. You may set up more than one passkey so that passkey authentication can be used across your devices.

If passkey information on your device is synced to a cloud password manager, when you upgrade a device and transfer data, your passkey data should transfer, too. You can also set up additional passkeys for devices that do not synchronize passkey data.

That’s fine. You can use your password and an authenticator app instead.

Passkeys are intended for account owners only, and should not be shared.

No. The only way to disable a passkey is by removing it from your password manager and security settings.

Technically, no, because information like facial and fingerprint recognition doesn’t change. You can change your device unlock method without impacting your passkeys. Instead, you can disable passkeys if you no longer wish to use them.

Yes, you can manage your passkeys as needed. Start by logging in to your account; navigate to “My profile,” then “Manage two-factor authentication preferences.” There, you can remove an old passkey and add a new one for a different device. In addition, if you update your device’s unlock method—such as switching from a fingerprint to facial recognition—your Principal account passkey will continue to work. You'll just use the new unlock method to access it.

There are a few reasons you may receive a message telling you your account verification was unsuccessful:

• Is your username entered correctly?
• Did you use a device that isn’t yours? If so, you may have to use your password and one-time passcode.
• Did you, at some point, disable your passkey? If you removed the passkey on your Principal account, you’ll have to set up passkey again.
• Did you complete the passkey challenge in a timely manner? The attempt may have timed out, please try again.
• Is your device unlocked and are your biometrics (fingerprint, facial recognition) or PIN working properly?
• Is your browser up to date and supported? Some older or less common browsers may not work with passkeys.

If, for some reason, a passkey isn’t working, you may enter your password and an authenticator code for access.

Start by logging in and disabling the passkey in your Principal account settings. Navigate to “Manage two-factor preferences” and follow the prompts to remove passkey from the device. Remember: multi-factor authentication (MFA) is required to log in to your Principal account, so ensure you have an alternate method set up. Then, to disable passkey access for your Principal account on an Apple device, go to your Settings, then Passkeys. Click on “Principal,” then “Edit.” Follow the prompts to delete the passkey. On an Android device, settings may vary based on manufacturer. Navigate to Settings, then your password or passkey manager. Select “Principal,” then “Remove.”

Unless your desktop's passkey manager is synced with your mobile device, you will not be able to use the passkey configured for your desktop on the Principal app. However, there's a simple solution: Set up an additional passkey specifically for the Principal app. Log in to the app using your password and one-time passcode, then set up a new passkey for your mobile device. This will let you use passkey authentication on both your desktop and mobile app.

Note: For Android devices, you may need to ensure the Google Credential Manager is being used. Third-party or other device specific credential managers may not work with the Principal Mobile App.

The process for joining the Principal Plan Dental Network depends on what state you’re in. For all but 9 states, you can fill out the enhanced online application. Follow the steps and see the documents needed here. You may start your application and save your progress for up to 14 days. Expect to hear from us within one week after we receive all application materials. If we need additional information, we'll contact you.

If you are located in Louisiana, Maryland, New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon, Vermont, or West Virginia,  use this online application. If you practice in Nevada, you may join the Diversified Dental Services Network. If you practice in Washington, you must email applicationreview@principal.com to request an application to join.

The Principal Dental Access Network serves members with Principal Dental Access Plan and New Dental Choice. These are discount dental plans offered by Principal and First Dental Health, respectively. As a contracted provider of Principal or First Dental Health, you can serve patients who can't otherwise afford insurance and/or have exhausted their benefits. Members pay you directly based on your current PPO fee schedule, and there are no claims to file. Visit PrincipalDentalAccess.com to learn more about the Principal Dental Access Plan.

The Principal^® Dental Access Plan is a dental discount plan to help patients reduce dental expenses. Patients pay a membership fee and receive discounted dental procedure rates, with access dependent only on joining. There is no deductible, maximum, waiting period, or paperwork. Membership is just $8/month for an individual plan, or $10/month for a family plan.* (*A one-time, non-refundable activation fee ($10 for yearly/$25 for monthly) will be applied. Cancel within the first 30 days for a full refund, less the activation fee. Activation fees are refundable in AR and MD.)

Different forms may be required based on the request. View our “Manage network membership” page for instructions.

If you are a non-Principal plan dental provider, you may email DLGRPPFGPROVIDER@exchange.principal.com or fax 866-592-5970 to update information.

We periodically re-credential providers; in most cases no information is required from you. We will contact you if we need more details.

After you log in to your provider portal, click on “Eligibility, benefits, and claims” in the top menu. There, you can check patient eligibility and coverage, including coinsurance, deductibles, benefit maximums, tooth and service history, network membership, procedure code details and benefits in effect on a given date.

Principal connects with several partners to provide robust benefits and eligibility information:

• Zuub
• Airpay
• Onederful
• Vyne
• DentalXchange

They provide most plan provision details and eligibility including frequency, history, coinsurance, and limitations.

You may also click on the full benefit breakdown PDF to download a copy. If ortho benefits are available, you will see an ortho benefit breakdown PDF for download, too.

An explanation of benefits (EOB) is available in the provider portal after a claim is processed. You may find an EOB by logging in.

The EOB shows adjustments to charges you need to make to your records and the amount due from the patient such as coinsurance and deductible, if applicable.

Find detailed instructions on accessing the EOB here.

For a list of the most frequently submitted procedures, their codes, and required documentation, review the Principal clinical guidelines. To quickly find the code you need, hit Ctrl+F and enter the term you’re looking for.

After you log in to your provider portal, click the “Resource Center” tab, then select “Request dental fee schedule.” Follow the instructions to have a fee schedule sent to you.

First, log in to your provider portal. Then, navigate to “Eligibility, benefits, and claims.” Locate the member information, then input your provider and location information as prompted. You’ll be able to see the “Applicable fee schedule.”

Our payment partner, Optum, utilizes ECHO Health to issue payments. After you log in to your provider portal, click on the “Claims button.” Then, enter the “Date of service” and follow the portal prompts to link to the ECHO site. There, you can log in to see the most recent payment details, or search by a variety of terms including check number. For more detailed information, view this claim payment PDF.

You may sign up for the ANSI 835, the industry standard for sharing payment details through ECHO Health. You can receive ERAs by updating your practice management system with ECHO's Payer ID, 58379. Then, you’ll access downloads from the ECHO provider portal.

You may enroll in provider Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) from Principal only, or from all payors.

If you would like to opt out of virtual credit card (VCC) and receive paper checks, call ECHO Health at 888-927-4394. If you have received a VCC payment and want to opt out, visit ECHO Health.