Dental providers Help for dental providers

Help for dental providers

Help for dental providers

Create an account and log in
How do I create an online dental account?

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.
How do multiple people in my office register for an account?

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

How do I log in?

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.

What is multi-factor authentication?

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.

What is an authenticator app and how does it work?

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.

How do I install an authenticator app?

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.

How do I connect my Principal log in to my authenticator app?

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.
What if I forgot my username or password?
  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.
Why does my username still display on the password screen?

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.

Update information and access
How do I change my login information?

After you log in, click on “Account settings” to change your password or security settings.

How do I remove someone's access?

You may remove someone’s access with a phone call. You’ll need your name, address, phone number, and TIN. That information helps us verify that an authorized person is making the request. Please call 800-986-3343, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., CST.

Join the Principal® dental network or the Principal® Dental Access Plan
How do I join the Principal Plan Dental Network?

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. Once you’ve applied, you can expect to hear back in approximately 4 weeks.

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

How do I update my office information or add a location?

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.

How do I verify my network participation status?

Start with our Find a dentist directory; enter your zip code, specialty preference (if applicable) and the dentist’s last name.

Do I have to re-credential with the network each year?

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

What is 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.)

Review benefits and eligibility
How do I view Benefits and Eligibility information?

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.

Where do I find an explanation of benefits?

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.

Where do I find clinical guidelines?

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.

How do I view which fee schedule applies to a provider/member?

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.

Where do I know which network will apply to a patient’s claim?

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.”

Submit a dental claim, predetermination, or appeal
How do I view a predetermination?

Log into the provider portal and then enter the member ID and date of birth for the patient. From the Plan information page, click on “view predeterminations” for the specific member.Find more details here.

How do I submit a claim or pre-determination?

Claims and predeterminations may be submitted in one of four ways.

  1. File your claim or pre-determination electronically using a clearinghouse option. These clearinghouses save time, boost claim accuracy, and speed payments. You may submit through Vyne Dental (vynedental.com, 800-782-5150) or DentalXChange (dentalxchange.com, 877-932-2567 ext. 452, support@dentalxchange.com) The Principal dental payor number is 61271.
  2. Log in to your provider portal. Click “Eligibility, benefits, and claims” in the to menu. Search for a patient. You may then select either “Submit a predetermination” or “Submit claims.” Select the appropriate state for specific claim information.
  3. Email your claim or pre-determination to Principal at CSDClaims@exchange.principal.com.
  4. Mail your claim or pre-determination to Principal, PO Box 10357, Des Moines, IA 50306-0357

Dental claims will only be considered if received within 12 months of the date of service. Orthodontia claims will only be considered if received within 36 months of the date of service.

All claims should be submitted using the privacy ID only. Claims submitted with a Social Security Number will not be accepted.

What are the required and supporting documents for frequently submitted procedures?

Find a list of general guidelines, including dental procedure codes, here.

How do I submit an appeal or additional information for a claim?

You’ll need to log in to your provider portal, then enter the patient member ID and date of birth; click on the “Claims” button. After locating the claim, click “Provide info” in the “Submit information” column. Choose an answer from “Inquiry type.” If you need to submit information, you’ll be able to add a file and submit the form. Find additional directions here (PDF).

How do I search for a patient?

Log in to your provider portal, then click on “Eligibility, benefits, and claims” in the top menu. Enter the patient ID or and date of birth, then “search.” If the patient is a member, you’ll see details for them and all dependents. If they are just a dependent, you’ll see dependent details.

How do I access voucher information?

Vouchers for dental care can provide additional coverage for patients with certain conditions. To access the voucher form for your patient, visit this link (PDF); the dentist must sign the form for the claim to be processed.

How do I check the status of a claim?

After you log in to your provider portal, navigate to the “Plan information” page. Click on “Claims” and fill in the date of service, then “Find claims.” We do not use claim numbers; instead, you’ll see the patient, provider, date of service, and information about the claim. You may only view claim status for claims submitted with the same TIN as the one you registered with. Principal connects Claim Status with Inside Desk. You are able to view paid amount, status, EOB, service line payment, co-insurance, deductible and code allowance.

How do I access additional TINs?

After you log in to the provider portal, view “Account settings” in the top menu. Click on “Request access for additional TINs,” then enter the TIN and provider last name. Navigate to “Find provider office,” then fill in the information as prompted. Once done, click “Register for access.” The additional TIN is now attached to the account.

Find payment details for dental services
How do I view claim payment information?

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.

How can I receive an Electronic Remittance Advice (ERA)?

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.

How do I change my payment preference?

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.

Contact Principal
How do I contact Principal?
  • Call us at 800-247-4695, Monday–Thursday, 7:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m. CT, and Friday, 7:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m. CT