Penn’s Benefits Open Enrollment period runs from April 9-20, providing faculty and staff with about a week and a half to make important decisions about their healthcare.

However, changes to the Penn Faculty Practice (PFP) dental plan may help make one choice much easier: University employees enrolled in the PFP plan are receiving more benefits in 2012-2013 at the same rate as last year.

One of the major additions to the PFP plan involves cosmetic dentistry. For 2012-13, the plan will cover 50 percent of the cost of treatments such as bleaching, veneers, and microabrasion, all of which can improve the appearance of teeth.

Coverage for dental implants, which are used to replace missing teeth, is also being expanded. The 2012-13 plan has replaced lifetime maximums of $1,000 of coverage and only two implants with an annual maximum of $1,000 and no lifetime maximum on implants.

The final significant enhancement extends coverage for orthodontia to adults. The plan will pay for 60 percent of the cost of orthodontic work, such as braces, up to a lifetime maximum of $2,000 per individual covered under the plan.

Penn employees who wish to use the Faculty Practices have their choice of three locations: the Robert Schattner Center at 240 South 40th St., University City at 3401 Market St., or Bryn Mawr at 711 Lancaster Ave.

Alisa Kauffman, clinical director of the Penn Dental Faculty Practices, touts the appeal of getting treated at Penn. “We’re a multi-specialty practice with world-known dentists,” she says.

Even subscribers to other dental insurance plans, such as the MetLife plan that is also offered to staff and faculty, can be treated at the Faculty Practices.

“We will work with your MetLife insurance or any insurance company to coordinate your care,” says Pam Arms, Penn Dental’s associate dean for finance and administration.

Any changes during open enrollment will take effect on July 1.

For more information on enhanced dental coverage, visit the PFP website or the Division of Human Resources website.