The following words and terms, when used in this subchapter, shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

1. (1) Contracting dentist--A dentist who, as a contracting provider under a health insurance policy, has entered into a written agreement with an insurer to limit charges for dental care services provided to insureds.
2. (2) Dental care services--Any services furnished to a person for the purpose of preventing, alleviating, curing, or healing human dental illness or injury.
3. (3) Dentist--Any person who furnishes dental care services and who is licensed as a dentist by the state of Texas.
4. (4) Health insurance policy--An individual, group, blanket, or franchise insurance policy or certificate or insurance agreement or rider that is delivered, renewed or issued for delivery in this state and that provides benefits for dental care services.
5. (5) Insurer--An insurance company that is authorized under the Texas Insurance Code to issue, deliver or issue for delivery in this state health insurance policies or certificates.
6. (6) Non-contracting dentist--A dentist who is not a contracting dentist as defined in this section.

Source Note:The provisions of this §21.3602 adopted to be effective June 13, 2004, 29 TexReg 5637.