The patient's initial "out of pocket" amount
This amount must be paid by the patient before the patient's insurance carrier will begin paying for covered procedures
The deductible amount varies from one plan to another
The American Dental Association defines "deductible": The amount of dental expenses for which the beneficiary is responsible before a third party will assume any liability for payment of benefits. Deductible may be an annual or one-time charge, and may vary in amount from program to program. (2011-2012 CDT Current Dental Terminology: The ADA Practical Guide to Dental Procedure Codes)