INSURANCE FACTS

We strongly feel our patients deserve the best possible dental care we an provide. In an effort to maintain this high quality care, we would like to share with you some facts about dental insurance.

1. Dental insurance is meant to be an aid to help restore your mouth to sound dental health. It has been the experience of many dentists that patients have gotten the impression their insurance plan will pay up to 80%, even 100% of their dental fees. In spite of what you are told by your insurance company, we've found many plans cover between 40-50% of an average fee. For the same procedure, some plans pay more-some pay less. The amount your plan pays is determined by how much your employer paid for the insurance plan. The less paid for insurance, the less you will receive in benefits. The more paid, the better benefits you will receive.

2. It has been the experience of many dentists that companies sometimes tell their clients certain dental fees are 'above the usual and customary fee' rather than tell them that the insurance benefits are too low. We know that some companies do not update fee schedules regularly, even with the cost of living index. Remember, since the insurance company must make a profit, you can only get back in benefits what your employer puts in, less the profit the insurance company wants to make.

3. Please read your policy so you are fully aware of any limitations of the benefits provided. Insurance carriers do NOT cover many routine dental services. In fact, some preventive procedures are not covered at all.

4. Coinsurance payments are due at the time of treatment. Insurance is submitted after each visit; however, the patient is responsible for the total fee and will be expected to make up for any deficiencies in the insurance coverage.

FAQ about insurance: (coming soon)