Insurance Information


Do You Take Insurance?

I often come across this challenging question on a weekly basis. In a nutshell, I do not accept dental insurance directly, but my office will handle all the paperwork and billing to your insurance company. They will then reimburse you based on your plan, the specific procedure, and your yearly maximum coverage. Allow me to elaborate further.

A dental practice has the choice to "Participate" with a dental insurance company. By doing so, they enter into a contract agreeing to charge predetermined fees for certain procedures. In return, the insurance company commits to paying a portion of those fees as per the details outlined in your dental insurance plan. This introduces an additional dynamic within the office, involving relationships between the doctor and patient, as well as the patient and insurance company. The dental insurance industry is valued at around 100 billion dollars annually. To ensure profitability, insurance companies strive to pay out less than they receive. In simpler terms, they aim to increase premiums while reducing reimbursement. From my experience, dentists who agree to charge only what insurance companies reimburse often find themselves compelled to

  1. Accommodate more patients in a day,

  2. Spend less time with each patient,

  3. Compromise on dental materials and technology quality, and

  4. Partner with an affordable dental lab.

Moreover, it's important to note that dental insurance differs from medical insurance. It typically covers a limited number of preventive and essential procedures, and rarely offers 100% coverage. There are also annual maximums ranging between $1000 and $2000, depending on your plan. However, it's crucial to acknowledge the success of this system, as it enables a significant number of individuals to receive affordable and often exceptional dental care each year.

So, why have I chosen not to participate in this system? I make certain commitments to each of my patients, whether they require a routine cleaning or a complete smile makeover. I promise to listen attentively and explain to the best of my abilities. I pledge to prioritize your needs and provide undivided attention while you are in my office. I ensure the use of premium dental materials and state-of-the-art technology. Additionally, I collaborate with premier and innovative dental laboratories. Due to these reasons, I have decided to sever ties with insurance companies altogether.

During your consultation, we will discuss treatment options and plans in detail. My staff will itemize the plan and present you with the associated fees. If you wish, we can also submit the plan to your insurance company to determine their reimbursement once the treatment is completed. Should you choose to proceed, you will pay for the procedures upfront. After the completion of the treatments, you will receive a reimbursement check from your insurance company, typically within approximately two weeks. If you decide not to proceed, I am more than happy to provide you with the treatment plan we discussed and refer you to several outstanding general dentists in the area who may accept your insurance.