How fees work
What you pay depends on your plan, your treatment and what your dentist finds at the exam. Here is how each part works and what you can ask us to put in writing.
Insurance we work with
We bill PPO dental plans and file the claim for you. Whether we are in network depends on your plan, and we tell you before you book.
PPO and indemnity plans: we file the claim
DHMO plans: ask us first, they work differently
Medicare and Medicare Advantage: ask us, dental coverage varies
Medicaid and CHIP: call and we will answer plainly
If you pay yourself
Without insurance you pay the fee for your visit, and we put that fee in writing before treatment starts. Financing is offered by third-party lenders. Approval and terms are set by the lender.
Receipts for reimbursement
If your plan reimburses you, we give you an itemized statement of your visit to send in. Your plan decides what it pays.
An estimate in advance
We give a written estimate in advance to anyone paying without insurance, and to anyone who asks. It lists the treatment, how many visits it takes and the cost.
Ask when you book or at your visit
In writing, before any treatment
Checking your benefits
Before your first visit our front desk checks your benefits and tells you what your plan says it covers. A plan's estimate belongs to the plan, so we show you both.
What the first visit includes
A new-patient visit runs about an hour: an exam, X-rays if your dentist decides you need them, and time to go over what we found. Bring your insurance card, a photo ID and a list of your medicines.
An exam, and X-rays your dentist decides on
A written plan that lists your options
Time for your questions
An estimate is our written account of what we will bill. Your plan's final payment can differ, and we explain any difference before you pay.
Questions about paying
How do I ask for an estimate?
Ask when you book or at your visit. After the exam your dentist lists the treatment, the visits and the cost, and our front desk goes through your benefits with you.
What if my plan pays less than the estimate?
The plan's estimate is the plan's, not ours. If its final payment differs, we explain the difference before you pay and go over your options.
Do you offer financing?
Financing is offered by third-party lenders. Approval and terms are set by the lender. Ask the front desk for the lender's own terms before you decide.
Ask for a written estimate
Tell us what you are considering and how you plan to pay, and we will explain what to expect before you book.