Dr. Matthew L. Bridges and our staff at Chisolm Trail Smile Center see patients who have dental insurance, because we believe oral health care should be affordable and attainable for Oklahoma patients like you! Today, we’re discussing the benefits of using dental insurance dentists in the Duncan, OK, area, and how it can save you money.
For information on your specific dental insurance plan, always contact your insurance provider. However, for details on our insurance policies, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Bridges, give us a call at 580.255.4880.
The Benefits of a Dentist Who Accepts Insurance
If you already have dental insurance coverage, finding a dental provider who is in your insurance network can dramatically lower costs of preventive or restorative treatments. Many dentists who work within your insurance plan’s network have agreed on set prices for basic treatments like fillings, teeth cleanings and examinations, and dental crowns. For the most part, preventive care, like cleanings and exams, x-rays, and oral cancer screenings, are covered in full by insurance for bi-annual exams. That means that if your mouth is healthy and doesn’t require additional treatments, you have zero financial responsibilities at the practice during your routine exam! If you do require additional treatments, like a small filling or a crown for a cracked tooth, the procedures have a set cost so you know what your expected treatment costs will be. Depending on your coverage policy, your insurance plan covers some percentage of total treatment costs, and you must contribute any residual costs of service (this is referred to as a co-pay).
Research Your Plan and Network
When looking for a dentist who accepts insurance, you will first need to find out what type of plan you’re signed up for. The two most frequently used plans include PPO (Preferred Provider Organization), or a DMO/DHMO (Dental Health Maintenance Organization). When discovering the type of plan, you can also search for providers in “your network” on your insurance company’s website. This is a group of dentists who have agreed to partner with your insurance company to provide services at a set cost.
Some plans, usually PPO plans, will offer some cost savings for dental providers who are technically out of network. Often, DMO or DHMO plans are not as likely to contribute to out-of-network expenses. Most PPO plans have a large selection of dentists to select from, while DMOs/DHMOs have a reduced network. Don’t forget to always contact your insurance company if you are confused about your network providers, or the cost coverage policies. They are well-versed in their policies and can quickly answer questions you may have!
Schedule Consultations
A dentist may be in network, but it doesn’t mean that he or she be the best provider for you. Always schedule a consultation with potential dental providers to meet them and their staff before you require treatment. A quick trip to their office, chatting with their front desk staff, and discussing dental care with the dentist can help you determine if you are comfortable in the practice. This step is most important for those patients with dental fear and anxiety who may desire a very peaceful, friendly, and patient-centric atmosphere.
Have Dental Insurance? We Can Help You Make the Most of It!
At our practice, we are in-network with Health Choice and Delta Premier, and help file paperwork for any Out-of-Network patients to help maximize their benefits. If you would like to learn more about how we can serve you as a dental provider, contact a Chisolm Trail Smile Center team member today!
