What comes to mind when you think about insurance? Paperwork, copays, deductibles, and getting the run around may top your list. At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, Dr. Bridges and our team want to make dental care affordable and accessible to all families in the Duncan, OK area. To that end, we’re in network with a few dental insurance companies, and we file just about all dental insurances for our patients. What does that mean, exactly?
These FAQs should answer most of your questions about dental insurance, but if not, give us a call at our Duncan dental office, at (580) 255-4880. We will be happy to explain how your insurance works and how we can maximize your benefits.

How is dental insurance different from health insurance?

In the United States, citizens must have medical insurance, but dental insurance isn’t mandatory. Medical insurance and dental insurance are never on the same policy. Your dental insurance (and deductible) will be completely separate from your medical coverage.

Most dental insurance will pay for all or part of twice-a-year checkups and cleanings.

Will dental insurance cover more extensive procedures, like bridges, crowns, and root canal therapy?

Dental insurance usually covers a portion of the cost of necessary procedures, such as bridges, crowns, and root canal therapy. It will not generally cover elective procedures, such as teeth whitening and porcelain veneers.

Does dental insurance cover dental sealants for my kids?

Oftentimes, coverage will include dental sealants. Some policies pay for all of the cost, while others pay only a portion.

Does dental insurance cover orthodontic braces?

If you need braces, check your policy for coverage information. Some dental insurances will cover part of the cost for orthodontic therapy. Not all policies include orthodontics, though.

How do I file a dental insurance claim?

For procedures done in our office, we will file your claim. Simply bring in your dental insurance card and identification.

Call us. Usually, if we file your claim, your insurance company will contact us directly for any additional information needed to process the claim. However, if you are contacted, just take a name and phone number and pass on the information to us. We will take care of you!

What if I can’t afford my co-pay or deductible?

Depending on your policy and dental treatment plan, you may have a significant out-of-pocket expense. We work with CareCredit, a reputable third-party financing institution that helps patients by extending low- and no-interest, monthly payment options. If you need to finance dental work, ask us about CareCredit or visit the website to apply online.

Does Chisholm Trail Smile Center accept my insurance?

We are in network with two companies, Health Choice and Delta Premier. However, we are happy to file with any dental insurance company. Simply bring your card and identification to your appointment.

How do I know what my insurance company will pay?

After your consultation with Dr. Bridges, we will look up your insurance provider’s information and estimate your out-of-pocket expense. You’ll know how much your provider should pay, and what you should expect to pay. We cannot guarantee that the insurance coverage estimate we provide is accurate, because many factors contribute to whether a provider will cover a claim. However, most of the time, our estimates are spot-on.

For affordable, quality family dentistry, turn to Chisholm Trail Smile Center and Dr. Bridges. We are dedicated to providing excellent dental care, as well as great service, to our patients. Schedule your visit today by calling our Duncan dental office at (580) 255-4880.

You want to go to the dentist to get the healthcare you need. However, dental insurance and paying for your visits and treatments can be confusing topics. In advance of your appointment with Dr. Matthew Bridges in Duncan, OK, at Chisholm Trail Smile Center, why not read through our frequently asked questions about financing your general, cosmetic, and restorative dental services?

After you have looked over this page, feel free to call us to become a patient at our modern, comfortable, patient-centered practice.

1. Do I need to have dental insurance to become a dental patient?

At our practice, we do not require any patients to have dental insurance. This means you can set up an appointment with or without insurance. In some cases, patients have dental coverage for themselves but not for other family members. We can work with your individual situation to streamline the process of covering the cost of appointments.

2. What types of treatments will dental insurance cover?

Every dental insurance carrier has unique packages. Yours will usually offer a complete list of what types of services are entirely or partially covered. In some cases, you may not pay anything out of pocket for routine preventive care check-ups. Although our office team is happy to help you understand your responsibilities, you may also want to talk with your insurance provider. If you have dental insurance through your employer, your human resources representatives may also be able to give you insight on coverage limits.

3. Are cosmetic dentistry treatments covered by dental insurance?

This is a great question on a lot of patients’ minds. In most cases, cosmetic or elective dentistry treatments such as teeth whitening and porcelain veneers are not covered by dental insurance. Again, your insurance carrier may be different than most. For this reason, you should always check before making a decision.

4. How will I know what I am expected to pay for a treatment?

Our financial services team at Chisholm Trail Smile Center pay careful attention to detail, especially when it comes to letting patients know what treatments cost. If you ever have a question about an upcoming treatment, please contact us at (580) 255-4880.

5. How can I pay for treatments if I have limited or no dental insurance?

You do not need dental insurance to become a patient at our practice. We accept a variety of payment options, including cash, checks, and major credit cards. For more complex treatment programs, we can help you learn more about CareCreditⓇ, a third-party financing company. If you are accepted as a CareCredit customer, you can use the CareCredit card like a credit card specifically for healthcare services like visits to the dentist. CareCredit offers zero-percent financing, which patients appreciate. This allows you to extend your payments without incurring extra fees.

6. Is Dr. Bridges in or out of my dental insurance network?

Chisholm Trail Smile Center is considered “in network” for Health Choice and Delta Premier dental insurance plans. However, if you have a plan from a different provider, some or all of your treatment costs may be covered. When you call us to set up your first appointment with Dr. Bridges, tell us the name of your dental insurance provider. Our goal is to help you understand exactly what to expect in terms of covering fees associated with routine, restorative, and other dental services.

7. Is healthcare insurance the same thing as dental insurance?

Do you have healthcare insurance as part of your employee benefits package? Unless it specifically includes dental insurance, it will usually not cover dental procedures. The exception to this rule can be some dental treatments that fall under a provider’s definition of general healthcare necessities. We recommend contacting your healthcare insurance carrier in advance of setting up restorative treatments to see if they might be covered. We can also submit any paperwork to make the process easier.

With or Without Dental Insurance, We Are Here for You

Whether or not you have dental insurance, we are always ready to serve you at our Duncan, OK, dental practice today. Call (580) 255-4880.