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!

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If you’re searching for a do-it-all dentist, consider Dr. Matthew L. Bridges as your comprehensive dental care provider. For more information regarding our practice, as well as to schedule a consultation, call us at (580) 255-4880.

When reviewing potential providers, be sure to evaluate both their professional qualifications and services, as well as more practical information like their practice’s location, and whether their office is welcoming and relaxing.

Ask About Their Education and Training

Dentists attain advanced education to practice dentistry, so don’t be afraid to ask about their own educational experienced and on-going training. It’s crucial that your general dentist has the skill and knowledge to handle any complications that may arise during your treatments. Your prospective dentist will most likely have his diploma and other certifications on display in his practice, but it’s a good idea to ask about any additional certifications he/she may hold. Are they associated with any professional dental organizations, such as the Academy of General Dentistry or regional dentistry organizations? Do they have extensive post-grad training in a specific area of dentistry? Answers to these questions can help you understand the level of importance they place on on-going education and the latest industry best practices.

Confirm Offered Services

Does this prospective dentist offer comprehensive preventive, restorative, and cosmetic care? Do they offer dentistry for the whole family, including children’s dentistry services? Additionally, make note whether or not they provide emergency dental care; while it may not be top of your mind, having a familiar dentist to turn to when a stressful and emotional emergency occurs can help improve your experience and give you increased peace of mind.

Review Practical Practice Information

The more convenient and comfortable a dental practice is, the easier it will be to attend routine appointments. Be sure to take note of the practice’s office hours; will they work with your own busy schedule?

In addition, when you meet and interact with the front office staff and dental assistants, are they welcoming and friendly? Do you feel comfortable asking them questions? While a dentist may be your primary provider, the rest of a practice’s team can play in an important role in whether or not dental appointments are a positive experience!

Gather Information on Financial Responsibility

Finally, if you have dental insurance, ask the front office staff about their specific insurance coverage policies, or whether they accept insurance at all. Ask them when payment is expected, and how insurance claims will be filed. Along with insurance plans, ask about accepted financing plans they offer. These can be a way for patients to break down large treatment costs into attainable monthly payments with little or no interest rates. Some dentists may accept national financing plans such as CareCredit®, or may offer in-house financing options. Look over the terms and application to see if it fits with your financial situation.

Finding Your Local Rush Springs Dentist

If you’re looking for a general dentist who covers all these bases and more, look no further than Dr. Matthew L. Bridges. Our Duncan, OK practice is located just 30 minutes south of Rush Springs, and is accepting new patients! Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation.

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