We choose not to process dental insurance claims. We are proud and pleased that our patients base their decisions on their dental health without regard to what their insurance company says they will or will not pay. The fact is that dental insurance acts as little more than a pre-payment system for dental work, but with the stipulation that the client follow all the rules and regulations set forth by the insurance provider.

To avoid misunderstandings and to help you make informed decisions, we would like to provide you with an explanation about dental benefits. The type of plan you or your employer has purchased for you determines the amount of coverage. Most insurance plans (if not all) have never increased the yearly limit of their coverage since the inception of dental insurance roughly 60 years ago. Premiums have increased, but benefits have not even kept pace with inflation.

Obviously, a yearly benefit of $1,000 in 1965 went a long way to providing for significant dental treatment. That same amount in today’s dollars is equivalent to not even $100.00. If insurance benefits had kept pace with inflation, you should have about $10,000 per year. Also keep in mind that your insurance plan is not designed to pay all charges, but simply provides some assistance to you.

It is also important that you understand how traditional dental fees are determined. Like every business, fees are determined by adding up the expenses incurred while providing a service or product.
In Dentistry the expenses of doing business are:

• Salaries and taxes : Receptionist, Staff to process Insurance Clams, Dental assistant, Dental Hygienist, Dentist
• Building - rent, water, electric, heat and air conditioning
• Dental Materials used in a service - filling material, cotton products, paper products, sterilization products, Dental Implants
• Office supplies
• Computers, Phones and maintenance
• Dental Laboratory fees to artfully create Dentures, Crowns, Bridges, veneers
• Dental Equipment - Equipment and tools needed to preform the dental services
• Include cost incurred when patients do not make it to their scheduled appointments
• Include costs of covering when patient does not pay their bill

All of our fees reflect the time that the doctor spends with each patient, as well as the overall quality of care and service that we provide. We strive for efficiency so we can maintain reasonable prices in return for the tremendous quality of dentistry that we offer.

You may wish to complain to your company’s benefit representative if your benefits are not what you expected. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have. Thank you for your cooperation and attention to this vital matter and feel free to call or email us with any questions you may have.