How fees work
What a visit costs depends on your plan, your treatment and the dentist's exam. Here is how we handle each part, and what you can ask us to put in writing.
Insurance we work with
We bill most PPO dental plans and file the claim for you. Whether we are in network depends on your plan, so we tell you before you book.
PPO and indemnity plans: we file the claim
DHMO plans: ask us, they work differently
Medicare and Medicare Advantage: ask us, dental coverage varies
Medicaid and CHIP: call us and we'll answer plainly
If you pay yourself
Without insurance you pay the fee for your visit, and we give you that fee before treatment starts. Financing is offered by third-party lenders. Approval and terms are set by the lender.
Receipts for reimbursement
If you pay us and your plan reimburses you, we give you an itemized statement of your visit to send to your plan. 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, the visits it takes and what it will cost.
Ask when you call, at scheduling or at your visit
In writing, before treatment starts
Checking your benefits
Before your first visit our front desk checks your plan's benefits and tells you what the plan says it covers. A plan's estimate is the plan's, so we show you both.
What the first visit includes
A new-patient visit takes about an hour: an exam, X-rays when the dentist decides you need them and a talk about what we found. An urgent visit lasts as long as the problem needs. Bring your photo ID, your insurance card and a list of your medicines.
The exam and the X-rays the dentist decides on
A written plan with your options
Time for your questions
An estimate is our written account of what will be billed. Your plan's final payment can differ, and we explain any difference before you pay.
Questions about paying
How do I get a written estimate?
Ask when you call or at your visit. After the exam the dentist lists the treatment, the visits it takes and what it will cost, and our front desk goes through your benefits with you.
Does an urgent visit cost more?
The fee depends on what we do, as at any visit. If you are paying without insurance, we give you the fee in writing before we start.
What if my plan pays less than the estimate?
A 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 with you.
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 need and how you plan to pay. We'll tell you what to expect before you book.