When a new patient calls the Timberhill Dental office for the first time, they usually ask us a few questions:
- What is the process for becoming a new patient?
- When can I come in for my first appointment?
- Do you accept my insurance?
In today’s post, we’re going to talk about dental insurance. It’s more complicated than most people realize. By the time you finish reading this post, we hope you’ll have a better understanding of what dental insurance is, what dental insurance is not, and how Timberhill Dental provides the best dental investment in Corvallis and surrounding areas.
Let’s get started.
Myth #1: Dental insurance is the same as health insurance
Your dental benefit plan is likely very different from your health insurance plan, especially when it comes to:
- Premiums
- Deductibles
- In and out of network coverage
- Co-pays
- Covered treatments
Your dental benefit plan may have different limitations on what is covered and what is not. This is unfortunate because your oral health is directly linked to your whole body health. At Timberhill Dental we know that dental health is health and that insurance companies are doing our patients a disservice by treating them as separate.
FACT: We’ll help you to best utilize your dental benefit allowance.
No matter what dental benefit plan you have, our dentists and staff will work with you to help you achieve great dental health.
Myth #2: You should put off procedures to save on out-of-pocket costs.
Because of how many dental benefit plans are set up, with benefits that “reset” every year, it can be tempting to put off care to maximize the amount of treatment you receive. In our experience, this hardly ever works out in your favor.
FACT: Delaying treatment leads to more costly health issues down the road.
When you put off getting a cavity filled or a crown replaced, there’s increased risk of infection or further (and more expensive) damage to your teeth. For example, an untreated cracked tooth can lead to the tooth breaking which can result in a more costly root canal and crown. Don’t gamble with your health.
Myth #3: A dentist is a dentist. You should shop around to find the lowest out-of-pocket cost.
It’s understandable to be price-conscious. You should consider your options (that’s why Dr. Black and Dr. Means are happy to offer second opinions) but focusing on the dollar cost of a treatment will lead you to overlook:
- Cosmetics – Will the result look beautiful?
- Function & Longevity – Will a treatment last and allow you to chew and speak naturally?
- Comfort – How long will treatment take? Will you be anxious, nervous, or spend time recovering from a painful procedure?
FACT: It is imperative to look beyond the bottom line and consider your dental health to be an important investment.
At Timberhill Dental, we’ve invested in every aspect of your care. We offer spa-like amenities that help you relax and feel at ease throughout your appointment. Our high-tech treatments produce better, longer lasting, and more cosmetically beautiful results than less-advanced options.
For example, our natural, tooth-colored fillings look great, last longer than silver fillings, are healthier for your body, and preserve more of your natural tooth structure. They are a long-term investment in your health.
When it comes to your health, why would you want to settle for anything less than the very best?
Myth #4: Your dental benefit dictates the care you receive.
When it comes to medical insurance, everyone has heard horror stories. Doctors don’t want to do procedures they won’t get paid for. Insurance companies will do whatever they can to keep a patient from getting treatment.
This is NOT how we approach your care at Timberhill Dental.
FACT: Dr. Black and Dr. Means NEVER allow your dental benefit plan to restrict or limit the care they provide.
If you need a procedure, you can have it done at Timberhill Dental. We’ll work with you to best utilize your insurance allowance and discuss payment plans, financing, and other options to help get the treatment you need. Think of your dental benefit a tool that helps to pay for your treatment, not something you rely on when making decisions for your health.
You will be empowered to make the best decisions for your dental health.
Myth #5: Dental benefit allowance is for emergencies only.
Unlike catastrophic health insurance plans designed to provide coverage for unforeseen emergencies, most dental insurance is not designed for emergency care. Depending on your plan, your coverage for restorative procedures is probably more limited than you think
FACT: Regular, preventive care is the best dental insurance there is.
Most dental insurance plans emphasize cleanings, exams, x-rays, and preventive care – and with good reason! When you visit the dentist regularly, decay, gum disease, and other issues can be caught sooner rather than later. Early detection leads to less-invasive and more flexible treatment options. Invest in preventive care and you’ll reap the benefits of a healthy mouth for life.
Myth #6: Many dentists don’t accept insurance.
We’ve seen news articles about doctors and dentists who don’t accept insurance. In general, these articles focus on the complaints practitioners have about insurance: it’s frustrating and complex for them to deal with. Just imagine how their patients must feel!
FACT: Timberhill Dental welcomes most dental benefit plans.
We know how important dental benefit coverage is to our patients. It’s our duty to help insured patients best utilize their benefit allowance. We frequently treat patients with plans from:
- Providence
- Cigna
- Delta Dental
- MetLife
- Moda
- And many others!
Our front office staff will help you understand your coverage, explain your benefits, and provide you with an estimated out-of-pocket cost for your care.
We will help you to best utilize your dental benefit allowance and maximize your dental health.
Myth #7: If you don’t have a dental benefit allowance, you can’t go to the dentist.
Dental insurance is a luxury and it’s one that not everyone has. But that doesn’t mean you can’t go to the dentist! Nothing could be further from the truth. In reality, your visit to the dentist will actually save you money in the long run. Putting off care only leads to higher costs down the road.
There are likely many payment options available to help you. You can get the dental care you need. Don’t put off going to the dentist because you don’t have a dental benefit plan.
FACT: We help all patients get the dental care they need – whether they have a dental benefit plan or not!
If you don’t have dental insurance, you should learn about our dental loyalty program. It’s a great option that provides many of the same benefits of dental benefit plans, especially for preventive care. You’ll also save money on restorative treatments, too. Best of all it comes at a flat monthly cost and is available to patients of all ages.
Ask about it at your next visit!
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