Insurance, Appointments and More

Our office policies and procedures were designed with you child’s best interest in mind. A positive dental experience for your child and the other children visiting the office that day is our primary goal. In addition, our policies were established to create an efficient and seamless process for you and your family during your visit to our office.

How are appointments scheduled?

The office attempts to schedule appointments at your convenience and when time is available. If your child has dental work they will be scheduled in the morning when they are well rested, and have less time to think about the appointment and get anxious. Dental appointments are an excused absence. Missing school can be kept to a minimum when regular dental care is continued. Our office will be happy to to provide your child with a school excuse.

Appointment Confirmations

For your convenience we have appointment reminders through text or email. All of your child’s dental appointment MUST BE confirmed by you by responding to our text or email or via phone call to keep your appointment. If you do not confirm your appointment prior to 72 hours of the dental appointment, the time reserved for your child will be released to another child in dental pain or emergency.

Do I stay with my child during the visit?

We ask that you allow your child to accompany our staff through the dental experience. We are all highly experienced in helping children overcome anxiety. Separation anxiety is not uncommon in children, so please try not to be concerned if your child exhibits some negative behavior. This is normal and will soon diminish, just like the first day of preschool or kindergarten. Studies and experience have shown that most children over the age of 3 react more positively when permitted to experience the dental visit on their own and in an environment designed for children. If you would like to remain with your child we ask that you are a silent observer so our dental team can establish rapport with your child to create a positive experience for your child.

Understanding your dental insurance

FACT #I - Dental insurance is a contract between you, your employer and the insurance company. Less money your employer has paid to purchase the plan for you, less will be the coverage.

FACT #2 - Dental insurance is NOT meant to cover all fees. It is meant to be an aid to your investment in your child’s dental healthcare. Many routine dental services like xrays to detect cavities early on, or Fluoride to prevent cavities are not covered by dental insurance on a regular basis.

FACT #3 - Many carriers claim that they reimburse the insured promptly "up to 80% or up to 100% of the total fees." In actuality, we have found that most plans cover about 40%-50% of average fees. Some plans pay more, some less. The less paid for the insurance by your employer, the less coverage you will receive.

FACT #4 - Usual, Customary or Reasonable Fees, UCR, a term used by your insurance carrier, is an arbitrary amount which the insurance company chooses to pay for each procedure. It is not based on the average charge of practicing specialist in the area; it is merely the "allowable" amount they will reimburse so they can make a net 20%-30% profit. Our fees are within range of other pediatric dental offices in the area.

FACT #5 - Insurance companies will not release the exact amount they will pay for a procedure until the treatment is completed and the claim is submitted. They will only state the percentage of their fee schedule that they will cover. We will make every effort to assure you receive maximum benefits. We will file your insurance at no charge. In order to provide this service, we will need your updated insurance information before each appointment. Please do not hesitate to ask questions about our financial policy. We want you to be comfortable in dealing with these matters. If you have any questions regarding your insurance, we ask that you contact your company regarding the specifics and details of your plan.

Click here to learn more about your dental insurance benefits.

What if your child needs treatment?

If you have dental insurance, we will verify your policy, however, insurance companies do not always release specific information regarding coverage. Please understand that all insurance policies are different and contain various provisions and limitations. We have absolutely no control over the reimbursement process or determination of eligibility. At your child's evaluation appointment, we will provide a written estimate of your out of pocket expense for services that exceed your estimated insurance coverage. We will outline your estimated portion due for each treatment appointment.

Payment plans and accepted methods of payment

We accept check, cash, visa, mastercard and Discover cards. We offer through a third party creditor called Care Credit, NO INTEREST payment plan for 6, 12, 18, 24 months if balance is paid in full or equal monthly payments with interest untill paid off. You can apply for online or over the phone, apply alone or with a co-signer. Fast easy way to afford the dental treatment for your child.