Many patients experience both confusion and frustration when it comes to understanding and using their dental insurance benefits, especially if extensive dental care is needed to restore their smile. While dental insurance can provide a foundation for budgeting for oral health care expenses, covered procedures can vary widely, and the reimbursement we receive is often below our actual cost.
There are various types of dental insurance policies on the market today, but when choosing the right way to budget for your dental health care, it is important to consider several key factors that can affect your overall cost:
- Group plans: a group plan, typically offered by your employer, is often the best value for your money. These plans are priced on the assumption that almost half of the participants will not use their benefits, which can translate into very competitive premium pricing and reasonable benefit coverage.
- Individual plans: In most cases, a plan purchased for you and/or your family on the open market will end up being more costly in the long run than simply “paying as you go” for your dental care. These plans have high premiums and restrictive limitations on how we treat you to ensure you receive your reimbursement.
- Office savings plans: If offered by your dentist, an office savings plan can be a great option for managing your dental health care costs while receiving the best possible care with quality materials and techniques.
Dr. Freano accepts your dental insurance as an out-of-network provider. What does this mean for you as a patient?
This means that Dr. Freano and his staff can make decisions for your dental health care that are in your best interest and support lasting oral health:
“As long as you choose to come to my practice, I will do for you as I would for myself or my closest friends and family. I have a healthy mouth, free of disease that functions properly as designed and looks very good too. All my family and employees have the same level of care. It is what we chose for ourselves and I will do my best to help you get there too.” Dr. Doyle Freano
One of the most important things you can do to maintain a healthy and functional smile is to come in twice a year for a routine dental exam and professional cleaning. These preventive care visits are vital for preventing tooth decay, gum disease, and the development of complex problems down the road. Addressing a dental concern in its early stages is always less costly and less invasive than trying to restore tooth damage or loss when it is left untreated.
Your oral health can affect your daily quality of life as well as your overall health. Dr. Freano is dedicated to helping you enjoy both a comfortable, functional smile and the best possible quality of life through conservative, comprehensive dental care.