How fees work
What a visit costs depends on your plan and on what your child needs. Here is how we handle each part, and what you can ask us to put in writing.
Insurance we work with
We bill PPO dental plans and file the claim for you. Whether we are in network depends on your plan, so we tell you before your child's visit.
PPO and indemnity plans: we file the claim
DHMO plans: ask us, they work differently
Medicaid and CHIP: ask us, and we will answer yes or no for your plan
If you pay yourself
Without insurance you pay the fee for the visit, and we give you that fee in writing 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 the 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 any parent who asks. It lists the treatment, the visits it takes and what it will cost.
Ask when you book or at the visit
In writing, before treatment starts
Checking your benefits
Before the first visit our front desk checks your child's plan 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 first visit for a young child takes about half an hour: a look at teeth and gums, X-rays only if the dentist decides your child needs them, and time to talk. Bring your insurance card, a photo ID and a list of your child's medicines.
A look at teeth, gums and bite
A written plan if any treatment is needed
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 book or at the 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 plan with you.
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.
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 your child needs and how you plan to pay, and we'll tell you what to expect before you book.