As your dentist in Amberley, Dr. Vacek knows how important dental insurance is for helping you and your loved ones fit important dental services into the budget. Whether it’s a six-month checkup and cleaning, a filling, or any other preventive or restorative service, dental insurance provides great help — as long as you visit a dentist who accepts your plan. That’s why we work with patients to make sure you get the most out of your investment in dental insurance.
Our Guide to Dental Insurance
We also know it’s not always easy to keep track of what’s what with dental insurance, especially considering that policies and procedures can vary from one dental practice to the next. We are in-network with Delta Dental and Blue Cross Blue Shield, but we will file and follow-up on all PPO insurance claims to ensure you get the full reimbursement you are owed.
In-Network vs. Out-of-Network
Unlike with your medical insurance, you are not penalized for visiting an out-of-network provider. Most dental insurance plans are PPO (preferred provider organizations), which offer greater flexibility in choosing who you visit. When you visit our office with Dental Dental or Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance, no money exchanges hands for a service that is completely covered. Patients who have another insurance plan can still receive full coverage simply paying upfront and receiving a reimbursement later on.
What Dental Insurance Covers
Most dental insurance plans work like this:
- Preventive services are 100% covered, including checkups and cleanings, an annual set of X-rays, fluoride treatments, and often dental sealants for children.
- Basic restorative services are 80% covered, including tooth-colored fillings, simple extractions, gum disease treatment, and others.
- More complex restorative services are 50% covered, including crowns and bridges, root canal, and other surgical treatments.
We will perform a verification of benefits to confirm just what you are eligible for with your plan.
Important Vocabulary
Some important words to know when dealing with dental insurance include:
- Premium: The amount of money you or your employer pay monthly in exchange for dental services.
- Deductible: The amount you must reach before your dental insurance coverage will kick in.
- Annual maximum: How much your dental insurance will pay for care on an annual basis.
- Out-of-pocket expense: The portion that is not covered by dental insurance.
- Least expensive treatment option (LEAT): A feature of some insurance policies that limits coverage to the most basic effective treatment available.
Making the Most Out of Dental Insurance
The best way to take full advantage of your dental insurance is by visiting a dental office that will work hand-in-hand to help you stretch your benefits every year. When you trust Amberley Dental with your smile, you can feel confident knowing you have true dental insurance experts on your side!
About Amberley Dental
Dr. Timothy Vacek and the team at Amberley Dental offer comprehensive dental care for the entire family. From basic checkups and cleanings to complex restorative treatments, they do it all. You are invited to contact the office to learn more or to schedule an appointment by calling (402) 786-2007.