The following information is offered to help patients understand how our office handles most dental insurance. We must caution, however, that dental insurance plans differ widely. For instance, some plans require that patients see particular dentists, much like medical HMOs. In order to avoid potential misunderstandings, patients should always familiarize themselves with their insurance coverage before beginning any dental treatment and stay up-to-date on any changes.

Categories of Dental Services

Preventative Services (such as Exams, X-Rays, Cleanings)

Because employers and insurers want to encourage routine dental maintenance to avoid more costly dental problems, many insurance plans cover these services at 100%. As a courtesy to our patients who have such coverage, we will submit claims for these services first to the insurance company. Generally, insurance companies sent statements to patients at the same time that they pay us. Although not bills, these statements do designate any portion of the bill which is the patient's responsibility. After we receive payment from the insurance company, we will bill the patient. Payment is expected upon receipt.

Restorative Services (such as fillings)

Most insurance plans apply a deductible to these services but pay a generous portion after the deductible is met (often 80%). Normally patients are seen first for Preventive Services and are reappointed for Restorative Services. We ask patients to pay their deductible at the time of treatment. After we receive payment from the insurance company, we will bill the patient for any additional unpaid portion designated as the patient's responsibility. Payment is expected upon receipt.

Major Services (such as Bridges, Partial of Full Dentures)

Most insurance companies pay less for these services (often 50%). and may apply restrictions to coverage. Patients are strongly advised to check their coverage, especially if they are not sure they could afford to pay for these services out-of-pocket. Because these services involve additional overhead for our office, such as in-house and out-of house laboratory work, patients are expected to pay their estimated share at the time of treatment.

Some services such as root canals and crowns, may fall into either Restorative or Major Service categories depending upon the dental plan.

Patients who wish to budget payments for their share will be pleased to know that we now accept credit cards. In order to keep our fees affordable for all our patients, we do not offer in-house financial plans. We suggest that patients may want to designate a particular credit card for medical and dental expenses.    

For Patients Without Dental Insurance

Payment is expected at time of treatment. If you are unsure if you can afford treatment, please ask about the cost ahead of time. Dr. Laws will be happy to give you a pretreatment estimate.

Patients who wish to budget the cost of treatment will be happy to know that we now accept major credit cards. We suggest patients may want to designate a specific credit card for medical and dental expenses. In order to keep our fees affordable for all our patients, we do not make in-house financial arrangements.