If your dental insurance company can provide coverage for your dental work, you can give your dental insurance card to your dentist's receptionist when it is time to pay for your appointment. The receptionist will then use your dental insurance number to charge your insurance company for the dental work.
Full Answer
Can I pay my dentist with dental insurance?
This article has been viewed 122,301 times. Regular dental appointments are essential for your overall health, as well as your budget. Having your teeth checked and cleaned on a regular basis will help you avoid costly and painful procedures in the future. If you have dental insurance, then you may be able to pay your dentist via your insurance.
How can I pay for my dental work?
Consider financing with a healthcare credit card. Another option is to apply for a healthcare credit card to pay for your dental work. Just make sure that the dentist you are planning to go to will accept this payment option.
Can you pay for a dental treatment in installments?
Dental payment plans Many dental clinics offer their patients the option to pay for their treatment in installments with a payment plan. This type of dental financing involves paying a certain amount up-front and then splitting the remainder into smaller monthly installments.
How does dental insurance work in the US?
Dental insurance is one of the most common dental financing options in the US and can help with the cost of dental work by giving you a way to pay your expenses (or at least a portion of them) in predictable monthly payments.
How do I find a dentist that is affordable?
If finances are your main concern and you have a dental benefit plan, you may want to contact your insurance company for a list of their in-network...
I found a dentist I like, but I only have half of what I need to cover the down payment for my denta...
First, discuss your concerns with your dental office. They may work with you by offering other payment options. If they have no other options and y...
Do I have to pay my full balance to the dentist?
It depends on the dentist. You should find out from your dentist before having any work done what the payment requirements are and if they offer an...
What credit score is needed for Care Credit?
According to Care Credit, you normally need a credit score of 623 or higher to be approved. When financing dental work with credit isn't a possibil...
How can I get dental implants with bad credit?
You can still get dental implants with bad credit. First you should look into your options for dental insurance, or find out if Medicaid in your st...
What is the best way to finance dental work?
You have options, but the best way for you to finance dental work depends on your financial resources, your credit score, and your insurance eligib...
What is dental payment plan?
Dental payment plans. Many dental clinics offer their patients the option to pay for their treatment in installments with a payment plan. This type of dental financing involves paying a certain amount up-front and then splitting the remainder into smaller monthly installments.
What is the best way to finance dental work?
A dental loan or credit card. A credit card is one way to finance your dental work. One of the dental financing options you may want to consider is a loan or credit card. You apply for these just as you would with any other big purchase, like a car or a new kitchen. You'll need to research different lenders to find a loan or credit card ...
How do dental loans work?
With a dental loan, you borrow the money from a lender and use it to pay your dentist in full. You might get a small discount for paying in cash up-front; it's worth asking. Interest rates on loans vary considerably depending on the amount you borrow, for how long and what your credit rating is like.
What is cosmetic dentistry grant?
Cosmetic Dentistry Grants is a program created by the Oral Aesthetic Advocacy Group that can help fund implants and possibly lead to free dentures. There is some question as to whether this dental finance company is a legitimate financing option, or is just a marketing scheme.
How to contact dental insurance marketplace?
And if you need guidance, you can call their friendly, licensed customer service agents at 888-626-0057. Compare dental insurance now.
How much does it cost to get a dental implant?
By far the most expensive type of routine dental work is implants. With a price tag anywhere between $1,500 and $6,000 for a single implant in the US, and some clinics charging much more, it's not surprising that many people need to explore dental implant finance options.
How much does veneer cost?
Veneers can cost anywhere from $250 to $2,500 each, depending on the type, with porcelain veneers being the most expensive.
How much does dental insurance cost?
Coverage is limited, usually to around $1000-$2000 per year.
What is discount dental insurance?
Dental discount plans are also known as “referral plans”. You pay 100% of the rates negotiated by the dental plan company directly to your dentist – these discounted fees are about 10% to 60% lower than what a dentist normally charges, depending on the procedure and materials in question.
What is Care Credit?
Care Credit specializes in loans for medical/dental care. If you can repay the entire cost of your treatment within a year, you do not have to pay any interest. Care Credit are very selective in who they give loans to, and you will need a good credit rating to be approved.
What is a PPO plan?
These are plans under which patients select a dentist from a list of providers who have agreed, by contract, to discount their fees. In PPOs that allow you to choose a non-participating dentist, you will likely pay higher deductibles and/or co-pays. If you are an established patient with a dentist who is not on the list of preferred preferred providers for your plan, it’s worth talking with the dental office to see if they would be willing to honor the contracted rates for you.
What is a dental HMO?
DHMO stands for Dental Health Maintenance Organization which is like an HMO, but for dental care. It is also sometimes referred to as a DMO or Dental HMO. With DHMO plans, contracted dentists are paid a fixed amount (usually on a monthly basis) per enrolled family or individual. The dentists, in turn, provide some types of treatment to the patient at no charge, while for other treatments, a co-payment is required.
Does the Bureau of Primary Health Care provide dental care?
The Bureau of Primary Health Care, part of the Health Resources and Services Administration, has federally funded community health centers that provide dental care.
What to do when you don't have dental insurance?
1. Exams for services that are covered by medical insurance. Be specific. And make sure about the procedure’s necessity.
What is the end result of staying within the boundaries of dental insurance?
The end result is helping assure that your patients have access to dental care.
What is required claim form?
Required claim forms provide some primary guidance when submitting a claim to a health insurance company. The explanation of benefits (EOB) your patient receives should outline coverage details. This information helps determine the procedure’s medical necessity prior to coverage approval.
What medical issues can be filed under insurance?
Oral health problems that are triggered by other general health deficiencies could be filed under your patient’s medical insurance. 17. Emergency trauma procedures. Trauma that requires immediate medical attention and that involves the mouth or head would be an acceptable medical coverage issue.
Can dental insurance cover cross-coding?
All in all your patient’s medical plan will in many cases augment their dental benefits. Keep in mind that dental insurance is more easily positioned to cover preventative treatment.
Can dental insurance cover dental implants?
Your patient’s oral health cannot be placed at risk by dental insurance companies and their denial of coverage for dental implants. In some instances, replacing a tooth root falls under what is allowable by a patient’s medical plan.
Is dental insurance specific?
Dental plans are equally specific about the dental procedures it will specifically cover. Knowing the overlap points between health insurance and the details of a dental claim are key. Reimbursement success will often come down to the insurance company, dates of service, and the dental care you’re requesting payment for.
What is the dental office's ducks in a row?
Mucositis and stomatitis (from chemotherapy and other treatments). With all the opportunity there is to help patients who have medical-related symptoms, infection, obstructive sleep apnea, TMJ disorder, or oral surgeries, it’s essential for the dental office to have their ducks in a row to maximize medical insurance.
Why is it important to have ducks in a row in dental office?
With all the opportunity there is to help patients who have medical-related symptoms, infection, obstructive sleep apnea, TMJ disorder, or oral surgeries, it’s essential for the dental office to have their ducks in a row to maximize medical insurance.
Do dental offices bill for dental implants?
According to many dental policies, the dental office must bill surgical procedures, first, to medical, before billing the dental insurance. So we know that sleep apnea appliances and oral surgeries such as dental implants and jawbone grafts are often considered medically necessary.
Does insurance cover bruxism?
Reimbursement by medical insurance for bruxism (Botox!) and frenectomies for an infant with a tongue tie condition that interferes with the ability to eat is increasing for medical plans. Although medical insurance reimburses more than ever before, policies do vary based on individual plans. The good news is that medical insurance plans do publish ...
Does dental insurance cover sleep apnea?
Medical insurance often reimburses for procedures that dentists perform on a daily basis when the services are considered medically necessary. Some procedures should always be billed to medical insurance, such as sleep apnea appliances and all visits related to Dental Sleep Medicine (DSM) such as exams and radiographs.
Does insurance pay for gum grafting?
Infections in the gum correlate with heart problems and diabetes. Therefore, medical insurance may sometimes pay for the periodontal examination and treatment if the patient is undergoing a different surgical procedure included in the plan. Gum grafting is a painful surgical procedure for advanced periodontitis.
Does insurance cover jaw surgery?
Jaw Surgery. Your medical insurance might cover corrective (Orthognathic) jaw surgery when medically necessary; the operative procedure treats an illness, injury, condition, disease, or its symptoms. Oral surgeons can perform operations on your jaw for many different reasons, and some fit the coverage criteria exactly, not at all, ...
Does insurance cover orthodontic braces?
Orthodontic Braces. Your health insurance might pay for medically necessary orthodontia when the braces prevent, diagnose, or treats an injury, disease, or symptoms. The definition for included braces can vary based on the age of the individual requiring treatment and the procedure step.
Does health insurance cover dental procedures?
Health insurance will cover specific dental procedures when medically necessary, which is always a judgment call made by the claims adjuster. The definition may include dental care arising from non-biting accidents, certain diseases, and treatments deemed integral to other services included in the plan.
Does insurance pay for dental implants?
Tooth Implants. Your health insurance might pay for medically necessary dental implants, which are appropriate to evaluating and treating a disease, condition, illness, or injury and is consistent with the applicable standard of care.
Does insurance cover wisdom teeth?
Wisdom Teeth. Your health insurance should cover the cost of impacted wisdom tooth removal because the procedure is often medically necessary. Third molars can cause pain, infection and lead to the development of cysts.
Does insurance pay for torus removal?
Your health insurance is unlikely to pay for Tori remo val (torus palatinus or torus mandibularis) because the excision of excess bone on your upper or lower jaw is rarely medically necessary. You may have to pay your oral surgeon out-of-pocket or bill your dental plan – if you have one.
Typical Costs of Cosmetic Dentistry
Because they require considerable expertise and precision combined with state-of-the-art tools and laboratory assistance, cosmetic dentistry procedures can be costly. Here are just a few examples.
Cosmetic vs Non-Cosmetic Procedures
When it comes to comparing cosmetic vs. non-cosmetic dental procedures, it basically boils down to “want vs. need.”
How to Pay for Cosmetic Dentistry
If you’re interested in a cosmetic dental procedure, you might not have to pay the full cost of the treatment up front. You may qualify for one or more types of cosmetic dentistry financing, and (depending on your eligibility) you may even be able to obtain the treatment for free.
Do You Need Help Deciding How to Pay for Cosmetic Dentistry?
If you’re not sure which cosmetic dentistry financing option is best for you, speak to your dentist. If you happen to be in the Los Angeles area, we invite you to schedule a consultation at our Beverly Hills dental spa.
How to get dental care without insurance?
There are a few ways that you can find affordable dental care without insurance, or pay for dental work with little or no money. Here are a few options that you can consider. 1. Find a Free or Low-Cost Dental Provider. There are some dental practices that provide services to low-income and uninsured individuals, ...
How many people don't have dental insurance?
If you don’t have dental insurance, you’re not alone. Over 100 million US citizens don’t have dental coverage. With the median household salary in the United States at $68,703 per year in 2019, that leaves little room to pay for dental work out of pocket.
Why do you need a carefree dental card?
Just because money’s tight doesn’t mean that you should abandon your dental care. Skipping regular checkups and necessary procedures will lead to much more pain and hardship down the road. The Carefree Dental Card can give you significant savings from your dental bills.
What is the National Institute of Dental and Cranial Research?
The National Institute of Dental and Cranial Research maintains a database of active clinical trials. 6. Use Government Resources. There are government organizations that provide assistance with medical expenses for low-income and uninsured people.
Do dentists give discounts?
Many dentists will offer a discount for people who pay upfront for their services. By saving up enough for the dental service you need, you can end up paying less overall.
Can you afford a dental clinic with a sliding scale?
If you can’t afford a dentist with a sliding scale, ...
Can you pay less for dental insurance?
You can pay less for dental care as soon as you activate your membership. Another advantage of dental discount plans is that you aren’t limited by a minimum or a cap. This means that if you need serious dental work and several expensive procedures, you save a lot more money.
