Diaries of a Dentist

Understanding your real dental needs?

Has this happened to you?

True all too often! 

Every patient deserves a complete and thorough understanding of their dental needs.  However, many patients have not seen a dentist in many years due to many circumstances, one of which being severe anxiety!  As a result of a patient’s anxiety, many dentists are apprehensive about thoroughly diagnosing all of the patient’s problems.  They don’t want to scare them and they want the patient to “like” them.  They usually do not offer sedation dentistry. 

“I went to my old dentist of many years, on a regular basis.  He apparently was not diagnosing all of the work that really needed to be done.  There were a few more problems than I thought.  When I started having problems I made an appointment for a second opinion.  It turned out that I actually had a great deal of work to be done!  I needed a root canal, a crown and several fillings.  

This patient was anxious and nervous about the number of appointments she thought she would need to get all of her work done.  Dr. Bridger suggested conscience sedation. 

“I was worried about going under at first! However, you are not completely under, more dreamlike.  They were very good at preparing me for the sedation dentistry and explained how it works.  I was carefully monitored during the entire procedure.”  “I was really pleased with the amount of dental work I was able to have done in just one appointment.  The staff was very kind and gentle.  It was such a relaxing way to get my dental work done.  I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is fearful or needs a lot of work!” 

Every patient deserves to know their true needs and all of their options, whether they are prepared to treat them or not. Obviously, not everyone can proceed as quickly as they would like to so, with our patient’s input, we can also “prioritize” and “phase” treatment.  Sedation Dentistry is only a zzzzzzzzzzzz away! 

 

Dental Insurance-What is it really worth?

Unfortunately most people do not have a good understanding of their dental insurance plan.  Dental insurance is not at all similar to your medical insurance.  Unfortunately, your dental insurance in not going to be your “savior”, should you have a lot of dental needs.  Most of people have dental plans today but unfortunately they are not aware of the limitations.  

Dental Insurance is not really “insurance” at all.  Insurance is defined as a third party taking the risk of a catastrophic loss.  Most dental plans have an annual maximum of $1500.00, and I think we can all agree that there is nothing “catastrophic” about $1500.00.  

Let’s call it what is really is, a “maintenance” plan.  Dental plans help us keep our mouths in good health, from a preventative stand point, but if something serious should happen, your dental plan has significant financial limitations.  

So what can you do?  Today dentistry offers many third party financing options.  Care Credit is one of the more popular and well known.  Plans like Care Credit allow you to spread your payments out over an extended period of time.  In some cases, patients can make payments up to 12 months at no interest!  It is a wonderful plan that takes away a lot of the stress of having dental work done.  

Careful planning of your dental treatment “order” is another way to maximize the dental coverage that you do have.  Often times you can prioritize your treatment, doing the most critical teeth first, and putting off the less damaged teeth to the next year which allows you to use two years worth of dental benefits.  

One point that should be made is that patient’s reliance on their dental “insurance” has compromised appropriate care for many people.  Often times, dental “insurance” clouds the treatment planning process, and makes it more difficult for the dentists to do the best for their patients.  

Dental Insurance - what is the value?

How much do you really know about your dental insurance?  Let’s take a look at the realities.  There are two ways to get dental insurance coverage, from your employer or by purchasing an individual policy.  The majority of dental policies are provided by employers. Large companies get tax deductions and can attract a well trained work force with such packages.  However, did you know that most of the plan’s “coverage” table is actually negotiated between the employer and the insurance company?  This is one reason a lot of procedures that you might assume covered procedures, are not.  The “usual and customary”, or UCR amounts are negotiated  as well. 

Many plans tell their insured’s that they will be covered 100%, 80%, and 50% but do not clearly specify the plan’s “fee schedule” allowances, limitations and exclusions. 

Another situation is the purchase of the “individual” dental insurance, directly from the insurance companies.  Unfortunately, most of those plans are in the form of “referral” plans that totally dictates which dentist you must see.  Most of these plans are not actually insurance, but a “reduced fee” program that very few experienced dentists are willing to participate in. 

Regardless of the source of your insurance, keep in mind these insurance companies are in business to make a profit. They could lose money if they fully paid for all of the yearly cleanings and check ups as well dental work that may be needed. That is one reason most policies have a yearly maximum that will only pay a range from $1000.00 to $2000.00 per year!  Hence, most dental insurance plans are criticized for being insufficient should you need more that a few fillings. Dental Insurance is very different from Medical insurance. 

Then there is the “In Network” and “Out of Network” question.  The reality is if you go to an “In Network” dentist you are restricted to who can care for you as you have to choose a dentist on their “list”.  The true approximate savings is only around 10%.  Also the “In Network” plan still has the same yearly maximum limitation.  

The good news is, almost all dental plans cover basic dental costs that are meant to prevent dental problems.  This is important as it helps encourage patients to seek regular dental care, which can prevent later problems.  Dental insurance is also helpful for those patients with small to medium dental needs, or people who can spread their treatment out over several years.  Dental insurance is not meant to be a pay-all, but only a