DENTAL Dentistry: Ask The Expert
Shopping Alternatives FOR
I
I N S U R A N C E
by Dr. Matt Artho, Owner of Country Lakes Family Dental
f laughter is the best medicine, it seems insurance would only cover a giggle. Insurance appears to have shifted from its original purpose of helping with unexpected events to only covering preventative care and denying larger treatment cases. For dental insurance, many have witnessed an increase in premiums and copays but no change in coverage. In reality, most dental insurance plans are nothing more than a discount plan with a maximum amount and varying coverage. The bottom line is insurance has become an obstacle to how patients choose their providers and determine their treatment.
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standard fees. •
month – similar to insurance plans. Here are
some advantages to these in-office plans: • Though dental offices can file insurance
regardless of network status, in-office
plans do not vary in benefits as many insurances do — even within the same company.
• For self-employed patients, in-office
plans offer benefits at a lower cost than
self-coverage.
your dentist determines the treatment Unlike varied fees and costs under insurance plans, in-office benefits allow for a true fair market value.
care and affordability, many offices offer in-house plans
services than insurance and are often paid every
Benefits are never denied because you need.
As dentists continue to find ways to improve patient
plans typically provide the same, if not better,
amount of coverage since most office plans simply discount their
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that help to combat dental insurance. These
There is typically no maximum
•
Restrictions on treatment types and
fees required of insurance contracts are no longer a factor.
It is no wonder that in-office discount
plans are becoming popular alternatives to obsolete insurance protocols. Until
real insurance reform occurs, dental care offices will continue to make care more accessible and affordable through office plans.
Call your dental office today to inquire about their discount plans. Happy smiling!
Dr. Matt is the dentist and owner of Country Lakes Family Dental in Bartonville, TX, and a nine-time winner of Best of Denton County CountryLakesDental.com. 940.455.7645 | COUNTRYLAKESDENTAL.COM | 74 MCMAKIN RD., STE. 200 • BARTONVILLE, TX 76226
22 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | NOVEMBER 2021
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