| Many dental patients sign on the dotted line | | | | bank that is willing to lend you the money. |
| when they begin treatment and later find out | | | | Care Credit is one such company that extends |
| that their dental insurance will not cover | | | | credit for those in need of medical or dental |
| the full cost or as much of the treatment as | | | | care whether they have insurance or not. |
| they expected. Most dental plans allow for a | | | | There are a variety of plans that can be |
| yearly limit of between $1000 and $2000. If | | | | looked into to find out which plans are best |
| the cost of the treatment you receive exceeds | | | | for your needs and your dentist's |
| the yearly limit that your plan allows, you | | | | requirements. |
| should know beforehand so that you can make | | | | |
| other arrangements. | | | | If your dental treatment is considered a |
| | | | medical necessity then you have the right to |
| When visiting the dentist, find out exactly | | | | appeal to the medical part of your insurance |
| how much it will cost. Sit down with the | | | | plan to pay for treatment above and beyond |
| office manager or the person in charge of | | | | what your dental insurance will cover. This |
| insurance and billing to find out what each | | | | will only work if your dental treatment is |
| procedure will cost. Before you sign for | | | | truly a medical necessity. |
| treatment to begin, check with your dental | | | | |
| insurance plan to see what costs are covered | | | | The Bottom Line |
| and how much they will pay for your entire | | | | |
| treatment plan. Once you agree to a treatment | | | | When going to the dentist and offered a |
| plan, and allow your dentist to complete | | | | treatment plan, be sure that you have the |
| treatment you are liable to pay no matter | | | | coverage before you start. If not, discuss |
| what your insurance does not cover. | | | | the treatment priorities. Sometimes certain |
| | | | procedures can wait for the next insurance |
| Payment Options | | | | coverage period. If you are in no pain or if |
| | | | delayed treatment will not cause further |
| There are some dentists that will agree to a | | | | treatment to be needed, you can often wait |
| payment plan that will allow you to pay off | | | | until your next year's limit comes around. |
| your dental bill in installments. If in your | | | | Though no dentist will advise you to wait, |
| case your treatment exceeds the yearly limit | | | | you are the only one who knows what your |
| and treatment is necessary to keep your teeth | | | | entire situation is and what you can |
| in good shape, sit down with the dental team | | | | reasonably afford. The dentist will have your |
| that handles payments and come up with a plan | | | | oral health in mind so don't be afraid to sit |
| that will enable you to pay off your bill at | | | | down with him or her and the staff. Your |
| a monthly price that is acceptable both to | | | | dentist has your best interests at heart and |
| you and the dentist. There are also third | | | | will work with you in any way they can in |
| party credit solutions available that are | | | | order for you to get the proper treatment you |
| specifically geared to help people with | | | | need and to make sure that your insurance |
| dental costs. Your dentist can often help you | | | | benefits are maximized. |
| find these. You can also go online to find a | | | | |