Dental insurance costs are not a cheap investment for either the patient or the practice. However, the lifetime value of a dental patient is typically quite high.
Our dental cost calculator gives members transparency about their out-of-pocket costs, allowing them to compare the cost of in-network dentists and understand how deductibles, copays, and benefit caps work.
Estimate Your Out-of-Pocket Costs
Whether or not they have dental insurance, many people struggle to understand how much dental care costs. That’s because a number of factors can impact the cost of procedures, including where they are going to go for treatment and whether they are seeing a dentist that is part of their plan’s network. Additionally, most dental plans have annual maximums that, when reached, stop paying for treatment.
That means that once a person’s out-of-pocket costs reach that limit, they will be responsible for the rest of their bill, even though they might still need to see a dentist. As a result, some people avoid seeking needed treatment out of fear of the financial consequences. While going without any dental work at all is certainly possible, it is not recommended for most adults, and it can cause more serious health problems in the long run.
To help patients budget for dental visits, Delta Dental offers an online tool called the Cost Estimator. It provides a range of estimated fees for a specific procedure based on the zip code and dental care provider selected. The estimator also takes into account the patient’s current dental coverage, and it provides a low-to-high estimate for both participating and non-participating dentists. In addition, the estimator displays what the Delta Dental PPO and Premier plans cover, and it shows how much the member will pay for out-of-network visits.
Find a Dentist in Your Area
A dental cost calculator is a tool that makes it easy for patients to see what they will pay for a specific procedure. Having this knowledge can help consumers make better decisions about their care. It also builds trust between the patient and dental practice when the dentist is transparent about costs. This type of communication helps avoid costly errors that can result from miscalculations by front office staff and software programs.
To find a dentist that fits your needs, start by asking friends and family members for recommendations. Chances are, they will know a good dentist in your area. You can also ask your healthcare provider or a pharmacist for advice. These professionals may be able to recommend a dentist who is skilled in their specialty.
Once you have a short list of candidates, check out their credentials. Most importantly, make sure they are board certified and have a state license to practice dentistry. You can check this information by visiting the American Board of Dental Specialties website.
Many states offer free or low-cost health insurance for children through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). These programs can cover dental services for eligible families. Using in-network dentists can save you money on deductibles, copays or coinsurance. Make sure to search for a dentist that accepts your health insurance and has convenient hours for you.
Comparison Shop
When you’re looking for a dentist to get a specific procedure done, it’s important to shop around. Not only will this help you find the best price, but it will also give you a good sense of whether the dental provider is charging too much for the treatment. The most accurate way to compare prices is to use an online dental cost calculator. You can enter a particular treatment type and zip code to get a list of typical prices for that procedure in your area.
One of the biggest challenges when shopping for a dental service is that different dentists have different fee schedules. This means that even within an immediate region, fees can vary by a significant amount. Moreover, unlike many health care providers who have a standardized fee schedule, dental offices have few mechanisms to control their costs and are subject to market forces.
Professional dental organizations also conduct dental cost surveys that can provide you with valid comparative data on the pricing for a given procedure in your area. You can check these databases for pricing information before requesting quotes from dentists, and you can also use this data to negotiate lower fees for your treatment.
Dental expenses are a significant expense for most people. However, with a little careful shopping and planning, you can save a lot of money by choosing the right dental provider for your needs.
Take Good Care of Your Teeth
Dental health is important for more than just a beautiful smile. It’s also linked to other systemic health issues and can even affect an individual’s life expectancy. Dental insurance offers protection against the high costs of dental care. But it’s critical to understand the cost of each plan, including the premium, deductible, copayments and annual maximums before selecting one.
Most medical plans don’t include dental coverage, but those that do often have different pricing based on metal levels. Higher-priced “precious” metal plans typically offer lower deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. Choosing the right one can save an employee hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year.
The Cost Estimator tool, which is available for Delta Dental members, can help people find the best value. By entering the ZIP code and selecting a procedure, they can see the estimated cost of a visit at both participating and non-participating dentists. The tool also subtracts the in-network savings and their insurance plan’s deductible to reveal the total out-of-pocket cost.
Being clear with patients about the basics of their insurance can build trust and make them feel confident in your ability to properly calculate costs. This is key to building loyalty and avoiding frustration when it comes time to file claims. Check out Dental ClaimSupport’s educational platform, Dental Claims Academy, to learn more about the complexities of dental insurance and how to properly communicate with your patients.