About Dental Benefits
Here are six (6) myths and facts about dental benefits that every patient needs to know:
Myth #1:
Dental insurance is similar to medical insurance.
Fact #1:
Dental benefits can help pay for limited services such as preventive care and some single tooth or single quadrant dentistry within a calendar year but dental benefits are so limited that they pay for a very small percentage of the fees for multiple tooth dentistry and complex treatment plans. In fact, some dental procedures are not covered at all by dental benefits.
Myth #2:
I should ask my doctor to limit treatment to only those items covered by my dental benefits.
Fact #2:
Dentists have an ethical obligation to diagnose and share our findings with patients. We base treatment recommendations on the specific needs of the patient and not the limitations of the benefit coverage. While we fully respect the patient's right to make decisions regarding their oral health, we also want you to be totally informed.
Myth #3:
If the doctor is not on my plan I will not receive any benefits.
Fact #3:
It all depends on the plan. Even if your dentist does not work directly with a particular plan, we will submit the claim for you. We simply ask that you pay us at the time of service and it is possible - although not guaranteed - that you will receive some reimbursement from the insurance provider.
Myth #4:
Insurance companies are a good source of information regarding dental fees.
Fact #4:
Insurance providers base their "usual and customary" fees on averages. These companies have no incentive to keep these statistics up-to-date - because it would cost them more money - and our practice is not in the business of being "average". The fees you pay will reflect the quality of care that you receive.
Myth #5:
If there is a big difference between your fees and the amount the insurance provider will pay, then your fees must be too high.
Fact #5:
It might surprise you to know that insurance company maximums have barely increased over the past thirty (30) years! During that same period of time there have been numerous scientific advances in the field of dentistry - advances that have been incorporated into this practice for the direct benefit of our patients. This practice provides 21st century dentistry and we are certain that our patients would not like us to turn the clock back and offer what was available in the 1970s.
Myth #6:
I have 100% dental coverage.
Fact #6:
There is no such thing as full coverage. However, we will do everything possible to help you maximize your dental benefits. We will also work with you to offer several payment options - reference the Payment Options tab on this website for more information.
Maria G. Duque, D.D.S.
Two Brooksite Drive, Suite 110
Smithtown, NY 11787
(631) 979-3809