Did you know your smile relies on more than just brushing and flossing at home to stay healthy? The American Dental Association recommends you visit your dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. Unfortunately, you’re among the one-third of Americans who didn’t see their dentist last year. There are many reasons you might delay your appointments, like the fear of a large bill because you’re out-of-network. Now, you have more options than ever to enjoy cost-effective services, even if you’re out-of-network. Besides a traditional PPO plan, you can also choose “fee-for-service dentistry.” How do benefits work for a fee-for-service dental practice? Here’s what you need to know to maintain a healthy smile for affordable rates.
PPO VS Fee-for-Service Dentistry
A dental PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) provides individuals and families with a network of specialists, which you have access to by paying a monthly premium for a specific plan. Although every plan differs, most cover preventive services 100% and 50% to 80% of restorative treatments until an annual limit is reached. By visiting a dentist participating with their PPO, patients can enjoy lower fees for the services they need.
Fee-for-service dentistry differs from a PPO plan because it’s not based on a fixed fee delivery system. It allows patients to get the high-quality treatment they need in exchange for a price determined by the materials, time, skills, and care of a dentist. Often, you’re required to pay for the services and treatments at the time of your visit; whereas, a PPO plan typically reimburses the dentist later.
In some cases, you can use fee-for-service along with a PPO depending on the dentist’s specific office policies. There are a couple of different ways this can be done. In one instance, you can pay for the treatments upfront and then seek reimbursement through your insurance plan’s coverage. Another option is to pay the copayment and any remaining balance not covered by your insurance after a claim has been processed.
Benefits of Fee-for-Service Dentistry
The biggest advantage of fee-for-service dentistry is benefiting from affordable dental care. You have the freedom to seek high-quality services at a competitive rate, so you aren’t limited to only seeing a dentist who is in your network. Not only does this give you more options, but it also gives your dentist a wider range of freedom when choosing procedures and methodologies because they don’t need to stick with what’s covered under your insurance plan.
Enjoy Affordable Dental Services
Now, you have more options than ever to achieve a healthy smile without breaking the bank. Whether used alone or with your dental insurance, fee-for-service dentistry can provide the affordable solutions you need to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
About Dallas Esthetics
Dallas Esthetics provides high-quality, personalized care thanks to a team of qualified and experienced dentists. For over 40 years, our office has embraced the latest technologies and methods in dentistry to raise the bar for exceptional care. We also strive to keep our services affordable, which is why we work with many dental insurances and accept a variety of payment options. If it’s time for your next dental visit, contact our office today for an appointment.
