Saving on care Archives

November 14, 2018

Specific Procedures Covered by Your Insurance Policy

Happy patient checking her teeth in mirror at dental clinic

Everything seems expensive these days. Nothing more so than any medical treatment. Dentistry is not immune from this trend. After all as our expenses go up so must our fees. I remember when charging a hundred dollars for the most expensive crown seemed ridiculous. (OK I’m dating myself.) Now you can drop a thousand or more for the same crown! Ouch!

To make matters even worse, dental insurance, which was started in the mid 1950s, has on average not increased the level of coverage since then. Yep that $1000 or $1500 annual maximum you might have on your insurance is what the average person got in the 1950s! Back then you could rebuild an entire mouth for that kind of money. Today you need roughly $43,000 or more to provide the same coverage (based on medical and dental inflation).

So what can you do to keep the cost of your dental care reasonable?

First, and this is not to be underestimated, keep your teeth healthy. I know, you’ve heard it before. But consider that coming in to get your teeth cleaned and checked twice a year is great insurance. You are highly unlikely to have a significant problem creep up on you.

If it has been awhile since your last visit and you are hit with a big tab, now what?

Always ask what options you have. Take the basic filling. There are at least six different materials that are used for fillings these days. Some are considerably more expensive than others. Ask the benefits, drawbacks and costs of them all. For instance, silver fillings tend to be considerably less expensive in many offices than white fillings. If you are working on back teeth you might want to consider saving and using silver. Also silver fillings last on average two or more times longer than white ones (recent studies suggest). And yes you can ignore the fringe element that suggest they are a problem for your health (I’ll go into that in another article.)

Finally, look for an office that provides multiple methods of payment. An office that won’t find every reason to charge you add on fees. An office that stands behind what it does to assure satisfaction. An office that knows how to maximize your insurance and minimize your out of pocket. This, coincidently, is exactly what our goals are at Pleasant Dental.

So if you want to minimize your out of pocket and we are an option for you, call us at [phone]. Schedule your savings today.

November 14, 2018

Check Your Dental Insurance Policy

Most people with dental insurance today have either a PPO or HMO type of coverage. With both of these there are what is called a “network of providers.” HMOs REQUIRE you to go to a doctor in their network in order to get any coverage for anything beyond an emergency. Most PPOs on the other hand allow you to go to either an in-network dentist OR an out-of-network dentist. So whats the difference with a PPO between the in-network dentists and the out-of-network ones?

Just to give you my point of reference, we have not joined any networks, with the single exception of Delta Dental where we are a “premier” provider.

Here is the theoretical idea about networks. A dentist who joins the network has agreed to provide services to you at a fee that they have “negotiated” with the PPO insurance company. Many times this fee is less than the prevailing fees in the area so you might be getting a savings. Sounds good right? Well not so fast.

There are networks that we could join that indeed would require us to discount even further our already below area average fees. There are also networks where I would be charging significantly more than I do at present. The fees decided upon can be extremely arbitrary.

When a dentist is in a network he or she is also leaving themselves open to the insurer to come into their practice and audit the treatments that the dentist have provided. Why would they do this? So that they might see if the dentist is doing too many of one treatment or perhaps treating with a more expensive treatment something that could (not should) be done with a less expensive one. In other words: they are looking for any chance to save the insurance company money.

Remember, their goal is profits.

Our goal is the best care options for you at a reasonable and fair fee. Many dentists compensate for the network discounts by adding in all sorts of extra (what I call “nickel and dime”) fees. We charge straight up one fee for the treatment we provide. So many times WE are less expensive overall than the in-network dentists.

What’s more we stand behind our treatments to assure satisfaction and function.

If what you want is good solid treatment provided in an upbeat atmosphere at reasonable fees, then forget your network and bring your PPO to Pleasant Dental. Call today for your appointment. [phone].

November 14, 2018

You do not have to have dental insurance to have a healthy, beautiful smile

Serious dentist sitting in semi position while examining his patient

Dental care is an important aspect of oral health. This is just as true for a person or family without dental insurance as those covered by a specific plan. There is a common misconception that it is more cost effective to go without preventive dental care than to visit the dentist regularly, as recommended. After all, when there is no insurance to pay for such visits, how can they possibly be worth it?

It really goes without saying that forgoing dental care can lead to bigger problems and, thus, higher cost, in the long run. It is through preventive dental care that larger problems like cavities, gum disease, tooth fractures, and tooth loss can be prevented. Ignoring any signs of dental problems does not make them go away, it simply allows them to progress.

Dental problems like infection are tricky. They can seem to subside only to sprout up again later. The bottom line is until the source of infection has been repaired, the infectious process will continue. No amount of brushing will eliminate an existing problem. These are facts that you probably know all too well. However, investing into your smile may seem impossible. At Pleasant Dental, we understand how difficult it can seem to pay for quality dental care. We want to assure you that our office has been designed to offer the greatest extent of care for the most affordable price.

Our patients let us know how we’re doing, and we are proud to offer gentle, effective dental care at costs that can be covered even without insurance benefits.

Our friendly staff is always ready to answer your questions. In a quick call or visit to our office, you can become familiar with our services and our financial policies. Pleasant Dental, located in Dolton, serves patients from Chicago and other suburbs of Indiana.

Call us today to see just how affordable preventive dental care can be. [phone].

November 14, 2018November 14, 2018

Dentist in Dolton, IL takes many dental insurance options

Dr. Dean Dietrich of Pleasant Dental in Dolton, IL is dedicated to assisting patients in achieving a healthy, beautiful smile. Many patients pay in to their employer for dental insurance coverage but may not be fully using this insurance plan to their advantage. Some patients avoid seeing the dentist and this money truly goes to waste when it could be used to improve oral health and wellness while also enhancing the appearance of the smile with cosmetic dentistry solutions. Knowing the options available for one’s dental insurance plan is the best way to ensure maximum benefits.

Dental insurance plans vary, but most patients have a PPO plan that allows them to use their insurance at any office. Coverage for dental work is often between $1,000 and $1500. At Pleasant Dental, this money will go a long way. This is because we don’t “nickel and dime” patients Instead, we charge a fair, appropriate price for treatments. We want to make sure patients get the best possible coverage while also greatly reducing or even eliminating their out-of-pocket expenses that can make dental work unobtainable.

Many dental offices will take advantage of patients who have dental insurance, but our practice does not do that. We want patients to get the most value for their money and we price our treatments accordingly to ensure coverage by dental insurance plans. We can speak with dental insurance companies about our patients’ specific plan to make affordable recommendations in regards to how a better smile can be achieved with the assistance of dental insurance reimbursements.

If you live in or around the area of Dolton, IL and want to work with a dental practice that ensures patients have a wide range of options when it comes to dental work covered by their insurance plans, contact the team of Pleasant Dental for a consultation. During this visit, patients can speak with Dr. Dean Dietrich about the improvements they want to make in their smiles and how they can affordably do so with the help of their dental insurance plan.

November 14, 2018

Dolton residents guide to dental insurance: Maximum use of benefits

Dental insurance can save you thousands of dollars, and enable you to receive treatment that you may otherwise be unable to afford. However, it is completely worthless if you don’t use it. Dr. Dietrich wants every patient to enjoy the maximum benefits of his or her insurance coverage. Because using up your benefits is not as simple as it sounds, he is happy to work with you in scheduling procedures, and help you better understand your policy.

The seasons of insurance

The first thing that you need to know is the duration of your benefit period. For most people, it is January through December, but some policies deviate from the normal cycle. Assuming that your benefits are on an annual schedule, you lose any remaining benefits as of Dec. 31, and a new cycle begins.

As of New Year’s Day (or the first day of your benefit period), your deductible is reset. That means you will have to pay 100 percent of costs for any procedure until you have reached the total of your deductible. Some plans handle deductibles differently, so it is important to check the details of your policy. Preventive and diagnostic services may count towards the deductible, but not always.

The sky isn’t the limit

Insurance companies put restrictions and limitations on their portion of costs. Your plan might pay the full cost of diagnostics and preventive care, but it will only pay a percentage of other services, which is typically lower for major procedures. For example, your provider might pay 100 percent of a cleaning, 75 percent of a filling, and 50 percent of a crown. Additionally, some procedures are covered only if they are deemed necessary. For example, your insurance probably covers part of the cost of a crown for restoring a damaged or decayed tooth, but it probably would not pay anything on a crown placed for purely cosmetic reasons.

The most notable way that your coverage is limited is the annual cap on insurance payments. Few plans are unlimited. Your policy almost certainly includes a clause limiting the total amount that will be paid in a benefit cycle. If your teeth are healthy, this amount is probably sufficient. However, if you need extensive dental work, the total may exceed the limit, leaving you with a larger bill. This can often be avoided by spreading the treatment plan over two or more billing cycles. We may begin treatment late in the year, until your maximum has been reached, and then resume in January. Sometime multi-phase treatments can be spaced several months apart, to pace the treatment with your plan.

Maximizing insurance benefits is just one of the ways that Dr. Dietrich makes dental care affordable for residents of Dolton and surrounding communities. Call [phone] and schedule an appointment at Pleasant Dental.

November 14, 2018

Dolton, IL, guide to choosing dental benefit plans

Senior Man With Adult Daughter Looking Over Railing At Sea

Dr. Dietrich, of Pleasant Dental in Dolton, IL, is committed to providing you the best value in dentistry. Unfortunately, the cost of dental supplies, equipment, and business expenses is high. Therefore, even with the most reasonable pricing, restoring or replacing a tooth will take more than the spare change between the couch cushions. Enter dental insurance. If your employer offers a benefit plan, or you can afford to purchase one – do it. Most plans will pay a large portion of basic services, and help significantly with major procedures.

So, how do you know which plan is right for you? There are many insurance companies and types of plans, but your choices will probably limited if your employer is providing insurance. If you only have one option, take what you can get and we’ll help you make the most of it. If you are purchasing your own insurance, or your employer has given you options, comparing plans can be confusing. Here are a few of the most important points to check:

Type – Freedom of choice plans allow you to visit any dentist that you choose, whereas managed care plans limit your choices.
Deductible – This is the amount you must spend out-of-pocket every year before your insurance will begin paying anything. Generally, plans with higher deductibles pay a higher percentage of costs, making them a good value if you expect to have extensive dental work. If you don’t expect to spend much on dental care, it might take so long to meet the deductible that you don’t get to use your insurance much. In this case, you might be better served by a low deductible and lower percentage of insurance coverage.
Levels – Insurance does not pay the same amount for every procedure. Procedures are usually divided into categories, such as preventive care and major services. If you have any dental work planned, check to see what category it would fall under, and which plan offers the best coverage at that level.

It is advisable to have a checkup and, if necessary, diagnostic x-rays before choosing your plan. That way, you will know exactly where you stand, what oral health problems you are facing, and what treatments you may need. Call us at [phone] and schedule your appointment today.

November 14, 2018

How can Dolton area patients save on dental care

Naturally beautiful woman with perfect white teeth smile

At Pleasant Dental, we want our patients to save on dental care. This is why our Dolton area practice helps patients make the best use of their dental insurance coverage. Many employers provide coverage for dental care, and some patients have it, but fail to use it to its full potential.

Many dental insurance plans provide coverage for preventative care, such as two appointments a year for cleanings and examinations. Patients may have to pay an initial copay but this is minor in comparison to the full cost. If patients have any issues that need to be addressed, such as cavities, root canals, or dental crowns, they may receive the services at a discounted cost due to the coverage by their insurance plan.

Dental insurance plans can be a wonderful way to help reduce the cost of preventative and restorative dental care. Most plans do not cover cosmetic dentistry, but this can often be broken down in payment plans. Dr. Dean Dietrich encourages patients to take care of the function and health of their smile before considering cosmetic work.

Dental insurance plans will often cover partial or full cost of preventative care and restorations, which may include:

Cleanings and examinations
X-rays
Periodontal disease treatment
Fillings for cavities
Dental crowns and bridges
Dentures
Inlays and onlays

Patients with dental insurance coverage are encouraged to contact their provider to find out what percent of other treatments are covered by their insurance plan.

If you want to save on dental care, now is the time to learn about the advantages of dental insurance coverage. Contact the team of Pleasant Dental today to book an appointment with Dr. Dean Dietrich and find out how dental insurance coverage can reduce your overall dental care costs. We want our patients to have access to financial assistance whenever possible, and if patients do not have dental insurance coverage, or access to it, we may be able to provide financing and payment plans that suit their budget. Contact us now to learn more.

November 14, 2018

Top dentists in IL who take dental insurance for care

Attractive smiling woman face with health teeth

Dr. Dean Dietrich of the Dolton, IL area is a top dentist in the community who highly recommends dental insurance as a way of obtaining savings on dental care. His practice encourages individuals to consider the benefits of dental insurance and think about how it can be used to prevent oral health care issues down the road.

Dental insurance is often an afterthought. Some patients have paid into a dental insurance plan through their job but have not been taking advantage of the benefits. This is like throwing money away. The payments made on dental insurance often cover many treatments fully, including six-month examinations, x-rays, and cleanings. When patients do not use their dental insurance for checkups, the money they invested is wasted.

At the practice of Pleasant Dental, we want our patients to understand that using dental insurance is one of the best ways of maintaining a healthier smile. Patients may need to pay a small copay when they visit for their recall appointments, but the savings overall are tremendous. Using dental insurance allows individuals to reduce their costs. Dr. Dean Dietrich can provide dental care for patients who are paying with cash or credit card, but the cost out of pocket is often drastically reduced when dental insurance coverage is applied.

Dental insurance will typically cover two cleanings and examinations a year. Other treatments such as dental crowns, dentures, orthodontics, and fillings may be covered in part or full depending on the level of coverage.

If you live in the Dolton, IL area and are seeking a way of affording dental care, contact your employer to find out if dental insurance plans are available to you. They are often relatively inexpensive for families and can be used towards regular cleanings and examinations that can contribute to better dental health and wellness. Call Pleasant Dental today to book an appointment with our team and learn about the advantages of dental insurance plans and consider how they can reduce your out-of-pocket expenses for necessary treatments and services through our practice.

November 14, 2018

Chicago area dentist describes why dental insurances is one of the best ways to cover preventative and necessary dental costs

Dental insurances have often gone unused. This is how insurance companies make their money; individuals pay into their company for dental insurance but do not utilize it. This, in turn, results in money almost literally thrown away. Dr. Dean Dietrich of Chicago is one of the dentists in the area who wants his patients to understand how their dental insurance works to avoid letting it go to waste.

One of the best ways to cover preventative care such as cleanings and x-rays is with dental insurance. Though many patients have to pay a copay to see their dentist, the cost of the copay is often minor in comparison to the full cost of the visit. Patients can pay the copay and then never see a bill again in many instances because of the coverage they receive from their dental insurance company.

If you are paying in for dental insurance, chances are you have coverage for many preventative treatments. The policy should allow you to have cleanings and x-rays done twice a year. However, when it has been determined additional services are necessary, such as fillings or dental crowns, many of these services are covered in part by dental insurance, thus reducing out-of-pocket costs.

Dr. Dean Dietrich of Pleasant Dental wants to encourage patients to take advantage of dental insurance through their work and use the insurance as it was intended. Preventative care is one of the least expensive ways of addressing common dental issues and is often taken for granted. Additionally, if the dentist determines that other dental work is necessary, insurance can be used to reduce the overall cost. This makes dental work much more affordable for many patients in and around the Chicago area.

We work closely with patients to provide realistic quotes for dental work. We can also help patients in filing paperwork for coverage through their dental insurance company. We can guide patients through the claim process and give them a better idea of what they can expect for the cost of their treatment, offering payment plans that may help reduce the burden of dental work costs.

November 14, 2018

How Riverdale, IL residents are saving money on dental care

Dr. Dietrich understands that you don’t have unlimited resources. He won’t lecture you about how long it’s been since you’ve seen a dentist, or try to “upsell” by pressuring you to commit to work that you can’t afford. He takes an approach that is uncommon in this day and age: He will work with you to fit great dental care into your budget, and give you maximum benefit for every dollar that you spend. How?

Maximum insurance benefits – If you have dental insurance and don’t use it, you are throwing money away. Dr. Dietrich knows you can’t afford to do that, so he will help you make the most of your coverage.
Economical options – At Pleasant Dental, we don’t offer “cheap” dentistry, as in low quality for a low price. However, in most situations, top of the line is not the only good option. For example, we offer dental implants, which are considered the premier solution for missing teeth. Because implants can last a lifetime, they actually are economical in the long-term, but that’s no comfort if you can’t afford the upfront price.
Therefore, we also offer traditional dentures and bridges, which are very functional, attractive and they can last for many years with good care.
Minimal profit margin – One of the best ways to save you money is to charge less. We don’t accomplish this by cutting corners on quality care. We simply don’t see the need to charge an exorbitant markup.
Preventive care – “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” That old adage could be re-worded to say, “Every dollar spent on prevention can save you hundreds on restoration later.”
Payment plans – We offer a variety of financing options, some of which are interest-free.
Discounts – In many cases, we offer discounts to patients who do not have insurance.

Pleasant Dental has been saving smiles, and saving patients money for over a decade. Our office is located in Dolton, IL, convenient to communities throughout the Chicago area, including Riverdale. Let us give you something to smile about – call [phone] and schedule an appointment with Dr. Dietrich today.