
If you have dental insurance, you'll still need to pay upfront for dental care, but the amount varies depending on your insurance plan. Some plans require a copayment, while others may need a coinsurance payment.
Most dental insurance plans have an annual deductible, which is the amount you must pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in. This can range from $25 to $100 or more per year, depending on your plan.
Dental insurance plans often have a maximum out-of-pocket limit, which is the maximum amount you'll need to pay for dental care in a year. This can range from $1,000 to $3,000 or more, depending on your plan.
You'll need to check your insurance plan to see what your upfront costs will be, but in general, you can expect to pay a portion of your dental care costs upfront.
Paying Upfront vs. Paying the Difference
Paying upfront for dental treatment may not be the only option, and it's essential to understand your dental plan's specifics. Some plans allow assignment of benefits, which means paying the difference.
It's worth noting that not all dental practices accept assignment of benefits, but our office does. This means we can help submit your dental claims, and you only pay the out-of-pocket portion not covered by your plan.
What You Pay Upfront

You'll want to know what you pay upfront for dental treatment. This depends on your dental plan, specifically if it allows assignment of benefits or not.
Some plans require you to pay upfront, while others let you pay the difference. Our office, for example, does accept assignment of benefits, which means our reception team can help submit your dental claims and we collect the out-of-pocket portion not covered by your plan.
If your plan doesn't allow assignment of benefits, you'll need to pay upfront for the treatment. This can be a bit of a hassle, but it's good to know ahead of time.
Here are some details to keep in mind:
- Some plans are non-assignment, meaning you pay upfront.
- Our office accepts assignment of benefits, making it easier for you.
- Our reception team will help submit your claims if your plan allows assignment of benefits.
How Much You Save
When you pay upfront, you can save up to 10% of the total cost of a service or product.
Paying the difference can save you around 5% of the original price.
Paying upfront can also save you from paying interest on a loan or credit card, which can add up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars over time.
With a 10% savings on a $1000 service, you'll have $100 extra in your pocket.
Understanding Your Dental Insurance

If you have dental insurance, you may not always know what to expect when it comes to paying upfront for your care.
Some insurance providers, like Delta Dental, have networks of in-network dentists who agree to charge discounted rates for their services. This can save you money on your dental care.
If you visit an in-network dentist, you're protected from being "balance billed" for any difference between the dentist's fee and the discounted rate they agreed to with Delta Dental.
The patient has met the deductible, which means they've paid a certain amount out-of-pocket before their insurance coverage kicks in.
To make things smoother, some dentists will file your insurance claims on your behalf, as is the case with East Sac Dental. They accept a wide range of insurance plans, including MetLife, Cigna, and Delta Dental.
You can expect to pay upfront and then receive reimbursement from your insurance provider, depending on your coverage.
In-Network Dentist Visits

If you have dental insurance, visiting an in-network dentist can save you a significant amount of money. You pay a monthly premium upfront, but with an in-network dentist, you're already covered for a range of services.
Visiting a dentist who is in-network with your plan is crucial because it means you receive the discounts you're owed on services right away. This can make a big difference in your out-of-pocket costs.
In-network dentists agree to charge discounted rates for their services, which is a big perk for you. You can expect to save money on routine preventive care and restorative treatments.
Here's a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for different services with an in-network dentist:
- You pay $0 for preventive services like checkups and cleanings, X-rays, and other services.
- You'll be responsible for approximately 20% of the cost of basic restorative procedures, like tooth-colored fillings.
- You'll need to pay 50% of more complex restorative treatments like crowns and bridges, root canal procedures, and others.
By visiting an in-network dentist, you can avoid steep out-of-pocket costs and waiting for a reimbursement to come later. It's worth taking the time to find an in-network dentist to get the most out of your dental insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to pay the dentist straight away?
Typically, you'll pay for dental treatment after receiving it, usually before leaving the office. This is the standard practice in most dental clinics.
Can I go to the dentist and pay later?
Yes, many dentists offer payment plans to make treatments more affordable. You can explore in-house financing or third-party providers to find a payment plan that suits your needs
Sources
- https://www.parkviewdentaltoronto.com/blog/dental-insurance-explained
- https://www.dentalstationwaco.com/metlife-dental-insurance.html
- https://deltadentalnc.com/ddnc-blog/why-choose-an-in-network-dentist-
- https://www.eastsacdentalcare.com/fees-and-payments/
- https://www.marketheightsfamilydental.com/dental-insurance.html
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