Dr. Bryan Dryden
Family Dentistry

PREFERRED PROVIDER FOR:

DELTA DENTAL
BLUE CROSS OF IDAHO
PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL
FORTIS

INSURANCE FACTS

As an optimum care dental practice, we strongly believe our patients deserve the best possible services we can provide. In an effort to maintain a high quality of care, we would like to share some facts about dental insurance and how it pertains to you.

FACT #1: Your dental insurance is based upon a contract made between your employer and an insurance company. Should questions arise regarding your dental insurance benefits, it is best for you to contact your employer or insurance company directly.

FACT #2: Dental insurance benefits differ greatly from general health insurance benefits. In 1971, your dental insurance benefits were approximately $1000 per year. Some 30 years later, you will note that your benefits are still $1000 to $2000 per year. Figuring a 6% rate of inflation per year, you should be receiving a $4,549 per year in dental benefits. Your premiums have increased, but your benefits have not. Therefore, dental insurance is never a ‘pay-all’; it is only an aid.

FACT #3: Some insurance companies tell their clients that “fees are above the usual and customary fee” rather than saying to them that “our benefits are too low”. In our office we do not view our patients as “usual and customary”, but as quality people who expect quality dentistry. The insurance company sets the “allowable” or “usual and customary fees” depending on how much you or your employer paid for your policy. It’s like your car insurance. The lower the benefits you choose, the less it costs you in premiums.

FACT #4: We do not allow insurance companies to dictate which dental services we perform. After you’ve had a comprehensive exam with Dr. Dryden, he will help you understand the stage of your overall dental health and what needs to be done to improve it and/or maintain it.

FACT #5: More insurance companies are requiring a deductible to be met on preventative treatments. Deductibles are not just for comprehensive and major dental services any longer. It is a good idea that you know what your insurance benefits and deductibles are prior to your dental appointment.