Part Three: Considering Cost When Searching for a Dentist

The cost of dentistry is an undeniable factor that many people rely on when selecting a dentist. Satya Misra, the CEO of ActionRun, Inc, helps narrow down the financial questions that you should consider asking your dentist.

"In your search for a dentist, you have undoubtedly received names of highly recommended dentists from family, friends, and or other sources. This may sound like a good way to find a dentist; however, everyone has different dental needs. Someone with serious dental problems will benefit from a dentist who offers specialized services, while someone who only requires regular dental cleanings will have different needs. A better way to search for a dentist is to make a list of the factors that are important to you and evaluate dentists based on those items.

What Fees Do They Charge?
If you're like most people, the costs associated with a dentist's work will probably top your list of factors on which to judge dentists. Many factors can influence how a dentist sets their fees, so these can vary widely. A report provided by Cable News Network (CNN) uncovered that the billing method a dentist office uses has a significant influence on the fees they charge. Dental offices use either a paper-based or electronic system to handle their billing processes. The traditional paper-based method involves more time and in the case of document storage, can result in more costs. As a result, dental offices that use a paper-based billing system tend to charge higher fees for their services. In addition to cost savings, you can also expect faster billing processing when a dentist uses an electronic billing method.

The type of alternative payment options available is probably another important cost factor to consider when selecting a dentist. In most cases you will probably plan your dental visits according to your budget constraints. When you require unexpected dental services, you may lack the financial means to pay for the services. Many dentists offer financing, either in-house or through a third party.

Insurance Concerns
The question "Do you accept XYZ dental insurance" is an important one to ask a dentist. Whether or not a dentist accepts your insurance is important. There are more insurance-related questions to ask. Your dental insurance carrier undoubtedly enables you to choose dentists from two types of network: in-network and out-of-network. The main difference between the two is that insurance carriers make agreements with doctors that are in-network on acceptable charges. You are typically not billed for any fees that are beyond these "usual and customary" charges. Consumers tend to translate this to mean that in-network dentists charge more reasonable charges. This is not always the case. Dentists that are out-of-network have more freedom to set their fees. When comparing dentists you should ask how much out-of-pocket money you will have to pay for the services you require. It is possible to pay less money out of your pocket for an out-of-network provider with equal or higher quality of service.

Unlike regular health insurance, dental insurance typically will give you a maximum expense amount. In many cases, dental work far exceeds the allowed limit; the difference between in-network and out-of-network virtually disappears at this point. In such cases, you should focus on overall cost versus quality of care and what you have to pay out of your pocket.

In conclusion, dentists provide a service and understand that the financial aspect of receiving dental services is undoubtedly an important concern for most people. To this end, dentist may be willing to negotiate with you and your insurance company in order to obtain your business. This is something to keep in mind when you consider the financial options that a dentist offers."
_{Resources:
Journal of American Dental Association, Vol 136, No 2, 204-209 "The ins and outs of dental insurance"}