How are Appointments Scheduled?

The office attempts to schedule appointments at your convenience and when time is available. Preschool children should be seen in the morning because they are fresher and we can work more slowly with them for their comfort. School children with a lot of work to be done should be seen in the morning for the same reason. Dental appointments are an excused absence. Missing school can be kept to a minimum when regular dental care is continued.

Since appointed times are reserved exclusively for each patient we ask that you please notify our office 24 hours in advance of your scheduled appointment time if you are unable to keep your appointment. Another patient, who needs our care, could be scheduled if we have sufficient time to notify them. We realize that unexpected things can happen, but we ask for your assistance in this regard.

Do I Stay With My Child During the Visit?

We invite you to stay with your child during the initial examination. During future appointments, we suggest you allow your child to accompany our staff through the dental experience. We can usually establish a closer rapport with your child when you are not present. Our purpose is to gain your child’s confidence and overcome apprehension. However, if you choose, you are more than welcome to accompany your child to the treatment room. For the safety and privacy of all patients, other children who are not being treated should remain in the reception room with a supervising adult.

What About Finances?

Payment for professional services is due at the time dental treatment is provided. Every effort will be made to provide a treatment plan which fits your timetable and budget, and gives your child the best possible care. We accept cash, personal checks, debit cards and most major credit cards.

Our Office Policy Regarding Dental Insurance

If we have received all of your insurance information on the day of the appointment, we will be happy to file your claim for you. You must be familiar with your insurance benefits, as we will collect from you the estimated amount insurance is not expected to pay.

By law, your insurance company is required to pay each claim within 30 days of receipt. We file all insurance electronically, so your insurance company will receive each claim within days of treatment.

You are responsible for any balance remaining on your account after 30 days, whether insurance has paid or not. If your balance remains unpaid after 60 days, a re-billing fee of 1.5% will be added monthly until paid. We will gladly issue a refund if your insurance pays us directly.

PLEASE UNDERSTAND that we file dental insurance as a courtesy to our patients. We do not have a contract with your insurance company — only you do. We are not responsible for how your insurance company handles claims or determines benefits.

We can only assist you in estimating your portion of treatment costs. We cannot guarantee what your insurance will or will not cover, nor can we be responsible for errors in insurance processing. Once again, we submit claims as a courtesy to you.

Insurance Plans We Accept

• Aetna
• Ameritas
• Assurant
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield Preferred
• Cigna
• Delta PPO
• Dentaquest PPO
• GEHA
• Guardian
• Humana
• MetLife
• Principal
• United Concordia
• United Healthcare
• Maryland Healthy Smiles / Dentaquest for Children Under 21 & Pregnant Women

Fact 1 – No Insurance Pays 100% of All Procedures

Dental insurance is intended to assist with the cost of dental care. Most plans pay between 50%–80% of treatment fees, depending on your specific plan and employer coverage.

Fact 2 – Benefits Are Not Determined by Our Office

Insurance companies determine coverage, limitations, exclusions, and reimbursement amounts. Our office does not control or influence your insurance benefits.

Fact 3 – Deductibles & Co-Payments Must Be Considered

Most dental insurance plans include deductibles, co-payments, annual maximums, and exclusions that may affect your out-of-pocket costs.