We make every effort possible to provide appointments available to you at your convenience. Preschool children and children who require extensive treatment should be seen in the morning, as they are “fresher” in the morning and generally do better for their visits. Dental visit is an excused absence, in fact state law [California Education Code §48205(a)(3)] specifically provides that “a pupil shall be excused from school when the absence is for the purpose of having medical, dental, optometrical, or chiropractic services rendered.”

Since appointed times are reserved exclusively for each patient, we ask that you notify us at least 24 hours in advance of your appointment if you are unable to make it. Another patient, who needs our care, could be rescheduled if we have sufficient time to notify them.

Finances

Payment for professional services is due at the time dental treatment is provided. Every effort will be made to provide a financial arrangement that fits your budget, timetable, and needs. Such arrangement must be made in advance with a member of our team. We accept cash, checks, debit cards, and most major credit cards.

Insurance

Co-Payment

Here is a short briefing on co-payments, or share of costs. You may have noticed that sometimes your dental insurer reimburses you or our office at a lower rate than the actual fee incurred. Frequently, insurance companies state that the reimbursement was reduced because the fee has exceeded the usual, customary, or reasonable fee ("UCR") used by the insurance company. The data used to establish fees may be dated and are set by the insurance company so they can make a profit, too.

Insurance companies set their own schedules, and each company uses a different set of fees. These allowable fees may vary widely because each company collects fee information from claims it processes. The insurance company then uses this data to establish their fee schedule. Depending on the type of insurance you have and the exact nature of the plan, you may be responsible for the difference in what the insurance company pays and the fee assessed for services provided.

Additional Financial Information

Dental insurance is meant to be an aid in receiving dental care. On average, most dental insurance plans pay between 50%-80% of the average total fee. Some plans pay more, some pay less. The percentage paid may be determined by how much you or your employer has paid for coverage or the type of contract your employer has set up with the insurance company.

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. It would help for you to become familiar with your insurance benefits, as we will collect from you the estimated amount insurance is not expected to pay at the time of service.

Insurance

We are pleased that you have dental insurance to help you with partial assistance in affording your dental care. As a courtesy, we are happy to assist you in filing the necessary forms to help you receive the full benefits of your dental insurance coverage at no additional cost. Dental insurance is different than most medical insurance plans and it is important to be aware of the following:

• Insurance is an agreement between you and your insurance company. The insurance relationship constitutes an agreement between the carrier, the employer, and the patient. Our dental office is not a party to that contract. As such, we can make no guarantee of estimated coverage or payment. Please know that we will do everything possible to see that you receive the full benefits of your policy.