Insurance Update

A: Coverage depends on the specifics of the plan chosen by you or negotiated by your employer. Delta creates their own pre-determined fees for dental services such as cleanings and x-rays. If your plan covers a service at 100%, Delta will pay 100% of their pre-determined fee. If there is a difference between Delta's allowed fee and our office fee, the remaining balance is the patient's responsibility.

Some plans allow our full fee, while others may have a small co-pay. The most accurate way to know your expected cost is to get an estimate directly from Delta Dental. We are happy to submit an estimate request on your behalf after July 12th, when our contract with Delta expires. Prior to that date, Delta will not release estimate information to our office.

A: No - you do not need to submit your own claims. Our office still completes all documentation following your treatment and submits that information directly to Delta Dental on your behalf.

Dentistry, and healthcare more broadly, has changed significantly over the past several decades. Many practices that were once locally owned and operated have been replaced by larger, corporate organizations backed by private equity. In these models, decisions are often driven by financial targets, efficiency metrics, and patient volume.

As insurance companies continue to set low reimbursement rates and stagnant annual maximums, many dental offices rely on high patient volume to remain financially viable. To make that model work, practices may shorten appointments, limit doctor-patient interaction, automate communication, choose lower-cost materials, or outsource lab work overseas. These pressures often result in moving more patients through the chair each day, with less time for discussion and individualized care.

Our practice was built with a different philosophy. We are family-owned and operated by the doctors who work here every day, accountable to our community and directly responsible for the care we provide. Our team takes pride in offering the kind of experience we would want for our own family members.

Our philosophy shows up in the details. When you call our office, a human answers or calls you back. We take the time to listen, answer questions, and carefully explain treatment options so you feel informed and comfortable. We understand dental concerns can be stressful—especially when something is wrong—and we believe patients deserve time, clarity, and compassion.

Remaining in-network while continuing to provide this level of care would require raising our fees. Because insurance contracts lock-in reimbursement rates, fee increases would only affect patients without insurance, while in-network patients would see no change. This is a structural limitation of the insurance model and a challenge seen across healthcare.

By stepping out of restrictive contracts, we are able to keep fees as low and consistent as possible for all patients. It allows us to continue practicing with intention: prioritizing quality, communication, and patient outcomes. We are steadfast in this commitment and will not compromise the level of care or experience our patients deserve.

You may notice that more dental offices are making similar decisions. Independent practices across the country are reassessing insurance participation as the gap between reimbursements and the true cost of care grows. For many, leaving certain insurance contracts has become the most practical way to continue providing thoughtful, patient-focused care.