How To Talk About Dental Benefits

As the year comes to a close, using dental benefits before they expire is on our patient’s mind. When the topic of dental benefits arises in our conversations it can be used as an opportunity for our patients to gain knowledge about their coverage. Most people have limited knowledge about their benefit plans and they only really pay attention when they have to pay out of pocket.

 

Patients expect us to be the expert on their dental benefit plans, but this is a nearly impossible task. Our focus must be on our patient’s health and their needs. However, we know that ‘is this covered’ quickly enters the conversation.  As a clinical provider, it is important to separate the diagnosis from the financial responsibilities. The clinical teams we work with find it most efficient to pass the conversation off to their administrative team. This creates a healthy separation between the patient’s treatment plan and their dental benefits. A simple “I’m not sure of the exact costs, a member of my team will be able to provide you with an estimate and review any questions you may have” is often all that is needed.

 

We find it helpful to have take-home information to assist patients in learning about their dental plans. It’s also important that your team is up to date on your office financial policies and dental benefits information. When everyone speaks the same language and provides the same information to the patients, the conversations become shorter and easier.

 

Here is an example of the information we provide to our patients in the form of a document in the new patient package:

Your dental benefit plan is a unique agreement between you and your employer. Coverage and limitations are based on the premiums you and your employer are paying for the benefits. It’s important for you to know the details of your plan including the yearly renewal date, the yearly dollar maximum, the coverage percentages and any frequency limitations. Health and dental benefit plans are not intended to cover the full cost of your dental treatment.

Our role is to provide you with the dental information you need to make an informed decision about the health of your teeth. We will provide a treatment plan and financial estimate for the dental services that are recommended by our Dentists. This is to assist you in planning for the costs associated with the appointments. At your request, we can also submit a preauthorization to determine the amount the insurance company intends to pay. Please note that our treatment recommendations are not based on your insurance limits. The treatment plan is designed to serve your dental needs and help you to achieve your dental health goals.

It’s important to note that even with the benefit of insurance coverage, the responsibility for paying for dental services ultimately rests with the patient. The purpose of dental benefits is to reduce the out-of-pocket expense. Knowing that, dental benefits rarely pay 100% of the services provided.

The best insurance in preventing dental problems and pain is to commit to the schedule recommended by your Dentist for dental exams and dental hygiene treatment.

 

When you empower the patient to become the expert on their dental benefits, the result is knowledgeable patients and fewer “is this covered?” questions.

 

Our team of Dental Consultants, at Tayden Consulting Inc., specialize in providing, hands-on, on-site coaching on how to create the optimal experience for your patients.

Contact us today for a free consultation!
We look forward to meeting you.