Dental Insurance Challenges

The dental insurance industry, while providing increasing access to dental care, has become a major challenge for today’s dentists.  Payment denials, shortened procedure time allowances, and decisions on material usage are only a few of the frustrations dentists are facing from insurance companies.  Maintaining quality care and, at the same time, satisfying insurance guidelines can cause a sense of exasperation in patients and a sense of burnout in the best of dentists.  Serang Dental Associates will not compromise quality dental care regardless of insurance industry decisions or regulations.
 
A dentist’s customary fees are calculated to allow for the time spent with the patient, office and equipment overhead, and the execution of superior staff performance.  Patients as well as dentists can become frustrated when payment expectations are not met, out of pocket expenses rise and an “out of network” quality dentist becomes unattainable.  As a result, fewer dentists are willing to accept discount driven dental insurance companies with such policies.  When insurance companies allow only 40-80% reimbursement of the calculated fees, the best option is to consider dropping those companies.
 
While there is not an easy solution to these problems, there are options to consider.   With effective discussion, I have seen insurance companies agree to higher reimbursements to cover actual dental fees.  However, when insurance companies are not willing to give reasonable compensation, dentists may need to treat more than eight patients in an eight-hour day.  Educating patients about insurance limitations can expand their awareness of other possible options.  To keep informed of changes in the insurance industry, Serang Dental Associates will re-evaluate our participating insurance companies on a yearly basis to make certain our practice is being helped and not hurt by their policies.
 
I am also committed to recruiting and maintaining a strong team of talented and trained staff members including hygienists, expanded function dental assistants, and versatile administrators.  Such a superior dental team is more prepared to meet the growing demands of insurance billing as well as all phases of general dentistry, and I believe a strong team can help overcome the adverse economic conditions the dental field produces. 
 
Patients may indeed need to pay more out of pocket expenses for involved procedures, especially if they belong to a discount dental plan.  However, we at Serang Dental Associates desire to lessen the financial strain on our patients as much as possible.  We plan to utilize advanced computer technologies, so patients will have a reasonable estimate of costs before work is completed.  We will also willingly offer alternative treatment options to fit most budgets.
 
Quality dental care is non-negotiable!  Serang Dental Associates will not compromise its standard of quality care.  We strive to develop an honest and fair relationship with each of our patients and to make your experience with us as pleasant and economical as possible.


Dr. Maq Serang, DMD 
CEO, Serang Dental Associates