Navigating dental insurance can be confusing at times, but knowing the difference between in-network and out-of-network dentists and how they work with insurance can help you receive better dental care and have long-lasting oral health. That is why our dentist and team have put together this guide to help our patients understand the difference and understand why Davidson Cosmetic & Family Dentistry chooses to be an out-of-network dental office. If you have any questions about out-of-network dental insurance in Davidson, North Carolina, we invite you to call us at 704-987-2277 and schedule a visit with Dr. Michael Wilhite.

What Is In-Network vs. Out-of-Network?

Contracted dentists, or in-network dentists, must sign contracts with dental insurance companies that dictate what to charge for certain services. Oftentimes, these contracted prices are much lower than what a normal practice could reasonably charge for quality dental work. Insurance companies can convince dentists to accept these lower prices by promising that the dentist will get more patients. Unfortunately, this then pushes in-network dentists to prioritize quantity over quality with the patients they serve.

Out-of-network dentists can set their own prices and therefore focus more on making high-quality products and offering treatments that will truly help their patients. Plus, out-of-network dentists will not box you into receiving only treatments covered by your insurance plan. Instead, they can advise you on the best treatment options for your oral health.

Out-of-networks dentists still work with insurance, though, and can file claims for the patients they treat. A PPO (preferred provider organization) plan will also work with out-of-network dentists and will often cover a portion of the treatment costs despite the dentist not being a preferred provider.

Quantity vs. Quality

Because in-network dentists need to make up for the lower prices on their services, they are forced to seek out quantity over quality. In-network dentists may cut corners by using lower-quality products or rushing appointments with their patients. Many in-network dentists rush to finish their appointments in 30 minutes or less.

At Davidson Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, we want to give our patients the time and care they truly need for excellent oral care. We will not rush you through treatment nor cut other corners. Our dentist and team are dedicated to your oral health.

What About the Cost?

While we want to provide the best care to all patients, we understand that some people are still put off by the price of an out-of-network dentist. When we see those kinds of concerns, we like to remind our patients to think of the long-term cost as well as the short-term cost.

While an in-network dentist may be able to offer certain treatments at a cheaper rate, the lower quality of products or rushed treatment could translate to more dental issues down the line, resulting in paying more money for more treatments. So in the end, you might be paying just as much — if not more — than if you had gone with an out-of-network dentist.

If you are worried about the cost of treatment, feel free to call Davidson Cosmetic & Family Dentistry and speak with a member of our team. We will be happy to discuss your insurance options and help you find a treatment plan that works for you.

As an out-of-network dental practice, we are able to prioritize quality and care over quantity and cost. Our higher treatment costs translate to better products, more time for your care, and treatment personalized to your needs, not your insurance plan. To learn more about the advantages of an out-of-network dentist, feel free to contact us and talk to a member of our team today.