If your dentist is out of network with your dental insurance, it does not necessarily mean you cannot use your benefits there. It simply means the dental office does not have a contracted agreement with your insurance company. At Brenner Dental Care in Seattle, we still submit insurance claims and supporting documentation for our patients and help them understand their estimated costs and benefits. Dr. Bryan Brenner explains what being out of network really means and why our approach keeps decisions about your dental health between you and your dentist.
Key Takeaways
An out-of-network dentist does not have a signed contract with your insurance company.
Patients may still be able to use dental insurance benefits at an out-of-network dental office, depending on their individual plan.
Brenner Dental Care submits insurance claims and necessary supporting documentation for patients.
The team provides transparency about treatment costs and estimated insurance benefits.
Being out of network allows treatment recommendations to focus on the individual patient's health, needs and goals rather than insurance limitations.
Brenner Dental Care evaluates more than individual teeth, including the gums, bone, bite, jaw, smile goals and connections between oral and overall health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see a dentist who is out of network with my insurance?
Yes, many dental insurance plans provide benefits for out-of-network care. Your specific coverage and reimbursement will depend on your individual plan.
Will Brenner Dental Care submit my insurance claim if you are out of network?
Yes. Brenner Dental Care submits claims and necessary supporting documentation to your insurance company on your behalf.
Will my dental insurance still pay if my dentist is out of network?
Depending on your plan, your insurance may still contribute toward treatment from an out-of-network dentist. Our team can help you understand your estimated benefits and costs before treatment.
Why would a dentist choose to be out of network?
At Brenner Dental Care, being out of network allows Dr. Brenner to recommend care based on each patient's individual health, needs and goals rather than allowing an insurance contract to determine treatment decisions.
What does Brenner Dental Care look at when creating a treatment plan?
Dr. Brenner takes a comprehensive approach that considers your teeth, gums, bone, bite, jaw, smile goals and the relationship between your oral and overall health.
Does out of network mean I don't have dental insurance coverage?
No. “Out of network” describes the relationship between the dental practice and insurance company. It does not automatically mean you have no benefits at that practice. Coverage varies by insurance plan.
Transcript
Hi, I’m Dr. Bryan Brenner with Brenner Dental Care in Seattle, Washington.
What does it actually mean if your dentist is an out-of-network dentist for your insurance company?
It simply means that they don’t have a signed contract with your insurance company. “Out of network” is a term insurance companies use to describe providers who are not contracted with their plan.
At Brenner Dental Care, we will still submit your claims and all of the supporting documentation necessary. You don’t have to do anything differently when it comes to that.
So, why did we choose to be out of network?
It comes down to our belief that patients should be the ones making decisions about their healthcare after consulting with a trusted healthcare professional, rather than having those decisions dictated by an insurance plan designed for thousands of people.
At our office, we’re going to get to know you and more than just your teeth. We start by looking at your gums and bone, the foundation of your smile, your tooth structure, your bite, your jaw and how everything works together. We’ll also talk about your smile goals and consider how your overall health and oral health may be affecting one another.
Once we’ve established a baseline, we’ll talk about your goals and what being healthy looks like to you. From there, we’ll put together a plan and help you get there.
We’ll also be transparent about what your care will cost and what we estimate your insurance may contribute.
Being out of network doesn’t prevent you from choosing our practice. It simply means your insurance benefits may work a little differently.
I’m Dr. Bryan Brenner in Seattle, Washington, where we believe in a healthier smile for a healthier you.