Finding the right dental provider can be tough. You want someone who is gentle, has a great bedside manner and will work with your insurance. But what if we told you that sometimes the best dentist for you might be one that’s out-of-network?
In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the benefits of going out-of-network when choosing a dentist, whether you’re looking for a new dentist or just trying to get the most out of your dental insurance.
1. You’ll Have More Choice in Providers
When you use an in-network dental provider, you’re limited to the dentists that your insurance company has contracted with. This may not be a problem if you’re happy with your current dentist. But what if you’re moving to a new city or your dentist retires?
Suddenly, you’re stuck trying to find a new dentist who accepts your insurance. If you go out-of-network, you’ll have a lot more freedom when it comes to choosing a provider. You can pick any dentist you want without worrying about whether or not they’re in your insurance network. And if you move or your dentist retires, it’ll be much easier to find a replacement.
2. You May Get a Better Price
When you use an in-network dental facility, your insurance company has a say in how much they are willing to reimburse the dentist. This means that you may end up paying more out of pocket, even if you have dental insurance. However, when you use an out-of-network dental provider, your insurance company is not as involved in the pricing. Thus, you may be able to get a lower price for the same services.
Of course, it is always important to check with your dental provider to see what their pricing is before you make your final decision. But, if you are looking to save money, using an out-of-network dentist may be the way to go.
3. Your Insurance May Cover More Services at an Out-Of-Network Dentist
Many people are surprised to learn that their insurance may actually cover more services at an out-of-network dentist. The reason for this is that out-of-network providers are not bound by the same contracts as in-network providers. As a result, they can provide a wider range of services and charge higher fees.
However, this does not mean that out-of-network dental care is always more expensive. In fact, many insurance companies will reimburse a significant portion of the costs associated with out-of-network care.
4. You Can Find a Dentist Who Specializes in the Treatments You Need
In-network dental providers are often generalists. This means that they provide a broad range of dental services, but they may not be experts in any one particular area. If you have complex dental needs, you may want to consider using an out-of-network provider who specializes in the treatments you need.
For example, if you need orthodontic treatment, you may want to see an out-of-network dentist who specializes in braces. Or, if you need periodontal health services, you may want to find a gum specialist who is not in your insurance network.
5. You May Be Able to Get a Second Opinion More Easily
If you’ve ever been to the dentist, you know that they always seem to find something “wrong” with your teeth. They’ll say that you need a deep cleaning, or that you have a cavity. But what if you’re not sure whether or not you actually need those procedures?
With an in-network dentist, you may feel pressured to go ahead with the recommended treatment. But if you go to an out-of-network dentist, you can get a second opinion more easily. That’s because you can simply go back to your regular dentist and get their opinion on the recommended treatment. If they agree with the out-of-network dentist, then you can proceed with the treatment. But if they don’t agree, then you can save yourself time and money by avoiding unnecessary dental work.
6. You May Have More Time With Your Dental Provider
Given that insurance providers pay dentists in their network a lower price per procedure, these dental practices are generally driven to see as many clients as possible. With more patients per day, appointments tend to be much shorter. That means there is less time to really get to know your dentist.
When you visit an out-of-network provider, your dentist is able to take the time to get to know you and your mouth, meaning that you can build a relationship of trust. This extra time also allows for a more thorough cleaning and examination and gives you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about your dental health.
7. You Can Choose a Dentist Who Uses the Latest Technology
When you visit an in-network dental office, you may miss out on the best that modern technology has to offer. With these dental practices receiving a lower price per procedure from network companies, they usually have less money to invest in new technologies. Instead of using top-grade ceramics in their procedures, most use metal composites. By looking to keep lab costs low, most in-network dental practices produce products that are hardly viable.
But, when you visit an out-of-network provider, you can be sure that they are using the latest and greatest technology because they want to give their patients the best possible care.
CBCT imaging, 3D modeling, precision scanning, and soft tissue lasers are just some of the ways that many dentists are using technology to improve patient care, and these may be unavailable at an in-network dental office. By opting to go out of network, you may be able to get access to these cutting-edge treatments.
8. You Can Find a Dentist Who Is Convenient for You
Few things are as important as convenience when choosing a healthcare provider. And, when you visit an out-of-network dentist, you can be sure that they are convenient for you. That’s because they are not bound by the geographical limits of your insurance network.
You can choose a dentist who is located near you or even one who is located near your workplace. You can also choose a dentist who has extended hours or one who offers Saturday appointments. Basically, when you visit an out-of-network provider, you have a lot more options when it comes to convenience.
Reap the Benefits of Going Out-of-Network
From greater freedom of choice to lower out-of-pocket costs, there are a number of reasons why going out-of-network might be the right choice for you. Thus, if you’re looking for a new dentist, or if you’re simply not happy with your current in-network provider, consider making the switch to an out-of-network provider. You may be surprised at the difference it can make.
Are you interested in high-quality dental care in your area? Schedule an appointment with us today.