Patients' dental misconceptions.As I travel and interview dozens of strangers monthly, it amazes me how many people in the general public have total misconceptions Misconceptions is an American sitcom television series for The WB Network for the 2005-2006 season that never aired. It features Jane Leeves, formerly of Frasier, and French Stewart, formerly of 3rd Rock From the Sun. regarding dental insurance Dental insurance is insurance designed to pay the costs associated with dental care. Dental insurance pays a portion of the bills from dentists, hospitals, and other providers of dental services. and dental care in general. Some of these misconceptions include: * I am self-employed and have no dental insurance; therefore I don't go to the dentist unless I have a problem. * I can only do what my insurance plan covers. If it is not covered not covered Health care adjective Referring to a procedure, test or other health service to which a policy holder or insurance beneficiary is not entitled under the terms of the policy or payment system–eg, Medicare. Cf Covered. , I must not need it! * I would never spend a lot of money on my teeth. I'll just get them all pulled so I'll quit having dental problems. * My husband's company just changed insurance plans. I must find a new dentist because Dr. X is not on the plan's list of providers. The following patient education cards are now available to hand out or mail to patients. The patients' inquiries are answered completely, which improves case acceptance and clears up many misconceptions patients have, even for those who do not ask! Pertinent Answers Regarding Dental Insurance Our company just changed benefit plans. I really like my dentist. Does this mean I must change to one of the dentists on the provider lists? Patients are being misinformed regarding these issues. In most cases, the patients have choices of WHO provides their care. The only thing that changes for these patients is the way in which their accounts are paid. The practices most often still file the claim forms as a courtesy. Using electronic claims gives a faster turnaround of the funds directly to the patients. The patients normally prefer to use their credit cards for payment and by the time the credit card statement arrives, the reimbursement is back to the patients. In some treatments, there is a difference in copayments paid by the patients but in almost every instance, the patients would rather pay this difference than change dental practices Noun 1. dental practice - the practice of dentistry practice - the exercise of a profession; "the practice of the law"; "I took over his practice when he retired" and chance not having the same level of care or service. I'm self-employed and do not have dental insurance; therefore I don't go to the dentist unless I have a problem. Isn't this the norm for most people who don't have dental insurance? This misconception mis·con·cep·tion n. A mistaken thought, idea, or notion; a misunderstanding: had many misconceptions about the new tax program. by patients is one of the biggest problems dental practices face across the country. Dental insurance is an appeasement appeasement Foreign policy of pacifying an aggrieved nation through negotiation in order to prevent war. The prime example is Britain's policy toward Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany in the 1930s. benefit, which in most cases is a joke. The annual maximum allowable benefit has not changed on most plans in over 30 years. Fees then were a third of what they are today. Oftentimes, the premiums paid by the patient or their employer cost more annually than their total benefit. If we didn't have food insurance would we still eat? The answer to that is simple. Good dental health is as important as fueling one's body, yet many people use being nondental-insured as their excuse to neglect their teeth. Preventive dentistry preventive dentistry n. The branch of dentistry that deals with the preservation of healthy teeth and gums and the prevention of dental caries and oral disease. is not expensive, neglect is! I cannot/should not have anything done to my teeth that is not covered by insurance plan, right? Many patients use dental insurance as their crutch crutch (kruch) a staff, ordinarily extending from the armpit to the ground, with a support for the hand and usually also for the arm or axilla; used to support the body in walking. crutch n. . They have the misconception that if it is not covered on their plan, it must not be a necessary treatment, or it is out of reach financially. Following the advice of a benefit plan company that is in business to save money by restricting care is an unwise decision. Listening to your dentist and dental health care team who are in business to save your natural teeth for a lifetime is a much wiser choice. Why doesn't my insurance cover this? Dental insurance is meant to be a partial reimbursement for basic preventive and basic restorative re·stor·a·tive adj. 1. Of or relating to restoration. 2. Tending or having the power to restore. n. A medicine or other agent that helps to restore health, strength, or consciousness. care. Ninety-five percent of all adults need more than basic dentistry dentistry, treatment and care of the teeth and associated oral structures. Dentistry is mainly concerned with tooth decay, disease of the supporting structures, such as the gums, and faulty positioning of the teeth. . Taking care of small dental problems before they develop into major dental emergencies A dental emergency is a type of medical emergency involving the teeth or gingiva. Pain involving these parts of the mouth, even when minor, can indicate a severe underlying problem that could worsen with time. is a goal every patient should have. Having a dentist who performs a comprehensive oral health examination and one who presents a complete treatment plan that will restore the mouth to an optimal level is key, regardless of who pays for the service. The same people who complain about the fees involved in total dental care are the same people who think nothing of buying big screen TVs, eating out six times per week, getting a new car or truck every other year and taking expensive vacations. Smart consumers know that you get what you pay for, and having your priorities in the right order, includes having a clean, healthy and attractive smile. These cards can be ordered from www.DentalManagementU.com or call 800-922-0866. Linda L. Miles, CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. of LLM&A, one of dentistry's premier speaking and consulting firms, celebrated her 25th year in business in 2003. Linda has spoken at every major meeting, in every state, and on four continents. She can be reached by calling 800-922-0866 or visiting her website at www.DentalManagementU.com |
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