Dr. Brian Cox Dentistry

Why do you recommend a dental exam and cleaning at least every six months?

Today’s dentistry allows for advanced detection of most dental problems. We can advise our patients of needed treatment well in advance of the occurrence of any related symptoms. This early detection allows the placement of restorations that are very conservative in nature. This strategy benefits patients of all ages, particularly children. With an emphasis on prevention and early treatment, we have the ability to help you achieve optimum oral health for a lifetime.

Is there any association between my dental health and my overall physical health?

Absolutely! In the past twenty years there has been an increasing number of medical studies showing a correlation between dental and physical health. Particular emphasis has been placed on poor periodontal and oral health and its relationship to heart disease, and diabetes. The importance of preventive and early dental care has never been more important than it is today.

What can you tell me about Dental Insurance?

Dental Insurance isn’t actually an “insurance” to cover the cost of a loss. It could more accurately be described as a monetary benefit. It is a benefit that is designed only to pay for a portion of your routine dental care. Only very rarely will your benefit actually cover the cost for 100% of your treatment.

Do you take my dental insurance?

We routinely submit insurance claims to hundreds of different carriers as a courtesy to our patients. In most cases we will be able to assist you with your insurance claims. We will always do our best to help your maximize your dental benefits. Please keep in mind that the mandate of insurance companies is cost containment, not your oral health. This strategy does not necessarily equate to quality dental care. Because of this, we choose not to be a defined provider for any one specific company. Please call us today to see how we may help.

How does my insurance carrier determine their allowed payments?

Your carrier negotiates the fees that will be paid for each dental procedure with your employer. Policies are designed with more or less benefit, depending upon the amount of premium an employer is willing to invest in that policy. Your employer also negotiates your annual maximum payment, as well as which procedures will, or will not receive benefit. Your carrier will describe these fees as “UCR” (usual, customary and reasonable). Their determination is not however based on necessity, or an actual market fee for the area. They are simply the negotiated fees that were previously determined with your carrier and employer. The actual market dental fees being charged in a region will usually differ from these negotiated fees.

Why does it seem that the amount of my annual benefit is so low?

This maximum amount varies according to the amount of premium invested by an employer. Its amount has nothing to do with necessity, or typical costs towards any procedures. In fact, yearly maximum amounts are almost equal to the amounts offered on policies in the 1960’s. This amount of benefit in 1965 would have rarely been exceeded, even with patients in need of much dental treatment. This amount may easily be exceeded today with the treatment of just one tooth. Unfortunately, most carriers do not increase this maximum benefit on an annual basis. As a result, when dental fees increase, patients continue to lose benefit.

Why does my carrier pay more or less towards some procedures, while offering no benefit towards others?

These decisions are not based on clinical necessity or consideration for your overall health. These decisions have been pre-determined by your carrier and employer. Percentages of coverage, and which procedures receive coverage, vary greatly from policy to policy.

Why doesn’t your practice participate in my dental network plan?

The great majority of these network plans simply do not offer a fair and equitable fee for our services. Our practice places an emphasis on quality of care, not quantity of care. This quality of care is not valued by many network plans. We strive to be one of Colorado’s best dental practices, not one of its biggest practices.

Do you offer any extended payment arrangements?

Yes. Our goal is to provide our patients with exceptional dental care. This quality of care is an excellent investment in your health and well being. We believe that financial considerations should not be an obstacle to obtaining necessary dental treatment. In addition to our acceptance of most major credit cards, we can offer extended payment arrangements through Care Credit. Once your treatment plan has been agreed upon, our business manager may contact this company on your behalf. In most cases, approval status will be determined during your office visit. Care Credit offers no interest options for up to 18 months, low monthly payments and no prepayment penalties.