Frequently Asked Questions
» What happens at my first
appointment?
» Do you
take insurance?
» How are your fees?
» How do you bill?
» What
happens if I am late for an appointment or have to change an
appointment?
» Do you
follow current guidelines for sterilization and safety?
» I'm ready to set
up an appointment, what next?
What happens at my first
appointment?
Your first appointment includes a comprehensive exam
with the dentist and a complete set of x-rays.
The initial exam identifies
what your dental needs are, lets us get to know you, answer questions and
discuss any concerns you may have. We do ask that you come in about 15 minutes
early to fill out your patient information and to give you some time to relax.
We will perform the necessary X-rays and a comprehensive oral evaluation. You
and the Dentist will go over a treatment plan and X-rays, then together, we'll
figure out the most efficient and comfortable way to fill your dental
needs.
Do you take insurance?
We accept most
major insurance plans, but you should call to be sure we accept your
plan.
You should also become familiar with all of your insurance plans,
restrictions and benefits. We will make sure we provide as much information as
we can, but remember your plan is a contract with you and your
company.
How are your fees?
We are competitively
priced for the Orange County area. Before we complete non-routine treatment, we
will provide a treatment plan with an estimate of all fees, estimated insurance
coverage, and balances for you.
Please do not hesitate to ask about the
anticipated cost of your treatment. You have the right to know and understand
our charges. We want you to feel that you have been treated fairly.
It is
also important to keep in mind that the term “Dental Insurance” is misleading.
It is more correctly termed “Dental Benefits”. Dental Benefits are not intended
to pay for everything, but to instead assist with costs of dental treatment.
Generally dental benefits pay a percentage of each procedure up to a set yearly
maximum. The benefits available to you are established by the plan you are on or
the plan your employer has purchased.
How do you bill?
We will bill
your carrier for all work performed that is covered under your plan. Any
co-payments and deductibles are required at the time the service is rendered. If
after your carrier has paid its portion of your bill, we will mail a statement
to you. Statements are mailed when insurance payments are received and/or at the
end of every month.
If you are a cash patient, we ask that payment be
received at the time of service. We accept VISA and MasterCard as well as
personal checks and cash. We also participate in Dental Fee Plan by Capital
One.
What
happens if I am late for an appointment or have to change an
appointment?
We understand that events can conspire against even the
best of intentions. We have a philosophy of helping our patients achieve the
best they can be. If a late arrival keeps us from providing you with the highest
possible service to you, we will do what we can in the time allowed, then find a
time that works for you. We will not lecture you or give you a hard time! We
respect your time and do our best to stay on time. Unforeseen emergencies can
throw us off-schedule. You are welcome to call in advance of your appointment to
confirm our timing.
Please give us as much advance notice as you can if
you must change an agreed-upon visit with us.
Do you
follow current guidelines for sterilization and safety?
Yes. We are
up-to-date on all sterilization and disinfecting techniques. We follow all
recommendations and requirements of the governing bodies of California state. We
regularly attend continuing education courses to update our systems and
procedures for providing a safe, clean environment for our patients and our
dental team.
What
if my insurance carrier says they will not cover something that has been
recommended by the dentist?
It is our obligation to provide the best
dentistry for you. To do this, it is important that we do not allow dental
benefits to be a determining factor in our diagnosis. Your treatment plan will
be based upon your needs after the dentist's clinical exam. It is important that
we do not allow dental insurance carriers to dictate your treatment and tell us
what they believe is the best care for you. Our primary concern, as we hope
yours is, is to maintain your dental health.
I'm ready to set up an
appointment, what next?
Give us a call and we'll help you get
started. 714.848.7777