Insurance and Financing Options
Smile Arts Dental Care is proud to be an in-network preferred provider for all dental insurance companies. We accept all preferred provider organization plans or PPO plans. You can pay for your office visits and any treatments by cash, check, credit card, or debit card at the time of treatment. We accept MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Discover in addition to most major dental insurances. If you don't have any insurance plan, we can help you set up an installment plan which provides an interest-free financing option for those that qualify. It is easier than you might think.
Insurance FAQs
How does dental insurance work? What do I pay for?
Similar to health insurance plans, with a dental plan…
What's a covered benefit?
Treatment that is recommended by a dentist, is listed on the fee schedule, and accepted under the terms of your group's plan.
What's an optional treatment?
Treatment that is either not listed on your fee schedule or more than the minimum to restore the tooth back to its original function.
What's the difference between Indemnity, PPO & DHMO insurance plans?
Indemnity
Indemnity or Traditional Insurance reimburses members or dentists at the dentist's UCR (Usual, Customary & Reasonable fee). This allows the subscriber to go to any dental office without being limited to a panel. Sometimes indemnity dental insurance plans cost more than DHMOs and PPOs, but the payoff is the flexibility of choices.
PPO
(Preferred Provider Organization) is the most common form of insurance. It provides members with a list of participating dentists to choose from. The dentists on this list have agreed to a lower fee schedule, which provides you with greater cost savings. The participiting dentists also assist with insurance billing. Most companies pay 50% on major treatment (crowns, bridges, partials), 80% for basic care (fillings), and up to 100% for preventative care (exams, x-rays, basic cleanings). Annual maximums generally range from $1,000 to $2,000.
DHMO
a Dental Health Maintenance Organization plan, also known as capitated or prepaid insurance, was designed to provide members with basic care at the lowest rate. Participating providers receive a monthly capitation check for patients assigned to the office. This amount is only a few dollars and is intended to offset the administrative costs. DHMO plans generally don't pay for services rendered. Fees are usually greatly reduced, but the patient is solely responsible for paying the doctor.
What is the difference between in-network and out-of-network care?
Cost! In-network dentists agree to accept a lower negotiated rate on services, meaning you pay less before your insurance carrier even gets involved. Non-network dentists can bill a patient for any remaining amount up to the billed charge.
Financing
If you don't have any dental insurance, Financing options are available through CareCredit or Lending Club.
CareCredit is the country’s leading healthcare financing program. It offers financing ranging from $300 to $25,000. CareCredit offers a comprehensive range of plans with low minimum monthly payments, including 0% interest on financing for up to 12 months or low interest financing from 24 to 60 months.
With CareCredit you can:
- Start treatment and care immediately and pay over time
- Pay for deductibles and treatment not covered by insurance
- Pay no annual fees
- Pay for other medical expenses for you and your family without having to reapply
Please visit the financial institution website for more information and to apply online, www.carecredit.com. You will receive a decision right away.
Lending Club Patient Solutions offers flexible payment plans, including:
- Plans with low fixed rates and low monthly payments that never change over the life of the loan
- Patient-friendly, no-interest plans with no retroactive interest
- No upfront payments
- No prepayment penalty
It’s easy to calculate your projected monthly payments. Just complete a short application which displays fixed rates and monthly payments for Extended Plans. This will not impact your credit score.
Please visit the financial institution website for more information and to apply online, www.lendingclub.com. You will receive a decision right away.
Contact Us
Office Address:
9330 Carmel Mountain Road, Suite A1
San Diego, CA 92129
Tel: (858) 201-3577
Fax: (858) 201-3579
Email: info@smileartsdentalcare.com
Office Hours:
Monday-Saturday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Evening and Sunday by Appointment
