Advantages of Choosing an Out-of-Network Dentist
Written by Dr. Adrienne Hedrick
Many dental patients believe it’s best to choose a dentist who is in network, but the truth is that there are many advantages to choosing an out-of-network dentist, also known as a “fee for service” provider. In fact effective on January 1, 2024 Longmont Dental Loft will be out of network with all dental insurance.
Please continue reading to learn more about the benefits of seeing an out-of-network dentist.
Advantages for a Dental Practice
The below explains our practice’s advantages of being out-of-network , but they’re worth outlining as they also, ultimately, benefit our patients. Plus, we have a post on why we are going out of network if you want additional information.
Because out-of-network dental practices can charge what services are worth, not what insurance companies say they’re worth, we have more money for:
Employee Education
Technology advances seemingly by the day, so there is often something new on the horizon. When new or advanced technology hits the market, we want to be one of the first to learn all about it so we can fully leverage its capabilities. Also, our team often travels to other states for training, a costly but highly beneficial endeavor that we can only continue if we’re not bound by insurance.
Technology
We service our patients with a lot of expensive technology, including CEREC, CBCT, soft tissue lasers, and IV sedation. It offers more effective treatment because it is more convenient, less painful, and higher quality than what the average dental office provides. As technology advances in the dental industry, we want to ensure we always have the most state-of-the-art equipment at our practice.
Hiring the Most Skilled Employees
Charging fair market value for our services means we can afford to pay our employees their worth, not just pay them enough to keep up with average industry wages. Because of our cutting-edge technology and trust in our employees to do much more with it than their professional titles suggest, they add significantly more value than the average wages indicate for their position. Also, offering competitive wages to help retain employees and attract new ones is essential because there is a current hygienist shortage, and finding skilled professionals is very difficult.
Better Dentists
With the continual decline in the value of dental insurance, more skilled dentists will choose to go out of network, and we’ll be more likely to attract them as an out-of-network provider. Although reputable dentists are still in network, the trend is pointing to more and more leaving. Furthermore, an out-of-network dentist is a sign that they’re competent and have such happy patients that they’re not reliant on insurance. For patients who want the best dental care, a “fee for service” dentist is increasingly becoming the wiser option.
Advantages for You as a Patient
Before we dive into the advantages of choosing an out-of-network dentist, know that there are no advantages to seeing an in-network dentist if you don’t have dental insurance, but there are no disadvantages either. Alternatively, if you do have dental insurance, you can search for a provider who best fits your needs and expectations, regardless of who they’re in network with. Of course, you can do the same if you don’t have insurance.
Ultimately, insured patients want to see who they want to see, but their options are often limited because of the parameters insurance companies set. On the other hand, some of the biggest benefits to choosing an out-of-network dentist include:
Spending More Time with Your Dentist
When dentists can charge fair market prices, they don’t need to see as many patients in a day and rush through their appointments. Therefore, they can spend more time with you and help ensure your needs are met.
Flexibility and Choice
You’ll have access to a wide range of services and procedures without restrictions, which is more difficult to achieve with dental insurance.
Customized Treatments
Without insurance dictating what dentists can treat and for how much, you can work directly with your dentist and devise a customized plan that fits your unique needs.
Transparency
You’ll know exactly how much something costs and can make better decisions about your dental care because of it.
Summary
The more advanced our technology and training and the more skilled our hygienists and better pay they receive, the better our patients’ overall experience will be, which is always our primary goal.
