Why We’re Not In-Network With Every Dental Insurance Plan

Many patients ask: “Why doesn’t my dentist take my insurance?” The answer comes down to how dental insurance really works—and why it’s very different from medical insurance.

Dental Insurance Isn’t Like Medical Insurance

Medical insurance is designed to cover major health events. Dental insurance, on the other hand, usually works more like a coupon or discount plan. Most plans have:

  • Low annual maximums ($1,000–$2,000 per year)

  • Limits on how often services are covered

  • “Downgrades” to cheaper alternatives, even if better options exist

These restrictions are designed to save the insurance company money, not to put patients first.

Why We’re Out-of-Network With Some Plans

Being “in-network” means the insurance company sets strict fees and rules. Unfortunately, those restrictions often:

  • Limit the quality of materials or labs we can use

  • Encourage quick fixes instead of long-term solutions

  • Put the insurance company’s bottom line ahead of your health

By staying out-of-network, we can recommend the best treatment for you, not the cheapest option on a spreadsheet.

What This Means for You

Even if we’re out-of-network, many plans still offer great reimbursement, and our team will help you maximize your benefits by filing claims on your behalf. Patients are often surprised that the difference in cost between in-network and out-of-network is smaller than expected.

✅ Bottom line: We put our patients first—not insurance companies. Choosing an out-of-network dentist means you get care focused on your long-term health and smile, not what saves the insurance company money.