Our Dental Insurance Policy
Updated November 19, 2024
What Is Dental Insurance?
Dental insurance is a form of health coverage designed to help individuals manage the costs of dental care. It typically covers part of the costs for treatments, reducing out-of-pocket expenses. While some patients purchase their own plans, many receive dental benefits through their employers. Understanding your plan is crucial because dentists are not always familiar with the specifics of your coverage. Review the materials provided by your benefits provider to know what’s covered and any limitations.
Before going to your dentist to use your dental insurance benefits, there are some things that you should know as a patient:
- Dental Insurance Policy at Atlas Dental
- Understanding The Terminology Of Your Dental Insurance Coverage
- Leading Dental Insurance Companies in Canada
Claiming Dental Expense Tax Credit On Your Canadian Tax Return
We believe that clear communication about our insurance policies helps foster a positive and trusting relationship with our patients. For more information regarding dental insurance, payment options, or if you require assistance with the claims process, please contact us at Atlas Dental.
Dental Insurance Policy at Atlas Dental
At Atlas Dental, we are committed to providing exceptional dental care and ensuring a seamless experience for our valued patients. As part of our commitment to transparency and efficiency, it’s essential for our patients to be informed about our dental insurance policy.
Your Dentist’s Responsibilities
Your dentist’s primary focus is your oral health, not your insurance policy. Treatment plans are created based on your dental needs, which may not always align with your insurance coverage.
To help clarify coverage:
- Predetermination of Benefits: We can submit a predetermination form to your insurance provider, giving you an estimate of what may be covered. However, this does not guarantee coverage.
- Out-of-Pocket Costs: If your insurance only covers a portion of the treatment, you’ll be responsible for the remaining balance.
Learn more about dentists’ obligations through the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario.
Accepted Dental Insurance Programs
Atlas Dental accepts a variety of private dental insurance programs, including:
We do not accept public dental programs, such as:
Accepted Payment Methods:
We offer flexible payment options for your convenience:
- Debit cards
- Visa and Mastercard
- Cash
- E-transfer
Direct Billing Policy:
Atlas Dental does not offer direct billing (assignment of benefits). This means patients pay for services at the time of treatment and then claim reimbursement from their insurance providers.
Insurance Claim Assistance:
Our team is here to help you navigate the claims process. After your treatment, we can help submit your claim to your insurance provider on your behalf.
Reimbursement Process:
Patients will receive payments directly from their insurance carrier. If direct deposit is set up with your bank account, electronic insurance reimbursement will typically take 24 to 48 hours. Alternatively, payments will be issued by cheque and sent via mail. This ensures that you receive your insurance reimbursement in a timely manner.
We believe that clear communication about our insurance policies helps foster a positive and trusting relationship with our patients. For more information regarding dental insurance, payment options, or if you require assistance with the claims process, please contact us at Atlas Dental.
Understanding The Terminology Of Your Dental Insurance Coverage
Understanding the terminology used in dental insurance can help you make informed decisions:
- Alternative Benefit Provision: Some dental plans may offer alternative benefits if a covered service is not deemed appropriate or necessary. For example, your dental insurance may not cover the full amount for dental implant treatment, but may pay up to the equivalent amount for a dental bridge to go towards your dental implant. Understanding these provisions can be important for making informed decisions about your care.
- Claim Form: A Dental Claim Form is a standardized document used in the dental industry for the submission of dental services and expenses to insurance providers. This form is typically required if patients want to submit a claim to insurance themselves or for Coordination of benefits. Ask your dental clinic if you would like a dental claim form.
- Coinsurance and Copayments: Understand the cost-sharing arrangement. Coinsurance is the percentage of covered expenses you’re responsible for, while a copayment is a fixed amount you pay for a specific service.
- Coordination of Benefits (COB): In cases where an individual is covered by more than one dental insurance plan, coordination of benefits determines how the plans work together to cover the costs, ensuring there is no overpayment.
- Coverage Period (Start and End Dates): Determine the start and end dates of your dental insurance coverage. This is typically an annual period, and benefits may not roll over from one year to the next.
- Dependent Coverage: The inclusion of family members, such as spouses and children, under the dental insurance plan. Plans may have different premium structures and coverage options for dependents.
- Exclusions and Limitations: Review the list of exclusions and limitations in your dental insurance policy. Certain services or conditions may not be covered, so it’s essential to be aware of any restrictions.
- Maximum Benefit Amount: Know the maximum amount your dental insurance will pay for covered services during the coverage period. Once you reach this limit, you will be responsible for any additional costs.
- Preauthorization Requirements: Some dental procedures may require preauthorization from the insurance company before they are covered. Make sure to follow any preauthorization procedures outlined by your plan. Your dental clinic can help you submit a preauthorization request.
- Predetermination of Dental Insurance Benefits: This refers to a process in which a dentist or dental service provider seeks approval or confirmation from the insurance carrier regarding the coverage and benefits for a specific dental treatment or procedure before it is performed. This is often done to obtain clarity on how much the insurance plan will cover and what the patient’s financial responsibility will be.
- Types of Coverage: Familiarize yourself with the types of dental services covered by your insurance. Common categories include preventive, basic/restorative, and major procedures. Each category may have different coverage percentages.
- Waiting Periods: Be aware of any waiting periods for certain dental procedures. Some plans have waiting periods before they cover specific services, especially major procedures.
If you have any further questions regarding our insurance procedures, payment options, or if you require assistance with the claims process or want to know more about the dental services offered at Atlas Dental, please contact us.
Leading Dental Insurance Companies in Canada
Atlas Dental works with numerous private insurance providers. Here are some of the most popular:
- Blue Cross Canada
- Canada Life (Formerly Great-West Life)
- Canada Protection Plan
- Desjardins Insurance
- Empire Life
- Green Shield Canada
- GroupHEALTH
- IA Financial Group (Industrial Alliance)
- Manulife Financial
- Medavie Blue Cross
- SSQ Insurance
- Sun Life Financial
- The Co-operators
We believe that clear communication about our insurance policies helps foster a positive and trusting relationship with our patients. For more information regarding dental insurance, payment options, or if you require assistance with the claims process, please contact us at Atlas Dental.
Claiming Dental Expense Tax Credit On Your Canadian Tax Return
Did you know you can claim out-of-pocket dental expenses as a tax credit on your Canadian tax return? Learn more in our guide: Claiming Dental Expense Tax Credit On Your Canadian Tax Return.
For more information regarding dental insurance, payment options, or if you require assistance with the claims process, please contact us at Atlas Dental.
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