How Can I Make The Most Of My Dental Insurance? Our Top 5 Tips

If you’re looking to make the most of your dental insurance in River District, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide from River District Dentistry, we’ll discuss 5 quick tips you can follow to make the most of your policy. Read on, and see how you can save while getting the dental care you need.

1. Always Choose An In-Network Dentist

First, you should always choose an in-network dentist when possible. Out-of-network care will almost always result in higher overall costs for treatment, so take a look at a dentist’s website or give them a call to check and see which dental insurance policies they accept.

At River District Dentistry, Dr. Scott Kollen accepts policies from 17+ insurers including Pacific Blue Cross, Greenshield, Great West Life, and more. Click here for more information.

2. Get Two Checkups Each Every Year

As a rule, most dental insurance plans will cover two teeth cleanings and oral exams per year, as well as a set of x-rays. These treatments are typically available at absolutely no out-of-pocket cost, so if you want to maximize your benefits, it’s important to get at least two checkups each year.

3. Know What Treatments Are Covered For Your Kids

Dental insurance covers kids a bit differently than adults. For example, treatments like dental sealants and fluoride treatments are usually not covered by insurance for adults, but are covered for kids. If you have children, make sure to read your dental insurance policy closely or contact your insurer directly to learn more about what treatments are covered by your policy.

4. Understand Your Deductible & How It Works

Most dental plans have a certain “deductible.” This is the amount you must pay toward your treatment before your dental plan starts to cover the cost of your dental care. For example, if you have a $400 deductible, your plan won’t begin covering treatments like fillings and crowns until you’ve paid $400 toward your own treatment.

If you need a lot of dental work, it’s a good idea to plan to meet and exceed your deductible to ensure you get the most of your dental coverage. By doing so, you’ll maximize your yearly benefits.

5. Plan Your Treatments Around Annual Maximum Coverage Limits

Every dental plan has a maximum limit it will pay toward your dental care each year. For example, if you have a $1,000 yearly limit, you will need to pay for the remainder of your care until your plan “rolls over” which usually happens on January 1st of each year.

With a bit of planning, you can take advantage of this to get more out of your insurance. For example, if you need two crowns, you could plan the placement of one crown in late December, and then have another crown placed in January, when your annual maximum coverage limit rolls over.

Get The Expert Dental Care You Need From Dr. Scott Kollen At River District Dentistry

If you want to make the most of your dental insurance, it’s a good idea to consult with your insurer to make sure you understand what your policy covers, and to work with an experienced dentist like Dr. Scott Kollen. Our team can help you coordinate your care to make the most of your policy, and ensure you and your family can maintain healthy mouths without breaking the bank. Contact us online or give us a call at (604) 423-3577 to get started.

Is It Safe To See The Dentist During COVID-19?

When BC entered Phase 2 of its restart plan during the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses were allowed to reopen, including dental offices. River District Dentistry is now open for all appointments including preventive care, restorative dentistry, and emergency dentistry.

But is it safe to see us during the COVID-19 pandemic? Yes! Dr. Scott Kollen is taking your health and safety very seriously. Read on to see just a few of the precautions we’ve implemented to keep you and our staff members healthy.

1. Screening Questions, Social Distancing & Temperature Checks At Our Office

First, you’ll be sent an email or text with some screening questions about any recent exposure to COVID-19, risk factors, recent travel, and other information. You’ll need to fill this out on the same day as your visit, and it’s easy to fill it out with your phone or computer.

In addition, we will no longer be letting patients wait in our lobby. This is to help maintain social distancing. You’ll just call us from your car when you arrive, and a staff member will come and unlock the door when your treatment room is ready. We are also no longer accepting walk-in appointments.

Once you enter our office, your temperature will be taken with a touchless infrared thermometer to check for a fever. If you have an abnormally elevated temperature, you may be asked to reschedule your appointment.

2. Handwashing & Sanitation At Our Office

You’ll be asked to clean your hands with hand sanitizer or wash your hands before your appointment.

All of our staff members are also following handwashing best practices to ensure a clean and germ-free environment that’s safe for all of our patients.

We ask that you use the restroom before you arrive, as we are not allowing patients to use the restroom in our office.

3. Additional PPE For All Patient Appointments

We’re wearing gloves and masks as well as eye protection, gowns, and even hair and shoe coverings, when necessary for a procedure. We may look a little bit different, but we’ll be providing the same great dental care for every patient!

Note also that we’re keeping our office on the cooler side, since it gets hot under our layers of PPE. We advise you to bring a sweater or heavier jacket if you tend to get cold easily!

4. Enhanced Cleaning Of Operatories & Common Areas

We are cleaning all commonly-touched surfaces thoroughly throughout our office, and are taking additional steps to clean up operatories and sanitize them after each patient’s appointment.

Our staff will stay with you in the operatory until your procedure and all notes are completed, and the lobby is empty, then you’ll be escorted out of the office to ensure your safety.

5. Changes In Payment Options

We are offering contactless payment options for up to $250, and are not accepting cash at the moment.

We are also working on implementing some other contactless payment options that will allow you to walk right out of our office after your procedure. Ask our front desk staff for more details.