Pre-treatment estimates help you understand
your payment responsibilities

You can minimize your out-of pocket expense for dental care by asking your dentist for a pre-treatment estimate, also called a predetermination, from your dental carrier before you agree to receive any prescribed, major treatment. This lets you know up front what the dental plan will pay, and the difference you will be responsible for. Your dentist may be able to present alternative treatment options that will lower your share of the bill, while still meeting your basic dental care needs.

What is a pre-treatment estimate?

A pre-treatment estimate is a free service that Delta Dental provides to its enrollees. It can help you and your dentist make more informed decisions about your dental care.

A pre-treatment estimate is particularly useful for more costly procedures such as crowns, wisdom tooth extractions, bridges, dentures or periodontal surgery. When your dentist predetermines treatment with Delta Dental, you'll receive an estimate of your share of the cost and how much Delta Dental will pay before treatment begins.

Why should I consider a predetermination?

• If you are having extensive work done and want to know what your share of the cost will be
  
• To ensure a procedure is covered
  
• To see if you will exceed your maximum
  
• To plan your payment in advance

How does it work?

To predetermine treatment, your dentist sends Delta Dental a proposed treatment plan, along with relevant x-rays. Delta Dental then checks to be sure that the services are covered. Some dental work may be limited or excluded by your program, and you will want to know exactly what services are covered before you proceed with treatment. Delta Dental also calculates how any copayments and dollar maximum limits might affect your share of the cost. Your dentist then receives an estimate of the amount Delta Dental will pay for approved services, and the amount you will be responsible for.

How long does it take?

Pre-treatment estimates usually take about three weeks. To provide faster turnaround, a pre-treatment estimate does not take into account any deductibles, so please remember to figure in your deductible, if necessary.

Unless the need is urgent, it's worthwhile to find out exactly how much of your treatment is covered, allowing you to plan in advance for your portion of the dentist bill.