Insurance & Financing

Name: Dental Services
Brand: Farmington Family Dental

Hi, I'm Dr. Perry from Farmington Family Dental. I get a lot of questions about pricing and costs related to dentistry. I wanted to explain some of the most common questions that I hear today on this video about how costs are structured, how dental offices charge what they charge, and how you know you're getting a fair deal. If you have any additional questions, you're welcome to give our office a call and speak to me at an appointment to see what you need. Our phone number is (573) 637-4404, and I'm happy to help.

How does the cost at Farmington Family Dental compare to other dental practices?

The costs at Farmington Family Dental are calibrated against the cost of dental offices around our region. We set our prices by zip code to ensure we're in line with other offices around us. We also set our prices based on the work, expense, and time associated with the procedure itself. There are some minor variations depending on what procedures we enjoy doing and what we don't. The ones we enjoy doing, we charge a little less. The ones we don't enjoy, we tend to charge a little more to make it worth the time and effort.

What dental services have standardized pricing at Farmington Family Dental?

Our dental services are priced standardized according to the industry in our area and the greater region. Most of our patients come from the Farmington area or within about a 30 to 45-minute drive. Some come from a little further, but those are edge cases. This area's cost profile in wages, materials, building, and equipment dictates what we need to charge as a business. To ensure we're on the right page, we regularly survey other offices to see that we are in line and keeping our costs under control so you're not paying more than you need.

Why do the cost of some procedures vary?

Some procedures vary in cost. A great example is dentures. I see advertisements for dentures for $1,000 or $1,200, and there's a cost competition. There are reasons for these variations, and typically, the offices offering procedures at $1,000 have three factors affecting that variation. The first is the end product's look, feel, and longevity. An end product that lasts longer is worth more, usually involving more expensive materials. The second factor is the setup or integration of practices. Some practices are vertically integrated with a lab on-site to reduce costs, but the quality might not meet expectations, not just in clinical quality but in service quality. Things like appointment time consistency and having sufficient time with the doctor matter. Finally, the quality of service itself is important. Just like with dining options, you get different levels of service. For example, a basic meal at McDonald's versus a nicer experience at 12 West. These variations influence what dentists charge for procedures and services. In my office, I choose local labs and don't ship work overseas. I partner with good labs to maintain high quality, including warranties for any issues. Sometimes I make a denture twice to ensure quality, and I charge for that service. If using the $1,000 denture example, I'm currently at about $2,500. That's more, but I believe the quality and experience are worth it. If you have questions, check our reviews, video testimonials, and before-and-after photos to see what to expect when you come to our office. I think you'll be pleased.

If my insurance will not cover the full cost of my dental care, are financing options available?

What do you do if your insurance doesn't cover the full cost of treatment? Back in the '80s when dental insurance came out, it functioned differently than it does now. Typically, insurance covered a bulk of the procedures and took care of you for the entire year. Nowadays, it's not the case, and it won't cover everything in most cases. If it doesn't, some people pay cash for the difference. Others finance it with a credit card, Care Credit, or we offer other options to spread payments monthly, so it's not all upfront.

Does Farmington Family Dental offer a discount for paying cash?

For paying in cash upfront at our office, we offer a 5% cash discount for payment in full. This saves me time in dealing with finance-related discussions with our staff, and I'm happy to pass that savings to you. Whether you're paying cash, card, or check upfront, it's all the same to me.

We've talked about some financial aspects of a dental office. While there are many details, you need to prioritize your health. The best place to start is by visiting us. Let us assess your situation, create a plan, and arrange finances to make treatment workable for you. Our phone number is (573) 637-4404. I'm happy to help. At Farmington Family Dental, we love when you come in. We'll get you squared away and provide a plan that works.