Considering an Out-of-State Dentist? A Helpful Guide
You might not always find your desired dental care treatment option within your city or state that is within your budget. There are times that you may want to consider expanding your search to include receiving treatment from an out-of-state dentist. Before you do, there are several factors to consider. This article discusses what to look for in an out-of-state dental provider and the role that dental insurance plays in the process.
Can I Go to a Dentist Out-of-State?
Of course. You are always free to receive treatment from a dentist out of state. Here are some key points you should weigh when looking for a dental provider from another state:
- Find a trustworthy dentist. When choosing a dentist, look into their education, accreditations, experience, and reputation. You may also want to check with organizations such as Patients Without Borders for more information. Also, know what you are looking for, whether you will need a specialist or if a general dentist is able to handle your specific treatment needs.
- Consider the cost. It is not recommended to opt for the cheapest out-of-state dentist that you find through an internet search. Instead, look at other factors such as the qualifications of the doctor, the services provided, patient reviews, and location before making your final decision. Also consider the costs of travel and the amount of money you would need to spend on a hotel, food, transportation, and other necessities.
- Research your dentist online. Before deciding on your dental provider, analyze their online reviews from existing and former patients. You can do this via Facebook, Yelp, and Google Reviews. You may also want to ask friends or family members for advice or referrals.
- Know what you want. It’s best to consult with a local dentist in your state to better understand the specific services that you will need. It may be possible for you to get a referral to an out-of-state dentist from your local provider.
Can I Use My Dental Insurance in Another State?
If you’ve purchased dental insurance through a well-known insurance provider, you’ll likely be covered for treatment provided by out-of-state dental practices. However, smaller insurance carriers may not provide coverage for out-of-state dentists. This section tries to answer the commonly asked question, ’Can I use my dental insurance in another state?’ and how dental insurance can influence your choice and the cost of dental services.
In-Network Vs. Out-of-Network Coverage
A major factor determining the cost of out-of-state dental care is whether your insurance works with your dental healthcare provider and whether your dentist participates in their network. Your insurance provider will reimburse you differently for doctors who are in-network versus those who are considered out-of-network.
You are always free to choose an out-of-network dentist. Compared to an in-network dentist, when you go to an out-of-network dentist your out-of-pocket costs will likely be considerably higher. You can determine if your preferred out-of-state dentist is in-network or out-of-network by contacting your insurance provider directly in advance of your first appointment.
How Do I Check My Coverage?
You may want to search your insurance provider’s website to get an estimate of the expected reimbursement for your dental care. Insurance providers often have a dentist search tool on their website to help you conduct a provider search. You’ll need to log in to your account in order to access this tool.
Tips for Getting Dental Work Performed in Another State
Other things you should do or prepare for before going to a dentist out-of-state include:
- Calling the dental facility before you go to discuss things like payment expectations, medication allergies that you may have, or whether you prefer mercury-free fillings.
- Requesting the estimated prices of individual procedures or materials, such as the cost of a crown or a tooth extraction, in order to get a fair idea of the overall expenses involved.
- Obtaining all of the necessary travel documents including passports or any other essential travel requirements to enter the U.S. in the event that you are arriving from another country.
- Scheduling your dental appointments in the off-season, if possible, to avoid long wait times.
- Ensuring that the dental practice follows all of the necessary hygiene and safety protocols before any treatment begins.
- Discussing any doubts or questions with the dentist. This could include asking about the dentist’s qualifications, the background and details of the procedure, and more.
- Asking your dentist to provide a complete, all-inclusive treatment plan with the time and prices involved before the treatment commences to ensure you know the entire treatment process and its objectives.
Where Can I Go for Out-of-State Dental Care?
At present, several states provide excellent dental care facilities at affordable prices. Some states where you can get the best dental care in the U.S. include:
- Connecticut
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Wisconsin
Getting Your Dentures and Dental Implants Out-of-state
Are you looking to get dentures or dental implants from an out-of-state provider? If so, European Denture Center in Boise, Idaho, is an excellent choice for your consideration. We provide the highest-quality dentures and dental implants at very affordable prices. We also work with most major insurance providers and offer flexible payment options. Contact our team today to explore your options and schedule your appointment.
