Frequently Asked Questions

We do accept most insurance plans; however, you will not find our name on any PPO list of providers. To date, I have not seen any of these PPO plans that are designed with your health in mind. They are designed to do dentistry as quickly as possible and sell it as cheaply as possible. We pride ourselves on making treatment recommendations based on what we feel is in the best interest of the patient, not based on what an insurance plan will pay.

Contrary to what some would lead you to believe, there is not a specialty of cosmetic dentistry. Every dentist that I know practices cosmetic dentistry. Our team averages about 75 hours of continuing education a year, and most of that education is centered around the latest cosmetic dentistry advances.

A large part of our practice is devoted to implant dentistry. We work with an extensive group of the best specialists around to place the implants in the proper position, but our job is to build the crowns and bridges on the implants after the surgeon has released the patient.

Probably our favorite patients are children. However, if and when we think it would be in the best interest of a child to see a pediatric dentist, we will discuss this with the parents and direct them to a pediatric dentist with a practice philosophy similar to our own.

Unfortunately, patients will inevitably experience some sort of dental emergency during a time when the office is closed. Don’t fear! We have an emergency line that will allow you to contact Dr. Ellett directly. He will be prompt to return your call and do his best to provide the treatment you need to resolve your issue.

We are equipped with a digital scanner that alleviates the need for the traditional impressions. We use the scanner for just about any procedure that requires an impression; from crowns and bridges to dentures and bleaching trays. The digital scanner will help take that fear out of the impression.

Our office policy is to have patients pay for the services rendered. However, many of our patients have worked out alternate financial plans with Stacey, our office manager. She can almost always work out some financial arrangement that is comfortable and fair for everyone.

Our office has always been happy to work with patients covered by dental insurance. We think insurance is a great incentive to maintain a vital level of dental health. But it’s a rare – very rare – dental plan that covers 100% of our fees. Here’s why.

The fees we charge for dental services are the same for every patient, insured or not. A given insurance policy, however, is based on a fixed fee schedule – “usual and customary” – that may have nothing to do with the real world. Dentistry has changed very quickly, but insurance fee schedules have not. After all, insurance companies are profitable businesses, not dental benefactors.

Further, insurance companies reimburse you an amount they figure is commensurate with average quality dentistry in an average office with an average staff, “average” falling somewhere between the best dentistry and the worst dentistry. Well, we have a better opinion of our services. Our belief is, and always has been, that the style and quality of our dentistry had better be the very best.

We’re happy to help you with any insurance questions you have. We’ll go over your policy with you, try to maximize your benefits, and request a predetermination of benefits to let you know what your insurer will pay. But please remember your insurer dictates your coverage – we don’t.

In order to make payment plans convenient for our customers, we offer several options for payment.

Insurance: We accept most insurance plans. Please feel free to call our office to make an appointment or to ask any questions you may have. Our knowledgeable staff is always willing to assist you with insurance concerns.

Payment Options: We accept all major credit cards, ATM cards, cash, and personal checks. For information on other payment options that may be available, please call our office.