Dental insurance often feels confusing for patients. Words such as deductible, coinsurance, and annual limits can be confusing. This page walks you through how dental billing and EOBs work at Bright Smile Dental.
This guide is ideal for new patients, returning patients checking a bill, or those evaluating dental insurance options. If you need individual assistance, our billing team is happy to help.
Dental Insurance Basics for City Residents
Dental insurance is designed to reduce out-of-pocket costs while encouraging preventive care. Coverage is often divided into categories based on treatment type:
Preventive care is commonly paid at 100% by dental plans.
Basic dental work often receives partial coverage of around 70–80%.
Crowns and other major treatments usually receive the lowest coverage level.
Many plans follow a 100–80–50 coverage model.
Explore our dental treatments to better understand your care options.
Common Dental Insurance Terms Explained
Deductible: An initial out-of-pocket amount required by your plan.
Copay / Coinsurance: Your share of costs once insurance applies.
Allowed Amount / Negotiated Fee: The maximum fee your insurance recognizes for a service.
Annual Maximum: The yearly cap on insurance benefits.
Non-Covered Services: Treatments excluded by your policy.
Example: How Benefits Apply to Procedure_Type
The following example is for illustration read more only. Your real costs depend on your policy details.
| Item | Example Amount |
| ------------------------------ | -------------------------- |
| Dentist’s standard fee | Base_Fee |
| Plan’s allowed amount | Allowed_Fee |
| Deductible applied | Deductible_Amount |
| Plan payment (Coverage_%%) | Plan_Payment |
| Patient responsibility | Patient_Responsibility |
Your insurance statement will reflect these line items.
How to Read Your Dental Explanation of Benefits
The dental office submits billing to your insurer.
Your insurance processes the claim and sends you an EOB.
The document outlines insurance and patient responsibilities.
An EOB is not a bill.
Common Dental Billing FAQs
Why is there a difference between the dentist’s charge and the allowed amount?
Insurance plans set contracted fee limits.
Does preventive care really cost nothing?
Routine care is often fully covered.
What happens when I reach my annual maximum?
Insurance stops paying once the maximum is reached.
Why are some services not covered?
Some procedures are not included under specific policies.
Who should I contact if I disagree with my EOB?
Start by contacting the billing team at Premier Dental Clinic.
What to Do if Costs Are Higher Than Expected
Out-of-pocket expenses can increase depending on plan rules. Planning ahead can reduce unexpected costs.
Request a pre-treatment estimate for major procedures.
Ask about payment plans or financing options.
Strategic scheduling can reduce costs.
Trusted Dental Care in City
Experienced dental team focused on patient education.
Easy access for local patients.
Acceptance of many major dental insurance plans.
Read what our patients say to learn more.