Dental insurance and payment in North Raleigh
Providing Clear Financial Information Before Dental Care
Understand how our independent, out-of-network practice works with dental insurance, estimates patient portions, files claims, and explains payment expectations before treatment.
Ask About Insurance or Costs
How Our Insurance Approach Works
Scanlan Family Dentistry is an independent, out-of-network dental practice. That structure allows Dr. Scanlan to recommend care according to clinical findings and the patient's needs rather than allowing an insurance network to direct treatment.
We work with many major private dental plans and file claims as a courtesy. The office can review available benefit information and estimate a patient portion, but the insurance company makes the final coverage and payment decision after it processes the claim.
What Our Team Helps With
The right starting point depends on the person, concern, available records, and purpose of the visit.
Review Available Benefits
Our team can review benefit information supplied by the carrier and explain common limitations, deductibles, annual maximums, frequencies, waiting periods, and downgrade provisions.
Prepare an Estimate
When treatment is planned, we explain the fee and the estimated portion due from the patient based on the information available at that time.
File the Claim
For most insured patients, the office submits the dental claim and supporting documentation as a courtesy after care is provided.
Explain Insurer Responses
If the carrier pays differently than estimated, our team can help you understand the explanation of benefits while recognizing that the plan controls reimbursement.
Support Self-Pay Patients
Patients without dental insurance are welcome. The team explains fees and current payment options before treatment begins.
Keep Care Clinically Focused
Coverage can help with cost, but it does not determine whether a service is clinically appropriate or which option best fits your health and goals.
From Estimate to Claim
Each step is explained before you are asked to move forward.
1) Share Current Plan Information
Provide the carrier, subscriber, group, and other requested details before the appointment when you want the office to review benefits.
2) Review Benefits and Limitations
The care team reviews available plan information and explains that coverage details remain estimates rather than guarantees.
3) Receive a Treatment and Cost Discussion
When treatment is recommended, we explain the clinical reason, fee, estimated benefit, and expected patient portion before scheduling whenever possible.
4) Pay the Estimated Portion
Payment is due at the time of service according to the current policy. The office accepts cash, checks, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, debit cards, FSA cards, and HSA cards.
5) Claim Processing and Final Balance
The office files the claim as a courtesy. After the carrier processes it, any remaining patient balance or credit is handled according to the account and policy terms.
Insurance Helps with Cost, Not Clinical Decisions
Dental insurance is a contract between the subscriber, employer when applicable, and insurance company. Plans may use annual maximums, deductibles, frequency limits, waiting periods, alternate-benefit provisions, exclusions, or fee schedules that reduce payment.
An estimate is based on information available before treatment. It cannot guarantee what a plan will pay. Patients remain responsible for treatment fees and should review the current financial policy before care.
Payment and Policy Resources
Use the links and preparation details that apply to your care.
Accepted Payment Methods
Cash, checks, debit cards, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, FSA cards, and HSA cards are accepted under the current policy.
General Dental Financial Policy
Review payment expectations, appointment reservations, claim filing, estimates, and current financial options.
Download Current PDF →Orthodontic Financial Policy
Review the separate terms that apply to Invisalign and other orthodontic treatment.
Download Current PDF →Questions About Your Plan
Call the care team before treatment to discuss your plan, available benefits, or a visit estimate. Call (919) 977-1870 about insurance or costs.
Insurance and Payment Questions
Are you in network with dental insurance plans?
No. Scanlan Family Dentistry operates as an out-of-network provider while working with many private dental plans and filing claims as a courtesy. Read our detailed fee-for-service guide.
Will you file my dental claim?
For most private dental plans, yes. Claim filing is a courtesy and does not guarantee coverage or payment.
Can you tell me exactly what insurance will pay?
No dental office can guarantee the carrier's final payment before a claim is processed. We provide an estimate based on the information available and explain common limitations.
What payment methods do you accept?
The current policy lists cash, checks, debit cards, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, flexible spending account cards, and health savings account cards.
Can I become a patient without dental insurance?
Yes. Self-pay patients are welcome, and the team can explain fees and current payment options before care. Read our guide to receiving dental care without insurance.
Do you accept Medicaid or Medicare?
No. We do not accept Medicaid or Medicare. However, patients who wish to self-pay for their dental care are welcome to call or text our office at (919) 977-1870. In some cases, we may be able to assist patients with certain Medicare Advantage plans by providing documentation for self-submitted claims. Read our Medicare and Medicaid dental guide for more information about these options.
Let’s Plan Your Visit
Tell us a little about the visit you need. Our care team will answer your questions and help you schedule with Dr. Scanlan. If a tooth is hurting or your concern is urgent, please call the office.