March 24, 2026
Why Our Office Is Not In-Network
At our practice, our priority has always been providing the highest and most personalized care for our patients. One question we often hear is:
“Why aren’t you in network with dental insurance plans?”
The answer has a lot to do with how dental insurance works today.
Insurance Was Never Designed to Cover Modern Dentistry
Most dental insurance plans have an annual maximum of about $1,000–$1,500. What many people don’t realize is that this maximum hasn’t changed in decades.
When dental insurance was first introduced in the 1950s, that yearly maximum was set at $1,500. The idea of dental insurance was done by Unions for their workers. It was designed to cover removing all teeth and making dentures. Since then, the coverage limits have stayed largely the same, even though the cost of providing modern dental care has increased significantly.
If maximum allowable reimbursement rates had kept up with inflation: that $1,500 benefit would be nearly $20,000 today!
Reimbursement Rates Have Declined
Dental insurance companies determine how much they will pay dentists for procedures. Most of these reimbursement amounts are from the 1980’s.
In 2008, Delta Dental, without notice, reduced reimbursement rates for dentists by approximately 30%. Since then, there have been no meaningful increases. In fact, Medicaid reimburses many dental procedures higher than Delta Dental.
This means dentists are often being asked to provide care at rates set nearly four decades ago, while the costs of staffing, equipment, materials, and technology have risen at almost double the cost. Dentists simply cannot afford to provide you with the one on one quality and professional care while being reimbursed at 1980’s prices.
Where Your Premium Dollars Go
Dental insurance companies collect billions of dollars in premiums each year.
- Delta Dental reported approximately $9.9 billion in revenue in 2024 but considered a “non-profit” status with some special tax exemptions.
- Executive compensation at some Delta Dental organizations has reached tens of millions of dollars annually.
You will see your premium dollars funding professional sports leagues and arenas (like Fiddler’s Green). All the while, reimbursement rates to dentists and patients have declined but premium rates have dramatically increased.
What This Means for Patients
When dentists participate in insurance networks, they must agree to:
- Reduced fees set by the insurance company that likely do not cover the cost of performing procedures.
- Restrictions on treatment coverage and downgrades on materials that are “covered”
- Administrative requirements that can interfere with care and overall health decisions
Many dentists choose to leave networks so they can:
- Spend more time with patients
- Use the best materials and technology
- Focus on treatment based on health (not insurance limitations)
Good News: You Can Still Use Your Insurance
Even though we are not in-network with dental insurance plans, many patients still use their insurance benefits here. In most cases:
- We help submit claims for you
- Your insurance company will reimburse you directly
- You still receive the care you want from the dentist you trust
Our team is always happy to help you understand your benefits.
What You Can Do as a Patient
Dental insurance plans have not improved because employers continue to purchase the same outdated plans, not knowing the only one who wins is the insurance companies.
If you receive dental insurance through your employer, you may want to consider speaking with your Human Resources department or benefits manager about:
- The low annual maximums ($1,000–$1,500)
- Limited coverage and low reimbursement for modern dentistry
- Alternative options for employee dental benefits- consider our Illumatrac In office membership.
When employers begin demanding better plans, insurance companies will have to improve the benefits they offer.
Ready an Alternative to Dental Insurance?
Contact the Cottonwood Dental office or ask a team member about signing up for our In Office Membership Program
It’s NOT dental insurance… IT’S BETTER!
