Maxwell H. Anderson

Reimbursement for dental implants: dispelling some popular myths.

BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEWnDental implants are being placed with increasing regularity. Many dentists do not take advantage of insurance coverages for this treatment because they are under the impression that no aspect of implant therapy is covered. This article discusses a number of insurance benefits that may be available to dental patients but not readily apparent to treating dentists and their staff members.nnnCONCLUSIONS AND PRACTICE IMPLICATIONSnSome dentists and patients may assume incorrectly that a dental insurance plan does not reimburse for any implant therapy when, in fact, there may be some benefit available for at least a portion of the treatment. In addition, some dentists and patients may not consider implant therapy even when it is the preferred treatment option because of the assumed lack of reimbursement. Knowing that some reimbursement is available may make the difference in the patients accepting the best treatment for his or her condition. Furthermore, since an increasing number of patients now make some contribution toward their dental insurance plan premiums, they deserve to know their options and to receive appropriate benefits.