We Accept Most PPO Dental Insurance Plans
At Pickens Family Dentistry, we understand that dental insurance can be confusing — and the first question most new patients ask is, “Do you accept my insurance?”
The good news is: we gladly accept PPO dental insurance plans and are a Delta Dental PPO Provider. Even if we’re not in-network, many PPO plans still provide excellent reimbursement for your care.
Our team is here to help you understand your benefits, estimate your out-of-pocket costs, and file insurance claims on your behalf — making dental care simple, transparent, and stress-free.
Please note: We are unable to accept HMO plans, Washington Apple Health, Molina, DeltaCare, or Medicaid.
1. Understanding Your Dental Insurance Plan
Most dental insurance plans fall into two categories:
- PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) – Offers flexibility to see any dentist, in-network or out-of-network. PPOs usually cover preventive care (cleanings, exams, and X-rays) at 100%, even if you choose an out-of-network provider.
- HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) – Limits you to a specific network of dentists. If you visit an out-of-network office, your plan typically won’t cover costs.
If your plan is a PPO, you can choose Pickens Family Dentistry and still use your benefits!
2. Dental Insurance Works Differently Than Medical Insurance
Unlike medical insurance, which often requires you to meet a deductible before coverage begins, dental insurance operates on an annual maximum — the total amount your plan will pay each year, regardless of whether you see an in-network or out-of-network provider.
Most dental plans:
- Cover 100% of preventive care such as cleanings, exams, and X-rays
- Cover 50–80% of basic or restorative care like fillings, crowns, and root canals
- Include an annual maximum, typically $500–$1,500 per year
This means your dental benefits are most effective when used for regular maintenance, rather than waiting for major issues. Skipping routine checkups can lead to bigger problems and more costly treatments down the road.
Think of dental insurance like a yearly dental gift card: it’s designed to help cover the cost of your care, but it comes with an expiration date. Each year, your plan gives you a set amount—usually between $500 and $1,500—to use toward your dental treatment. Once the year ends, any unused portion disappears; it doesn’t roll over or accumulate.
That’s why it’s smart to use your benefits throughout the year for routine checkups, cleanings, and preventive care, instead of waiting until something hurts. Just like you wouldn’t let a gift card expire unused, you don’t want your dental benefits to go to waste.
By using your “dental gift card” proactively, you:
- Prevent small issues from becoming big (and expensive)
- Make the most of your insurance investment
- Keep your smile healthy and beautiful year-round
At Pickens Family Dentistry, our team helps you plan and schedule your care so you can maximize your annual benefits before they reset—ensuring your smile and your budget stay in great shape.
3. In-Network vs. Out-of-Network: What’s the Difference?
In-Network Providers
- Have contracts with insurance companies
- Offer discounted rates set by the insurer
Out-of-Network Providers
- Aren’t bound by insurance company contracts
- Can still work with most PPO plans that offer reimbursement
As one well-known perspective puts it:
“Out-of-network dentists refuse to let insurance companies dictate treatment. They choose what’s best for the patient, not the insurance contract.” – Google
At Pickens Family Dentistry, we believe your care should be guided by your health needs, your goals and your comfort, not by insurance limitations.
4. Why Many Patients Choose an Out-of-Network Dentist
Choosing an out-of-network provider gives you:
- Freedom to see a dentist you know and trust
- More personalized, patient-centered care with often greater appointment availability
- Access to advanced technology and high-quality materials
- Stronger relationships and consistent on-going care
- Insurance reimbursement through PPO plans — often surprisingly similar to in-network benefits for preventive services
Many of our patients find their out-of-pocket costs are comparable to in-network offices, especially for routine cleanings and exams, while receiving the level of care and attention they value most.
5. How to Check Your Dental Insurance
Step 1: Contact Your Insurance Provider
- Ask if your plan is a PPO
- Confirm if your plan allows you to see out-of-network providers
- Ask what percentage of out-of-network reimbursement you receive
Step 2: Call Pickens Family Dentistry
Our friendly team can:
- Verify your benefits
- Explain how billing and reimbursement work
- Estimate out-of-pocket costs
- Submit in-network and out-of-network claims
- Review payment options like CareCredit, Cherry, HSA, and FSA
Step 3: Review Your Plan Online
Most insurance companies provide an online portal where you can view:
- Your coverage and deductible
- Annual maximum and remaining balance
- Reimbursement rates for out-of-network providers
We’re happy to walk through this with you!
6. Financing & Payment Options
If your insurance doesn’t fully cover a procedure, we offer flexible payment solutions:
- Cherry – Quick approvals, low monthly payments, interest-free options
- CareCredit – Low or no-interest financing for qualified applicants
- HSA & FSA Accounts – Use pre-tax funds to save on dental care
Our goal is to make every step of your dental care affordable and accessible.
7. Dental Insurance Companies We Commonly Work With
In-Network: Delta Dental PPO
Out-of-Network:
We can submit claims on your behalf to PPO plans from a range of dental insurance carriers.
Common out-of-network PPO plans we accept include: Aetna, Aflac, Ameritas, Anthem, Assurance, Blue Cross Blue Shield (some plans), Cigna, Guardian, Humana, Kaiser Choice PPO, Lincoln Financial, MetLife, MODA, Mutual of Omaha, PacificSource, Premera, Principal (some plans), Regence, Standard, Sun Life, United Concordia, United Healthcare, UNUM, Washington Dental Service, and Zenith.
Don’t see your insurance provider listed? Give us a call or send us a message — this list is not exhaustive, and we’re happy to help verify your coverage.
8. No Dental Insurance? We Can Help!
You don’t need dental insurance to receive high-quality care at Pickens Family Dentistry. We offer flexible, affordable options designed to make it easy for every patient to maintain a healthy smile.
Pickens Family Dentistry Membership Plan
Our in-office dental membership plan is a simple, transparent way to save on your dental care — no insurance company required!
Benefits include:
- Annual Professional cleanings
- Annual exams and routine X-rays
- 15 % savings on additional treatments such as fillings, crowns, implants, extractions and more
- No deductibles, no annual maximums, and no waiting periods
Our in-office membership plan is ideal for patients who don’t have insurance but still want predictable, affordable preventive care and discounts on restorative or cosmetic services.
To learn more visit: (Insert webpage with information)
Tip: Many patients save more with our membership plan than they would with traditional insurance — without the hassle of claims or denials.
Call (360) 254-6411 or ask us about enrolling at your next visit.
Other Flexible Payment Options
Even if you prefer to pay per visit, we make it easy to get care when you need it:
- Cherry Financing – Quick approvals, flexible monthly payments, and interest-free options (Pre-qualify here) https://www.pickensfamilydentistry.com/payment-plan/
- CareCredit – Low or no-interest financing for qualified applicants
- HSA & FSA – Use pre-tax funds for dental treatments and save on taxes
We believe that everyone deserves access to exceptional dental care — with or without insurance.
Don’t Let Insurance Dictate Your Dental Health
Your dental insurance should support your care — not limit it.
At Pickens Family Dentistry, we help patients throughout Camas, Washougal, Vancouver, Battle Ground and Clark County, WA make informed decisions about their dental coverage and receive the quality care they deserve.
Take the First Step Toward Better Dental Health
Don’t delay dental care because of insurance confusion.
Call (360) 254-6411 to discuss your dental insurance and financing options.
We’ll help you understand your plan, verify your coverage, and make confident decisions for a healthier smile.
Dental Insurance FAQ – Pickens Family Dentistry
1. What does my dental insurance cover?
Most dental plans cover preventive care such as cleanings, exams, and X-rays. Many also provide partial coverage for fillings, crowns, and other restorative treatments. Cosmetic services are rarely covered. Coverage varies by plan, and we’re happy to review your specific benefits.
2. Are preventive services fully covered?
Many insurance plans cover routine cleanings and exams at 100%. However, every plan is different. Our team will verify your benefits and let you know exactly what’s included.
3. What is a deductible?
A deductible is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance begins contributing to certain services. For example, if your deductible is $50, you’ll pay the first $50 of a covered procedure. Preventive care often bypasses the deductible.
4. Does my insurance cover orthodontics (braces or Invisalign Clear Aligners)?
Some dental plans offer partial orthodontic benefits. Coverage depends on the plan and may include age limits or lifetime maximums. We can review your benefits and provide a detailed cost estimate.
5. How much will I pay out of pocket?
Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your insurance coverage, deductible, annual maximum, and the type of treatment you need. Before any procedure, we provide clear, upfront estimates so you know what to expect.
6. Can I use more than one insurance plan?
Sometimes, yes. If you have dual coverage (such as a primary and secondary plan), we can help coordinate benefits to maximize your coverage.
7. How are insurance claims handled?
In-network:
We submit claims for you, and your insurance typically pays our office directly. Any remaining balance is billed to you.
Out-of-network:
We file claims on your behalf to make reimbursement easy. Most plans still pay us directly, but some send payment to you. If that happens, full payment may be required at the appointment, and we’ll help you submit your claim for reimbursement.
8. What happens if a claim is denied?
If a claim is denied, we help you understand why and assist with the appeal process when appropriate. Our team advocates for you to ensure you receive the benefits you’re entitled to.
9. When do dental benefits reset?
Most dental plans renew annually, often on January 1. Your deductible and annual maximum reset at this time as well. Preventive care also counts toward these limits.
10. Can someone help me understand my plan before my visit?
Absolutely. We review your insurance benefits ahead of time and provide a treatment estimate so you’re prepared before your appointment.
11. What is a preauthorization, and why might I need one?
A preauthorization (or pre-estimate) is when your insurance company reviews a recommended procedure before it’s performed. This helps confirm:
- Whether the treatment is covered
- What your insurance will pay
- Your expected out-of-pocket cost
Some major procedures require preauthorization. We handle this process for you to avoid surprises.
12. If a procedure isn’t covered by insurance, does that mean it’s unnecessary?
No. Insurance coverage is based on plan rules, not your dental health. A treatment may be essential for your long-term health even if insurance doesn’t cover it. Our recommendations are always based on what you need—not insurance limitations.
13. Do age restrictions mean a procedure isn’t needed after a certain age?
No. Insurance age limits are created by insurance companies, not dentists. A service may still be necessary or beneficial depending on your oral health.
14. Why are dental insurance annual maximums so low?
Dental insurance is designed to help with routine care—not fully cover all dental needs. Annual maximums have stayed low for decades and are paired with additional limitations such as:
- Frequency limits on how often cleanings, exams, or X-rays are covered
- Missing tooth exclusions that limit coverage for teeth lost before the plan began
- Alternate benefits, where insurance pays for the least expensive treatment option
- Waiting periods before certain procedures become eligible for coverage
These restrictions help keep premiums down but don’t always match what is best for your dental health. We base all treatment recommendations on your needs—not on insurance limits.
15. Do employer dental plans change each year? Should I switch dentists when my insurance changes?
Yes, employer-provided plans often change annually—coverage levels, participating providers, deductibles, and co-pays may shift.
However, switching dentists each time your insurance changes can disrupt your care. Continuity matters. Staying with a dentist you trust means:
- Consistent monitoring of long-term dental health
- More personalized care
- A team that knows your history, preferences, and goals
Even if your plan changes, many patients still find great value in staying with their preferred provider.
16. I lost my job and dental insurance. What should I do if I can’t afford care?
You’re not alone—and you still have options. At Pickens Family Dentistry, we offer ways to help you keep up with your oral health during transition periods:
- In-office membership plan: Low monthly rate that includes cleanings, exams, X-rays, plus discounts on treatment.
- Flexible payment options: Financing and payment plans to make essential care manageable.
- Prioritized treatment planning: We break your treatment into phases so you can address the most urgent needs first.
- Transparent estimates: No surprises—we review costs with you in advance.
Your dental health is important, and we’re here to help you stay on track even during difficult seasons.
