Dental insurance plans differ by:

• services they cover
• amount they pay for dental procedures
• whether or not you can decide which dentist to see in order to get the most appropriate care in the most efficient manner.

Some dental insurance plans may limit your right to choose a dentist for your child, or your right to choose a pediatric dentist without first being referred by a general dentist, or your right to choose a pediatric dentist under any circumstance.

You have the right to choose a pediatric dentist for your child.

Your child will receive the most appropriate dental care when you make informed decisions with the dentist of your choice.

Pediatric dentists are primary care providers, as recognized by the American Dental Association.

Plans that require referral to a pediatric dentist only after an unsuccessful visit to a general dentist are not in your child's best interest.

When offered a choice of dental plans, know what services the plan does and doesn't cover before you enroll! Make sure you can select a pediatric dentist as your child's primary care provider.

Pediatric dentists are right for a child.

When you seek pediatric dental care for your child, you are making a wise decision.

Pediatric dentists are uniquely qualified by training and experience to provide the most appropriate, cost-effective dental care for children.

Pediatric dental care typically does not cost more than care provided by a general dentist.

Preventive dentistry can only occur if your child visits the dental office regularly. Some dental plans are designed to minimize coverage for regular examinations, topical fluoride treatments or dental sealants.

Parents have choices.

When you are unhappy with your dental plan, you have options.

Sometimes the dentist that is right for parents, brothers and sisters may not be the best choice for another child. When necessary, you can select a pediatric dentist outside your plan even though you may have to pay out-of-pocket expenses. The cost of this care is worthwhile in the long run.

You can find out if your employer offers less restrictive plans. Know your choices during your re-enrollment period.

If you are not happy with your dental plan, you should consider voicing your concerns to your employer.

If young patients must leave a pediatric dental practice, we understand.

When parents decide to change their child's dental provider, for any reason, pediatric dentists will assist in the transfer of records and make the transition as smooth as possible.

AND, if you switch to a more restrictive plan and are not satisfied, you are always welcome to return to your pediatric dentist.