Q. Why is the cost of an initial visit to a dental provider higher than a periodic exam?
A. Extra appointment time is allotted to new patients for setting up charts, in-depth exam and questions concerning medical and dental health. If a member changes dentists, the initial exam fee will apply again.

Q. What is an Infection Control Fee?
A. This is a standard charge in some offices to cover OSHA requirements to prevent the transmission of disease. The UCF may be from $15.00 to $25.00 depending on the demographics of the area. Some dental offices may not charge for infection control.

Q. What is the difference between a regular prophylaxis - "prophy" (teeth cleaning), a full mouth debridement and a periodontal scaling and root planing?
A. Regular teeth cleaning, which involves a light scaling and polishing, may be all a member needs, but if they are predisposed to heavy calculus/tartar build up or have not been to the dentist on a regular basis, they may need a deeper cleaning. These "deeper cleanings" may include a full mouth debridement and/or periodontal scaling and root planing which removes the calculus build up under the gums.

Q. The dentist is running a special price on teeth whitening and I didn’t receive an additional discount. Why?
A. Dental offices may run "specials" where they discount their usual and customary fees (UCF) (sometimes lower than the 20-25% AmeriPlan® discount) for a period of time to attract new patients. The office will give the AmeriPlan® member the lowest price whether it is the AmeriPlan® discounted fee or the "special" fee. AmeriPlan’s discount is off of the office’s standard UCF.

Q. How do I file a complaint about the fees charged or the quality of care in a dental or chiropractic office?
A. If you are unable to resolve a fee issue with the provider’s office, members should call AmeriPlan® Customer Service where they will be directed to a Patient/Provider Liaison. Quality of care issues may be referred to the State Professional Boards for investigation if AmeriPlan®, the member and the dental provider cannot resolve the issue.

Q. How much will braces cost?
A. The cost for braces depends upon where you go for orthodontic services. If you go to a General Dentist, you will pay the AmeriPlan® discounted fee. An Orthodontist’s (specialist) UCF fees are reduced by 15-25% depending upon the area in which you live.

Q. What is the difference in the orthodontic services provided by an Orthodontist and a General Dentist who performs orthodontic procedures?
A. Generally, the orthodontics performed by a General Dentist are for Class I and sometimes Class II maloclusion cases. More difficult orthodontic cases may require an orthodontic specialist.

Q. How does AmeriPlan® select their providers?
A. Many of our providers are referred to us by our members. We also actively recruit for our network on an ongoing basis. All providers must have an active license in the state in which they practice and have professional liability insurance. The license is verified and checked for revocations, suspensions and actions. Assessments and onsite inspections are made to provider offices.

Q. How often can I go to the dentist or chiropractor?
A. There are no limitations on the number of visits.