Frequently Asked Questions
Your first dental visit
When you arrive, you will be greeted by a staff member who will check you in, verify insurance if applicable, and guide you through any necessary new patient paperwork. Once completed, a member of our team will escort you from the waiting room to a treatment room where they will review your dental history, medical history, and any dental health concerns or issues. The dental assistant will then take digital x-rays for the doctor to review. As a new patient, you will typically see the dentist first for a comprehensive exam.
Your dental exam
During this exam the dentist will discuss your health history and address any concerns you may have. This is a great time to let us know if you are anxious about your appointment. Your comfort is a priority and we will work to make your appointment as smooth and comfortable as possible. Your dentist will review your dental x-rays and discuss any treatment that might be needed. Please share any and all dental concerns or questions with us! We have TV’s in every treatment room, and encourage our patients to bring their AirPods along and enjoy some music (or a podcast) while we do the work! If your dental cleaning has been scheduled at the same time, this is when you will be seen by our hygiene team.
Your hygiene visit
During your visit, a dental hygienist will discuss your dental history and answer any questions you may have. An overview of your mouth and gums will be followed by a thorough cleaning and polishing of your teeth. Finally, your hygienists will review tips for caring for your teeth and preventing gum disease. Your hygiene exam should take about 45-60 minutes, and you will leave with a toothbrush, floss, and toothpaste to keep on track with your home health routine.
Wrapping up
Once you review your treatment plan with the dentist, a patient coordinator will meet with you to schedule any follow-up appointments, review payment options, and answer questions about insurance coverage of your recommended services. Don’t forget to schedule your next hygiene appointment and exam before you leave. It’s a great way to make sure you stay on track with your dental health.
A Word About Payment
Your health is our priority. We’re committed to helping you navigate any obstacles that may keep you from achieving excellent dental health. We also want to help you avoid any surprises when you receive a bill from our office. Prior to scheduling treatment at our office, you’ll speak with our financial coordinator to discuss the cost of the procedure and the financial specifics of your individual care. If you have insurance, we’ll help you calculate the estimated out-of-pocket cost. If you don’t have insurance, we’ll outline your options. If you’re worried about paying for a treatment or have questions, please give us a call at (201) 791-1299. We’re here to help.
Financial Arrangements
We deliver the finest care at the most reasonable cost to our patients, therefore payment is due at the time service is rendered unless other arrangements have been made in advance. For your convenience we accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, personal checks, and cash. When extensive dental care is necessary or when dental insurance is involved, financial arrangements can be made with our office manager. Please inquire about our financing plans. If you have any problems or questions, please ask our staff. They are well informed and up-to-date.
A Word About Dental Insurance
Your dental insurance is an investment in you and your family. We are proud providers with Delta Dental Premiere of New Jersey. However, our team enjoys working with most insurance companies and has a lot of experience in this area. Whether you need help understanding your plan, the cost of your treatment, or the benefits available to you, we can provide the answers you need.Our insurance coordinators will prepare all of the necessary forms for this important benefit. We will also help you to understand and fully realize what’s available to you under your dental insurance plan benefit. However, we remind you that your policy is an agreement between you and your insurance company, not between your insurance company and our office. We will do our best to see that you receive your maximum benefits.
Care Credit
Even if you have dental insurance, sometimes life throws you a curve ball in the form of unexpected costs. To be stuck between the care you need and the cost of that care can be stressful. That’s why we’ve contracted with Care Credit to give you more flexibility in making your dental healthcare decisions. Our team will support you through the application process and make certain that you have options when taking on these costs.
What COVID-19 precautions are we taking?
Your health and safety are our main priority and we want you to feel assured that when you come into our office we will be implementing the strictest of screening measures for both patients and team members to ensure your health. We are committed to maintaining OSHA and CDC infection control guidelines within our practice and will ensure all team members are equipped with the most state-of-the-art PPE required to protect both our patients and our team. As part of your dental family, we value our commitment to deliver high quality dentistry in a comfortable and safe environment. Thank you for your continued patience as we strive to serve and support you in the same friendly and professional manner you have come to expect from Elmwood Dental Professionals.
