Problem Resolution

Concerns About Dental Services
During your patient-dentist relationship, there is a small chance that you and your dentist may find yourselves in disagreement, most likely the result of miscommunication. The Association wants to help you minimize the resultant anxiety from these types of occasions by offering the following advice:

Treatment & Costs
Understand and ask questions at the outset of your dental appointment about what treatment options have been suggested and their associated costs.

Payment & Dental Office
Please ask the receptionist for the bill payment policy. Office policies vary throughout the province. Some offices require payment at the time of treatment; others will allow a payment plan. Some offices require patients with dental plans to pay "up front" while others will wait for the insurance company to reimburse the dentist. There may be a discrepancy in the reimbursement by the insurance company for dental treatment involving a laboratory fee, such as a crown. Ask your dentist to submit a pre-approval form to the insurance company if you are concerned about coverage.

Coverage & Reimbursement
If you have dental insurance coverage through your employer, know what those benefits are. Frequently, dental benefits will not cover the full cost of the treatment - particularly for treatment rendered by a dental specialist. It may be that only a portion of a specialist's fee is covered by dental insurance. Fees charged by most dentists in this province are according to the Fee Guide for Dental Services in British Columbia and insurance company reimbursements are based on this guide.

Dental Treatment
Ask questions, ask questions, ask questions. Often there may be two or three treatment plan options with varying costs associated with them. Remember, before you agree to dental treatment, know your facts.

Dissatisfied With Treatment, Fees Or Services
Your best avenue is to talk to your dentist first. Let him/her know specifically what your concerns are. Listen to their side of the issue before acting further. If, after speaking to your dentist, you require advice, the Association may be able to help you.

British Columbia Dental Association
400 - 1765 West 8th Avenue
Vancouver, BC V6J 5C6
Tel: (604)736-7202
Fax: (604)736-7588
Toll Free: 1-888-396-9888