This is the most comprehensive guide ever written on the topic of dental insurance. It can serve as a training tool for those new to dental insurance, an in-depth reference for those more experienced, as well as a quick “look-up” for anyone with a question about today’s insurance landscape.

Is Dental Insurance a Source of Problems, Frustration or Stress for Your Dental Practice?

This is the most comprehensive guide ever written on the topic of dental insurance. It can serve as a training tool for those new to dental insurance, an in-depth reference for those more experienced, as well as a quick “look-up” for anyone with a question about today’s insurance landscape.

• Are you receiving reimbursement for 99% of your services including crowns and SRPs?
• Do you understand how to be highly profitable in today’s world of insurance?
• Is your team fully confident in the treatment plan estimates they provide patients?
• Do you know how to make dental insurance work for you instead of against you?

If you answered no to any of these questions, you need this resource. Packed with information, illustrations, examples, tips, and case studies, this guide covers every aspect of dental insurance from claims for simple fillings to complex hybrid denture and implant cases in real life situations.

It is a must-have reference for every dental office!

“In or out of network, we all have to deal with dental insurance at some level for our patients. Most of us learn by trial and error and still don’t get it completely right, costing thousands. This unique book is the only comprehensive source in the industry for insights into understanding dental insurance in a step-by-step manner to maximize patient benefits as well as your practice’s revenue.”

Dr. Christopher Phelps, DMD CMCT

“Dr. Campbell’s current and straightforward breakdown of dental insurance supports every dental office and team whether in or out of network! Valid questions are systematically posed and answered with specific examples, scenarios, notes, case studies and helpful tips to expand the step-by-step formulas for success. This expansive guide to dental insurance offers confidence in both comprehending and navigating the complex realm of dental insurance with the added bonus of positively impacting patient relationships.”

María López Howell, DDS

“Understanding dental insurance is difficult, but this book does an excellent job of demystifying the topic for both dentists and team members. It is a must-read for new practice owners as well as young dentists looking toward future practice ownership.”

Brian M. Baliwas, DDS

Author:

TRAVIS CAMPBELL, DDS

Dr. Travis Campbell, has been a practicing dentist since 2009, after graduating from Baylor University in Waco, Texas and then Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas, Texas. He is an author, trainer, speaker at dental conferences, a contributor to various online dental communities, and dental coach/consultant. He has been dubbed “The Practice Whisperer”, which became the title of his first book released in 2019. Ever an entrepreneur, Dr. Campbell purchased a second dental practice, in Garland, Texas in the fall of 2019. Having gained a reputation as an expert in the complex area of dental insurance, Dr. Campbell’s new “moniker” is “The Dental Insurance Guy!” From understanding insurance to developing strategies to accelerate practice growth, Dr. Campbell delivers practical, actionable content that dentists and team members can use immediately. He dispels many of the myths and misinformation around today’s dental insurance policies and explains how to navigate the complexities of being an exceptional dentist, business owner, and leader while still having a life outside of work. Dr. Campbell lives in Prosper, Texas with his wife and two young children.

Table of Contents:

INTRODUCTION 

PART 1 - UNDERSTANDING INSURANCE BASICS

1 - WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF DENTAL INSURANCE?

2 - BASIC DENTAL ANATOMY AND X-RAYS

3 - TYPES OF INSURANCE

4 - IN NETWORK VERSUS OUT OF NETWORK

5 - GATHERING NEW PATIENT INFORMATION

6 - VERIFICATIONS AND BREAKDOWNS

7 - ESTIMATES

8 - CLAIMS PROCESS

9 - MANAGING SECONDARY INSURANCE

10 - EXPLANATION OF BENEFITS, ASSIGNMENT OF BENEFITS

11 - AVOIDING CLAIMS ERRORS AND DENIALS: THE MOST COMMON MISTAKES WITH INSURANCE

12 - INSURANCE REFUND REQUESTS

13 - MEDICAL/DENTAL CONNECTION

14 - HSA/FSA USAGE

PART 2 - UNDERSTANDING INSURANCE - ADVANCED

INTRODUCTION

15 - UNDERSTANDING THE INSURANCE COMPANY

16 - INSURANCE NETWORK CONTRACTS 

17 - NON-COVERED SERVICES (NCS)

18 - FILING INSURANCE CLAIMS 102—ADVANCED 

19 - UNDERSTANDING DISCOUNTS AND FRAUD - AVOIDING TROUBLE

20 - ADVANCED INSURANCE CODING

21 - INSURANCE AUDITS 

22 - TREATMENT PLANNING WITH INSURANCE

23 - HOW TO GET PAID FOR COMMONLY DENIED SERVICES

PART 3 - PROFITABILITY AND OWNERSHIP WITHIN AN INSURANCE-BASED PRACTICE

24 - PROFITABILITY AND INSURANCE DISCOUNTS

25 - DOES THIRD-PARTY FINANCING WORK WITH INSURANCE DISCOUNTS?

26 - NATIONAL PROVIDER IDENTIFIER (NPI)

27 - WHEN AND HOW TO DROP INSURANCE CONTRACTS

28 - TREATING FAMILY AND EMPLOYEES WHO CARRY DENTAL INSURANCE

29 - THE ROLE OF INSURANCE COORDINATOR

PART 4 - HOW COVID-19 CHANGED THE DENTAL LANDSCAPE 

30 - PPE FEES AND INSURANCE COMPANIES 

31 - TELEDENTISTRY AND INSURANCE CLAIMS

32 - HOW TO THRIVE IN THE NEW LANDSCAPE

PART 5 - CASE STUDIES

CASE STUDIES EXPLAINED

GLOSSARY

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR