Smile-ist and Doctors Network Introduce a Direct Dental Plan
At Smile-ist, we understand that dental insurance is far from simple, and for many people, it’s far from affordable. Despite the Affordable Care Act and efforts to drive down insurance costs, dental coverage has fallen somewhat behind compared to medical insurance, leaving many patients having to pay out-of-pocket for most of their dental care.
The good news is that you now have a third choice—a dental plan in Phoenix and Fountain Hills, AZ sponsored by Doctors Network. Our patients can now enjoy greater peace of mind knowing that they can afford to take care of their smiles, even if they don’t have adequate dental insurance.
Exceptional Dentistry—Discount Costs
With dental insurance, you pay an often exorbitant premium every month and still may not receive sufficient coverage for necessary care. Even preventive visits can cost more than expected thanks to limited coverage from your insurance company. With Smile-ist’s direct dental plan, you only pay a one-time activation fee and low monthly fee of $29.99, and all of our treatment options and costs are laid out in a fee schedule that never changes.
Attend preventive exam and cleaning appointments for only $25 per visit. Pay up to 80% less for cosmetic and restorative treatments like teeth-whitening, Invisalign® clear aligners, dental fillings, crowns, dental implants, and more! With our direct dental plan, you’ll always know what your dental treatment will cost, and it will always be more affordable and convenient than having to deal with third-party insurance companies.
The Benefits of Our Direct Dental Plan
Health insurance is meant to help you rest easy knowing that your health care is covered should you ever need it. But with dental insurance, thanks to complicated hoops and excessive fees, peace of mind isn’t always an option. Our goal is to take the guesswork out of your dental treatment costs and relieve the stress on your finances.
When you can easily afford routine visits to our Phoenix or Fountain Hill’s dentist’s office, you’re more likely to make preventive care a priority, which will help you avoid serious dental issues and the need for more expensive dental treatment.
Sign Up Through Doctors Network, or Call Our Office in Phoenix or Fountain Hills
Dr. Kavita Kulkarni and our team at Smile-ist have joined with Doctors Network to make dental care affordable for all of our patients. Everyone qualifies for our direct dental plan, and to sign up, simply visit http://www.doctorsnetwork.com or call Doctors Network at 1-866-800-3168. Be sure to choose Dr. Kulkarni as your provider for your dentist in Phoenix, AZ 85021.
It is important to note that Doctors Network is not an insurance company, and our direct dental plan is not dental insurance. It should not be considered a replacement for insurance coverage, and it will not negate your current insurance coverage, if applicable.
Direct Dental Plan FAQs
1. How do discount dental plans work?
At Smile-ist, we offer direct, discount dental plans through Doctors Network. Unlike dental insurance, a discount plan is a subscription service that allows you to pay for your treatment directly, without going through a third-party insurance company. The direct payment system means you can enjoy discounts of up to 80% or higher on the high-quality dental care that you need and deserve, from checkups and cleanings to advanced cosmetic and reconstructive restorations.
2. How much do I have to pay month?
To activate your discount dental plan, you only have to pay a one-time activation fee of $29.99. Your monthly subscription fee will also be $29.99, and no matter how many times you visit our dental office, or what treatments and services you require.
3. Does my subscription cover the costs of preventive visits?
Your subscription fees secure your enrollment in our affordable dental plan, but do not cover the costs of any of your visits. However, routine preventive exams and cleanings, which are vital to maintaining a beautiful and healthy smile, are only $25 per visit under our direct dental plan. Unlike insurance, your plan will keep the costs of your checkups and cleanings the same even if Dr. Kulkarni recommends more than two appointments a year.
4. Will I have to pay more for annual X-rays?
X-rays are an important part of your diagnostic exams and dental records, and a good preventive dental plan means taking routine X-rays at least once a year. Because the imaging process is a part of your regular preventive care, your X-rays will be included in the low cost of your checkup and cleaning appointment (only $25).
5. What treatments are covered under my discount dental plan?
Besides routine checkups and cleanings, high-quality dental care may also involve the need for custom cosmetic improvement or the restoration of one or more teeth. Trying to develop a personalized treatment plan around the parameters of dental insurance can be difficult because insurance only covers a select variety of procedures. However, with Smile-ist’s discount dental plan, your discount benefits extend to every treatment and service we offer, including:
● Teeth-whitening
● Tooth fillings
● Dental crowns
● Cleanings
● Dental implants Restoration
Dentures
And Additional Services
Disclaimer: Please contact the office to find out more about Our In-Office Dental Treatments before signing up.
6. Can I add family members to my plan?
You can activate an individual dental plan for each member of your family for the same low, one-time activation and subscription fees of only $29.99. Typically, the costs of activating a discount plan for each member of your family is less expensive than total insurance costs for the whole family. Also, adding new members is much simpler, and there are no complicated or hidden additional costs.
7. If I cancel my plan, is there an early termination fee?
Because our discount dental plan isn’t an insurance plan, there is no contract, so you can deactivate your account at any time without having to pay early termination fees or penalties. However, the purpose of our dental plan is not a short term solution, and it is meant to help our patients maintain their oral health long term, and using this plan for a single treatment is considered misuse of the system.
You can also easily switch dentists within Doctors Network if you move out of Phoenix or Fountain Hills, or reactivate your account if you had to temporarily discontinue it due to hardship or legitimate reasons.
8. Do I need insurance to sign up for a discount dental plan?
A discount dental plan isn’t meant to replace insurance; it can help all patients whether or not they currently have a dental insurance plan. It can make dental care more affordable for patients with insufficient coverage, and make dental care possible for patients without any coverage at all.
9. What is Doctors Network?
Doctors Network was formed by a group of compassionate doctors and dentists who believe their patients deserve to receive high-quality, personalized care at reasonable costs. Because complex insurance codes and large corporations are driving factors in excessive dental health costs, Dr. Kulkarni and his colleagues at Doctors Network are able to lower those costs by eliminating insurance companies from the equation. Doctors Network makes it possible to create deep relationships with patients, where the specifics and costs of their care are decided solely by them and their doctors.
10. How do I sign up for a discount dental plan through Doctors Network?
Signing up for a discount dental plan with Smile-ist and Doctors Network is also easier than signing up for dental insurance. Visit the Doctors Network website at https://www.doctorsnetwork.com/, and choose Dr. Kavita Kulkarni as your dentist in Phoenix or Fountain Hills, AZ 85021