Is In-Network Always Better? What to Know About Dental Insurance & Real Value

You pay for dental insurance, so shouldn’t it work for you? That’s the idea. But here’s the catch: insurance and care aren’t always the same thing. And when it comes to your teeth, choosing a dentist shouldn’t just be about who’s “in-network.” It should be about what’s best for you.

At SLO Smiles, we’re an out-of-network provider and proud of it. Because we believe real value goes beyond what your plan says it will cover.

Understanding In-Network vs. Out-of-Network Care

Let’s break it down:

• In-Network Dentists have a contract with your insurance provider. That means they agree to a predetermined set of fees and typically have less wiggle room on what treatments they offer or how they bill.
• Out-of-Network Dentists, like SLO Smiles, don’t have that contract. But that doesn’t mean your insurance is useless. It just means you have more choice.

Think of it like this: would you choose your doctor, hairstylist, or vet based purely on what a corporate plan approved? Or would you choose based on quality, trust, and the long-term results?

Why Patients Choose Out-of-Network Dental Care

Many of our patients at SLO Smiles originally came to us thinking they had to stay in-network. But over time, they discovered something better, care that’s:

• Personalized: We recommend what’s best for you, not what’s pre-approved by a plan.
• Preventative & Long-Term: Our focus on whole-body health means fewer problems down the road.
• Less Rushed, More Respectful: We work at your pace and listen before we treat.

And when the goal is to keep your teeth healthy for life, those little things? They matter.

Will My Insurance Still Help?

Short answer: yes.

Even out-of-network, most PPO dental plans still reimburse a portion of your visit. And we make it easy: we’ll submit the paperwork for you and help you understand your benefits before anything begins.

Some patients also use Health Savings Accounts (HSA) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) to cover costs with pre-tax dollars. These can stretch your budget without compromising your care.

When “Covered” Doesn’t Mean Better

Here’s something many patients don’t realize: in-network coverage doesn’t guarantee quality care. It just guarantees a contract.

We’ve had patients come to us for second opinions after in-network care didn’t last or didn’t solve the problem. Choosing out-of-network care can mean:

• Longer-lasting restorations
• Fewer retreatments
• Less stress over band-aid fixes

The cheapest care isn’t always the most affordable in the long run.

What to Ask Before Choosing a Dentist

If you’re comparing providers, ask yourself:

• Do they take time to explain my treatment options?
• Am I getting a clear sense of long-term cost vs. short-term coverage?
• Do they seem rushed, or genuinely focused on my well-being?
• Will I get consistent care from the same team?

Your answers might be worth more than your co-pay.

Real Value, Real People, Real Results

At SLO Smiles, we’re listeners—not lecturers. We don’t let a plan tell us what kind of care you deserve. That’s between you and your dentist. And as trusted dentists in San Luis Obispo for over 40 years, we think you deserve care that lasts.

Still have questions about how dental insurance works with us?
Visit our Financial Information page or give us a call. We’re happy to walk you through it.