If you have a PPO dental plan through work, your routine cleanings and exams are often the part of your coverage that costs you the least. Yet many people in Forest Hills, Rego Park and Kew Gardens go a year or more without a checkup, usually because life gets busy, not because they don't want to go.
At Brightly Dental Forest Hills, 100-26 67th Rd, near the 67 Av and Forest Hills–71 Av stations, we see PPO and self-pay patients for cleanings, exams and the care that follows. Here is how PPO plans usually treat preventive care, and what happens at your visit.
How PPO plans usually cover preventive care
Every plan is different, but many PPO plans follow a common pattern:
- Cleanings and exams. Many plans cover two a year, often at little or no cost to you when you stay within your plan's rules.
- X-rays. Bitewing X-rays are often covered once a year, and a full set less often, such as every three to five years.
- Deductible. Preventive care is often not subject to the deductible, but some plans differ.
- Frequency limits. Plans may count visits by calendar year or by months between visits, for example, once every six months.
The only way to know your exact coverage is to check it. Our team checks your PPO benefits before treatment so you know what your plan may cover. You can also read our insurance information.
In-network or out-of-network?
PPO plans usually let you see any dentist, though what you pay may differ depending on whether the office is in your plan's network. When you call, have your insurance card ready and we will tell you how your plan works at our office.
What happens at your visit
Medical history. We review your health history and medications, since some conditions and medicines affect your mouth.
Exam. Your dentist checks your teeth, gums, bite and any existing fillings, crowns or implants, and looks for signs of cavities, cracks or gum disease.
X-rays as needed. Digital X-rays help your dentist see between teeth and below the gumline.
Oral cancer screening. A quick check of your tongue, cheeks, throat and jaw.
Professional cleaning. Your hygienist removes plaque and hardened tartar, then polishes your teeth.
Your plan. We explain what we found, what is urgent and what can wait, and what treatment may cost, before anything is done.
What if I need a deeper cleaning?
If there is tartar below the gumline or signs of gum disease, your dentist may recommend scaling and root planing, sometimes called a deep cleaning. Plans often cover it differently from a routine cleaning, so we will check your benefits and explain the cost before treatment.
Don't let this year's benefits go unused
Many PPO plans reset on January 1. If you have had only one cleaning this year, there may still be time for your second. Read our guide to using PPO benefits before December 31. December fills quickly, so it helps to book now.
No insurance? You can still book
Self-pay patients are welcome. Call us before your visit to ask about self-pay options, and you will know the cost before treatment begins. For larger treatment, financing is available through CareCredit and Cherry, subject to credit approval.
Making regular visits easier
- Book your next visit before you leave, so it is already on your calendar.
- Bring your insurance card and photo ID to your first visit.
- Bring a list of medications, including vitamins and supplements.
- Tell us about any pain or anything that has changed since your last checkup.
More from Brightly Dental Forest Hills
Learn more about our dental cleanings. If something hurts now, see our Forest Hills emergency guide. Missing a tooth? Read about dental implants in Forest Hills.
Book your cleaning and exam
Call Brightly Dental Forest Hills at (718) 452-5000 or book online. We are at 100-26 67th Rd, Storefront, Forest Hills, NY 11375, serving Forest Hills, Rego Park, Kew Gardens and nearby Queens neighborhoods.
Frequently asked questions
Does PPO insurance cover teeth cleanings?
Many PPO plans cover two cleanings and exams a year, often at little or no cost when you follow the plan’s rules. We check your benefits before treatment.
How often should I get a cleaning?
Many people come in twice a year. Your dentist may suggest more frequent visits if you have gum disease or other needs.
Can you check my PPO benefits before my visit?
Yes. Our Forest Hills team checks your PPO benefits before treatment so you know what your plan may cover.
What if I do not have dental insurance?
Self-pay patients are welcome. Call to ask about self-pay options; you will know the cost before treatment begins.
Where is Brightly Dental Forest Hills?
100-26 67th Rd, Storefront, Forest Hills, NY 11375, near the 67 Av and Forest Hills–71 Av subway stations.
Book at Brightly Dental Forest Hills
100-26 67th Rd, Storefront, Forest Hills, NY 11375
Book onlineCall (718) 452-5000Financing subject to credit approval. This article is general information, not a diagnosis. Your dentist will recommend treatment after an exam.