Most plans are PPO based
A PPO plan lets you choose any licensed dentist. Serene Dental accepts most plans. Our front desk verifies your benefits before treatment and gives you a written estimate. We dont accept HMOs
Insurance and Financing
Clear answers on dental insurance
Insurance can be confusing. This page explains how dental plans actually work, what we accept, and what you can expect to pay. No fine print, no surprises.
How Dental Insurance Works
What every patient should know
The rules below apply to most dental PPO plans in the United States. Your coverage depends on your plan.
Coverage is set by your employer or plan
Your annual maximum, deductible, waiting periods, and which procedures are covered are decided by your specific plan, not by the dental office. We can read your benefits to you, but we cannot change what your plan covers.
Three common coverage tiers
Most dental plans group procedures into three tiers: preventive (cleanings, exams, x-rays), basic (fillings, simple extractions), and major (crowns, bridges, dentures, root canals). The percentage your plan pays in each tier is listed in your benefits summary.
You may have an annual maximum
Most dental plans cap how much they will pay in a calendar year. Once that maximum is reached, you are responsible for the remaining cost until benefits reset. We help you plan treatment timing around this cap when it makes sense.
In network or out, we work to maximize your PPO benefits
Whether your PPO plan lists Serene Dental as in network or out of network, our goal is to reduce your out of pocket cost and help you get the care you deserve. Our team reviews your benefits in detail, sequences treatment around your annual maximum, and presents financing options where they help. Final coverage amounts are always determined by your insurance carrier.
Insurance Glossary
Terms you will see on your plan
Knowing these terms makes it easier to read your benefits summary and any estimate we provide.
Premium
The monthly amount you or your employer pay to keep the plan active.
Deductible
A fixed amount you pay out of pocket each year before the plan starts paying its share.
Annual maximum
The most a plan will pay toward your dental care in one calendar year.
Coinsurance
The percentage of a covered procedure that the plan pays. The rest is your responsibility.
In network
A dentist who has a contract with the insurance company.
Out of network
A dentist without a contract with insruance company.
Waiting period
A length of time after enrollment before certain procedures are covered. Common on major treatment.
Pre treatment estimate
A written quote we can submit to your insurance before larger treatment so you see the expected payment and out of pocket amount in advance.
Insurance Accepted
We work with most major plans
Our team verifies your benefits before every visit so there are no surprises. Don't see your plan? Call us, we likely still accept it.
Delta Dental PPODelta Dental PremierCignaAetnaMetLifeGuardianUnited HealthcareUnited ConcordiaBlue ShieldBlue CrossAnthemHumanaPrincipalAmeritasSun LifeLincoln FinancialMutual of OmahaAssurantGEHACareingtonDental Health ServicesFirst Dental HealthDenteMax+ most PPO plans
In network or out, we work to maximize your PPO benefits
Whether your PPO plan lists Serene Dental as in network or out of network, our goal is to reduce your out of pocket cost and help you get the care you deserve. Our team reviews your benefits in detail, sequences treatment around your annual maximum, and presents financing options where they help. Final coverage amounts are always determined by your insurance carrier.
A note on Medi-Cal & Denti-Cal
We currently do not accept MediCal or DentiCal. However, we believe quality dental care should be accessible to everyone, so we offer flexible in house financing, 0% payment plans, CareCredit, and a membership savings plan for uninsured patients to make treatment easier on your budget.
Common Questions
Insurance questions, answered
Still unsure after reading? Call us at 510-79-SMILE and we will walk through your specific plan with you.
Want us to check your benefits?
Send us a photo of your insurance card or call the front desk. We will verify your plan and email you a clear summary before your first visit.