Know Before You Go: Understanding Dental Costs

Cost concerns are among the main reasons people delay dental care. Unexpected dental costs can create hesitation, even when treatment is necessary. No one wants to be surprised by a bill after a procedure is complete.

Understanding what a service is likely to cost before your appointment helps remove uncertainty. When members have a clear breakdown of potential expenses in advance, they can make informed decisions, plan accordingly, and move forward with care and greater confidence. Below are options available to help members review estimated costs.

Consider a pretreatment estimate

One way to avoid surprises is to ask your dentist’s office to submit a pretreatment estimate. This allows you to see exactly how a proposed service would be covered under your plan before treatment begins. Pretreatment estimates help members understand costs by breaking down procedures into itemized services and showing which portion of the bill will be paid by the patient and which will be covered by the dental plan. The estimate is based on the member’s specific plan benefits.

Pretreatment estimates are especially recommended for more costly procedures or for any anticipated dental work that may be considered expensive. They are among the most reliable ways to estimate expected out-of-pocket costs based on your coverage.

In-network dental cost estimator

When available, use a cost estimator. For example, Ameritas dental plan members can access their online account, and from the Dental page, members have access to the in-network dental cost estimator. This system automatically uses the correct dental network associated with the member’s plan and allows comparisons of costs for up to three in-network dental providers at a time.

Select a network provider

Members can save on costs by visiting network providers. Ameritas dental network providers have agreed to accept negotiated fees that are lower than their standard rates. To search for dentists, members can visit ameritas.com and select Find a Health Provider, then choose Find a Network Dental Provider Online. Members will need to know which dental network is associated with their plan. Ameritas updates both in-network and out-of-network dental cost estimator tools annually to ensure members receive current information.

To compare costs:

• Select up to three dentists by clicking the push-pin icon on each provider’s listing.
• Choose the Dental Cost Estimator link.
• Sign in to the secure member account when prompted.

Out-of-network dental cost estimator

Anyone can view a cost range for out-of-network general dentists based on usual and customary charges in their ZIP Code on the Ameritas website. Searches can be performed by category or procedure code. Footnotes within the tool help users understand how the figures are calculated.

Questions to ask before treatment

Before proceeding with a recommended procedure, consider asking your dental office:

• Is this treatment considered Preventive, Basic, or Major under my plan?
• Are there alternative treatment options that may be covered differently?
• Will you submit a pretreatment estimate to my dental plan?
• Is your office in-network with my dental plan?
• What portion of this procedure will I be responsible for paying?
• Will I need follow-up visits that may result in additional charges?

Having these conversations ahead of time can help clarify coverage, reduce unexpected costs, and ensure you fully understand your treatment plan.

Ultimately, taking a few minutes to review your estimated costs before treatment can help you avoid surprises and feel more confident about your dental care decisions.

Sources and References:
BMC Oral Health (2025)