Re: TAMU dental insurance: Good luck finding and keeping a dentist! I've had to change dentists 3 times in less than 10 years due them all dropping Delta Dental!
Local dentist problem
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Last: 18 days ago by jello123
Counterpoint said:
I recently had to switch from my dentist (who I loved) because they stopped accepting our insurance. I got 3 cleanings a year there for probably about 10 years without any cavities or other issues. I've now been to the new place twice, and they've found something each time (Around $100 in additional fees both times).
So I can't shake this feeling that either my old dentist really sucked or the new one is trying to shake me down. I think I like the new place other than that though, so just wondering if anyone else has experienced this or if I'm just being paranoid. (Didn't include names to avoid controversy)
We use Dr Black and have for years. When we had A&M insurance, they accepted it. We haven't had that insurance for about 5 years so I don't know what they take now. Think they do a great job
I was a longtime patient of Dr. Hooks before our insurance changed and I started with another much larger practice in CS. This group found a multitude of issues that had never been addressed at Hooks. However, I had never required a procedure done at Hooks and never experienced any issues between visits.
The new place recommended a deep cleaning and follow ups every three months to maintain.
Nope. Went back to Dr. Hooks and almost a year later, still no problems. Clear x-rays, no sensitivity, no gum problems.
The new place recommended a deep cleaning and follow ups every three months to maintain.
Nope. Went back to Dr. Hooks and almost a year later, still no problems. Clear x-rays, no sensitivity, no gum problems.
Went from every 3 months to a new dentist that was closer to where I'd moved. Lady told me every 6 months would be okay.
From place 1 to place 2 was like night and day.
From place 1 to place 2 was like night and day.
ChampsAg said:
Before I switched dentists a few years ago, my old one wanted to do some extensive work that I didn't feel was necessary. He had started doing this with my mom that was a patient of his as well.
I switched dentist and when I told him the work that my old dentist had wanted to do, he was shocked.
It's sad when you can't trust your dentist or doctor. Some do take advantage of those that they feel don't know better.
His wife probably wanted to remodel thier Lake house!
maroon barchetta said:
Delta needs an attitude adjustment. My last cleaning cost me $90.
I do bookkeeping and accounting for a lot of dental offices. Trust me, as much as you don't like Delta Dental, the dental offices don't like them even more.
I thought about changing dentists to one who "accepts" Delta Dental but I'm not sure anyone does.
The problem is that Delta Dental has not raised their payment rates since 2015. Many dentists here in town have dropped them due to this because they are losing money. TAMU University Staff Council took this issue to the system benefits council, but unfortunately this is more of a local (B/CS) problem. They have to do what is best for the entire system and this isn't a big issue outside of here. Most of the dentists here in town that have stayed on Delta Dental are the corporate dentist groups and they are known to suggest treatments that are not necessary. I have chosen to stay with my dentist and just pay out-of-network.
I've practiced for 13 years and delta has never raised their reimbursement rate and actually made decreases. They are the largest insurance provider (probably the cheapest for companies to offer) and have suppressed reimbursements rates. I held out dropping delta for my patients as long as I could. My hygienist hourly rate was almost the same as delta reimbursement for a cleaning when I finally dropped them. Large dental chains are able to work massive deals on supplies, equipment and insurance reimbursements that private practices don't receive. My private practice focuses on quality of care, building relationships and long term customer tailored patient specific treatment plans. You go to a dental chain and it's a revolving door of employees and doctors who just hammer over treatment plan to make up for the low reimbursement rates. Just my two cents and personal opinion on the whole matter. But I also understand that money is the key driver is many decisions and some people just want what insurance will cover. The old saying you get what you pay for holds true though
Most all the offices are pushing quantatity over quality and all kind of ad ons. This is one of the main reasons my wife retired so to speak from dental hygien a few years ago. Still has her liscense if she ever decides to go back or finds a office like the above mentioned that still focuses on quality of work versus quantity and ad ons.
you have to keep and eye on what they want to perform and charge you.
like x-rays, fluoride, etc. X-rays are generally once a year covered. Offices will try get xrays both of your visits. that second time is out of pocket. fluoride is generally covered under both vists but offices will try to charge each time for that.
you have to keep and eye on what they want to perform and charge you.
like x-rays, fluoride, etc. X-rays are generally once a year covered. Offices will try get xrays both of your visits. that second time is out of pocket. fluoride is generally covered under both vists but offices will try to charge each time for that.
Out of curiosity, what insurance do you take?
I'm not in College Station area. But like most private practices I'm out of network but accept all insurance. I've decided that if I am responsible for patients well being and operating a business then I don't need to be governed and regulated by an insurance company. My standard of care and theirs do not align but I am held accountable.
Ok so in same boat and need to switch due to current dentist dropping the A&M plan. The only 2 in may area that show up on the Delta site are College Station Modern Dentistry and Smiles N More. Any input on the these two?
Camp & Fuller also takes Delta Dental
Dentists are practicing, so problems can occur, especially with payments. Not good!!!
Thanks, they are probably on the Delta site but a littler further out for me so didn't look at them. Want to try to stay closer to home if I can.
College station modern dentistry was okay- but I felt like they pushed a LOT of extra.
CSMD is the practice I went to that recommended the deep cleaning and frequent follow ups.
College Station Modern Dentistry is part of a major chain of corporate dental offices. Pacific Dental is behind "name of city" Modern Dentistry. It's always a rotation of entry level dentists. Always expect an up charge/excessive treatment plan at these offices. Yes they are in network and take your insurance but that is the trick to get you in the door
I'm on Delta and I use Southern Smiles. They switched what plans Delta offers so I had to change to the in network one. So they take Delta, if you are on the right plan (headache inducing stuff).
Been treated by Dr. Melton for years and I'd hate to switch.
Been treated by Dr. Melton for years and I'd hate to switch.
If its Delta Premier, I will recommend Dr Lia Risk at Brazos Hills Dental in Normangee (their website says they take it). Its a drive, but she is fantastic. They do not take any DHMOs, but take most other major dental plans, and their self pay options have been pretty dang reasonable when ive done them at various points.
AGdent07 said:
College Station Modern Dentistry is part of a major chain of corporate dental offices. Pacific Dental is behind "name of city" Modern Dentistry. It's always a rotation of entry level dentists. Always expect an up charge/excessive treatment plan at these offices. Yes they are in network and take your insurance but that is the trick to get you in the door
Yep. My first time there they tried to tell me I had 10 cavities that needed fixing. Yeah, no. I've only had one when I was 5. When I saw their EOB, it was insane what they were trying to charge for. Switched to Hooks and have been told that my teeth are great. No mention of the cavities that CS Modern found.
Sadly state of Texas employees and retirees with Employees Retirement System of Texas and leaving Delta Dental on August 31, 2026, which my current awesome dentist accepts/in-network, and going to Humana Dental which my current dentist is out of network. Hoping to stick with my current dentist and see what out of network charges will be for me. Fees won't be available for the new Humana (Dental Choice plan) until the change on September 1, 2026.