Dental Insurance

History of Dental insurance

Interestingly, dental insurance became an entity while Richard Nixon was president of our country.  It was a time of change, increasing social consciousness, and movement from a production to a service economy. Many more white collar jobs were created, people’s health awareness was increasing, and demand for job benefits was rising.  Dental insurance in the 1960’s paid a maximum benefit of….$1000 to $1500.  At that time, that amount would pay for three to five dental crowns per year!  Very few claims were denied, and dental insurance became a traditional employment benefit for white collar workers.  Insurance companies only offered dental so as to get the much-more-lucrative medical insurance business from employers.

Fast forward sixty years to 2020!  The maximum benefit paid today is…..$1000 to $1500!  That number has never changed in the face of inflation and the general rise in the costs of delivering health care.  That amount now may cover one crown per year.  In addition to this lack of movement, the contractual policies of the insurance industry has become increasingly limited and hostile to doctors.  Much more documentation is requested from the dentist and the patient, to the point that most offices have had to add one or more FTEs (full time employees) just to handle the increasing paper or electronic workload required to receive increasingly less benefit on behalf of the patient.

Dental insurance is no longer insurance.  It is assistance, and only exists because it has become a traditional benefit.

Dental Insurance Contracts

Your dental insurance is almost always a contract between your employer and the insurance company, or you personally and the insurance company.  Many people believe that our dental office can “do something” about how the dental insurance pays.  Not true.  We have no influence over their behavior in any way.  We are not a part of that contractual agreement.  While we make every attempt to help and guide our patient’s about their dental policies and what they may or may not cover, it is impossible to “know everything” about everyone’s dental insurance.  Each individual contract is different, and each claims department seems to have its own personality and “quirks”.  

So who IS responsible for knowing everything about your dental insurance?  YOU, and your HR Department.  And it is not easy.  We are always willing to submit to ANY dental insurance company on your behalf a pre-treatment estimate.  These estimates can take anywhere between 30-45 days to process.  This will provide you with your total out of pocket expense.  When it comes to dental emergencies, we will provide you with the best estimate possible.  

Financing Your Care


In our office, we offer high quality care and payment options that work for all of our patients. Below you will find a list of insurance and payment plans that we accept. If you don’t see your preferred method on our list, please call our office at Atkinson Family Dental, LLC Phone Number (402) 925-5444 to find out what other options may be available to you.

Dental insurance plans we are contracted with:

  • Delta Dental
  • Aetna
  • Always Cares/Colonial Life
  • MCNA Nebraska Medicaid

Even though we might need be in network providers for your dental insurance, we always file all claims for our patients as a courtesy and ensure you receive all the benefits you are entitled via your plan.

Payment options:

  • Flexible Payment Plan: Pay a portion up front, and the rest over an agreed upon time period.
    1. No interest flex plan: Pay in a short time frame and receive no interest charge.
    2. Low interest flex plan: Pay off your bill over a longer period of time with low interest.
  • Cash Discount: Pay upfront with cash and receive a discount.
  • Check or Credit Card: Always accepted.

Other options:

  • CareCredit: Apply online (www.carecredit.com) or in our office.

Please note: Payment is due at the time of service.

As a courtesy to you, we will bill your insurance company and track claims. Please keep us informed of any changes to your insurance plan. You are responsible for the fees charged by our office, no matter what your insurance coverage may be. Most insurance companies should respond to the claim within four to six weeks. Any remaining cost is your responsibility.

We are here to help! Please call for more information about financing your oral health needs in our office!