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Brian C McDowell D.D.S. LVIF
558 Electric Avenue, Fitchburg, MA 01420
978-704-8329
www.brianmcdowelldds.com

5/31/2020,

To Our Practice Family,

We hope this letter finds you and your family healthy!  Our community has been through a lot these past few months, and we are all looking forward to getting back to “normal”.  While many things have changed, one thing that has remained the same is our commitment to your safety.

Infection control has always been a top priority for our office, as you have seen during your visits.  Our infection control protocols have been designed so that when you receive care, it’s both safe and comfortable.  We want to remind of the infection control protocols we follow and inform you of additional changes that we have made.

Our office has always followed infection control protocols endorsed by the American Dental Association, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.  We follow the activities of these agencies so that we are up-to-date on any and all new rulings or guidance that is issued.

You will see some changes when it is time for your next appointment.  We made these changes to protect our guests as well as our team.  For example:

  1. Our office will contact you before your appointment to ask screening questions.  You will be asked the same when you arrive for your appointment
  2. We have hand sanitizer that we will ask you to use as you enter the office.  You will find this sanitizer throughout our office.
  3. You will be asked to come alone for your appointment or only one parent if a minor.  This will enable us to have fewer people in the office for social distancing.
  4. Appointments will be scheduled to allow social distancing.  The appointments will be staggered which means there may be fewer options available for scheduling your appointment
  5. We will do our best to allow greater time between guests to minimize your wait.
  6. We will be using enhanced protocols between each guest to ensure your safety

We look forward to seeing you all again- it has been way too long since we have been with our practice family!  We are happy to answer any and all of your questions or concerns about the new, enhanced protocols we are using to keep you and us safe.  To make an appointment, give us a call at 978-704-8329

, and for more information, visit our website: www.brianmcdowelldds.com.

Thank you for being part of our practice family.  We value your trust and loyalty and look forward to welcoming you back to our practice!

Sincerely,

Brian C McDowell D.D.S. LVIF, Christine Hache R.D.H., Marylisa Allen R.D.H., Gabriella Perez

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Call Today978-401-9081 Request an Appointment
Call Today978-401-9081 Request an Appointment
558 Electric Avenue, Fitchburg, MA, 01420
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Meet the Doctor
      • Dr. Brian McDowell
    • Meet the Team
    • Why Choose Us
    • Tour the Office
    • FAQ
  • Our Dental Services
    • General Dentistry
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
      • Teeth Contouring
    • Restorative Dentistry
    • Dental Implants
    • Dental Emergencies
    • TMJ Treatment / Teeth Grinding
    • Sleep Apnea
  • Patient Testimonials
    • Smile Gallery
  • Patient Resources
    • Patient Forms
    • Payment Options
    • I Need a New Dentist
    • I Can’t Stop Snoring!
    • I’m Having Trouble Chewing
  • Virtual Smile Assessment
  • COVID-19 Protocols
  • Search
Home > Blog > “Why Doesn’t My Insurance Cover What Is Being Recommended??”

“Why Doesn’t My Insurance Cover What Is Being Recommended??”

May 20, 2016

Let’s start by talking about dental insurance. Dental insurance is unlike medical insurance. Dental insurance is a benefits plan that is agreed to by your employer and the insurance company. The insurance company sets forth these plans that dictate what will be covered based on what an employer decides to purchase. The insurance company also decides how much they will reimburse for each procedure and how much of each of those procedures they will cover.

Dental insurance began back in the 1970’s as an extra benefit to encourage people to visit the dentist. In the early days, insurance covered up to $1,000 per person per year and there were no restrictions on how that money could be used. This made dentistry more affordable to more people. As time has passed, the insurance companies have steadily raised your premiums, but still, even today, most plans have a maximum of $1,000. Now, there are also restrictions and limitations on how you can use your dental benefits. Some plans have a “restricted network” of dentists, dentists that have agreed to accept lower fees for this plan. Most insurances still allow you to see an “out of network” dentist, but w=your benefit is lower than by seeing an “in network” dentist. Limitations can take a number of forms, most common is not replacing missing teeth that were missing before coverage began. Some also limit the frequency of certain procedures, regardless of actual need for these. Add to this that insurance is always looking to cover the least expensive option, andyou ca see why we do not participate in these plans.

As stated above, we do not participate in any of the insurance plans, meaning we do not sign contracts to agree to accept lower benefits. We do accept all insurance, but we strongly believe the decision for your care should be a decision made between yourself and Dr. McDowell. We customize our treatment options to your needs, we do not want an insurance company, who has never examined you, deciding what they feel is “best” (insurance talk for least expensive) for you. There a few exceptions, but most insurances will cover your visits here in our office.

If you have any questions about your insurance, or would like to find out more about our office, please give Bettina a call at 978-401-9081. Please visit our website for more information about our practice also: www.brianmcdowelldds.com

What Our Patients Are Saying

K. J. (Verified Patient) | Jan 08, 2021
5
Very clean and super friendly environment...

Very clean and super friendly environment...

W. H. (Verified Patient) | Jan 08, 2021
5
Office took all precautions for covid. They are very careful and follow all the recommended...
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Office took all precautions for covid. They are very careful and follow all the recommended protocols. Dr. McDowell takes time to answer questions and explain. Staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Always feel welcome whenever I have an appointment. ( Posted by Edith)

C. M. (Verified Patient) | Dec 09, 2020
5
Although I am still in the midst of treatment, I have to say that Dr....
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Although I am still in the midst of treatment, I have to say that Dr. McDowell has gone above and beyond in his treatment of my TMD, making himself available when necessary and doing his best to provide treatment, comfort, and relief. Dr. McDowell's staff has been excellent to work with as well; I find them very accommodating and in this COVID era, they seem to do everything possible to ensure that they provide treatment in a clean and sterile environment.

C. M. (Verified Patient) | Dec 09, 2020
5
Although I am still in the midst of treatment, I have to say that Dr....
Read More

Although I am still in the midst of treatment, I have to say that Dr. McDowell has gone above and beyond in his treatment of my TMD, making himself available when necessary and doing his best to provide treatment, comfort, and relief. Dr. McDowell's staff has been excellent to work with as well; I find them very accommodating and in this COVID era, they seem to do everything possible to ensure that they provide treatment in a clean and sterile environment.

P. G. (Verified Patient) | Dec 04, 2020
4
Brian McDowell DDS is/ has been consistently great. Friendly professional staff, with very good Covid-19...
Read More

Brian McDowell DDS is/ has been consistently great. Friendly professional staff, with very good Covid-19 safety protocols. I have high hopes for their continued excellence.

P. G. (Verified Patient) | Dec 04, 2020
4
Brian McDowell DDS is/ has been consistently great. Friendly professional staff, with very good Covid-19...
Read More

Brian McDowell DDS is/ has been consistently great. Friendly professional staff, with very good Covid-19 safety protocols. I have high hopes for their continued excellence.

P. G. (Verified Patient) | Dec 04, 2020
4
Brian McDowell DDS is/ has been consistently great. Friendly professional staff, with very good Covid-19...
Read More

Brian McDowell DDS is/ has been consistently great. Friendly professional staff, with very good Covid-19 safety protocols. I have high hopes for their continued excellence.

S. H. (Verified Patient) | Oct 21, 2020
5
Such kind people. The staff treated me so well...even offered a warmed neck pillow! Dr...
Read More

Such kind people. The staff treated me so well...even offered a warmed neck pillow! Dr McDowell did such a comprehensive exam. I am confident that they will help resolve TMJ. I look forward to continuing to work with everyone in this dental office!

S. H. (Verified Patient) | Oct 21, 2020
5
Such kind people. The staff treated me so well...even offered a warmed neck pillow! Dr...
Read More

Such kind people. The staff treated me so well...even offered a warmed neck pillow! Dr McDowell did such a comprehensive exam. I am confident that they will help resolve TMJ. I look forward to continuing to work with everyone in this dental office!

S. H. (Verified Patient) | Oct 21, 2020
5
Such kind people. The staff treated me so well...even offered a warmed neck pillow! Dr...
Read More

Such kind people. The staff treated me so well...even offered a warmed neck pillow! Dr McDowell did such a comprehensive exam. I am confident that they will help resolve TMJ. I look forward to continuing to work with everyone in this dental office!

Read Our Patient Testimonials
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Call Today to Make an Appointment 978-401-9081 Request an Appointment
558 Electric Avenue, Fitchburg, MA, 01420
  • Mon: By Appt. Only
  • Tue: 8am- 6pm
  • Wed: 8am- 5pm
  • Thu: 8am- 6pm
  • Fri: By Appt. Only
  • Sat: Closed
  • Sun: Closed
Call Today to make an Appointment 978-401-9081 Request an Appointment

Location

558 Electric Avenue, Fitchburg, MA, 01420

Office Hours

  • Monday By Appt. Only
  • Tuesday 8am- 6pm
  • Wednesday 8am- 5pm
  • Thursday 8am- 6pm
  • Friday By Appt. Only
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed

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Call Today to make an Appointment 978-401-9081 Request an Appointment

Location

558 Electric Avenue, Fitchburg, MA, 01420

Office Hours

  • Monday By Appt. Only
  • Tuesday 8am- 6pm
  • Wednesday 8am- 5pm
  • Thursday 8am- 6pm
  • Friday By Appt. Only
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed

Latest Blog Articles

Repair Cavities With Tooth-Colored Composite Fillings

You've probably noticed other people with unattractive silver fillings when they've been eating, talking, or laughing. ...

Read More
6 Tips for Easing Sleep Apnea Symptoms

People may joke about your loud snoring, but sleep apnea is no joke. Research has linked the disorder to many health ...

Read More
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