If you’ve ever looked at a dental bill and thought, “Why doesn’t my insurance cover more?” you’re not alone. I hear that question all the time.
As your dentist, I want to be transparent with you. I understand the confusion, the frustration, and the surprise that can come when a treatment you truly need is only partially covered, or sometimes not covered at all. So let’s talk about it.
Let’s talk about why your dental insurance may not be working for you and what we’re doing at Lyons Creek Dental Care to prioritize our relationship with you over the rules of insurance companies.
Here’s What Most People Don’t Know About Dental Insurance
Dental insurance may look like medical insurance, but it isn’t built the same way. Most plans have annual maximums between $1,000–$1,500 – a number that hasn’t changed much since the 1970s. In today’s world, that amount barely scratches the surface when you need anything more than a cleaning or a small filling.
Many of you come in thinking, “I have good insurance, so my crown should be covered,” or “My benefits should take care of this treatment.” And I get it, it seems logical. But insurance companies don’t always operate on logic or clinical need. They operate on contracts and limitations.
Why You Sometimes Feel Like You’re Paying Too Much
If you’ve ever said:
- “This feels too expensive.”
- “My insurance barely covered anything.”
- “Why is this treatment even out-of-pocket?”
…it’s probably because insurance policies aren’t designed to fully support the kind of care that truly protects your long-term health.
Even when we give you a treatment estimate based on your plan, insurance companies can still reduce coverage, change their rules mid-year, or deny something based on outdated guidelines. That puts all of us – especially you – in a tough spot.
The Truth About In-Network Dental Contracts
For years, we’ve participated in contracts that allow insurance companies to set the terms of what care looks like, how much time we can spend with you, and how we’re reimbursed. We’ve honored those agreements, even when they ask us to accept less than what it costs to provide high-quality care.
But here’s the hard truth: when insurance dictates too much of how we deliver care, we start to lose the freedom to serve you with the time, attention, and materials we believe you deserve.
That’s why, starting in Q1 of 2026, Lyons Creek Dental Care will no longer be an in-network provider with Delta Dental.
Why This Change Matters and How It Helps Us Care for You
Our decision to become out-of-network isn’t about rejecting insurance, it’s about putting our relationship with you first.
Here’s what this change means for you:
- You can still use your Delta Dental benefits at our practice and we’ll help you submit claims.
- You’ll receive comprehensive, honest recommendations based on your unique needs, not just what insurance will approve.
- We’ll work with transparent pricing and flexible options, so you always know what to expect.
- And most importantly, we’ll have the freedom to focus on you, not the limitations of a plan.
This is about restoring trust and time – two things I believe should be at the core of every patient-doctor relationship.
What You Can Do Today
- Review your dental benefits.
If you have questions about how your plan works, we’re happy to explain. - Plan your care before the end of 2025.
You may still have benefits available this year under our current in-network status. Let’s make sure you use them well. - Talk to us about what’s ahead.
We’re here for any questions; whether it’s billing, treatment options, or just understanding how this change affects you.
We’re Still Lyons Creek, Just Focused More on You
I know change can bring uncertainty, but I want you to know this: we are still your dental team. We are still here to listen, explain, support, and guide you toward the healthiest version of your smile.
And this shift? It’s not just about insurance. It’s about creating more space to do what we do best: take care of you with clarity, purpose, and integrity.
If you’d like to talk about what this means for you personally, please call us at 206-362-5400 or schedule a visit online. Let’s make sure you’re confident moving forward, together.
