Figuring out whether a dentist accepts your insurance can be trickier than it seems. A quick phone call asking, “Do you take Delta Dental?” might get you a simple “Yes,” but that doesn’t always tell the whole story.
Many insurance networks have multiple tiers and plan types, which means you could show up for your appointment only to find out your plan isn’t fully covered. For example, you might discover your dentist is a Delta Premier provider while your plan is a Delta PPO.
The best way to avoid this confusion is to check your insurance company’s online portal. There, you can see exactly what plan you have and confirm whether your dentist is listed as an in-network provider. This gives you the most accurate information and peace of mind.
Of course, doing that for every dental clinic in your area could take hours. That’s why at btyDENTAL, our insurance team verifies benefits before your appointment so you know what to expect. But if you’d like to confirm yourself, here’s what Washington patients must know:
How to Check if a Dentist Accepts Your Insurance
- Find Out What Plan You Have
- Start by logging into your insurance company’s online portal or checking your insurance card.
- Look for the plan type (for example, Delta Dental PPO, DeltaCare, or Delta Premier).
- Having this exact plan name handy will make the next steps easier.
- Use the Insurance Company’s “Find a Dentist” Tool
- Most major insurance carriers, like Delta Dental, Premera, or UnitedHealthcare, have an online provider search tool.
- Enter your zip code, select your exact plan, and search for dentists near you.
- Confirm In-Network Status
- Make sure the dentist is marked as “in-network” for your specific plan.
- Remember: “In-network” and “participating provider” aren’t always the same thing.
- Double-Check with the Dental Office
- Once you’ve verified your plan, call the dental office to confirm.
- Give them your plan details to ensure they have your insurance info on file before your visit.
- Save Your Evidence
- Take a screenshot of your insurance portal listing or write down confirmation details.
- If your insurance company made an error, having proof may help you get costs covered.
Washington-Specific Dental Insurance Tips
- Delta Dental of Washington is the state’s largest dental insurance provider, but not all Delta Dental plans are the same. PPO and Premier networks have different coverage levels, so always check your exact plan.
- Premera Blue Cross and Regence BlueShield plans often include dental coverage through a third-party network. Make sure to search by your dental plan, not just your medical insurance card.
- Employer-Specific Plans: Many Washington employers, like Microsoft, Boeing, and Amazon, use customized versions of standard plans. Even if the insurance name looks familiar, verify that your dentist is in-network for your employer’s version.
- Apple Health (Medicaid) Dental Coverage: If you’re on Apple Health, check the provider list through Managed Care Organizations like Molina or Coordinated Care. Not all private dental practices accept Apple Health.
btyDENTAL Bonney Lake, Lynwood, Tacoma, DuPont, and Sumner accepts Medicaid (Apple Health/Molina). If you want to maximize your Medicaid dental benefits, read our guide here.
Real Advice From Patients Who’ve Been There
Sometimes the best tips come from people who have had to navigate insurance confusion themselves. Here are a few smart takeaways from real patients online:
“Your insurance carrier usually has a link to providers in your area on their website. Start there, then call if you can’t find one and ask.”
“Calling your insurance carrier is easier. They have a list of providers near you that accept your insurance and can help you find what you’re looking for.”
“Verify coverage with the insurer, not the provider. Your card should have a number or website you can use to locate in-network providers.”
“Ask the right question. Don’t say, ‘Do you take my insurance?’ Instead ask, ‘Are you in-network with my specific insurance plan?’”
“Don’t lie about your insurance status. This will blow up in a much bigger way than you’d expect. The insurance company is looking to share costs when they ask about multiple coverages.”
Let Us Verify for You
Checking insurance on your own can take time and energy. At btyDENTAL Washington, our insurance team verifies your benefits for you before your appointment so you’ll know exactly what’s covered.
We’re happy to walk you through your options, answer questions, and make sure there are no surprises when it comes to your dental care. Call us today or request an appointment online—we’ll handle the insurance so you can focus on a smile that’s better than yesterday!
