top of page
  • How often should I have a dental cleaning and exam?
    Routine prophylaxis (cleanings) and periodic dental exams are recommended minimally every six months to maintain healthy gums and bone support for your teeth.
  • What should I do before my first appointment as a new patient?
    Please download, print, and fill out the required new patient forms before your first appointment. You can mail them, bring them 5-10 minutes prior, or email scanned copies to office@drhendersondds.com.
  • How do I transfer my records from a previous dentist?
    If you need your records released from a previous dentist, please complete the Records Release Form and submit it directly to your former dental office.
  • How often do current patients need to update their forms?
    Account information needs to be updated at least once a year, or any time there's a change in billing or insurance. Patient Medical History needs to be updated every six months per patient.
  • What is your policy on cancellations and missed appointments?
    We require 48 business hours' notice for appointment changes. If you cancel or no-show without this notice, a fee of $65 for hygiene appointments or $150 for doctor appointments will be charged to your account.
  • What if my account goes to a collection agency?
    If your account is referred to a collection agency or attorney, you (or the responsible party) are responsible for all incurred costs, including reasonable attorney fees and court costs related to collection proceedings.
  • What happens if my check is returned for insufficient funds?
    A $30 fee will be charged to your account for any returned checks.
  • What if I have an overpayment or a balance after insurance pays?
    While we strive for accurate estimates, they are not guarantees. Any additional payments due will be billed to you, and any overpayments will be refunded to the responsible party.
  • Do you require deposits for certain treatments?
    Yes, implant cases and complex treatment plans may require a minimum $1,000 deposit before the first visit.
  • What is CareCredit?
    CareCredit is a third-party lender offering convenient financing options, including interest-free plans, to help you pay for your dental treatment over time. We can help you enroll quickly in our office.
  • Do you offer any courtesies for cash or senior payments?
    Yes, we offer a 5% courtesy for treatments over $300 paid by cash or check on the same day (if you do not have insurance). Patients over 65 without insurance receive a 10% courtesy when paying in full on the same day of service.
  • What payment options do you accept?
    We accept cash, check, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. We also offer CareCredit for financing.
  • What if you don't participate with my insurance plan?
    If we do not participate with your plan, we will still submit the claim for you. If a relationship has not been established with your specific insurance, we may ask for full payment at the time of service. Otherwise, your estimated out-of-pocket portion is due at your visit.
  • How does insurance cover tooth-colored (resin) fillings in back teeth?
    Some insurances do not cover the full cost of posterior (back teeth) resin fillings. You will be asked to pay your estimated portion at the time of service. For specific details, please contact your insurance company directly or request a predetermination from us.
  • Can you provide an estimate of my treatment cost?
    Yes, we are happy to provide an estimate of your cost in advance of your visit upon request. Please note this is an estimate, and any remaining balance after insurance processing will be due within 30 days. Your estimated portion is due at the time of treatment.
  • Will my insurance cover my treatment in full?
    Even with participating plans, not all treatment is paid for in full, and you will incur some out-of-pocket expenses. Your insurance company and employer determine your specific coverage.
  • Which insurance plans does your office participate with?
    We are a participating provider with Ameritas, Excellus BCBS PPO , and UMR.
  • Where can I find the full Terms and Conditions for the dental membership?
    It's important to download and thoroughly read our complete Membership Terms & Conditions before applying. The primary subscriber must complete the application and sign the Terms & Conditions for themselves and any enrolled dependents.
  • Is there a special membership for periodontal disease?
    Yes, we offer a specialized membership option tailored to specific care needs for patients with periodontal disease.
  • How do I qualify for the dental membership?
    To qualify, you must be an established patient, not currently enrolled in any dental insurance plan, review and agree to the full Terms and Conditions, and be prepared to pay for restorations and treatments at the time of your visit.
  • What benefits are included with the dental membership?
    For a one-time annual payment, members receive two dental cleanings, two periodic exams, and one set of bitewing X-rays annually. You also get 20% off all other services, no insurance denials, and no need for pre-determinations.
  • What is your in-office dental membership plan?
    Our affordable in-office dental membership is designed for patients without traditional dental insurance. It significantly lowers out-of-pocket expenses by eliminating maximums, deductibles, and waiting periods.
  • How can SomnoMed Appliances help?
    Customizable oral appliances that aid patients who cannot tolerate a CPAP, offering relief from sleep apnea, snoring, and daytime fatigue.
  • What are Occlusal Guards?
    Custom-fitted guards made from digital images to protect against tooth grinding, prevent tooth wear, and safeguard restorations.
  • What is Extractions & Bone Grafting?
    This involves tooth removal under local anesthetic, often accompanied by bone grafting to preserve the socket for future restorations.
  • What are Dentures & Partial Dentures used for?
    Custom-made removable appliances designed to restore function, improve speech, and enhance aesthetics when one or more teeth are missing.
  • What is Scaling & Root Planing?
    This is a deep cleaning procedure below the gumline to remove bacteria and tartar and smooth root surfaces, helping gums reattach.
  • What is Antibiotic Therapy & Pocket Irrigation for gum disease?
    These non-surgical techniques use targeted antibiotic delivery and irrigation to combat bacteria within periodontal pockets, promoting healing.
  • What are Digital X-Rays used for?
    Digital X-rays provide detailed images of teeth, bone, and soft tissues to aid in diagnosing problems with minimal radiation.
  • Why is an Oral Cancer Exam important?
    Dentists and hygienists perform this exam to look for signs of cancerous or precancerous conditions in the mouth, as early detection is crucial.
  • What are Dental Sealants?
    Sealants are a thin, protective plastic coating applied to tooth grooves to shield enamel and prevent decay.
  • Why is Fluoride Treatment recommended for children and adults?
    This topical varnish strengthens enamel, remineralizes teeth, and aids in sensitivity relief, protecting against cavities.
  • What is a "First Happy Visit" for children?
    Designed for children aged 1-3 years, this visit helps them get comfortable with the dental office, includes patient education, and a gentle cleaning/exam if comfortable.
  • What is Tooth Whitening?
    Tooth whitening corrects discoloration and removes staining for a brighter smile. Results can last for years with touch-ups.
  • How does Invisalign work?
    Invisalign straightens teeth without traditional braces using clear, virtually invisible, medical-grade polymer aligners.
  • What are Dental Veneers used for?
    Dental veneers are thin, tooth-colored porcelain facings bonded to teeth to correct discoloration, spaces, or crooked appearances.
  • What is Root Canal Therapy?
    Root canal therapy removes diseased or infected pulp from inside a tooth to eliminate pain and infection, often completed in one to two visits with minimal discomfort.
  • What is Laser Dentistry used for?
    We use water-assisted or diode lasers for precise and gentle removal of soft tissue in the mouth.
  • What are Inlays & Onlays?
    These are strong, long-term restorations for teeth with significant structure loss, fabricated in one visit, conserving more tooth structure than a full crown.
  • What are Dental Implants and Crowns?
    A dental implant is a titanium cylinder that replaces a missing tooth's root. Once integrated, a custom crown is placed on top, acting as an individual tooth.
  • What are Composite Fillings?
    Composite fillings are tooth-colored restorations that provide good durability for small-to-mid sized cavities or fractures, conserving more natural tooth structure.
  • What is a CEREC Crown?
    CEREC allows us to fabricate custom porcelain crowns in our office in just one visit using a 3D digital scan, eliminating traditional impressions.
bottom of page