Understanding Our Financial Policy
We are an out-of-network, fee-for-service practice. This means no insurance company dictates which treatments we recommend or how much time we spend with you — every recommendation is based purely on what your teeth and gums need.
Dental insurance typically covers only part of treatment cost, with annual maximums that have barely changed in decades. If you carry PPO insurance, we’re happy to help you make the most of it: payment is due at the time of service, and we submit your claim on your behalf so your insurer can reimburse you directly.
Because we don’t answer to an insurance company, our only priority is your long-term oral health. That includes a conservative approach to routine imaging — we typically recommend X-rays every two to two and a half years for healthy patients, based on clinical need rather than habit.
If you have questions about your coverage or reimbursement, our team is happy to help before your first visit.
Financial Policy Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to the questions we hear most often about insurance and payment at our practice.
Do You Accept My Dental Insurance?
We work with many major insurance providers, including Aetna, MetLife, Cigna, and United Healthcare, to help make your dental care more affordable. While we are an out-of-network practice, we can help you understand your benefits and maximize your insurance coverage.
When Is Payment Due?
Payment is due at the time of service. We are happy to submit your insurance claim on your behalf, and your insurer will send any reimbursement directly to you.
Do You Take X-rays at Every Visit?
No. After your initial exam, we take X-rays only when clinically necessary rather than automatically every year. We use modern digital X-ray technology, which produces minimal radiation while providing detailed diagnostic information.
What Happens if My Insurance Doesn’t Cover a Recommended Treatment?
Our treatment recommendations are based on your oral health needs, not on what insurance will approve. If a claim is denied, we work with your insurance company to explore every available option for appropriate reimbursement.
Why Is Dental West NYC Out-of-Network?
Being out-of-network means our clinical decisions are never influenced by what an insurance company is willing to cover. This allows us to focus entirely on the treatment that is right for you, not what a plan happens to reimburse.
Get Started With Dental West NYC
At Dental West NYC, Dr. Leora Walter and our team built this practice around treatment that puts your health first, not what an insurance company happens to approve. As a prosthodontist with advanced training in complex restorative dentistry, Dr. Walter takes the time to walk every patient through their options, their estimated costs, and how their benefits may help.
If you have questions about our fee-for-service model or insurance reimbursement, our team is glad to help before your first visit. You can also review our frequently asked questions or book online to get started.
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New York, NY 10023