If you’re a dentist who performs full arch implant cases, you already know the reality:
Dental insurance barely covers these comprehensive, life-changing treatments — often maxing out at $1,500–$2,000 per year, per patient.

Yet many practices remain in-network with PPO plans for patient volume and marketing benefits. So the question becomes:

How do you stay profitable on full arch cases when insurance doesn’t pull its weight?

The good news? You’re not alone. Many top-performing full arch providers have figured out ways to maximize profitability, set realistic expectations, and streamline operations — all without dropping insurance completely.

Here are the best practices those doctors are using:

1. Use Insurance as a "Contributing Benefit," Not the Payor

Successful doctors shift the narrative:

• Don’t position insurance as the primary payer for a full arch case.

• Instead, explain that insurance can provide a small contribution toward diagnostic visits, extractions, or provisional work.

Pro tip: Let patients know upfront that insurance may only help with a fraction of the cost — and that’s normal. Transparency builds trust and reduces sticker shock.

2. Offer In-House or 3rd-Party Financing Options Immediately

Because insurance offers limited help, financing becomes essential — and full arch doctors know this is where treatment acceptance lives or dies.

• Partner with companies like Proceed Finance, LendingClub, Sunbit, or CareCredit.

• Offer longer-term payment plans (up to 84 months) to make monthly payments reasonable.

• Consider in-house payment options for qualified patients to keep revenue predictable.

Many offices report 30–50% case acceptance improvement just from having flexible financing available before presenting the fee.

3. Code Strategically — Ethically and Accurately

Even if you're in-network, you can still maximize what little insurance will allow, especially for:

• Initial exams and diagnostics (D0150, D0330)

• Panoramic or CBCT scans (D0367, D0365, D0383)

• Surgical extractions (D7210, D7140)

• Temporary removable appliances (D5820/D5821)

Use tooth-specific and site-specific codes where applicable, and include clear documentation and narratives to justify medical necessity.

Bonus tip: Work with a skilled insurance coordinator or billing company that specializes in full arch cases to identify every eligible code while staying compliant.

4. Create Tiered, All-Inclusive Pricing Packages

Top offices simplify full arch treatment by offering flat-fee, bundled pricing. This removes confusion and helps patients understand the value.

• Offer 2–3 levels (e.g., basic overdenture, mid-tier fixed hybrid, premium zirconia).

• Clearly list what's included: extractions, implants, temporary, final prosthesis, etc.

• Show the retail value vs. package value, so patients can see they’re saving by going all-in.

This also allows your team to present treatment confidently without getting into line-item reimbursement discussions.

5. Leverage Consult-to-Close Systems

Full arch doctors know the importance of an efficient, predictable patient journey:

• Use CBCT at consult to build urgency and trust.

• Provide same-day financial discussions and pre-approval for financing.

• Train treatment coordinators to present full arch cases as a solution to health and lifestyle challenges, not just a dental procedure.

Use in-house or outsourced call centers trained in full arch cases to pre-qualify leads and boost case acceptance.

6. Submit Insurance — But Only After Collecting Full Payment

Most practices collect full payment upfront or via financing — and submit insurance as a courtesy, allowing any reimbursement to go back to the patient.

Why this works:

• Keeps your cash flow predictable.

• Avoids insurance-driven delays.

• Reinforces the message that insurance is supplemental, not central.

7. Stay In-Network Strategically (or Go Hybrid)

If your full arch workflow is thriving, consider staying in-network for hygiene and single-unit care, while promoting full arch as a separate, premium service.

Alternatively:

• Consider going out-of-network with select plans that consistently underpay.

• Use membership plans or in-house discount programs to create loyalty and reduce insurance dependence.

Final Thoughts

Being in-network doesn’t mean you have to lose money on big cases. With clear communication, ethical coding, financing strategies, and patient-centered workflows, you can deliver high-quality full arch care without relying on insurance to carry the load.

The secret isn’t in squeezing more from insurance — it’s in building a model that thrives regardless of what insurance pays.

If you’re a dentist who performs full arch implant cases, you already know the reality:
Dental insurance barely covers these comprehensive, life-changing treatments — often maxing out at $1,500–$2,000 per year, per patient.

Yet many practices remain in-network with PPO plans for patient volume and marketing benefits. So the question becomes:

How do you stay profitable on full arch cases when insurance doesn’t pull its weight?

The good news? You’re not alone. Many top-performing full arch providers have figured out ways to maximize profitability, set realistic expectations, and streamline operations — all without dropping insurance completely.

Here are the best practices those doctors are using:

1. Use Insurance as a "Contributing Benefit," Not the Payor

Successful doctors shift the narrative:

• Don’t position insurance as the primary payer for a full arch case.

• Instead, explain that insurance can provide a small contribution toward diagnostic visits, extractions, or provisional work.

Pro tip: Let patients know upfront that insurance may only help with a fraction of the cost — and that’s normal. Transparency builds trust and reduces sticker shock.

2. Offer In-House or 3rd-Party Financing Options Immediately

Because insurance offers limited help, financing becomes essential — and full arch doctors know this is where treatment acceptance lives or dies.

• Partner with companies like Proceed Finance, LendingClub, Sunbit, or CareCredit.

• Offer longer-term payment plans (up to 84 months) to make monthly payments reasonable.

• Consider in-house payment options for qualified patients to keep revenue predictable.

Many offices report 30–50% case acceptance improvement just from having flexible financing available before presenting the fee.

3. Code Strategically — Ethically and Accurately

Even if you're in-network, you can still maximize what little insurance will allow, especially for:

• Initial exams and diagnostics (D0150, D0330)

• Panoramic or CBCT scans (D0367, D0365, D0383)

• Surgical extractions (D7210, D7140)

• Temporary removable appliances (D5820/D5821)

Use tooth-specific and site-specific codes where applicable, and include clear documentation and narratives to justify medical necessity.

Bonus tip: Work with a skilled insurance coordinator or billing company that specializes in full arch cases to identify every eligible code while staying compliant.

4. Create Tiered, All-Inclusive Pricing Packages

Top offices simplify full arch treatment by offering flat-fee, bundled pricing. This removes confusion and helps patients understand the value.

• Offer 2–3 levels (e.g., basic overdenture, mid-tier fixed hybrid, premium zirconia).

• Clearly list what's included: extractions, implants, temporary, final prosthesis, etc.

• Show the retail value vs. package value, so patients can see they’re saving by going all-in.

This also allows your team to present treatment confidently without getting into line-item reimbursement discussions.

5. Leverage Consult-to-Close Systems

Full arch doctors know the importance of an efficient, predictable patient journey:

• Use CBCT at consult to build urgency and trust.

• Provide same-day financial discussions and pre-approval for financing.

• Train treatment coordinators to present full arch cases as a solution to health and lifestyle challenges, not just a dental procedure.

Use in-house or outsourced call centers trained in full arch cases to pre-qualify leads and boost case acceptance.

6. Submit Insurance — But Only After Collecting Full Payment

Most practices collect full payment upfront or via financing — and submit insurance as a courtesy, allowing any reimbursement to go back to the patient.

Why this works:

• Keeps your cash flow predictable.

• Avoids insurance-driven delays.

• Reinforces the message that insurance is supplemental, not central.

7. Stay In-Network Strategically (or Go Hybrid)

If your full arch workflow is thriving, consider staying in-network for hygiene and single-unit care, while promoting full arch as a separate, premium service.

Alternatively:

• Consider going out-of-network with select plans that consistently underpay.

• Use membership plans or in-house discount programs to create loyalty and reduce insurance dependence.

Final Thoughts

Being in-network doesn’t mean you have to lose money on big cases. With clear communication, ethical coding, financing strategies, and patient-centered workflows, you can deliver high-quality full arch care without relying on insurance to carry the load.

The secret isn’t in squeezing more from insurance — it’s in building a model that thrives regardless of what insurance pays.

Benjamin Tuinei

Founder - Veritas Dental Resources, LLC
Phone: 888-808-4513

Services:
PPO Fee Negotiators | PPO Fee Negotiating | Insurance Fee Negotiating
Insurance Credentialing | Insurance Verifications

Websites:
www.VeritasDentalResources.com | www.VerusDental.com