Fee-for-service dentistry is a payment model where patients pay directly for dental care rather than relying solely on insurance networks to dictate treatment options and costs. This approach removes the restrictions insurance companies place on treatment plans, allowing dentists to recommend what’s truly best for each patient’s oral health.
At Mesa Dental, we’ve transitioned toward this model to provide higher-quality care without the limitations insurance contracts impose on treatment decisions. Many patients in the Summerlin area are discovering the advantages of fee-for-service care. We focus on building long-term relationships with patients who value prevention and comprehensive treatment rather than simply accepting whatever an insurance plan covers. This shift allows us to spend more time with each patient, use premium materials, and create treatment plans based on clinical need rather than insurance maximums.
Traditional insurance-based dentistry operates within strict guidelines set by insurance companies. These plans often limit which procedures are covered, how much can be spent annually, and which materials dentists may use. Insurance companies also dictate reimbursement rates, which can lead practices to see more patients in less time to maintain profitability.
Fee-for-service care flips this model. Instead of insurance companies controlling treatment decisions, dentists and patients work together to determine the best approach for long-term oral health. This means we can recommend preventive dentistry measures before problems develop rather than waiting until issues become severe enough for insurance to cover treatment. We can also use higher-quality materials for procedures like dental crowns without worrying whether an insurance company will approve them.
Research from the American Dental Association shows 22% of adults aged 19-64 have no dental benefits at all, while 56% of seniors aged 65 and older lack dental coverage. For those who do have insurance, coverage limitations often create barriers to receiving comprehensive care.
A common concern about fee-for-service care is affordability. At Mesa Dental, we’ve developed several payment solutions to make quality dentistry accessible.
Our in-house membership plan through Illumitrak offers comprehensive coverage for routine care at $38 per month for adults, $55 per month for periodontal care, and $33 per month for children. Each membership includes a $149 activation fee but requires no long-term contracts and can be canceled at any time.
These memberships cover cleanings and exams and provide 20% off all treatments. For patients without traditional insurance, this plan often costs less annually than insurance premiums while providing more predictable coverage.
We also accept CareCredit and offer in-house payment plans for larger cosmetic dental procedures, such as veneers or Invisalign treatment.
Patients with PPO insurance plans can still use their out-of-network benefits at our practice. While we're no longer contracted with most insurance networks, many PPO plans reimburse 50-80% of our fees. HSAs and FSAs are also accepted, giving you additional tax-advantaged ways to pay for dental care.
Our practice philosophy centers on prevention and whole-body health rather than simply treating problems as they arise. We’re one of only three dentists in Las Vegas certified in SMART (Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique), and we incorporate both science-backed Western dentistry and evidence-based holistic approaches. This comprehensive view of oral health allows us to identify systemic health issues that manifest in the mouth.
Whole health dentistry acknowledges the connection between oral health and overall wellness. We listen to patients’ concerns and work collaboratively to develop treatment plans that address root causes rather than just symptoms. This personalized approach requires time and attention that insurance-driven practices often can’t provide when they need to see 40 or 50 patients daily to meet financial goals.
We also use advanced materials and techniques that insurance plans may not cover. For cosmetic dentistry procedures, we offer options such as no-prep veneers and use high-quality porcelain veneers that look natural and last for decades with proper care. Our consultations cost $50 for 30 minutes, and this fee applies toward treatment if you proceed. This investment in planning ensures every patient understands their options and feels confident in their treatment decisions.
The best dentistry is no dentistry at all. We emphasize prevention and patient education to help you maintain your natural teeth for life. By removing insurance restrictions, we can recommend proactive treatments that prevent major problems rather than waiting until damage requires extensive repairs.
Fee-for-service dentistry allows us to focus on what matters most: providing exceptional care tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Dr. Emily Browner and our team have built a practice around quality, prevention, and building trusting relationships with patients who value comprehensive oral health. We serve the Summerlin area with a commitment to science-backed treatments and personalized attention you won’t find at volume-driven dental offices.
If you’re tired of insurance limitations dictating your dental care or you’re seeking a practice that treats you as an individual rather than a number, we’d love to discuss how our approach might benefit you. Our team takes time to explain treatment options, answer questions, and develop plans that fit your health goals and budget. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about the Mesa Dental difference.
Dr. Emily Browner
A Las Vegas native, Dr. Browner developed her passion for dentistry while working as a dental assistant throughout college. She earned her B.S. in Health Ecology from the University of Nevada Reno before completing her DMD at UNLV School of Dental Medicine. She focuses on personalized preventive and cosmetic dentistry, helping patients achieve healthy, beautiful smiles through veneers, Invisalign, and whole-health dental care.
Dr. R.J. Guideng
Dr. Guideng brings specialized expertise in dental implantology to Mesa Dental. As an AAID-credentialed dentist through the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, he is dedicated to advancing his skills in implant dentistry and providing patients with lasting solutions for missing teeth, including All-on-X full arch restorations and single-tooth implants.
We make quality dental care accessible with flexible payment options.
We work with most PPO insurance plans. Our office files claims on your behalf and provides benefit estimates before treatment begins.
We offer financing through CareCredit and in-house payment plans to help you break down treatment costs into manageable monthly payments. For patients without insurance, our in-house membership program starts at just $33/month and includes cleanings, exams, and 20% off all treatments.
Questions? Call us at (702) 640-0004 to discuss your coverage, financing, or membership options.
Mesa Dental offers comprehensive dentistry for patients throughout Las Vegas and Summerlin. From preventive care to advanced cosmetic procedures, our conservative and whole-health approach delivers exceptional results. Below are just some of the services we provide.
Schedule a consultation with our team to discuss your goals and discover how Mesa Dental can help you achieve a healthier, more confident smile.
