Payment policy

Knowing what to expect when it comes to paying for dental care matters. At Pine Glen Dental Group, we keep things straightforward. No confusing insurance contracts, no unexpected billing surprises, and no runaround when it comes to your treatment costs. Our payment process is designed to be as clear and simple as your care experience.

We are a private, fee-for-service dental practice in Peoria, Illinois, which means we do not participate in any insurance networks. This model gives Dr. Lori Rice the freedom to recommend care based entirely on what is best for you, not on what an insurance company will reimburse. You pay for services rendered, and we work with you every step of the way to help you get the most from any benefits you may have.

Payment at the Time of Service

Payment is due at the time services are rendered unless other arrangements have been made with our team in advance. We ask patients to be prepared to settle their balance at each visit, which allows us to keep our focus on care rather than collections.

We accept the following forms of payment:

• Cash
• Visa
• Mastercard
• American Express

We do not accept Discover, checks, or third-party financing through outside lenders.

Advance cost estimates are provided whenever possible so you can prepare for your visit without surprises. If you have questions about the expected cost of a procedure, our front desk team is happy to walk you through it before your appointment.

How We Work with Your Dental Insurance

Pine Glen Dental Group does not participate in any dental insurance networks, including Medicaid. That said, having dental insurance does not mean you cannot use it here. As a courtesy to our patients, we submit out-of-network claims on your behalf and work to help you recover the maximum reimbursement available under your plan.

It is worth noting that most dental insurance plans include out-of-network benefits, which means a portion of your treatment cost may still be covered even though we are not in-network. The American Dental Association outlines patients’ rights to choose their own dental provider regardless of network participation, and we encourage patients to check their out-of-network coverage before assuming their plan cannot be used. Our team is glad to help you understand your benefits and assist with the claims process.

You are ultimately responsible for any balance not covered by your insurer, and we are transparent about that from the start.

Financing for Major Procedures

We do not offer third-party financing programs. For established patients facing the cost of a significant procedure, we address financing on a case-by-case basis. In situations involving extensive restorative work, we are willing to work with long-standing patients to find a payment arrangement that makes sense. Half of the estimated treatment cost is generally required upfront.

If you are considering a major procedure and have questions about your options, we encourage you to speak with our office team ahead of your appointment so we can discuss what may be possible for your situation.

Treatment Estimates and Transparency

Before beginning any treatment, we provide cost estimates so you know what to expect. Our goal is to make sure you are never caught off guard by a bill. If your treatment plan changes or if additional procedures become necessary, we communicate that with you before moving forward.

Our preventive care approach is designed to reduce the need for costly restorative work down the line, and we take time to explain your options at every visit. We believe informed patients make better decisions about their dental health, and that starts with honest, upfront conversations about cost.

New Patient Billing Questions

If you are a new patient and have questions about our payment process before your first visit, we are happy to answer them. Many patients coming from insurance-based practices are unfamiliar with how fee-for-service billing works, and we are glad to explain how the process differs and what to expect.

For patients with existing dental insurance, we recommend calling your plan’s member services line to ask about your out-of-network benefits for procedures you anticipate needing. If you share that information with us, our team can help estimate what your out-of-pocket costs may be before your appointment.

Schedule an Appointment at Pine Glen Dental Group

Pine Glen Dental Group has been serving Peoria families since the practice was founded by Dr. Robert Pollard in 1992. Dr. Lori Rice continues that legacy today, delivering high-quality, patient-focused care to the community she grew up in. We hold a BBB A+ rating, a 4.7-star Google rating with over 100 reviews, and have been recognized as a Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite multiple years running. Our team is committed to making your experience here straightforward from your first phone call to your final billing statement.

If you have questions about our payment policy or would like to discuss costs before scheduling, contact our office and a member of our team will be happy to assist you.