Appointment #1 – Orthodontic Screening

• At this appointment, we will explain what can be done about any orthodontic problems we identify and when appropriate treatment should be started.
• We also will discuss if you or your child’s orthodontic treatment will be covered by your insurance. (See Medicaid information.)
• If it is too early for orthodontic treatment to begin, a follow-up appointment may be recommended to determine if/when orthodontic care should be started.
• There is no fee for the screening appointment.

Appointment #2 – Records Appointment

• At this appointment, we will gather complete orthodontic diagnostic information to prepare treatment options for orthodontic care. This may or may not include an exam, x-rays, impressions, digital scans, photos and 3D imaging.
• If you have x-rays from other dental offices, you may have them sent to the school before this appointment at: digitalradiographs@unmc.edu
• A fee of $400 is required to take records at this appointment.

Appointment #3 – Consultation Appointment

• After the records appointment, we will prepare treatment options to address any orthodontic problems we diagnose.
  At the consultation appointment, we will explain the orthodontic problems we have diagnosed, possible treatment options, the time involved, costs, possible risks and potential benefits.
• You will then be asked to select the orthodontic care you will accept for yourself or your child, including an option of no care.
• If you have decided to finance your or your child’s treatment with a monthly payment plan, you will be required to bring a voided check to this appointment in order to set up the automatic withdrawal payments.
• No fee is due at this appointment unless treatment is started the same day.

Ongoing Appointments

• After treatment has been initiated, you or your child are expected to attend appointments approximately once per month.
• All of these appointments will be scheduled on the same day of the week throughout treatment so you can be seen by the same dental care team.

The College of Dentistry Orthodontic Clinic requires payment at the beginning of your treatment. If you choose to discontinue care before treatment is complete, you will receive a refund less the cost of care received.

For patients with dental insurance, we are happy to work with your carrier to maximize your benefit and provide the documentation needed to receive reimbursement for your treatment.

Payment Methods

All payments are due on the day that braces or appliances are delivered.

1.) Full Payment with Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover and CareCredit
Patients who do not have orthodontic insurance coverage AND pay in full the day treatment begins will receive a $200 discount for interceptive treatment and a $250 discount for comprehensive treatment.

2.) Monthly Payment Options
20 months, no interest.
$400 down payment.
Not offered to patients with private orthodontic insurance coverage.

3.) Private Insurance
The College of Dentistry is in-network with Ameritas and Blue Cross Blue Shield. For all other insurances, full payment is required at start of treatment and will be submitted for reimbursement.

Fees are subject to change annually (normally on July 1). The actual fee charged will be the fee in effect when the treatment plan is accepted.

The University of Nebraska Medical Center charges $35.00 for returned checks.

Failure to meet your financial obligations may result in immediate payment in full with no discount and may disrupt on-going treatment.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask. We are here to help you get the dentistry you want or need.

MCNA is the Medicaid dental plan for the state of Nebraska. Orthodontic treatment is available for MCNA eligible children under the age of 21.

The UNMC Orthodontic Clinic works closely with MCNA and follows a very specific set of guidelines published by MCNA to see if you will qualify for orthodontic coverage.

Steps to See if Your Child is Eligible for Orthodontic Coverage:

Screening Appointment

• You are responsible for ensuring your eligibility with MCNA at the time of your screening and records appointments.
• At this appointment, the orthodontic resident screening your child will be provide you with feedback on whether or not they believe your child will qualify for orthodontic coverage.

Records Appointment

• If your resident decides that your child may qualify, the College of Dentistry will need to gather photos and x-rays to submit to your insurance.
• There is no guarantee that your child will qualify for coverage until records have been submitted to MCNA.
• After records have been submitted, you will receive a call approximately within
  2 weeks with a report of whether or not MCNA will cover treatment.
• *If your child does not qualify for treatment, you will be responsible for the records fee of $400.*

Treatment

• If MCNA approves your child for orthodontic coverage, treatment will begin as normal, with no payment required.
• If your child does not qualify for treatment, you may opt to pay out of pocket for their orthodontic care.

We are committed to keeping patients comfortable during and after treatment. Emergency care is available after hours by calling 402-472-1333.