Dentists who own or run a small practice, work as an associate, or provide mobile or contract dentistry bill patients, insurance carriers, and sometimes schools, nursing homes, or other practices. Most billing covers exams, cleanings, X-rays, fillings, crowns, extractions, and cosmetic work, usually coded with CDT procedure codes. Patient-facing invoices (statements) typically show the fee, the insurance portion, and the balance the patient owes.
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Invoice_1001_Client_2026-10-14.pdf
Dentists price per procedure using a fee schedule, with each service tied to a CDT code. Most practices set a usual and customary fee for each code, then adjust to the contracted rate when a patient has in-network insurance. Patients without insurance may pay the full fee, a membership plan rate, or a cash discount. Larger treatment like crowns, implants, bridges, and orthodontics is often quoted as a treatment plan with a total fee, sometimes split into phases or monthly payments. Lab fees are usually built into the crown or denture fee rather than billed separately. Contract and mobile dentists may bill per visit or per day instead. Fees vary a lot by region, specialty, and whether you are in-network.
| Service | Priced | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Comprehensive or periodic exam | per visit | $50-150 |
| Adult cleaning (prophylaxis) | per visit | $90-200 |
| Bitewing X-rays | per set | $30-80 |
| Composite (tooth-colored) filling | per tooth/surface set | $150-450 |
| Porcelain or ceramic crown | per tooth | $900-1,800 |
| Simple extraction | per tooth | $150-400 |
| Root canal (molar) | per tooth | $900-1,800 |
| In-office teeth whitening | flat fee | $300-700 |
Typical US ranges. Rates vary by region, experience, and job size.
| Description | Qty | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| D0120 Periodic oral evaluation | 1 visit | $75.00 | $75.00 |
| D0274 Bitewing radiographs, four films | 1 set | $65.00 | $65.00 |
| D1110 Adult prophylaxis | 1 visit | $125.00 | $125.00 |
| D2391 Resin composite filling, one surface, posterior (tooth #19) | 1 tooth | $210.00 | $210.00 |
| D2392 Resin composite filling, two surfaces, posterior (tooth #30) | 1 tooth | $270.00 | $270.00 |
| Total | $745.00 | ||
Notes: Total fees $745. Estimated insurance payment of $420 is pending and will be applied once the claim is processed. Patient portion due today: $325, or the balance after insurance adjustments. Questions about your statement? Call the office within 30 days.
Insurers and patients match charges to codes, and wrong codes cause denied claims and confusing statements.
It shows exactly what was treated and supports the charge if a patient or insurer questions it.
Insurance timely-filing limits and annual maximums depend on the date each procedure was done.
Needed for claims and for patients who submit their own reimbursement, especially with multiple dentists in a practice.
Patients need to see the fee, what insurance paid or is expected to pay, and the balance they owe.
It explains why the amount due differs from the fee and reduces billing calls.
If the balance is split, the statement should show the schedule, amounts, and any third-party financing used.
Most dental offices collect copays, deductibles, and non-covered amounts at the time of service, since chasing small balances is costly. For major work, many practices ask for a deposit or collect the patient portion at the seat or delivery appointment, and some collect half at prep for crowns. Statements for remaining balances are typically due in 30 days, with reminders at 30, 60, and 90 days. Late fees are less common than in other trades and, where used, should be disclosed in writing and follow state rules. Accepted payment methods usually include cards, HSA/FSA cards, checks, and third-party financing such as monthly payment plans. Offer a written payment agreement for large treatment.
Verify benefits before the visit, then collect the copay and expected deductible at check-in or checkout. Balances left for statements are collected far less reliably.
If you are in-network, you generally must accept the contracted rate and cannot bill the patient the difference. Wait for the explanation of benefits before billing the remainder.
Many carriers deny claims filed after 90 days to a year. Submit claims the same day as treatment and follow up on anything unpaid after 30 days.
Before starting multi-visit work, have the patient sign the treatment plan and fee estimate so the final bill matches what they agreed to.
When insurance pays more than expected, refund overpayments or apply credits clearly. Many states set deadlines for returning patient credit balances.
If you are in-network, your contract typically limits you to the allowed amount, and you can only bill the patient the copay, deductible, or non-covered portion. Out-of-network dentists can usually bill their full fee, though some states have limits. Check your contracts and state rules.
It is best to collect only the estimated patient portion at the visit and wait for the explanation of benefits before billing any remainder. Estimates can be wrong, so note on the statement that the final amount depends on the claim.
Many practices charge a missed or short-notice cancellation fee, often $25-100, but only if the policy is written, signed, and disclosed in advance. Some insurance contracts restrict these fees, so check your agreements.
In most states, professional dental services are not subject to sales tax. Retail items you sell, such as whitening kits or electric toothbrushes, may be taxable. Rules vary, so check with your state revenue department or accountant.
Requirements vary by state and payer, and patient records often must be kept for several years or longer for minors. Many practices keep billing and claim records at least 7 years. Check your state dental board and insurer contracts.
Send a Dentist estimate for approval, then turn it into an invoice when the work is done.
Dentist estimate template