3-Month Payment Plan
Split your balance into three equal payments over three months with a credit card on file. Simple, predictable, and set up right at the front desk.
Ask us at your appointment — no application required.
Payment & Insurance Information
Learn how we can help with the numbers — straight answers, no surprises.
Payment
Ways to pay for your care.
We believe finances shouldn't stand between you and a healthy smile. Here are the ways we make that work.
CareCredit Financing
CareCredit is a healthcare credit card for treatments your insurance doesn't fully cover.
- Deferred-interest for 6 months
- Low minimum monthly payment options
- Instant approval online
Health Savings Account
Use your own HSA to pay for dental care with pre-tax dollars — often a better long-term fit than dental insurance, especially if you're paying premiums out of pocket.
Check with your HSA provider for eligible dental expenses.
Pay Online
Pay your balance securely from anywhere using our patient portal — credit card accepted, no phone call needed.
Open Patient PortalWhen do I pay for services at River Street Dental?
We ask that all patients pay in full for their dental services the same day that they are seen. If you have insurance, we will bill your insurance and the insurance payment will come directly to your address in 2–3 weeks. We also offer payment plans, just ask us.
Insurance
How insurance works here.
We bill all insurances and handle the paperwork — here's what you should know before your visit.
Which insurance companies will not reimburse me?
Medicare and some Medicare supplemental plans such as Security Health, will not reimburse you, even if River Street Dental bills them.
Why does River Street Dental handle insurance this way?
Dental insurance is NOT like medical or auto insurance. It is not meant to cover a majority of your dental care. We wish it did! You can think of dental insurance as a coupon that may give you a discount for your services. Dental insurance has also become more and more restrictive in dictating your dental treatment. At River Street Dental we firmly believe that YOU, along with Dr. Carroll, are the best decision makers for your oral health.
What does River Street Dental recommend in regards to insurance?
If you are paying for dental insurance yourself, in most cases you will be "money ahead" if you do not purchase dental insurance, but instead set up a dental saving account for yourself. If your employer offers dental insurance, you can use it at River Street Dental, to receive a discount on your services.
Why are many dental offices "not taking" dental insurance?
Dental insurance companies profit most when you don't use your benefits — that's simply how the business model works. Their formulas are designed around that reality, not around your care. We want you to understand what you're actually paying for or receiving from your carrier, so you can make the most of it. At River Street Dental, we think the best decisions about your oral health are made by you and Dr. Carroll — not an insurance company that has never met you.
Does River Street Dental take my dental insurance?
At River Street Dental we bill all insurances. We have many patients who come here with Delta Dental, United Health Care, MetLife, Health Partners, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Freedom, Liberty, Cigna, Humana, Anthem, Aetna, Ameritas, Physicians Mutual, United Concordia, Principal, Guardian, Sun Life, Medica, GEHA, DentaQuest, AARP, Mutual of Omaha, FEP Blue, Manhattan Life, Companion, Wilson McShane, Operating Engineers, and more.
Is River Street Dental in-network with my insurance?
We are not in-network with any insurance companies.
When do I pay for services at River Street Dental?
We ask that all patients pay in full for their dental services the same day that they are seen. If you have insurance, we will bill your insurance and the insurance payment will come directly to your address in 2–3 weeks. We also offer payment plans, just ask us.
Patient Education
The more you know about insurance, the better.
We believe informed patients make confident decisions. Here are five short reads that explain our approach and help you get the most from your care.
Insurance 101
The Truth About Dental Insurance: It's a Benefit, Not Your Dentist
Many people think dental insurance works like medical insurance. In reality, it doesn't. Dental insurance is best thought of as a financial benefit — not a comprehensive health plan.
Most Plans Haven't Changed in Decades
Many dental insurance plans still have annual maximums of around $1,000 to $2,000 — limits established decades ago while the cost of quality dental care has continued to rise. As a result, insurance often pays for only a portion of the care you need.
Insurance Doesn't Define Quality
Two dentists may recommend exactly the same treatment. One may be “in network.” The other may not. That doesn't make one dentist better than the other. Insurance networks are business agreements — not quality ratings.
Your Dentist Works for You
At River Street Dental, our recommendations are based on clinical research, experience, conservative dentistry, long-term success, and your individual goals. We don't ask, “What will insurance cover?” We ask, “What's best for this patient and what would we do if you were our mother, father, sister or brother?”
Our experienced team helps patients understand their insurance estimates, remaining benefits, deductibles, annual maximums, and out-of-network reimbursement. Dental insurance is a helpful financial tool — but it should never be the deciding factor in choosing the people who care for your smile.
How We Work
What Does Fee-for-Service Mean — and Why It Matters to Your Care
Fee-for-service means patients pay for the care they receive at the time of service, and our office helps file insurance claims so patients receive any reimbursement available through their plan. More importantly, it means our treatment decisions are based on your needs — not insurance contracts.
Personalized Dentistry
No two patients are alike. Every smile deserves individualized attention. Rather than fitting treatment into insurance guidelines, we develop treatment plans based on your health, your goals, your comfort, and your long-term success.
Transparency Matters
Before treatment begins, we'll discuss recommended treatment, fees, insurance estimates, payment options, and expected patient responsibility. We believe transparency builds trust.
Why Patients Appreciate Fee-for-Service Care
- ✓More personalized appointments
- ✓Greater communication
- ✓Comprehensive examinations
- ✓Honest recommendations
- ✓High-quality materials
- ✓Consistent care from a team they know and trust
Out of Network
Why Being Out of Network Can Actually Benefit Patients
When patients learn that River Street Dental is an out-of-network provider, one of the first questions we hear is, “Does that mean my insurance won't work?” The answer is often yes — you can still use your dental insurance. The difference is that we have chosen not to sign contracts with insurance companies.
What Does “Out of Network” Really Mean?
Being out of network simply means we have not agreed to a contract that allows an insurance company to determine reimbursement rates and influence aspects of patient care. It does not mean you can't receive insurance benefits. Many PPO dental plans still reimburse patients for services received at out-of-network offices, and our team submits claims electronically to help you maximize those benefits.
Freedom to Recommend What You Truly Need
Insurance companies are businesses. Their goal is to manage costs. Our goal is different. We evaluate every patient individually and recommend treatment based on what is healthiest, most conservative, and most likely to provide lasting results — not on what an insurance company is willing to pay for.
Investing in Excellence
From advanced technology to ongoing continuing education, we continually invest in providing the highest level of care possible. Those investments aren't made because insurance requires them — they're made because our patients deserve them.
When patients choose River Street Dental, they're choosing a practice built on trust, relationships, transparency, and clinical excellence. Your health is the reason we're here.
Our Practice
5 Reasons Families Continue Choosing River Street Dental Year After Year
Many of the families we care for have been with us for years — and some for generations. Here are five reasons they continue to choose River Street Dental.
1
Relationships Come First
We take the time to know our patients by name, understand their concerns, and celebrate life's milestones with them. You're never just another appointment.
2
We Believe in Honest Dentistry
Our recommendations are based on what is best for your oral health — not what benefits an insurance contract. We believe in conservative treatment and educating patients so they can make informed decisions.
3
Exceptional Team
From the front desk to our hygienists and doctors, our team is committed to making every visit comfortable, welcoming, and positive. Our patients often tell us they feel like family.
4
Modern Technology
We continually invest in technology and education that helps us diagnose problems earlier, improve comfort, and deliver long-lasting results. Providing exceptional care means never stopping our commitment to learning.
5
Trust
Perhaps the greatest compliment we receive is when patients refer their friends and family. That trust has been earned one patient, one appointment, and one smile at a time.
Choosing a Dentist
Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Dentist (That Have Nothing to Do with Insurance)
Choosing a dentist is an important decision. While many people begin by asking, “Do you accept my insurance?” there are other questions that may have an even greater impact on your oral health.
Does the Dentist Take Time to Listen?
You deserve a provider who listens carefully, answers your questions, and explains your options in a way you understand.
Is the Practice Focused on Prevention?
The best dentistry isn't just about fixing problems — it's about helping prevent them through education, routine care, and early diagnosis.
Does the Office Invest in Continuing Education?
Dentistry is constantly evolving. Practices that prioritize continuing education and modern technology are better equipped to provide today's highest standard of care.
Will I See the Same Team?
Building relationships matters. Seeing familiar faces helps create trust and makes dental visits more comfortable, especially for children and anxious patients.
Is Treatment Recommended Because It's Best for Me?
Ask yourself whether you feel your provider is recommending care based on your needs and long-term health — not because of outside influences.
Do I Feel Comfortable Here?
Do you feel welcomed? Do you trust the team? Do you feel respected? Those feelings are difficult to measure — but they matter tremendously.
Insurance can help pay for dental care, but it shouldn't be the only factor in choosing your dentist. Choose a practice where you feel heard, respected, and confident in the care you receive. At River Street Dental, that's the experience we strive to provide every day.
River Street Dental Plans
Skip the Insurance Premiums — Keep the Care
Two ways to make dental care simple and affordable without the restrictions of traditional insurance.
Preventative Plan
$522
per year — or $43.50/month · $1.43/day
What's Included
- ✓2 regular cleanings per year (credit toward periodontal cleanings)
- ✓1 set of bitewing x-rays per year
- ✓2 dental exams with Dr. Carroll, Dr. Bryce, or Dr. Joshua per year
- ✓Children's plan includes 2 fluoride treatments
Fine Print
- Plan starts on first day of payment and runs 365 days.
- No extensions or refunds.
- Monthly payments require a credit card on file.
Savings Plan
$50 – $100
per month, per person
Rather than paying insurance premiums, put that money directly toward your care. Your monthly payment becomes a pre-paid credit on your account — use it for any service, any time.
How It Works
Monthly Credits
Your payment is applied directly to your account as a positive balance — ready to use whenever you need care.
No Restrictions
Credits apply to any dental service at River Street Dental, with no exclusions or maximums.
Refunds Anytime
Request a refund on any remaining balance at any time — no questions asked.
Why It Beats Insurance
- ✓No restrictions, exclusions, or annual maximums.
- ✓Unused credits never expire.
- ✓Ideal for individuals and families.
Ready for a Healthier Smile?
Whether you're due for a cleaning or considering a smile makeover, we're here to help. Schedule your appointment today.
Call us for emergency care