Our Insurance Approach

Smile Gulf Coast is a fee-for-service dental practice. That means we are not contracted as an in-network provider with dental insurance companies. We made this choice on purpose: it lets us recommend the care that’s genuinely right for you, rather than the care an insurance network is willing to cover.

In practice, that means honest, transparent pricing and a treatment plan built around your needs and goals — not around insurance restrictions. You’ll always know what to expect before treatment begins, and you’re free to make the decision that’s best for your health and your budget.

Making the Most of Your Dental Insurance

Being a fee-for-service office doesn’t mean you can’t use your dental insurance. As long as your plan allows you to see an out-of-network provider, we’re happy to file your claims for you and provide our best estimate of your coverage based on the benefits your plan offers. We’ll work with any insurance under those terms, so you can put your out-of-network benefits to good use. Just bring your insurance details to your visit and we’ll walk through your options with you.

Flexible Financing with CareCredit

We’re proud to partner with CareCredit, a healthcare credit card designed to help you pay for dental treatment over time. With CareCredit, you can break the cost of care into convenient monthly payments, including special financing options on qualifying purchases. Applying is quick and easy, and once you’re approved you can use it for your treatment right away.

Apply with CareCredit  ·  or ask our front desk and we’ll help you get started.

Payment Options We Accept

For your convenience, we accept cash, personal checks, and major credit cards. Our front desk is always glad to review costs and payment options with you before treatment, so there are no surprises.

Financing & Insurance FAQs

Does Smile Gulf Coast accept my dental insurance?

We’re a fee-for-service practice, which means we’re not in-network with dental insurance plans. As long as your plan allows you to see an out-of-network provider, we’re glad to file your claim for you and give you our best estimate of your benefits. Call us at (228) 875-3343 and we’ll help you understand your options.

What does “fee-for-service” mean for me?

It means our recommendations aren’t limited by insurance company contracts or networks. We suggest the care that’s best for you and keep our pricing transparent, so your treatment is guided by your needs rather than insurance rules.

Can I still use my insurance benefits?

Often, yes. If your plan allows out-of-network care, it may reimburse part of the cost, and we’ll file the claim on your behalf and estimate your benefits for you. Bring your insurance information to your appointment and our team will help you make the most of it.

What is CareCredit?

CareCredit is a healthcare credit card that lets you pay for dental treatment over time in manageable monthly payments, with special financing available on qualifying purchases. You can apply online and, once approved, use it for your care right away.

How do I apply for CareCredit?

You can apply online at carecredit.com, or just ask our front desk and we’ll help you get started. Approval is usually quick, so you can move forward with treatment without delay.

Who can I talk to about the cost of treatment?

Our front desk team is happy to review your treatment plan, costs, and payment options before you begin. Call (228) 875-3343 with any questions — we want you to feel confident about both your care and your budget.

Questions About Cost? Let’s Talk