Patient Information

At Dr. Deering’s dental office, we make it easy for new patients to get started with quality dental care. Whether you're scheduling your first visit or seeking ongoing care, our team is here to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience. Call 760-753-9036 to speak with a team member.

Office Visits

What to Expect at Your First Visit

Your first visit is an essential step toward achieving and maintaining a healthy smile. During this appointment, Dr. Deering will conduct a comprehensive oral examination, which includes:

• Digital X-rays – To assess your jaw structure, check for tooth decay, and evaluate the position of unerupted teeth.
• Oral Cancer Screening – A routine but important check to ensure early detection of any concerns.
• Diagnostic Photos – High-quality images that help us track your dental health over time.

Additionally, we will review your medical history to ensure that your treatment plan aligns with your overall health. Please inform us of:

• Any recent hospitalizations, surgeries, or illnesses.
• Any medications or supplements you are currently taking, including over-the-counter products.

At Deering Dental, we are committed to providing personalized, patient-focused care in a relaxed and welcoming environment. We look forward to meeting you and helping you achieve your best oral health!

Regular Checkups for Returning Patients at Deering Dental

At Deering Dental, we emphasize the importance of routine dental checkups for patients ages three and up. These visits help maintain optimal oral health and allow us to detect and address concerns before they become serious problems.

What to Expect During Your Checkup

Each regular checkup includes:

A typical checkup lasts about 45 minutes, and we see patients by appointment only to ensure the highest level of care.

Need to Reschedule?

We understand that schedules can change. If you are unable to make your appointment, please contact us as soon as possible so we can accommodate your needs.

At Deering Dental, we value your time and appreciate your commitment to maintaining a healthy and confident smile!

Financial Information

At our practice, we believe that high-quality dental care should be accessible, transparent, and a long-term investment in your health. The cost of your treatment may vary depending on your individual needs and treatment plan. During your visit, we will discuss your options thoroughly, including payment plans and insurance benefits, to help you make the best choice for your oral health and budget.

Boutique-Style Care That Saves You Money in the Long Run

While Dr. Deering may be considered "out of network" with most insurance providers, his conservative approach to dental care often leads to significant long-term savings for patients. Rather than recommending unnecessary procedures, he focuses on preserving your natural teeth whenever possible, extending the life of your dental work and ultimately reducing costs over time.

Unlike high-volume dental offices that may rush through appointments, Dr. Deering takes the time to provide individualized attention, ensuring that every patient receives the best possible care. In many cases, he repairs existing crowns instead of replacing them, explores alternative treatment options, and prioritizes what is truly in the patient’s best interest. This philosophy aligns with the values of Dr. Gile, from whom Dr. Deering took over the practice, and is why our dedicated team has remained with the practice for so many years—we believe in providing ethical, high-quality care.

While being out-of-network with most insurances may make our office appear slightly more expensive upfront, the quality, durability, and personalized care we provide often reduce the need for costly treatments down the road. We encourage patients to consider the lifetime value of their dental care rather than just the immediate cost.

Understanding In-Network vs. Out-of-Network Insurance

We know that insurance can be confusing, and we’re here to help you navigate your options. Dr. Deering is currently in-network with United Concordia and Cigna PPO plans, which means patients with these plans benefit from discounted fee schedules in addition to their regular insurance benefits.

However, our office accepts all PPO insurance plans, including Delta Dental, even if we are not "in-network." If you have an out-of-network PPO plan, you can still receive care at our office. We will submit your claims on your behalf, and your insurance will provide benefits—though they may not offer the same discounted fee schedule as in-network providers.

For patients needing major treatment, we can request a pre-authorization from your insurance provider so you will know exactly what your out-of-pocket costs will be before your procedure.

Why We Are Not In-Network with More Insurances

You may wonder why we choose to remain out-of-network with most insurance providers. The reason is simple: we refuse to compromise on the quality of care we provide. Many insurance companies, including Delta Dental, offer extremely low reimbursement rates to in-network dentists. As a result, in-network providers may need to:

By staying independent, we can prioritize patient health over insurance restrictions, ensuring that you receive the best treatment without unnecessary procedures or rushed care.

Financing & Payment Plans for Affordable Dental Care

We understand that some dental treatments can be a larger financial commitment, which is why we offer flexible financing options to help patients manage their costs. Our practice partners with Cherry, a healthcare financing solution that lets you split payments into affordable monthly installments—often with low or no interest*.

Whether you need a routine procedure or a more complex dental treatment, we believe finances should never stand in the way of receiving quality dental care. You can apply now with Cherry to see your approval amount in seconds—without impacting your credit score. Our team is also happy to walk you through the process and help you choose a plan that fits your budget.

Read our blog article on Cherry Payment Plans.

* Term length, loan amount, 0% APR and other promotional rates are subject to eligibility. Payment options through Cherry Technologies, Inc. are issued by the following lending partners: https://withcherry.com/lending-partners/.

How Preventive Care Saves You Money

One of the best ways to reduce dental costs is by keeping up with regular cleanings, exams, and preventive treatments. Most PPO insurance plans fully cover preventive visits, which means your routine check-ups often come at no additional cost to you. By maintaining your oral health and catching potential issues early, you can avoid expensive treatments like root canals, crowns, and extractions in the future. Investing in preventive care today means fewer costly surprises later.

Transparent Pricing & Cost Estimates

We believe that financial transparency is key to patient trust. Before beginning any treatment, we provide a detailed cost estimate, including a breakdown of your insurance benefits, expected out-of-pocket costs, and financing options. If your insurance requires pre-authorization, we will handle the paperwork for you so you know exactly what to expect before treatment begins. Our knowledgeable staff is always available to answer questions and help you navigate your insurance benefits with confidence.

For Patients Without Insurance

If you don’t have dental insurance, we still want to ensure you receive the care you need. We accept most major credit cards, checks, and cash payments. During your visit, we’ll discuss all available payment options and help you find a solution that fits your budget.

Your smile is an investment in your overall health, and we are committed to making high-quality dental care accessible to all of our patients. Whether you have insurance or not, our goal remains the same: to provide you with exceptional, compassionate care that lasts a lifetime.