South Mountain Endodontics

Frequently Asked Questions About Specialists

Does your office get referrals because they are part of a co-op or kickback operation?
No. The doctors that refer their patients to South Mountain Endodontics refer because they care about their patient's well being. We are not part of a co-op or
"kickback" operation. The quality at South Mountain Endodontics is superior, the prices are reasonable, both of which make our patients happy. South Mountain
Endodontics is not involved with any illegal fee splitting, kick backs or co-ops. Ethics are a priority in our practice.

What is the difference between a "Root Canal Specialist" and an Endodontist?
Dr. Molen is both an endodontist and a root canal specialist. All endodontists are root canal specialists. However, not all root canal specialists are endodontists. Dr.
Molen graduated from dental school and received his D.D.S. and then continued his education at a university for two more years to become an endodontist. His
practice is limited to endodontic procedures. University schooling makes it possible to learn every facet of endodontic procedures. Dr. Molen has an endodontic
degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago. This allows him to use the title of Endodontist. Your endodontist must also have a license to practice in the state of
their choice. Some general dentists consider themselves "root canal specialists" because they have performed many root canals. They, however, cannot use the
term Endodontist unless they have been university trained and received a degree in endodontics. If you are concerned, you should always ask if your "root canal
specialist" is an endodontist. Keep in mind that an endodontist specializes in root canal procedures and surgeries. Their practices are limited to this. A "root canal
specialist" is not limited to those procedures and most likely will not perform the same quantity on a daily basis as your endodontist. Endodontist specialize in
difficult cases as well as retreatments or previous root canals which have failed.

Why is there a need for an endodontic specialist? In 1964 the American Dental Association recognized the need for an endodontic specialty due to the many
advances in all fields of dentistry. Patients today expect a higher standard of care. Endodontists attend two additional years at a full-time University Post Doctoral
endodontic program to learn everything there is to know about root canal therapy and the associated surgery. Endodontists have specialized training in re-treatment
of failed root canals and root canal surgeries. With new technology, what was once thought hopeless can now often be saved with excellent long term prognosis. The
endodontist is the end of the line for saving teeth. If you've been told over and over that you're tooth cannot be saved, it would be wise to seek an opinion from an
endodontist before you have it pulled.

Many endodontists require payment in full up front whether or not you are insured.
Dr. Molen's office does not require payment in full up front if you have insurance.
We do require an estimated co-pay and deductible based on your particular insurance. If you are a cash or credit paying customer who is uninsured, we offer a 10%
discount for paying in full up front. Otherwise, we require that you pay half of your estimated payment up front and we can work the other half out with three to four
post-dated checks or a debit/credit card which we will process two weeks apart until paid in full. Please understand that in order for us to carry a balance on your
account for any period of time, we do charge finance charges on any unpaid balances every 30 days. When at least the minimum payment of $75 is not met by
either you or your insurance within 30 days of your last payment, a late fee of $5 is charged. These charges cover our cost to rebill you and the time our staff must
take to review your account and make the necessary calls and custom bills. Finance charges will be applied every 30 days to any unpaid balances. You have the
option to pay your bill up front and avoid these charges in which case you will be reimbursed when we receive payment from your insurance company.

Does a higher price mean better quality? This is seldom true. Prices often vary in the dental field. However, because you are paying the highest price does not
mean you are getting the best treatment. We charge very reasonable prices for root canal procedures. We recommend you call around to other specialists to
compare costs. Some charges in the Salt Lake Valley have gone upwards of $1700 for an anterior root canal, and as high as $2300 for a molar root canal with posts
and buildup. This is almost three times the amount you would pay for the same procedure at our office. Our fees are comparable to the most reasonable fees in the
Salt Lake Valley and come with the highest level of quality and comfort. Fees will generally vary between a general dentist and specialist's office. Specialist fees in
any health care field are higher. All Endodontic specialists -- those who can be referred to legally as an "Endodontist" -- have been university trained for two or more
years after their D.D.S. training and therefore will have higher fees due to the specialilzed treatment you are receiving that will provide you with a higher success rate.

How do endodontists get their patients? Dentists who understand the complex issues and difficulties associated with root canals will advise their patients to see
an endodontist for treatment. Dr. Molen has had referrals from dentists as far away as Samoa and Germany and has treated everyone from NFL football players, city
councilmen, and children as young as six years old. Dr. Molen has patients that return for every root canal they require after they have one performed by him. The
highest recommendation as well as compliment is that dentists themselves have come to Dr. Molen for their root canals as well as sending their family members.
This is because they have seen the quality of work, integrity and reasonable fees we provide.