Patient Information
At San Bruno Dental Excellence in San Bruno, CA, we deliver attentive dental care from our practice at 504 Linden Ave, San Bruno, CA 94066. Dr. Shankar and our professional team prioritize patient comfort and clear communication.
This collection of resources addresses core topics for new and established patients alike. Sections explain the initial examination, what to expect at visits, scheduling appointments, dental insurance, pain management concerns, and financial policy. Prospective patients often use this information for guidance on forms and insurance processes. The material is presented to clarify common inquiries and build preparedness. We offer these details to foster confidence and smooth experiences in managing your oral health needs.
Request An Appointment
New Patients
It is easy to make an appointment for your initial examination and dental treatments. Call 650-763-8181 to speak with a team member.
Offers
While most insured families receive the majority of preventive services for FREE, we offer many different payment options so uninsured patients can still receive the dental care they need & in a manner that fits their budget.
Financial Options
Insured & uninsured patients alike have a number of financing options available to them, including:
CareCredit Financing Available*
*Subject to credit approval. Minimum monthly payment required. See CareCredit provider for details.
We Love Insurance
We stand behind the idea that affordable dental care should be a right for everyone & you can rest assured that we will work with you to ensure you pay as little out of pocket as possible for all services.
What Is Dental Insurance & How Does it Work?
Dental insurance can be confusing, but it can also be very helpful in making dental care affordable for patients. Most patients get their insurance through their employer, who sometimes chips in some of the cost, making it even more affordable.
Essentially, patients with dental insurance pay a certain amount each month to their insurance provider to stay enrolled & in exchange get free or discounted dental services, depending on the specific insurance plan. Most plans cover preventive care at 100%, including two teeth cleanings per year as well as exams & x-rays. After that, basic care & major procedures are covered at different percentages, with the patient paying a greater portion for major procedures.
In-Network vs. Out-of-Network
Many patients get confused about whether a dental practice is in-network or out-of-network with their dental insurance provider & what that means. While “out-of-network” sounds like the practice wouldn’t take your insurance, that’s not always the case & depends on the type of insurance plan you have.
HMO Plans
HMO plans only cover dental work done by dentists that are in-network, & referrals to specialists must be provided by that dentist. If you have an HMO plan, be sure to look for a dentist in their network.
PPO Plans
PPO plans are much more flexible & the distinction between in-network & out-of-network is much less limiting. When a dental practice is in-network with a PPO insurance provider, it just means they have a deal where the practice can charge the patient a smaller portion of the total cost for treatment services. However, even out-of-network costs are often quite reasonable.
We Accept All Major Insurance
Once you are enrolled, it’s easy to use your dental insurance. Simply choose a dentist & make an appointment! At San Bruno Dental Excellence, we accept all major insurance provider plans, so you don’t have to worry about whether your insurance works here: It works great!
How to Choose a Dentist
Regardless of insurance considerations, we encourage you to select your dentist based on other important factors, such as availability around your busy schedule & accommodation by the dentist & staff.
If you have any questions about your insurance or how we would handle it, please give us a call today. We’re happy to answer any questions you might have & to schedule an appointment for you during our great office hours.
Payment Methods – Check or Cash Accepted
Downloadable Forms:
Welcome to
San Bruno Dental Excellence
Making an Appointment
Scheduling an appointment is simple and hassle-free. We are currently accepting new patients and offer convenient time slots to fit most schedules. Please call (650) 763-8181 to reserve your visit. Our friendly team is ready to help you choose a suitable appointment or answer general inquiries about our practice. We gather basic information to match you with the best available time and confirm details promptly. Whether planning a checkup or addressing a concern, we make the process smooth. Contact us soon to begin your care.
What to Expect
Expect a professional yet welcoming environment where patient comfort is the priority. Staff members greet you warmly and help you feel at ease immediately. The practice maintains a serene atmosphere throughout to promote relaxation. Team members communicate clearly, listen attentively, and address concerns promptly. Every visit focuses on making you comfortable and informed. We take extra steps to ensure a positive, stress-reduced experience. Patients frequently share how supported and relaxed they feel here.
Initial Examination
Your first examination at San Bruno Dental Excellence starts with a cordial greeting. New patient forms, including medical history, are completed at this time. We review your dental past, current symptoms, and desired outcomes. Needed X-rays provide essential diagnostic images. Dr. Shankar conducts a meticulous exam for cavities and overall health. The session generally includes a complete teeth cleaning for immediate benefits.
Pain Concerns
We listen carefully and without judgment to any worries you have about discomfort during dental visits. Our team creates a supportive space to discuss past experiences and current anxieties openly. Advanced techniques and equipment enable most treatments to proceed with little to no discomfort. Gentle approaches and effective numbing options help patients remain relaxed. Comfort is central to our care philosophy, and we adjust methods to suit your needs. Many patients feel reassured after talking with our empathetic staff.
Dental Insurance
Our experienced staff maximizes your insurance benefits to keep care affordable. We participate in many plans and manage verification and claims professionally. Coverage details and patient costs are explained clearly in advance. Thorough coordination ensures full use of available benefits for all services.
Financial Policy
San Bruno Dental Excellence understands that financial situations differ among patients. We collaborate with you to identify solutions that enable needed dental care. Prior to treatment, we supply clear estimates of anticipated costs for full transparency. This approach eliminates unexpected expenses and allows confident planning. Our staff discusses flexible payment options openly to create arrangements that align with your circumstances.