Q - Does the NDA refer Dentists?
A - No. Since about 80% of the dentists in Nebraska are members we do not give referrals.

Q – Can my dentist charge me for a copy of my dental records?
A – Yes. Under Nebraska state law, a patient may request a copy of the patient's medical records or may request to examine such records. The request and any authorization shall be in writing and shall be valid for one hundred eighty days after the date of execution by the patient.

The provider shall furnish the person making the request a copy of such records not later than thirty daysafter the written request is received.

A provider may charge no more than twenty dollars as a handling fee and may charge no more than fifty cents per page as a copying fee. A provider may charge for the reasonable cost of all duplications of medical records which cannot routinely be copied or duplicated on a standard photocopy machine. A provider may charge an amount necessary to cover the cost of labor and materials for furnishing a copy of an X-ray or similar special medical record. If the provider does not have the ability to reproduce X-rays or other records requested, the person making the request may arrange, at his or her expense, for the reproduction of such records.

Q - Which dentists in Nebraska accept Medicaid?
A – We do not keep a list of NDA members who accept Medicaid. For assistance regarding Medicaid contact your Medicaid case worker at the Department of Health and Human Services at 402-471-9147

Q – What public health clinics offer dental services at reduced fees?
A – Some public health department’s offer dental services. To find the health department nearest you, click here. Hope Medical Outreach Coalition in Omaha works with Volunteer dentists see patients in their own offices or at a community health center. Creighton University Dental School and the University of Nebraska Medical Center Adult Dental Clinic see patients in their offices and donate their time, expertise and facilities to care for Hope patients. In Lincoln, Peoples Health Center accepts Medicaid and has a sliding fee schedule based on your ability to pay.

Q - How do I file a complaint against a dentist?
A - If the complaint is about the quality of care you received and the dentist is a member of the Nebraska Dental Association, you can file a complaint with the Peer Review Committee. Please click here for more information. If the dentist is not a member of the NDA, Contact HHS Regulation and Licensure, Division of Investigations, 301 Centennial Mall South, P.O. Box 95164, Lincoln, NE 68509-5164. Phone: (402) 471-0175

Q - Is there a dental school in Nebraska?
A – Yes, two.The College of Dentistry at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Lincoln, NE 402-471-1301 and Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, NE (402) 280-5060.

Q - What is the difference between a DDS and a DMD?
A - There is essentially no difference; they are both degrees in general dentistry. Some dental schools give the DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) degree and others the DMD (Doctor of Medical Dentistry) degree.

Q - What does MS or MSD mean?
A - The dentist you are referring to is a specialist. MS means Master of Science and MSD refers to a Masters of Science in Dentistry - the degree a dentist earns when specializing in one area of dentistry.

Q – What are the specialties in dentistry?
A – Click here for a listing of Definitions of Recognized Dental Specialties, Approved by the Council on Dental Education and Licensure , American Dental Association, such as Dental Public Health, Endodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics , Pediatric Dentistry, Periodontics, Prosthodontics.

Q - What does PC after a dentist's name stand for?
A - This is a legal abbreviation - Professional Corporation. A PC dentist is one who has incorporated his practice for income tax purposes. This abbreviation has nothing to do with his or her ability as a dentist.

Q - What about fees charged by dentists in Nebraska?
A – Nebraska is a no-fee schedule state. There is no set fee for dentistry. The individual dentist is the only person eligible to determine a fair fee for time and services rendered. You will need to discuss fees with your dentist and may encounter a variation in fees per office. If you have any question about the cost of your treatment plan, you may seek a second opinion from another dentist.