Patient Advocate Program
Bridging the Gap Between Patients & Dental Healthcare
Navigating the dental healthcare system can be overwhelming, from understanding treatment plans to dealing with confusing insurance policies. The Patient Advocate Program is here to help! Our mission is to empower patients, clarify dental costs, and advocate for fair treatment—so you don’t have to navigate it alone.
Dental Advocate Basics
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What is a Patient Advocate?
A patient advocate is a professional dedicated to empowering individuals as they navigate the complexities of the healthcare system. Acting as a bridge between patients, healthcare providers, and insurance companies, advocates ensure patients fully understand their care options, rights, and financial responsibilities. They work to eliminate barriers, clarify processes, and offer compassionate support, fostering informed decision-making and peace of mind.
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Understanding TMJ Disorders and How We Can Help
Our organization is dedicated to assisting patients in navigating their TMD diagnosis, treatment, and insurance coverage. Dental advocacy plays a key role in ensuring patients receive the care they need while maximizing their insurance benefits.
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Navigating Dental Anxiety
Many patients avoid the dentist due to fear and past trauma. Our goal is to provide solutions that make your experience comfortable, safe, and stress-free. Dental anxiety can range from mild nervousness to extreme fear that prevents individuals from receiving necessary care. The good news is that modern dentistry offers numerous solutions to make dental visits comfortable and anxiety-free.
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Navigating Medical Billing for Dental Procedures
Navigating the complexities of medical billing for dental procedures can be a daunting task for both patients and dental offices. Many dental practices are unfamiliar with the intricacies of cross-coding—translating dental procedures into medical billing codes—resulting in patients paying out-of-pocket for services that could be covered by their medical insurance. This is where the expertise of a Patient Advocate with specialized knowledge in cross-coding becomes invaluable.
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Advocacy in Action
We believe that true change begins with action — not just in treatment rooms, but at the legislative level. This section is dedicated to the advocacy work we support, the policies we’re fighting for, and how you can help us create a dental care system that’s more transparent, accessible, and patient-centered.
Current Projects
Senior Community Outreach
News Feature ABC10
Assembly Bill 371
Assembly Bill 371 (AB 371) is a legislative proposal in California aimed at reforming dental insurance practices to enhance patient access and care. Authored by Assembly Member Matt Haney, the bill seeks to address critical issues such as assignment of benefits (AOB) and network adequacy within dental plans. (Click here to learn more)
We are here to help
Have questions or need assistance? We’re here to help. Reach out to the Patient Advocate Program today to learn more about how we can help support your oral healthcare needs.
Patient Testimonials
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"I could not of managed this without the Patient Advocate Program"
I was so overwhelmed with the process of finding a dental provider and to know the rights and wrongs of the process when it came to Shelbey she answered all my questions and was able to guide me where I needed to be. I could not of managed this without the patient advocate program.
Tambra J.
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"Your knowledge and dedication make a difference in the world, bringing happiness to so many—including me and Justice!
Thank you so much for everything you do! You and your work are truly amazing, and I deeply appreciate all the help and support you've given me. Your knowledge and dedication make a difference in the world, bringing happiness to so many—including me and Justice! Please continue to share your incredible wisdom with others, and I wish you all the success on your journey. I will never forget your kindness and the justice you bring to those in need. Wishing you a wonderful day and many blessings on your path!
Anastasia C.
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"I make sure to tell anyone I know to contact her to help ease the burden of finding a provider or choosing insurance!"
Shelbey has gone above and beyond to answer the call of helping patients navigate the dental/medical system. She takes the guesswork, or rather “stress work” out of it for her clients! I can’t recommend her services enough! I make sure to tell anyone I know to contact her to help ease the burden of finding a provider or choosing insurance! If you’re thinking about it, just contact her- you will be happy you did!
Lilly F.
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"If I could give her 100 stars I would."
Is extremely knowledgeable about the dental field. I would have definitely had bigger problems if it were not for her. I had a lingering issue with a tooth and woke up one day with a huge abscess. I contacted Shelbey right away and she told me exactly what to do and helped me get set up with a dentist. She helped me understand my insurance and I now have a reliable doctor that takes my plan and will be doing my treatment … all because I asked for her help. There is no way I would have been able to address the issue as well as I did without her help. I feel way more confident and know I’m in good hands with her guidance. If I could give her 100 stars I would.
Dave W.
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"Very caring and professional. "
Very caring and professional. Went out of her way to find a good referral for me.
Michelle B.
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"My saving grace! I had no idea I was being overcharged by thousands of dollars from this office that told me accepted my DeltaCare plan. "
Shelbey was my saving grace! I had no idea I was being overcharged by thousands of dollars from this office that told me accepted my DeltaCare plan. The entire time they were overcharging and didn’t know it. Shelbey was very professional and was able to address my concerns right away and spot the issue almost instantly. She really cares about her work and if it were not for her I would have paid 3k more than I should have for all my dental work. I will always have Shelbey as my go-to resource if I have any future questions or guidance regarding anything dental related. She’s the bomb!
Mary M.
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"Amazing!!"
Amazing!!
Lori H.
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“Shelbey helped me find a provider that was able to take care of me while I had no dental insurance."
Shelbey helped me find a provider that was able to take care of me while I had no dental insurance. I was having a really hard time and my mouth was in a lot of pain and she got me set up with seeing somebody regularly and it was super affordable and I was so thankful. Before that I had been looking for 3 years. Shelbey really helped change the course of my life and helped make it better.
Raya B.
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"She has gone above and beyond what I expected several times to help me find the right dental and medical care."
Shelbey really cares about her clients. She has gone above and beyond what I expected several times to help me find the right dental and medical care. She is a great bridge between worlds for folks that are apprehensive or intimidated by the medical system. I can’t recommend her services enough
Justin H.
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"I’m so grateful for her guidance and expertise."
Working with Shelbey was an absolute pleasure! She was incredibly professional, kind, and went above and beyond to provide support. I’m so grateful for her guidance and expertise.
Diana P.
