The Future of Dentistry

What does the future hold for our profession? 
Insurance companies for the first time are reducing fee schedules. 

Announced on April 6^th, 2011, Washington Dental Service (Delta of Washington) sent notice to dentists contracted on either or both Premier Plan or PPO plan that new reduced fee schedules will be implemented effective June 15, 2011. It has been estimated the overall reduction in fees will be approximately 15% or more - which in turn will cause a marked reduction in profitability and, therefore, personal income for dentists or specialists with significant WDS patients in their practice. (Cooper Mastery Newsletter April 8, 2011). 

As dentists we look to fight back. However, with the current reality of 85% of dentists practicing in solo private practice, we don't have an ability to organize or leverage to negotiate better fee schedules. 

We can look to the ADA or state dental organizations to work with legislation to resist these changes that insurance companies look to implement. As we all know, this is a very exhausting and commonly futile effort that involves barriers of politics. 

Is their another way? How can dentists define a future that is not controlled by insurance companies? The answer lies in alignment and collaboration. Bring strong doctors together to create a future in dentistry that gives dentists leverage in numbers and in shared values. A professional organization backed by a corporate management team that puts the dentists and patients interest as its mission. A corporate team that understands the ability to leverage and negotiate terms and fee schedules with insurance companies. 

Professional Dental Alliance.
Taking dentistry where it needs to go. 

Dr Andrew Matta