The US is facing a dental crisis, and dental consumer confidence is down. It’s predicted that nearly 70 million adults and nearly 8 million children in the United States do not have dental insurance. In addition, 62% of practices are facing severe staffing shortages, and practices across the country are facing difficulties in managing insurance reimbursements and navigating the complexities of the insurance system.
These challenges alone make it clear as to why consumer confidence is down and why navigating the world of dental care in the US can sometimes feel like charting unknown waters, for both patients and practices.
Why the Worry? Understanding Why Dental Consumer Confidence Is Down
- Dental care can be expensive. Even with insurance, out-of-pocket costs for routine cleanings, fillings, and especially more complex procedures can leave people with heavy financial burdens, a major contributor to why consumer confidence is down. More and more patients have to resort to delaying necessary care or options that are less comprehensive, which can have a long-term detrimental impact on their dental health.
- Confusing deductibles, annual maximums, waiting periods, and limitations on covered procedures often leave patients feeling bewildered and unsure of what they’ll actually have to pay, creating distrust in the system.
- Unlike many other healthcare sectors, the cost of dental procedures is often unpredictable and hard to get upfront. This lack of price transparency makes it challenging for consumers to compare costs between different providers, fueling their feelings of anxiety and lack of control.
- As practices become busier, patients may feel like they’re not receiving individualized attention and care due to rushed appointments, a lack of thorough explanations, or feeling like a number. All of this can quickly break down the crucial trust between patient and provider.
The Challenges Facing the Dental System
- Dental care can be expensive. Even with insurance, out-of-pocket costs for routine cleanings, fillings, and especially more complex procedures can leave people with heavy financial burdens, a major contributor to why consumer confidence is down. More and more patients have to resort to delaying necessary care or options that are less comprehensive, which can have a long-term detrimental impact on their dental health.
- Confusing deductibles, annual maximums, waiting periods, and limitations on covered procedures often leave patients feeling bewildered and unsure of what they’ll actually have to pay, creating distrust in the system.
- Unlike many other healthcare sectors, the cost of dental procedures is often unpredictable and hard to get upfront. This lack of price transparency makes it challenging for consumers to compare costs between different providers, fueling their feelings of anxiety and lack of control.
- As practices become busier, patients may feel like they’re not receiving individualized attention and care due to rushed appointments, a lack of thorough explanations, or feeling like a number. All of this can quickly break down the crucial trust between patient and provider.
A Ray of Hope: How Dental Membership Plans Can Rebuild Confidence for Consumers
Dental membership plans are emerging as the solution when dental consumer confidence is down by providing a refreshing alternative to traditional insurance models. Here’s how they are helping to rebuild consumer confidence:
- A dental membership plan involves a fixed annual or monthly fee that covers essential preventive care, such as regular cleanings, exams, and sometimes routine X-rays, allowing patients to budget without worrying about uncertain insurance premiums or unexpected bills.
- With membership plans, the fees and included services are clearly outlined upfront, eliminating any confusion or nasty surprises.
- Membership plans simplify the insurance claim process, making it easier for patients to access the care they need without the administrative burden.
- By making routine preventive care more affordable and accessible, membership plans encourage preventative visits, which in turn mean fewer dental issues down the line.
A Win-Win: How Membership Plans Benefit Dental Practices Too
- Practices can manage their finances more accurately, as well as plan for the future with predictable and recurring membership revenue.
- Practices build stronger relationships with their patients and increase loyalty.
- Less reliance on insurance claims means less paperwork and administrative hassle for dental teams, freeing up valuable time to focus on patient care.
- Offering a clear and affordable membership option can be an attractive way to acquire new patients who may be uninsured or dissatisfied with traditional insurance models when consumer confidence is down.
While decreasing consumer confidence is a challenge, it’s also an opportunity for positive change driven by dental membership plans that allow practices to work towards rebuilding trust and ensuring that everyone has the confidence to prioritize their oral health.
Contact Plan Forward today, and let’s discuss how we can transform your practice and your approach to patient care.
