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Delta Dental Plans Association (DDPA)
By Darrell K. Pruitt; DDS
The common sense truth about managed-care dentistry was recently confirmed by Delta Dental data mining.
Preliminary Oral Care Report
Concerning what one can do to assure the best oral care for oneself or one’s family; allow me to share some significant news about research that has not yet been formally published.
On the morning of August 14 2008, less than two weeks ago, a representative for Delta Dental Plans Association (DDPA) revealed the results of an in-house study that confirms that remaining with the same dentist for the long term prevents fillings.
The 2008 National Dental benefits Conference
It was during the first day of the 2008 National Dental Benefits Conference in ADA Headquarters in Chicago that Maxwell H. Anderson DDS, the dental affairs advisor for DDPA, located in Oak Brook Illinois, announced that by data mining their proprietary dental claims over 11 years, Delta uncovered evidence-based information revealing that clients who change dentists regularly are likely to receive more fillings than those who stay in consistent “dental homes” where they are content.
Dr. Anderson told the audience of about a hundred dentists and dental industry representatives that “The greatest hazard to teeth is changing dentists.”
A Righteous Finding
I find it remarkable, as well as noble, that a managed care insurance company like Delta, based on preferred provider lists that are valid for only 12 months at a time, would voluntarily reveal findings that can only bring harm to their business model.
However, when one thinks about it, Delta’s results clearly make sense. If a patient or family of patients is comfortable with a dental team, they are more likely to keep their check-up appointments as well as take better care of their teeth at home. And, consequently, enjoy better health.
Perhaps Delta came to the righteous conclusion that to hide such landmark findings would be unethical?
Assessment
How do preferred-provider lists cause more fillings?
When dentists can rely on a dental care broker like Delta Dental for new patients, there is an inherent absence of accountability that occurs when guided by the invisible hand of competition in the marketplace, naturally. That is an undeniable fact. Managed care dentistry is dentistry by the lowest bidder with no quality control; also an undeniable fact.
Note: Dr. Pruitt, an attendee of the 2008 National Benefits Conference on August 14 and 15 in ADA Headquarters, is the sole proprietor of a fee-for-service dental practice in Fort Worth, Texas. He represents only himself for the benefit of dental patients. His name cannot be found on any preferred provider list. Report posted with permission.
Conclusion
Your thoughts and suggestions are appreciated. Are this dentist’s “facts” and quality assessment true; please opine and comment?
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Filed under: "Doctors Only", Career Development, Managed Care, Research & Development, Surveys and Voting | Tagged: delta dental | 2 Comments »
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