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Not good for the profession … as we know it!
By D. Kellus Pruitt DDS
If you have not yet noticed, the future doesn’t look good for the dental profession as we know it.
Like far too many neighborhood primary care physicians who can no longer make a profit on their own, managed care is having its way with dentists as well.
Unfortunately, our patients remain clueless about downsides to discounted care sold by huge, insensitive corporations manned by executives who cannot be held accountable for their favorite providers’ level of care.
Since as a dentist I am somewhat transparent anyway, I would like to share some feelings with friends about an awkward subject that is on the minds of more dentists than one might expect, yet (almost) none feel comfortable revealing it: Regardless of the public’s perception of dentists’ wealth for the last few decades, it does not look like the anticipated economic recovery is likely to include the small dental practice down the street.
Schadenfreud
Not unlike Schadenfreude, I am certain at least some of dentistry’s disappointed customers may find this news addictingly pleasing to savor – up until one needs a dentist for a problem that cannot be handled safely by their designated dental therapist preferred by insurance MBAs.
I watch the dental news closer than most dentists, and sadly, my studied predictions have always proven to be very accurate, even if unpopular. Today I confidently predict that the profitability most dentists enjoyed for decades will not return for years – perhaps a decade or more.
On the other hand, as it becomes increasingly difficult to find dentists who allow time for gentle injections, patients should expect to pay them better than most. When an imbalance in the free market becomes unsustainable by artificial means such as managed care’s pay-for-performance algorithms, this is the way competition regulates quality in a natural way.
Personally, I’ve dealt with the downturn by working part time as an associate of another practice to make ends meet, and I feel fortunate to have found such a wonderful opportunity with a wonderful, patient-centered team. Marci, my wife, seems to be happier as well.
Assessment
Sorry if today’s news was a bummer, Doc. Maybe it is time others spoke up as well. Our leaders’ obvious lack of interaction on the internet exposes a tremendous vacuum, and they are incapable of rescuing the profession with silence… and neither will rushed therapists in huge dental clinics.
It’s up to you and me, Doctor. Come on out. The air is fine.
Conclusion
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Filed under: Practice Management, Pruitt's Platform, Risk Management | Tagged: D. Kellus Pruitt DDS, dentistry |
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Without leadership, dentists cannot protect patients
[Ron Paul: Americans Must Be Allowed To Opt Out Of Obamacare]
The cost of insurance is rising while the quality of care is going down. This is just as true in dentistry as elsewhere in healthcare.
The difference is, physicians accept ownership of their problems. (See: “Ron Paul: Americans Must Be Allowed To Opt Out Of Obamacare”).
DK Pruitt DDS
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Be wary!
I know it is going to anger more than a few of my colleagues when I post this article about rip-offs in dentistry …. But I’m ashamed to admit that it’s the truth, friends. Be wary.
http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2014/09/dentist-ripping-you-off
Darrell K. Pruitt DDS
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65% of Medicare Beneficiaries Lack Dental Coverage
Kaiser Family Foundation recently released a brief on dental coverage among Medicare beneficiaries. Here are some key findings:
• 65% of Medicare beneficiaries (nearly 37 million people) do not have dental coverage.
• Almost half of Medicare beneficiaries did not have a dental visit in the past year.
• 19% of beneficiaries who used dental services spent $1,000+ out-of-pocket in 2016.
• In 2016, 71% of black and 65% of Hispanic beneficiaries went without a dental visit.
Source: Kaiser Family Foundation,
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