What are the different types of dental care providers?
A brief description of these various health care providers is as follows: A general dentist is your primary care dental provider. This dentist diagnoses, treats, and manages your overall oral health care needs, including gum care, root canals, fillings, crowns, veneers, bridges, and preventive education.
Why do dentists always recommend treatments that insurance doesn't cover?
"There's always going to be treatment, because they mathematically need to do something so they don't lose money on the cleaning." Most often, the treatments they recommend are the very ones that insurance doesn't cover — such as quadrant scaling, an intensive cleaning procedure that requires extra office visits.
Do dental offices use deals to get patients?
these offices often use deals as a tool to get patients in the door Her husband, Dave Weinman — who practices with Mindy and also works as a consultant for an insurance company assessing cases of potential dental fraud — agrees.
How many dental services does my dental plan cover?
The number of dental services covered depends on the plan. If you have a PPO plan and see a dentist out of the network, you will most likely have more out of pocket expenses. A DHMO is like an HMO. Network dentists are paid a set fee every month to provide covered dental services to you whether you see the dentist or not.
Why do different dentists say different things?
Some dentists may make a set of dentures using a completely different technique than their neighbors just down the street from them. Many of these reasons are simply based on how they were trained and where they went to school. Dentists can also fall on both ends of the spectrum in how they treatment plan.
Why is diversity important in dentistry?
Ensuring a diverse dental workforce is critical to the success of the profession. When dentists are men and women from all types of backgrounds, races and ethnicities, it makes the care the profession provides better for everyone. Actively encourage minorities with an interest in dentistry to apply to dental school.
What are barriers to dental care?
For dental care, the population to provider ratio must be at least 5,000 to 1 (4,000 to 1 if there are unusually high needs in the community)....Common barriers to care include:Financial hardship.Geographic location.Lack of insurance.Poor oral health literacy.Language, education or cultural barriers.
What are the two main factors that affect dental health?
Oral diseases are caused by a range of modifiable risk factors, including sugar consumption, tobacco use, alcohol use and poor hygiene, and their underlying social and commercial determinants.
Is there diversity in dentistry?
Dentistry is a healthcare field that lags behind in diversity, with less than 15 percent of dental students coming from underrepresented backgrounds, according to a January 2019 study in the Journal of Dental Education.
What is being culturally competent?
Comment: Cultural competence — loosely defined as the ability to understand, appreciate and interact with people from cultures or belief systems different from one's own — has been a key aspect of psychological thinking and practice for some 50 years.
How can I make my dental care more accessible?
Here's How To Make Dental Care More AffordableOffer Preventative Care. ... Accept as Many Dental Insurance Plans as Possible. ... Offer Phased Treatment Options. ... Allow Flexible Spending Arrangements/Accounts (FSA) ... Present Interest-Free Dental Plans. ... Participate in Charity Events. ... Grant Special Discounts. ... Consider Offering Warranties.More items...
What are oral health disparities?
Oral health care disparities reflect unequal opportunities to be healthy, making disadvantaged groups even more disadvantaged with respect to their oral health; correspondingly, reducing oral health care disparities means giving disadvantaged social groups equal opportunities to be healthy.
Why can people not access dental care?
For adult patients the barriers include dental anxiety, financial costs of dental treatment, perceptions of dental need and lack of access. For younger children their barriers to dental care will be affected by parental attitude and anxieties.
Which professionals can help with the oral health care of individuals you support?
Dentists and Other Oral Health Care ProvidersGeneral Dentist.Dental Public Health Clinics.Endodontist.Oral and Maxillofacial Radiologist.Oral Medicine.Oral Pathologist.Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon.Orthodontist.More items...•
What are the different dental indices?
Types of indices: 1-Simple index: It is the one which measures the presence or absence of a condition. For example, an index which measures the presence of plaque without evaluating its effects on the gingiva. 2- Cumulative index: It is the one which measures all the evidence of a condition (past and present).
What are the different dental problems?
10 Common Dental Problems and TreatmentTooth Decay. Tooth decay is also known as dental caries or dental cavities. ... Gum Disease. Gingivitis is the early stage and mild form of gum or periodontal disease. ... Bad Breath. ... Sensitive Teeth. ... Cracked or Broken Teeth. ... Receding Gums. ... Root Infection. ... Enamel Erosion.More items...•
What is a PPO dental plan?
Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) A PPO is a dental plan that uses a network of dentists who have agreed to provide dental services for set fees. The number of dental services covered depends on the plan.
What is discount dental?
The company selling a discount or referral plan contracts with a group of dentists and these dentists agree to discount their dental fees. Discounts are usually applied to all services including cosmetic. These plans do not pay for any services received, instead, you pay for treatment yourself at the reduced rate determined by the plan.
What does it mean when a doctor recommends treatment?
It’s becoming common at your practice. You recommend treatment, you think a patient is ready to move forward with that treatment, and then the person declines the treatment. That means not only are your patients not getting the treatment they need, your practice also isn’t meeting its full potential—and it’s costing you money.
How to make a dental practice profitable?
To create a profitable, thriving dental practice, you have to focus on improving case acceptance. Make these changes and you’ll notice your case acceptance rates begin to rise—and that will show in your bottom line.
How long should a treatment coordinator follow up with patients?
If that isn’t possible, your coordinator should follow up with patients in two days, armed with a script and important details from the initial presentation. During these calls, your treatment coordinator should address any lingering ...
Can you tell a patient they need periodontal therapy?
2. They don’t understand the value of dentistry: You can’t just tell patients they need periodontal therapy or a crown and expect them to blindly follow your recommendation. You have to educate them about their condition, and make sure they understand the possible consequences of ignoring it.
Is it enough to focus on dentistry?
Focusing on the dentistry simply isn’t enough. Patients want to know you care about them and have their best interest at heart. If they don’t think you do, not only will they not go forward with recommended treatment, they’ll start looking for a new practice to call their dental home.
Should a presentation be held in a private environment?
Presentations should be held in a private, comfortable environment, and should never be rushed. 5. You rarely follow up: Most patients don’t accept treatment right away. They want to take the time to think about their options and talk everything over with their spouse.
How to be loyal to a dentist?
Patients are loyal to a dentist or hygienist that they feel truly cares about them and their needs. Develop rapport, have fun with your patients, always act with integrity, be truthful when answering questions, and let the patients know you are concerned with their dental health and overall well-being. Happy Hygiene!
Do patients want to wait for appointments?
When scheduling appointments, most patients prefer to have them in a timely manner, and block scheduling can certainly help achieve this. Patients also do not want to wait when they have a scheduled appointment. They expect to be seen on time.
Why do dental offices use deals?
The reason for this is that advertising-driven offices often use deals as a tool to get patients in the door and then pressure them to accept an expensive treatment plan, whether they need work done or not. Oftentimes, they're corporate-owned chains, like Aspen Dental .
How often should I get a dental exam?
Ultimately, your dental plan might give you a free cleaning and exam every six months, but it could also make the dentist more likely to find necessary work that it doesn't cover. Most of the dentists I spoke with strongly recommended against going to a new dentist solely because he or she is accepted by your insurance plan, and a few warned against dental insurance entirely.
What is the best way to protect your molars from plaque?
5) Sealants . Dental sealants are preventative coatings applied to the surface of your molars to prevent plaque from accumulating in the pits on their surfaces. They can be useful in some cases — especially for cavity-prone kids — but are also overprescribed by some dentists.
How to find a trustworthy dentist?
Every single dentist I spoke with offered the same advice for finding a trustworthy practice — ask a friend. "The best way to get a good referral is to ask friends or coworkers," said Robert Rose, a family dentist who practices in Pasadena.
What to do if you are skeptical of a dentist?
But regardless of what the X-rays show, if you're skeptical of the treatment a dentist is prescribing — especially if it's your first visit to the practice, and they're recommending far more work than you're ever needed before — the best response is to get a second opinion. This was mentioned to me by every dentist I spoke with, along with the American Dental Association.
What does a dark spot on a tooth mean?
A dark spot or blemish, in general, corresponds to a cavity. And in general, the dentist should be willing and able to explain why you need certain procedures, both by using X-rays and other means. if the first dentist seems reluctant to let you get it, that's a bad sign.
Can veneers be used to improve tooth color?
2) Veneers . Sometimes, a dentist will tell a patient that pricey veneers are necessary to improve the color of a tooth, but if its shape is acceptable to begin with, bleaching — a much cheaper process — is perfectly fine. "A lot of cosmetic dentists tend to push this kind of treatment," said Sean Tomalty, a family dentist in South Florida. If you're certain you do want veneers, Dave Weinman recommends going to a prosthodontist rather than a general dentist.
What is access to complete and up-to-date information and records regarding your dental health and treatment options?
This includes learning the risks, benefits and alternatives before you agree to proceed. You also have the right to learn how your dental health will be affected if you opt for no treatment at all.
What does a dentist do?
The dentist does the diagnosing and develops a treatment plan, but the contemporary patient expects to know what the options are and to have a say in the decision-making process. Considering the amount of money involved in restorative and cosmetic dentistry, it is important that patients are thoroughly aware of all potential treatment options so that they may select a solution that meets their unique criteria.
What is HIPAA confidentiality?
As per HIPAA regulations, to confidentiality regarding your diagnosis and treatment, except when you agree to submit this information to others – such as insurance providers. (HIPAA is the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in 1996.)
Why do dentists do individual intelligence-gathering patient profiles?
Every patient has his or her own “story,” which is why I encourage practices to do individual intelligence-gathering “patient profiles” to understand the filters through which each patient views dentistry and to help them connect in a powerful way.
What is a discretionary patient?
A Discretionary patient is one who, for whatever reason, is ready to look beyond tooth-based care and is ready to invest in esthetic treatments. These people often self-identify after they have been influenced (a friend’s treatment, a makeover show they saw, an upcoming wedding), which means they can be influenced to look beyond the basics.
What is a regenerative patient?
The Regenerative patient is every dentist’s dream patient. They want the best care option, and they are willing to invest in making their oral health as good as possible. That is the rough sketch of the people who populate your practice. And remember, these categories are not based on socio-economic profiling.
Why do people avoid dentists?
Top reasons adults cite for avoiding the dentist include cost, fear of the dentist, and inability to find a convenient location or appointment time.
Can the ADA quote dental fees?
The ADA cannot quote fees for dental procedures and is forbidden by federal law to set or recommend fees. The ADA Survey of Dental Fees report contains data from a nationwide random sample of dentists who were asked to record the fees most often charged for different dental procedures. The report provides information on what dentists who completed the survey typically charge, but these are NOT "recommended" fees from the ADA or an ADA standard for fees.
How much discount does a dentist give for additional services?
Each plan includes two cleanings per year, and most dentists give a 20 percent discount for additional services. Membership plans offered through other platforms may have different costs and benefits. Nonprofit programs. Local community service organizations can be another source of reduced-priced dental care.
How many Americans didn't have dental insurance in 2016?
That may be why 74 million Americans didn't have dental coverage at the end of 2016, according to the National Association of Dental Plans. What's more, even those with Medicaid may need to pay for care since many states don't include adult dental benefits as part of their plans. Most policies also have caps that can be as low as $1,000 on benefits ...
What percentage of people need a face to face follow up?
Wald estimates 60 to 65 percent of people will need a face-to-face follow-up with a dentist. Best of all, The TeleDentists has a network of providers in all 50 states who can take those referrals. Patients are also provided access to a discount card that can reduce the cost of follow-up services.
What is teledentistry in travel?
Teledentistry. As an emerging technology, teledentistry may represent the future of affordable dental care, particularly for emergency situations.
Do dental offices offer discounts?
Some dental offices offer discounts to patients who buy into a membership plan. "It's cheaper for patients and more profitable for dentists," says Dave Monahan, CEO of Kleer, a platform dentists can use to create their own membership plans.
Can you skip dental cleanings?
Without coverage, people may skip annual cleanings, which can be crucial for detecting dental problems early on and addressing them before they turn into expensive emergencies. Plus, poor oral health can lead to serious health problems like heart disease. If you're lacking dental care and looking for an affordable alternative, ...
Do dental regulations vary by country?
The caveat with this strategy, of course, is that dental regulations vary by country. Consumers should do their due diligence before traveling for foreign health care of any kind. That includes not only researching the price, but also industry regulations within a chosen country.
Why do doctors need to understand patients' preferences?
To improve the quality of care they provide , doctors should understand their patients' preferences. However, this raises many challenges for doctors. Practical concerns include time pressures and difficulties in eliciting preferences from patients who may be hesitant to make treatment decisions. These are compounded by a deficit of appropriate information to support patients' decisions. Doctors may not have the appropriate interpersonal skills, particularly for communicating risk. Medical uncertainty, deficiencies in individual doctors' knowledge, and the highly variable ability of patients to understand and remember clinical information mean that risk communication is often inadequate to support patients in making informed decisions.
Why is it important for health professionals to involve patients in treatment decisions?
Health professionals are increasingly encouraged to involve patients in treatment decisions, recognising patients as experts with a unique knowledge of their own health and their preferences for treatments, health states, and outcomes.1,2Increased patient involvement, a result of various sociopolitical changes,w1is an important part of quality improvement since it has been associated with improved health outcomes3w1-w9and enables doctors to be more accountable to the public.
Why do patients need to be given technical information that is clear and unbiased?
Patients must be given technical information that is clear and unbiased to ensure that their preferences are based on fact and not misconception.
What is the Foundation for Informed Medical Decision Making?
Foundation for Informed Medical Decision Making (www.fimdm.org/). US group that, as a result of concerns about variations in medical intervention rates, encourages patients to play a greater role in choosing treatments. Produces web based and video decision aids
What are the two components of treatment decisions?
Although some patients may not wish to make the final choice of treatment, many would prefer more information.w12-w14Deber suggested there may be two components of treatment decisions—problem solving (“identifying the one right answer”) and decision making (“selecting the most desired bundle of outcomes”) —and hypothesised that, whereas patients may prefer doctors to perform the problem solving component (which requires clinical expertise), patients would want to be involved in decision making.13This was supported in a survey of patients undergoing angiography.w15
What are practical concerns?
Practical concerns include the extra time needed and the difficulties in eliciting patients' preferences, exacerbated by limited appropriate information to support patient involvement
Is a shared decision acceptable for both patient and doctor?
In many cases a shared decision that is acceptable for both patient and doctor will arise from discussion, but sometimes this is more problematic.