How to Market Your Dental Practice’s Payment Options

Despite the growing awareness of the impact oral health has on an individual’s overall wellbeing, the percentage of Americans without dental insurance is discouraging, to say the least. The most recent survey by CareQuest indicates that almost 72 million adults and 8 million children have no dental coverage as of 2024.

When you factor in the limitations on most plans, like annual maximums and denied procedures, it’s no wonder that even those with insurance don’t get the dental care they need. The gap between those covered by both health and dental insurance is closing, but not fast enough.

Many dentists offer patients alternative solutions to insurance, including in-house dental plans and other payment arrangements. Financial resources and their access are a huge factor for many patients and is often the tipping point of whether or not they’re able to make that next appointment.

Knowing what choices patients have in this unpredictable economy could make all the difference between a healthy smile and bigger health issues down the road. What can you do to market your practice’s payment solutions?

Dental Insurance Coverage

Both dental PPO and HMO insurance plans provide benefits or discounts on services to those covered. Many plans pay for preventive care like cleaning and checkups, while reimbursement for implants or veneers is more likely to be declined.

Dental insurance can be a deciding factor when patients are choosing a new dentist, and many consider it the best way to achieve affordable oral healthcare. If you partner with dental insurance providers, these are good tips to follow:

• Include a dedicated web page with a complete list of carriers.
• Your financial team should explain benefits, costs, and limitations.
• Highlight the advantages and value of comprehensive coverage for unexpected costs.

It’s also important to let qualifying patients know up front if you accept state-funded plans like Medicaid.

In-House Dental Plans

Many dental practices are navigating away from accepting traditional insurance due to the high costs to patients, time-intensive admin involved, and delayed reimbursements. The popular alternatives? In-house dental plans or memberships models.

Dental plans provide an affordable path to maintaining oral health for those with limited or no insurance coverage. Doctors and dental groups can set their own annual fees and determine what services are included or discounted. In-house plans eliminate the need to wait for approval on custom preventive care like periodontal cleanings or treatment. Ways to alert your patients of this option, include:

• Promote your plan as a safety net not provided by insurance carriers.
• Include annual exams, hygiene visits, and savings on other procedures.
• Dedicate a page on your website to the plan with the ability to sign up and pay online.
• Show the full value of the services in comparison to the annual fee.

Enlisting your patients to use an in-house plan or membership saves everyone the stress of dealing with insurance claims, allowing you to focus on providing high quality care.

Financing Options

While dental insurance and in-house plans typically include basic preventative services, unexpected emergencies or complex procedures can cause patients financial anxiety. The more they delay treatment, the worse it can get so it’s important to offer some type of payment plan that works for both you and your patients.

Internal financing works for practices that are able to set up individual payment plans with their patients. There are guidelines to follow in order to remain compliant with consumer finance laws. Because of the risk involved and additional admin necessary, many practices choose to work with a third-party vendor such as CareCredit or other specific dental financing.

• Encourage patients to use the financial tools available to achieve their goals.
• Note on your website that there are payment plans available.
• Use digital ads to navigate patients to a page with financing details.

Always be transparent in your pricing and expectations of payment for any financing choices. You’ll build trust and increase treatment acceptance.

Peace-of-Mind Messaging

In these difficult economic times, it’s vital that your patients know there are solutions. By proactively marketing your various financial options and flexibility, you’re sending the message that a beautiful, healthy smile is attainable – without breaking the bank. Promote your willingness and ability to help them find a path forward, for both preventive care and unplanned treatments.

RAMP offers optimized content and dedicated landing pages to make it easier for patients to find you, and understand their option. Set up a free strategy session today to discuss the possibilities.