Patient-Led Dentistry

 

Patient-Led Dentistry

“Does my insurance cover that?” This is a common phrase heard in every dental office.  Patients often wonder about cost rather than treatment.  I can’t say I blame them. In today’s economic times, it seems everybody’s budget is pushed to the limits.  Moreover, who doesn’t want to maximize their insurance benefits?  While this seems practical, there are some real concerns with this line of reasoning which allows your dental insurance provider to dictate treatment.   

Dental insurance companies are concerned with their bottom dollar. Their goal is to spend minimum amount of money on treatment while maximizing the amount of premiums they take in.  It’s simple math really.  If they pay out more money in benefits than they bring in in premiums, they would lose money.  Their interest is not in what is best for you, but rather what is best for their bottom line.  In fact, the insurance representatives have never met you or your family, nor have they taken the time to talk to you about your needs.  Instead of insurance-led dentistry, let’s talk about patient-led dentistry.

Your dentist on the other hand has spent time getting to know you, understanding your goals for your oral health and its appearance, and coming up a with a treatment plan that fits your needs and lifestyles.  Your dental team has a lot of experience in maximizing dental insurance benefits without compromising patient care.

The "balancing act", therefore, is employing the knowledge of your dentist and dental office with your own custom list of concerns (wish list).  It's no longer "Dentist Knows Best" and it certainly can't be simply "Patient (blindly) Commands" - Patient-Led Dentistry means that the oral health concerns begin with the patient ("led") and the Dental Team then "follows" by offering treatment options and a full informed consent to dental care. 

Let’s talk about some questions you can ask your dentist that will help you practice patient-led dentistry while still maximizing your dental insurance benefits.

1.     What procedures do you think are my best option?

2.     Why do you feel this is my best option?

3.     How long can I expect this restoration to last?

4.     What are the pros and cons of this treatment option?

5.     How can I use my dental benefits to get the best possible results for me and minimize my out of pocket expense?

6.     How much money can I expect to pay out of pocket?

7.     Do you offer interest free financing?

By asking some simple questions you can get the best treatment and still maximize your benefits.  Your dentist wants to give you the best treatment as well as help you to maximize your benefits.  Trust them to help you practice patient-led dentistry.  Your dentist and their dental team have a vested interest in your happiness and oral health, whereas the dental insurance company is concerned only with their bottom line.  If you find you are questioning your dentist’s suggested treatment seek a second opinion, or find a dentist you can trust.  Practicing patient-led dentistry can keep you smiling for many years to come!