A Mississippi dentist filed a lawsuit Dec. 11 against Delta Dental, accusing the dental insurer of price-fixing and conspiring to lower compensation for dentists, according to USA Network affiliate The Clarion Ledger.
William Dickey, DMD, filed the lawsuit, alleging Delta Dental wields substantial market power by forcing dentists to accept below-market reimbursement for services. The lawsuit says dentists have lower incomes and fewer patients because of the company's unlawful conduct.
The American Dental Association found dentists' average, inflation-adjusted net income significantly decreased from 2001-18, due in part to Delta Dental's anti-competitive conduct, the lawsuit claims.
The lawsuit seeks class-action status. The suit asks that Delta Dental be prohibited from restricting areas of competition, and seeks damages and protection from retaliation for plaintiffs.
The legal action follows a lawsuit filed Nov. 26 by the ADA that claims Delta Dental violated antitrust laws and engaged in anticompetitive conduct.
The Clarion Ledger could not reach Delta Dental for comment.