Three dentists recently shared with Becker's what they predict as the next disruptor of the dental industry — dental insurers and reimbursements.
Note: Responses were lightly edited for clarity and length.
Question: What do you think will be the next big disruption/disruptor to the dental industry?
Bertram Hughes, DMD. Dentist at Family & Cosmetic Dentistry (Gainesville, Fla.): I believe the next disruption will be in the area of third party payers and dental reimbursement plans. This is where the greatest angst lies pertaining to the doctor-patient relationship and the viability for dental offices.
Charles Weber, DMD. Owner of Dr. Charles R. Weber DMD (West Chester, Pa.): The next disruptor will be when dentists find they are unprofitable if they deal with insurance companies.
Charles Wolfe, DDS. Dentist at Wolfe Dental Spa (Easton, Pa.): I believe the biggest disruption has already started by insurance companies dictating fees for services they don't cover and by selling "discount plans" requiring participating dentists to accept a reduced fee for, which the insurance company doesn't pay one penny for!