Stagnant reimbursements and increasing costs have made it difficult for patients to access care and for dentists to support their practices, one dentist says.
Adam Vitelli, DMD, recently spoke with Becker's about the changes he wants to see in the dental industry in the next five years.
Editor's note: This response was lightly edited for length and clarity.
Question: What changes would you like to see in the dental industry in the next five years?
Dr. Adam Vitelli: I would like to see the dental industry find a way to free itself from the influence of insurance companies. Over the years, the plans have become more restrictive and have not increased coverage for patients or reimbursements to keep pace with inflation. This is a disservice to the patients as well as everyone working in the field. Many offices cannot invest in new techniques and technologies based on the financial constraints that come with in-network participation with insurance companies. These are also factors that have driven people away from working in the dental field in recent years.
I would like to see a renaissance in the dental field, [including] a focus on the complete health model, embracing the overall health benefits of improving the health within the oral cavity, excitement surrounding new, more efficient ways to treat disease and satisfaction for dental healthcare providers would all be good goals for the next five years. We certainly have the potential for this.