We’re always facing new challenges in dental care that change our reality. Dental care costs are on the rise and this makes it harder to access care. This imbalance is a serious issue that raises the question .
Patients who walk into a dental office are usually in need of some form of dental treatment. What is often overlooked is the real desire of dental providers to provide this care. Professionals are committed to providing high-quality care that prioritizes the well-being of patients. Many dental providers have made it their mission to eliminate any barriers that may hinder them from achieving the best dental health outcomes possible for all of their patients.
Financial barriers are one of the obstacles that need to be overcome. Due to the high cost of dental care, more and more people are delaying treatment, cancelling appointments or not giving treatment any thought at all. Declination rates increase as a result. This trend is a reflection of an imbalance, where more dental services are denied than approved.
What is the solution? Introduce innovative financial models to make dental costs more manageable. As more dental care providers implement this concept, patients will have a better chance of becoming consumers.
Understanding Financial Barriers
The 35 % of adults delayed or avoided dental care in the last year because of cost concerns. The same study found that adults from families with incomes less than $40,000 were more likely to not meet their dental needs due to cost concerns compared to those in families with incomes over $90,000.
Even households with health insurance may struggle to pay for dental care due to the limited coverage, high copays and deductibles. Out-of-pocket costs for dental care are rising faster than the family income. This causes more people to delay or skip treatments.
When finances are tight, routine preventive care is often the first thing cut from the budget. Minor issues that are not addressed can become more costly and serious over time. Infections or extensive restorative procedures are needed to fix issues that could have easily been prevented with regular dental checks.
Dental care is important and should not be neglected. A poor oral health can increase your risk for diabetes, cardiovascular disease and certain cancers. This can also affect self-esteem and the quality of your life. Lack of access to dentists in early childhood can lead to oral health problems throughout a child’s life. The impact on communities and the healthcare system is also felt by the increased costs of treating conditions that are preventable but worsen with time.
Flexible Payment Plans
Payment options, interest-free plans, credit options and other options can improve affordability. flexible payments are one of the best strategies for reducing barriers to dental costs. Flexible payment plans allow someone to pay an air conditioner or refrigerator over time. Patients without dental insurance can also have options to pay for dental care.
Spreading payments out over weeks or even months reduces the initial burden of costs compared to lump sums. Consider offering different payment options to suit different budgets.
No-Interest and Low-Interest Plans
Low-interest financing is a good option for patients who are concerned about their finances. It allows them to maintain financial stability while taking care of dental needs. Say you offer your patient a 3 month no-interest financing plan. The “no-interest” tag will allow them to spread their dental costs out over the 3 months, without having to pay extra fees. They can now manage their dental costs more easily and are encouraged to proceed with necessary treatments.
Credit Option
In addition, third-party financing can provide additional payment options to patients with lower credit scores. For example, with BillFlash FlexPay, Dental Lifeline Network connects disabled patients to volunteer dentists, and offers grants based on income.
- America’s Dentists Care Foundation works with clinics in order to provide reduced-cost care for low-income patients.
- Some state/local foundations offer vouchers and grants for free dental treatment.
Consider hosting annual community outreach events that offer free or discounted services. You might even feel motivated to donate some of your future appointment slots to patients in need. These initiatives demonstrate your commitment to increasing access to dental treatment, and also offer significant exposure to the community. Customers love to support brands that give back to their communities.
Enhancing Patient Communication
Explain the cost and payment options, from the first consultations to the final billing phase. Give patients time to think about all payment options and estimates before treatment. Talk about discounts, sliding fee plans, payment plans and insurance coverage.
Financial counseling can help patients to make the right decision for their situation. Financial counselors will work with patients to create a budget-friendly plan, so they can get the treatment they need without additional financial stress.
Encourage Preventive Care
Preventive Dental Care such as routine cleanings and oral cancer screenings can save you a lot of money in the long run by preventing expensive restorative procedures. When finances are tight, many patients cut back on preventive dental visits. Oral health can be made affordable by:
- Deals on services such as 2 cleanings per year, X-rays and exams
- Dental screening and free oral hygiene education days
- Patients can be educated through social media, newsletters, brochures and other forms of patient education on the prevention value.
By educating patients about the importance of preventive dental care, and by providing them with the tools and knowledge to maintain their oral health at its best, practices can encourage a proactive approach towards dental care. This shift in mentality can result in improved patient engagement, more successful dental treatment, and a sustainable financial model.
Leveraging technology for efficient billing
Automating the billing and payment process increases affordability. BillFlash integrates seamlessly with your practice management system to streamline the billing and payment processes. It simplifies the creation of accurate statements and collecting payments. Patients can also choose from a variety of payment options. BillFlash gives you access to features like:
- Patients can pay securely and easily from anywhere using the online payment portal or NordSmil.
- Review and approve the sending of electronic notifications and mailed invoices with just one click.
- Payment options include in-office, phone, mail or online.
- Flexible patient financing – give your patients the option to pay their bills in monthly installments while you get paid in full upfront with BillFlash FlexPay.
NordSmil is a great example of how the use of technology can enhance patient care. It provides a convenient platform for managing payments. This kind of accessibility allows patients to manage their finances and reduces administrative work for dental practices.