CrossCheck Blog

CrossCheck Blog

Check Processing & Payments Information

As Dental Care Costs Rise, Payment Concern Does,Too

Posted by Brandon Weaver | Fri, Dec 07, 2012 @ 10:00 AM

dental implants x rayWhether it's to look good in kids' school pictures, cure an achy molar or shine up those pearly whites, maintaining good oral health is important for everyone. Strong healthy teeth, a pretty smile and fresh breath are just some of the benefits of daily maintenance and routine dental visits. In fact, according to the American Dental Association a person's smile outranked eyes, hair and body as the most important physical feature.

Cosmetic dentistry and orthodontics are both vital for good oral health. Cosmetic procedures include crowns, bridges and teeth whitening. With that, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry estimates the following, via DentalPlans.com:

 - Americans spend $2.75 billion each year for cosmetic procedures

 - Two-thirds of patients are female, one-third are male

I don't know anyone who really likes visiting the dentist. Waiting time and potential pain are some of the reasons we avoid it but one of the major reasons is being faced with a large bill at the end of the visit. Consumer Reports states that "the financial burden of yet another medical expense is the greatest concern of all." Likewise, the Society for Human Resource Management states that "due to high dental costs, more employers are reducing and even eliminating dental coverage as a benefit." This means more out-of-pocket expense for patients, which can very likely deter them from making regular, routine visits.

Dentists know all too well the importance of brushing twice a day, and flossing. Just about every visit one of the most common questions a dentist will ask is, "how often do you floss?" Avoiding this simple task can have dramatic effects because it can lead to gum disease, cavities and other harmful results. Because of this neglect more and more people have major dental implants, and they are not cheap. Consider the following chart of average dental costs on patient out-of-pocket expenses. In particular, crowns and root canals can easily dent a patient's checking account nearly $600 with health insurance and those totals grow for uninsured patients!

dental costs out of pocket

Dental implants are a growing segment. In 2011 the global dental implant and prosthetics market was valued at $6,781 million and is expected to multiply to approximately $10,562 million by 2016. Some of this growth can be a reflection of inflation but it is also attributed to population growth. As the chart here indicates North America has nearly half of the world's dental implant market need, proving to be good news for dentists here in the United States:

dental implant market by region

One age group that is particularly affected are baby boomers. They are major consumers of dental implants and have helped boost the market considerably. This is because they are more susceptible to dental problems as they grow older, even if they continue to brush and floss on a routine basis. Once these individuals retire from the workforce their dental benefits are reduced or stripped from them completely. As a result, a large portion of these individuals cut back on dental visits, which in turn increases their likelihood of needing major dental work done in the future.

What's more, insurance and government aid is expected to cover only 56 percent of all dental expenditures by 2013, according to the U.S. Center for Medicare and Medicaid. This leaves 44 percent to be covered by the patient, and with the steep costs of major dental services, many will not pay with cash or credit card.

To help with increasing costs dental practices should consider offering additional payment options to keep patients returning on a regular basis. One option is a Multiple Check program. Patients can write up to four check payments for the total amount for the depoist over a 30-day period.

At your dental practice, how do patients pay for services rendered? With a growing cosmetic and dental implant market, do you offer flexible payment plans to help patients? 

   hold check, payment flexibility, increase sales       Multiple Check Insider's Guide

Topics: Dentists

Written by Brandon Weaver