Many dentists hesitate to charge patients directly because they assume insurance should cover most—if not all—of their services. However, this mindset can limit both your practice’s financial health and the quality of care you provide. The reality is that insurance is designed to assist with costs, not to be the ultimate solution for covering all treatment needs.
Why This Shift Matters
- Insurance Has Limits – Most plans have annual maximums that haven’t significantly increased in decades. Many necessary treatments, especially advanced or cosmetic procedures, exceed these limits.
- Focusing on Patient Health Over Plan Benefits – When treatment decisions are based solely on what insurance covers, patients may not receive the best care possible. Shifting the focus to patient well-being ensures they get the treatment they truly need.
- Strengthening Your Practice’s Financial Stability – Relying heavily on insurance reimbursement can create cash flow issues and administrative headaches. Diversifying payment options, including financing and direct payment plans, helps maintain steady revenue.
- Educating Patients Builds Trust – Patients often assume insurance will cover everything because they don’t fully understand its limitations. When you educate them about what’s covered and why investing in their oral health is important, they’re more likely to accept treatment.
How to Shift This Mindset in Your Practice
- Be transparent about costs and insurance limitations from the start.
- Offer flexible payment options to make care more accessible.
- Train your team to confidently explain the value of treatment beyond insurance coverage.
By accepting that insurance can’t (and won’t) cover everything, you empower both your practice and your patients to prioritize long-term oral health over short-term insurance benefits.