Why Dentists (And Patients!) Should Consider Payment Plans More Than Ever.

In unstable economic times the trip to the Dentist can be something that many people might decide to put close to the back of their list of main concerns – incorrectly maybe, because health is always important – unfortunately it is no more than human nature. Worse still maybe is the possibility of accident or other un-avoidable dental care being required duringperiods when income perhaps have fallen In the recent economic downturn a lowering of income has been as prevalent as outright redundancy, as a result of short time working, change to lower paid employment or simply frozen pay levels. In these environments dental professionals managing a dental plan are benefiting both themselves and their patients through supplying financial consistency and predictability.

With no per-visit payments, routine visits to a dental practitioner, which might bring about crucial early diagnosis, are not seen as an additional expense by a client with a dental plan, and the cost of any subsequent treatment has been paid for in the plan monthly payments. Dental practices also benefit from the security of a constant income stream and the reduction in uncertainty allows them to prepare with more confidence for on-going and improving service provision.

The dentist needs to be convinced he or she is recommending the best scheme for both him or her self and his or her clients and in this respect both price and level of quality are key factors. DPAS prides itself on being the lowest cost of the major dental plan suppliers which will be of primary interest to clients. Dental practices also have the flexibility to offer a assortment of dental plans to clients with different needs and budgets. Also fundamental to dentists and clients, even though not as evident, is the assistance offered by DPAS in plan set-up and maintenance. With DPAS support and expertise carrying much of the burden dental professionals are free to spend more of their time with their patients which is the outcome everybody wants.

The other significant aspect to consider is that the plan needs to fit the practice, not require the practice and its patients to adapt themselves to the plan. All dental practices are unique: in size, demographic profile of patients and socio-economic mix. Through enabling ‘practice branding’ of plans DPAS makes it possible for dentists to offer plans that are right for them and their patients. With a ‘practice branded’ plan patients feel that they still belong to the practice, not to something that has developed into a minor outlet of a large impersonal organisation, complete with all the loss of control and personal attention that this often implies.