dental videos Archives - The Wealthy Dentist

Invisalign Cost (Survey Video)

April 19, 2019 By Jim Du Molin

Invisalign lets adults get straight teeth without traditional braces.

Unfortunately, the costs keep Invisalign from many patients who might otherwise consider adult ortho.

In a dentist survey we conducted, we found the average cost of Invisalign treatment from a general dentist was about $4,800.

Specialists were a little more expensive at around $5,400.

Treatment from an orthodontist averaged about $6,900.

Jim Du Molin and Julie Frey discuss what dentists think about Invisalign braces:

“Costs are too high for this to be a mainstream treatment for people willing to have adult orthodontics,” said a Michigan Dentist.

“The lab fees are excessive, and Invisalign could use some competition,” said a New York Dentist.

While there’s a lot more interest in adult braces than there used to be, it’s still not quite mainstream.

And with lab costs like that, it’s hard to imagine it truly going mainstream.

What are your thoughts about Invisalign braces?

Filed Under: Dental Videos Tagged With: Adult Braces, Braces, dental videos, Invisalign, Invisalign cost

Dental Production (Survey Video)

April 19, 2019 By Jim Du Molin

Dental practice production is the best way to measure the health of an individual dental practice.

And production trends are a good way to look at dental patient spending in general.

The Wealthy Dentist did a survey asking dentists whether their 2012 production income was up or down.

Jim Du Molin and Julie Frey discuss 2012 production ups and downs:

The survey revealed 36% of dentists saw their practice production decrease in 2012.

An Indiana dentist said, “Production has increased, but I am in a few insurance plans now. I am probably writing off more than 20%.”

However, 43% of dentists experienced some growth at their dental practices.

A Colorado Periodontist said, “Our production levels have increased through diligent use of dental marketing and a treatment coordinator.”

Improving dental practice marketing and front desk skills can really help improve production.

And if a dentist can’t maintain the financial health of their practice, they’re not going to be able to oversee the dental health of their patients.

Is your production up or down since last year? What trends do you see in your market?

Filed Under: Dental Videos Tagged With: dental production, dental videos

Phone Book Dental Marketing (Survey Video)

April 19, 2019 By Jim Du Molin

Just a few years ago, dental advertising in the yellow pages was a critically important part of any solid dental marketing plan.

But smart phone searches, dental websites and online directories have become a bigger and bigger part of how consumers find a dentist.

The Wealthy Dentist conducted a survey asking dentists if they’re still getting dental patients from phone book ads, and if smart phones are having an impact on new cases.

Jim Du Molin and Julie Frey discuss results dentists are getting with phone book dental marketing vs. smart phones:

In many cities across the United States, people are using dental websites and online directories more than the yellow pages to find a dentist when they need one.

For dentists in those markets, advertising in the phone book is becoming a less important avenue for dental practice marketing.

Only 16% of the doctors in our survey said they absolutely still get new patients from phone book advertising.

“We still get patients from the phone book, but the numbers have certainly gone down over the past few years. Now we just have a few lines in the book rather than a display ad. Doing so doesn’t seem to have affected our total new patient numbers, and we are saving a lot of money!” Ohio Prosthodontist

Another 46% of dentists in our survey responded that they get “very few” or “here and there”. And 38% said they get no patients from the phone book.

“The phone book is dead. All searches are via computer and most are via Google.” California Dental Implantologist

There’s no doubt that the internet has changed the face of dental marketing. But one ‘truth’ still holds: wherever potential new patients are looking — that’s where you want your marketing message to be!

How many new dental patients are you getting every month from the phone book compared with smart phone searches? How are you tracking your results?

Filed Under: Dental Videos Tagged With: dental videos, phone book marketing

Dental Licensing in the USA (Video)

April 19, 2019 By Jim Du Molin

Dental licensing often keeps dentists tethered to the state in which they are licensed. In contrast, Universal licensure by credentials would allow a dentist to practice throughout the country.

The Wealthy Dentist conducted a survey asking dentists if they are satisfied with the current system of dental licensing in the U.S.

Only one in five dentists say they like the dental licensing system as it stands. Fully 61% would prefer a universal system of licensure by credentials instead.

It’s no wonder. Dental licenses can truly impede a doctor’s freedom of movement.

Jim Du Molin and Julie Frey talk about what kind of licensing system U.S. dentists would like to see:

“I am licensed in 4 states, and it is truly a nightmare process! From fingerprinting to accounting for every month of my 35-year career, the system is broken.” Pennsylvania dentist

“Dental licensing should be national, not state-based, just like medical licenses,” declared a New York dentist. “Many states do not offer licensing by reciprocity, making licensing difficult for licensed dentists wanting to move to those states.”

“If a dentist is Board Certified in an ADA-recognized specialty, he/she should be able to practice that specialty in any state without taking a general dental licensing examination, as that individual has attained the highest level of professional scrutiny!” said a Pennsylvania oral surgeon.

What are your thoughts on universal dental licensing in the U.S.?

Filed Under: Dental Videos Tagged With: dental licensing, dental videos

Dental Practice Management & Dental Insurance (Video)

April 19, 2019 By Jim Du Molin

Dental insurance is such a mixed bag. It can make patients more likely to seek treatment. dental insurance can bring new patients into a practice, and it’s the core of many dental practices.

Unfortunately, it can also lead not just to headaches, but also to lost income. Dentists know the fault lies not with the patients, but with the dental plans and insurance companies.

“Taking dental insurance allowances is a recipe for financial failure. Just look at the numbers,” said a Pennsylvania dentist.

This survey by The Wealthy Dentist asked doctors what percentage of their dental patients use dental insurance.

Jim Du Molin and Julie Frey discuss the dental practice management issues surrounding accepting dental insurance:

Of dentists responding to this survey, two out of five said that at least 70% of their patients have dental coverage.

“We will file for all our patients but are not in network with any insurance companies. I see about 50% of patients with insurance,” said a general dentist.

“We are not a preferred provider for anyone, but we accept any insurance that allows out-of-network dentists. We do charge the patient the difference between our fees and what the insurance pays,” said a Texas dentist.