24 September 2021

---

Survey points to out-of-network charges as reason for dental practice change

Katherine E. Pfaff

---

A recent survey of more than 2,000 patients conducted by dentalinsurance.com found that an array of reasons drive patients to another dental practice, but out-of-network issues were most common. The dental insurance issue was cited most often by respondents, according to the dental insurance marketplace company. 

"Many dental practices are still suffering from the lower patient volume and lost revenue caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, making customer retention all the more important for their financial stability," said Kev Coleman, healthcare expert, and survey analyst. "The results of this nationwide survey provide an important guide for dentists' efforts to keep their existing clients." 

Survey respondents were asked to choose their reasons for switching dental practices from various options, including cost, patient experience criteria like wait time, or the availability of specialized care such as for those with anxiety. The majority of survey-takers (53.8%) referenced one or more reasons they chose to switch dentists, with the provider being out-of-network as the most selected cause. 

Care costs also played a factor with 12.6% of women and 8.3% of men suggesting that lower costs were the driver to change dentists. In the country's western states, the price would motivate 13.8 percent to change dentists, according to the survey.

Source: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nationwide-dentalinsurancecom-survey-why-do-consumers-change-dentists-301371961.html