19 December 2022

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ADA poll finds support for dental insurance reform

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In early November, voters in Massachusetts passed a ballot measure requiring dental insurance carriers to spend at least 83% of premium dollars on patient care rather than on administrative costs, salaries and profits. Dental insurance carriers that do not meet this standard will have to refund the difference to covered individuals and groups. 

Following the election, the American Dental Association’s Health Policy Institute conducted a poll, asking dentists across the country if they believed a medical loss ratio was necessary in their state. 

According to the ADA, results found that 83% of dentists outside of Massachusetts believe requiring dental plans to spend a set percentage of premiums collected on dental care for their subscribers is necessary. 

Other key findings include: 

• Dental practice schedules have been very steady for the past six months, showing 85% full on average in November. 

• There has been an increase in the share of dentists indicating low patient demand for appointments in recent months.

• Dental team recruitment needs declined slightly in November, though dentists continue having difficulty filling positions.

• Dentists’ confidence in economic recovery has remained stable over the last several months.

Learn more about the poll and results: https://www.ada.org/resources/research/health-policy-institute/economic-outlook-and-emerging-issues