Since Jan. 1, about 16% of dentists reported they have dropped out of some dental insurance networks, according to insights from the ADA Health Policy Institute’s February Economic Outlook and Emerging Issues in Dentistry Poll.
On average, the dropped networks covered 17.5% of the dentists’ patient bases.
Other poll results included:
• Dentists’ confidence in the dental care sector dropped in February, while rising slightly for the general U.S. economy. Confidence levels remain below a high point in 2021.
• Dentists reported their appointment schedules were 85% full, slightly below a high point of 88% in March 2022.
• About 8 in 10 dentists selected short-notice cancellations as a reason why their practice schedules are not full.
• One-third of dentists continued to report they are actively recruiting dental hygienists and assistants. Hygienist recruitment is still particularly challenging for dentists.
Each month, HPI conducts a poll of U.S. dentists to measure the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and gather their opinions on other current and emerging issues impacting their practices.
To join the panel and read the full monthly reports, visit ADA.org/HPIpoll.
Source: HPI: 1 in 6 dentists report dropping out of some insurance networks / American Dental Association