Revolutionizing Dental Care: How Rising Dental Simplifies Employer Engagement and Patient Growth
In today’s dental landscape, practices face increasing pressure to prioritize patient-focused care while managing the complexities of running a business. Striking a balance between being a skilled clinician and a successful entrepreneur is no small feat. One innovative solution gaining traction is direct contracting with employer groups to establish an insurance-free relationship. However, while this model holds promise, the effort required to identify potential partners and foster these relationships often overwhelms dentists, detracting from their core mission of providing care.
Rising Dental is transforming this dynamic by acting as a bridge between dental practices and employers. Through strategic collaborations with benefits innovators and employers, the company connects a nationwide network of independent dental clinics with organizations seeking simplified dental care solutions. This case study explores how one practice harnessed Rising Dental’s expertise to forge employer partnerships, expand its patient base, and deliver superior care.
“There’s a need for education around direct dental implementation for employers, and that makes it difficult to effectively tap into the employer market. We think we have cracked that code.”
— Dr. Matthew Ross, Founder, Rising Dental
Expanding Without the Effort: Dr. Herrejon-Ruiz’s Journey
In 2022, Dr. Mario Herrejon-Ruiz, founder of Val Vista Smiles in Gilbert, Arizona, was navigating a rapidly growing community of over 275,000 residents. While the demand for direct dental care (DDC) was evident, his practice had yet to explore partnerships with local employers. The thought of approaching businesses individually seemed daunting, potentially pulling focus away from his patients.
Everything changed when Rising Dental stepped in, facilitating a partnership between Val Vista Smiles and a local school district that sought to enhance its dental benefits. After joining Rising Dental, Val Vista Smiles experienced a noticeable boost in revenue, driven by the higher value of Rising Dental patients compared to those with traditional insurance. On average, the annual revenue per patient increased from $739 for traditional patients to $813 for Rising Dental patients—a significant 10% rise. This revenue growth was further bolstered by utilization trends. In the first year, Rising Dental patients utilized services 30% more than traditional patients, indicating strong engagement with the practice. By the second year, however, the utilization for Rising Dental patients dropped below that of traditional patients. This shift suggests that Rising Dental patients’ proactive approach to care in the first year likely addressed underlying dental issues, leading to fewer treatment needs over time while still maintaining consistent preventive visits. This balance ultimately translated to increased profitability and less chair time per patient, allowing the practice to efficiently manage its growing patient base. We expect each passing year to have higher profitability than the year before as the patient base completes any needed dental work.
At Val Vista Smiles, the profitability of these Rising Dental patients skyrocketed even higher when comparing the administrative costs of patients. In a traditional insurance model, the administrative patient costs include the following: Compliance, credentialing, verification, estimation, billing, adjusting, appealing and collecting. These tasks create thousands of hours of work annually by the average dental office. In the Rising Dental model, 95% of these costs were eliminated, and thanks to Rising Dental, these new patients arrived informed about their dental benefits, alleviating the need for additional education from his office. This allows dental practices to lower front office workload and decrease costs.
Simplifying Dental Benefits Nationwide: A School District’s Story
From the employer’s perspective, the story improves just the same. Lisa Mueller, HR Director at Gilbert Christian Schools, faced the challenge of providing high-quality dental benefits to a dispersed workforce. Frustrated with the inefficiencies of traditional dental insurance systems, Mueller sought an alternative that would offer employees better care and streamlined benefits administration.
“I have had so many employees try out the program, and immediately after experiencing their first visit, they call to add their spouse and children.”
— Lisa Mueller, HR, Gilbert Christian Schools
The Rising Dental Solution
By partnering with Rising Dental, Mueller seamlessly integrated DDC into the school district’s benefits package. The partnership enabled her to secure a single contract that provided uniform dental benefits to employees while tapping into a network of reputable clinics. The collaboration resulted in over 500 employees and their dependents gaining access to comprehensive dental care. With Rising Dental managing the logistics, Mueller found the process stress-free and effective. “I have not heard one negative comment from a single employee about the program and their dental care.” she said.
Why Direct Dental Care Works
Direct dental care redefines traditional dentistry by fostering stronger relationships between patients and clinicians. Through a recurring membership fee, this model reduces overhead costs and administrative complexities, allowing dentists to spend more time with patients. The result? Enhanced care experiences, lower costs, and greater satisfaction for patients, dentists, and employers alike.
By addressing the gaps in employer engagement and streamlining patient acquisition, Rising Dental exemplifies the potential of innovative partnerships to revolutionize dental care. Practices like Val Vista Smiles and organizations like Gilbert Christian Schools are proof that direct dental care can create lasting value for all stakeholders.
Conclusion
Rising Dental’s approach to simplifying employer engagement and expanding patient access is a game-changer for dental practices and organizations alike. By bridging the gap between dentists and employers, Rising Dental empowers clinics to grow effortlessly while ensuring employees receive top-tier dental care. This case study demonstrates how innovation, collaboration, and a focus on patient-centered solutions can transform the dental industry.
If you haven’t heard of it, Imagine a world where going to the dentist is straightforward, affordable, and even pleasant. It’s been getting traction in the medical world. At Rising Dental Club, we’re making this a reality with our Direct Dental Care model. Spearheaded by Dr. Matt Ross, we’re shifting away from traditional, often frustrating dental care systems and embracing a more transparent, patient-focused approach. Let’s dive into what this means for you and how it can transform your dental experience.
The Frustrations of Traditional Dental Care
If you’ve ever felt uneasy about visiting the dentist, you’re not alone. Many people worry about high costs, unclear treatment plans, and whether they can truly trust their dentist’s recommendations. Traditional dental insurance often adds to this stress with its confusing policies and limited coverage. These hurdles can make you hesitant to seek the care you need, potentially leading to more serious and costly dental problems down the line.
What is Direct Dental Care?
Direct Dental Care is designed with you in mind. Instead of dealing with insurance companies, you pay a simple monthly fee that covers a wide array of dental services. This membership model prioritizes preventive care and fosters a stronger, more honest relationship between you and your dentist. Without the pressure to perform unnecessary procedures for financial gain, your dentist can focus solely on what’s best for your health.
How Rising Dental Club Benefits You
Transparent Pricing: Say goodbye to surprise bills. With Rising Dental Club, you know exactly what you’re paying for. Your membership fee covers routine check-ups, cleanings, x-rays, and even more extensive treatments like fillings and extractions. No hidden costs, no guessing games.
Comprehensive Care: Whether you need a simple cleaning or more advanced procedures like crowns, implants, or orthodontics, our membership has you covered. We even offer significant discounts on specialized treatments.
Enhanced Patient Experience: Your comfort and convenience are our top priorities. With no insurance hoops to jump through, you’ll enjoy more quality time with your dentist. Plus, our virtual care options mean you can get dental advice and support without leaving your home.
Cost Savings: Traditional dental insurance often limits annual coverage to around $1,500, which doesn’t go far with major dental work. Our Direct Dental Care model offers substantial savings and removes the need for expensive premiums and co-pays, making it easier for you to budget your dental expenses. See Pricing.
A Real-World Example
Consider this: You’re told you need a crown. Under a traditional insurance plan, you might face significant out-of-pocket costs despite having coverage. But with Rising Dental Club, your membership covers this procedure, or you’ll pay a much lower rate. This clear, predictable cost structure gives you peace of mind and financial security.
Conclusion
At Rising Dental Club, we’re redefining dental care to be more patient-friendly and effective. Our Direct Dental Care model eliminates the barriers imposed by traditional insurance, making it easier for you to receive the care you need. By focusing on prevention and transparency, we empower you to take control of your dental health. Join us at Rising Dental Club and discover a new way of caring for your smile.
A dental crown is a custom-made covering that fits over a prepared natural tooth or dental implant. It serves to protect and strengthen a tooth that has been weakened by decay, fracture, large fillings, or root canal treatment. Crowns are typically made from various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys, or a combination of these materials. The choice of material depends on factors such as the location of the tooth, the patient’s preference, and the functional and aesthetic requirements.
Do I really need a crown?
Maybe! A crown is a great option for tooth support/strength but can often be too aggressive if the tooth is still in good condition. Unfortunately, it’s common to hear of dental practices that treat too aggressively by placing crowns on teeth that might not need them. Many corporate dental offices praise the dentists that complete the most crowns. It’s recommended to avoid payment models (fee-for-service) that incentivize volume or higher-dollar procedures such as crowns. A direct care membership model completely avoids these incentives and helps develop trust with your dental provider.
Reasons for Needing a Dental Crown
1. Protection: A crown provides a protective cover for a tooth that is weak or at risk of breaking.
2. Restoration: It restores a tooth that has been severely decayed, cracked, or worn down to its original shape and size.
3. Support. Crowns are used to support large fillings when there isn’t enough tooth structure remaining.
4. Cosmetic Enhancement: They can improve the appearance of misshapen or discolored teeth, enhancing the overall smile.
Types of Dental Crowns
1. Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM): These crowns are not done very often anymore because they can irritate the gums, and show dark lines around the base of the tooth
2. All-ceramic or all-porcelain: These crowns provide the best aesthetic results because they closely resemble natural teeth in color and translucency. They are ideal for front teeth and patients concerned about aesthetics. These are what is most commonly done these days. Options include: eMax (more esthetic) and zirconia (more durable).
3. Metal crowns (gold or other alloys: These crowns are known for their strength and durability, making them suitable for molars or teeth that undergo heavy chewing forces. These are not done as often anymore because of their high cost or non-esthetic appearance.
The Dental Crown Procedure
1. Initial Consultation: Your dentist will examine your tooth and discuss the need for a crown. X-rays may be taken to assess the extent of damage or decay.
2. Tooth Preparation: The tooth receiving the crown is prepared by removing a layer of enamel to create space for the crown. If the tooth is severely damaged, additional material may be added to build it up.
3. Impression: An impression or mold of the prepared tooth is taken. Modern dentistry uses digital scanning instead of molds. This mold or scan is sent to a dental laboratory where the crown is custom-made to fit your tooth precisely. Sometimes the crown can be developed in a in-house lab!
4. Temporary Crown: While waiting for the permanent crown to be fabricated (usually 1-2 weeks), a temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth. Sometimes the final crown can be fabricated same-day in the office and allows you to avoid a temporary crown.
5. Crown Placement: Once the permanent crown is ready, it is checked for fit, color, and bite. It is then cemented into place over the prepared tooth.
6. Post-Procedure Care: Your dentist will provide instructions on caring for your new crown, including proper oral hygiene practices and any precautions to take.
How much does a crown cost?
A dental crown cost can vary on a number of factors, such as the dental office, dental insurance, and the amount of damage to a tooth. The cost can range up to $2,000 per tooth in a traditional dental office. In a Rising Dental practice, members only have to pay the lab or material fee for crowns! Today, that material fee is $275. Members pay $0 for the crown build-up if needed.
Conclusion
Dental crowns play a vital role in restoring and preserving oral health. Whether you need a crown for functional reasons or cosmetic enhancement, understanding the process and types of crowns available can help you make informed decisions about your dental care. If you believe you may benefit from a dental crown, consult your dentist to discuss your options and determine the best course of treatment for your oral health needs. Remember, investing in your dental health today can lead to less.
Rising Dental Club is excited to announce the new partnership with our second location in Phoenix, Arizona! Introducing: Ford Calaway Dentistry & Orthodontics. This location is owned and operated by Dr. Austin Calaway, an incredible dentist who specializes in advanced/cosmetic dental care. Ford Calaway is ready to deliver the Direct Dental Care that this world needs.
In the bustling world of dental care, finding a practice that prioritizes both exceptional service and patient comfort can be akin to finding a diamond in the rough. However, for those in the know, Ford Calaway Dentistry & Orthodontics shines brightly as a beacon of excellence. From routine check-ups to complex treatments, this esteemed practice, nestled in the heart of Phoenix, has been transforming smiles and lives with its unparalleled dedication to quality care and compassionate service.
At Ford Calaway Dentistry & Orthodontics, the mission is simple: to provide each patient with personalized, comprehensive dental and orthodontic solutions tailored to their unique needs and preferences. Led by a team of highly skilled professionals, including renowned dentists and orthodontists, the practice offers a wide range of services designed to promote optimal oral health and enhance the natural beauty of every smile.
One of the hallmarks of Ford Calaway Dentistry & Orthodontics is their commitment to staying at the forefront of dental technology and innovation. By investing in state-of-the-art equipment and staying abreast of the latest advancements in the field, the practice ensures that patients receive the highest standard of care possible. Whether it’s digital x-rays for accurate diagnostics or cutting-edge orthodontic techniques for more efficient and comfortable treatments, patients can rest assured that they are in good hands at Ford Calaway Dentistry & Orthodontics.
But beyond the technical expertise and advanced technology, what truly sets Ford Calaway Dentistry & Orthodontics apart is their unwavering dedication to patient satisfaction and comfort. From the moment you step through the door, you are greeted with warm smiles and genuine concern for your well-being. The team takes the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and address any anxieties you may have, ensuring that you feel valued, respected, and at ease throughout your visit.
Whether you’re due for a routine cleaning, considering orthodontic treatment, or seeking restorative solutions to enhance your smile, Ford Calaway Dentistry & Orthodontics offers comprehensive services to meet all of your dental needs. From general dentistry services such as cleanings, fillings, and extractions to specialized orthodontic treatments including implants, Invisalign, and more, the practice takes a holistic approach to oral care, focusing not just on treating problems as they arise, but on preventing them from occurring in the first place.
So, if you’re in search of a dental home where your smile is treated with the utmost care and attention it deserves, look no further than Ford Calaway Dentistry & Orthodontics. Your journey to a healthier, more beautiful smile starts here.
Address: 2111 E Highland Ave. STE B-105 Phoenix, AZ 85016
Even if you’ve never employed someone yourself, keeping them healthy is common sense.
As a general rule, healthy employees are present at work, and more likely to be productive, and focused. You and your customers can rely on them… and when they show up for work, you thank your lucky stars.
Unhealthy ones?
Not so much.
When push comes to shove, they’re out for a doctor’s visit. They’re stuck at home recovering, or waiting on a test result. When they do come in, they’re often unproductive, unfocused, and saddled with other concerns. Even with an insurance plan, their claims, benefits, and medical bills pile up in ways you never imagined.
Between poor health and expensive treatment that may not even be covered by third party insurance, they’re usually not happy.
Not pretty.
To put it bluntly, healthy, happy employees are money in the bank. But chronically unhealthy employees are a costly burden—not only in terms of absence, insurance claims, and lost productivity, but also when it comes to basic reliability.
“Employees’ poor health causes loss of production estimates at $575 billion and 1.58 billion days a year, according to the Integrated Benefits Institute and Bureau of Labor Statistics. This means that for every one dollar spent on healthcare benefits, $.61 is lost to illness and injury.” -EBO MD.com
In the end, unhealthy employees contribute to an even bigger headache—employee turnover.
And while throwing fancy, employer-sponsored dental insurance plans into the mix should help, it often doesn’t. If anything, an outdated, misaligned dental care model that drives up costs and erodes trust only makes employee retention harder.
Dental Insurance is a Lose-Lose
For employers and employees alike, traditional employer-sponsored dental insurance doesn’t lighten the load. Rather, and where it claims to lower costs, the opposite occurs.
Like too many employer-sponsored health plans, dental insurance plans are expensive, constantly changing, and riddled with costs and fees that surprise everyone. In their best impression of the water levels in Venice, Italy, hidden costs of dental insurance seem to rise annually… and when a storm hits, you’re suddenly underwater.
That happens because dental insurance is misaligned from the start.
Rather than focusing on preventative dental care that saves time and money, encourages cooperation between patients, dentists, employers—all parties—and makes for all-around healthier teeth in the long run, the fee-for-service insurance model incentivizes dentists to pursue costly, invasive procedures.
The kind that employers don’t need to pay for.
Sadly, and while dental practices themselves do great work, third party insurance providers make trust, cooperation, and price transparency difficult. This misalignment moves more employees into the unhealthy / unhappy category that causes so many headaches.
Employers lose, and their employees lose out as well.
But It Doesn’t Have to be That Way
What if employers could provide direct, unparalleled dental care to their employees at a fixed, monthly cost? What if that dental care came with no unused benefits, no surprise coverage limits, no unfulfilled reimbursements, and far fewer work days missed?
What if participating employers saw:
No surprise fees
Cost savings
Happier/healthier employers
Good incentives for recruitment and retention
Less employee absences and more productivity
All around cost savings
…now wouldn’t that be something?
It certainly would.
More people would pay attention…and even more employees would switch from confusing, costly insurance plan to a healthier approach for everyone.
Direct Dental Care for Employers?
Yes, we invented it.
Rising Dental Club is part of a movement around the country—one offering employers a transparent, membership model of direct dental care for their employees. Our partnership with employers breezes past what traditional, employer dental insurance can offer.
For a flat, monthly fee, your employees receive all the preventative dental care they need.
That means no maximum coverage limits.
That means 100 / 100 / 100 with no deductible.
That includes invisalign.
And rather than head-scratching extra fees, that includes clear, set costs for add-on cosmetic procedures.
Above all, that means a trusting relationship between your employees and their dentist. Not to mention dental care that they (and you) will appreciate much more than a surprise root canal.
In the end, that means employers see less turnover, less frustration, and all the benefits of a healthier, happier work culture… and at any rate, a few more gorgeous smiles in the office.
If you’ve had enough of frustrating, entangling dental insurance plans, give us a shout and learn more about the Direct Dental Care we offer.
For employers of five to five thousand, our fixed monthly membership plan offers employees the best dental care in the world. Onsite, nearsite or virtual, we’re always available and always transparent. Preventative oral care that drives cooperation and satisfaction while eliminating costly procedures is always the goal.
Come on over and see what you can save with an early adopter rate.
Sign up and become a partner with Rising Dental Club today!
Too many fee for service dental practices operate like an auto mechanic.
That doesn’t mean they’ll change your engine oil instead of cleaning your teeth…although if there’s a small town where the local dentist-mechanic offers both those services, we’d like to see it. It means that, like an auto mechanic, many dentists hand their patients a long bill of the services they performed after the work is done.
Straightforward enough, right?
But if you think about the last time you had your car worked on, did you only pay for things you expected to when the work began? Or rather, did your bill for parts and labor also come with a dozen smaller fees for materials, replacement fluids, inspections, regulations, and the like?
Even if your mechanic was good and honest, if you’re like us, you did a double take.
Dental practices that run on a Fee-for-Service model handle billing in much the same way. The cost of a crown or a filling comes with a dozen other fees, from supplies and materials to things like X-rays, inspections, tests ordered or prescriptions given. Like a mechanic’s bill, everything is listed separately in one rambling, confusing invoice…and unless they’re in dental school, any patient trying to read it might as well be reading Sanskrit.
But as it turns out, confusion and frustration with billing aren’t the only drawbacks to the Fee-for-service model.
From insurance reimbursements that don’t cover everything on the bill to incentivizing dentists to pack more patients in and rush them through unnecessary tests and procedures, there’s a ton of reasons why more and more people are leaving fee-for-service dentistry… and trying membership-based Direct Dental Care.
Here’s a few of them.
Fee for Service Lacks Accountability
Using the fee-for-service model, hospitals find creative ways to bill patients insane amounts… without letting them know about it.
One example: a college student in Colorado who went to the emergency room for a ruptured ovarian cyst was charged $700 every time a nurse gave her medicine through an IV.
Her grand total?
$19,000.
While advocates of fee-for-service might use eye-popping incidents like this as an argument for traditional insurance, that’s precisely where it gets tricky. Like medical insurance, traditional dental insurance doesn’t always cover everything on the bill.
With costs, regulations, insurance coverage limits, and dental technology all changing rapidly, practices stuck with the fee-for-service model risk charging patients for items that may not be covered.
Intentional or not, a model that obscures treatment costs and leaves patients wondering whether or not everything on the long invoice will be covered is one that lacks accountability.
Fee for Service Discourages Preventative Care
Brushing.
Flossing.
Routine check-ups with a dentist you know and trust.
We all know that optimal oral health is best achieved with minimal, preventative, long-term care.
Unfortunately, the fee-for-service model discourages that.
Instead, dentists paid for services they perform often find their calendars squeezed with too many patients. As far as costs and incentives go, many find their practice tilting toward invasive (yet profitable) dental procedures, along with tests and treatments that patients may not even need.
The incentives, along with the rising costs for everyone involved, are such a huge problem that even dental insurance companies recognize it. But while many companies try to lower costs by bundling procedures together, the overall structure of paying dentists for services they perform remains in place.
Meanwhile, third party control over dental services and their respective fees grows even more complicated, arbitrary, and costly. In the end, the system pressures dentists to cram more patients in, and go right for drastic procedures where they should emphasize long-term prevention.
The biggest loser?
Patients and their teeth.
Fee for Service Gets in the Way
People didn’t always hate going to the dentist.
But in the fee-for-service model, with third party insurance reimbursing those fees, the patient-dentist relationship grew a lot more complicated… and that mental image of the dentist as a mad scientist with a huge, whirring drill grew a lot scarier.
We’re taking some artistic license here.
But even so, it’s a sad, widespread truth that many patients don’t have a close, trusting relationship with their dentist—the one person who can guide them toward best practices for a lifetime of oral health.
Why don’t they?
Along with third party insurance interfering more and more, the fee-for-service emphasis on volume and productivity minimizes the relationship. Where insurance companies, and health care providers like Medicare and Medicaid grow overburdened with fee-for-service costs, limits and restrictions get passed down to the patient.
That can even mean roadblocks for personal visits, routine tests, follow-ups, and the like. On the dentist’s end, the calendar is usually crammed full.
Is it any wonder that patients who are overcharged, deprived of preventative care, and not given enough facetime don’t know or trust their dentist?
Go figure.
Direct Dental Care
What’s the alternative to fee-for-service dental care?
Turns out, it’s something that’s appropriately called Direct Dental Care.
Instead of a long, itemized list of services provided and what they cost, dental patients reap all the benefits of complete, preventative care for a flat, monthly membership fee. With predictable costs, the direct dental care model offers a full spectrum of dental treatment, and without the lack of communication and facetime that strains dentist-patient relationships.
In many cases, direct dental care offers elective and cosmetic services for a straightforward, reduced fee, offering price transparency and accountability.
Most importantly, dentists and patients are incentivized to take the superior, preventative approach together. Rather than working to fill out long invoices with unnecessary services, dentists are free to focus on prevention, holistic treatment, and patient satisfaction.
Better than traditional insurance, and free from the hang-ups of fee-for-service, direct dental care unlocks the service, care, and satisfaction that patients increasingly prefer.
A Better Way is Rising
We dare you to join us.
Leave that list of fees behind and try Rising Dental Club’s superb, affordable, direct dental care. If a flat monthly fee for all your dental needs, and clear, transparent pricing for cosmetic procedures sounds splendid, give our team a call.
Let us count the ways dental insurance is a bad deal.
Or rather, and with a topic this roastable, let’s go with a late night show countdown. Cue the drumroll, and we’ll start at four, counting down to the number one reason why dental insurance is an all-around a bad deal. While we’re at it, we’ll explain how, and why the increasingly popular, membership-based Direct Dental Care beats the old model in every way.
Are you ready?
Here are four of the ten reasons why dental insurance is almost always a bad deal.
Number Four: It’s Not Even Insurance
Not if you think about it.
What is insurance anyway?
It’s money you pay, usually at monthly or annual rate, for someone to take care of you when an accident hits. A fender-bender, a flooded basement, having your identity stolen by teenage hackers in Belarus—something like that. When the unexpected hits, you might even pay a premium… but the reimbursement you receive is enough to cover your unexpected costs, get you back on your feet, and even pay for hospital bills that would otherwise be sky-high. In short, what you receive (or the peace of mind knowing what you will receive) when the unforeseen happens is worth everything you’ve been paying on a regular basis.
Makes sense, right?
But that’s not how insurance in the dental, or even the medical industry works today.
Insurance for dental or medical care used to run on reimbursements. But overtime, third party control, arbitrary coverage limits, and confusing policies warped the trust between patients and practitioners. With their primary source of income being insurance companies rather than patients themselves, hospitals, doctors, and even dentists found incentives to pack schedules, charge additional fees, insist on treatments patients don’t even need, and get creative with their billing.
In short, it became less about covering someone when an illness occurred, and more about third parties and their shareholders regulating access to all care, preventative or otherwise.
The end result of this slide from how actual insurance works?
Dentists getting creative.
Teeth not taken care of.
Patients confused when they pay for costly procedures they don’t even need… from dentists they don’t even know.
Surprise bills—not reimbursements—after the fact.
If we go back to where this misleading model came from, that leads right into our next reason why dental insurance is a pretty bad deal.
Number Three: Dental Insurance is Outdated
Dental Insurance dates back to 1955, but it really took off in the early seventies. While a lot’s changed in fifty years, with technology, tools, dental training, and innovations like 3D imaging transforming dentistry in incredible ways, the insurance model is still the same.
In fact, most plans offer an annual maximum coverage limit of $1,000… (some go up to $2,000 and some hover in between).
Do you know the exact maximum limit offered by one of the first Delta Dental insurance plans in 1970 was $1,000? By and large, the amount hasn’t changed.
Take a bite out of that.
Where the prices of gas, food, rent, and everything else have risen nearly thirty percent since 1970, the amount dental insurance companies will cover for annual dental work hasn’t changed at all.
If all this were some teenage high-school movie, dental insurance might be that grizzled, dinosaur of a tenured science teacher… the one with no cellphone, the same outfit everyday, and old, yellowed projector slides instead of PowerPoint.
But we digress.
Number Two: It Makes for Poor Incentives
Dental insurance is a lucrative business… if you’re a dental insurance company.
Unfortunately, and over time, the incentives of dental care paid for through third party insurance nudged dental practices in a poor direction. No longer paid by individual patients who knew and trusted them, dentists learned to deal with PPO contracts offered by insurance providers; contracts that often changed, confused patients, and required dentists to charge set prices for approved services like crowns or fillings.
In a broad picture, muddied waters.
While the model worked for insurance companies, it drove dentists to one side of the road—finding creative ways to not cover dental problems in the first place—or to the other—prescribing big, costly procedures that insurance contracts would pay for… but that many patients didn’t even need.
The end result?
Dentists incentivized to make the most of insurance contracts, not out of relationships built on routine, preventative care that turns grateful patients into lifelong customers.
Patients who don’t know their dentists, confused and frustrated… strapped with plans and treatment they may not even need.
Surprise fees and annual readjustments that make the jaw drop.
Here it is… the Number One Reason Dental Insurance is a Bad Deal
Are you ready?
It’s not those bills that arrive in the mail. It’s not strict coverage limits, changing policies, and fine-print that would take its own Master’s Degree to understand.
It’s not even that surprise root canal that made your Friday so very colorful.
As plain as day, the number one reason why dental insurance is a bad deal is that it’s imaginary.
That’s right.
Knowing that dental insurance is outdated, knowing that it isn’t really ‘insurance,’ and that it traps dental providers with undesirable incentives, we arrive at a full picture of how the dental insurance model is one big bait and switch.
It’s a system in which people pay insurance companies to pretend to care about their teeth.
We realize that’s a bold claim… and we don’t make it lightly.
But the fact that countless, dedicated dentists and many honest, helpful insurance providers do treat and care about their patients doesn’t offset the built-in dishonesty of the model itself.
First, if dental insurance companies really cared about people’s teeth, they would incentivize dentists to focus on regular, preventative oral care—the kind that makes for satisfied, empowered patients, healthy teeth, few, if any, invasive procedures, and a cooperative, life-long relationship between dentist and patient.
Unfortunately, this isn’t the case… and for most people, having a dental insurance plan doesn’t equate to getting the preventative oral care they really need.
Second, dental insurance plays on the idea of insurance without really stepping up to it. In an article posted in Today’s RDH.com, Dental Hygienist Trish Walvern lays this out:
“If it really paid for them, like insurance is designed to do, it would cover the unexpected problems, especially in emergency situations. Instead, dental insurance gives you just enough coverage to make you feel like it’s a value and scares you into thinking you can’t go to the dentist without it.”
Remember what we mentioned earlier? Most dental insurance plans have a fixed dollar amount of what they’ll cover per year, period.
In most cases, if your teeth need repairs or dental work that exceeds that maximum, you foot the rest of the bill.
Does that sound like insurance? To us, it sounds like a friendly discount… and one that might only shave $1,000 off a $5,000 dental bill in the case of a costly but necessary dental procedure.
Case in point, there’s some sneaky deception at the heart of the promise dental insurance makes to its patients .
With that, and with more and more people waking up to the fact that paying your dentist directly, with a flat monthly membership fee that covers procedures, exams, and all the preventative care you need, is the best deal all around.
Next to dental insurance, direct dental care is a better deal in every way.
And That’s Why It’s Rising
If you’re tired of high premiums, surprise bills, and a dentist that’s hard to even get a hold of, consider Direct Dental Care.
And if you’re in the Phoenix area, give the Rising Dental Club team a call to find out how our excellent care, flat membership fees, and transparent pricing can get your teeth to their healthy, showable, best.
If you type ‘teeth whitening’ into a search bar, you’ll see a ton of options… too many, if you ask us. Between bleaching, take home kits, whitening strips worn at night, and all the way to removing stains with lasers, there’s no shortage of “methods” to brighten those pearly whites.
So people claim. And while everyone promises a whiter smile, when you scroll down to the cost, what you see might blow your hair back.
That’s challenging because as far as looking your best goes, there’s every reason to whiten. Along with straightening, whitening your teeth is the surest, easiest way to get that bright attractive smile. While unfortunately, dental restorations like crowns and fillings can’t be whitened because they don’t bond with the whitening chemicals the same way enamel does, even yellow or stained teeth can become white with repeated treatment.
But with so many options, what’s the best way to do it? Is there a clear winner? Which method works best on stained or yellow teeth that haven’t been white in years?
The answer, like many salient but little-known facts of oral health, will surprise you.
When Best Practice means Best Method
Most of these methods work in the short term… but they’re subpar at best.
The truth is that teeth must be whitened again and again to maintain the best color, and the best way to do it isn’t whitening strips or laser treatment. Cheap, over the counter whitening strips are often expired, and may not even apply the hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide that acts as the whitening agent.
While they might seem fancy or futuristic, whitening treatments involving light or lasers are an expensive gimmick. While they don’t do much to maintain whiteness, they sometimes dry out and damage the enamel.
The best teeth whitening method is to use custom teeth whitening trays made by a dentist, to apply professional grade whitening gel at home. Whitening trays come with virtually no risk, and unlike some dental office treatments, they reduce pain and sensitivity while getting the job done.
How Teeth Whitening Works
At Rising Dental Club, teeth whitening starts with a standard procedure.
At the first visit, members get a 3D scan of their teeth that lets us print a custom, 3D model. Using the model, we fabricate a custom bleaching tray for both jaws and then provide fresh, professional grade gel for home whitening.
At home, members place a tiny amount of whitening gel in the tray, and then wear it for 30-60 minutes every day for a week.
When they visit for a cleaning or a checkup, we top off their whitening gel supply so they can continue whitening at home two to four times a year, and maintain the bright, stainless color they want over the long term.
From our perspective, helping members keep their teeth an optimal white is no cosmetic detail. We find that having whitened, clean-looking teeth gives a huge motivational boost to anyone looking to take their oral health seriously with proactive care.
If teeth look that good, then of course they’re worth maintaining day in, day out.
3d Printing Dental Models for Bleaching Trays
So it Works. But What’s the Cost?
Great question.
With Rising Dental Club, where members pay a flat monthly fee and avoid the hassles of dental insurance, teeth whitening is free.
The custom 3D whitening trays are free.
The professional grade whitening gel is free.
Refills are free as long as they’re with us. Rising Dental Club members get free whitening Gel refills for life at their cleaning appointments.
Where fancy whitening treatments aren’t included on dental insurance plans, they add up quickly… and this can leave patients with the only option of flimsy, over the counter whitening strips.
Getting to use the best teeth whitening method for free is another reason to say farewell to dental insurance, and go with the Direct Dental Care of Rising Dental Club. Our model focuses on prevention, builds strong relationships between dentists and patients, and provides everything patients need with fixed prices and a flat monthly fee.
So if you pay us a visit down in our Gilbert, Arizona office, (we’re opening more branches across the state and across the country, by the way), make sure you ask about free teeth whitening for Rising Dental Club members.
From Teeth Whitening to Overall Experience…
A better way is rising.
With Direct Dental Care that avoids the premiums, hidden costs, and cumbersome billing of traditional dental insurance, oral health includes feeling great about the way your teeth look.
Great question. At Rising Dental Club, we set Invisalign cost at $3,000. No premiums, no hidden fees… and no surprise bills in the mail.
A flat $3,000.
This is less than what many dental offices will charge for braces. It’s also often less than what you’ll fork over with co-pays on a traditional insurance dental plan.
If you’re looking for a flexible, non-visible, and custom solution that will correct an overbite or an underbite, give crowded teeth some breathing room, or just straighten out those pearly whites for a better smile, our flat-fee pricing makes the cost of Invisalign well worth it.
Invisa-what?
Invisalign’s popular, and it’s the premier company for plastic aligners. Over the last few decades, it’s straightened the teeth of over ten million adults and teenagers worldwide.
If you haven’t heard about it, you should probably check it out.
How Invisalign Works
Invisalign treatment takes a digitally engineered approach to straightening teeth. With the precision of plastic molds called aligners that are custom made for each patient’s teeth and worn for around 20 hours a day, Invisalign works with more ease and comfort than traditional metal braces.
As the name implies, they’re clear, custom-fitted and pretty much invisible.
Aside from taking the aligners out for eating and drinking, teens and adults wear them as they go about their day… and with hardly anyone noticing.
The Invisalign Process
It’s pretty cool. And it starts with taking a selfie of that smile.
But not any selfie… first our 3D scanner digitally captures and creates a 3D model of your teeth. Next, we use powerful software to plan precision, clear-looking aligners that will straighten your teeth over the next few months to half a year.
Over the course of your treatment, we’ll see how it’s going with regular check-ups.
When it’s time, and as your teeth start to move and straighten, we’ll swap out one set of clear, transparent aligners for another, until your bite and your smile are transformed.
Does Invisalign Beat Traditional Braces?
We think so. While we offer both, Invisalign brings cosmetic, practical, and comfort level benefits that are hard to ignore.
Let’s count the ways:
-Transparent/cosmetic
-Less discomfort
-Faster treatment times
-Easier to clean
-Less office visits
*And with a direct dental care option of transparent prices and a low monthly membership fee… Invisalign comes with options.
Rising Dental Club’s Invisalign Options
No set of teeth are completely alike. That’s why we offer Invisalign instead of braces… and we don’t charge more for Invisalign.
Where many dental offices and traditional insurance plans only offer Invisalign as a premium over braces, we think Invisalign cost should be affordable for everybody.
At Rising Dental Club, you can also get Invisalign treatment for the bottom teeth only, making your treatment even more invisible.
Because the customizable treatment should come with customizable pricing… which you can’t get with dental insurance
That’s right. With our low monthly membership fee, you can get the best teeth-straightening product and service for half the price.
When It Comes to Your Teeth, Don’t DIY
There’s other clear aligner companies that take a DIY approach. But make no mistake—Invisalign remains the gold standard; the premier clear aligner company.
That’s because DIY companies don’t have the software power and data history of Invisalign to guide the process.
Another problem is that DIY companies who promise straightened teeth can’t always deliver because they don’t have a dental provider actively guiding your treatment. In fact, most don’t even have a dental provider involved.
This means that DIY companies can’t use vital, dentist-driven parts of the clear aligner process. With little accountability, no routine check-ups, and important pieces missing, the approach can lead to poor outcomes.
No bueno for teeth that should be straight.
Offering affordable Invisalign cost to the Gilbert, Arizona Community
In the greater Phoenix area, a better way is rising.
With Direct Dental Care that blows way past the premiums, hidden costs, and cumbersome billing of traditional dental insurance, we’re all about getting patients the preventative treatment, and the dentist relationship they need for optimal oral health.
Honesty’s great. Transparency? Even better. But when it comes to the dental insurance model that 64 percent of Americans use, honesty and price transparency evaporate quickly. While dental insurance models like PPO’s and HMO’s are billed as a way to reduce the cost of dental care while protecting against the unknown, the fact is they’re cumbersome. For dental offices, they’re difficult to administer.
For dentists—who are only paid when there’s work to be done, and incentivized to offer aggressive, rather than minimal and preventative treatment to more and more patients—it’s a strain on everything. For patients, it’s even worse. Dental insurance models obscure actual costs, making it impossible to predict how much you’’ll be paying for treatment.
With traditional dental insurance, it’s easy to get caught off guard with:
High co-pays
Coverage limits that don’t cover preventative services
“Balanced” bills that surprise you in your mailbox
High-cost “Fees for Service”
Recommendations for aggressive treatment you didn’t want in the first place
In other words, and to quote Forrest Gump over a box of chocolates… you never know what you’re gonna get. That’s not how dental care should operate.
The Starting Point for Price Transparency
With all the loopholes, and with the cost of dental insurance rising annually, it’s no wonder that families are finding dental care confusing, unpredictable, and hard to budget for. A better place to start would be dental care that comes with transparent costs and prices.
What you see should be exactly what you get. But unfortunately, a system that only pays dentists on commission can’t accomplish that. Not when high-costs, interfering limitations, and all-around frustration gets passed on to the patient. And not when unpredictable costs hurt an otherwise healthy, conducive dentist-patient relationship that should be focused on preventative care.
Enter Direct Dental Care
Building on price transparency, a better way is Rising.
Unlike dental insurance, which drives up cost and keeps things as hidden and messy as possible, Direct Dental Care is all about simplifying the bottom line. Transparent prices for dental service gives you autonomy, better access to your dentist, and ultimately, savings.
On top of that, direct care doesn’t require insurance. Even if you don’t have an insurance plan, an affordable monthly fee covers all your dental needs, from preventative care and routine check-ups to major dental work. Price transparency means you’re dentist won’t be trying to ‘upsell’ you on:
Fluoride treatment
X-rays
Sealants
Laser treatments
Upgrades
If you need it for oral health, it’s included in your membership… and at a cost you’ll know about, long before you walk through the door.
Transparency Builds Trust
It’s hard to trust someone that you just met… especially when they’re telling you that you have a problem you didn’t know you had, or that your last dentist never mentioned.
In Direct Dental Care, providers work first and foremost to earn your trust. We’re not paid on how many procedures we give, so we work to educate you on the current and future health of your mouth. There’s no cop-pay. No jaw-dropping service cost you didn’t know about. If a procedure is unnecessary, we won’t push it on you… and a week later, you won’t find some surprise bill in your mailbox.
In the insurance model, you’re expendable… one of a dozen patients crowded into a network and crammed in a dentist’s busy schedule. Not the best recipe for building trust.
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