On this episode of NextGenDDS, hosts Wes Lyon and Dr. Scott Menaker explore the critical realm of dental insurance and reimbursement, emphasizing its essential role for new practitioners. Wes underscores the necessity of grasping the fundamentals of dental insurance before entering practice, particularly how reimbursement dynamics influence associate contracts and revenue streams. Dr. Menaker offers a historical lens on the evolution of dental insurance since the 1970s, highlighting a substantial decrease in coverage that today affects practitioners' financial perceptions. Together, they dive into the complexities of working with various insurance networks, especially Delta Dental, and stress the importance of managing patient expectations to enhance satisfaction. Dr. Menaker's personal story underscores the value of transparency in cost communication. The discussion extends to overarching themes of practice management, advocating for new dentists to create a strong value perception in care to justify pricing in a competitive market. As the episode concludes, the hosts empower listeners to take command of their insurance knowledge and patient experience, setting the stage for future talks on personal branding and effective marketing strategies.

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Listen to our sister show, Drilling It Down! Listen as our expert advisors break down pertinent business topics for dentists and specialists, including investment commentary, reaching financial independence, and how to run an efficient practice.