Paradox = conflicting or contradictory trends.
So what might be the paradox in dental services?
On the one hand we have this movement to cosmetic care. A recent survey conducted by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry says that more and more dental practices are conducting this kind of care. 74% of respondents said they do bonding, 58% do whitening frequently, 54% do veneers. Respondents averaged 109 bleaching/whitening procedures per year at an average cost of $357.
On the other hand, the ADA reports dental incomes continue to decline because of empty waiting rooms, and there are frequent stories in the newspaper that the aging community can’t afford to go to the dentist.
So let’s ask the question: what came first? The emphasis on cosmetics, or the emptying-out of the waiting rooms?
And then let’s ask the the really tough question: can dentistry afford to gravitate to a niche part of the demand for dental services (cosmetics account for less than 10% of preferences in waiting room surveys), at the expense of ignoring what the majority in the community need and want — affordable preventive care?
The ADA is producing videos and articles which say that the dental profession is in transition. That the current model of care is broken because dental incomes are down and the community is on strike against the cost of dental services.
This is true. But the ADA doesn’t say where the profession is going in its transition, and that there is a paradox in what the profession is now offering and what the community is wanting.
From my perch, there is enormous pent-up demand for more affordable preventive dental care. And the reality is that if a dental practice is doing 109 whitening procedures per year, they could do many times that in preventive procedures with Prevora, and get the referrals which every dental practices needs and wants today.
For more information, please visit: http://partnersinprevention.ca/the-emerging-paradox-in-dental-care/.
By: Ross Perry
SOURCED: Partners In Prevention – www.partnersinprevention.ca.
