Dental insurance networks are shifting and many dentists are reconsidering their participation. If you’re wondering why more of your colleagues are dropping insurance plans like Delta Dental, you’re not alone. Understanding these trends can help you make smarter decisions for your practice and patients in 2025.
At DenScore, we’re helping dentists regain control and attract more patients without relying solely on insurance networks. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Nearly 25% of Dentists Plan to Leave Their Primary Insurance Networks in 2025
According to recent industry surveys, about one in four dentists nationwide plan to leave major insurance networks within the next year. The main reasons? Low reimbursement rates and increasing administrative burdens. This shift signals a growing dissatisfaction with traditional dental insurance that directly impacts patient access and dentist profitability.
2. Average Reimbursement Rates Have Stagnated or Declined Despite Rising Costs
Many insurance plans, including large networks like Delta Dental, have kept reimbursement rates flat or even reduced them by up to 10% in some markets since 2008. Meanwhile, dental practice costs such as materials, labor, and regulatory compliance have increased by approximately 30% over the same period. This squeeze forces dentists to either absorb financial losses or limit treatment options based on insurance participation, often to the detriment of the patient.
3. Patients Enrolled in Insured Plans Are More Likely to Delay or Avoid Care
In 2024, an ADA survey found that 26.1% of dentists had already dropped some insurance networks and another 22.6% expected to do so later in the year, and many of the frustations pointed to claim denials, untimely payments and insurers’ practices of bundling procedures or down-coding legitimate treatments. For example, reimbursing a tooth-colored composite filling at the lower rate of a silver amalgam, or bundling two separate fillings on tooth #21 (facial and lingual surfaces) into a single “21-FL” code is viewed as unfair by most dentists and leaves them underpaid for legitimate procedures, driving many to leave insurance networks altogether.
4. Patients Enrolled in Insured Plans Are More Likely to Delay or Avoid Care
According to a recent survey, nearly 40% of patients with dental insurance delay or avoid treatment due to coverage limitations such as low annual maximums (often under $1,500) and waiting periods averaging 6 to 12 months for major procedures. This leads to higher patient churn rates and increased empty chairtime, consequently reducing practice revenue and growth opportunities.
What This Means for Your Practice in 2025
If you’re feeling squeezed by insurance plans, you’re not alone. But there’s a better way to connect with patients and grow your practice without relying solely on traditional insurance networks.
How DenScore Can Help You Thrive Beyond Insurance Networks
DenScore offers innovative digital solutions designed to boost your visibility and attract high-quality patients actively searching for dental care. Here’s how:
- Rank #1 in Local “Best Dentist” Listings: Our SEO-powered listings appear on Google in over 2,500 cities, putting your practice front and center when patients are ready to book.
- Attract Patients Who Value Quality Over Cost: We help you showcase your skills and reputation to attract patients who want the best care, not just the cheapest plan.
- Avoid Risky Pay-Per-Lead Models: Instead of paying per click or per lead, DenScore offers affordable flat-rate listings that deliver measurable ROI.
- Improve Patient Retention: By helping patients find you more easily and understand their treatment options, DenScore supports better patient engagement and loyalty.
Ready to Take Control of Your Practice Growth?
Don’t let low reimbursements and insurance frustrations limit your potential. Join the growing number of dentists leveraging DenScore to attract patients and increase profitability on their own terms.
Also, If you have recently left an insurance network or are planning to and are concerned about losing patients, reach out to the DntlDirect team to learn how they partner with local employers to connect their employees with top dentists in the community.
