Becker's Dental + DSO Review

10 BECKER'S DENTAL + DSO REVIEW // VOL. 2022 NO. 3 DENTAL PROFESSIONALS Payer reimbursements stagnant for nearly 60% of dentists despite rising costs By Ariana Portalatin I nsurance reimbursement rates have remained stagnant for dentists this year despite rising operating costs, according to an August poll by the American Dental Association's Health Policy Institute. The poll was taken as part of the ADA's monthly "Economic Outlook and Emerging Issues in Dentistry" report. The HPI surveyed about 1,200 dentists on their operating expenses, according to a Sept. 8 news release. The poll reported on the percentage of dentists who experienced a rise in cost in six areas, including supplies, staff wages, lab fees, personal protective equipment, equipment and rent or mortgage. More than 42 percent of dentists said the cost of supplies and materials rose by 11 percent to 20 percent, while 44 percent said staff wages increased by 1 percent to 10 percent. The ADA said its poll shows the insurance industry has yet to respond to the increased costs. Nearly 60 percent of dentists said in the poll that rates have remained stagnant, 25 percent indicated their rates have decreased and 7 percent of dentists reported an increase in insurance reimbursements in the last year. n 5 numbers making the dental industry nervous By Riz Hatton H ere are five stats — as reported by Becker's in 2022 — that could lead to future road- blocks in the dental industry: 11 percent: Eleven percent of dentists plan to retire in the next two years. 73 percent: The percentage of dentists who own practices fell to 73 percent in 2021 from 84.7 percent in 2005, according to the American Dental Association. 1.8 percent: The industry average level of overall satisfaction regarding dental plans has dropped 1.8 percent from 2021, according to the "J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Dental Plan Satisfaction Study." 74.3 percent: According to a survey conducted the week of May 16 by the American Dental Association, 39.8 percent of dental professionals said they were actively recruiting hygienists. Also, 74.3 percent said the recruiting process was "extremely challenging." 18.7 percent: The number of dental assisting graduates dropped 18.7 percent over five years, according to the American Dental Association's "Dental Education Program Enrollment and Graduates Report: 2021-22." n 10 states where dental employers may struggle with hiring By Riz Hatton The dental industry is facing recruitment challenges, but recruiters in some states may find it harder than others to find staff. Each month, the American Dental Association conducts its "Economic Outlook and Emerging Issues" poll. In June, the poll found that 38 percent of dentists were recruiting dental hygienists, 39 percent were recruiting dental assistants, 30 percent were recruiting other dentists and 14 percent were recruiting administrative staff. Most dentists (72 percent to 94 percent) reported recruiting for each position to be "very" or "extremely" challenging. On June 29, personal finance website WalletHub assessed each state and Washington, D.C., to see where employers are struggling the most with hiring. It compared each state's job opening rate from the latest month with their respective job opening rates from the last 12 months. Here are the 10 states where employers are struggling the most with hiring, according to WalletHub: 1. Alaska 2. Kentucky 3. Georgia 4. Montana 5. Iowa 6. West Virginia 7. South Carolina 8. Illinois 9. Minnesota 10. Vermont n

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