Matt Hadman, head of dental groups at Patient Plan Direct, shares his insights on why dental groups should rethink their approach to dental plan management.
With experience in managing a five-surgery practice and seven years working for two major dental plan providers, Matt highlights how consolidating dental plans under a single provider can deliver substantial benefits that extend beyond cost savings.
Patient drop-off myth
A common concern among dental group decision-makers is the potential loss of patients when transitioning to a single dental plan provider.
However, this concern is largely unfounded. Our data shows no significant patient drop-off when dental groups consolidate their plans to a single provider, and this is when transferring tens of thousands of patient records. In fact, evidence from our group consolidation activities over the past three years shows a patient retention rate average of 98% – far higher than decision-makers typically anticipate.
Any drop-off that does occur aligns with the natural month-to-month attrition rate. However, to close the gap, we consistently drive growth in patient numbers within the first six months of switching from one provider to Patient Plan Direct, which is achieved through our comprehensive training programs. We equip practice teams to effectively and confidently communicate the new plan benefits to new (and existing) patients, resulting in a healthy increase in plan patients.
If a minor decrease in plan patients post-consolidation still raises concerns for a dental group decision-maker, consider this: the group’s cost savings from consolidation can be significant, often reaching six figures. For those aiming to streamline operations and maximise profitability, consolidating dental plans is a strategic choice worth exploring.
Case study of group switching to Patient Plan Direct
A unified overview of the group estate
Another major advantage of consolidating to a single provider is gaining an overview of the entire practice estate. Imagine having access to an online portal with a single login that benefits everyone—from accounts and directors to heads of departments and the teams on the ground.
Instead of repeatedly requesting data from multiple dental plan providers, the information you need is now at your fingertips. You can access information on regional growth, track performance and quickly access other critical insights with just a few clicks, saving time and making informed decisions more quickly. This level of control and transparency is invaluable for driving operational efficiency group-wide.
Simplified patient sign-up
The patient sign-up process is another area where consolidation with Patient Plan Direct shines. Our plans automatically include patients in our discretionary Global Dental A&E Scheme, which offers assistance for dental accidents, out-of-hours care, away-from-home cover, oral mouth cancer diagnosis and more. Patients are treated fairly and equally, without the confusion of opting in or out of separate insurance schemes—a common issue with other providers. This clarity makes it easier for staff to present the benefits to patients without navigating complex explanations, leading to increased dental plan uptake.
Personalised support for every practice
At Patient Plan Direct, we take pride in offering exceptional client service that supports dental groups from the top down. We recognise that individual practices may face unique challenges even within a large group. That’s why we offer tailored support, whether it’s through in-practice visits, virtual meetings, or phone assistance.
Our dedicated dental group support team ensures that every practice, no matter its needs, receives the attention and guidance required to achieve a smooth onboarding process. The client services team is also highly responsive, with the average wait time for any query being handled in minutes rather than days, as the case may be with other providers.
Explore plan consolidation (with no obligation)
To explore how consolidation could benefit your organisation, get in touch today. Let me emphasise – there is no obligation to partner with us. We’ll provide you with the information you need to build a solid business case for consolidation, and the way you move the group forward is at your discretion. But we’re here to set your dental group on a path to growth and greater success.
Find out more about Patient Plan Direct.
This article is sponsored by Patient Plan Direct.
