I have quite a few clients that are dentists. One of the things that I’ve noticed over the years is that dentists seem to have a notably different view of capital investment than do medical doctors (I’ve had a number of those as clients, too) and, generally speaking, seem to be better managers than medical doctors are. Think of that when you read this article at Wired about dentistry moving into the future.
Agreeably, dentists have grabbed at the opportunity to cut overhead by doing everything themselves and going electronic (x-rays,charting) . But many dentists’ workdays are pretty repetitious. However, a new model of medical practice is emerging where advance appointments are being eliminated and offices just do walk-ins. Also, everthing is electronic and patients can communicate via email to cut overhead costs. It is called the Medical Home.
Dentists who really want to move into the future should start posting their prices for all procedures, grant cash-discounts to cash-paying customers, and stop asking “do you have insurance” as their first question.
In the meantime, the future of dentistry is still in Mexico and other places where dentists don’t yet shill for the insurance industry.