How Dentistry’s Hot Topics Impact Your Future Dr. William Calnon, president, American Dental Association

...Professional issues that will impact YOUR future

“ The temptation to form premature theories upon insufficient data is the bane of our profession” -Sherlock Holmes

SYR ND

A Profession in Transition Key Forces Reshaping the Dental Profession

The Health Policy Resource Center (HPRC) Courtesy of Dr. Marko Vujicic

So, lets summarize…..  Utilization of dental care among adults has declined  Trend began before the recent economic downturn

 Dental benefits coverage for adults has steadily eroded in the past decade  True especially among young adults and the poor

 Total dental spending slowed considerably in the early 2000’s and has been flat since 2008  Public financing accounts for an increasing share  Expected to remain flat  “New normal”

 Average net income of dentists declined since the mid 2000’s  Held steady since 2009  2 of 5 dentists say “I could see more patients”  Trend began before recent economic downturn

 Trend towards larger, consolidated multi-site practices will continue  Affordable Care Act (ACA) will expand dental benefits for children but not adults

 On the care delivery side, there will be pressure to increase value and reduce cost from all payors…government, employers and individuals.  Driven by a shift toward value based payments both within the public and private sectors

 Commercial plans will increasingly use more selective networks and demand increasing accountability and performance measures  New wave of health care consumerism among the population  Pressure to decrease costs will drive innovation

Critical Moment for Dentistry  A time for our profession to define its destiny  Not a time for complacency  Understanding the forces at work will assist in defining our destiny  Ignoring what is happening is not an option

So…what does this all mean?

MUST BE DIFFERENT YOU

GOAL 1 of the ADA Strategic Plan To provide support to dentists so they may succeed and excel throughout their careers.

Success.ada.org

 Associateship interview questions  Tips for buying a practice  Practice alternatives evaluation  Contract analysis

 Dental Benefits  Facilities planning/management  Practice systems & procedures  Attracting & retaining patients

Continuing Education  ADA CE online  In person ADA Kellogg Executive Management Program University of Florida College of Dentistry Executive Practice Management Certificate

From my experience  Highest quality of care  Fair fees  Exceptional patient education  Community involvement

 Active professional involvement  Top notch customer service  Internal referral base

“If you love what you do….. you’ll never work a day in your life”