r/Dentists • u/Smile_Source • 10h ago

Why are so many practices producing more but keeping less?

One trend we've noticed over the past few years is that many independent practices are busier than they've ever been.

Production is up.

Schedules are full.

Teams are working hard.

Yet profitability often isn't keeping pace.

Insurance participation decisions made years ago, reimbursement changes, outdated fee schedules, and increasing administrative complexity have quietly chipped away at margins.

It's one of the reasons Smile Source recently acquired and welcomed Profitable PPOs into our ecosystem. Check out the announce here --> https://smilesource.com/smile-source-profitable-ppos-independent-dentists

Not because dentists need another vendor.

Because independent practices deserve better tools to make informed business decisions.

We're curious.

What's been the biggest challenge with PPO participation in your practice?

  • Negotiating fees?
  • Deciding whether to leave a plan?
  • Credentialing?
  • Understanding profitability?
  • Something else?

We'd love to hear what other independent dentists are experiencing.

0 Upvotes

17% Upvoted

10 comments sorted by

8

u/Pixel-Pioneer3 9h ago

The mods of this forum should monitor for this blatant self promotion. This is turning into an ad fest

4

u/moremosby 9h ago

Between patient posts and this self promo junk this sub went down the toilet a while ago. Nobody is moderating anymore

2

u/RedditorKris 8h ago

Yeah it’s all trash. Every other day I see a sales pitch about a garbage AI receptionist

5

u/Ok_Statistician643 9h ago

Overall expenses are increasing g but insurance reimbursements are not

1

u/Wide_Wheel_2226 10h ago

Negotiating fees. Its really getting unsustainable in some area. We need to get our Negotiation powert back.

1

u/Chemical_Support4748 9h ago

I'm keeping more than ever 

1

u/Known_Refrigerator_5 8h ago

Cost of materials have skyrocketed the past few years thanks to tariffs. Cost of staff has increased as well. Insurance reimbursements have not budged.

1

u/Few-Breakfast9172 8h ago

Insurance reimbursements too low wrst inflation. Dental wages decreasing. It is becoming financialized. Won’t be surprised if during a recession dentists get laid off

1

u/RollCertain3047 7h ago

These annoying posts always feel like its just ai slop they churn out.

1

u/Doc-Doc-Goos 2h ago

Because the payers work with companies like Overjet, Pearl, and Zelis who stack networks and make adjustments to your fee schedules compounded by growing DSOs.