How One Practice Grew After Leaving Delta Dental

Leaving a major PPO plan can feel intimidating.

For many dentists, the fear is not only about making the decision. It is also about what happens after the decision has been made.

Will patients stay?
Will new patients still schedule?
Will the team know how to talk about being out of network?
Will the practice continue to grow?

Dr. Angie Ridgely had already left Delta Dental when we began working together. Our support focused on what came next: strengthening the patient experience, improving growth opportunities, and helping her team convert more new patient calls with confidence and care.

Her story is a great reminder that reducing PPO dependence is not only about leaving a plan. It is also about making sure the practice is ready to grow on the other side.

Growth After PPO Changes Requires Intention

Once you are out of network with a plan, your systems and communication matter even more.

You need a strong patient experience.
You need a team that knows how to connect with patients.
You need a process for handling insurance questions honestly and confidently.
You need a plan for converting new patient opportunities.

That is where a personalized approach makes a difference.

Every practice is different. Your patient base, team dynamics, marketing, schedule, and goals all shape what your next steps should look like.

Your Team’s Phone Conversations Matter

One of the biggest opportunities after a PPO change is how your team talks with new patients on the phone.

When a patient asks, “Do you take my insurance?” or “Are you in network with Delta?” it can be tempting for the team to answer quickly and move on.

But when that happens, the practice may lose the patient before learning anything about what they need, what they value, or why they are calling.

That conversation needs to be handled with care.

Your team needs to connect with the person on the phone, ask thoughtful questions, and truthfully explain how your practice works with their plan.

Patients Often Need Help Understanding Their Benefits

Many patients do not fully understand how dental insurance works.

Some have never had dental benefits before. Some recently changed plans. Others assume that being out of network means they cannot come to your practice.

Your team needs to be able to explain benefits in a way that is honest, calm, and easy to understand.

The goal is to help patients feel confident that your practice can take great care of them and provide a positive experience when they come in.

Confidence Comes From Training

These conversations are not always easy.

That is why team training is so important.

When your team has the right language, the right process, and a clear understanding of how to guide patients, challenging conversations become much easier.

And when patients feel heard, valued, and cared for from the first phone call, they are more likely to continue the conversation and schedule.

Patient Experience Supports Growth

Being out of network means patients need to clearly understand why they should choose your practice.

That answer comes through in every touchpoint.

It is how the phone is answered.
It is how questions are handled.
It is how financial options are explained.
It is how the team makes patients feel welcome, important, and valued.

A great patient experience helps support trust, loyalty, and growth.

Ready to Strengthen What Comes Next?

If you have already left a PPO plan, or you are thinking about reducing your dependence on one, the next step is making sure your team and systems are ready.

You do not need a one-size-fits-all solution. You need a strategy built around your practice, your patients, and your goals.

Schedule a call with me, and let’s talk about how to strengthen your patient experience, improve new patient conversion, and support growth after PPO changes.

Click here to schedule a call with me, and let’s talk about what your custom transition could look like.