Going out of network is a dream for many dentists. At a recent CE course, I spoke with residents who all shared this vision: "The dream is to have a practice that is FFS."
I told them what I'll share with your now––it is possible. But, success requires a strategic plan, a well-prepared team, and a commitment to delivering an exceptional patient experience. It's natrual to feel apprehensive about dropping PPOs, but I can confidently say that we've never had a client regret making the shift.
In fact, the most common thing we hear is: "I wish I had done this sooner!" This month's Coach's Corner features success stories, tips, and resources to help those considering the shift. Whether you're exploring or preparing, we hope to inspire and support you.
Insight of the Month: Going Out of Network
you Whether you're dropping a few PPOs or transitioning fully to fee-for-service, preparation is key. The biggest mistake? Dropping plans too quickly without a clear strategy.
Your team must be fulling prepared to handle patient conversations with confidence. Patients will have questions, and how your team contribues with confidence. Patients will have questions, and how your team communicates the change will directly impact retention. Equally important is setting expectations with patients––helping them understand the value of staying with your practice beyond insurance coverage.
Before making any changes, ensure your team is aligned, your messaging is clear, and your patient experience is stronger than ever. Planning ahead will set you up for a smoother transition and long-term success.
Success Story - Transforming Practices
When Angie Ridgely dropped Delta Dental, she worried about losing patients and declining collections—even considering going back in-network.
Our advice? "No—don’t do it! We can help." Over the past 12 months, we worked closely with Angie and her team to strengthen their fee-for-service model.
We helped implement flexible payment options through third-party financing, trained the team on handling new patient calls with confidence, and introduced our Case Agreement system to improve scheduling.
The results? A stronger patient base, a more productive schedule, and renewed confidence in her decision to leave Delta.
"Coaching helped us communicate better with patients, create urgency, and fill our schedule. It’s personalized, not a one-size-fits-all approach." – Angie Ridgely
➡️ Watch Angie’s full testimonial here.
Tip of the Month
Reducing PPO dependence starts with understanding the numbers. A strategic approach will help you decide which plans to drop first with minimal disruption.
- Assess Your Adjustments: Look at the write-off percentages for major procedures like crowns, fillings, and preventive care.
- Analyze Patient Impact: Run a report to see how many patients are on each plan. Dropping a plan with fewer patients may have minimal impact.
- Get Team Input: Ask your insurance coordinator which PPOs are the most difficult to work with. If a plan causes frequent delays or denials, it might be an easy one to eliminate.
- Check Your Referral Report: Where are your new patients coming from?
If they’re coming through referrals or word-of-mouth rather than insurance lists, you may have more flexibility to go out of network. Taking a strategic approach ensures a smoother transition with less disruption to your practice.
Resources
Clear, confident communication is key when informing patients about your transition away from Delta Dental.
To help, we've created a customizable scripting guide for your team. This resource provides structured, patient-friendly messaging to ensure consistency and clarity in every conversation.
Use this script as a starting point and tailor it to fit your office's unique approach. A well-prepared team will help patients feel informed and confident in their decision to stay with your practice.
Did You Know?
The average PPO write-off ranges from 30% to 50%, depending on the insurance company, fee schedule, and location. That means for every $100 in treatment, you may only collect $50–$70. More dentists are reevaluating their PPO participation.
Last year, 27% of dentists indicated they had or were considering dropping some insurance networks (Becker’s Dental). This growing trend highlights a shift toward greater financial independence in dentistry. Is it time to reassess your PPO contracts? The numbers suggest it might be.
Reducing PPO dependence starts with a plan. Understanding your write-offs, assessing patient impact, and preparing your team are all key to a smooth transition. As we've seen with practices like Village Smile Care, the right strategy makes all the difference.
If you're unsure where to start, we're here to help. Let's review your current PPO plans, analyze adjustments, and explore ways to reduce reliance on insurance while increasing profitability.
Schedule a call today to take control of your practice's financial future.
Thank you for being a valuable part of the Dental Coaches community.
All my best,
Susan
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