Why the Traditional Method of Running an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Practice is no Longer Effective and Competitive When it Comes to Dental Implant Services

Baby Boomers’ Reaction Toward Full Arch Therapies:

One of the biggest questions for oral surgeons is why the number of rejections for full arch implant treatment plan in a traditional oral surgery practice is higher compared to corporate dentistry. In order to find out the answer to this question it is important to understand the patient demographic.

Patients who choose to make an appointment for a large elective procedure such as full arch implant supported prosthesis:

• These patients make informed decisions based on their experience, referrals, and background research
• Potential candidates for full arch therapy go on the internet for information and choose the most qualified surgeon/treatment facility to seek treatment
• The patient acts as the boss and the surgeon is in the “job interview”; the patient makes the decision to “hire the surgeon”
• They realize there are numerous options available to them

• They can go choose the oral surgeon, periodontist, implantologist (general dentist who performs implant surgery), or a corporate multi-specialty location
• There are more treatment options available

• Immediate treatment option vs. traditional delayed option

• The convenient full service option (corporate model: surgical, prosthetic and lab services under one roof) versus the inconvenient referral based business model where the patient has to travel from the oral surgery practice to the restorative dentist practice

Changes in Implant Service Providers Landscape:

As mentioned earlier, in the past, oral surgeons used to compete with other oral surgeons and periodontists only. However, the new landscape in implant dentistry has involved bigger competitors.

• Significantly larger numbers of restorative dentists who are performing implant surgeries
• Corporate dentistry, which has significantly bigger financial resources, organizational skills, and human resources to grow their business and outcompete oral surgeons

With these evolving changes in implant dentistry, oral surgery practices are continually challenged to be as safe, affordable, thorough, efficient, and cost-effective as possible. Adding to this burden, practices are facing rising costs, declining reimbursements, and more paperwork than ever before with increased regulations. With all of these hurdles, oral surgery practices all over the country are being forced to do more with less. As a clinician, you may be asking yourself how you can possibly meet these demands

SROMS

5

Volume 22.6