Millions of families and individuals are opting for dental benefit plans, opening the door to a broader patient base for your practice.
Each year, individuals and families who don’t have employer-sponsored insurance can sign up for public health insurance, including medical and dental coverage, for the upcoming year. This happens during Open Enrollment, which runs from November 1st to January 15th on online healthcare marketplaces. Depending on where you live, you might use your state’s own marketplace or the federal one.
The number of people enrolled in public insurance is massive. In 2023, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services reported that 21.3 million individuals signed up for health insurance coverage. This represents a significant pool of potential patients for your practice.
As a dental provider, you have a fantastic opportunity to grow your patient base during Open Enrollment season. With more people gaining insurance, there's a higher likelihood they'll be searching for a participating dentist. This period is also an excellent time to reassess your practice, from your physical office setup to your policies, ensuring your practice is as welcoming as possible for new patients.
Keep reading to learn about all the benefits that come along with Open Enrollment for your dental practice.
Key Takeaways:
- More people enrolled in dental coverage means an increase in people seeking dental care
- Having patients with insurance can lead to more predictable and stable revenue
- Dental plans focus on preventive care, which can lead to more appointments for check-ups and cleanings
- Patients with dental insurance are more likely to accept recommended treatments
- Access to dental insurance can improve the health of people in your community
- You can earn free marketing and exposure by accepting insurance at your practice
- Use Open Enrollment season to ramp up the marketing efforts for your practice
A Steady Flow of Patients
When more individuals sign up for health insurance plans that include dental coverage, your practice could see a rise in new patients seeking dental care. This is particularly beneficial for those who previously lacked dental insurance and might have postponed essential treatments.
Consistent Payments
When more patients have insurance, dentists can enjoy a more predictable and stable income. Insurance payments can reduce the risk of non-payment or delayed payment from patients, providing peace of mind and financial stability.
Benefit from Preventive Care
Many dental insurance plans prioritize preventive care, encouraging patients to schedule regular check-ups and cleanings. This not only keeps your patients' smiles healthy but also ensures a consistent flow of appointments for your practice.
Higher Treatment Acceptance
Patients with dental insurance are more inclined to follow through with recommended treatments since their out-of-pocket expenses are lower. This results in more thorough care for them and increased revenue for your practice.
Play a Role in Community Health
Increased access to dental care through insurance can improve the health of people in your community, reducing the prevalence of untreated dental issues and promoting better overall health outcomes.
Free Marketing for Your Practice
When you choose to be a participating provider with dental insurance, your practice gains more visibility. You'll benefit from free promotion on the dental insurance website, making it easier for potential patients to find you when they search for in-network dentists in your area.
How to Promote Your Practice During Open Enrollment
With more attention on medical and dental insurance, now is the perfect time to boost your marketing efforts. Here are some effective ways to promote your practice during Open Enrollment:
- Enhance Your Online Presence: Make sure your practice’s website is easy to navigate and clearly outlines your services and the insurance plans you accept. Utilize search engine optimization (SEO) to help people find your practice when they search for dental services online.
- Engage on Social Media: Use your social media profiles to post about the importance of dental health and how your services can help. Share any special offers available during Open Enrollment, and make sure to respond to questions and interact with your followers.
- Introduce Special Promotions: Offer limited-time discounts or special perks for patients who visit your practice during Open Enrollment. If you have a membership program, this is a great time to promote it.
- Run Targeted Ads: Use targeted advertising on social media and search engines like Google to reach people actively looking for dental insurance and dental services. Don't forget local advertising channels like newspapers, radio, or community bulletin boards.
- Encourage Patient Referrals: Motivate your current patients to refer friends and family by offering incentives, such as discounts on future services.
- Get Involved in the Community: Participate in or sponsor local health fairs and community events to raise your profile and connect with potential new patients.
By combining these strategies, dentists can effectively attract more patients during the Open Enrollment period.
We hope these insights have sparked some great ideas on how to elevate your practice during this Open Enrollment season. Every effort you make, no matter how minor it may seem, contributes to your overall success.
Solstice Providers are part of something BIGGER. Join us on our mission to bring brighter moments to more patients. Reach out today for more information or to get started!
Want to join the Solstice network? Connect with our dedicated provider relations team for more information about joining our network. You can call 1.877.760.2247 or email providerrelations@solsticebenefits.com.
Already in the Solstice network? Search to see if you're part of the Solstice dental PPO or HMO network. You can also go to https://www.mysolstice.net/ or call us at 1.877.760.2247.
