Concerns over dental insurer’s acquisition of dental practices

« Back to Dental

Delta Dental of Wisconsin's acquisition of Cherry Tree Dental, which operates 31 clinics, has raised concerns among local dentists and the American Dental Association (ADA). The ADA fears that patient care options may be limited to cost-effective choices favored by the insurer rather than the best options for oral health. "The health interests of patients are best protected when dental practices are owned and controlled by a dentist licensed in the jurisdiction," the ADA said. Jed Roher, chief legal officer for Delta Dental, assured that firewalls will separate the insurance and clinical sides of the business, saying: "There's no negative impact to patient care." The acquisition aims to enhance access to dental care in rural areas facing dentist shortages. Roher noted that this dual role of insurer and provider is relatively new in dentistry, although common in other healthcare sectors.


Read more here.