The Dental industry is currently facing growing challenges amid economic uncertainties. From managing rising overhead costs to retaining staff, to the strain of patient affordability, the financial pressures are undeniable.

Neil Parikh, DDS, Director of Friend Health Community Clinic in Chicago, is adapting to these daily challenges with a forward-thinking approach. By prioritizing preventative care, offering flexible treatment options, and integrating cost-effective innovations like the OMNICHROMA Family composites, Dr. Parikh and his team are helping patients prioritize their oral health and continue to deliver high-quality care while maintaining financial stability.

Due to the current economic climate, what are some of the stresses and hardships of dental care?

As the dental director here at Friend Health, there are additional roles outside of patient care for which I am responsible. Working closely with the finance department, we use historical and predictive data to formulate budgets for our department. Due to the current economic climate, our health center is always looking for ways to lower the cost of supplies as other costs rise. Other hardships include increased overhead. The cost of mostly everything has increased, but reimbursements have not. Utility costs, staffing, and compliance expenses have risen, requiring budget adjustments.

One of the primary hardships we face is the increase in overhead costs. Nearly every aspect of running a dental practice—utilities, staffing, compliance expenses, and supplies—has become more expensive, yet reimbursement rates have remained stagnant. This financial strain requires constant budget adjustments to maintain quality patient care while ensuring the sustainability of the clinic.

From a patient care perspective, we are seeing a shift in treatment trends. Many patients are postponing more costly, elective procedures, which can ultimately lead to higher long-term oral healthcare costs. Additionally, reduced insurance coverage means more individuals must rely on out-of-pocket payments, making access to dental care more challenging.

How is increased inflation affecting patient care, and how is it affecting your health center? 

Increased inflation directly lowers the bottom line for the health center/office owner. It can also indirectly decrease compensation for the associate provider as fewer patients come through the doors. We are seeing an increasing number of patients choosing not to fulfill more costly, elective procedures at the health center. Unfortunately, if it’s a choice between making ends meet, or saving a tooth, the choice of an extraction is becoming more commonplace at the health center.

What are your recommendations to combat some of these challenges?

To navigate these challenges, my focus in 2025 will be on: 

Emphasizing Preventative Dentistry: Educating patients on prevention can significantly lower overall healthcare costs and improve long-term outcomes. Routine cleanings, fluoride treatments, and early intervention help reduce the need for costly procedures.

Offering Flexible Treatment Options: Utilizing direct restorations like OMNICHROMA as an alternative solution to crowns can help patients manage costs while preserving their oral health. For instance, if a patient can afford root canal therapy but needs time to pay for a crown, a direct restoration can serve as an immediate, cost-effective solution.

Building Patient Loyalty Through Flexibility: Providing adaptable financial and treatment options fosters trust and encourages patients to remain engaged in their dental care, despite economic challenges.

As we enter 2025, a proactive approach that prioritizes preventative care, financial flexibility, and operational efficiency will be crucial in overcoming these challenges while continuing to provide high-quality dental care.

Do you see single-shade composites, like the OMNICHROMA composite line, adding value to your patients and your bottom line?

Yes, definitely! The OMNICHROMA composite family can add value to both the patients and the bottom line due to its innovative properties and cost-effectiveness. OMNICHROMA’s ability to match any tooth shade eliminates the need for multiple shades of composite material. Eliminating multiple shades saves chairside time, which increases practice productivity and revenue potential. In addition, the composite is known for its strength and wear resistance, offering long-lasting restorations. This can lead to fewer follow-up visits for repairs, improving the overall patient experience and generating more referrals for the practice.

In the face of increasing financial burdens & inflated costs, one must always look for solutions to maintain quality of care and reduce costs spanning from materials cost to offering financial flexibility. Dr. Parikh’s recommendations are invaluable tools to help prioritize patient needs and maintain profitability while navigating through tough times.