Kansas to allow franchise dentistry

The state of Kansas has enacted a new law that will allow franchise dental practices to set up business in the state.

Comfort Dental worked closely with the Kansas Dental Association, the Kansas Dental Board, and state legislators to develop and pass HB 2241. The bill passed in the form of HB 2182 and was signed into law by Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback on June 1.

Previously, licensed dentists were prohibited from entering into arrangements with unlicensed proprietors and specifically prohibited from the franchise practice of dentistry. Under the new law, a "dental franchisor" would be defined as any person or entity providing dental practice management services or dental material or equipment necessary for dental practice management to a licensed dentist under an agreement for compensation. A person or entity entering into an agreement with a licensed dentist for dental office administrative services must register with the Kansas Dental Board.

"Our business model is a franchise, which means our economies-of-scale keeps costs down," said Rick Kushner, DDS, president and CEO of Comfort Dental. "We accept Medicaid, which is not accepted by many Kansas dentists. The new law will also help attract new dentists to the state. This end result of this new law is improved access to dental care. Considering the tough economy, we'll make it possible for Kansas families to access quality dental care, and save some money, and that's good for everyone."

Comfort Dental is the largest dental franchise in the U.S., with 78 franchise offices and 286 partner dentists in Colorado, New Mexico, Ohio, Missouri, Kentucky, and Texas, and coming soon to Kansas and Arizona. Every office is independently owned by the dentists, and fees are about 60% to 40% less than most dentists, according to the company.