Practice Management Insider: Reimbursement comparable for virtual, in-person visits

Dear Practice Management Insider,

Is fear of lower reimbursement holding you back from trying teledentistry? Then you'll be encouraged by the findings of a new study in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

In an analysis of thousands of claims, insurance reimbursement rates didn't differ significantly for remote and in-person visits to an oral and maxillofacial surgery clinic. The findings create a compelling case for implementing teledentistry services. Learn more in our Insider Exclusive.

Also new in the Practice Management Community, dental therapists and advanced dental therapists in Minnesota earn up to $170,000 per year, researchers found. The results came from a survey that asked practicing dental therapists where they practice, how many procedures they perform, and what they think of the certification requirements.

Another recent survey ranked the states with the best pay for dental assistants. According to the Dental Assisting National Board survey, dental assistants in Vermont earned the most, with an hourly rate of $29.47. Meanwhile, dental assistants in Alabama, the state with the lowest pay rate, made almost half that at $15.01 an hour.

One of the biggest topics that may affect the future of dental practice as we know it is the integration of dental benefits into Medicare. In July, U.S. Democrats announced a $3.5 trillion budget blueprint that would expand Medicare to provide money for dental benefits. The Senate passed that budget plan in August, sending the resolution to the House of Representatives, where Democrats have the majority.

The question remains whether this is the year that millions of uninsured seniors get access to dental benefits through Medicare. But even if it doesn't happen in 2021, the addition of dental coverage to Medicare is inevitable -- and dentistry is woefully unprepared for that moment, wrote Dr. Marc Cooper in a thought-provoking Second Opinion piece.

Do you think this is the year Medicare will include dental coverage? What might a world with Medicare dental benefits look like for your practice? Let me know your thoughts.