A dental executive and mother is urging healthcare providers to provide greater clarity on dental costs, saying uncertainty about payment options is a barrier to patient care.
She noted that while most Americans consider oral health essential—one survey showed 91% of US adults equate dental care with an annual physical—many remain confused and anxious about out-of-pocket costs.
She noted that Synchrony’s “Dental for a Lifetime” study found that only 30% of users said dental costs were easy to understand, and 92% would consider skipping routine dental care due to cost.
The executive said that while the US dental market is expected to grow—expected to reach approximately $216.33 billion by 2030—driven by technology, increased patient awareness, aesthetic needs, and more specialized services, this financial uncertainty threatens to widen disparities in care.
To address this, she called for greater transparency and earlier communication between healthcare providers and patients about costs.
Practical steps she recommended included offering in-office payment plans, explaining which procedures are and aren’t covered by insurance, and reviewing alternatives such as health savings accounts (HSAs), financial services savings accounts (FSAs), and third-party financing.
She emphasized the value of consumer-oriented tools and education, citing resources to help patients plan and compare costs, such as:
A procedure estimator that displays cost estimates for over 700 procedures by ZIP code and major city.
Clearly explain payment options (insurance, HSA/FSA, in-office payment plans).
Overview in plain language how promotional financing (such as CareCredit) and deferred interest or reduced annual percentage rates work.
A payment calculator to estimate monthly installments for financed care.
Provide bill examples and tips for providers to teach patients how to read bills and prepare for post-promotional balances.
The executive also noted a misalignment in priorities: More than half of consumers say financing options have a significant impact on where they seek care, yet more than 56% of providers say they lack the staff or resources to help patients choose alternative payment options.
She recommends that clinics partner with third-party financiers that integrate with clinic management systems and prioritize responsible consumer credit education.
“Early and clear communication about clinical care and financing can boost patient confidence and reduce treatment delays,” she said, urging clinics to adopt fair financing principles for greater transparency.
According to her, better financial communication is not only beneficial to healthcare organizations’ business interests but also a necessary step to ensure patients have access to and prioritize oral health.