As written on SkyGen USA by Colleen HuffÂ
It’s Small Business Week 2023, a time to recognize the vital role America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners have in our everyday lives. Dental practices fit that bill – 50% of dentists work solo, according to Health Policy Institute. Many more have just two or three partners, and all of them employ staffs of hygienists, administrators and more. Here at SKYGEN, we’re celebrating the strong relationships we enjoy with thousands of dentists in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.Â
For some insights into the hard work of running a dental practice, we asked Dental Insurance Coach Collen Huff, FAADOM, about the top-of-mind challenges her clients are grappling with as they work to provide quality dental care and improve the oral health of their patients. Â
 Are dental practices still feeling perhaps unexpected business impacts due to the pandemic shutdowns?
Absolutely. They’re still dealing with challenges that arose as soon as the economic shutdowns began, such as the shortage of hygienists and other staff, and patients’ concerns about coming into the office. One of the unexpected challenges is that many patients learned to live on one income during the pandemic. That belt-tightening, coupled with fears of a possible recession, has kept patient numbers down.
The positive news is that the tide is turning. There’s been more in the news about the strong link between oral health and overall health. I think healthcare professionals and patients are more mindful of this link now. It can only help to get more patients in for preventive care.
Related Articles
Related
Going Out of Network with Dental Insurance Carriers
Thinking about going out of network? Learn how to analyze PPO plans, review fee schedules, assess cash flow, and create a smart, phased exit strategy for your dental practice.
Leasing Network Changes
Leasing Network Updates 2025: What’s Changing (and What It Means for Your Practice) If you work in dental billing or insurance coordination, you already know—leasing networks can change faster than a claim in review. Every few months, new agreements roll out, major...
Courts Overturned a Big Decision – August Recap
Here we are—August! It’s hard to believe that summer is already entering its final month. For many, the new school year has already begun, while in my neck of the woods, kids still have one more month of freedom to enjoy. I hope everyone has been able to soak up the...
