Dentists Voice Concerns Over Delta Dental's Recent Takeover
In a move that has sparked debate among the dental community and patient advocates, Delta Dental of Wisconsin has recently purchased Cherry Tree Dental, a dental practice with over 25 locations across the state, particularly in central areas like Wausau, Eau Claire, La Crosse, and Green Bay.
The acquisition has raised concerns about a potential conflict of interest, as the insurer now owns the providers of dental care. This arrangement could potentially impact patient care decisions, blurring the distinction between insurer and provider.
Local dentists and the Wisconsin Dental Association (WDA) have voiced their worries that this model could prioritize profit over patient care, undermining the traditional dental care model where licensed dentists independently own and operate their offices. Wisconsin is one of very few states that does not legally require dental practices to be owned by licensed dentists, which allowed this transaction to occur legally but with ongoing ethical debates.
Dr. Emily Eckdahl, a dentist in Brookfield, described the situation as unprecedented in Wisconsin, warning that if insurance companies expand ownership beyond these 25 offices, the overall dental community and patient care could be fundamentally affected. The WDA’s executive director Mark Paget voiced that the acquisition was legal but "does not make it right," stressing the need to protect the dental-patient relationship from potential corporate interference.
The American Dental Association has issued a statement warning about potential conflicts of interest in such arrangements. Some dentists are advocating for rule updates as corporate ownership becomes more common in the dental industry, while others are skeptical that changes will come soon.
Delta Dental claims it will maintain a separation between its insurance business and the dental offices. Cherry Tree Dental will reportedly continue to negotiate insurance contracts separately, and clinical decisions will remain between each dentist and their patient. However, the dental community is closely watching the outcome of this deal, hoping for more transparency about how dental companies will operate and what safeguards will be in place to protect patients.
The WDA is calling for more oversight and safeguards to ensure changes do not damage trust or reduce care options. The sale may prompt state leaders to reconsider who should be allowed to own and control health care services, potentially leading to increased scrutiny of this issue.
As the deal between Delta Dental and Cherry Tree Dental may shape how care is delivered in the future, the focus remains on ensuring that patient care is prioritized above business interests. Cherry Tree Dental operates offices in several rural cities in Wisconsin, making access to dental care a crucial concern in these areas. There is a hope for more transparency and safeguards to protect patients and maintain the traditional dental care model.
[1] Wisconsin Public Radio. (2021, August 2). Delta Dental's Purchase Of Cherry Tree Dental Raises Concerns For Wisconsin Dentists. [online] Available at: https://www.wpr.org/delta-dental-s-purchase-cherry-tree-dental-raises-concerns-wisconsin-dentists
[2] Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. (2021, August 2). Delta Dental's purchase of Cherry Tree Dental raises concerns about conflicts of interest. [online] Available at: https://www.jsonline.com/story/money/business/health-care/2021/08/02/delta-dental-purchase-cherry-tree-dental-raises-concerns-about-conflicts-interest/5406748001/
- The merge of the dental industry, finance, and business through Delta Dental's acquisition of Cherry Tree Dental could potentially influence the delivery of healthcare services, raising discussions on maintaining the traditional dental care model that prioritizes patient care over business interests.
- Despite Delta Dental's claims of separating its insurance business from the dental offices, stakeholders in the health-and-wellness sector, such as dentists and the Wisconsin Dental Association, are advocating for stronger finance-based safeguards to ensure patrons' interests are prioritized and to prevent corporate intrusion into the dental field.
