1070: How One Dentist Reclaimed Control by Ditching Insurance and Prioritizing Quality - Dr. Troy Schmedding

Moving away from insurance can create fear for dentists who worry patients will leave, the team will resist, or production will suffer. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Troy Schmedding, a private practice dentist in Walnut Creek, California, to explain how he transitioned out of insurance participation, rebuilt his practice around quality and communication, and created more control over how he practices.

You will learn why team alignment matters, how to communicate insurance changes with patients, and why quality and customer service are essential for an out-of-network model. To learn how one dentist reclaimed control by ditching insurance and prioritizing quality, listen to Episode 1070 of The Best Practices Show!

Main Takeaways:

• Dentists often struggle to leave insurance because of fear and self-limiting beliefs about whether their patients will stay.
• A practice can become less busy but more productive when it is well-managed and focused on quality care.
• Going out-of-network requires strong communication with the team and with patients.
• Patients respond better when the conversation focuses on quality of care rather than complaints about insurance companies.
• Billing insurance on behalf of patients remains an important customer service step after leaving insurance networks.
• Patient referrals can become stronger when existing patients value quality, service, and the practice model.
• A successful out-of-network practice depends on having a team that supports the doctor’s vision and communicates well with patients.

Snippets:

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Troy Schmedding and the topic of moving away from insurance.

01:09 Kirk introduces Dr. Schmedding and the Best Practices Show.

04:15 Dr. Schmedding explains how insurance reimbursement cuts influenced his decision-making.

06:51 Fear and self-limiting beliefs keep dentists from changing their insurance model.

10:49 Team alignment is necessary before making major insurance changes.

13:54 Referrals shift when patients understand and value the practice model.

15:06 Dr. Schmedding shares his perspective on dentists’ frustration with Delta Dental.

17:54 Kirk and Dr. Schmedding discuss the future of out-of-network private practice.

21:28 Dr. Schmedding explains what dentists often misunderstand about his practice model.

23:00 Dr. Schmedding discusses his upcoming Smile Source Exchange presentation.

24:54 Final thoughts & Closing

Guest Bio/Guest Resources:

Dr. Troy Schmedding is a honors graduate of the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco, California. He maintains a private practice in Walnut Creek, Ca. where he focuses on aesthetic and functional dentistry. An Accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, he lectures both nationally and internationally on aesthetics and restorative materials. He has also written and published numerous articles on restorative materials and protocols in numerous dental magazines. Dr Schmedding also serves as a Key Opinion Leader for numerous manufacturers helping develop and bring new products to market.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Dr. Troy Schmedding on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/troyschmeddingdds/
• Smile Source Exchange: https://smilesource.com/exchange

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

• The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/
• Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
• Upcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/
• Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/
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