As I read Dr. Ginny Murtaugh's letter (in August Dental Economics "Letters From Readers") concerning the preservation and promotion of fee-for-service dentistry, it reminded me that there is a product out there that we all need to promote as much as we possibly can — direct reimbursement.
I cannot give you the exact statistics, but I can tell you that direct reimbursement has done nothing but rise in popularity year after year. We dentists are vital to the promotion of this valuable substitute for dental insurance, as we have the opportunity to educate not only our patients, but especially those business owners about all of its pluses. The more businesses that incorporate direct reimbursement into their benefits packages, the better chance we all have that major businesses eventually will make the switch. Banks, grocery stores, schools, etc., are perfect models for direct reimbursement. Many states even have their own direct-reimbursement department and public relations spokesperson. If your state does not, call the American Dental Association; the ADA can steer you in the right direction.
I write this short letter to Dental Economics because it is important that we all work together for the cause of fee-for-service dentistry. Don't depend on the other guy. If everyone gets involved, fee-for-service dentistry not only will survive, but it will be healthy and viable for a long time to come!
Dr. Mark Trollo
Rose Hill, Kan.
