Is Dental Insurance Still Doing Its Job?
In the June 2025 edition of Tooth Talk, Dr. Eric Angstadt pulled back the curtain on a subject that’s confusing, frustrating, and increasingly common: dental insurance that doesn’t really insure much of anything. As he put it bluntly, many of today’s dental plans function more like glorified discount coupons than true insurance. With most policies capped at $1,000 to $1,500 annually—a limit unchanged since the 1980s—patients are left wondering why they’re paying premiums that don’t stretch very far in today’s economy.
Then vs. Now: How Dental Insurance Has Shifted
Dental benefits were originally introduced by unions and employers in the 1950s to promote oral health, but inflation and stagnant policy caps have eroded their value. As Dr. Angstadt explains, a dental crown that once cost $400 may now run over $2,000—yet insurance coverage hasn’t kept pace. For many patients, that means bigger out-of-pocket expenses, even if they have a plan.
Dentistry Is a Business—And That’s Not a Bad Thing
The episode also tackled an important but often overlooked truth: dental practices are businesses, with rising costs for staffing, equipment, training, and more. Dr. Angstadt emphasized the balance his team must strike between providing top-tier care and staying financially viable—especially as insurance reimbursements decline. It’s a reminder that the quality of care you receive depends, in part, on whether your dentist can sustainably deliver it.
The Corporate Takeover—and Why It Matters
Dr. Angstadt expressed concern about the increasing corporatization of dentistry, where large companies buy up local practices and prioritize profits over personalized care. He contrasted this with the philosophy of his own offices, where the team meets each morning not to calculate profit margins but to encourage one another and prepare to serve patients thoughtfully. It’s about relationships, not quotas.
In-House Crowns and Patient-Centered Innovation
A highlight of the episode was the discussion around technology and patient convenience. Thanks to advances in 3D printing, Angstadt Family Dental can now produce crowns, bridges, and even dentures in-house—often in a single visit. That’s a massive time-saver compared to the traditional process, which might require multiple appointments and weeks of waiting.
Not only does this reduce delays, but it cuts lab costs as well, helping the practice pass savings on to patients. And with tools like digital scanners and AI-assisted design software, the fit and aesthetics of these restorations are better than ever.
Treatment Plans That Prioritize Prevention
Rather than overloading patients with confusing options, Angstadt’s team focuses on necessary treatment—targeting infection, cavities, broken or missing teeth, and gum disease first. Cosmetic or elective procedures are considered only once foundational care is complete. And through their in-office loyalty program and insurance submission support, the staff helps patients understand costs and make informed decisions.
Final Thoughts: A Health Club for Your Teeth
Perhaps the most compelling takeaway from this month’s show was Dr. Angstadt’s vision of the dental office as a health club for your teeth. Regular visits, preventive care, and trusted relationships form the foundation of lasting oral health—whether you have dental insurance or not. It’s a patient-first model that prioritizes well-being over volume, and it’s what keeps families coming back year after year.
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