Positive Thoughts on the Changing Dental Landscape

The American Dental Association (ADA) recently released what they refer to as a “Landmark Report” on the changing dental landscape. In the release, a prominent ADA spokesperson was quoted as saying the profession must navigate the challenges ahead. While the release summarized some choice findings from the study, the bias was decidedly negative in the face of the impending Affordable Care Act.

However, certain established trends do bode well for the industry and should not be ignored.  These include a retiring baby boomer generation with disposable income available or necessary or voluntary dental procedures. In addition, a tepid yet very real economic recovery is taking shape in the U.S. Dental procedures that were held off due to necessary household budget cuts during the recession should begin to abate, allowing dentist appointment books to fill up.  And lastly, the United States continues to experience a solid year-over-year population increase which should feed patient growth at dental practices all throughout the country.

So have a read of the article and let us know your feelings on whether some positive trends were missed, or if you are in agreement with the ADA’s findings.

Derek Van Volkom

Derek Van Volkom is the VP of Account Services at Lanmark360, a full service, healthcare marketing agency