The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us the importance of organized dentistry, as together, with our members, we faced the challenges and weathered the unimaginable storm. A Massachusetts Dental Society (MDS) membership gives you access to critical resources and benefits from the MDS, the District, and the American Dental Association (ADA). Join us today to gain access to these benefits. If you have previously been a member, call the Member Assistance Center to renew.
April 12, 2022: The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) updated its Comprehensive PPE guidance. Effective immediately, health care personnel, including dental team members who are up to date with COVID-19 vaccines, may remove their masks when in well-defined areas restricted from patient access (e.g., staff meeting rooms, kitchen). The March 2022 CDC guidance on mask-wearing for some settings continues. The CDC has not lifted the mask mandate for medical facilities, including dental offices. The requirement to continue to wear a mask in medical and dental offices applies to patients, residents, staff, vendors, and visitors — except in the circumstances listed above.
The MDS Career Center has replaced our career classified ads to offer a centralized online job portal for dental professionals with many new features and increased reach and visibility. Explore the new features and learn how to post an ad or search for a job today.
On January 1, 2022, specific provisions of An Act Promoting a Resilient Health Care System That Puts Patients First went into effect. Recently, the Massachusetts legislature passed an amendment that will delay enforcement of the Patients First Act until January 1, 2025.
When a patient is asked for an unexpected copay, the best-case scenario is an awkward conversation, and the worst-case scenario is they get upset. Rarely will a patient leave their appointment feeling positive about their experience if they paid more than expected.
Most patients do not understand exactly what their insurance covers. The MDS Dental Practice and Benefits Committee encourages you to train your front desk staff on positively communicating co-payment information to patients.
If you have struggled with collecting copays, take a few minutes to verify insurance benefits before the patient comes in. Explain the out-of-pocket costs to your patients beforehand. Many offices collect the copay before treatment is received. Talk about anything new that comes up during the treatment. And preauthorize any more significant procedures that need to be done. Doing so will build much deeper relationships with patients and ensure appointments end on a more positive note.
The experience matters. Take the time to get your entire team on board with their role in the journey.
