What does the “moving upstream” dental practice model look like in operation?
A leaner, smaller practice deliberately positioned for either more affluent patients or patients with deeper disability and very specific needs, operating outside insurance and government reimbursement schemes. The model has several defining characteristics. Non-commodity pricing that reflects the actual value of the work. Lower patient volume but high return on time per patient. Appropriate margins maintained through ethical selling discipline rather than through volume cramming. Technology and staff investments funded by those margins rather than starved by insurance write-offs. A practice within a practice structure where larger doctors offer this work alongside more traditional offerings, or a fully dedicated boutique practice for doctors ready to commit completely. Roughly five percent of the profession is actively thinking and operating in this model. Even if more dentists wanted to move into it, market saturation would prevent universal adoption. There are not enough affluent patients per square mile, and deep disability cases face a roughly ten percent annual conversion rate on treatment plans over $10,000. The model works for the small fraction of the profession that positions deliberately. It does not work as a default for everyone.
If the answers you are finding here resonate with you, my team and I work with a small group of clients each year. The next step is a complimentary Discovery Consultation and Practice Review with Dr. McAnally.