In the latest Dental Economics–Levin Group Annual Practice Survey, just over half (52%) of general dentists reported that they provide orthodontic treatment. The survey also made apparent that patients now have more orthodontic options. As Figure 1 shows, the prevalence of clear aligners continues to grow among GPs.
Figure 1: General dentists performing orthodontic treatment
It’s very interesting to examine that among the dentists providing orthodontics, the survey shows that 45% of general dentists provide clear aligners and 19% provide brackets. This represents an upward trend since the early 2000s that is likely to continue as more adults become interested in orthodontics. Contributing to this trend are factors such as greater patient education, an increased desire for esthetics, and technological advancements that enable dental professionals to offer orthodontic treatments with results that can be far superior in a shorter amount of time than ever before.
While the debate on whether or not it’s beneficial to receive orthodontic treatment from a general dentist rages on, it’s clear that patients are becoming more and more accepting of this new option. For general dentists, this represents an opportunity for increased production and revenue. For orthodontists, it is a wake-up call.
Roger P. Levin, DDS, is the founder and CEO of Levin Group, a leading dental consulting firm. A nationally recognized speaker, Dr. Levin presents practice management seminars throughout the country.
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This article first appeared in the Apex360 e-newsletter. Apex360 is a DentistryIQ partner publication for dental practitioners and members of the dental industry. Its goal is to provide timely dental information and present it in meaningful context, empowering those in the dental space to make better business decisions.
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