Overview
Private dental plans allow you to offer treatment options to your patients for an agreed price. The available commercial plans vary in the range of treatments covered, eligible patient groups, and the terms and conditions, including costs. Depending on the treatment and economic needs of your patients, you may want to offer more than one type of plan.
Research your options carefully and, before agreeing to participate in a plan, you know all the costs involved and terms and conditions that apply to you and your participating patients.
Private dental plans do not suit every practice. Your patient base and your willingness to be constrained by the terms of a plan will affect whether it is a realistic option for you; a bespoke in-practice capitation scheme may be more suitable. Consider the advantages and disadvantages and the possible effects that any scheme may have on your practice, in both the short and long term. You must also be aware of the Financial Conduct Authority’s requirements and, where possible, avoid offering a regulated activity.
Key learning points
This advice provides a general introduction to offering a commercial private dental plan to your patients or developing an in-practice plan. It will help you to:
- Assess whether a plan will suit your practice and your patients
- Research the available commercial plans and the questions to ask
- Understand the steps involved with developing a bespoke in-practice scheme and the resources you will need to develop
- Work with the FCA requirements and understand your options. A glossary of the terms used by the FCA is available.
