How do you implement value-based care methodologies in dentistry with existing dental organizational paradigms?

Abstract

The U.S. healthcare sector is a paradox – achieving comparatively poor population health outcomes despite outspending the world – and the current paradigm is a dichotomy – pursuing value definition consisting of quality, outcome, and cost, but failing to act in aligned and informed manner. In 2018, U.S. dental spending was $136 billion, accounting for 3.7 percent of total healthcare spending, a relatively nominal amount when considering oral diseases are among the most prevalent and have serious health and economic burdens, greatly reducing quality of life for those affected. Consistent and growing evidence shows that primary care-oriented systems achieve better health outcomes, more health equity, and lower costs; however, to date, there is little means to structuralize the role of oral health and quantify the value provided. To understand the reasons behind the abstract nature of value-based care requires an in-depth understanding of the drivers impeding the transition to a value based oral health system of care. One large clinically integrated network will provide detail of their experience.