May 29, 2025 5 min read Archive

Getting insurers and dentists on the same page

SNL takes a stab at dentistry in a new skit. Scarlett Johansson joins comedians in parodying some of patients' worst thoughts about dentists. In addition to some laughs, we take a look at new FDA-cleared AI tools for dentistry and talk to Dr. Edward Shellard of United Concordia Dental about the relationship between insurers and dentists.

New FDA clearance for dental AI tech. Dental AI company Pearl received FDA 510(k) clearance for its Second Opinion 3D platform. The company now has FDA clearances for 2D and 3D dental imaging.

The patient experience starts sooner than you think. Chairside care is essential to the dental patient experience, but patients start interacting with practices long before they sit down. An article in Dentistry Today explores the importance of patient communication before they ever arrive.

SNL drills dentistry. SNL poked fun at dentistry in a new skit that contrasts the Hippocratic Oath to the "Dentocratic Oath." "I will ask if they floss. I know they haven't."

The man behind mewing. Mewing is a popular TikTok trend that promises all manner of changes to your teeth and jawline. The Guardian spoke to controversial orthodontist Dr. Mike Mew about the trend that bears his name.

A global perspective on fluoride bans. Mannat Tiwana, a dentist trained in India, has seen what happens in communities with no access to fluoride and in areas with naturally high fluoride levels. She argues that it is an important tool that needs to be used to reduce health disparities.

‘A clear alignment between insurers and dentists’

United Concordia Dental, a subsidiary of Highmark, has more than 10 million members. Edward Shellard, DMD, leads the company as its chairman, CEO and president. He brings three decades of experience to the role, including seven years as a practicing dentist.

Dr. Shellard spoke with Dental Bite about the evolving dental industry, goals for the insurance company and how it is working with dentists to deliver on the shared objective of patient care. -Carrie Pallardy

You stepped into the role of president at United Concordia Dental in 2022. How have the challenges and opportunities in the dental industry evolved over the past few years from your perspective?

The past few years have highlighted some significant challenges, particularly around workforce development in the dental industry. The shortage of dental professionals, the growth of dental service organizations (DSOs) and demographic shifts in our population are reshaping how dental care is delivered and accessed.

Despite these challenges, new companies are entering the dental market with innovative care delivery models, like teledentistry, mobile dentistry and co-location of medical and dental services. These new approaches are giving patients greater choice and pushing the industry to become more patient-centered and responsive to evolving needs.

What are some of your primary goals for United Concordia Dental in 2025?

In 2025, United Concordia Dental is building on the significant growth we achieved in 2024, reaching over 10 million members. Our focus is to help more people improve their oral and overall health. A critical part is our emphasis on dental-medical integration with a goal of improving health outcomes for those we serve. This requires dentist, doctor and patient collaboration to promote health changes that provide real results.

The relationship between insurance companies and dentists can be contentious. How do you think both sides can work together to create a more collaborative partnership that focuses on quality care and positive oral health outcomes?

There's a clear alignment between insurers and dentists: both ultimately want to provide members and patients with quality care that leads to positive oral health outcomes.

The relationship between insurance companies and dentists is mutually beneficial, with a shared focus on the patient’s health and experience. To ensure this, we maintain open and transparent communication with our providers at United Concordia, seeing them as essential partners in our efforts to improve health outcomes. We regularly consult with them to understand their business needs and discuss areas, such as reimbursement, patient volumes and ways we can collaborate to create a seamless experience for both our members and their patients.

Continue reading the full interview on our website, dentalbite.co

Responses have been edited for brevity and clarity.

Nearly a third of American adults don't have dental insurance

A new survey, "State of Oral Health Equity in America," finds that 27% of American adults do not have dental insurance, a total of 72 million people. The survey highlights the link between oral health and overall health. A lack of dental care can result in a higher risk for systemic health conditions.

Why it matters: No insurance can be a significant barrier to accessing dental care. Understanding where the gaps are is an important step toward expanding coverage. (CareQuest Institute for Oral Health )

AI as a dentistry game-changer

Will AI replace dentists? Lisa M. Cappello, a business operations manager at Feeley Dental and Associates, doesn't think so. But in an article for Dentistry IQ, she argues that it will be a powerful agent of change. AI tools, like the FDA-approved platform from Pearl, are entering the market at a rapid pace. Dentists can use these tools for both clinical and business support.

Why it matters: AI is reshaping how dentistry (and the world) works. Understanding how to use this technology and how to mitigate its risks will prepare dentists for the future. (Dentistry IQ )

Money management for dentists

Clinical operations are just one part of running a successful dental practice. Practice owners also need to manage their money. In an episode of "The Dentist Money Show," three CFP advisors talk about how dentists can track and cut their spending.

Why it matters: Expenses can quickly add up and impact dentists' financial plans. Getting on top of spending can help you eliminate unnecessary expenses and work toward long-term goals, like retirement. (The Dentist Money Show )