Financing dental care can pose a problem for some patients. What can you do to reduce your own risk when this happens?
Posted in Dental Insights on Thursday, July 9, 2026
Financial challenges can affect more than just a practice's bottom line—they can also influence patient care, safety and professional liability risks. When budgets are tight, patients are more likely to delay or skip dental care, particularly elective procedures. Some may not have adequate dental coverage, while others may simply be unable to afford the cost of a visit or co-pay.
Some offices charge a fee for no-shows or appointments cancelled less than a day in advance. However, if the reason for the cancellation or no-show is financial, this step is counterproductive and could damage the dentist/patient relationship. Patients experiencing financial difficulties are also more likely to postpone recommended treatments, diagnostic tests or procedures, or opt for less costly treatment alternatives.
Before labeling patients as noncompliant, find out why they failed to follow your recommendations. By knowing the reason, you may be able to determine if there are other options.
Keep in mind that many patients find it difficult and embarrassing to admit their financial problems to their dentist. Some may find it easier to talk with a staff member who is knowledgeable about third-party reimbursement and payment options.
All of these factors can ultimately increase your malpractice risk. Here are tips to mitigate these risks:
- Routinely follow up on missed or cancelled appointments. Your staff should call no-shows, and document attempts to reach these patients. They should explain why rescheduling the appointment is necessary.
- Establish a follow-up procedure. The practice should have a system for tracking the status and results of ordered lab cases, X-rays and other diagnostic studies and consults. A consistently used tracking system helps verify whether a patient followed your advice. It also allows you to monitor whether the practice received test results or feedback from requested consults, the dentists saw the reports, and patients were notified of results.
- Determine the reason for patient noncompliance and document it. There are many reasons for a patient’s noncompliance – some that cannot be easily addressed or corrected. Regardless, it is the dentist’s responsibility to educate the patient about why the prescribed treatment plan, taking meds, having an X-ray taken, etc., is necessary for a good outcome.
- Offer patients less costly alternatives if they’re unable to pay. If that’s not feasible, educate the patient about why the recommended treatment is the best option and the consequences of refusing and delaying care.
- Offer payment alternatives to patients having financial difficulties. Offering monthly payment plans can help make the balance due more amenable to patients. It can also help to designate a knowledgeable staff member in your billing department as the go-to person for patients in need of financial assistance.