In Episode 17 of the Full Arch Secrets Podcast, Spencer Walker sat down with Dave Roehr, CEO of Proceed Finance, to discuss the primary obstacle providers face in increasing the number of full-arch cases they perform. The conversation revealed a wealth of insights into how affordability plays a critical role in patient decisions and how providers can address this challenge effectively.

Understanding the Affordability Challenge for Dental Implant Patients

Dave Roehr highlighted that the most significant obstacle for providers is affordability. Patients often find it challenging to commit to expensive treatments like full-arch procedures, which can average around $25,000 per arch. This cost is comparable to buying a car, making it a substantial financial decision for most patients. The key is to create affordable payment plans that resonate with patients, helping them feel comfortable taking on the expense.

The Importance of Dental Implant Patient Financing

Dental Patient financing is crucial for making these procedures accessible. Dave emphasized that many consumers are living paycheck to paycheck, and with rising living costs, they have little disposable income for unexpected expenses. He shared a statistic that 62% of consumers are in this position, underscoring the need for financing options that spread out the cost of treatment into manageable payments.

Proceed Dental Implant Patient Finance’s Approach

Proceed Finance offers solutions designed to address these affordability issues. Their financing options are structured to provide terms up to 12 years, making monthly payments more manageable and similar to car payments, which many consumers are accustomed to. This approach allows patients to finance the entire cost of the procedure without needing an upfront payment, offering flexibility and ease in managing their finances.

Dave explained that Proceed Finance’s model is risk-rated, meaning that interest rates are based on credit risk. Those with excellent credit receive lower rates, while those with more challenging credit have higher rates. However, this risk-sharing model ensures that providers, patients, and Proceed Finance all have a stake in making the treatment affordable and accessible.

Market Challenges and Opportunities in Dental Implant Financing

The discussion also touched on the broader financial market, which has seen significant volatility in the last two years. Rising interest rates and inflation have tightened liquidity, making it harder for lenders to offer favorable terms. Despite this, Proceed Finance has absorbed most of the increased costs to keep their products competitive and accessible.

Dave encouraged providers to view the current market conditions as an opportunity to capture market share. By maintaining or even lowering prices and offering attractive financing options, providers can differentiate themselves and build a loyal patient base. He urged providers to invest in their practices and patient relationships, positioning themselves for success when the economic climate improves.

Innovations and Future Directions of Dental Implant Financing

Proceed Finance continues to innovate, recently extending their loan terms to 12 years and incorporating secondary lenders to provide backup options for patients with less-than-perfect credit. These steps ensure that more patients can qualify for financing, further reducing barriers to treatment.

The key takeaway from this episode is the critical role of affordability in increasing the number of full-arch cases providers can perform. By offering flexible, patient-centered financing options, providers can help more patients access life-changing treatments while growing their practice. Proceed Finance’s approach exemplifies how understanding and addressing patients’ financial concerns can lead to better outcomes for all parties involved.