As dental professionals, we take pride in using high-quality materials to deliver care that’s durable, esthetic, and clinically sound. But with shrinking PPO reimbursements, increasing overhead, and economic pressure, a difficult question arises:

Is there a trend toward lower-quality dental materials in today’s practices — and is it linked to low insurance reimbursements?

While definitive, large-scale data on material quality trends is limited, a growing body of anecdotal evidence and industry insights suggests that there may be a correlation worth exploring. Let’s look at what we know — and what it means for your practice.

PPO Pressures and the Cost of Doing Business

PPO plans, which dominate the dental insurance landscape, typically pay 30–50% less than a dentist’s usual fee schedule. At the same time:

• Supply costs have risen dramatically post-COVID

• Staff wages are increasing due to workforce shortages

• Lab fees, rent, and technology continue to climb

As margins shrink, dentists are forced to make tough choices. For some, this means re-evaluating material costs in an effort to stay profitable — especially for in-network patients where reimbursement doesn’t cover the actual cost of doing high-end dentistry.

What the Data Says (and Doesn’t Say)

Currently, no large-scale, peer-reviewed study has directly tracked the decline of dental material quality over time in private practice settings. However:

Supporting Indicators Include:

• A 2022 ADA Health Policy Institute survey found that 74% of dentists reported increased overhead, and 51% reported financial strain specifically due to insurance reimbursements.

• Dental supply distributors have reported increased demand for lower-cost materials, such as:

  • Bulk-fill composites instead of layered systems

  • Chairside-milled zirconia instead of layered e.max or lab-fabricated restorations

  • Generic bonding agents or impression materials

• Some dental labs report dentists requesting cheaper crown options, or switching from premium to economy-tier alloys, zirconia, or acrylics.

Quality vs. Cost: A Slippery Slope?

To be clear, lower cost does not always mean lower quality. Many materials on the market today are affordable and clinically acceptable when used properly. The problem arises when:

• Decisions are made based solely on cost, not clinical outcome

• Doctors feel pressured to “make the numbers work” by cutting corners

• PPO fee schedules don’t support the use of premium labs or advanced materials without taking a financial hit

This can create a clinical dilemma: provide ideal care at a financial loss, or reduce quality to stay afloat.

The Hidden Cost of Cheaper Materials

Using budget-tier materials might seem like a solution in the short term, but there are risks:

• Increased remakes or failures, which cost time and money

• Weakened patient trust, especially if outcomes are compromised

• Greater legal risk, if a pattern of substandard care emerges

More importantly, it can affect a dentist’s sense of professional integrity. Many doctors report feeling burned out or disillusioned when forced to compromise on quality due to financial constraints.

What Leading Doctors Are Doing Instead

Rather than sacrifice quality, many dentists are adopting creative strategies to maintain standards while managing insurance pressures:

1. Dropping low-paying PPOs
   Doctors are selectively terminating contracts that no longer support quality care, allowing for greater freedom in material and lab choices.

2. Offering tiered treatment options
   Patients can choose between base-level and premium materials, with clear education on long-term value and outcomes.

3. Implementing membership plans
   These plans bypass insurance entirely, giving doctors the freedom to set fees that support higher-quality materials.

4. Using value-driven suppliers
   Not all premium materials come at premium prices. Smart purchasing, bulk orders, and supplier negotiations can help reduce costs without compromising quality.

Final Thoughts

While there’s no sweeping study proving a universal decline in dental material quality, the pressures from low PPO reimbursements are real — and they’re affecting decision-making in subtle and not-so-subtle ways.

You didn’t go into dentistry to provide “good enough” care. If you find yourself having to choose between profitability and clinical excellence, it may be time to re-evaluate your participation in insurance networks, your fee structure, or your patient communication strategy.

Because the quality of care you provide isn’t just about the materials you use — it’s also about the model you practice under.

Benjamin Tuinei

Founder - Veritas Dental Resources, LLC
Phone: 888-808-4513

Services:
PPO Fee Negotiators | PPO Fee Negotiating | Insurance Fee Negotiating
Insurance Credentialing | Insurance Verifications

Websites:
www.VeritasDentalResources.com | www.VerusDental.com