Rhode Island
dental market landscape report
2023
A message from Delta Dental of Rhode Island Dental Director,
Dr. A. Thomas Correia, DDS
As a Rhode Island dentist for forty-seven years, I have experienced first-hand the commitment and passion of the oral health care workforce in our state. As the dental director for Delta Dental of Rhode Island, I am now keenly aware of the shared purpose of both dental providers and insurers, which is to improve the oral health of Rhode Islanders and, as a result, their overall health.
The purpose of this report is to examine Rhode Island’s oral health care landscape, including the ability for residents to access care and the stability of the dental workforce. As a key stakeholder in ensuring access to affordable health care for all Rhode Islanders for more than 60 years, Delta Dental of Rhode Island has access to a large and inclusive database in which to analyze market data and trends.
Utilizing Delta Dental of Rhode Island’s extensive database, along with data and facts from trusted sources, we performed a ten-year review to study oral health care trends in Rhode Island. Our findings show the oral health care sector is both strong and stable. Rhode Island has maintained a consistent number of dentists over the last decade, and today the state is experiencing growth with a new generation of young dentists choosing to practice here. I’m proud of the work Delta Dental of Rhode Island is doing to further strengthen the oral health care workforce. Through strategic community partnerships, we’re committed to creating a pipeline of oral health care talent in Rhode Island and ensuring accessible, affordable care for all residents.
As we collaborate on the well-being of our state, there is much to celebrate about the oral health care ecosystem. Continued education on the importance and availability of dental care will play a pivotal role in Rhode Island remaining a leader in oral health care.
Respectfully,
A. Thomas Correia, DDS
Methods
A systematic approach was used to analyze the current state of the Rhode Island dental market. Data spanning over a 10-year period, from January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2023, was acquired through Delta Dental of Rhode Island’s in-house data collection process. Data was also sourced from organizations including the American Dental Association, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and others, which are referenced in this report.
The data contained in this report has been subjected to an agreed upon procedures review by an international accounting and auditing firm, and the resulting report was reviewed by Duffy & Sweeney, LTD. No exceptions were noted in the report.
Health of the Rhode Island dental market
43% growth in actively practicing dentists under age 40
The current state of the dental market in Rhode Island can be examined by focusing specifically on workforce demographics, access to dental care, the value and impact of Delta Dental programs on dentists, as well as market presence and program delivery by Delta Dental of Rhode Island (DDRI). This report aims to educate and provide valuable insights into the dental market landscape of Rhode Island.
Utilizing Delta Dental of Rhode Island’s database of claims paid to both in-network and out-of-network dentists, along with credentialing data, a comprehensive view of the community of dentists actively practicing in Rhode Island can be examined. The following figures provide important information regarding the vitality of the provider base in the state.
Delta Dental of Rhode Island members
Accessibility to oral health care for Rhode Island residents
As the smallest state in the US, Rhode Island is finding great success related to accessibility to oral health care, with residents living in close proximity to a dental practice or clinic, regardless of state border. Both adults and commercially insured children in the state report positive numbers for dental visits, with a high percentage visiting a dentist or dental clinic in the last year, contributing to the overall success of oral health care accessibility in Rhode Island.
99.9% of DDRI members live within 10 miles of 2 general dentists
Rhode Island #6
in the nation for adult dental visits2
of the US population has visited a dentist or dental clinic in the last year, per the American Dental Association (ADA)1
of US adults have visited a dentist or dental clinic in the last year, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)2
of Rhode Island residents who are Delta Dental of Rhode Island members have visited a dentist or dental clinic in the last year of children in Rhode Island under age 21 who are enrolled in RIte Smiles received a dental service in the SFY 20224 of children in Rhode Island under age 18 who are members of Delta Dental of Rhode Island received a dental service in 2023 RIte Smiles is Rhode Island’s
Impact of insurance
Insurance is a strong predictor of access to health and dental care.
Rhode Island adults have visited a dentist or dental clinic in the last year, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)2
The National Association of Dental Plans reports that 92% of the total population in Rhode Island has some form of dental coverage, including 30% of Rhode Island residents who have coverage through Medicaid, a joint federal and state program3
Delta Dental of RI members
95% of members believe that having dental insurance increases their likelihood of visiting the dentist
Source: 2023 Delta Dental of Rhode Island member satisfaction survey
Children dental visits
Adult dental visits
Dental visits: overall population
RIte Smiles
Delta Dental program value and impact on dentists in Rhode Island
The value of dental insurance extends beyond coverage; it acts as a strategic partner, contributing to the sustainability and success of dental practices. Analyzing the relationships and reimbursement structures provides insights into the overall implications to the landscape of dental care and insurance in the state.
Delta Dental market presence and program delivery
As the nation’s leading provider of dental insurance, Delta Dental of Rhode Island and its sister companies have a strong presence in the market, both on a national and local scale. Providing coverage for more than 400,000 members in the state, Delta Dental operates lean, minimizing unnecessary expenses and optimizing resources to enhance overall financial sustainability.
Market share
37% Delta Dental
41% other dental insurance (including Medicaid)
14% other dental coverage
8% no dental coverage
Information provided by the National Association of Dental Plans (NADP) 2023 Dental Benefits Report: Enrollment⁵
Operating expenses
Delta Dental of Rhode Island’s operating expenses encompass various essential aspects of its operations. A significant portion is allocated to customer service, ensuring a responsive and efficient support system for clients. Another essential area is claims and enrollment processing, where resources are directed to manage and streamline the intricate procedures involved. Information technology holds a pivotal role, with funds dedicated to maintaining and enhancing the technological infrastructure that supports our services. Additionally, administrative costs are considered, covering the broader spectrum of dayto-day management and organizational functions. This breakdown reflects Delta Dental of Rhode Island’s strategic allocation of resources to uphold quality customer service, streamline processes, and stay technologically proficient in delivering their services.
Member portfolio
Delta Dental of Rhode Island is proud of its diverse portfolio of members, including both small and large businesses, and self-insured and fully insured businesses.
79% Small group
DDRI small business clients are defined as having 50 or fewer employees, representing 43,000 DDRI RI resident members
DDRI large business clients are defined as having 51 or more employees 21% Large group
DDRI members who are Rhode Island residents covered by self-insured arrangements. Businesses that are self-insured are typically large, multi-state employers, who assume the risk for their claims
DDRI members who are Rhode Island residents covered by fullyinsured arrangements. Businesses that are fully insured are typically small, local employers that DDRI assumes the risk for claims 34% Fully-insured
Delta Dental of RI members
member satisfaction
of members would recommend Delta Dental of Rhode Island to a friend or family member
Source: 2023 Delta Dental of Rhode Island member satisfaction survey
Delta Dental of Rhode Island in the community
In 2023, Delta Dental of Rhode Island and its generous employees provided more than $1.5 million to ensure that oral health care is accessible and affordable to all Rhode Islanders. As part of this mission, we’ve created strategic partnerships within the Rhode Island community, focusing on two key initiatives: workforce development in the oral health field and expanding access to care.
Supporting future dental hygienists
Delta Dental of Rhode Island is investing in the next generation of dental hygienists through our partnership with CCRI. We’ve provided funding for the expansion and renovation of CCRI’s dental clinic, which serves as the training ground for dental hygiene and dental assistant students and provides free oral health services to more than a thousand Rhode Islanders every year. CCRI has yielded a 20% increase in student enrollment due to the expansion of learning labs. Beginning in 2023 we made a multi-year commitment to address the nationwide shortage of dental hygienists through the Delta Dental of Rhode Island Scholarship. Given annually to ten students who commit to working in Rhode Island for at least one year after graduating, the scholarship is helping to create a pipeline of well-trained dental hygienists in our state.
Our partnership with CCRI was nationally recognized by the Strada Education Foundation for its success in aligning business with the work of a community college to build the oral health workforce in the Ocean State6
Developing RI’s first oral surgery residency program
Delta Dental of Rhode Island has partnered with the Samuels Sinclair Dental Center at Rhode Island Hospital to launch the state’s first oral surgery residency program, which will accept two residents per year and support multiple newly created, full-time clinical, administrative and programmatic positions at Rhode Island Hospital. These upgrades are critical to provide dental services to children and intellectually and developmentally disabled patients of all ages.
Loan repayment for RI health care workers
Delta Dental of Rhode Island was recently honored by the State of Rhode Island Department of Health for our commitment to the Health Professional Loan Repayment Program (HPLRP). The program is intended to improve access to care and aid in the recruitment and retention of health professionals who provide healthcare services in medically underserved communities. For the past 10 years we’ve supported the program, providing $50,000 annually, or $500,000 in total support.
Creating opportunities to strengthen Rhode Island’s oral health talent pipeline
CCRI Partnership
• 20% increase in student enrollment due to expansion of learning labs
• Scholarships for graduating hygienists committed to working in RI
• Employer partner career pathways
Oral surgery residency program
• Four-year OMFS program
• Two residents per year
• Creation of support staff positions
Pictured from top to bottom: Daniel Hernandez, graduate of the CCRI dental hygiene program and Dr. Elizabeth Benz, director, Samuels Sinclair Dental Center
Delta Dental of Rhode Island in the community cont.
Expanding and renovating local dental clinics
Delta Dental of Rhode Island believes that all Rhode Islanders should have access to oral health care, including those who are uninsured or underinsured. Over the last decade, we’ve supported the building, expanding or upgrading of dental operatories across Rhode Island, including the Rhode Island Free Clinic, Wood River Health and others. In 2023, the Delta Dental of Rhode Island Clinic at Thundermist Health Center opened in West Warwick, RI. Through our support, Thundermist expanded its dental clinic from 12 to 21 operatories, allowing the organization to treat an additional 5,500 patients every year.
Partnering to support Rhode Islanders in need
Delta Dental of Rhode Island is proud to be a longtime sponsor of free dental services provided through:
• Rhode Island Free Clinic
• Rhode Island Mission of Mercy
• Operation Stand Down
• Rhode Island Dental Lifeline Network
Combined these dental clinics provide vital oral health care to thousands of Rhode Islanders every year.
About Delta Dental of Rhode Island
Delta Dental of Rhode Island is the state’s leading dental insurer and is committed to ensuring accessible, affordable dental care for all Rhode Islanders. For more information about Delta Dental of Rhode Island, visit deltadentalri.com.
References
RI Mission of Mercy 2023
• 441 patients served
• 1905 procedures completed
• 460+ volunteers
• $3.2 million in free dental care since inception
1. American Dental Association (ADA) Health Policy Institute (HPI) report (November 2023). National Trends in Dental Care Use, Dental Insurance Coverage, and Cost Barriers. https://www.ada.org/-/media/project/ada-organization/ada/ada-org/files/resources/research/hpi/national_ trends_dental_use_benefits_barriers.pdf?rev=7006dc9bd0e84269a62b4d27c2f630a4&hash=56B777DF468FF587325D1E7A3BBC56DF
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://nccd.cdc.gov/BRFSSPrevalence/rdPage.aspx?rdReport=DPH_BRFSS. ExploreByTopic&irbLocationType=StatesAndMMSA&islClass=CLASS13&islTopic=TOPIC16&islYear=2022&islLocation=
3. National Association of Dental Plans (NADP) 2023 Dental Benefits Report: Enrollment. https://www.nadp.org/research/2023-dental-benefits-report-enrollment/
4. RI KIDS COUNT 2023 Factbook. https://www.rikidscount.org/Data-Publications/RI-Kids-Count-Factbook
5. National Association of Dental Plans (NADP) 2023 Dental Benefits Report: Enrollment. https://www.nadp.org/research/2023-dental-benefits-report-enrollment/
6. Strada Education Foundation. https://stradaeducation.org/our-priorities/work-based-learning/rhodeisland/
Pictured on the right: Dr. Lagina Bickham at Thundermist Health Center’s, Delta Dental of Rhode Island Clinic with her patient Joel.
Pictured above: Volunteers, including DDRI employees, at the 2023 RI Mission of Mercy.