AAE Champions Stronger Dental Loss Ratio Standards for Endodontists Nationwide
The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) is driving state efforts to implement robust Dental Loss Ratio (DLR) standards that safeguard both patient care and provider sustainability. Through targeted advocacy, the AAE is calling for legislation that mandates dental insurers dedicate at least 80% of premium dollars to direct patient care—ensuring greater accountability and transparency in dental coverage. This initiative underscores the essential role endodontists play in the healthcare system and affirms our commitment to securing policies that truly support the quality, integrity, and financial health of our members’ practices.
Dental Loss Ratio (DLR) is an essential indicator of how dental insurance plans utilize premium dollars. It is important that a substantial percentage—ideally 80% or more—is allocated directly to patient care, rather than being diverted towards executive bonuses, marketing, or corporate profits. Without a strong DLR in place, dental providers may experience reduced reimbursements, while patients end up paying more for less coverage. For endodontists, this situation adds pressure on private practices, limits access to care and can lead to compromised treatment outcomes. A fair DLR creates aligned incentives for all parties involved, ultimately providing better value for both providers and patients.
The AAE has submitted comment letters in New York expressing strong support for legislation that proposes a minimum Dental Loss Ratio of 80%. This policy demonstrates a commitment to accountability and fairness, ensuring that our members can provide high-quality, patient-centered endodontic care without facing unjust reimbursement practices.
The AAE has strongly opposed legislation in Oklahoma and Montana that only requires dental plans to report DLR data without establishing any meaningful minimum standards for the data. Reporting alone, without enforcement, does little to protect our members or their patients and does not lead to any significant reform. The AAE will continue to challenge such ineffective policies that lack proper accountability.
As the leading voice for endodontists, the AAE remains unwavering in its mission to advocate for policies that truly protect and empower dental specialists and the patients they serve. We will continue to push for meaningful DLR reform that delivers real accountability—not just data reporting—to create a more equitable, transparent, and sustainable dental care system. Our members deserve insurance policies that reflect the value of their expertise, and patients deserve care driven by quality—not corporate margins. The AAE is proud to stand at the forefront of this movement, fighting for a future where fair standards uplift our profession.