D’Andrea and Pantera partnered with Plan Forward to reduce PPO dependence, improve patient retention, and create a more sustainable membership model focused on long-term patient care.
Through reduced cost confusion
With stronger membership engagement
Supporting long-term practice growth
D’Andrea and Pantera is a multigenerational, family-oriented dental practice built around long-term patient relationships and quality care. As the practice prepared for a new generation of ownership, the team wanted to reduce reliance on restrictive PPO plans while creating a more patient-friendly financial model.
By partnering with Plan Forward, the practice implemented a membership program designed to support treatment acceptance, strengthen patient loyalty, and reduce administrative strain.
The Challenge
As insurance limitations and PPO write-offs continued to impact the practice, Dr. D’Andrea and his team wanted greater control over how treatment recommendations and patient care decisions were made.
At the same time, the administrative burden associated with insurance providers, including prior authorizations, paperwork, and reimbursement limitations, was creating ongoing strain for the front-office team.
The challenges intensified during the pandemic as more patients lost employer-provided dental coverage, increasing the need for a more accessible and sustainable alternative.
“I don’t like to dictate treatment based on what their insurance is going to cover. It’s a disservice to the patient.” – Kevin D’Andrea, DMD
The Solution
Reduced PPO reliance
Plan Forward helped the practice create a membership model that supported a gradual shift away from lower-value PPO plans and restrictive reimbursement structures.
Improved patient affordability
The membership program gave uninsured and underinsured patients a clearer, more affordable way to continue receiving preventive and restorative care.
Reduced administrative burden
By reducing dependence on insurance workflows, the practice was able to ease pressure on the front-office team and simplify patient financial discussions.
Long-term membership growth opportunities
The practice also identified new opportunities for employer-managed membership plans with local businesses in the community.
The Results
By implementing Plan Forward, D’Andrea and Pantera created a more patient-focused and sustainable membership model that strengthened retention, improved treatment acceptance, and supported long-term practice growth.
Improved patient retention
Membership patients became more engaged in their oral health and more connected to the practice long term.
Higher treatment acceptance
Removing cost confusion helped improve treatment discussions and strengthen the dentist-patient relationship.
Earlier diagnosis and preventive care
More consistent patient visits helped improve perio charting and allowed the practice to diagnose issues earlier.
Reduced insurance dependence
The membership model helped the practice continue caring for patients who had lost dental benefits while supporting a long-term transition away from restrictive PPO plans.