A framework for oral health care value-based payment approaches

Background: Dental practice has remained relatively insulated from payment upheavals in the broader health care system. The prevailing value-based payment (VBP) models in health care are largely absent in oral health care. The authors present an oral health care value-based payment framework for dentistry. Methods: The authors developed a VBP framework for oral health care, which describes 9 distinct methods to create VBP approaches in dentistry. The framework is based on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Learning Action Network framework for health care payment reform. Results: The oral health care value-based payment framework includes 4 payment categories and 9 separate payment mechanisms. These 9 payment mechanisms range on a value continuum, each with different financial risks and rewards as well as distinct value implications. Conclusions: Although dental practice has made extraordinary advances in restorative dentistry, payers and policy makers are advocating for greater value outcomes. VBP models seek to deliver better care more efficiently by means of providing oral health providers the resources needed to increase the value proposition. With relatively minor modifications in practice patterns, VBP models can be developed and implemented for oral health care. Practical Implications: This article can be used as a road map to take steps toward oral health care VBP approaches. The framework highlights how dentistry can learn from payment reforms under way in the health care system and present a model for oral health care payment and care delivery reform, and provides recommendations to advance oral health care VBP.