The Back Page: Commentary: Going Non-Par: My Perspective, and 10 Lessons I’ve Learned

Authors

Robert Antolak DDS, General Practice in Shelby Township MIFollow

Abstract

Dr. Robert Antolak shares his experience and ten lessons from transitioning his dental practice to a non-participating (non-par) status with insurance in January 2025, driven by declining reimbursements and the need to prioritize patient care. He highlights the unfairness of lower PPO reimbursements for newer dentists. Key lessons include securing a trusted coach, early patient communication, building a financial safety net, ensuring full team buy-in, committing with faith, tightening billing systems, frequent patient reminders, advocating for patients, creating an in-office payment plan (not percentage discounts), and clearly articulating the "why". Though revenue initially dropped, he anticipates full recovery, aiming to preserve private practice ownership

Recommended Citation

Antolak, Robert DDS (2025) "The Back Page: Commentary: Going Non-Par: My Perspective, and 10 Lessons I’ve Learned," The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association: Vol. 107: No. 7, Article 13.
Available at: https://commons.ada.org/journalmichigandentalassociation/vol107/iss7/13