New acquisition puts ADA on edge, raises concern for patient treatment
Insurance company Delta Dental of Wisconsin (DDWI) has recently acquired a chain of dental practices known as Cherry Tree Dental. This decision has been met with concern by both the American Dental Association (ADA) and Wisconsin Dental Association, as they believe it may pave an uncertain future for patient treatment and care if these types of acquisitions increase nationwide.1
The potential danger of insurance/dental mergers
According to the ADA, when an insurance company becomes a dual health-care and insurance provider, they may compromise the quality and availability of patient treatment options. As a business, they want to maximize profit and minimize costs, but this can result in lower-quality treatment options for patients. Instead of having a wide variety of options, they may be forced to settle for what's most cost-effective for the insurer instead of what's best for them as individuals.1
The ADA advocates for "a fair environment in which all dentists, whether employed or practice owner, can thrive." Thus, they believe dental practices controlled by a licensed dentist can look out for the oral health of their patients better than an insurance company.1
What's next?
A recent LinkedIn post by Sam Paul director of business solutions at Accurio Health, outlined Delta Dental of Wisconsin's plans for Cherry Tree Dental as stated by the company's vice president and chief dental officer, Greg Theis. DDWI's business update expressed interest in expanding oral health care to rural/underserved areas of Wisconsin as well as bringing ownership back to the state after being previously owned by a private equity group. Theis also mentioned that despite acquiring Cherry Tree Dental, the two companies will operate separately and DWWI will not influence any care decisions.
Although DDWI's commitment to care will benefit Cherry Tree Dental patients, the ADA's concern over similar acquisitions in the future remains pertinent.
While Delta Dental of Wisconsin has emphasized that Cherry Tree Dental will continue to operate independently, with no influence over patient care decisions, concerns from professional organizations like the ADA remain. As similar acquisitions draw increased scrutiny, the long-term impact of insurance-owned dental practices on patient care and clinical autonomy is likely to remain a topic of debate.
References
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Statement on dental insurance company's acquisition of dental practices. American Dental Association. July 2, 2025. https://www.ada.org/about/press-releases/statement-on-dental-insurance-company-acquisition-of-dental-practices
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Paul S. "Delta Dental of Wisconsin shared plans for Cherry Tree Dental, including maintaining clinical independence and expanding access in rural areas." LinkedIn. July 2, 2025. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/sam-paul-62030161_deltadental-wisconsinhealthcare-dentalindustry-activity-7346510908782759937-1ZUL
