“Dentists have been marginalised to bottom feeder status” – Dr Pieter van Rooyen on the implications of SA’s medical scheme set-up

For decades, dentistry has been regarded as one of the better paid professions. However, this assumption, largely maintained with reference to rising costs for dental work, is inaccurate. Even a cursory glance at the distribution of healthcare benefits paid in 2020 (see graph below) refutes this assumption. In 2020, of the total amount paid by South African medical schemes to service providers, a mere 2% was paid to dentists. To discuss the medical scheme set-up in South Africa and the way in which this unique 3rd party funder system has marginalised the dental profession, BizNews spoke to Dr Pieter van Rooyen, a dental surgeon and co-owner of Patheodent. With particular reference to Discovery Health’s exorbitant administrative and managed care fees, Van Rooyen shed light on the drastic decline in the dental profession’s standing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices