Dental patients getting more care doesn’t always mean getting better care, especially when problems are fixed after they occur rather than prevented. That’s why MetLife’s SpotLite program is designed to shift the focus from reactive to proactive care.
MetLife Chief Dental Officer Dr. Peter Fuentes was happy to share his thoughts on this important topic and answer questions from Dentistry Today. Dr. Fuentes, DDS, leads MetLife’s dental strategy and partnerships, focusing on how to improve access to preventive care and support better health outcomes for millions of MetLife patients.
Dentistry Today (DT): Please tell us a little about yourself and your role at MetLife.
Dr. Fuentes: In large part, we’ve been rethinking how dental benefits work, effectively moving beyond the traditional model to a more value-based approach that prioritizes quality of care and long-term health. I work closely with providers and employers to put these ideas into practice.
Prior to joining MetLife, I was a Dental Doctor for over 15 years, working primarily in clinics in metropolitan areas, focusing on community dentistry, educating families on the importance of preventive care, establishing good dental care at home, and emphasizing the importance of regular dental exams.
DT: Why did MetLife feel it was important to adopt one of the first value-based approaches to ensure patients have access to quality preventive care?
Dr. Fuentes: We believe prevention is the best treatment. Traditional dental care models often strive for volume and complexity, resulting in more procedures and higher costs. However, we know that investing in early intervention and high-quality outcomes can make a real difference in people’s lives and overall health.
Through programs like SpotLite, we are helping people shift their focus from reactive care to proactive preventive care. This is not only good for patients, but also for employers and providers.
Our data shows that SpotLite providers have a 17% lower cost per patient than traditional in-network providers and a 41% lower cost per patient than out-of-network providers. This means healthier patients, lower costs, and better overall spending.
DT: What is SpotLite? What is its goal? Any results to share?
Dr. Fuentes: SpotLite is MetLife’s value-based dental care program designed to connect members with providers who value preventive care and health outcomes. The goal of the program is quality over quantity, ensuring patients get the care they need sooner rather than later to avoid bigger problems later.
SpotLite has grown rapidly since its launch last year. We now have over 24,000 designated providers, a 30% increase in just one year. But what excites me most is the actual results: individuals who choose a SpotLite provider will save approximately 17% compared to other in-network care. This proves the effectiveness of preventive, emergency care—not only for health benefits, but also for cost savings.
DT: Why is it more important to provide quality care than to provide a lot of care?
Dr. Fuentes: It really comes down to outcomes versus outputs. More care doesn’t always mean better care, especially when it’s focused on fixing problems after the fact rather than preventing them before they happen.
Good oral hygiene habits and early intervention are key to long-term health. If we can help people prevent gum disease or spot early signs of tooth decay, we can not only save money, but protect their overall health.
There is growing evidence that oral health is linked to heart disease, diabetes, and even mental health. That’s why high-quality preventive care is so important—it’s about personal health, not just the treatment process.
DT: Please elaborate on how designated providers are evaluated. For example, programs like CAMBRA have been around for a while, but some clinics and patients may not be familiar with it and the benefits it provides.
Dr. Fuentes: Great question. When providers use tools like CAMBRA (Caries Management Risk Assessment), it helps them assess each patient’s tooth decay risk and plan treatment accordingly. It’s a more personalized approach to dental care that focuses on prevention and risk reduction, rather than just treating problems after they occur.
With SpotLite, we work with providers who follow evidence-based care protocols like CAMBRA. Additionally, we support them with education, resources, and data insights to help them succeed in this value-based model. It’s not just about setting the standard, it’s about building partnerships.
DT: It sounds like it’s been a great year since MetLife launched SpotLite. What have been the highlights? What can we expect in the future?
Dr. Fuentes: It’s been an exciting year. Seeing more than 24,000 providers participate in the program and seeing how it’s changing the conversation around dental care has been a highlight. But beyond the numbers is the feedback that providers are feeling empowered and more focused on prevention, and that members are building healthier habits for themselves and their families.
Moving forward, we are focused on scaling the program and deepening the support we provide to providers. We understand that scaling a program like this can be challenging, but we are committed to overcoming those challenges through continuing education, peer collaboration, and data-driven insights. We also want to help employers promote value-based dental care to better support their employees’ overall health and financial well-being.
SpotLite is just the beginning. Our goal is to make value-based dental care the norm, not the exception, because when we focus on prevention as well as efficacy, everyone benefits.
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