Dr. Peter Fuentes, chief dental officer at MetLife, addresses the importance of value-based approaches that prioritize long-term wellness
By Stan Goff, Senior Content Editor
More care for dental patients doesn’t always mean better care, especially when it’s focused on fixing problems after they’ve happened rather than putting an emphasis on prevention. That is why MetLife’s SpotLite program looks to shift the focus from reactive care to proactive.
Dr. Peter Fuentes, chief dental officer at MetLife, was kind enough to share his thoughts on this important topic and answer questions from Dentistry Today. Dr. Fuentes, DMD, oversees MetLife’s dental strategy and partnerships, with a focus on how they can improve access to preventive care and support better health outcomes for the millions of people MetLife serves.
Dentistry Today (DT): Tell us a little more about yourself and your role with MetLife.
Dr. Fuentes: A big part is our thinking differently about how dental benefits work, effectively moving beyond traditional models toward more value-based approaches that prioritize the quality of care and long-term wellness. I work closely with both providers and employers to bring these ideas to life.
Prior to joining MetLife, as a DMD I practiced dentistry for more than 15 years, primarily working at practices in large urban areas that focused on community dentistry, educating families on the importance of preventive care, establishing good dental care at home and underscoring the importance of regular dental visits.
DT: Why does MetLife believe it is important to deliver one of the first value-based approaches to ensure patients have access to quality and preventive care?
Dr. Fuentes: We believe prevention is the best treatment. The traditional dental care model often rewards volume and complexity, and with that more procedures and higher costs. However, we know that investing in early intervention and quality outcomes makes a real difference in people’s lives and overall health.
With programs like SpotLite, we’re helping shift the focus from reactive care to proactive, preventive care. This is not just good for patients, but for employers and providers too. Our data shows that SpotLite providers deliver 17% lower costs per patient compared to traditional in-network providers, and 41% lower than out-of-network care. That means healthier patients, fewer costly procedures, and smarter spending all around.
DT: What is the SpotLite on Oral Health program and what are the goals behind it? Are there results already that you’d like to share?
Dr. Fuentes: SpotLite is MetLife’s value-based dental care program, designed to connect members with providers who prioritize preventive care and health outcomes. The goal is to recognize quality over quantity, ensuring patients get the care they need early to avoid bigger issues later.
Since launching last year, SpotLite has grown rapidly. We now have more than 24,000 designated providers, a 30% increase in just one year. But what excites me most is the real impact: individuals who choose SpotLite providers will see around 17% cost savings compared to other in-network options. That is proof that preventive first care works—not just for health but for cost savings.
DT: Why is it so important to have great care provided as opposed to a lot of care delivered?
Dr. Fuentes: It really comes down to outcomes versus output. More care doesn’t always mean better care, especially if it’s focused on fixing problems after they’ve happened rather than preventing them in the first place.
Good oral health habits and early intervention are key to long-term health. If we can help someone avoid gum disease or catch early signs of decay, we are not just saving them money but protecting their overall health. There is growing evidence that oral health is linked to heart disease, diabetes, and even mental health. That’s why quality, preventive care matters so much—it’s about treating the person, not just the procedure.
DT: Please elaborate on how designated providers are evaluated. Things like CAMBRA, for instance, have been around a while but some practices and patients may not yet be familiar with it and the benefits it provides.
Dr. Fuentes: Great question. When providers utilize tools such as CAMBRA—Caries Management by Risk Assessment—it helps them assess each patient’s risk for cavities and tailor care accordingly. It’s a more personalized approach to dental care, focusing on prevention and risk reduction rather than just treating issues after they occur.
Through SpotLite, we collaborate with providers who follow evidence-based protocols including CAMBRA. Still, we also support them with education, resources, and data insights to help them succeed in this value-based model. It’s about creating a partnership, not just setting standards.
DT: It sounds as if it’s been a great year since MetLife started the SpotLite program. What are some of the highlights? And what are the expectations going forward?
Dr. Fuentes: It really has been an exciting year. Seeing more than 24,000 providers in the program and watching it change the conversation around dental care has been a major highlight. But beyond the numbers, it’s hearing from providers who feel empowered to focus on prevention, as well as from members who are building better habits for themselves and their families.
Looking ahead, we’re focused on scaling the program and deepening the support we offer providers. We understand that scaling a program of this nature can be challenging, but we are committed to overcoming these challenges through continuing education, peer collaboration, and data-driven insights. We also want to help employers make the case for value-based dental care to better support their workforce’s overall health and financial well-being.
SpotLite is just the beginning. We aim to help make value-based dental care the norm, not the exception, because everyone benefits when we focus on prevention and outcomes.
