Although brokers and consultants continue to play an important, valued role in the purchase of group dental benefits, more employers report some negative views of the broker/consultant role, according to the National Association of Dental Plans (NADP) 2008 Group Purchaser Behavior Study.

The NADP Study indicates employers using brokers during the purchasing process remained steady in 2008 at 49 percent, compared with 2005. Positive opinions about the value brokers add to the purchasing process rose since 2005. An additional 29 percent of respondents report they receive better rates when they go through a broker, and 18 percent more believe brokers have the company's best interest at heart.

However, a larger portion of employers report they work with brokers out of necessity, not preference…