For most dental practices, a certain percentage of dental patients drive the majority of profits.

But you might be surprised to learn that the more extensive dental treatment patients may not necessarily be the best profit-drivers.

It’s important for dentists to know what type of dental patients are the most profitable to their dental practice. In studying what makes this group profitable, dentists can apply what they discover to other dental patients.

The Wealthy Dentist conducted a survey asking dentists which type of dental patients they find are the most profitable for their dental practice.

34% of dentists responded, “General dental patients are always the core (profits)!”

Here’s a breakdown of the rest of the dentist’s responses —

24% Dental implant patients
18% Cosmetic dentistry patients
11% Sedation dentistry patients
09% Braces patients
02% Dentures patients
02% Other

Here are some comments from our dentists:

“Our most profitable patients are those that pay in full before treatment begins.” (Texas dentist)

“Dental implant patients seem to always pay on time.” (Ohio prosthodontist)

“Patients who pay in full and refer other patients.” (General dentist)

“Sedation patients are the most profitable.” (California dentist)

“Cosmetic patients who want to replace amalgam with a more esthetic composite.” (Arizona dentist)

General dental patients have long been the most profitable type of dental patient for dentists, is this true of your dental practice?