Dentist Annual Fee Increases: Dental Management

Dentist annual fee increases aren't universal in a recession economy, suggests this survey. While half of dentists (54%) report that they have raised fees in the past year, it’s been over a year since their last fee increase for the other half (44%). And 2% have even lowered their dental fees.

Those who did raise fees did it by an average of 4.5%. “Staff realized how important it was and influenced me!" said one dentist. "I was hesitant at this time, but they insisted because of how expenses are increasing, etc, not because they want raises. They know the difficulties of today running a practice."

It's worth noting that not one pediatric dentist in this survey said they had raised fees in the past 12 months. "I'm holding fees steady this year. Economy and all," said one children's dentist.

Dental consultants tell dentists they should be raising dental fees each and every year as a part of their dental management. Here are some comments from dentists on the topic:

• “I've had patients leaving to find a network dentist for a few dollars savings. A fee increase does not seem wise or humane.” (Texas dentist)
• "In a down market, reducing fees can offer a competitive advantage.” (California periodontist)
• “Don’t increase across the board. Some up, some the same.” (Periodontist)
• “Although we have raised our default fees, my fees are primarily based on the complexity and difficulty of the case.” (Dental implant dentist)
• "Will be meeting soon to review our costs and the economic situation." (North Carolina oral surgeon)
• “This year I raised them 5%, similar last year The demand for my services is high.” (West Virginia TMJ dentist)
• “Difficult to raise dental fees during these difficult economic times.” (New Jersey dentist)
• “Once per year we increase fees at least 3-4% to keep up with annual inflation. A few fees are increasing more than 4%, like gold dental crown fees." (Ohio prosthodontist)
• “We kept the basic services the same (prophys etc) but raised the other fees. We find that patients do not notice the increase unless we increase the prophy and exam fees.” (California dentist)
• “Since some of our co-pays are based on a percentage of our registered fees, we had to increase our fees.” (New Jersey dentist)

Read more – Dental Management: Annual Dental Fee Increase