Many feel they have no choice in the current economy, while other are concerned that offering discounts may cheapen the perceived value of dentistry.

Of course, many dentists already offer regular discounts as part of their normal dental marketing strategies. Others are adopting the practice as finances get tighter and patients become less eager to spend.

Here are some thoughts on dental discounts from dentists:

• “25-50% off dental implant surgical placement. It has worked well!” (California dentist)
• “We are offering new patient exams, x-rays, and cleaning for $49.” (Utah dentist)
• “One ad that's working is $1000 off on any Invisalign case, with up-front payment.” (Colorado dentist)
• “Discounting only works if you are trying to attract new patients.” (Illinois pediatric dentist)
• “What we offer on a routine basis is a 5% courtesy for payment up-front.” (Texas dentist)
• “We're offering practice entry discounts just to make it easier for patients to come in the first time. We offer free consultations on implant cases, then try to wow them.” (Washington dentist)
• “For higher-end practices, you have to be careful so promos don't come off cheesy.” (Pennsylvania dentist)
• “I just raised my fees. Things are never as bad as they seem or as good as we'd like. Panic is the worst management philosophy possible.” (Ohio orthodontist)

Read more: Discounted Dental Care Might Be Good Dental Management

In this tight economy, some dentists are offering sales and discounts. I just read this in the Kiplinger Letter:

img alt=”teeth whitening sale” src=”http://www.thewealthydentist.com/images/BlogImages/2009/teeth-whitening-sale.jpg” align=”right” hspace=”10″ /> One consolation in this economy: Some medical costs will be cheaper. Orthodontic work is on sale, with many dentists offering big discounts to make up for a 20% decline in business. Other discretionary medical services, and anything not covered by insurance, are also widely on sale to attract customers.

Cosmetic surgery is 10% to 25% cheaper. Sales, too, on LASIK eye surgery.

Along with lower prices, providers are offering easy credit and low interest. Many also offer package deals: A Botox shot along with a nose job, for example.

-The Kiplinger Letter: Forecasts for Management Decisionmaking, 1/2/09

I've been thinking a lot about what this means for dentistry. But before I share my opinions with you, I want to know what you think about all this… I'm wondering about this question: Are you offering promotional discounts for orthodontics or any other services?