Improve Profitability through Clean Claims

With almost 11 ADA recognized dental specialties and having a burgeoning market share, the specialty dental business is here to make significant gains in the coming years as we take a cursory glance on the latest trends of the dental industry.

Listen to Ryan Arnold, Principal, Wisdom Teeth Guys as he explains the possibilities that lie ahead for Dental Specialty business and how he has paid attention on patient care,technology adoption and brand management to further sustainable practice growth for his specialty.

Dentistry's Inner Circle bg 37

Creating Sustainable Specialty Dental Businesses

Dentistry's Inner Circle Podcast

A series of podcasts from practice owners on how they navigated the change and successfully transitioned to CareStack. 

Expanding Dental Care beyond the Clinic

Expanding Dental Care Beyond the Clinic

Beatrice Perez

Ishtiaq Rouf

Dana Veach

Dr. Himesh Kana, DDS

Himesh Kana

 Penny Filipe

Promoted to Manager, Now What

Promoted to Manager, Now What?

Wonderist Agency

Implant Marketing Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated—But It Does Have to Be Smart

DSO Group Blog: Boosting Call Conversions

DSOs Are Bleeding Value From Their Phone Lines: Dr. Scott Kalniz on the Call Conversion Crisis in Dentistry

Top Trends in Dental Software for 2025

Top Trends in Dental Software for 2025: What Practices Should Prepare For

Reducing patient no-shows and cancellations begins by accepting that 

it’s impossible to guarantee that your patients will always keep their appointments

. Once you accept that this falls outside your control, you can pool your efforts on the aspects that are within your control, and which help reduce no-shows and cancellations.

missed appointments cause a ripple effect

 that impacts your schedules, revenues, and the effectiveness of treatments. It strikes a serious blow to your bottom line. But with that said, there are 

effective safeguards you can put in place

 to address this issue. Before we explore these safeguards, let’s examine the key reasons behind no-shows and cancellations. 

Typically, patients miss their appointments when they:

Don’t understand the importance of keeping their appointments

Misunderstand when their appointment is scheduled

Self diagnose and decide to skip their appointments

Worry about bad news and try to avoid the situation

Have a shallow relationship with the provider

There is a wide range of reasons for patients to miss their appointments, but most can be mitigated with improved patient-provider communication and by implementing the following safeguards.

It became widely accepted as a care delivery method after the 2020 pandemic, but thanks to the convenience offered to patients, 

 is here to stay. Outside the initial check-up and actual treatment, consultations and routine post-op visits can be performed remotely. The virtual interactions offer patients the opportunity to 

receive treatment in the comfort of their living room

 or office. The added benefit of leveraging teledentistry is it adds one less reason for patients to rethink or opt out of their dental appointments. 

Another approach that has gained traction is using 

 to collect vital patient information. E-forms are a key feature of modern practice management software (PMS). This feature is now used widely to stay in line with the COVID-19 safety protocols. With this new norm, practices have completely replaced the clipboard and embraced digitization. Another fact that supports this approach is that 

98% of patients who take time to fill out online forms commit to their appointments

COVID-19 has added fuel to the fire of dental anxiety among patients. The risk of exposure is a valid fear. The best way for you to 

 is with communication and education. Ensure you convey the safety protocols and measures followed at your practice to reduce the risks from COVID-19. Launching targeted email campaigns, and updating relevant information on your practice website and 

convey your commitment to patient care and safety

 and encourage patients to follow through with their appointments.

When you provide your patients with the option to make payments in advance, it reduces the instances of no-shows and benefits your collections and accounts receivable. Get paid upfront instead of having to wait for 2-3 months. Paying cash in advance leads to 

. You can provide this option during patient checkout, especially when both you and your patient agree with the importance of scheduling the next appointment.

Offering upfront payment at this stage is apt, as the patient is likelier to take action and commit to their oral health. Another way to make it easy for them to pay is by providing an 

. Make sure that you inform your patient about your prepaid payment options. Market it through your campaigns, newsletters, and phone scripts.

Reminders are an effective way to reduce patient no-shows. Plan your 

and decide on a frequency that works best for your target clientele. Start off with a postcard, followed by email and text reminders. Add a phone reminder a few days before the scheduled appointment. Ensure that you cut down on reminders once you receive confirmation from your patients. Practice management software aids you to launch, coordinate and track your recall campaigns effectively.

reward patients who keep their appointments

. The reward initiatives can include discounts or gift cards. The benefits of such an approach are twofold. You encourage your patients to follow through on your appointments and 

convey how much you value their participation

. Moreover, curating such experiences helps you retain your customers.

Sometimes, patients simply forget an appointment. Send 

 that can include a “We missed you at the practice” message. Follow this up with a phone call to encourage them to reschedule immediately.

It is crucial that your patients know the impact of your treatments on their oral health. If your patients are not invested in the outcomes of your treatment plan, it is unlikely that they will uphold their commitments. 

 before every appointment. Remind them of the benefits of the procedure and the progress they’ve made so far. 

 of the scheduled appointment and ensure that they are fully onboard. A phone reminder before the appointment will help refresh what they already know about the 

Patients skip appointments because they owe your practice money or are worried the procedure will be too expensive. When this happens, it’s time to 

. It’s important that payments never come as a surprise to the patient. This causes anxiety in the patient, especially when they expect hidden expenses from each visit. When 

 and benefits are discussed upfront and agreed upon, patient no-shows due to financial concerns can be avoided. 

 allows you to effectively educate and communicate with your patients. Automating tasks like appointment reminders or confirmation/cancellation emails, filling last-minute openings, and sending online forms and other notifications to engage patients, practices can drastically cut revenue loss and staff workload while reducing patient no-shows and cancellations.

Eliminating No-Shows and Cancellations at Dental Office

For a dental practice, revenue cycle management is the equivalent of the body’s circulatory system and the heart of a practice’s financial success. The revenue cycle incorporates data capture, claims and denials management, and the collection of payments from both patient and insurance receivables. A healthy system works in concert with industry best practices and technical solutions to optimize efficiencies, identify “leaks” and improve operational workflows. As every practice is unique, it is difficult to prescribe a “one size fits all” approach. However, there are key performance indicators, which can and should be followed to measure practice performance. There are several potential KPIs which provide valuable insight into the collection’s performance and financial health of practice including, but not limited to: Collections percentage, Production growth, Aging accounts receivable, Days sales outstanding, Adjustments percentage, and Credit balances. 

Since 2011, the dental industry has experienced a steady and upward trend in aging receivables, with the majority of balances aged greater than 90 days. The good news is that CareStack offers a solution that combines modern technology, effective processes, and industry expertise to kick start the heart and breathe life back into the revenue cycle.

Revenue Cycle Playbook for Dental Professional

Revenue Cycle Playbook for Dental Professionals

From small, solo practices to large, multi-location clinics, these case studies demonstrate the versatility and value of CareStack in improving the patient experience and driving practice . 

In the latest episode of For The Doers, host Dan Hall sits down with Krysten Garduno, Senior Director of Revenue Cycle Management at Espire Dental. With years of experience transforming revenue cycle operations, Krysten has built a career turning one of the most overlooked areas of dentistry into a growth engine.

During the conversation, Krysten shares her journey from treatment coordinator to leading multi-state RCM teams, explaining how blending technology with human-centered processes can boost efficiency and drive practice growth. She dives into strategies for leading through change, improving patient financial experiences, and leveraging AI to augment workflows without losing the personal touch.Listeners will gain actionable insights on optimizing revenue, empowering teams, and preparing their practices for the future of dentistry. Whether you’re a dental leader, practice manager, or aspiring RCM specialist, this episode is packed with practical advice and real-world examples to help you build smarter, leaner, and more resilient operations.

EP 09_CSR

EP 09 | Krysten Garduno, Dental Nerd and RCM Expert | Espire Dental

, where host Dan Hall sits down with the leaders who are actually building, scaling, and transforming dentistry from the ground up. In this episode, Dan is joined by 

, Senior Director of Operations and Integrations at 

16 years of experience in the dental industry

.

James shares what it truly takes to roll out technology across 40-plus locations, build standardized processes, and unify practices under one operational playbook. He dives into how he drives adoption even when change is difficult, supports teams through major transitions, and creates a culture where training and consistency define the patient experience. From integrating new acquisitions to leveraging platforms like CareStack and VoiceStack, James reveals the systems that allow Espire to scale with clarity and confidence.

If you are part of a growing dental group, leading a DSO, or looking to understand real operational excellence, this episode is packed with practical insights you can use right away.


EP 10 | James Zlotnick, Sr. Director of Operations & Integrations | Espire Dental

In the latest episode of For The Doers Podcast, host Dan Hall sits down with Kim Larson, Co-Founder and COO of Group Dentistry Now, to hear how she noticed dental practices starting to consolidate yet found almost no information about it. She realized that if this change was coming, they might need to take the lead themselves.

Together with Bill Neumann, CEO of Group Dentistry Now, Kim shares their journey, offering insights on growing group dental practices and navigating the complex world of DSOs.

EP 08_OG

EP 08 | Bill Neumann and Kim Larson, Group Dentistry Now

It is often assumed that the success of a dental office is primarily determined by clinical excellence, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and marketing initiatives. While these elements are undoubtedly important and help in improving production, practices frequently overlook a critical factor that ensures that these elements translate into collection: 

 webinar, Maria Fuertes, VP at CareRevenue, explored these questions alongside industry leaders Ishtiaq Rouf, CEO of Bite Dental Centre, and Penny Filipe, Senior Operations Manager at Alpha Dental. In an engaging conversation that spanned a diverse set of topics around revenue cycle management, they discussed strategies and operational practices that distinguish top-performing dental offices from others. They also highlighted the essential role of effective revenue cycle management solutions like 

 in offering a streamlined and automated approach, reducing errors, accelerating collections, and improving revenue realization.

A recent case study shows that a three-doctor practice with an annual revenue of $2.4 million seemed to be running a highly successful practice; however, a detailed audit uncovered nearly $180,000 in aged receivables and a 23% claim denial rate. With further analysis, it was found that staff spend over 15 hours a week, ultimately resulting in $192,000 in lost revenue annually.

The “Perfect Storm” of Dental RCM Challenges

Dental practices are facing what Maria describes as a “perfect storm” of converging pressures. These pressures strain both financial performance and operational efficiency. 

The first of these pressures manifests in the form of

. Frequent changes in insurance policies, merging of payers, and increasing complexities in coverage guidelines make reimbursements less predictable. This leads to practices spending a considerable time verifying eligibility, ensuring accurate claim submissions, and managing appeals. If delayed or mishandled, these can disrupt cash flow and reduce profitability.

 from both patients and staff members. Patients now demand a digital-first approach, including online scheduling, contactless payments, and text-based communication. Similarly, staff expect tools to streamline workflows and reduce administrative burden. Adapting to this rapidly evolving digital landscape can be disruptive as well as require additional training and process adjustments. Services like 

 help address these challenges by introducing integrated automation that simplifies processes, reduces friction, and supports a smoother experience for both patients and staff.

 exert a significant impact on the everyday operations of dental practices. Inflation increases the cost of supplies, while a shortage of skilled staff makes recruitment and retention more challenging. This forces practices to focus on high-value tasks and eliminate low-value activities that require more effort but do not result in meaningful ROI.

During the webinar, attendees were polled on their biggest technology frustrations. Responses underscore that there is no single pain point in dental RCM. Instead, practices are navigating a complex web of interconnected challenges that, if left unresolved, can erode both profitability and patient satisfaction.

The webinar underscored that with the backdrop of all the current industry pressures, automation has become the cornerstone of sustainable RCM. By streamlining workflows and taking over repetitive tasks, automation frees staff from low-value tasks and shifts their focus to higher-value ones.

Automation in dental practices can be mapped across four distinct levels:

This initial stage marks the transition from paper-based processes to digital operations. Practices digitize records, charts, and core workflows, creating a centralized and easily accessible system. While the operational gains in this stage are relatively modest, it serves as the foundation upon which higher-level automation can be built on.

At this level, practices focus on creating seamless interoperability across core systems. Practice management software, Electronic Health Records (EHR), and billing platforms are integrated, allowing data to flow across these functions seamlessly. This reduces the likelihood of errors, eliminates redundant data entry, and creates a single source of information. Additionally, this increases the accuracy and efficiency of a dental practice, resulting in an enhanced patient experience.

 The third stage is where automation begins to deliver measurable returns. At this level, practices implement advanced capabilities such as automated claim scrubbing, accounts receivable management, and predictive analytics. These tools reduce revenue leakage and also strengthen the financial performance. It is here that practices begin to see a tangible return on their investment in automation.

practices step into a future-ready model, where AI and ML predict claim outcomes, flag anomalies in submissions, and even optimise revenue collection with minimal human intervention. In this stage, RCM becomes more predictive while achieving transformative efficiency and profitability

Levels 1 and 2 lay the foundation, while levels 3 and 4 are the ones where real transformation and accelerated ROI are realised. As the panel highlighted, for practices willing to invest in smarter automation, the payoff is not just incremental; it’s exponential.

In the dental business, there are several key metrics that every dental practice must actively measure to ensure financial and operational efficiency. These key performance indicators are not just “good to have”; they are the critical benchmark that separates the top-performing practices from the rest. 


 Insurance remains one of the primary revenue drivers for dental practices. Patients often feel at ease knowing that their treatment will be covered by insurance. However, when claims are rejected, it not only causes frustration for patients but also creates additional work for the practice. Each rejected claim requires staff intervention, resubmission, and follow-up, leading to inefficiencies that could have been avoided. Leading practices maintain a clean claim rate of 95% or higher, compared to 75–85% for the majority. A higher clean claim rate reduces rework, accelerates reimbursements, and minimizes revenue leakage.

 Higher accounts receivables indicate delayed cash flow, greater risk of non-payment, and increased staff time spent on chasing overdue balances. The longer a payment is outstanding, the more likely it is to turn into write-offs, directly reducing profitability. Successful practices typically keep their accounts receivable under 30 days, while many others operate with 45–60+ days, resulting in financial strain.

 Revenue collection is the realisation of production, the point where a practice reaps the benefits of all its efforts across clinical care, infrastructure, and marketing. A collection rate of 98% and higher is considered the gold standard in dentistry, yet most practices fall between 85% and 92%. That gap may appear small, but for a $1M practice, this translates to $60,000–$130,000 in annual revenue. This is real revenue slipping through the cracks, underscoring the critical importance of effective revenue cycle management.

 Same-day payment posting is considered ideal, as it ensures that patient accounts and financial records remain up to date, but many practices take anywhere between 3-7 days to post payments, which creates a ripple of inefficiencies throughout the revenue cycle, which ultimately impacts cash flow and overall profitability.

To help practices consistently perform at these benchmarks, CareRevenue, the sponsor of the event, provides end-to-end support across the revenue cycle. By overseeing claims, AR, collections, and payment posting with accuracy and efficiency, it ensures that practices not only track these KPIs but achieve them too.

Most dental practices find RCM to be one of the functions in dental practice management. However, seasoned industry leaders rely on streamlined processes to drive effectiveness. Drawing on years of experience, Maria outlined a framework built around five core pillars that enable practices to reduce inefficiencies, strengthen financial outcomes, and improve the overall patient and staff experience.

Too many dental practices run in a firefighting mode. They address operational gaps only after they have turned into claim denials, delayed payments, or even bad debts. A prevention-focused approach needs to be built that can identify and resolve potential problems before they escalate into major disruptions that can compromise both revenue and patient experience.

 The right technology does not just speed up the existing workflows but also improves the overall accuracy and efficiency of a practice. This enables staff members to focus on patient care without the worry of repetitive administrative tasks piling up behind them.

The success of a practice is the culmination of teamwork. The clinical team, the front desk, and the billing team all must operate in alignment with each other to minimize friction, improve accountability, and create a culture of collective ownership.

For patients, the billing experience is as important as the clinical one. Confusing invoices, unexpected balances, and outdated payment methods can reduce trust. Practices that prioritise transparency and provide modern, user-friendly payment options not only simplify collections but also strengthen long-term patient relationships. 

 What appears successful on the surface can often mask hidden inefficiencies. Consistent tracking and analysis of key performance indicators give decision-makers a clear picture about the efficiency of their revenue cycle. With this clarity, practices can identify risks, respond proactively, and implement corrective actions to drive growth.

With a clear framework in place, the next step for a practice is to translate them into action. Maria outlines a four-phase roadmap designed to guide practices to go from good to great. 

To correct operational deficiencies, the first step is to assess the current state of operations. A thorough RCM audit can help the practice identify systemic issues easily. This will serve as a baseline for practices to measure progress and understand the gap between their current performance and desired outcomes.

Once a clear assessment is complete, the next step is implementing targeted early improvements. Real-time eligibility verification, claim error reduction, and streamlined patient billing are a few examples that deliver a significant impact. These wins not only improve the cash flow but also build team confidence, fostering momentum for more comprehensive changes.

 The third step is to move beyond immediate patchworks to systemic improvements. Technological integrations, higher staff retention, and a smoother patient experience are to be prioritized. Ish also highlights one of the trends in this phase: to hire staff who combine billing expertise with strong patient communication skills, improving the overall patient experience and operational efficiency.

 Revenue Cycle Management is not static. Running a dental practice in today's day and age requires practices to constantly evolve and bring in agility to their operations. This commitment to ongoing iteration ensures that operational gains are sustainable, revenue is maximized, and the practice remains resilient in a dynamic healthcare environment.

Many dental practices are losing 10-20% of potential revenue due to inefficiencies in revenue cycle management. While clinical excellence, modern infrastructure, and marketing are important, they cannot compensate for the gaps in RCM. Efficient management of claims, collections, and financial workflow is crucial in transforming operational performance into measurable profitability.

The insights shared by industry leaders underscore that addressing these challenges requires a structured yet agile approach, while also leveraging automation, measuring KPIs, and aligning teams. Practices that implement these strategies not only reduce revenue leakage but also enhance patient experience and strengthen financial resilience.


For practices ready to take control of their revenue cycle management, CareRevenue offers an end-to-end solution that ensures efficiency and accuracy in every function of RCM.

Schedule a call with our RCM expert today!

Download this Resource for Free

Looking for the best cloud-based dental software?

Book a demo with us!

Dental Revenue Cycle Management: Expert Insights to Reduce Claim Denials and Boost Collections

In the latest episode of For The Doers, host Dan Hall sits down with Jordin McEntire, Executive Coach and Fractional COO at the Dentist Entrepreneur Organization (DEO) and Founder of Entire Management. With years of experience leading operations at Pacific Dental Services and Heartland Dental, Jordin has honed a unique approach to developing leaders, aligning teams, and building businesses that thrive.

During the conversation, Jordin dives into the lessons she’s learned from managing multi-location dental practices and running her own company focused on leadership and talent development. She explains why clarity and focus matter more than rapid expansion, how coaching can uncover hidden growth opportunities, and the strategies she uses to create resilient, high-performing teams. Listeners will gain actionable insights on improving team alignment, enhancing operational efficiency, and fostering a growth mindset in their business or practice.

Whether you’re a dental entrepreneur, small business owner, or aspiring leader, this episode is packed with practical advice and real-world examples to help you scale smarter and lead with confidence.

The Doers Podcast | EP 07 | Jordin McEntire | DEO: The Dentist Entrepreneur Organization

EP 07 | Jordin McEntire, DEO: The Dentist Entrepreneur Organization

The Doers Podcast just dropped a new episode and it’s one you don’t want to miss.

This time, Dan Hall sits down with Dr. Tatiana Herzog, DDS, one of the first board-certified implantologists in South Florida, founder of Implant Center of Miami, Implant Instructors, and the driving force behind Value Driven Ads, a marketing agency built by a dentist for dentists.

Dr. Herzog’s journey is the definition of impact. At the Implant Center of Miami, she’s been transforming lives with dentistry since 2010. Through Implant Instructors, she’s created a world-class training hub, teaching doctors how to master implantology and scale their surgical practices. And with Value Driven Ads, she’s helping practices attract the right patients and grow with strategies that actually work.

From innovator to educator to entrepreneur, Dr. Herzog shows what’s possible when clinical mastery meets vision and execution.

Hosted by Dan Hall, VP of Sales at CareStack, this episode dives into building specialized practices, the business of dentistry, and why owning your growth both clinical and entrepreneurial is the future of the profession.

It’s smart. It’s inspiring. And it’ll have you rethinking what’s possible in your own practice.

EP 06 | Tatiana Herzog, Implant Center Of Miami

When most people in dentistry talk about growth, they usually mean scale. Acquire another office. Add more chairs. Increase ad spend. Bigger often feels like better. Even with those big investments, dental practices are often left wondering why the results are not stronger.

Why? Because expanding without the right foundation only creates the illusion of progress. True growth is not about how many new patients you can attract, but how effectively you manage and maximize the practices you already have.

That was the motivation behind CareStack’s benchmark study on same-store growth in U.S. dentistry. The study looked at data from 123 practices and was enriched with conversations with owners, clinicians, and managers. What stood out was simple but powerful: the practices that keep growing are the ones that don’t lose sight of the basics. They operate a tight ship, carefully consider how to create the ideal culture, and choose their technologies wisely. Above all, they prioritise building long-term relationships with each patient rather than depending just on the next person who enters the office.

In a thriving practice, the brand goes far beyond a logo on the wall. It shows up in the way the office feels, how the team welcomes patients, and even in the consistent colors, tone, and presence patients notice online. That attention to detail shows up in reviews too. High-performing practices gather fresh reviews every month and keep their ratings well above 4.6 stars.

This is not accidental. Teams ask for reviews while the patient is still in the chair, 

 before the patient leaves the parking lot, and always respond. Every reply reinforces the promise of the practice and strengthens visibility in local search results. More importantly, it keeps the team connected to the reality that patients are judging every interaction.

Reputation, in today’s environment, is not optional. It is a core growth driver, often stronger than any paid advertising campaign.

Dental practice growth starts long before marketing ever enters the picture. It lives in the everyday choices staff make. A warm smile to calm a parent. Insurance explained in plain language. A celebration for a child who avoided cavities.

The study highlighted one striking detail: practices that hold no-show rates around 4%, which is almost unheard of, achieved it by embedding empathy into everything they do. Leaders guard against burnout, celebrate staff wins, and encourage frontline employees to solve problems in real time.

One Midwestern practice illustrates this perfectly. Their assistants keep small “comfort kits” at every chair, lip balm, tissues, noise-canceling earbuds. This is something that they started as a gesture to comfort one patient and now it is part of the culture. These small add ons can build loyalty, and loyalty is the most sustainable growth engine a practice can have.

Many in healthcare avoid the word “sales.” Yet the best-performing practices do not shy away from it; they redefine it. For them, sales is about alignment and storytelling.

From the moment the phone rings, the patient is on a journey. The front desk welcomes them with professionalism, the treatment coordinator helps them navigate financial concerns, and the doctor reinforces the value of care. Because everyone delivers a consistent message, nothing feels pushy or transactional.

Technology supports this alignment, tools like AI call recording or coaching dashboards help teams fine-tune, but the real differentiator is people. When every touchpoint conveys confidence and respect, case acceptance follows naturally.

4. Prioritize Cash Flow through Discipline and Automation

 and you will get a sigh. Ask the top performers and you will get enthusiasm. They view cash flow not as a burden, but as an area where discipline pays immediate dividends.

The basics are automated, insurance verification, payment posting, and digital statements. But these practices go further. They review denials weekly, not just to resolve them but to identify what broke and fix it for good. They keep payment cards on file so billing does not turn into a chase.

Some groups cut weeks off their Days Sales Outstanding by doing something as simple as agreeing on a single definition of a “clean claim.” The benefits ripple outward: steadier payroll, fewer awkward collection calls, and a calmer, more confident team. In other words, cash flow shapes culture.

5. Streamline the Technology Stack and Adopt AI Early

Dentistry has no shortage of software. The problem is that too much software leads to fragmentation, wasted time, and errors. Successful practices simplify instead. Instead of piling on new tools, high-performing practices use fewer platforms but make the most of them. Consolidating a single platform for analytics, communication, and practice management is the most successful strategy. Cleaner data, fewer hassles, and a more efficient workflow are the results of this simplicity.

Once a solid foundation is established, AI takes over as the accelerator. It can flag early bone changes on X-rays, highlight missed opportunities on patient calls, or speed up charting through voice tools. The goal is to enable people to accomplish things that technology cannot: demonstrate empathy, foster trust, and confidently lead patients.

Across all geographies and practice models, the pattern is consistent.

Patient-centered cultures keep them loyal.

Aligned teams turn interest into treatment acceptance.

Disciplined cash flow protects the bottom line.

Integrated, AI-enabled technology keeps everything moving smoothly.

These components are not independent. Together, they provide the framework for long-term growth that is consistent, sustainable, and significantly less reliant on expensive acquisitions or advertising.

Interested in the full findings? Download CareStack’s benchmark report, 

, to dig into the numbers, real-world examples, and step-by-step playbooks. And if you are ready to put those ideas into action, book a demo with 

. We will show you how to simplify operations, improve the patient experience, and build growth you can count on.

Download the Resource for Free

Same-Store Growth in Dentistry: The Overlooked Driver of Sustainable Success

Picture this: It is a Monday morning in a busy dental office somewhere in Ohio. The phone is buzzing nonstop, the waiting room is packed, and the practice owner is sipping coffee while scanning the monthly marketing report. The numbers look… fine. Not terrible, not amazing. But one question lingers:

“Are we actually on track to hit our new patient goals this year?”

Turns out, that question is not unique. When we surveyed 38 dental practices across the country, from general practitioners to oral surgeons, most admitted they are asking the same thing.

Who We Heard From: Dental Practices Across the U.S.

Our 2025 Mid-Year Growth Survey captured insights from 38 dental practices across the U.S. These are not just stats on a page but real stories from dental practice owners balancing patient care with business growth. Here is how the mix breaks down:

: The backbone of dentistry, setting the pace for growth across the industry.

: The “one-stop shops” juggling multiple services and marketing them all at once.

: Masters of trust and long-term loyalty, starting with a child’s first visit.

: Specialists relying on referrals and reputation for high-stakes cases.

: The root canal experts, thriving on strong referral ties.

On average, these practices run about 1.8 locations each.

Are Dental Practices on Track With Patient Growth in 2025?

Here is some good news: 79% of dental practices began 2025 with clear new patient growth targets. That shows that the “let’s just see what happens” approach is being ditched by modern dental practices. Dentistry is starting to act more like a business with defined goals and accountability.

The twist? Only 40% of dental practices have passed the halfway point toward those targets.

When asked how confident they feel about finishing the year strong:

 are cautiously optimistic, waiting to see how the second half plays out.

 are worried their current strategies just will not cut it.

The takeaway: having a target already sets you apart. Growth does not happen by accident, and a roadmap beats wandering any day.

Dental Marketing Budgets: Where Practices Are Spending

90% of dental practices invest real dollars into marketing, with most spending between $25,000 and $50,000 per location. On paper, that looks solid.

But here is the catch. 58% say they are not happy with the return. That is the equivalent of buying a fancy fishing rod, casting every day, and still coming home without dinner. The effort is there, but the strategy is off.

Many practices are casting wide nets for visibility instead of tracking what actually hooks patients. Without sharper targeting and smarter tracking, marketing dollars slip away fast.

Every dental practice surveyed has some sort of social media presence. But only 29% post 2-3 times a week, which is just enough to stay relevant. The rest? A couple of posts a month. That is like entering a marathon in flip-flops. You are technically in the race, but you are not really running.

76% are on Google Business Profile, Facebook, and Instagram, which are now the bare minimum. But too many practices treat their pages like digital waiting rooms. Quiet. Predictable. Forgettable.

Social media should not be wallpaper. It should grab attention, show personality, and make patients feel like they know you before they ever book. Otherwise, it is like renting a billboard and leaving it blank.

Dental Marketing Agencies: Partner or Passenger?

55% of dental practices hire a marketing agency, expecting a pit crew to tune up their growth engine. But nearly 20% say they have no idea what their agency is actually doing.

It is like paying a personal trainer who claps while you lift invisible weights. You are sweating, but are you getting results?

Too many agencies churn out content without driving growth. Only 52% of dental practices post weekly on social media, even with agencies on board. That is not enough.

Consistency wins trust. Patients may not book today, but if they see you show up regularly with value and warmth, you will be the one they remember when it matters.

Paid Ads for Dentists: Precision Over Budget

Two-thirds of practices are putting their ad dollars into Google Ads, with Meta trailing far behind at 8%. Direct mail still makes an appearance, surprisingly holding the same slice as Meta.

18% admit they do not know which channel requires more of their budget. That is like playing poker without looking at your cards.

The top performers are not spending more; they are spending smarter. They run intent-driven campaigns, track every click to booked appointments, and fine-tune strategies weekly. 

Translation: clicks are nice, but booked patients are better.

Top Dental Practice Growth Challenges in 2025

Every dental practice dreams of growth, but here are the biggest hurdles:

Browse Content

Explore All