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💸 Feeling the Pinch? Smart Ways to Tackle Rising Overheads in Dentistry
- Dr Dan Shaffer BDS RDT PGCertDentLaw
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Let’s be honest: running a dental practice in the UK has never been more challenging. Between inflation, supply chain issues, wage pressure, and ever-growing patient expectations, overheads are creeping up — or in some cases, sprinting.
But here's the good news: you're not powerless. With the right strategies, mindset shifts, and a dose of creativity, you can not only manage these rising costs but position your practice for stronger, leaner growth.
1. Know Your Numbers — Properly
It sounds basic, but many practices still operate in the dark when it comes to financial clarity. Profit-and-loss sheets are glanced at once a year (if that), and few principals can say exactly how much it costs them to deliver a check-up or crown.
Top tip: Work with an accountant who understands dentistry. Better yet, adopt a dental-specific financial dashboard that gives you monthly clarity on cost-per-procedure, chair-time value, and fixed vs variable expenses.
2. Audit Your Suppliers — Regularly
When was the last time you compared lab fees, consumables, or utility costs? Prices creep up over time, especially if no one's watching. It pays (literally) to renegotiate and shop around annually.
Top tip: Set a calendar reminder to review supplier contracts every 12 months — or delegate this to a trusted practice manager with a clear brief to compare and reduce.
3. Rethink Your Team Structure
Salaries are rising, and rightly so — but if you're not optimising your team roles, you may be paying more without getting more. Could your nurses upskill into treatment coordinators? Could your front desk handle more digital comms with the right tools?
Top tip: Invest in cross-training and tech tools that allow your team to do more with less friction — and reduce your dependency on new hires in a tight job market.
4. Be Selective With Technology
There’s always a shiny new piece of kit being marketed to dentists. While innovation is essential, be brutally honest: will it really boost revenue or cut costs?
Top tip: Make tech purchases based on ROI, not FOMO. Ask: How long will it take to pay for itself? What clinical or business problem does it solve?
5. Embrace Smart Scheduling
An underfilled diary is a silent killer of profit. Last-minute cancellations, inefficient appointment spacing, and low-value bookings all eat into your bottom line.
Top tip: Use digital tools to optimise appointment booking and reduce no-shows. Consider “zoning” your diary to focus on high-value treatments at key times.
6. Review Your Fees — Without Guilt
Many dentists feel awkward about raising fees — especially during tough economic times. But if your costs are rising and your fees aren’t, your margins shrink fast.
Top tip: Communicate clearly with patients about any changes, emphasising the value of your care, your experience, and the outcomes you deliver.
Final Thought: Overheads Aren’t the Enemy — Complacency Is
The truth is, every dental practice has overheads. But the ones that thrive are proactive, data-driven, and always evolving. You don’t need to make radical changes overnight — but small, intentional improvements across your operations can have a huge impact on your bottom line.
💡 Want to dive deeper? Join us at The Business of Dentistry Summit, where we’ll be tackling real-world business challenges just like this — with expert panels, practical workshops, and a like-minded community ready to support you.
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