How much is a dental patient worth?

Answered by Jeremy Urbaniak

Well, let me tell you about my experience as a dental practitioner. Over the years, I have had the privilege of treating many patients at my practice. One thing I have learned is that each patient is unique and brings their own set of dental needs and concerns.

When it comes to determining the worth of a dental patient, one important factor to consider is their lifetime value. This value represents the total amount of money a patient is likely to spend on dental treatments throughout their time at the practice.

To calculate the dental patient lifetime value, we need to consider the average amount a patient spends on treatments each year and multiply it by the number of years they remain a patient. Let’s take an example to better illustrate this concept.

Suppose we have a patient who has been coming to our practice for 10 years and typically spends $500 on treatments each year. To calculate their dental patient lifetime value, we would simply multiply $500 by 10, which equals $5,000.

Now, it’s important to note that this calculation is based on the assumption that the patient’s spending habits will remain relatively consistent over the years. However, in reality, this may not always be the case. Some patients may require more extensive dental work or may develop oral health issues that require ongoing treatment, leading to higher spending. On the other hand, some patients may only require routine check-ups and preventive care, resulting in lower spending.

Additionally, the dental patient lifetime value can vary from patient to patient based on their unique circumstances. Factors such as insurance coverage, personal finances, and changes in oral health can all influence a patient’s spending patterns.

It’s also worth mentioning that the dental patient lifetime value goes beyond just the monetary aspect. Building long-term relationships with patients can result in loyalty and referrals, which can have a positive impact on the practice’s reputation and growth.

The dental patient lifetime value represents the total amount of money a patient is likely to spend on dental treatments throughout their time at the practice. While it is difficult to accurately predict this value for each individual patient, considering their average annual spending over the years can provide an estimate. However, it’s important to remember that every patient is unique, and their spending habits may vary based on various factors. Ultimately, providing quality care and building strong patient relationships should be the focus, as these factors can greatly impact a practice’s success.