On average, WHAT PERCENT MARK-UP is there on most DENTAL services?!


Question: I have a lot of dental work ahead. I received twoopinions from totally unrelated docs (not like, hey, see my buddy, Dr. Denture!)
Example, let's say a root canal is $500 (just for argument sake). Out of the 500 bucks, how much does that dentist actualy pocket (after ALL expenses?)

If you are a dentist or work for one, do YOU believe denttists over-use x-rays just to increase their profit?

Last, I was shown my x-rays which were done digitally and shown to me on a computer monitor and was told any dark areas around/below the tooth in the gum means an abscess. Is this true? If so, I'm in trouble!!

Thanks so much!


Answers: I have a lot of dental work ahead. I received twoopinions from totally unrelated docs (not like, hey, see my buddy, Dr. Denture!)
Example, let's say a root canal is $500 (just for argument sake). Out of the 500 bucks, how much does that dentist actualy pocket (after ALL expenses?)

If you are a dentist or work for one, do YOU believe denttists over-use x-rays just to increase their profit?

Last, I was shown my x-rays which were done digitally and shown to me on a computer monitor and was told any dark areas around/below the tooth in the gum means an abscess. Is this true? If so, I'm in trouble!!

Thanks so much!

There is no mark-up on the services, each dentist is at liberty to charge whatever they choose, however there is an area average that most office's watch to help monitor their fees. There is a mark-up on products, usually 3 x the lab fee, you have to remember their overhead is usually around 70% ex: Dentist who produces $400,000 yr, after everything is paid they make approx 60,000 yr or so.

I'm sure there are those that abuse x-rays, but x-rays are not a high ticket item in a practice that it would increase profits that much. They are a very important diagnostic tool, since it is impossible to see between the teeth or inside the tooth without them.

An abcess will show up as a dark area at the tip of the root of the tooth, dark areas within the tooth would be possible decay.
Good luck in your future dental work!

An xray of a tooth can tell alot for example decay spreads what your tooth looks like today could be totally different in 60 days so no I dont think xrays are over rated and as far as the mark up of dental treatment there is alot to consider the rent on the building the utilities the payments for the equipment along with property taxes on equipment then there is the payroll of the staff continuing education that all clinical staff including dr has to have the materials used lab fees haz mat fees there is so much to consider but yes the dentist does make a very good profit he also went to college for 4 years and then dental school 4 years and went into practice in debt so I guess you can say your dentist is entitled to make the big bucks

the last response is closest to reality





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