Only 11% of Practices Have Optimal Fees—Is Yours One?

Hi everyone,   

One of the biggest mistakes I see practice owners make is setting fees and then leaving them unchanged for years. The logic is simple: if patients are happy and the practice is profitable, why rock the boat? 

But here’s the problem—costs are always rising, even if your fees aren’t.  

From lab expenses to staff wages, materials to compliance costs, everything has gone up. If you haven’t reviewed your pricing recently, there’s a good chance you’re charging less than you should be. 

Are You Leaving Money on the Table? 

Many practice owners worry that increasing fees will drive patients away. But the reality is, trends show that price increases, when done strategically, rarely result in patient loss. What does impact retention is when a practice starts cutting corners because margins are too tight. 

I’ve worked with practices that resisted adjusting fees for years, only to find themselves struggling with cash flow or unable to reinvest in new equipment or staff. Meanwhile, competitors who reviewed their pricing regularly were able to grow, improve patient experience, and maintain profitability. 

If your prices haven’t kept pace with inflation or industry standards, you’re not just holding your practice back—you’re making it harder to deliver the level of care you want to provide. 

And then there’s the hidden impact—when your fees don’t reflect rising costs, you’re not just earning less per treatment, you’re working harder to make up the shortfall.  

A Fee Review Isn’t Just About Price—It’s About Positioning 

A proper fee review isn’t simply about charging more—it’s about making sure your pricing reflects the value you offer.  

Patients aren’t just paying for a filling or an exam, in fact, they’re paying for expertise, high-quality materials, modern equipment, and the experience your practice provides. 

We’ve worked with practices that, after a fee review, restructured their pricing in a way that actually increased patient acceptance. Small tweaks—such as better bundling of treatments, restructuring payment plans, or adjusting how pricing is communicated—can make a major difference. 

By aligning your fees with industry benchmarks and the real costs of running a dental practice, you can stay profitable, reinvest in your team, and grow—without overburdening yourself or your patients. 

How We’ve Handled It in Our Own Clinics 

We used to think fee reviews were just about making sure we were covering costs.  

But through experience, we’ve learned that they’re much more than that—they’re about positioning your services correctly, communicating value to patients, and ensuring your practice remains profitable without overburdening you or your team. 

At Samera, we’ve helped practices across the UK restructure their fees in a way that makes financial sense—without alienating patients. It’s not just about raising prices; it’s about making sure your pricing reflects the quality of care you provide. 

When Was Your Last Fee Review? 

If it’s been over a year, it’s time to take a closer look. A well-planned fee structure is one of the easiest ways to improve profitability without working more hours. 

Book a call today to see how we can help ensure your fees are working for your practice—not against it. 

Until next time, 
Arun