How to price private dental treatments

A practical framework for setting private fees: costs first, then value, then the local market.

1. Know your cost per treatment

Work out the chair-time cost per hour (staff, premises, equipment, overheads), then add lab fees and materials for each treatment. That gives you a floor price.

2. Set your target margin

Decide the margin you need on each treatment type. Our free margin calculator shows what a price change does to profit per treatment.

3. Check the local market

Look at the fees nearby practices publish for the same treatments: examinations, hygiene, fillings, crowns, whitening, implants and aligners. Note what’s included, such as X-rays with a new patient exam or retainers with aligners.

4. Present prices clearly

Use consistent treatment names, say what’s included, and explain any "from" price. Clear pricing helps patients compare and reduces surprises.

5. Review regularly

Lab and material costs change, and so do competitors’ fees. Review at least once a year, or monitor nearby practices weekly.

General business information only, not financial, legal or regulatory advice.