Bloomington, Indiana – As inflation and rising expenses continue to challenge businesses across the country, top-performing dental practices are demonstrating remarkable financial resilience. According to Blue & Co.’s 2025 National Dental Survey, leading dental practices achieved an average margin of 39% before debt service and capital expenditures, underscoring the operational and financial strategies that set these practices apart in a competitive industry.
The survey, now in its 29th year, collected data in 2024 from over 1,000 dental practices nationwide, offering one of the most comprehensive looks at the financial health of the dental sector. It provides practice owners with benchmarking information to compare their performance against peers, covering everything from income and expenses to operational practices and staffing trends.
“Since inception, the dental survey has been about helping practice owners understand where they stand and where they can improve,” said Matt Howard, CPA/ABV, CVA, a transaction advisory director on the dental services team at Blue & Co. “Our goal with this report is to empower dental entrepreneurs to meet their business goals, so they can continue to serve their patients from a position of financial strength.”
Among the report’s notable findings, top-performing practices stand out in several key areas. Their income per patient is on average 80% higher than that of the typical general practitioner, illustrating the efficiency and strategic focus that separates high performers. Meanwhile, most positions within dental offices have seen salary increases from 2022 to 2024, highlighting the ongoing challenge of balancing competitive compensation with rising operational costs.
“The evolution of dental practice ownership no longer allows for passive owners,” said Tabitha Tolliver, a tax director on the dental services team at Blue & Co. “Engaged managers and owners need timely, actionable data, intentional tax planning, and responsive advisors.”
The survey also sheds light on how practices are navigating cost pressures, from rising supply costs to marketing expenditures. Practices that excel financially tend to be highly engaged in managing day-to-day operations, planning strategically, and implementing financial controls. These efforts allow them to remain profitable even as overhead and staffing expenses continue to rise.
For many dental practices, the survey offers both a reality check and a roadmap for improvement. By comparing themselves to the top performers, practice owners can identify areas for growth, whether in patient billing efficiency, operational workflows, or staffing structures.
Blue & Co. is also making resources available to help dental practices leverage the survey’s insights. A free, abbreviated version of the benchmarking report can be accessed at online.fliphtml5.com/qypyw/vatn/, while the full report and personalized guidance are available through the Dental Services team via www.blueandco.com/contact.
As the dental industry faces ongoing economic pressures, these findings highlight that success is not just about patient care but also about sound business management. The top practices are proving that strategic planning, engaged ownership, and data-driven decision-making can help maintain profitability and financial strength, even in challenging times.
