In dentistry, it’s easy to fall into trying to do everything: crowns, fillings, root canals, extractions, dentures, implants, the full dentistry lineup. While versatility sounds impressive, it can actually slow down your practice, reduce profitability, and create unnecessary stress.
Opportunity cost is the value of what you give up by choosing one option over another. In a dental setting, that means every hour spent on a low-value or less efficient procedure is an hour that could have been spent on something higher-impact.
For example, consider a one-hour block in a dental schedule. Performing a crown might generate $1,300 in profit after materials and lab fees. Performing multiple extractions and delivering dentures in the same hour could generate $5,000 in profit, even after lab fees. The difference may seem extreme, but it illustrates the point: focusing on procedures that match your strengths can significantly increase profitability and efficiency.
Trying to do every procedure yourself isn’t just less profitable, it’s exhausting. Instead, let associates or dental therapists handle low-value work like fillings or simple restorations and refer specialized procedures you’re not strongest at to specialists. Most patients are fine with referrals when you explain it simply. This frees up time for high-value procedures, reduces stress, and keeps patients happy.
Figure out what you’re really good at and enjoy doing. Focusing on those procedures can increase income per hour, let you treat more patients efficiently, reduce stress and burnout, and make your workday more enjoyable. Even if it feels weird at first to delegate or refer, the results speak for themselves. Focusing on your strengths doesn’t limit you, it multiplies your impact and efficiency.
Track which procedures take the most time and bring the highest return, use dental therapists or associates for routine or lower-value procedures, build relationships with specialists for smooth referrals, and focus on one or two high-value procedures you do best. Dentistry isn’t just about skill, it’s about working smart. Prioritize your strengths, delegate what you shouldn’t do yourself, and keep opportunity cost in mind. Your practice will run smoother, earn more, and create a happier, more sustainable workday—for you and your team.