Editor's note: This article first appeared in the Apex360 newsletter. Subscribe here.
In December, the American Dental Association (ADA) reported dentists' earnings have not rebounded as anticipated, despite several years of economic recovery. The study found that stagnation in dental spending, when combined with an increased number of dentists, is resulting in stagnant professional earnings. However, members of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) appear to be bucking this trend, according to an AACD report issued this week. According to the report, AACD members are seeing more revenues and greater practice production from comprehensive cosmetic, functional, and restorative treatments, leading to higher earnings.
Data from the report is summarized below. Of note is the average of over $1.5 million in total practice production by AACD accredited members and fellows.
AACD accredited members and fellows also had significantly more production per patient — approximately $2,500 total — than non-members and AACD general members, who each averaged just uner $1,500 per patient.
According to a release issued by the AACD, its members see more patients searching for cosmetically-focused solutions per year (over 500). This increases production for elective procedures and presents a more favorable measure of total practice production.
The AACD also noted that association with the AACD allows for more exchanges of new ideas, interdisciplinary information on the latest in clinical procedures, materials and methods, and cosmetic practice development, which can all lead to increased financial production.
Source: AACD Press Release
The charts above depict data from a representative sampling of respondents (members and non-members) from the AACD 2013 Cosmetic Dentistry State of the Industry Survey. For the complete survey, click here.