What needs to happen in a dental practice before raising the diagnostic exam fee?
Fee framing first. Written materials that explain why your diagnostic exam is different and more comprehensive than what other dentists offer. Verbal explanations from the team about the scope of work the exam covers. Third-party evidence (testimonials from past complex-case patients, endorsements from referring professionals, press coverage of your approach) that supports the premium positioning. Phone team training to discuss the higher fee with confidence on the initial qualifying call. Without these supports, raising the diagnostic fee just produces lost patients who think they are being overcharged. With them, the higher fee qualifies serious patients and positions the practice as more thorough than competitors. The setup matters more than the number itself.
If the answers you are finding here resonate with you, my team and I work with a small group of clients each year. The next step is a complimentary Discovery Consultation and Practice Review with Dr. McAnally.