Let’s be honest—building a thriving dental practice isn’t just about clinical excellence. It’s about consistently attracting new patients who value your care and can actually afford it.
If you’ve been asking how to get more patients for my dental practice, you’re not alone. Dentists nationwide are facing rising competition, insurance headaches, and growing numbers of uninsured patients. The old “wait for referrals” model isn’t enough anymore.
But here’s the good news: There’s a better way to grow your patient base—with in-office membership plans and platforms like The Patient Marketplace that connect you with self-pay patients who are actively looking for care.
Let’s break down exactly how you can increase patient volume, loyalty, and revenue—without depending on dental insurance.
The Real Problem: Patients Are Afraid of Cost and Complexity
Why aren’t more people calling your office or booking online?
It’s not your skills. It’s not your location. It’s this:
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72 million+ Americans don’t have dental insurance
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Even those with insurance don’t know what’s covered
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People assume they “can’t afford the dentist”
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Confusing prices and surprise bills make them hesitate
That means if you don’t offer simple, upfront, and affordable solutions, you’re invisible to a huge part of your local market.
The Solution: In-Office Dental Membership Plans
An in-office membership plan is a low-cost subscription your patients can join—giving them access to preventive and emergency care without needing insurance.
A typical plan might include:
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2 exams + 2 cleanings per year
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Routine x-rays
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Fluoride treatments
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15–50% discounts on other procedures
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Immediate access—no waiting, no paperwork
Average patient cost? Around $30–40/month.
Your benefit? Predictable monthly revenue + increased case acceptance + greater loyalty.
Real Example: Dr. Lopez Grew 45% in 6 Months with a Membership Plan
Dr. Maria Lopez, a general dentist in Dallas, noticed her uninsured patients were skipping treatments and not returning.
She introduced a $399/year membership plan and listed her practice on The Patient Marketplace.
Results in 6 months:
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87 patients joined the plan
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36 completed procedures they previously declined
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Monthly revenue increased by $2,300
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Patient referrals more than doubled
Most importantly, patients said things like:
“Now I feel like I can finally stay on top of my dental health.”
What Is The Patient Marketplace—and Why It Works
The Patient Marketplace is a free online platform where dental practices list their:
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Services
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Pricing
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In-office membership plans
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Real-time availability
Patients use it to:
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Find affordable dentists nearby
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Compare plans and benefits
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Book appointments without needing insurance
Think of it as your digital front desk that works 24/7—and only shows your practice to people ready to book now.
Why In-Office Plans Help You Get and Keep More Patients
✅ Convert More First-Time Visitors
Plans remove cost confusion and increase trust right away.
✅ Increase Treatment Acceptance
When people save 20–50%, they say “yes” to crowns, fillings, and more.
✅ Retain Patients Longer
Subscribers stick with your practice longer—and refer friends and family.
✅ Reduce Dependence on PPOs
Stop giving away revenue. Start owning the patient relationship.
How to Set Up a Dental Membership Plan
Keep it Simple:
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1 or 2 plan levels
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Clear pricing
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Easy monthly or annual payments
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Include cleanings, exams, and discounts
Promote it Everywhere:
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Website homepage
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Emails and text reminders
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Front desk conversations
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Emergency and uninsured patient calls
5 Fast Tips to Get More Dental Patients Now
List Your Practice on The Patient Marketplace
It’s free, easy, and brings in patients looking for no-insurance care.
Launch a Membership Plan This Month
You can even start with a basic annual plan. Don’t overthink it.
Promote Affordability on Your Website
Include pricing, plan benefits, and FAQ sections to reduce hesitation.
Train Your Team to Talk About the Plan
Make sure every team member knows how to explain it clearly and confidently.
Use Social Proof
Share stories of real patients who saved money and improved their health.
FAQs: How to Get More Patients for My Dental Practice
Do membership plans work in all dental specialties?
Yes—especially in general, cosmetic, and pediatric dentistry. Patients love the predictability.
Isn’t this just discounting my services?
No. You’re replacing unpredictable insurance payouts with guaranteed monthly revenue—while building loyalty.
Can I still accept insurance alongside a plan?
Absolutely. Many offices offer both and give patients the choice.
Do patients really care about membership options?
Yes. Studies show patients are 2–3x more likely to return when they’re enrolled in a membership program.
Take the First Step to Fill Your Schedule—Today
If you want to grow your practice, start by solving your patients’ biggest problem: access.
When you offer a dental membership plan and list your office on The Patient Marketplace, you show patients you care about their health—and their wallets.
Ready to grow? Visit The Patient Marketplace and start reaching patients actively looking for a dentist like you.
