Can You Afford a Startup Dental Practice Loan? Here’s the 6-Crown Reality Check

Can You Afford a Startup Dental Practice Loan? Here’s the 6-Crown Reality Check

If you’re preparing to open your own dental practice, you’ve probably asked yourself the big question: “Can I really afford it?”

Here’s something you might not expect from a dental startup advisor: if you can produce just six crowns a month, you can afford a startup dental practice loan.

Sound too simple? Stick with me. Because sometimes the math tells a story your mindset hasn’t caught up to yet.

Yes, Six Crowns. That’s It.

I’ve walked side-by-side with hundreds of startup dentists across the country. And the one concern that always bubbles up early in the process is cost. Fair. Starting a practice can involve a loan of $350K to $550K—and that’s no pocket change.

But what if I told you that producing six crowns per month could cover the entire monthly loan payment?

Let’s break it down.

Startup Dental Practice Loan: The Math Behind the Fear

• A typical startup loan of $500,000 amortized over 20 years at 6% interest equals $3,582.16/month.

• The national average crown reimbursement is $600–$750 per crown, conservatively.

• Six crowns x $600 = $3,600/month.

Just like that, your monthly payment is covered.

And yes, that’s on the low end of the collections range. Most Ideal Practices clients see more.

But Wouldn’t I Do Those Crowns Anyway?

That’s the pushback I hear from doctors sometimes: “Those are crowns I’d do whether I had my own place or not.”

Here’s why I (humbly) disagree:

In a well-designed, modern practice—one that reflects your standards and supports high-level case presentation—you’ll produce more. And patients will say “yes” more often.

• Better environment = more trust

• Better systems = smoother delivery

• Better space = higher efficiency

• Better presentation = stronger case acceptance

We’ve tested it. The data backs it up.

Want Proof? Try This for One Week

Grab a 3x5 card and follow this 7-day experiment:

1. Pretend every patient is your beloved, well-funded mom.

2. Recommend the best possible treatment—no judgment, no assumptions.

3. Tally how many crowns you’d recommend (even if they didn’t accept).

4. Multiply that number by 4 (weekly to monthly).

5. Compare it to your average monthly crown production.

Most doctors are stunned. The need is already there—it’s just not being presented effectively.

Why Patients Say Yes More in a Startup

Yes, money matters. But psychology plays a bigger role than most realize. When your practice environment communicates clinical quality, and your team is trained to educate patients clearly and compassionately, patients opt in.

They buy iPhones without dental benefits, right?

They’ll invest in their oral health—if they trust what you’re offering.

What 6 Crowns a Month Can Really Get You

• A facility that reflects your values

• A boost in clinical pride

• The ability to attract (and retain) top-tier staff

• Stronger case acceptance

• Greater long-term profitability

• A better patient experience—from day one

Your “Crown Math” Is the Door to Ownership

Here’s the truth: You don’t have to overextend yourself financially to build the practice you’ve been dreaming about.

You don’t need to grind 7 days a week to make the numbers work.

You just need the right strategy, the right location, and the right team to help you build it smartly from the start.

Still Wondering If It’s Possible?

Watch how Dr. Alexis did it—with clarity, confidence, and yes, a smart approach to her startup dental practice loan:
Watch Dr. Alexis’ Story

And if you’re ready to run your numbers with someone who’s been down this road more times than we can count, connect with us:
Schedule a consultation

Let’s take the first real step toward the practice that will define your future.

You’ve got this—and we’ve got your back.

—Stephen Trutter