A dental office is usually larger than a dental clinic. There is usually a reception area where patients are greeted and checked in. The desk staff handles the scheduling and patient records, which are either paper or computerized. This area is usually where the waiting area is as well, and some offices make an effort to keep patients comfortable and entertained while they wait, with televisions and reading materials available. There are also typically two or three designated treatment rooms, which have the dental equipment needed for patient care (dental chair, X-ray machine, handheld tools and devices, a suction machine, and a clinical microscope). In some large practices, there is a separate room dedicated to storage.

The biggest expense is usually the dental equipment. The cost to fully outfit a modern dental office with everything from a basic dental chair to digital X-ray machines, CEREC single visit crowns and VELscope oral cancer screenings can run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. This is a huge investment, and it is not uncommon for new dentists to start off renting their space instead of buying it outright.

There are other expenses as well, including furniture and decor, and even a simple dental office can require significant funds just to get started. There are also costs for electricity and heat, as well as a telephone system and office phones, which is a big expense for most practitioners. Then there are the wages for all of the clinical and administrative staff, which can be expensive as well.

If you are considering which setting is right for you and your family, consider the type of care you want and how often you will need it. A dental clinic may be adequate for most needs, but if you need a comfortable environment with advanced amenities or a personalized experience, you might be better served in a dental office. However, the most important consideration of all is whether you can find a practitioner who you trust and with whom you have a good relationship. That is what makes the difference in your oral health. So choose wisely and make an appointment with the team at BDG today!