Exams increased by 20.7% for Dawson Modern Dentistry.
Why does exam growth matter? Because exams are where treatment discovery happens. More exams = more treatment opportunities = more revenue.
The Exam Equation
Exams lead to treatment recommendations. Treatment recommendations lead to scheduled treatment. Treatment generates revenue.
Without exams, you have no opportunity to discover treatment needs.
20.7% exam growth means:
- More patients are being seen
- More treatment opportunities are being identified
- More revenue is being generated downstream
How Exam Growth Happened
Better new patient acquisition: 440 new patients = many first exams
Better appointment confirmation: Fewer no-shows = more completed exams
Better patient follow-up: Overdue patients being recalled = more recall exams
Better scheduling: More operatory availability = more exam appointments
The Revenue Chain
Exam → Treatment discovery → Treatment planning → Treatment completion → Revenue
Each link in the chain is critical. One practice might have exams but low treatment acceptance. Another might have exams and high treatment acceptance but low completion.
Dawson improved each link.
The Numbers
20.7% exam increase on a 2-3 dentist practice:
Assume baseline: 100 exams monthly
After improvement: 120.7 exams monthly
Additional exams: 20.7 monthly = 248 annually
Average treatment value per exam: $300-500
248 exams × $400 = $99,200 in additional treatment opportunities annually
Treatment completion rate: 60-80% = $59,500-79,360 in additional revenue
The Cascade Effect
Each additional exam creates downstream:
- Additional cleanings (hygiene revenue)
- Additional X-rays and diagnostics
- Additional treatment planning consultations
- Additional restoratives, crowns, implants (clinical revenue)
One exam could generate $500-2,000 in total treatment revenue if completed.
248 additional exams could generate $124,000-496,000 in additional revenue.
At typical 40% profit margin: $50,000-200,000 in additional profit annually
Why Exams Are the Foundation
Exams are the beginning of the patient relationship. If you do not exam them, you cannot treat them.
Practices that focus on increasing exams often see 20%+ revenue growth.
Exams also measure practice health. Growing exam volume means growing patient base.
How to Increase Exams
Better new patient acquisition (answering calls, converting inquiries)
Better recall execution (calling overdue patients)
Better appointment scheduling (less no-shows = more completed exams)
Better treatment completion (patients follow through on recommended treatment)
Performance Metrics
Exams per month: Increased 20.7%
New patient exams: Higher due to 440 new patients
Recall exams: Higher due to overdue patient reactivation
Exam-to-treatment conversion: Likely improved (due to better communication)
FAQ
**Q: What is a healthy exam growth rate?**
A: 5-10% annually is typical. 15%+ is excellent.
**Q: Should I track exam volume?**
A: Yes. Exams are a leading indicator of revenue growth.
**Q: What if my exam numbers are flat?**
A: Indicates you are not acquiring new patients or recalling existing ones effectively.
**Q: How do I increase exams without more dentists?**
A: Hygiene exams (expanded duties for some states), better scheduling, better recall.
**Q: What is the ROI of focusing on exam growth?**
A: High. More exams = more revenue with minimal additional cost.