How Much Can a Single Dentist Collect? (More Than You Think)

Let’s talk about a topic that always seems to stir up controversy: collections.
More specifically—how much can a single dentist actually collect?

This question isn’t just about numbers; it’s about mindset.
Because before we ever hit a ceiling in revenue, we almost always hit a ceiling in belief.

Self-Limiting Beliefs Are the Real Problem

“I can’t collect that much—I’m in-network.”
“I don’t have enough op space.”
“My patients can’t afford it.”
“I’m a mom and only want to work part-time.”
“I’m in a small town.”
“I’m not a high producer.”
…Sound familiar?

I’ve told myself all of those things over the years. They felt true. But they weren’t. And the biggest leaps I made in both personal income and practice growth came from challenging those beliefs—systematically, strategically, and with support.

Real Talk: My Numbers

I ran a single-doctor GP office, four days a week—about 18 days a month. We were in-network with most PPOs. I took about 5 weeks off per year. Eventually, I transitioned to a two-doc practice, but it was never “double coverage.” I worked three 8-hour days, and my associate worked two 6-hour days.

We started at $1M in collections per year.
In our final year, we closed with $3.2M.
Yes, we had $300K months. And no, I didn’t kill myself to do it.

And it wasn’t a one-time fluke.
I’ve now helped other doctors do it—multiple times.
From $75K/month to $250K+/month.
I’ve walked that road, and coached others through it.

But this post isn’t about me.

This Is About You

It’s about your mindset.
What self-limiting belief are you holding onto that is quietly sabotaging your potential?

Here’s what I’ve learned: growth doesn’t require magic. It requires strategy, systems, and self-awareness. The offices that win? They’re not all in wealthy zip codes or FFS-only models. What they are is coachable, open to change, and committed to getting better.

If you want to collect more, start by changing how you think.

10 Things That Changed My Collections Trajectory (That You Can Try Too)

1. Team Alignment
   Your team either amplifies you or anchors you. No middle ground. Hire for mindset, not just skills. Let go of the wrong energy. This is a “we” game, not “me vs. them.”

2. Leadership First
   Great team members aren’t found—they’re developed. Learn to coach. Learn to hold people accountable. Learn to be the leader your practice needs.

3. Block Scheduling
   Control your time, control your revenue. Block for big cases. Know your daily minimum. Design a schedule that forces you to diagnose and produce consistently.

4. Same-Day Dentistry
   It’s a mindset. Do the damn filling. Extract the tooth. The best time is now—for the patient and your schedule. Don’t train your team to say “we’re too busy.” Model the opposite.

5. Quadrant or Comprehensive Care
   Rarely is only one tooth the problem. Diagnose comprehensively. Offer half-mouth or full-mouth treatment when appropriate. You’ll be faster, more efficient, and patients will thank you for fewer visits.

6. Sedation and Nitrous
   Why are we doing surgery on fully alert people? Longer, more productive appointments become easier—for both you and the patient—when they’re calm, relaxed, and unaware. Especially those anxious patients… who coincidentally often need the most dentistry.

7. Efficiency Tweaks
   Example: numbing is your anchor point. Everything else should orbit around it. Stop taking temp impressions before anesthesia. Get numb first, then move. Every minute matters.

8. Hygiene Exam Timing
   Stop doing your exams at the end of the appointment. Jump in when you have natural breaks in your op. And only once your hygienist has all diagnostics ready. Exams should be smooth, not rushed or delayed.

9. Pre-Payment is King
   Money in hand before butt in chair. Period. Be generous with refunds if needed—but stop being timid about charging upfront. Reservation fees help eliminate ghosting and improve commitment.

10. Insurance Savvy
    You can’t collect if you don’t know how to code, submit, and defend your treatment properly. You can be productive and still broke if you’re letting insurance beat you. Learn the game or hire someone who knows it.

Final Thought

What would happen if you stopped trying to prove your limitations were real?

Most dentists don’t need more CE. They need to believe they’re capable of more, then take action.

You’re not lazy. You’re not “just not a businessperson.” You’re not stuck.

You're just a few mindset shifts and systems away from proving your old beliefs wrong.

So I’ll ask again: What belief is holding you back?
And more importantly—what are you going to do about it?

– Dr. Megan Shelton
Shelton Solutions
Open your mind, optimize your systems, improve your life.