Lately, many dentists have been asking: Are these rising dental supply prices here to stay? And how can we stay profitable without compromising care? At Dental A Team, we’re here to help you lead like a true CEO, even when the market shifts. We'll break down how to manage rising dental supply costs with smart systems, better partnerships, and real-world strategies that keep your practice thriving.

Are dental supply costs really rising?

Yes, dental supply costs are rising but not as drastically as the rumors suggest. While tariffs and inflation have impacted items like anesthetics and overseas lab cases, the sky is not falling. Smart practice owners are staying calm, watching trends, and making data-driven decisions.

A few dollars more on cotton rolls doesn’t break the practice, panic buying does.

How do I protect my practice from rising supply costs?

You don’t need to become a supply chain expert overnight. Instead, implement a few smart strategies:

Avoid stockpiling: Buying in bulk may backfire with waste and expiration.
Use a buying group: Leverage Synergy Dental Partners to access DSO-level discounts.
Order as you go: Save cash flow and avoid bloated closets of unused materials.
Focus on clinical excellence: Don’t trade quality products for a short-term cost fix.

What’s the best alternative to cutting costs without cutting care?

The top solution we recommend: join a trusted buying group like Synergy Dental Partners.

With Synergy, you can:

Get access to discounted pricing without bulk requirements
Save an average of 25% on supply costs
Continue ordering from reputable companies like Darby, Ultradent, and Bisco
Maintain rep relationships while getting better deals
Regain time lost from juggling vendors and shipping charges

Think of it as Costco pricing with Amazon convenience, without needing to buy 10 cases of gloves at a time.

What do DSOs do that solo practices can now copy?

DSOs negotiate massive discounts because they order at scale. With a group like Synergy:

You band together with thousands of private practices
Synergy negotiates those discounts on your behalf
You stay independent. No ownership change, no contracts with fine print

The result? You'll get the same products but with better pricing.

How much you can really save

Here’s a simple breakdown:

A $1M practice spends ~5% on supplies = $50,000/year
Saving 25% = $12,500 back in your pocket
That’s enough to fund a VA, pay for CE, or give your team a well-earned bonus

It’s not just about cutting costs, it’s about reinvesting in what matters most.

What should I avoid as I rethink supply spending?

Don’t:

Panic-buy or overreact to headlines
Sacrifice quality or patient safety for pennies
Assume your rep is always giving you the best deal

Do:

Compare prices with Synergy or a buying group
Reassess inventory ordering systems
Make annual fee increases part of your strategy (yes, you should!)

How do I get started?

If you want to lower overhead without lowering care, Synergy is a no-brainer.

Visit thesynergydentalpartners.com
Mention the Dental A Team for exclusive perks
Start testing—no rep breakups required

Independent dentistry isn’t going anywhere but to thrive, you must lead like a CEO. That means:

Knowing your numbers
Taking control of your overhead
Making strategic decisions, not emotional ones

So yes, prices may go up but so can your confidence, clarity, and control.

Want help building your profitable, low-stress practice?

Let our Dental A Team consultants help you install systems, decrease stress, and increase profitability.
Schedule a call with us today!

Don't forget to check out our podcast for more tips on reducing dental supply costs.

Last updated: July 2025
Author: Jacintha Ham, Dental A Team

How to Manage Rising Dental Supply Costs