Why Understanding Patient Lifetime Value Matters
Smart Budget Allocation
Know exactly how much you can spend to acquire a new patient while maintaining profitability
Target High-Value Segments
Identify which patient demographics bring the most lifetime value to your practice
ROI-Driven Decisions
Compare marketing channels based on the quality and lifetime value of patients they attract
The average revenue generated per patient visit
How many times a patient visits your practice per year
How many years a patient typically stays with your practice
Percentage of patients who refer a new patient each year
The value you assign to each patient referral
Total Lifetime Value
$2,940
Including referrals
Annual Value
$400
Per patient per year
Referrals Generated
0.7
Per patient lifetime
Direct Patient Value
$2,800
Referral Value
$140
Total Lifetime Value
$2,940
Expert Tip
For most dental practices, patient acquisition costs should be no more than 20-30% of the patient's lifetime value to ensure profitability. If your LTV is $3,000, you can spend up to $600-$900 to acquire a new patient.
How to Use This Calculator
- 1
Enter Your Average Patient Metrics
Start with your average treatment value per visit. This should include all services rendered during a typical appointment.
- 2
Add Visit Frequency Data
Input how often patients visit annually and their average retention period with your practice.
- 3
Include Family & Referral Impact
Factor in the multiplier effect of family members and referrals each patient typically brings.
- 4
Analyze Your Results
Use the calculated lifetime value to determine appropriate marketing budgets and acquisition costs.
Understanding Your Results
Acquisition Cost Guidelines
- Conservative: Spend up to 10-15% of lifetime value on acquisition
- Moderate: Spend up to 20-25% for proven channels
- Aggressive: Up to 30-35% for high-retention patient types
Ways to Increase Lifetime Value
- Implement recall systems to increase visit frequency
- Offer comprehensive treatment planning
- Create referral incentive programs
- Focus on patient experience and retention
Ready to Maximize Your Patient Value?
Get personalized strategies to increase lifetime value and optimize your marketing spend