CBCT Is Mainstream Now. Here's What That Costs You.

CBCT Is Mainstream Now. Here's What That Costs You.

Cone beam CT adoption crossed 50 percent for general practices in early 2025. Dexis, i-CAT, Carestream, Planmeca all report 20-30 percent unit growth. It's no longer "do you have a CBCT?" It's "why don't you have a CBCT?"

Your patients expect it for implant cases. Your referral partners expect it for complex extractions. Insurance pays for it on most plans. Equipment costs have dropped to $120,000-180,000 for a quality unit.

The math: Average CBCT case generates $200-400 in additional revenue per patient. Scanning costs $1.50 per test. You need 300-400 scans annually to break even on purchase and operation. A 10-chair practice does that in six months.

But here's what dentists don't talk about: CBCT adoption isn't an option anymore. It's a competitive requirement. Patients switch practices for imaging they can't get elsewhere. Specialists refer to practices with on-site imaging. Your margins tighten because you can't justify premium fees without it.

If you don't have one by Q2 2025, you're already behind. Start calculating payback now. Equipment finance terms are favorable. The real cost is the installation downtime and learning curve.

Don't let this sneak up on you.