Dental Chair Leasing vs. Buying: Which Is Right for Your Practice?

Upgrading your dental chairs is one of the most important investments you can make for your clinic. Comfortable, modern chairs not only improve patient experience but also boost efficiency and aesthetics.

However, with costs ranging from $3,000 to over $15,000 per chair, deciding whether to lease or buy can be a major financial decision.

This guide breaks down dental chair leasing vs. buying — including pros, cons, tax benefits, and which option fits your dental practice best.

Why the Dental Chair Decision Matters

Dental chairs are long-term assets central to your clinic’s operations. Whether you’re opening a new office, expanding your treatment rooms, or replacing outdated chairs, how you finance them directly impacts:

✅ Cash flow
✅ Tax deductions
✅ Technology access
✅ Balance sheet flexibility

Choosing the right financing approach helps you stay modern and profitable — without overextending your practice financially.

Leasing Dental Chairs: Stay Modern Without a Big Upfront Cost

Leasing lets you use the latest dental chairs and equipment without paying full price upfront. Instead, you make fixed monthly payments for a set term — usually 24 to 72 months.

How it works:

1. Choose your dental chairs and submit a quote to the leasing company.

2. Sign a lease agreement with agreed monthly payments.

3. Start using the equipment immediately.

4. At lease end, you can buy, renew, or upgrade your chairs.

Advantages of Leasing Dental Chairs

✅ Low upfront costs – Start using new chairs with little or no down payment.
✅ Tax-deductible payments – Lease payments can typically be written off as an operating expense.
✅ Easier upgrades – Upgrade every few years as technology improves.
✅ Preserves cash flow – Keeps funds available for staff, marketing, or expansion.
✅ Fast approval – Easier to qualify for than traditional loans.

Example:
A new dental office leases four chairs for $40,000 over 5 years. Monthly payments are tax-deductible, and after the lease term, they upgrade to newer ergonomic models.

Drawbacks of Leasing

❌ You don’t own the chairs during the lease.
❌ Long-term cost may exceed outright purchase.
❌ Early termination fees if you end the lease early.

Best for: New dental practices, growing clinics, or anyone wanting to preserve capital and stay current with technology.

Buying Dental Chairs: Long-Term Ownership and Control

Buying your dental chairs means paying upfront (or with a loan) and owning the equipment outright.

This approach offers long-term control and eliminates monthly lease payments once it’s paid off.

Advantages of Buying Dental Chairs

✅ Full ownership – You keep the asset and use it for years.
✅ Depreciation deductions – Write off the purchase using Section 179 or bonus depreciation.
✅ Lower total cost – No leasing markups or residual fees.
✅ No restrictions – Modify, sell, or relocate chairs freely.

Example:
A dentist purchases two $12,000 chairs with an SBA 7(a) loan. They finance over 7 years at 8% interest and deduct depreciation under Section 179 — saving thousands in taxes.

Drawbacks of Buying

❌ High upfront cost (can strain cash flow).
❌ Equipment becomes outdated over time.
❌ Maintenance and repairs are your responsibility.

Best for: Established practices with steady cash flow and long-term plans to keep the same equipment.

Leasing vs. Buying Comparison Table

Financing Options for Both Leasing and Buying

1. SBA 7(a) Loan

• Up to $5 million in funding

• Terms up to 10 years

• Ideal for buying dental chairs and buildouts

2. Equipment Financing

• Uses the chairs as collateral

• Fast approval (24–72 hours)

• Own equipment after final payment

3. Dental Equipment Leasing Companies

• Crest Capital

• Balboa Capital

• National Funding

• TIAA Bank Healthcare Finance

• Vendor financing from A-dec, Belmont, or Midmark

4. SBA Microloans (for startups)

• Up to $50,000

• Great for new or small dental offices

Featured Snippet: Dental Chair Leasing vs. Buying

Leasing offers lower upfront costs, tax-deductible payments, and easy upgrades.
Buying provides long-term ownership, depreciation tax benefits, and lower total cost over time.

Example: A Dental Startup Chooses Leasing to Stay Agile

Business: BrightSmile Dental Studio – Charlotte, NC
Decision: Operating Lease
Amount: $60,000 for five dental chairs

BrightSmile wanted a modern patient experience but needed to preserve cash for marketing and staff salaries. They leased their dental chairs over 60 months, bundled with software and delivery systems.

Result:

• $0 down payment

• Predictable monthly costs

• Option to upgrade in 5 years

Owner’s Quote:

“Leasing let us open faster and look cutting-edge from day one. We’ll upgrade again when new ergonomic models hit the market.”

Which Is Right for Your Practice?

✅ Choose Leasing If:

• You’re opening a new dental office.

• You prefer low upfront costs and flexibility.

• You want to upgrade frequently.

✅ Choose Buying If:

• You plan to keep equipment for 7+ years.

• You have steady cash flow and good credit.

• You want to own assets and build equity.

Final Thoughts: Choose What Supports Long-Term Growth

Leasing and buying both have strong benefits — it all depends on your goals, growth stage, and financial position.

If you want flexibility, cash preservation, and easy upgrades, leasing makes sense.
If you’re focused on ownership, long-term savings, and control, buying might be better.

Either way, financing your dental chairs strategically ensures you deliver a professional, comfortable, and efficient patient experience — without disrupting your practice’s finances.

To explore SBA or equipment financing options, visit
👉 sba.gov/funding-programs/loans
or compare offers from healthcare equipment lenders that specialize in dental practices.