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.
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 Whether you’re opening a new office, expanding your treatment rooms, or replacing outdated chairs, how you finance them directly impacts: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 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:
Choose your dental chairs and submit a quote to the leasing company.
Sign a lease agreement with agreed monthly payments.
Start using the equipment immediately.
At lease end, you can buy, renew, or upgrade your 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.
❌ 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 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.
✅ 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.
❌ 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.
| Factor | Leasing Dental Chairs | Buying Dental Chairs |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | Minimal or none | Full cost or large down payment |
| Ownership | Lessor owns during term | You own immediately |
| Monthly Payments | Fixed, tax-deductible | Loan payments (if financed) |
| Tax Benefits | Payments fully deductible | Depreciation via Section 179 |
| Upgrade Flexibility | Easy at lease end | Must sell or trade equipment |
| Total Cost Over Time | Usually higher | Usually lower |
| Credit Requirements | Easier approval | Stricter for loans |
| Ideal For | Startups or growing practices | Established clinics |
Up to $5 million in funding
Terms up to 10 years
Ideal for buying dental chairs and buildouts
Uses the chairs as collateral
Fast approval (24–72 hours)
Own equipment after final payment
Crest Capital
Balboa Capital
National Funding
TIAA Bank Healthcare Finance
Vendor financing from A-dec, Belmont, or Midmark
Great for new or small dental offices
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.
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.”
✅ 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.
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.