If you’re an associate working in a dental practice and branching into facial aesthetics, you may be wondering: What’s the fairest financial arrangement when offering treatments like Botox and dermal fillers? You’re not alone—this is one of the most common questions among newly trained practitioners, especially those looking to integrate aesthetics into their existing clinical setup.
Many associates operate under a 50/50 model for general dentistry. But does that apply to facial aesthetics too? Let’s explore the most common and sustainable options.
Understanding Your Value
Before diving into numbers, consider what you bring to the table:
You’ve paid for multiple training courses.
- You’ve purchased equipment like microneedling devices and skincare products.
- You’ve invested in marketing materials (e.g., posters, brochures).
- You’re planning to run clinics during evenings and weekends—often without a nurse.
You’re not just providing a treatment—you’re building a mini-business within a business.
Therefore, your financial arrangement should reflect this investment and entrepreneurial initiative.
3 Common Financial Models for Associates
Option 1: The 50/50 Split (Similar to Dentistry)
This is the default model in many practices where associates offer private or cosmetic dental work. Under this model:
- You perform the facial aesthetics treatments.
- The practice provides the room, CQC compliance, admin/reception, and utilities.
- Treatment revenue is split 50/50.
- Any material costs (toxin, filler, consumables) are usually treated like a “lab bill” and deducted before the split.
Pros:
- Straightforward and familiar.
- No upfront costs for room hire.
- The practice has some incentive to help promote you.
Cons:
- You take on all the risk (training, stock, marketing), but only get half the reward.
- Doesn’t account for the fact that you’re sourcing your own patients and managing branding.
Who this suits:
Those just starting out and using the practice’s footfall, systems, and support—but less suited if you’re aiming to grow your own brand within the business.
Option 2: Fixed Room Hire / Rent Model
Instead of splitting fees, you pay the practice a flat fee (e.g., per session or per day) to use their facilities, and keep 100% of your income.
Example:
- You pay £150 for a Saturday clinic.
- You generate £1,200 in treatment fees.
- You keep the full amount (minus materials).
Pros:
- Maximum profit potential.
- Encourages business-minded growth and autonomy.
- Clear, predictable costs.
Cons:
- You carry all the risk—if patients cancel, you still pay rent.
- May not include admin/reception support.
Who this suits:
Established practitioners with a patient base or strong marketing plan. This works well if you want full control over branding and operations.
Option 3: Percentage Retained by Practice (Fair Hybrid Model)
In this increasingly popular model, the associate:
- Provides all their own products (Botox, filler, consumables).
- Pays no fixed rent.
- Instead, the practice retains 20–25% of the treatment fee for use of the room, admin, reception support, and utilities.
This model acknowledges that you are doing the heavy lifting in terms of investment and patient acquisition, while the practice still benefits for hosting the service.
Pros:
- Considered very fair, especially for associates offering aesthetics part-time.
- Aligns with industry benchmarks for facility-based revenue sharing.
- More profit for you compared to a 50/50 model.
Cons:
- You’ll need to manage your own product sourcing, stock control, and clinical photography.
- Ensure clarity on what the 20–25% includes—does it cover admin? Reception? Utilities?
Who this suits:
Motivated associates aiming to grow their aesthetics brand within the practice, with an interest in long-term growth and control.
A Word on CQC/GDC Restrictions
You mentioned a skin therapist supporting you with non-injectable treatments. While collaboration can help you scale your offerings, Option 4—profit-sharing with non-clinicians—is generally not advisable within a CQC-registered practice.
The General Dental Council and CQC both caution against delegating or profit-sharing clinical responsibility to non-regulated team members. Always ensure any assistants are appropriately insured and that clinical roles remain under your supervision.
Choosing What’s Right for You
If you’re:
- Already investing in branding, equipment, and training
- Sourcing your own patients
- Managing your own diary and materials…
Then Option 3 (20–25% retained by the practice) is arguably the most balanced and sustainable model. It allows you to grow your business without handing over more than is necessary.
But if you’re just starting out and want to reduce risk, Option 1 (50/50 split) might be suitable temporarily. As you grow, consider transitioning to Option 2 or 3.
Bonus Tip: Prepare a Simple Proposal
When approaching your principal, frame your conversation professionally:
- Outline your current and future investment.
- Show how aesthetics benefits the practice (new patients, increased income, improved patient loyalty).
- Propose your preferred model, backed by logic—not emotion.
