Learn How to Start A Private Dental Practice
Opening a Dental Practice
Opening a dental practice is a dream that most dentists have in addition to enjoying a work life balance and being free to enjoy their time away from work. It may be risky, but it sure promises to be a worthwhile adventure. If you decide to start your own practice, you should work out a few things before starting. Getting the necessary groundwork and human resources is required for a successful dental practice. The tips listed below can guide you in your new venture.
- The Advisors
When starting, you want to make sure that everything works out as planned. You can hire experts to help you take care of the finer details of starting your dental practice. When getting the furniture, you can consult with a dental equipment specialist to help you pick the best equipment you will need for your new office. You are poised to get the best prices and even discounts. Get a contractor who has had experience in constructing dental practice offices. The contractor will have different designs and layouts you can look at. The truth is you are better suited to having your dream dental office based on the contractor’s experience. Finances need to be handled by a CPA who has had tangible experience working in the dental field. Funding is usually a big problem that faces start-ups. Seek out lenders that have helped establish other dental offices. Above all, make a business plan to help make the launch successful.
- Location and Spaces
There is a certain feel and look that goes with dental practices. The location you choose to establish your business needs to be made with utmost care. Your site will affect the type of business you get for many years to come. It would be best to look for a place without many dental offices situated together. The office space you will get depends on your budget and the size of space needed to make your dream dental premise. If you need a reception area and waiting bay, you would have to get a bigger space and have a higher budget.
- Real Estate
Private practices focus more on providing better services for the existing clients as they look for new clients. Do your research on the average cost of real estate and plan your budget around that figure. As much as you are trying to get more real estate for less, choose an area with potential room for growth and new clients. The square footage is crucial to consider when establishing a new dental practice. Making savings is not worth it if the space you acquire does not allow expansion and growth.
- Partnership and Retiring Dentists
When going into business, having a partner helps divide expenses and liabilities. You can look for another dentist to start a private dental practice with. When you find someone who shares your vision and dreams for your new venture, you are well on your way to a profitable business. If you don’t want to get a partner, you can look into purchasing a dental office from a retiring dentist. The office will come furnished with all the equipment, and you get to keep the goodwill that comes with the office. You can have your finance manager look into the benefits of acquiring an established business versus building from scratch and advise you correctly.
- Being Employed
There are many unknowns when going into a new business. To protect yourself from the many pitfalls that come with being a business owner, you can be an employee at another practice. Working at a different practice will ensure that you get money coming in while you wait for the business to be stable and profitable. When you are not pressed for money, you can focus more on advertising and building a new clientele.
Costs of Starting a Private Dental Practice
- Licensing
Before your practice can be up and running, you will have to get your licenses and permits ready for operations. Take time to learn about the laws that regulate dental practice in the state you will be operating. You will be dealing with prescription medicines; you must register with the DEA. You need to register your building for legal and tax purposes.
- Interest Rates
When it comes to commercial loans, you can get a fixed-rate or adjustable-rate loan. When looking for a loan, make sure you hunt for favorable loan terms. A loan is a long-term instrument, so you need to find a fair rate for you over a long period. High-interest loans can be detrimental to a new business as most of the profits will be used to service the loan instead of improving the business.
- Finances
Starting any new business calls for financial discipline. When making a business plan, you can include the state of your finances to have a better perspective on your finances. You can make a list of recurring expenses and liabilities that need to be paid regularly. A financial plan ensures that nothing falls in the cracks and that loans and expenses are serviced when due. When building an office, don’t pay the entire cost at once; instead, spread the cost over a few payouts.
- Leases and Equipment
Obtaining a good lease and quality equipment are some of the expenses you will have when opening a dental practice. Good quality dental equipment is hard to find. Having a dental equipment specialist advise significantly reduces the stress of getting dental equipment. It would help if you looked into dental practice software when shopping for equipment. If you forego getting a dental equipment specialist, ensure you do your research to find quality equipment for fair prices. A dental office is expected to be operational for at least 10 years. As such, you will need to lock down a lease that favors you. Signing a long lease ensures that you are cushioned against rent increases and fluctuations. Landlords can offer discounted and better lease rates when you sign a long-term lease.
- Staffing and Advertising
To run a successful dental practice, you will need help running the business. As such, you will have to hire personnel in addition to the best dental consultants. The staff required include the receptionist, dental assistants like nurses, and cleaners. You need to hire an attorney to deal with the legal aspects of the business before opening and afterward. You will need to find medicine suppliers that will give you good credit terms. Finding and eventually hiring good staff can be a long and detailed process. You will need to pay your staff a competitive rate. You would also need to hire a marketing team. If you are opening a dental practice in an area that is not known, you should make a sizeable investment in getting a good marketing team like a dental practice management consultant at 2740Consulting.
Have a meeting with your team to determine which strategy is best for getting business. You can decide to go online to a platform that can reach your potential clients. When opening a prominent dental practice, consider getting an accountant. The accountant will ensure that taxes are remitted and paid on time, salaries are paid on time, and financial obligations are met timely.
Whether you have just graduated from dentistry school or are a seasoned dentist with a wealth of experience, starting your practice is a step in the right direction. Being your own boss is an exhilarating experience for anyone. The good side of being a business owner is that you get to call most of the shots. Owning a business does come with challenges that you deal with by yourself. Be keen to consider the tips mentioned in the list for an easier time establishing your dental practice.
