Starting a dental practice can be a fulfilling career step, but it requires more than clinical skills alone. Establishing a successful practice involves careful planning, strategic financial decisions, and a comprehensive understanding of business operations.
Taking the right steps to opening your own practice gives you the opportunity to control how your office operates. It also, of course, comes with major considerations - many of which you know already - finances, staffing/recruiting, patients, service offerings, construction, legal, technology/equipment, and the list goes on.
Many doctors getting ready to open a start-up practice seek advice from colleagues, attend dental conferences and CE courses, listen to podcasts (such as The Making Of a Dental Start-up), ask financial advisors, and research online to guide them.
Enter the "5 B’s" – a simplified roadmap that categorizes the professionals and services vital for a successful dental enterprise. For more on this topic, check out our complete article: The 5 B’s of a Dental Start-Up: Your Roadmap to Success.
The process behind beginning a dental start-up involves several key steps. Here's a guide on where to begin when thinking about a dental start-up:
Launching a dental practice is a major investment, both financially and professionally. Before taking the leap, dedicate time to researching every aspect of practice ownership.
This research will help set realistic expectations and prepare you for the various challenges of owning a practice.
Starting a dental practice requires a team of advisors experienced in the unique needs of dental businesses. An effective network includes a mix of financial, legal, and industry-specific professionals.
With the right team in place, you’ll have expert guidance for every step of the start-up process.
Financing is essential for covering the substantial costs of opening a dental practice. From equipment purchases to office build-out, these expenses add up quickly, so it’s important to find financing solutions that align with your business plan.
A solid business plan serves as your roadmap for success, guiding every aspect of your practice from the start. A well-defined plan not only helps with initial financing but also sets measurable goals to monitor your practice’s progress.
Consider using a dental-specific business plan template, which can often be found through industry associations like the American Dental Association (ADA).
While clinical skills are the foundation of any successful practice, business skills are equally essential for managing and growing a dental practice effectively. Many new practice owners find that developing business knowledge is crucial to long-term success.
Consider joining local or online dental groups where you can connect with experienced practice owners who can offer insights and advice on running a business.
Choosing the right location is critical for attracting new patients. Look for high-traffic areas with accessible parking and visibility from the street. The layout of your office is equally important; it should be designed for efficient patient flow and a comfortable waiting experience. Consider working with a dental-specific contractor who can create an environment that is both welcoming and functional.
Dental technology plays a major role in patient care and operational efficiency. Invest in quality dental imaging equipment, sterilization units, and chair setups. To manage costs, consider leasing options or financing equipment purchases, especially if you need advanced tools like Cone Beam CT (CBCT) systems or intraoral scanners. High-quality, well-maintained equipment can boost patient satisfaction and reduce downtime.
As a new dental practice, building a loyal patient base is key to growth. Engage with your local community by attending events, participating in health fairs, or joining business networking groups. Offer educational content on your website or social media to establish yourself as a knowledgeable resource. Building patient trust and a positive reputation will enhance patient loyalty and drive referrals.
Focusing on patient-centered care is essential to setting your practice apart. Invest in modern, comfortable waiting areas, offer convenient appointment scheduling options, and take the time to understand each patient’s needs. Consider sending follow-up messages or thank-you notes after appointments, as these small gestures make patients feel valued.
Once your practice is up and running, it’s important to regularly monitor its performance. Use patient feedback, financial reports, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess areas for improvement. Be open to adapting your approach as you learn more about managing the practice and the specific needs of your patients.
Since you’ve read this far, we’ll tell you a little bit about ourselves too.
We’re Renew Digital, we’re the market leaders in certified pre-owned dental imaging. We’re here to help you with one big piece of the equation, one of the most significant investments you’ll make for your start-up: imaging equipment.
With over 10 years in this business, we’ve helped thousands of dental and specialty practices find affordable 3D imaging as well as 2D panoramic and pan/ceph, and now intraoral scanners.
We have a wide inventory of imaging equipment, curated to the brands doctors trust most. We also help our customers with installation, warranties and 5-star customer service, all included with your purchase price - so you have peace of mind you’ll be up and running for the long-term.
You have a lot on your plate, and we're here to help. Let us be of help to you by providing a 5-star experience from start to finish, starting with our experienced Regional Sales Representatives through installation and your warranty period. There’s a reason over 350 customers have left us 5-star reviews on Google.
We offer mid FOV CBCT starting at $32,995, saving our customers 30-50% off new list prices on CBCT.
What are you waiting for? There’s never been a better time to find affordable dental imaging equipment and start making that investment to improve your profitability.
Give us a call, we’ll connect you to your dedicated sales rep at (888) 246-5611, or complete an online form by clicking the button below.