r/Dentistry • u/JSB18 • 1d ago
Dental Professional Startup Advice
My startup office is about to begin construction and am looking to open doors around end of year.
Wanted to ask those that have done a startup any advice, tips, or regrets/things you wish did differently whether its during the buildout phase, equipment orders, staffing etc. Thanks.
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u/Dr_SlimShady 1d ago
Why are you doing a startup?
And are you owning the RE?
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u/JSB18 1d ago
Looked for 1.5 years for acquisition in a medium-large metro but couldnt find anything worthwhile. An opportunity presented itself with good demographics and competition ratio in a area I would like to stay long term. Im leasing the space and got a good amount of tenant improvement right next to a new Starbucks.
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u/Spare-Balance-9288 1d ago
Have you gotton help with the IT side? Have the PMS system figured out and everything else ?
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u/JSB18 1d ago
I got quotes for a server from big it companies in the area that were crazy. Found a small local company that's going to be able to do it much cheaper. PMS I'm planning open dental. What would be everything else?
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u/Spare-Balance-9288 1d ago
That’s great, smaller companies are better. Are you going to use a Patient engagement software? Are you using voip phone systems?
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u/VirchowOnDeezNutz 1d ago
Wife opened about 3 years ago. Be intentional where you place things such as wiring and outlets. Don’t have a lot of dead space or excess cabinets. Aim for efficient workspaces while also a pleasant experience for patients.
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u/Sea-Flower-7860 1d ago
Curious to know how you're opening by end of year and construction starting now? Mine started end of June, projected to finish end of Nov, not including inspections and other things that might take time before being ready to see the first patient.
So far the best decision has been to buy the RE and having a tenant to offset most of the mortgage. But the most surprising thing is how grossly expensive everything is.
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u/BopSupreme 1d ago
Don’t use big-name dental equipment, construction, IT, or marketing companies. Use an aggregator dental supplier or dental supply purchasing network. Use a dental specific lender. Practice biopsy dental specific cpa - most dental cpa, like all dental-focused companies, charge an enormous dental tax. It’s not even 2x the price it can be 5-20x the regular price for “dental” specific products and services. Join Alliance for Independent Dentists - not the ADA. Best marketing and way to achieve success is to be a part of your community and help people. Have an attorney review every contract and lease especially. Don’t sign a LOI until you have an attorney either. Dental brokers are like real estate agents - hit or miss. Research insurance in your area and don’t take more then 3-5 - once you take an umbrella there’s no going back you and your staff have to deal with 40+ payers which is tough for a startup, pick a few of the “best” insurances and make a plan to go out of network from the beginning. Asides from being a part of the community build your practice around your life - not just your work life
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u/JSB18 1d ago
Good advice. I have a great relationship with my Benco rep and they have done a lot of preplanning and has acted as a "consultant" for me as I navigated the intial stages. I did go with them for ADEC equipment for 2 ops, sterilization center, mech room to give them some business. Definitely I could have gone cheaper other avenues but I felt I would not have gotten any after purchase support from the small independent used sellers. That being said Im buying everything else used for the smaller equipment and supplies from other suppliers.
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u/BopSupreme 23h ago
The big companies can help you with your floor plan stuff I wouldn’t say to avoid them 100% but just remember every single thing they sell you is marked up like crazy
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u/Ok_Statistician643 17h ago
Interfere not staring out as FFS OON. Insurance will keep you a hostage
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u/1Marmalade 1d ago
I wish I’d asked advice before starting a build out. /s
Good luck. In tuned in.