How to Start a Dental Office

Dental offices are a necessary business in a local community because they help provide patients with routine and non-routine preventative and corrective dental care. Most of these procedures help ensure patients stay healthy. Some procedures, like crows, caps, and fillings, correct existing dental problems.

Ready to turn your business idea into a reality? We recommend forming an LLC as it is the most affordable way to protect your personal assets. You can do this yourself or with our trusted partner for a small fee.

 Northwest ($29 + State Fees)

DIY: How to Start an LLC

Start a dental office by following these 10 steps:

  1. Plan your Dental Office
  2. Form your Dental Office into a Legal Entity
  3. Register your Dental Office for Taxes
  4. Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
  5. Set up Accounting for your Dental Office
  6. Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Dental Office
  7. Get Dental Office Insurance
  8. Define your Dental Office Brand
  9. Create your Dental Office Website
  10. Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your dental office. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas.

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

What will you name your business?

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Dental Office Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship, you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name, we recommend researching your business name by checking:

  • Your state’s business records
  • Federal and state trademark records
  • Social media platforms
  • Web domain availability

It’s very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

What are the costs involved in opening a dental office?

When you start a new dental practice, you take on significant costs. The average new practice costs between $250,000 and $500,000.

These costs go towards structural changes and uplift to a new building, equipment buyouts or leases, supplies, and startup staffing needs. To finance all this, a dentist needs to have a strong balance sheet and good credit.

A dental office practice loan may be financed for between 7 and 12 years. Current rates (2017) average 5% APR.

Rent for a 2,000 square-foot office space varies by location. Equipment, supplies, and office furniture may cost up to $150,000. Construction costs can add another $110 per square foot for remodeling. You’ll also need working capital of between $25,000 and $150,000, possibly more depending on your staffing needs.

What are the ongoing expenses for a dental office?

Ongoing expenses for a dentist office include supplies, rent, and labor costs. These are typically fixed expenses, however.

Who is the target market?

Clients and customers are usually the general public. Almost everyone has a need for general teeth cleaning, so dentists operate in a local community, serving that community with basic preventative dental services.

In addition to these services, dentists often perform specialized services for people who have existing dental issues like missing, chipped, or otherwise broken teeth. They may also fill cavities and provide adjustment services (teeth straightening). Ideal patients, in these cases, are ones who have a need for these types of services.

How does a dental office make money?

Dental offices make money by charging patients for dental services. Sometimes, direct billing is used, where patients pay the dentist for services rendered. However, most dental offices also accept insurance so the patient may not pay directly. If they do pay directly under this arrangement, they pay a co-pay amount and the rest is billed to the dental or health insurance company. The insurer then bills the patient for any coinsurance.

The fees are usually a fixed or flat fee for services rendered and may include dental hardware for services like braces, fillings, and caps, crowns, and bridges.

How much can you charge customers?

A teeth cleaning is a routine procedure. If you accept insurance, these services are usually covered in full by the insurance company. The cost without insurance can range from $60 per cleaning up to $150, depending on where your office is located.

Other services, like cavity filling can be completely or partially covered by insurance. For example, a dental office might charge $200 per filling without insurance or $225 with insurance (billed to the insurer).

A wisdom tooth removal may cost up to $750 without insurance, but only $400 with insurance.

Fees for various services are usually a fixed or flat fee, with two tiers: with insurance and without insurance (cash price). Insurance pricing may not always be lower than the cash price.

How much profit can a dental office make?

General practitioners can make up to $2 million in revenue, with a net income of up to 45.29%. If you specialize, you may make more. For example, an oral surgeon may make $3 million, with a net income of 47.59%.

How can you make your business more profitable?

Dentistry is a highly regulated business. Most dentists (90%) are general practitioners. This leaves the industry wide open for specialization. While it does cost more to get into a specialized area, this is your best hope for more money.

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC’s free Small Business Startup Guide – a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

One crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked when starting your dental office is the importance of establishing a solid business foundation. While sole proprietorships and partnerships are the most common entity types for small businesses, they’re a far less stable and advantageous option than LLCs.

This is because unincorporated business structures (i.e., sole proprietorships and partnerships) expose you as an owner to personal liability for your business’s debts and legal actions, while LLCs protect you by keeping your personal assets separate from your business’s liabilities.

In practice, this means that if your dental office were to face a lawsuit or incur any debts, your savings, home, and other personal assets could not be used to cover these costs. On top of this, forming your business as an LLC also helps it to appear more legitimate and trustworthy.

More than 84% of our readers opt to collaborate with a professional LLC formation service to kickstart their venture. We’ve negotiated a tailored discount for our readers, bringing the total down to just $29.

FORM YOUR LLC

Note: If you’re interested in more information before getting started, we recommend having a look at our state-specific How to Start an LLC guide (DIY) or our in-depth Best LLC Services review (for those opting for a professional service).

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It’s really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website. If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

  • Separates your personal assets from your company’s assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
  • Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

Dentists are required to obtain a dental license from the relevant state agency. In addition, certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate a dental practice. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits.

Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses.

Services Contract (e.g. MSA)

Dental practices should require clients to sign a services agreement before providing services. This agreement should clarify client expectations and minimize the risk of legal disputes by setting out payment terms and conditions, and service level expectations. Here is an example of one such services agreement from Soothing Dental.

Labor safety requirements

It is important to comply with all Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirements.

Here is a list of relevant regulations for a dental office.

Certificate of Occupancy

A business is generally run out of an office. Businesses operating out of a physical location typically require a Certificate of Occupancy (CO). A CO confirms that all building codes, zoning laws and government regulations have been met.

  • If you plan to lease a retail location:
    • It is generally the landlord’s responsibility to obtain a CO.
    • Before leasing, confirm that your landlord has or can obtain a valid CO that is applicable to a dental practice.
    • After a major renovation, a new CO often needs to be issued. If your place of business will be renovated before opening, it is recommended to include language in your lease agreement stating that lease payments will not commence until a valid CO is issued.
  • If you plan to purchase or build a Dental office:
    • You will be responsible for obtaining a valid CO from a local government authority.
    • Review all building codes and zoning requirements for your business’ location to ensure your dental practice will be in compliance and able to obtain a CO.

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance. This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance. If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers’ Compensation Coverage.

Find out what types of insurance your Dental Office needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Dental Office.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator. Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market a dental office

Dentist offices are often operated on a limited budget in the early years. Due to the fact that a dentist is often in debt due to school loans, additional loans to start a practice need to be carefully considered. Every expense must be justified, even marketing expenses.

Most dentists, therefore, rely on referral marketing or local ads in newspapers and community bulletin boards. Email marketing is also effective, since patients need to come back for regular cleaning. If a dentistry advertises through email, existing clients can bring in referrals.

How to keep customers coming back

Specialization is key to set yourself apart from other offices in the area. Most dentists are generalists. In a highly competitive market, this makes it difficult to separate yourself from the competition. Specialization allows you to charge more and have a more defined niche.

Some dentists specialize in endodontics, oral and maxillofacial pathology, oral and maxillofacial radiology, or oral and maxillofacial surgery. But, there are other specialties, including:

  • Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics
  • Pediatric dentistry
  • Prosthodontics
  • Periodontics

If you’re the only dentist in your town that offers maxillofacial surgery, you will likely get all the patients that need it.

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business.

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

  • All legitimate businesses have websites – full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
  • Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
  • Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended: Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders.

Other popular website builders are: WordPressWIXWeeblySquarespace, and Shopify.

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2024 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it’s fair pricing.

Is this Business Right For You?

A dental office is most suitable for individuals who have a passion for working with their hands and enjoy interacting with the general public. They must also be kind and caring people because many patients have a natural aversion to the dentist. Dentists have a hectic (though scheduled) lifestyle and work long hours.

Dentists have to attend a lot of school, usually in excess of 10 years (at least). As such, only those with a true passion for dentistry will be able to make it in this type of business.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

Entrepreneurship Quiz

What happens during a typical day at a dental office?

Day-to-day activities in a dental office include checking patient charts, meeting with patients and checking hygienists’ work after a routine dental procedure. Most dental offices also staff billing and HR personnel who are responsible for managing the day-to-day affairs of the office, including the financial aspects like patient billing.

Since dentists typically accept insurance, the office needs to be equipped with billing software that can handle this type of billing. Finally, as the owner, you will be responsible for educating your patients on good dental hygiene.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful dental office?

Dentists must go through a considerable amount of school before being able to legally practice dentistry. The owner of a dental office is almost always a dentist (otherwise, the owner must employ a dentist). Because of this, the first step in starting a dental office is to get a bachelor’s degree. Once that’s accomplished, the next step is to obtain a doctorate in dentistry. During this period, the dentist specializes in a particular area of dentistry.

Next, the dentist must get licensed in their state, and meet the requirements of that state to practice dentistry. One of these requirements is typically a 1 to 2 year residency.

Dentists also must have good business sense and experience if they start their own practice. Many patients also have a negative association with a dentist. Because of this, a dentist needs to know how to design the office and environment in such a way that it makes the experience a little more enjoyable for the patient.

What is the growth potential for a dental office?

Dental offices typically consist of one head dentist, a few hygienists, and a few receptionists. When starting a dental office, you’ll need at least a minimum “core staff” to cover essential services. In addition to the core dental staff, billing and HR are also usually necessary to assist in managing financials and staffing.

Growth depends on the marketplace demand for dental services. In a small town, a dentist may only have one or two offices. In a larger city, it’s not uncommon for a dentist to have partners and numerous locations.

Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

  • Funding
  • Events
  • Guides
  • Support

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

What are some insider tips for jump starting a dental office?

There is no easy way to break into the dentistry business. It’s highly competitive. The best offices are run by dentists with a good business background. Because of this, successful owners are often those who have experience working in a successful dentist office.

Local marketing is key because referrals drive a dentistry, especially in the early years when money is tight.

How and when to build a team

You need to start building a team right away. At minimum you need one head dentist, a few hygienists, and a few receptionists. When funds allow, hire a billing and HR specialist.

Useful Links

Industry Opportunities

Real World Examples

Further Reading