Some dentists work as associates and earn monthly salaries, while others dream of starting their own practice. If you are considering becoming the owner of a dental practice, you may need to work a lot, but the hard work will be worth it in the end. You may even face various challenges that require you to sacrifice your leisure time.
One of the most important things you should be clear about when starting your own dental practice is the cost. It is crucial to research the various types of costs involved in the process before taking the plunge. Consulting with a dental attorney can help figure out the different expenses. To learn more, visit this page.
Different costs involved in a dental practice
- Leasing or buying a building.
If you have a high budget and money is not an issue for you, buying may be the right option. However, you do not necessarily need to drill a hole in your pocket when the option to lease is available. Leasing is much more affordable than outright buying. However, there are still other costs to consider, such as renovation work to make suitable changes to the space.
- Equipment and supplies.
Perhaps the most pricy cost factors in starting a dental practice are the equipment and supplies. Dental equipment, office furniture, and other supplies can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. You may want to set aside $200,000 or more for these, depending on the size of your office space. Moreover, the more advanced equipment you use, the pricier it will be.
- Computers and software.
Dental practices require at least one computer and one dental practice management software to record patient data and other information. Computers and software vary in price depending on which model you choose. Usually, the better features you need, the greater price you need to pay. You should also not forget the cost of setting up a website for your practice.
- Staff salary.
Dental practices cannot run with only a dentist working. Even the smallest dental practices require at least one or two other staff members apart from the dentist to take care of the management. At the very least, you would need to hire a receptionist. If you have a big practice, you may require more than one personal assistant. The more people you hire, the more money goes into their salaries.
Starting a dental practice is not easy. Consult with a dental attorney today to ensure everything goes right.
