sample business plan for dental practice

Dental Business Plans

Craft a successful dental practice with a well-structured Dental Business Plan. Navigate growth, secure funding, and make informed decisions.

By Joshua Napilay on May 09, 2024.

Fact Checked by RJ Gumban.

What is a Dental Business Plan?

A is a roadmap that outlines a dental practice's goals, strategies, and financial projections. It helps practitioners and stakeholders understand the business's direction and potential outcomes.

Typically created by dentists, entrepreneurs, or dental professionals looking to start their practices or expand existing ones, a well-structured and solid business plan covers a range of essential aspects:

• Executive summary:  A concise plan overview highlighting key points such as the practice's mission, target market, competitive advantage, and financial projections.
• Practice description : Detailed information about the dental services offered, the dental team's qualifications, and the unique value proposition that sets the practice apart from competitors.
• Market analysis:  An assessment of the local dental market, including demographics, competition analysis, and market trends, to identify opportunities and challenges.
• Sales and marketing strategy:  Plans for attracting and retaining patients, outlining approaches for online and offline marketing, patient engagement, and referral programs.
• Operational plan:  Details about the practice's day-to-day operations, including staffing, office layout, equipment, technology integration, and appointment scheduling.
• Financial projections : Forecasts of revenue, expenses, and profitability over a defined period, along with assessing startup costs and potential financing sources.
• Legal and regulatory considerations:  Ensuring compliance with dental regulations, licensing, insurance, and other legal obligations.
• Risk assessment:  Identify potential risks and strategies to mitigate them, ensuring a proactive approach to possible challenges.
• Exit strategy:  Plans for the future, whether growing the practice, selling it, or passing it on to another practitioner.

Creating a dental practice business plan requires careful research, analysis, and strategic thinking. It provides clarity to stakeholders and potential investors about the practice's viability and long-term prospects. By following a well-crafted business structure, dental practitioners can optimize their chances of success in the competitive dental industry.

Printable Dental Business Plan

Download this Dental Business Plan to guide your practice toward success.

How does it work?

Step 1. download the form.

Access the Printable Dental Business Plan form from a reputable source or website.

Step 2. Gather information

Collect all necessary information and data to complete the form, including practice details, market analysis, financial projections, and operational strategies.

Step 3. Read instructions

Carefully read the form's accompanying instructions or guidelines to understand its structure and requirements.

Step 4. Practice description

Provide a clear and concise overview of your dental practice, including its mission, services, and unique value proposition.

Step 5. Market analysis

Analyze the local dental market, including demographics, competition, and trends, to identify your practice's target audience and opportunities.

Step 6. Marketing and sales strategies

Describe your plans for attracting and retaining patients through marketing, advertising, patient engagement, and referral programs.

Step 7. Operational plan

Outline your practice's day-to-day operations, staffing structure, office layout, technology integration, and appointment scheduling process.

Step 8. Financial projections

Project your practice's expected revenue, expenses, and profitability over a specified period, including startup costs and potential funding sources.

Step 9. Legal and regulatory considerations

Address any legal and regulatory obligations relevant to your dental practice, such as licensing, insurance, and compliance with dental regulations.

Step 10. Risk assessment

Identify potential risks your practice might face and detail strategies to mitigate them effectively.

Step 11. Exit strategy

Outline your plans for the practice's future, whether it involves growth, selling, or transitioning to another practitioner.

Step 12. Proofread and review

Thoroughly review the completed form to ensure the provided information's accuracy, coherence, and completeness.

Step 13. Seek professional advice

If needed, consult with legal, financial, or business experts to validate the accuracy and effectiveness of your dental business plan.

Step 14. Print and store

Print a physical copy of the completed dental business plan for your records and safekeeping.

A dental business plan is vital for managing your practice, attracting investors, and achieving your goals in a competitive industry.

Dental Practice Business Plan example (sample)

An illustrative example of a Dental Business Plan can offer valuable insights into the strategic approach for a dental practice. A Dental Business Plans PDF showcases a hypothetical dental practice's blueprint in this context. The example might encompass a brief executive summary outlining the practice's mission, target demographics, and competitive edge. It would delve into comprehensive market analysis, assessing local competition, patient demographics, and emerging trends. The sample plan would also elucidate effective marketing strategies, detailing how the practice aims to attract and retain patients online and offline.

Operational intricacies would be covered, including staffing, office layout, and technology integration. Financial projections would project revenue, expenses, and potential profits, accompanied by a breakdown of startup costs. This hypothetical plan would address legal considerations and potential risks and propose an exit strategy. Such a sample offers practitioners a tangible template to structure their Dental Business Plan, ensuring a clear path toward establishing and flourishing in the dental industry.

Download this Dental Business Plan Example:

When would you use this form?

A  Dental Business Plan  is a pivotal resource for dental practitioners and entrepreneurs alike, serving as a roadmap to navigate the intricate landscape of the dental industry. Here's when this resource becomes indispensable:

• Starting a new practice:  A Dental Business Plan is essential for dentists launching their practices. It outlines the vision, objectives, and strategies for a successful launch, helping practitioners anticipate challenges and set a clear trajectory.
• Expanding an existing practice : Established dental practices seeking growth benefit immensely from a Dental Business Plan. It guides expansion efforts by assessing new opportunities, understanding market dynamics, and refining operational and marketing strategies.
• Securing financing:  When seeking financial support from investors, lenders, or banks, a well-structured Dental Business Plan is crucial. It instills confidence in potential backers by thoroughly analyzing the practice's potential, financial projections, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Strategic decision-making : Even for ongoing practices, a Dental Business Plan is valuable. It aids in making informed decisions about introducing new services, adopting advanced technologies, or revamping marketing efforts.
• Professional collaboration:  When collaborating with other dental or medical professionals, such as specialists or associates, a Dental Business Plan aligns expectations and provides a joint roadmap for shared goals.
• Succession planning : Practitioners considering retirement or transitioning their practice need a Dental Business Plan. It outlines the strategy for passing on the practice while safeguarding its legacy.
• Navigating challenges : During challenging times like economic downturns or shifts in the healthcare landscape, a Dental Business Plan helps practitioners recalibrate strategies to remain resilient.
• Legal compliance:  Dental Business Plans ensure adherence to regulatory requirements, licensing, and ethical standards, safeguarding the practice from legal complications.
• Benchmarking progress : Regularly revisiting the Dental Business Plan enables practitioners to measure their progress against initial goals, fostering continuous improvement.

Enhanced clarity and direction  

Creating a Dental Business Plan provides practitioners with a clear roadmap for their practice's growth and success,  outlining strategic goals and actionable steps.

Informed decision-making 

The comprehensive analysis in crafting a Dental Business Plan ensures that decisions are well-informed, minimizing risks and increasing the likelihood of favorable outcomes.

Investor confidence 

When seeking investment or financing, a robust Dental Business Plan showcases the practice's potential, reassuring investors and lenders about the venture's viability.

Goal alignment 

A Dental Business Plan aligns the entire dental team toward shared objectives, fostering a unified approach and promoting efficient teamwork.

Risk mitigation 

A Dental Business Plan enhances the practice's preparedness to navigate uncertainties by identifying potential challenges and outlining strategies to overcome them.

Long-term viability 

Implementing a Dental Business Plan lays the groundwork for sustainable growth, setting the stage for long-term success and profitability.

A Dental Business Plan is a pivotal resource that assists in planning and launching a dental practice and supports ongoing operations, expansion efforts, and strategic decision-making. Its structured approach empowers practitioners to proactively address challenges, leverage opportunities, and confidently steer their dental ventures toward success.

Moreover, having access to free Dental Business Plans offers an economical way for practitioners to benefit from these advantages while efficiently planning for their practice's prosperous future.

Why use Carepatron as your dental app?

Utilizing Carepatron as your dental app is a strategic choice that offers a comprehensive and streamlined solution for managing your dental business. Carepatron is the premier platform for dental professionals seeking efficient and effective management through a Dental Business app and Dental Business Software. Here's why Carepatron is the best place to fulfill these needs:

• Integrated functionality:  Carepatron offers an all-in-one solution, seamlessly combining various aspects of dental practice management into a single platform. From appointment scheduling and patient records to billing and treatment planning, it provides comprehensive functionality tailored to the specific needs of dental practices.
• Customized for dentistry:  Unlike generic business software, Carepatron is specifically designed for dental professionals. It understands dental practices' unique workflows, challenges, and requirements, ensuring its features and tools align perfectly with your industry-specific needs.
• Efficient patient management:  Carepatron's capabilities empower you to maintain accurate and organized patient records, treatment histories, and appointment schedules. This enhances patient care, satisfaction, and loyalty while streamlining administrative tasks.
• Clinical documentation:  Carepatron's Dental Business Software strongly emphasizes clinical documentation, enabling you to maintain thorough and compliant patient records. This is vital not only for patient care but also for legal and regulatory purposes.
• Financial management:  Carepatron facilitates efficient financial management through features like automated billing, insurance claims processing, and financial reporting. It ensures that the financial aspects of your practice run smoothly, minimizing errors and maximizing revenue.
• User-friendly interface:  Carepatron is known for its user-friendly interface, making it easy for dental professionals and their staff to navigate and use the software effectively. This reduces the learning curve and allows your team to leverage its capabilities quickly.
• Data security:  The platform prioritizes data security, offering robust encryption and compliance with industry standards. This ensures that your patient's sensitive information is well-protected.

Babkins, J. (2022, August 16). Dentistry Business Plan sample. OGScapital. https://www.ogscapital.com/article/dental-office-business-plan-sample/

Dental Office Business Plan - BPlans. (n.d.). Bplans: Free Business Planning Resources and Templates. https://www.bplans.com/dental-office-business-plan/

Dentist Business Plan Template | Business-in-a-BoxTM. (n.d.). https://www.business-in-a-box.com/template/dentist-business-plan-D11957/

FREE 3+ Dental Clinic Business Plan Samples in PDF | MS Word | Apple Pages | Google Docs. (n.d.). sampletemplates.com. https://www.sampletemplates.com/business-templates/plan-templates/dental-clinic-business-plan.html

Lavinsky, D. (2023a). Dental Business Plan Template. Growthink. https://www.growthink.com/businessplan/help-center/dental-business-plan

Lavinsky, D. (2023b). Dental Business Plan Template. PlanBuildr Business Plan Software. https://planbuildr.com/dental-business-plan-template/

Lavinsky, D. (2023c). Dental Business Plan Template [Updated 2023]. BusinessPlanTemplate.com. https://www.businessplantemplate.com/dental-business-plan-template/

Upmetrics. (2023, August 11). Dental Business Plan Template (2023). https://upmetrics.co/template/dental-business-plan

Commonly asked questions

Dental Business Plans help dental professionals start, manage, expand, or optimize their practices.

A solid business plan can help with starting or expanding a dental practice, seeking financing, making strategic decisions, and transitioning the practice plans for succession planning.

Dental business plans set clear goals, analyze the market, plan marketing strategies, detail operations, project finances, mitigate risks, secure financing, and monitor progress. They serve as essential roadmaps for dental practitioners, guiding them through practice management, growth, and decision-making.

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Dental Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 2,000 dentists create business plans to start and grow their dental practices. On this page, we will first give you some background information with regards to the importance of business planning. We will then go through a dental business plan template step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here >

What is a Dental Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your dental business as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategy for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.

Why You Need a Business Plan for a Dentist Office

If you’re looking to start a dental practice or grow your existing dental business you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your dental business in order to improve your chances of success. Your dental business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.

Sources of Funding for Dental Practices

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for a dental practice are credit cards, personal savings, bank loans and angel investors. With regards to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to confirm that your financials are reasonable. But they will want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business.

Angel investors are wealthy individuals who will write you a check. They will either take equity in return for their funding, or, like a bank, they will give you a loan.

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

Your business plan should include 10 sections as follows:

Executive Summary

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key section of your plan.

The goal of your Executive Summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the type of dental practice you are operating and the status; for example, are you a startup, do you have a dental practice that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of dental offices.

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan. For example, give a brief overview of the dental industry. Discuss the type of dental business you are operating. Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target customers. Provide a snapshot of your marketing plan. Identify the key members of your team. And offer an overview of your financial plan.

Company Analysis

In your company analysis, you will detail the type of dental business you are operating.

For example, you might operate one of the following types:

• General Dentist : this type of dentist will stick mostly to restorative dentistry and hygiene care in their office. This includes, but is not limited to, initial and emergency exams, including oral cancer screenings, cleanings and periodic hygiene exams, gum treatments for gum disease, white fillings to repair decayed or broken teeth, porcelain crowns, bridges and veneers, implant porcelain crowns and teeth whitening.
• Periodontist : this type of dentist focuses on problems that patients have with their gums, bone and tissues which support the teeth.
• Endodontist : this type of dentist is also known as a root canal specialist.
• Orthodontist : this type of dentist does braces on kids and adults to straighten their teeth, as well as dentofacial orthopedics.
• Pedodontist or Pediatric Dentist : this type of dentist specializes in treating children.

In addition to explaining the type of dental business you operate, the Company Analysis section of your business plan needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to question such as:

• When and why did you start the business?
• What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include sales goals you’ve reached, new clinic openings, etc.
• Your legal structure. Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

In your industry analysis, you need to provide an overview of the dental industry.

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the dental industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating. 

Secondly, market research can improve your strategy particularly if your research identifies market trends. For example, if there was a trend towards cosmetic dentistry, it would be helpful to ensure your plan calls for plenty of cosmetic procedure options.

The third reason for market research is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section of your dental business plan:

• How big is the dental industry (in dollars)?
• Is the market declining or increasing?
• Who are the key competitors in the market?
• Who are the key suppliers in the market?
• What trends are affecting the industry?
• What is the industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
• What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential market for your dental practice. You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section of your dental business plan must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: adults, children, teens, elderly, etc.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of dental business you operate. Clearly adults would want a different atmosphere and product options, and would respond to different marketing promotions than teens.

Try to break out your target customers in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, include a discussion of the ages, genders, locations and income levels of the customers you seek to serve. Because most dental practices primarily serve customers living in their same city or town, such demographic information is easy to find on government websites.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target customers. The more you can understand and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers.

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Competitive Analysis

Your competitive analysis should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are other dental businesses.

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from that aren’t direct competitors. This includes federal agencies who provide direct services to military personnel or disadvantaged populations, and nonprofit dental providers. You need to mention such competition to show you understand that not everyone who seeks dental services will choose a private dental practice.

With regards to direct competition, you want to detail the other dentists with which you compete. Most likely, your direct competitors will be dental practices located very close to your location.

For each such competitor, provide an overview of their businesses and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as:

• What types of patients do they serve?
• What products do they offer?
• What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
• What are they good at?
• What are their weaknesses?

With regards to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

• Will you provide superior dental services?
• Will you provide dental services that your competitors don’t offer?
• Will you make it easier or faster for customers to make an appointment?
• Will you provide better customer service?
• Will you offer better pricing?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.

Marketing Plan

Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a dental practice plan, your marketing plan should include the following:

Product : in the product section you should reiterate the type of dental practice that you documented in your Company Analysis. Then, detail the specific products you will be offering. For example, in addition to general dentistry, will you offer cosmetic procedures?

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of your marketing plan, you are presenting the services you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the location of your dental practice. Document your location and mention how the location will impact your success. For example, is your practice located in a medical office building, in a commercial area, etc. Discuss how your location might provide a steady stream of customers. 

Promotions : the final part of your dental business marketing plan is the promotions section. Here you will document how you will drive customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

• Advertising in local papers and magazines
• Reaching out to local bloggers and websites 
• Social media advertising
• Local radio advertising
• Banner ads at local venues

Operations Plan

While the earlier sections of your business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your dental business such as serving patients, procuring supplies, keeping the office clean, etc.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to serve your 1,000th patient, or when you hope to reach $X in sales. It could also be when you expect to hire your Xth employee or launch a new location.

Management Team

To demonstrate your dental practice’s ability to succeed as a business, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company. 

Ideally you and/or your team members have direct experience in the dental business. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act like mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in dental practices and/or successfully running small businesses.

Financial Plan

Income Statement : an income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenues and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, will you serve 20 patients per day or 50? And will sales grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Example 5 Year Annual Income Statement

Balance Sheets : While balance sheets include much information, to simplify them to the key items you need to know about, balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. For instance, if you spend $100,000 on building out your dental office, that will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a bank writes you a check for $100.000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Example 5 Year Annual Balance Sheet

Cash Flow Statement : Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business, and make sure you never run out of money. What most entrepreneurs and business owners don’t realize is that you can turn a profit but run out of money and go bankrupt. 

In developing your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a dental business:

• Location build-out including design fees, construction, etc.
• Cost of equipment like radiographs, dental chairs, dental instruments, computers, software, etc.
• Cost of maintaining an adequate amount of supplies
• Payroll or salaries paid to staff
• Business insurance
• Taxes and permits
• Legal expenses

Example 5 Year Annual Cash Flow Statement

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your office design blueprint or location lease.

Dental Business Plan Summary

Putting together a business plan for your dental practice is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the template above, by the time you are done, you will truly be an expert. You will really understand the dental business, your competition and your customers. You will have developed a marketing plan and will really understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful dental practice.

Dental Business Plan FAQs

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Other Helpful Business Plan Articles & Templates

• Read Time: 7 mins
• May 5, 2021

How to write a business plan for your dental practice

• Read Time: 7 min

The Floss / For Dentists / How to write a business plan for your dental practice

A business plan. Your practice simply has to have one. It’s going to lay out all the detailed information that helps you set your practice on the road to success. It’ll include market analysis, a marketing plan, competitive analysis, cash flow projections, and more. 

In essence, a business plan allows you to track, monitor, and evaluate the progress of your practice over a period of time. It allows you to gauge how your practice is progressing against your original projections for your business. This, in turn, will make it easier to make an objective evaluation of your practice’s progress. 

And it functions as an essential marketing document. It helps show stakeholders in your business that your practice is sustainable and worth investing in, whether that investment is monetary or time-based. 

Your business plan should be a living document. As you gain experience and achieve goals, the plan should be modified to reflect changing goals and knowledge you have gained during the time the practice has been in operation. 

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Business plans provide you with a detailed guideline on what steps you need to follow in order to ensure your practice is a success and that it achieves both your short-term and long-term goals. They are an invaluable strategic tool that every dental plan should carefully consider and craft before opening their business. 

Each individual business plan will be unique to you and your business. However, here are some guidelines you can follow to make the process of creating your business plan easier. Some basic elements any business plan should incorporate include:

Executive summary

The executive summary is perhaps one of the most essential parts of the plan. It’s a short section at the start of the plan that summarizes the plan as a whole. Typically, this section is one to two pages in length.

Some elements that should be summarized as part of the executive summary are:

• Legal structure : Key to establishing your practice, determine what type of business it will be. If you’re setting up a partnership, this section should also include percentage ownership of each partner. Other elements that you should mention include resources like attorneys and accountants who will be part of your support team.
• Services provided : Explain which dental services you will be providing in your practice. This section will also clarify what your practice’s unique value proposition will be — what sets it apart from those of your competitors and other  dentists near you .
• Goals : List the overall goals of your practice by priority. You should start with the mission statement and then list out the specific goals.
• Market analysis : An analysis of the dental landscape in your area and your practice’s ability to meet your identified needs.
• Marketing strategy : A quick summary of which strategies you will be employing. This section should be a response to the market analysis, and you should go into more detail in the marketing plan part of the business plan.
• Break-even point : This will also be part of the financial plan and analyses how viable your practice is at the current time.
• Operations plan summary : Summarize what systems you have in place in order to increase the growth of your practice. You will need to go into more detail in the operations plan section.
• Organizational / staffing structure : A summary of how many staff you have, their responsibilities and roles, and a forecast of personnel needs.

This section is key when you approach lenders for loans. It should be enticing to potential lenders and explain how you plan to make your practice a success. Therefore, it should be persuasive and compelling.

While this section goes at the start of your plan, you should write it last. This is because it is a summary of the rest of the plan, and you will need to have a detailed plan completed before you can write it.

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Description of products and services

In this section, you should elaborate on the types of services your practice will provide patients. Explain whether specialty services will be performed in-house or will be referred to outside practices and doctors.

If you’re acquiring an existing practice as opposed to opening a new one, clarify any changes you’ll be implementing to the products and services the practice is already offering. 

Operations plan 

This is where you detail the operational systems that will help you run your practice, meet your goals, and measure how effective you are at achieving your aims.

It will describe how you will procure the products needed to keep the business running, what personnel will be part of your business, and how you will manage your inventory. You’ll also detail factors like hours of operation, any licenses and permits you’ll require before opening, dental insurances that your practice will and will not accept, schedule for equipment maintenance, and so on.

One of the most important parts of your operations plan is detailing a one-year action plan. This will serve as a template for you to follow and help you detail what steps you need to take to ensure your plan is a success.

This section is the ‘nuts-and-bolts’ part of your plan and is likely to be the longest section of your business plan. Managing operations efficiently helps increase profitability and decrease stress. Without an efficient operations plan, you will find meeting objectives and goals a challenging task. 

Market analysis and marketing plan

This is where you’ll document data on how your competitors operate. Some parts of your competitors’ practices you may want to look at include their online presence, SEO rankings, how they manage their digital content, and any other marketing efforts you think is relevant.

Once you have conducted a market analysis of your competitors, you’ll also need to document your own marketing plan. Elements you should include as part of your plan include an overview of your intended market and the type of patients you plan to target, their income level, age, and lifestyle.

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You should also clearly set out how you plan to set your business apart from competitors and maintain your own customer base. For example, if you operate in close proximity to another dental practice, how will you ensure patients looking to  find a dentist  visit your practice over that of your competitor?

Make sure to conduct a SWOT analysis. This is an analysis of your practice’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as the market opportunities you can take advantage of and the threats that your practice faces. This will help you better personalize your marketing plan to your goals while also considering outside factors that could hinder those goals and detailing how you will overcome those issues. 

Your marketing strategy should focus on developing awareness of your practice amongst prospective patients. This will include the use of internal marketing (brochures, posters, newsletters, etc.), external marketing (direct mail, email, advertising, online marketing through websites and social media, etc.), and customer service to ensure your patients have a good experience and keep on returning to your practice.

One key element of the marketing plan for modern dental practices is to map out their website design. Having a well-designed website can help you stand out from competitors and can be hugely beneficial in attracting patients. For example, suppose patients are able to make a  dentist appointment  online quickly. In that case, they are more likely to choose your practice over a competitor that makes it difficult to schedule an appointment. 

If your marketing strategy is going to be significantly different from that of your competitors, you should also explain the rationale behind your choice as part of your strategy.

Financial plan

A financial plan is a key component of the marketing plan and will be the section that’s of most interest to potential lenders. If you’re approaching banks or other individuals for a loan, this section will help them make an informed decision over whether or not to lend to you. Due to its importance, this section should be carefully planned out and meticulously written.

For new practices, the financial plan will be based on 12 and 24-month financial projections, as you won’t already have an existing performance to base it off. Some key elements that you should include in your financial plan include:

• Income projections over a 12 and 24-month period
• Your personal financial statement 
• Collateral you’ll offer in exchange for a loan
• The total amount of funds that will be required by your practice for a 24-month period
• A plan for how the funds will be allocated
• Cash flow forecast
• Historical financial analysis looking into the viability of a dental practice
• Supporting documents that may be required by the lender, including a copy of your credit report, historical financial statements, five-year financial projections, and any other relevant document

Your financial plan should lay out a plan that accounts for the impact of outside financial influences that will affect your finances. These influences include competition, the economy, seasonal variations, and business cycles, as well as any other factors that will impact your practice’s financials. 

Business plan checklist

If you’re just getting started on creating your business plan, there are a variety of templates and checklists that are easily available online. One free downloadable and printable checklist that you can use is  this one .

Before you get started on making your business plan, the American Dental Association (ADA) you make sure to ask yourself some important questions, including: 

• Can you describe your potential dental practice in detail?
• Do you have an actionable marketing plan?
• Who is in the market? What are they doing right — or wrong?
• What pricing and payment policies are you considering?
• What’s your growth strategy?

These will help provide you with a guideline you can refer back to when writing your detailed plan.

The ADA also provides a business plan checklist that is tailored to dental practices. You can download the checklist  here .

FAQs about dental practice business plans

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How much does it cost to open a dental office?

While start-up costs will differ based on where your practice is located and the types of services you plan on offering, the estimated cost of starting a dental practice  can be  upwards of $450,000, with up to a third of that being equipment costs.

How profitable is a dental practice?

On average, dental practices can have  about a  25% profit margin. This profit margin can be more, depending on your specialty, location, and overhead costs. It is also possible to increase the profit margin of a dental practice in a variety of ways. For new practices, it your business plan allow you a profit margin of at least 40%.

How much does a dental office make a year?

The amount you earn is dependent on the type of services your practice offers, including whether or not you offer specialty services.  On average , general practices earn around $770,000 a year, while specialty practices can make around $1.1 million annually. 

How do I write a business plan for a mobile dental clinic?

If you’re planning a mobile dental clinic, the process for writing a business plan is similar to that of writing a plan for a traditional practice. The steps you need to follow will be the same, and any lenders will expect you to present the same information as part of your business plan.

Remember, the executive summary and the financial plan are two key aspects of your business plan when approaching lenders. A well thought-out and well-written business plan does not only make your practice more appealing to lenders but it also provides you with a blueprint to follow in order to achieve personal and business-related goals. So when you’re writing out your business plan, regardless of whether it is for a traditional practice or a mobile clinic, make sure to include all the relevant details.

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Dental Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Dental Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your Dental business plan.

We have helped over 10,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their dental businesses.

Below is a template to help you create each section of your Dental practice business plan.

Executive Summary

Business overview.

Bright Family Dental is a startup dental clinic located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin that will be owned and operated by Dr. Ingrid Williams. Dr. Williams has worked with a team of dentists at another local family local dentistry for the past 18 years and has become one of the most requested dentists in the area and has now decided to open a dental clinic of her own. Milwaukee is a large metropolitan area where there is a shortage of dental offices that can serve the growing population. Dr. Williams plans on recruiting a team of dental assistants and hygienists from the local college.

Bright Family Dental will provide a comprehensive array of dental services to all individuals that include cleanings, restoration, and cosmetic dental care. The dental clinic will be located in a mid to higher income area in town that is surrounded by other ancillary medical offices as well as retail stores and restaurants.

Product Offering

The following are the services that Bright Family Dental will provide:

• Dental cleanings and examinations
• Dental implants
• Porcelain veneers
• Crowns and bridges
• Dentures and partials
• Tooth extraction
• Teeth whitening
• Emergency dental care

Customer Focus

Bright Family Dental will target all households within a 5-mile radius. This will include families with children, teenagers, and young adults, seniors, and individuals who are insured and uninsured.

Management Team

Bright Family Dental will be owned and operated by Dr. Ingrid Williams. She will recruit a team of highly qualified and trained dental assistants and hygienists. She will also hire a receptionist to answer phone calls and administer scheduling and rescheduling of patients. The clinic will also employ a full-time financial coordinator to handle all billing, insurance processing, and bill payments.

Success Factors

Bright Family Dental will be able to achieve success by offering the following competitive advantages:

• Clean, modern, and welcoming dental office with the latest dental technology
• Comprehensive menu of services that covers most dental procedures
• Is willing to take uninsured patients and offer flexible payment plans
• Bright Family Dental offers the best dental pricing in the area

Financial Highlights

Bright Family Dental is seeking $150,000 in debt financing to launch its dental business. The funding will be dedicated towards securing the dental clinic, purchasing dental equipment and supplies, and purchasing the office equipment and supplies. Funding will also be dedicated towards three months of overhead costs to include payroll of the staff, rent, and marketing costs for the opening of the new dental clinic. The breakout of the funding is below:

• Dental office space build-out: $20,000
• Dental equipment and supplies: $50,000
• Office equipment and supplies: $10,000
• Three months of overhead expenses (payroll, rent, utilities): $50,000
• Marketing costs: $10,000
• Working capital: $10,000

The following graph below outlines the pro forma financial projections for Bright Family Dental.

Company Overview

Who is bright family dental.

Bright Family Dental is a startup dental clinic located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  The clinic is founded by Dr. Ingrid Williams, a certified dentist who received her dental certification in 2004. Dr. Williams has worked with a team of dentists at another local family local dentistry for the past 18 years where she served children, teenagers, adults, and seniors to maintain a healthy and beautiful smile.  Dr. Williams has become one of the most requested dentists in the area and has now decided to open a dental clinic of her own. Milwaukee is a large metropolitan area where there is a shortage of dental offices that can serve the growing population. Dr. Williams plans on recruiting a team of dental assistants and hygienists from the local college.

Bright Family Dental will provide a comprehensive array of dental services to all individuals that include cleanings, restoration, and cosmetic dental care. Bright Family Dental will be the dental clinic of choice in Milwaukee as it will implement a clean, friendly space with the latest dental technology. The dental clinic will be located in a mid to higher income area in town that is surrounded by other ancillary medical offices as well as retail stores and restaurants.

Bright Family Dental History

Bright Family Dental is the first startup business for Dr. Ingrid Williams. As an established dentist in the community, Dr. Williams has gained a reputation for providing excellent dental care to her patients of all ages. She realized that a particular segment of Milwaukee was lacking a sufficient comprehensive dental clinic and decided to pursue the opportunity of opening up her own dental practice.

Since incorporation, Bright Family Dental has achieved the following milestones:

• Registered Bright Family Dental, LLC to transact business in the state of Wisconsin.
• Has located an office space that will be ideal for a dental practice and signed a Letter of Intent
• Began the branding process of developing the clinic name, logo, and website
• Began recruiting a staff of dental assistants and hygienists, receptionist, and financial coordinator

Bright Family Dental Services

The following will be the services Bright Family Dental will provide:

Industry Analysis

Over the past five years, the Dental industry experienced largely positive growth, as advances in dental technology and improved access to care for older adults resulted in greater gains. The industry benefited from rising disposable income and a relatively low unemployment rate, resulting in more consumers with healthcare coverage.

The average industry operator is expected to experience relatively high profit. The industry has historically experienced high margins, as a result, the industry is expected to continue expanding over the next five years, with more operators entering the field.

Industry revenue is projected to grow, increasing at an annualized rate of 2.3%. In particular, demand for industry services will come from older adults, who tend to need more serious and more frequent dental care as they age. In addition, the expansion of dental care through Medicaid will enable low-income adults to access the care they need. A relatively low unemployment rate will also support coverage and thus accessibility of industry services.

Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market.

Bright Family Dental will target all households within the immediate area. This will include families with children, teenagers, and young adults, seniors, and individuals who have insurance. Bright Family Dental will also take uninsured patients and offer payment plans if they need help with out-of-pocket dental expenses.

The precise demographics for Milwaukee, Wisconsin are:

Customer Segmentation

Bright Family Dental  will primarily target the following customer profiles:

• Families with children
• Young adults
• Uninsured adults

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

Bright Family Dental will face competition from other companies with similar business profiles. A description of each competitor company is below.

Holmgren Family Dental

Holmgren Family Dental is a local dental practice that operates with the leadership of Dr. Andrew Holmgren. The practice consists of a team of  hygienists and assistants who offer exams and cleanings, fluoride treatments, fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals, implant restorations, mouth guards, dentures, sealants, and dental x-rays. His practice consists mainly of children and teenagers who are in need of braces. Dr. Holmgren provides the initial braces evaluation and exams and then refers his patients to the nearby orthodontist whose practice is next door. In addition, Dr. Holmgren also offers treatments for snore prevention, sinus lift augmentation, and bone grafting. Service costs vary depending on the needs of the patient and treatment plan. The office uses MedPay Credit to offer payment plans for procedures that aren’t covered by insurance.

The Dental Specialists of Milwaukee

The Dental Specialists of Milwaukee provides family dental care with a focus on children’s dentistry. The clinic is committed to reducing the need for future extensive dental work and providing preventative dental care for its patients. Their list of services include general dentistry, children’s dentistry, oral surgery, orthodontics and braces, and aligners. With five locations throughout Milwaukee, the practice has ten dentists and a team of assistants and hygienists who are able to service the large patient base. As the largest dental group in Milwaukee, The Dental Specialists of Milwaukee take patients of all ages and incomes and offer flexible payment plans. They take most insurance as well as Medicaid. The clinic also offers a dental discount payment plan that has low monthly payments, no interest, and no credit check required.

Riley Dental

Riley Dental provides comprehensive oral health care while providing excellent customer service. The head dentist, Dr. Ana Riley, focuses on providing patient-focused comprehensive dentistry. As a general dentist, Dr. Riley has the experience and skill needed to offer the highest quality of care and services for her patients to maintain supreme oral health. Riley Dental offers dental cleanings and exams, crowns and bridges, dental fillings, emergency dentistry, dentures and partials, root canals, and extractions. The office also offers cosmetic treatments like veneers and teeth whitening. Dr. Riley also works extensively with geriatric patients to provide whatever is necessary for their unique needs. Riley Dental has invested in state-of-the-art technology and a digital x-ray machine. The clinic offers flexible payment plans for services that are not covered by insurance.

Competitive Advantage

Bright Family Dental will be able to offer the following advantages over their competition:

• Friendly, knowledgeable, and highly qualified team of dental professionals who also offer excellent patient care
• Comprehensive menu of services that provides excellent dental care for all of its patients
• Will take uninsured payment plans and offer a flexible payment plan for dental services
• Bright Family Dental offers the best pricing in town. Their pricing structure is the most cost effective compared to the competition.

Marketing Plan

Brand & value proposition.

Bright Family Dental will offer the unique value proposition to its clientele:

• Clean, modern, and welcoming dental office that has implemented the latest dental technology
• Competitive pricing
• Does not over schedule patients. All patients will be seen at their scheduled time so that the family doesn’t spend hours of their time at the dentist office.

Promotions Strategy

The promotions strategy for Bright Family Dental is as follows:

Bright Family Dental will be located in a highly populated area with heavy traffic flow. The location has prime visibility to new and existing patients.

Word of Mouth/Referrals

Dr. Williams has built up an extensive list of contacts over the years by providing exceptional dental service and expertise to her patients. The majority of her patient base will likely follow her to her new practice.

Print Advertising

Bright Family Dental will invest in professionally designed print ads to display in the local newspapers or flyers and publications.

Website/SEO Marketing

Bright Family Dental will hire an outside advertising firm to develop the company’s website. The website will be well organized, informative, and list all the services that Bright Family Dental is able to provide. The website will also list their contact information and location. The marketing director will also manage the company’s website presence with SEO marketing tactics so that anytime someone types in the Google or Bing search engine “Milwaukee family dentist” or “dentist near me”, Bright Family Dental will be listed at the top of the search results.

The pricing of Bright Family Dental will be moderate and on par with competitors so customers feel they receive value when purchasing their services.

Operations Plan

The following will be the operations plan for Bright Family Dental.

Operation Functions:

• Ingrid Williams will be the head Dentist and Operator of the dental clinic. She will employ the following:
• Keith Murray – Dental Hygienist
• Sarah Evans – Dental Assistant
• Brenda Marshall – Financial Coordinator who will process all insurance claims, billing, and accounts payable and receivable
• Rita Johnson – Receptionist who will handle all calls, files, and scheduling of patients

Milestones:

Bright Family Dental will have the following milestones complete in the next six months.

8/1/202X – Finalize contract to lease office space

8/15/202X – Finalize personnel and staff employment contracts for the Bright Family Dental team

9/1/202X – Order office and dental practice equipment and supplies

15/15/202X – Begin marketing efforts

10/22/202X – Begin moving into Bright Family Dental office

11/1/202X – Bright Family Dental opens its office for business

Dr. Ingrid Williams is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin Dental School and has been a practicing dentist at a local dental office for 18 years. During her tenure at the clinic, Dr. Williams performed a variety of dental services to patients of all ages.

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

The revenue drivers for Bright Family Dental are the fees for dental services performed at the office.

The cost drivers will be the cost of supplies necessary to maintain the dental services. Other expenses will be the payroll cost, rent, utilities, and marketing materials.

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

Key assumptions.

The following outlines the key assumptions required in order to achieve the revenue and cost numbers in the financials and in order to pay off the startup business loan.

• Number of Patients Per Month: 80
• Average Cost of Services: $2,000
• Office Lease per Year: $100,000

Financial Projections

Income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, dental business plan faqs, what is a dental business plan.

A dental business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your dental business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can  easily complete your dental business plan using our Dental Business Plan Template here .

What are the Main Types of Dental Businesses?

There are a number of different kinds of dental businesses, some examples include: General Dentist, Periodontist, Endodontist, and Pedodontist or Pediatric Dentist.

How Do You Get Funding for Your Dental Business Plan?

Dental businesses are often funded through small business loans. Personal savings, credit card financing and angel investors are also popular forms of funding.

What are the Steps To Start a Dental Business?

Starting a dental business can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster.

1. Develop A Dental Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed dental business plan that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include potential market size and target customers, the services or products you will offer, pricing strategies and a detailed financial forecast.  

2. Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your dental business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your dental business is in compliance with local laws.

3. Register Your Dental Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your dental business with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws. 

4. Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your dental business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms. 

5. Choose a Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations. 

6. Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events. 

7. Acquire Necessary Dental Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your dental business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation. 

8. Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your dental business. This includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising.

How to Create a Business Plan for Your Dental Practice

Creating an effective business plan is essential for any business’s success—including dental practices. Business plans provide detailed information that helps businesses forge a path towards long-term growth and success. Such information may regard market analysis, marketing, cash flow projection, competitive analysis, and other relevant business information. By determining such information and crafting a plan, businesses can focus on the actionable steps necessary to turn their goals into a reality and achieve their short- and long-term objectives. As such, business plans are an invaluable strategic tool that all businesses should take the time to carefully craft. To learn how to create a business plan for your dental practice, continue reading.

Executive summary

The executive summary is an essential aspect of any business plan. It is a short section that summarizes the entirety of your business plan in a way that allows readers to quickly become acquainted with the key points and its main purpose. Typically, your executive summary should not exceed two pages.

This section is especially important when it comes to approaching lenders. It should entice the potential lender to help you receive the funding you need to get your practice up and running. Therefore, your executive summary should be written in a way that is persuasive and compelling. Let the lender know how you intend to make your business a success and express the vision of your practice.

While the executive summary will be included as the first section of your business plan, it should be the last area that you write. Because the executive summary is a compilation of all other areas of your business plan, you must have already flushed out such details before writing it.

Description of products and services

This section should provide information regarding the products and services that your dental practice offers. If you are acquiring an existing practice, make sure to detail any major changes that will be made to the products and services that were being offered by the previous practice owner. For example, if you are planning on offering additional services that the current owner is not offering, mention them here.

When creating a business plan for your dental practice, you should also include a section that details how it will be managed. In this section, detail information about the type of business structure your practice will have. For example, you should determine if your practice will be structured as a partnership, corporation, or sole proprietorship.

This section should also include a list of the management personnel and professional advisers that will comprise your team, such as financial partners, insurance agents, real estate advisors, attorneys, and business associates. In addition to compiling a list of key management professionals, you should provide further information on their job responsibilities. Such information will help prove to business lenders that you have a plan for how your office will function and that you have the necessary support system to be successful.

Competitive analysis and marketing strategy

In this section, you should include data on what your competition is doing regarding their online presence, digital content, SEO rankings, and other relevant data. Upon detailing the state of your competitor’s marketing efforts, you should then detail your own marketing plan.

Here, you should first provide an overview of your intended market and your target patient. Include information on their income level, age, and lifestyle. If you target patient is similar to that of a competing dental practice in the area, clearly state how you intend to set your practice apart from your competition and maintain a consistent customer base.

In addition, you should also detail a content map and provide information regarding your website design. If your practice will be taking a different approach from other competitors, note it in your strategy and clearly provide a rationale as to why.

Financial plan

One of the most important sections in your business plan is the financial plan. This section will be of chief interest to potential lenders, as it will help them make an informed business decision regarding whether they can approve your loan proposal. As such, it should be carefully planned and written in great detail. Here, you should list a variety of relevant financial information, such as the following:

• Projected income of your practice for the initial 12- through 24-month period
• Cash flow forecast
• Personal financial statement
• Information on how startup funds will be allocated
• Total funds required by your practice for the following two years
• Offered collateral
• Historical financial analysis

Supporting financial documents

In addition to the above information, you should also provide the necessary supporting documents that potential dental lenders can review when making their decision. If you are undergoing a dental practice acquisition , many of the necessary documents will be provided by the selling dentist. However, you will have to prepare some of them. Such financial documents to provide in this section may include:

• Present business financial statements
• Recent copy of your credit report
• Copy of current aging schedule
• Three years of historical financial statements, individual income tax returns, and business income tax returns
• Current personal financial statement
• Prospective financials for five years such as forecasts, cash flows, and projections

Such financial documents should be 90-days old or less to be considered current under lending guidelines.

Financial influences

In the financial section of your business plan, you should also provide information that displays you have accounted for the impact of financial influences. Such influences may include business cycles, competition, the economy, seasonal variations, and other events that may impact your practice’s finances. All other information included in your financial plan should account for such influences.

The operations section will likely be the last and longest section of your business plan. Here, you will get into the nitty-gritty details the day-to-day operations that occur at your practice. You should provide information regarding the following information to provide lenders with a clear picture of how your practice will function:

• Office hours
• Days of operation
• Necessary equipment and supplies
• Major suppliers you plan to source equipment from
• Equipment-maintenance schedules
• Ideal patient flow
• Dental insurances you do and do not accept

Henry Schein Professional Practice Transitions is the leader in dental practice sales and transitions. Whether you are purchasing or selling a practice, we can help you through every step of the process. Thanks to our extensive marketing resources, national network of dental transition consultants, and superior hands-on client services, your dental practice transition is sure to be as advantageous as possible. To get started on the transition process, schedule a free 30-minute phone consultation with Henry Schein Professional Practice Transitions today.

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Dental Business Plan

Dentistry is one of the most rewarding and profitable entrepreneurial ventures for any dental professional.

You can easily start a dental business, but you need a detailed business plan when it comes to staying competitive in the market, raising funding, applying for loans, and scaling it like a pro!

Need help writing a business plan for your dental office? You’re at the right place. Our dental business plan template will help you get started.

Free Business Plan Template

Download our free business plan template now and pave the way to success. Let’s turn your vision into an actionable strategy!

• Fill in the blanks – Outline
• Financial Tables

How to Write a Dental Business Plan?

Writing a dental business plan is a crucial step toward the success of your business. Here are the key steps to consider when writing a business plan:

1. Executive Summary

An executive summary is the first section planned to offer an overview of the entire business plan. However, it is written after the entire business plan is ready and summarizes each section of your plan.

Here are a few key components to include in your executive summary:

Introduce your business:

• This section may include the name of your dental business, its location, when it was founded, the type of dental business (E.g., general dental practice, orthodontic practice, oral surgery practice.), etc.

Market opportunity:

Dental services:, marketing & sales strategies:, financial highlights:, call to action:.

Make sure your executive summary is clear, concise, easy to understand, and jargon-free.

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2. Business Overview

The business overview section of your business plan offers detailed information about your company. The details you add will depend on how important they are to your business. Yet, business name, location, business history, and future goals are some of the foundational elements you must consider adding to this section:

Business description:

• Business name and type: Describe what type of dental clinic you run and the name of it. You may specialize in one of the following dental practices:
• Oral surgery practice
• Cosmetic dental practice
• General dental practice
• Mobile dental practice
• Pediatric dental practice
• Company structure: Describe the legal structure of your dental office, whether it is a sole proprietorship, partnership, or others.
• Location: Explain where your business is located and why you selected the place.

Mission statement:

Business history:, future goals:.

This section should provide a thorough understanding of your business, its history, and its future plans. Keep this section engaging, precise, and to the point.

3. Market Analysis

The Market analysis section of your business plan should offer a thorough understanding of the dental care industry with the target market, competitors, and growth opportunities. You should include the following components in this section.

Target market:

• For instance, general dental clinics may target individuals and families seeking routine dental check-ups.

Market size and growth potential:

Competitive analysis:, market trends:.

• For instance, there is an increasing demand for cosmetic dental services such as teeth whitening and dental implants; explain how you plan to address the growth opportunity.

Regulatory environment:

Here are a few tips for writing the market analysis section of your dental clinic business plan:

• Conduct market research, industry reports, and surveys to gather data.
• Provide specific and detailed information whenever possible.
• Illustrate your points with charts and graphs.
• Write your business plan keeping your target audience in mind.

4. Products And Services

The product and services section should describe the specific dentistry services offered to patients. To write this section should include the following:

Dental treatment & services:

• Teeth whitening
• Tooth extraction
• Cosmetic fillings
• Root canal therapy
• Oral surgery, and more.

Describe each service:

• For instance, tooth extraction involves dental examination, anesthesia, tooth loosening, tooth removal, socket cleaning, post-extraction treatment, and follow-up appointments.

Insurance & Payment Options:

• In addition to these payment options, describe if your dentistry offers regular patients discounts or membership plans.

Additional service:

In short, this section of your dental office business plan must be informative, precise, and client-focused. By providing a clear and compelling description of your offerings, you can help potential investors and readers understand the value of your business.

5. Sales And Marketing Strategies

The sales and marketing strategies section describes how you will attract new patients and retain existing ones. Here are some key elements to include in your sales & marketing plan:

Unique selling proposition (USP):

• For example, advanced technology, specialized services, and emergency dental care could be some of the great USPs for a general dental clinic.

Pricing strategy:

Marketing strategies:, sales strategies:, patient retention:.

Overall, this section of your dental office business plan should focus on customer acquisition and retention.

Have a specific, realistic, and data-driven approach while planning sales and marketing strategies for your dental business, and be prepared to adapt or make strategic changes in your strategies based on feedback and results.

6. Operations Plan

The operations plan section of your business plan should outline the processes and procedures involved in your business operations, such as staffing requirements and operational processes. Here are a few components to add to your operations plan:

Staffing & training:

Operational process:, safety & infection control :.

• These protocols may include waste management, disinfection, sterilization, infection surveillance, etc.

Equipment & Technologies:

• In addition, provide details on the sourcing and maintenance of these instruments and equipment. Explain how these technologies benefit your patients and help you stand out as a dental service provider.

Adding these components to your operations plan will help you lay out your business operations, which will eventually help you manage your dentistry effectively.

7. Management Team

The management team section provides an overview of your dental business’s management team. This section should provide a detailed description of each manager’s experience and qualifications, as well as their responsibilities and roles.

• Founders/CEO: Mention the founders and CEO of your dental clinic, and describe their roles and responsibilities in successfully running the business.

Key managers:

• It should include, Dental director, department/division heads, committees, and other dentists involved in the operations, including their education, specialization, professional background, and years of experience in the dental care industry.

Organizational structure:

Compensation plan:, advisors/consultants:.

This section should describe the key personnel for your dental care services, highlighting how you have the perfect team to succeed.

8. Financial Plan

Your financial plan section should provide a summary of your business’s financial projections for the first few years. Here are some key elements to include in your financial plan:

Profit & loss statement:

Cash flow statement:, balance sheet:, break-even point:.

• This exercise will help you understand how much revenue you need to generate to sustain or be profitable.

Financing needs:

Be realistic with your financial projections, and make sure you offer relevant information and evidence to support your estimates.

9. Appendix

The appendix section of your plan should include any additional information supporting your business plan’s main content, such as market research, legal documentation, financial statements, and other relevant information.

• Add a table of contents for the appendix section to help readers easily find specific information or sections.
• In addition to your financial statements, provide additional financial documents like tax returns, a list of assets within the business, credit history, and more. These statements must be up-to-date and offer financial projections for at least the first three or five years of business operations.
• Provide data derived from market research, including stats about the dental care industry, user demographics, and industry trends.
• Include any legal documents such as permits, licenses, and contracts.
• Include any additional documentation related to your business plan, such as product brochures, marketing materials, operational procedures, etc.

Use clear headings and labels for each section of the appendix so that readers can easily find the necessary information.

Remember, the appendix section of your dental business plan should only include relevant and important information supporting your plan’s main content.

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.

This sample dental business plan will provide an idea for writing a successful dental clinic business plan, including all the essential components of your business.

After this, if you still need clarification about writing an investment-ready business plan to impress your audience, download our dental business plan pdf .

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Frequently asked questions, why do you need a dental business plan.

A business plan is an essential tool for anyone looking to start or run a successful dental business. It helps to get clarity in your business, secures funding, and identifies potential challenges while starting and growing your business.

Overall, a well-written plan can help you make informed decisions, which can contribute to the long-term success of your dental clinic.

How to get funding for your dental business?

There are several ways to get funding for your dental business, but self-funding is one of the most efficient and speedy funding options. Other options for funding are:

Small Business Administration (SBA) loan

Crowdfunding, angel investors.

Apart from all these options, there are small business grants available, check for the same in your location and you can apply for it.

Where to find business plan writers for your dental business?

There are many business plan writers available, but no one knows your business and ideas better than you, so we recommend you write your dental practice business plan and outline your vision as you have in your mind.

What is the easiest way to write your dental business plan?

A lot of research is necessary for writing a business plan, but you can write your plan most efficiently with the help of any dental clinic business plan example and edit it as per your need. You can also quickly finish your plan in just a few hours or less with the help of our business plan software.

About the Author

Vinay Kevadiya

Vinay Kevadiya is the founder and CEO of Upmetrics, the #1 business planning software. His ultimate goal with Upmetrics is to revolutionize how entrepreneurs create, manage, and execute their business plans. He enjoys sharing his insights on business planning and other relevant topics through his articles and blog posts. Read more

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Starting a Practice: How to Write an Effective Dental Business Plan

Every business needs a dedicated business plan. Dental practices that are focused and prepared with a documented plan of action reach key milestones quicker, and can steer their business more effectively as it grows. Plus, without a dental practice business plan in place, you’ll find it hard to get funding.

Creating a thorough dentistry business plan isn’t as daunting as it may seem. Learn about all of the key considerations, best practices, and how to create your own dental business plan in our helpful guide.

Starting a Dental Practice Business Plan: Considerations

Writing a business plan for a dental practice is no different to compiling one for any other organization. However, the list of considerations varies depending on whether you are a new or existing practice.

Dental Business Plans for New Practices

Before you put pen to paper, work through the following questions to help you prepare:

• What will your new dental practice look like?
• Where is it located?
• What is your target market?
• What prices will you charge?
• How many competitors will you have?
• What are your competitors doing that you could do better?
• What is your growth strategy?
• Do you have a marketing plan prepared?

Dental Business Plans for Existing Practices

Updating a business plan for dental offices that are already up and running will require some additional details:

• Current financial position
• A list of debts owed, with updated lender details and payment terms
• An analysis of operational costs and your break-even point
• A financial comparison of your practice versus a competitor

Once you have all of this information, you can start compiling your dental business plan.

Dental Business Plan Template

Creating a dental office business plan may seem daunting, but it’s not as complicated as you might think. The beauty of a good dentistry business plan is that it’s a living document that can evolve as your practice grows and develops. It’s normal that some areas of your business grow faster than others. So as you progress you can even create separate dental business plan samples for each specialty split into general dentistry, orthodontics, periodontics, etc. Here is a breakdown of the sections you’ll need to cover in any thorough dental business plan.

Executive Summary

Although this is the first section of your dental office business plan, it should be the last part you write because it summarizes all of the other sections. It should cover no more than two pages and be written professionally in a way that is compelling to potential investors. Be sure to include a mission statement explaining the company’s purpose, why it exists, and the overall goal of operations.

Company Summary

State the location of the company, days and hours of operation, what services are offered, a breakdown of company ownership, and details about the following expenses and assets:

• Start-up expenses – Legal fees, stationery, deposit payments, office renovation costs, insurance, etc.
• Fixed assets – Dentistry equipment , furniture, computers, display cabinets, etc.
• Operating costs – Payroll, rent, utilities, equipment maintenance, practice management software, dental supplies, marketing costs, etc.
• Liabilities and capital – Current cash balance, borrowing agreements, outstanding bills, the balance on loans taken, etc.

A detailed breakdown of every service offered and the costs for each. For example, a dentistry business plan for an orthodontist may list information and prices for braces, palatal expanders, and retainers. In contrast, a cosmetic practice may provide details about teeth whitening, gap removal, and veneers.

Market Analysis

A breakdown of your consumer market is a vital component of any business plan. Dental practices typically segment customers into three categories — children, adults, and seniors. Record how your current market split matches your intended target market, including details on income, lifestyle, and any other relevant factors. This will help improve your marketing plan.

Competitor Analysis

Collect as much data about your competition as you can, including how they manage their online presence, what digital platforms they are active on, their website SEO rankings, and any other relevant information that will help you develop a plan to beat them.

This section maps out exactly how you intend to achieve your goals. To do that, you’ll need to consider and stipulate your:

• Unique selling points (USPs) – The tactics you will use to gain a competitive edge, like customer service, quality, affordability, etc.
• Marketing strategy – What dental social media marketing channels and techniques you will use to attract and retain patients.
• Sales strategy – How you’ll sell, upsell, and cross-sell your products and services, and what dental insurance policies you’ll accept.
• Milestone targets – Specific targets you wish to achieve within a designated time frame.

Every dental business plan template should explain how the practice will be managed. Include a complete list of personnel, their qualifications, and responsibilities. In addition to full-time employees, you can also list business associates like insurance agents, real estate advisors, and attorneys. Always add a personnel plan for staff that are still required if your team has current vacancies.

Financial Plan

This is one of the most important sections of your business plan and should be presented in great detail. You should include:

• Historical financial analysis
• A projected income forecast for the following 12-24 months.
• A cash flow forecast
• Your personal financial statement
• The total funding required for the next 12-24 months.
• Offered collateral
• Details on how funds will be allocated

You’ll also need to include supporting financial documents, which should be a maximum of 90 days old to comply with current lending guidelines:

• Financial statements
• Copies of credit reports
• Individual income tax returns
• Business income tax returns.
• A copy of the aging schedule

We hope this business plan dental practice sample will help you develop a detailed and actionable plan for your clinic. As your patient base grows, you’ll need to partner with an efficient practice management system. Cloud 9 Software specializes in innovative orthodontic practice management software that helps businesses optimize for success by improving staff productivity, user efficiency, and workflow processes.

Get in touch today or book a demo to learn how our cloud-based solutions can help your business grow.

Related Resources

Dental operatory design: how to create the right environment for your practice.

A dental operatory design should be functional, safe, and professional. ✓ Find out why design matters and how to create the perfect layout for your practice.

Dentistry Management: How to Run a Successful Dental Practice

Need guidance on running your first dental practice? Read our dentistry management blog to learn how to run a successful dental business today!

15 Orthodontic Marketing Strategies You Need to Use Right Now

Learn the most effective strategies for how to market an orthodontic practice. ✓ Click here to find promotion ideas and tips to get more patients today!

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Dental Business Plans 101

Ready to create a business plan for your dental practice? The good news is that you can follow the same general guidelines as other small businesses.

Before you begin, ask yourself these key questions:

• Can you describe your potential dental practice in detail?
• Do you have an actionable marketing plan?
• Who is in the market? What are they doing right - or wrong?
• What pricing and payment policies are you considering?
• What’s your growth strategy?

Download Supporting Materials  (Free for ADA members) Components of a Business Plan

Existing dental practices may also need to update their business plans, especially if they want to expand.

An updated plan needs:

• Your dental practice’s financial position
• Your current debt, if any
• Updated lender information and terms
• A recent financial comparison with similar businesses
• An analysis of your current costs and your “break-even” point

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How to write a business plan for your dental clinic practice.

Starting a dental clinic practice is a great idea as it provides a valuable service to the community and offers an opportunity to build a successful business.

Furthermore, it can be both personally and financially rewarding, as dentists are in high demand and the work can be very rewarding.

But, first thing first, you need to write a business plan.

A business plan is an essential step before launching any new project, like a dental clinic practice. It helps to define the goals, objectives, and strategies of the business and provides a roadmap to success. It also helps to identify potential risks and develop solutions to mitigate them.

In short, a thorough business plan will help make sure your dental clinic practice is profitable .

What information should you put into the business plan of a dental clinic practice? What is the recommended format? Which financial figures should be part of the analysis? How can I develop an efficient business plan without dedicating too much time to it?

In the lines below, we will address all these questions!

One last thing: it's not mandatory to start your business plan from scratch.

Instead, you can download our customizable business plan for a dental clinic practice and adapt it to suit your business needs.

How to prepare a business plan for a dental clinic practice

Will a business plan be useful your dental clinic practice.

Yes, you should create a business plan for your dental clinic practice as it will be a useful tool.

Developing a robust business plan will enable you to:

• gain knowledge of the dental clinic market
• catch up with the new industry developments
• find what makes a dental clinic practice thriving
• understand patients' dental health concerns and treatment preferences to provide comprehensive and personalized dental care
• come up with a unique value proposition for your dental office
• evaluate competitive strategies
• explore competitive edges for your dental clinic practice
• find a business model that will result in financial success
• implement a solid and strategic action plan
• assess potential risks involved in running a dental clinic, such as patient safety, infection control, and professional liability

Our team has drafted a business plan for a dental clinic practice that is designed to make it easier for you to achieve all the elements listed.

How to outline a business plan for a dental clinic practice?

Inside a business plan, you'll find a lot of important information and details. There should be a clear outline, to make easy to read and digest.

When we built and designed our business plan for a dental clinic practice , we ensured it was properly organized.

There are 5 main sections (Opportunity, Project, Market Research, Strategy and Finances).

1. Market Opportunity

The first section is named "Market Opportunity."

This section provides comprehensive information and data analysis on dental clinic practices, offering insights into the dental industry's trends, patient demographics, and market potential for dentists and dental professionals.

The data here is always fresh; we update it biannually.

2. Project Presentation

In the "Project" section, you can present your dental clinic practice, outlining the range of dental services you provide, advanced treatments and technologies, patient care approach, qualifications of your dental team, and the unique value proposition that ensures exceptional oral healthcare for your patients.

Also, provide a self-introduction at the end of this section.

Discuss your qualifications as a dentist, your expertise in providing dental care and treatments, and how you plan to create a comfortable and comprehensive dental clinic for patients. Highlight your range of dental services, your state-of-the-art equipment, and your dedication to delivering exceptional oral health care and personalized patient experiences that prioritize comfort, trust, and lasting smiles.

Our business plan has text for you. Edit it to match your idea.

3. Market Research

Next up is the "Market Research" section.

This section provides a description of the market segments for your dental clinic practice.

It includes an analysis of competing dental clinics and highlights your practice's unique dental services and competitive advantages. A customized SWOT analysis is also included.

4. Strategy

Within the "Strategy" section, a detailed plan spanning three years is outlined, specifying the necessary initiatives to make your dental clinic practice highly profitable.

Additionally, there is a marketing strategy for a dental clinic practice, a way to manage risks, and a completed Business Model Canvas included in this section.

5. Finances

In the end, you'll find the "Finances" section, which outlines the financial details of your project.

How to elaborate an Executive Summary for a dental clinic practice?

The Executive Summary gives a concise preview of the business plan of your dental clinic practice.

Keep it short and to the point, with a maximum of 2 pages. Include only the key facts.

This document is meant to make the reader interested in learning about your business plan.

In the Executive Summary of your dental clinic practice, provide answers to these questions: what services does your dental clinic offer? who is your target audience? are there other dental clinics in the area? what funding do you need?

How to do the market analysis for a dental clinic practice?

Conducting a market study for your dental clinic practice enables you to grasp external factors like patient demands for dental care services, competition within the dental industry, and emerging trends in oral healthcare.

By conducting a thorough market analysis, a dental clinic practice can understand patient needs, provide comprehensive dental services, optimize pricing strategies, and execute targeted marketing campaigns, ultimately leading to a loyal patient base, increased appointments, and a prominent position in the local dental industry.

Here is what you will find in the "Market Research" section of our business plan for a dental clinic practice :

• fresh and updated data and statistics about dental clinics, including dental health trends, dental procedures, and patient demographics
• a list of potential market segments for a dental clinic practice
• the competitive research
• the competitive advantages to target for a dental clinic practice

The key points of the business plan for a dental clinic practice

What's the business model of a dental clinic practice, business model of a dental clinic practice.

A dental clinic practice's business model revolves around providing comprehensive dental services such as preventive care, restorative treatments, cosmetic dentistry, and oral surgeries. Revenue is generated through patient fees, insurance reimbursements, and potentially offering additional services such as teeth whitening or orthodontics.

The business model focuses on employing skilled dentists and hygienists, investing in modern dental equipment, delivering high-quality patient care, maintaining strong patient relationships, and effective appointment scheduling and management.

Success depends on building a positive reputation, patient referrals, continuous professional development, effective marketing strategies, and providing a comfortable and welcoming dental experience for patients.

Business model vs Business plan

Make sure you differentiate between "business plan" and "business model."

A business model outlines the way a company creates value, generates revenue, and operates.

In a business plan, you articulate your business model through a mechanism called the Business Model Canvas.

And, of course, there is a Business Model Canvas (already completed) in our business plan for a dental clinic practice .

How do you identify the market segments of a dental clinic practice?

Segmenting the market for your dental clinic practice involves dividing your potential patients into different groups based on their dental needs, demographics, and oral health goals.

These categories may include factors such as general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, pediatric dentistry, or patients seeking specialized treatments (e.g., orthodontics, dental implants).

By segmenting your market, you can offer a range of dental services and treatments that cater to each segment's specific requirements. For example, you might provide routine dental check-ups and cleanings for general dentistry patients, offer teeth whitening and smile enhancement procedures for cosmetic dentistry patients, specialize in providing dental care for children in a pediatric dentistry segment, or offer specialized treatments such as orthodontics or dental implants for patients with specific needs.

Market segmentation allows you to effectively target your marketing efforts, communicate your expertise, and deliver personalized dental care experiences that meet the unique needs of each patient segment.

In the business plan for a dental clinic practice , you will get a detailed market segmentation, helping you understand your target audiences and their needs.

How to conduct a competitor analysis for a dental clinic practice?

Undoubtedly, you won't be the only dental clinic practice in your area. There are other dentists and dental clinics providing oral healthcare services to patients.

To develop a solid business plan, you must carefully analyze your competitors, considering their traits, strengths, and weaknesses.

Explore their weaknesses (such as long waiting times, inadequate dental equipment, or poor patient communication).

Why is it crucial to address these aspects? Because these weaknesses can impact patient satisfaction at dental clinics.

By focusing on these areas, you can provide comprehensive dental services, offer modern and comfortable facilities, and deliver gentle and personalized care, establishing your dental clinic practice as a trusted and preferred provider of dental health and aesthetics.

It's what we call competitive advantages—work on developing them for a distinct business identity.

Here are some examples of competitive advantages for a dental clinic practice: experienced and skilled dentists, comprehensive dental services, state-of-the-art equipment and technology, personalized patient care, comfortable and welcoming environment, efficient appointment scheduling, positive patient testimonials and referrals.

How to draft a SWOT analysis for a dental office?

A SWOT analysis can help identify potential opportunities and threats to help inform strategic decisions when starting a dental clinic practice.

As you can guess, there is indeed a completed and editable SWOT matrix in our business plan for a dental clinic practice

The strengths for a dental clinic practice

The "S" in SWOT represents Strengths, indicating the project's internal factors that set it apart from competitors.

For a dental clinic practice, potential strengths could include having experienced dentists, providing a wide range of services, offering competitive prices, and having a convenient location.

The weaknesses for a dental clinic practice

When we use the "W," we're talking about Weaknesses, which are the areas or aspects of the project that could use some improvement.

For a dental clinic practice, potential weaknesses could include inadequate staffing, lack of technology, poor customer service, and insufficient marketing.

The opportunities for a dental clinic practice

When we use the "O" in SWOT, we're talking about Opportunities, which are the external prospects or favorable situations that can support the project's objectives.

In the case of a dental clinic practice, potential opportunities may include expanding services to include orthodontics, offering additional services such as whitening, increasing marketing efforts, and developing a loyalty program.

The threats for a dental clinic practice

The "T" in SWOT represents Threats, indicating the potential negative factors or risks that can affect the project.

How to elaborate a marketing strategy for a dental office?

The marketing strategy refers to the set of tactics and activities used by businesses to reach their target audience and achieve their marketing goals.

A dental office can connect with individuals in need of oral health services by implementing an effective marketing strategy that highlights the office's experienced dentists, comprehensive dental treatments, and a patient-centered approach to dental care.

Patients won't choose your dental clinic practice without proper promotion; emphasizing your expertise, comprehensive dental care, and friendly approach is necessary.

Have you considered marketing techniques to attract customers to your dental office? Consider offering dental check-up specials or free teeth whitening promotions, showcasing before-and-after smile transformations on social media, and utilizing targeted advertising campaigns to reach local residents in need of dental services.

Don't let a lack of ideas for your project's marketing strategy discourage you.

How to build financial projections for a dental office?

A solid business plan must include financial data to provide an accurate assessment of the business's potential success.

Obviously, you should estimate the projected revenue for your dental clinic practice.

Ensuring your business plan includes revenue projections with clear and solid assumptions is key to building trust and confidence with potential investors who will review it.

Our financial plan for a dental clinic practice is easy to use and includes built-in checks to help you identify and correct any assumptions, ensuring you create reliable projections with confidence.

No doubt, you'll have to establish an initial budget for launching your dental clinic practice. Pay attention to every expense and don't leave any out (our financial plan includes a complete list for your convenience).

The break-even analysis is an essential component of your financial plan, as it provides an indication of whether your dental clinic practice will generate profits or not.

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Dentistry Business Plan Sample

May.04, 2018

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Table of Content

Dentistry business plan for your own dental practice

Do you want to start a dental office business? If you are a dentist and want to earn lots of money while also serving the society, you should definitely start this business. But before you consider how to start a dentistry business , you must prepare a comprehensive business plan for it. The business plan will help you in acquiring the license for your business from the state and will also help you take important decisions for the startup. In case you don’t know how to write a dentistry business plan, you can take help from this sample business plan of a dentistry business startup named ‘Spear’s Dental Clinic’.

Executive Summary

2.1 the dental business.

Spear’s Dental Clinic will be a licensed, registered and insured dental consultancy clinic which will provide all sorts of dental consultancy and treatment services to its customers. The business will be located at a 10 minutes’ drive from the center of Boston and the location is ideal to open dental office .

2.2 Management of Dental Office

Spear’s Dental Clinic is a sole proprietorship owned by Dr. John Spear, an experienced dentist from Boston. The company’s main management framework comprises of sales executives, dentists, and nurses.

2.3 Customers of Dental Office

Our customers include people from all age groups such as children, teens, adults and senior citizens but children and teens will form the bulk of our customers since they are most likely to have dental problems.

2.4 Target of the Dental Business

Our business targets to be achieved within next three years are as follows:

Dental Office Summary

3.1 company owner.

Spear’s Dental Clinic is a sole proprietorship owned by Dr. John Spear. Dr. Spear is a famous dentist who has been practicing in Boston for more than 6 years.

3.2 Why the Dental Business is being started

Dr. Spear decided for dentistry start up to make profits in this industry while also serving the community.

3.3 How the Dental Business will be started

Spear’s Dental Clinic will be started in a leased location in Boston which was previously used as a small restaurant. The facility requires a lot of work so that it can be converted into a dental office and the company has already hired William Sons Contractors for this job. In addition to the usual inventory, the procured equipment will include high- and low- speed drills, an ultrasonic scaler (for removing prophylaxis), curing and placing instrument, dental seats and lights, x-ray film, filling material and the front desk equipment. The financial experts have forecasted following costs for the startup:

The detailed startup requirements are given below:

Services for customers

An important part of any start up dentistry business plan  is the services it will provide to its customers because the planning of nearly all subsequent things depend on the provided services. Spear’s Dental Clinic will be a licensed, registered and insured dental consultancy clinic which will provide following services to its customers:

• Dental diagnostics services
• Dental examinations & consultations services
• Dental restorative & preventive services
• Dental treatments including gap removal, tooth whitening, tooth removal and implants

Patients can make a reservation with us by either visiting our clinic or through our official website.

Marketing Analysis of dental business

The most important component of an effective dentistry business plan  is its accurate marketing analysis and a good dental practice business plan can only be developed after this stage. If you are starting on a smaller scale, you can do marketing analysis yourself by taking help from this dentistry business plan template or other dentistry business plan examples available online. If you are starting on a larger scale, it is always best to seek the counsel of marketing experts for developing a good dentistry business plan . The success or failure of a business totally depends upon its marketing strategy for business plan which can only be developed on the basis of accurate marketing analysis.Therefore, it must be considered before you develop your dentistry  startup business plan . Dr. Spear acquired the services of marketing experts to carry out the marketing analysis for his dentistry business plan . He also went through various dentistry business plans  available online before developing his own dental clinic business plan .

5.1 Market Trends

For learning the market trends of the dental industry, you will have to carry out an in-depth research. You can also take help from this dentistry business plan sample . The dental industry is among those industries who have a high propensity for profit and a very low failure rate. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), dental clinics are the 3rd highest category of the startup businesses which are most likely to survive. Dentists are among the highest earning professionals in the United States and their average income lies in the United States’ highest 8 percent incomes. According to IBISWorld, the dentist industry contributes more than $134 billion in the revenue of the United States every year. As of March 2018, there are 187,437 registered dentist clinics in the United States which are responsible for employing around 1,000,000 people. The industry’s growth rate is estimated to be 2.6 percent. This increase is contributed to many factors, of which one is the increase in education and prosperity of the population. The second factor is the increasing trend of dental insurances, due to which, many people became able to afford the dental services. According to a recent report, around 40 percent of the population has private dental insurance. In short, dental industry has a lot of potential and a dental clinic can be immensely profitable provided that you provide quality services and plan as well as market your business successfully.

5.2 Marketing Segmentation

Our target market is the residential community-based in Boston. As of 2016, there are more than 673,000 people in Boston which belong to varying backgrounds and most of them are financially stable. Out of the 252,700 households in the city, 20.4% contain children with age below 18 years, 25.5% contain married couples, 16.3% contain a female householder without a husband, and 54.0% are non-families. As per the population distribution, around 21.9% of the population is below 19 years of age, 14.3% are from 20-24, 33.2% are from 25-44, 20.4% are from 45-64, and 10.1% are more than 65 years of age. Analyzing the demographics is important since it gives you an idea of the market segmentation of your future customers. A successful and efficient marketing strategy can only be developed after we completely know our potential customers hence it must be duly incorporated in any dentistry business plan. Our business consultants have identified the following type of target audience which can become our future consumers:

The detailed marketing segmentation of our target audience is as follows:

5.2.1 Children & Teens:

Our first target group will be the children and teens aged below 19 years. This group is most likely to have dental problems like incorrect or misaligned jaw position, jaw joint disorder, under-bite, overbite, missing teeth, extra teeth, and crowded or crooked teeth. Moreover, due to their unhealthy habits like smoking, excessive intake of sweeteners, oral piercings for wearing jewelry, they are also frequently affected by other dental problems. That’s why this group will be the biggest contributor to our revenue.

Operational and Strategic Planning

5.2.2 adults:.

Our second target group comprises of adults aged above 19 years. This group contains people who are sensible and conscious of their dental health and, thus, seldom encounter a dental problem. That’s why they have the least contribution to our revenue.

5.2.3 Senior Citizens:

The third target group comprises of senior citizens. This group, due to its old age, is much likely to be affected by various dental problems like dental decay, gum disease, poor fitting dentures etc. and has, therefore, more contribution than the adults. The detailed market analysis of our potential customers is given in the following table:

5.3 Business Target

Our main business targets to be achieved as milestones over the course of next three years are as follows:

• To become the best dental service in Boston within next five years of launch by providing high-quality services
• To achieve the net profit margin of $10k per month by the end of the first year, $15k per month by the end of the second year, and $25k per month by the end of the third year
• To balance the initial cost of the startup with earned profits by the end of the second year
• To open another dental office in downtown by the end of the third year

5.4 Product Pricing

After considering the market demands and the competitive nature of this business, Dr. Spear has decided to price his services slightly less (10% less) as compared to that of his competitors. This pricing strategy has been carefully selected considering many factors, especially the competition provided by established dental clinics in the locality like Neo Dental Clinic. By setting our services in slightly lower range, we hope to target more customers during the initial period of our launch.

After you have identified the market demand, market trends, and the potential customers of the startup, you must now define an effective strategy for attracting those customers toward you.

Like marketing analysis, sales strategy is also an important component of a good dentistry business plan and it must be properly developed before thinking about how to open dental office .

High Quality Business Plan and Professional Support

It was amazing to work with OGS Capital for our business plan. They promptly responded our enquires and delivered document on time.The document was well organized high quality and content.We succeded with Alex and his team support. We thank you guys again for professional approach and easy communication.

6.1 Competitive Analysis

The dental industry is one of the most competitive industries since there are more than 187,000 registered dental clinics in the United States. Boston also houses hundreds of established dental clinics who are providing quality services, especially the Neo Dental Clinic which will be our main competitor in the locality. However, our economical services will be our biggest competitive advantage since our services will cost about 15% less than that of our competitors. Although the residential community in our vicinity is well-established, still, this factor will cause an increase in our revenue by specifically targeting those people who are not covered by any dental insurance. Our second competitive advantage will be our exceptional customer service which, we guarantee, will be the best in town.

6.2 Sales Strategy

After carrying out a detailed analysis, our experts came up with the following brilliant ideas to advertise and sell ourselves.

• We will ensure a strong web presence by using SEO/SEM tactics.
• We will advertise our dental clinic in health magazines, newspapers, TV stations, and social media.
• We will arrange seminars and informational sessions in all local schools and other institutions to increase dental awareness among students and other people. These efforts will also result in the promotion of our business.

6.3 Sales Monthly

6.4 sales yearly, 6.5 sales forecast, personnel plan.

Personnel plan is also an important component of a good dentistry business plan  template so make sure to duly consider it before thinking about how to open a dental office . The personnel plan of our company is as follows.

7.1 Dental Office Staff

Dr. Spear will act as the General Manager of the company and will initially hire following people:

• 1 Accountant for maintaining financial and other records
• 2 Sales Executives responsible for marketing and discovering new ventures
• 3 Dentists for dental treatments and checkups
• 5 Nurses for assisting the Dentists and undertaking day-to-day tasks
• 1 Technical Assistant for managing the company’s official website and social media pages
• 2 Customer Representatives for interacting with customers
• 6 Cleaners for maintaining a clean and hygienic environment in the clinic

All the employees will be hired by following strict testing procedures and will also be trained before onboarding.

7.2 Average Salary of Employees

The following table shows the forecasted data about the salaries of the employees for the next three years:

Financial Plan

After you have prepared the dental office marketing plan and the personnel plan, it is time for you to prepare a detailed financial plan. The financial plan should craft a detailed map of all the expenses needed for the startup and how these expenses will be met by the earned profits. It is recommended that you hire a financial expert for guiding you through all financial aspects needed to open a dental office .

8.1 Important Assumptions

8.2 brake-even analysis, 8.3 projected profit and loss, 8.3.1 profit monthly, 8.3.2 profit yearly, 8.3.3 gross margin monthly, 8.3.4 gross margin yearly, 8.4 projected cash flow, 8.5 projected balance sheet, 8.6 business ratios.

Download Dental Office Business Plan Sample in pdf

OGS capital professional writers specialized also in themes such as senior center business plan , business plans for pharmacy , medical marijuana dispensary business plan , medical business plan , massage business plan , hospital business plan and many others.

OGSCapital’s team has assisted thousands of entrepreneurs with top-rate business plan development, consultancy and analysis. They’ve helped thousands of SME owners secure more than $1.5 billion in funding, and they can do the same for you.

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Dental Business Plan for Your Dental Practice

• May 5, 2021

Although being in the business of perfecting smiles is more exciting than most occupations, it’s still essential to develop a business plan that is detailed and well thought out so you can maximize your success. A dental business plan should include the necessary steps to help your business find a path to long-term success and growth. The best way to get your practice where you want it to be is to figure out where you are now. In the same way you create treatment plans for patients, you will make adjustments based on your needs to lead you to your desired results. 

As you begin drafting this plan, you should consider including details such as market analysis, cash flow projections, general marketing, competitive analysis, and more. By determining what factors impact the continued success of your practice and building a marketing strategy based on these factors, you can focus on taking the following steps to turn your goals into reality. 

Read a Sample Business Plan

Executive Summary for Your Dental P ractice

Every dental business plan should begin with an executive summary to provide the lender with an overview of the topics discussed within the document. This summary should be clear and concise so that your reader can easily interpret your plan and figure out the next steps. On average, this section will be about two pages long. 

The executive summary is a critical component of your business plan and serves a bigger purpose than providing an outline for your audience. While it should briefly explain your dental practice, it needs to go beyond utility and grab your reader’s attention and engage their interest, so they are inclined to read the plan all the way through. Make sure this section is well written and contains essential information that the lender needs to know.  

Not only should the executive summary be comprehensive and engaging, but it should also be easy to read. If the writing style is choppy, it will take longer for the reader to comprehend, and your message may be lost on them. 

Essentially, it should feature all of the important details in your plan that will be relevant to the lender. The details included in the executive summary can vary, depending on the needs and goals of your practice. However, every executive summary must include the following elements:

• How you will go about implementing your business plan
• How many employees you will hire
• Budget and funding allocation for operations
• Competitive market analysis
• Services and products offered
• What your target market is
• The objective

Writing an Executive Summary

It’s critical that your executive summary is customized to your practice and the goals of your dental plan. Avoid using generic summaries you’ve seen online because they will come across as vague and not provide the necessary background information needed to understand the specifics of your practice. 

Because this section should only be two pages long, it can be difficult to sum up the most important aspects of your plan. To combat this, many professionals recommend writing the entire business plan and saving the executive summary for last so you can take note of all the details you want to highlight in the summary. 

An Engaging Introduction is Crucial

To capture your reader’s attention, make sure that you have an engaging introduction that is relevant to the dental field. As you begin your executive summary, you should state the objective of your dental business plan clearly and include high-priority information. In each section, include any statistics and relevant details that will back your plan and build credibility between your practice and the lender.

Edit the Document

Editing your dental business plan is an essential step in the writing process that will influence the success of your delivery. You wouldn’t go over a treatment plan with patients that has errors, unclear messaging, or other overlooked mistakes. If your thoughts seem scattered and your text is littered with poor editing, typos, and wrong punctuation, this will undermine your credibility and won’t inspire lenders to believe in the success of your business. To inspire trust in your reader, make sure you fact-check statistics, remove the passive language, and filter out any repetitiveness. 

Getting Help

Effective writing doesn’t always come naturally, and it can be a smart business decision to hire outside help, such as an editor or a professional content writer. These experts can also go over work you’ve already written to make it flow better and rid it of errors. Ensuring that your dental business plan is well written will give you extra confidence as you present it to lenders. 

Company Description

The company description should directly follow the executive summary and will outline what makes your practice unique, such as what you hope to achieve, what services you offer, how large your practice is, and more. This portion of the dental business plan will serve as a roadmap for your direction and vision for the practice so that a lender can establish a personal connection and gain a deeper understanding of you and your staff. 

Provide Basic Information 

• Start by including the official name of your practice.
• List the type of business structure
• Include the names of all of the important people behind the practice, such as other dentists
• List the exact location of the practice
• Include your mission statement. This statement should clearly and accurately represent the purpose of your practice.
• Add the target market and services, providing an overview of the services and products you will offer.
• A vision statement will explain your vision for the future of your practice, such as expansion, offering higher-end services, etc.

How to Write a Company Description

Once you’ve gathered all the information you need to include in your company description, make sure you present it in a way that is interesting to the reader. Begin by telling vital details about your dental practice and give an overview of your practice goals. 

Your entire dental plan will be centered around your office and vision, so some of the information you give in this section will be repeated throughout the document. The company description will give an overview of these practice details for readers to refer back to for clarification. 

In this section, you can capture the personal interest of a lender by demonstrating your passion for dentistry through clear and meaningful writing. Explain why you felt the desire to start a dental practice and what you hope to accomplish through your work. 

Detailing the Dental Services Your Practice Will Offer 

Once you have included the previous information, you should detail the products and services your dental practice offers. If you’re purchasing an established practice, make sure you list any changes you plan on making to the services offered by the previous owner. 

Instead of a bullet point list of your services and products, make sure this section highlights the benefits and quality of your offerings and how these will propel your dental practice into becoming an authority in your area and in your field. 

You can use this section to explain how your practice will compete with other dental practices in the area that offer similar services and how your practice is a unique business that will enrich the community. 

When writing up this section, be sure to include:

• A complete description of the services you’re planning to offer
• How the services and any products will be priced
• A comparison of the services offered by competing dental practices
• Any type of literature you will use, such as information pertaining to how your website will play in your efforts to obtain new patients.
• Include any needs your practice will have, such as desktop computers that will be used to store and update patient records
• Any future services you plan to offer

Be Brief, Yet Engaging 

While this section may not be as exciting, it can still be engaging. After all, the services you offer are the tools you use to give people the smile of their dreams. This is your passion, so you should explain the services you offer and why prospective patients need your dental practice to live a higher quality of life and enjoy better oral health. 

Use this portion of your dental business plan to highlight the services that set you apart from your competitors. For variation, include the levels of services you offer or your price points for each treatment. Our goal is to make the reader feel well informed on what makes your practice unique by consistently engaging with the content. However, we advise that you avoid overwhelming this section with too much detail. Instead, try to keep your descriptions concise so you can clearly communicate your services and why your team is the most qualified to provide them. 

As a master of your field, you are knowledgeable about every aspect of dentistry and how to use your skills to help your community. However, your reader may not share the same background knowledge. Make sure you refrain from using too much medical jargon and focus on describing your services in layman’s terms. 

Dental Office Management & Daily Operations 

Behind every great practice is a great management plan. Include in your business plan a section that details how the practice will be managed and the structure of your business. A detail worth including is whether your practice will be structured as a corporation, sole proprietorship, or a partnership. This section is also a great place to include a list of your employees and professional advisors that will help lead your team to long-term success. 

Market Analysis

In the next section of your dental business plan, examine the market around you and include data about your competitors, such as their SEO ranking, digital content, online presence, and other relevant information. The more you study the marketing data of those around you, the better informed you will be as you craft your own marketing efforts. 

Where to Start 

You should begin this section by providing an overview of your intended dental marketing plan and your target patient base. Be sure to include information on their income level, age, and lifestyle. If a competitor in your area has a similar target patient, specify in your plan how you will customize your marketing plan to set your practice apart as an authority to attract a consistent and loyal patient base. 

This portion of your dental business plan is the perfect place to include a wireframe design and a sitemap regarding the plans for your website. If you decide to make vastly different design and content choices from your competitors, explain why your strategy will be more successful in communicating your message. 

Many dentists find this section to be challenging because it requires them to investigate and analyze their competitors. However, you are most likely already aware of your competition or can find them by doing a simple search online. 

Learn Everything You Can About the Competition

When you’re investigating your competition, you want to know:

• What market segments the competition serves
• What benefits they offer
• Cost of sales
• Assets to sales
• Percent of sales
• Why patients go to them

During your research, learn as much as you can about their promotions, sales, costs, services, pricing, and any products they sell. By doing this in-depth analysis, you will demonstrate to lenders that you’ve taken all the necessary steps to make your business a success and an asset to the community. 

Analyzing the Information

After you’ve completed your market analysis, you can use this background information about your competitors to create a plan that details how your practice will compete with them. Good information to include in this portion would be services you offer that they don’t or if they have higher prices than your practice for similar services. We want you to stand out from the crowd so prospective patients can see that you’re the clear choice for their treatment. In pursuit of this goal, it’s necessary to analyze this market information and identify what you have to offer that differs from the competition. 

Writing Format

To make your information easier for the lender to understand and follow, organize this section purposefully for your readers. In the first paragraph, outline who your competitors are and what portion of the market they attract. Your next paragraph will detail your dental practice’s advantage over the competition and how your office will achieve success. 

The goal of this section is to persuade the lender reading your business plan that you not only understand your competition but have also created an expert plan that will allow you to compete with other dentists in the area. 

Include Financial Planning in Your Business Plan

At the core of every effective business plan is a thorough financial plan. This section will be the most important to lenders and investors as they decide whether or not they can approve your loan proposals. As you write your financial portion, be sure to include great detail that will reassure your audience that you have the knowledge and skill it takes to craft a successful practice. 

Relevant financial and funding information that should be detailed include: 

• A personal financial statement that details your current cash flow 
• Marketing and other expenses 
• Total funds required by your dental practice for two years
• Projected income for the first one to two years.
• Offered collateral
• Historical financial analysis
• How funds for your start-up will be allocated.
• Any financial documents that can support your projections. 

As you complete the financial section of the document, include a paragraph that demonstrates that you’ve accounted for the impact of various financial influences. This may include seasonal variations, the economy, the competition, and other events that may impact your dental practice’s finances. You have taken the time to plan out every detail to bring your dream to life, and now it’s time to put this plan to paper and give lenders the answers to any questions they have. 

Dental Operations

The final section of your dental business plan should be the operations section. This section should be your longest and will include all of the details related to the day-to-day operations of your practice. 

You should provide the following information to lenders and investors with a clear picture of how your dental practice will function:

• Days of operation
• Hours of operation
• Major supplies you need to source equipment from
• Ideal patient flow
• Maintenance schedules for equipment
• Necessary equipment and supplies and suppliers
• Dental insurances that will and will not be accepted
• If you offer certain services, or if you’re a specialist in your field.  

While creating this section, envision what the main takeaways are of the information you’re providing. This will help you avoid adding unnecessary information in favor of using concise but informative language. 

Essentially, this section is designed as an outline that will include expense and capital requirements for your dental practice that you will need to operate daily. Take the opportunity to go into detail about your dental practice’s procedures, goals, and objectives, 

This section of the plan will outline each step you will take to accomplish your dental practice’s mission and should include answers to the following questions:

• The cost amount that every department will require to complete their jobs
• Deadlines for when goals and tasks will be completed
• Information concerning where the daily operations will take place
• A description for each department
• Departments or people who will be in charge of completing tasks

Objectives and Goals

In your writing, you must include a clear goal and objective that everyone on your team will be focused on completing. When you state your dental practice’s operational objective, you give your team a standard to work toward, and you give lenders a benchmark to measure. 

Do You Need to Hire a Business Plan Consultant?

For your dental business plan to be effective, it has to be detailed and professionally written. Many dentists find that while they know everything about their practice, it can be difficult to produce written content like this on such a high level. For this reason, many dentists choose to hire a consultant to help them plan and write their dentist business plan.

A professional consultant would help guide you every step of the way, whether you are purchasing or selling a dental practice. Consultants with a focus on business planning have extensive marketing resources and networks of dental consultants that can help you develop a well-written plan for your dental practice. With this skill set, these consultants can also help you create an efficient marketing strategy for you to include in your business plan. 

When you work with a consultant on your business plan, you can have the reassurance that every section of the document is covered. A business plan that is written and developed by a professional can give you more confidence in your content as you give it to lenders for review. 

Know When to Get Help

If you are struggling to create an engaging business plan, then it may be time to call in the help of a professional. There are different experts to help you along the process, depending on which aspects of the document are proving to be challenging. 

If you are confident in your writing skills but would like guidance on what information to include in your plan, then you can hire a consultant who will go through and revise your work. However, if you are finding the actual writing of the plan to be your biggest roadblock, you can hire a consultant to take over the writing portion and help you communicate what your practice’s objectives and goals are to a lender. 

While consultants can be helpful in creating a professional business plan, no one knows your practice and its goals better than you. If you do decide to outsource work for the document, make sure you remain available while they work so you can understand the process and make recommendations for each section .

Tips from the American Dental Association 

According to the American Dental Association, your dental practice can follow the same basic guidelines as small businesses do to create an effective plan that aids your growth and reaches your audience. 

The ADA goes on to explain a few staples of creating an effective business plan, which includes:

• Creating a growth strategy
• Creating a payment policy and pricing
• Knowing your market-do your research
• Describe the dental practice in detail, including services, target customers, and products

If you’re purchasing an established dental practice, their business plan may need to be updated. 

An updated dental business plan should include:

• A current cost analysis
• Dental practice sales
• Recent financial comparisons with other dental facilities in the area
• Current lender terms and information
• Financial statements
• The financial position of the established dental practice

With this in mind, you can create a plan that incorporates all the fine details that a lender will look for in a well-rounded business plan.

Review Your Plan 

Writing a dental business plan may seem like a daunting task, but with a few simple tips, it can be an enjoyable process that leads to producing the document that will kickstart your dream practice. 

Know Your Audience

Something we’ve learned through our work is if you try to create a message that reaches everyone, you won’t be able to reach anyone. Instead, you may need to create a series of business plans that are adjusted to reach your target audience best. For example, if you are trying to secure funding, then you would need to provide the reader with proof that you will be able to make the loan payments. 

Thorough Research

A lender appreciates business plans that show the prospective borrower has extensive market knowledge. To demonstrate this, include market research in your document that is detailed and thorough . Be aware of your own strengths and weaknesses, and show lenders that you understand your limitations and see them as opportunities for growth. 

Know Who Your Competitors Are

As you enter a market, it’s important to understand who your competition is so you can adjust your business plan to set yourself apart. In your writing, describe your strategy to a lender that will explain how you plan to rise to the challenge. 

Be Very Detail Oriented

Your business plan should be concise and engaging, but make sure you don’t leave out any details your reader needs to understand your business. You need your audience to take note of your professionalism and begin to believe in your ability to run a practice. 

Include Key Facts

A well-written business plan should describe your strategy, goals, financials, your management team, competitors, target audience, services, and operations. Without these key factors, your plan may not seem as complete to lenders, and they will be less likely to understand your vision and goals for your dental practice. 

Accurate Financials

It’s essential that you provide your readers with accurate information so you can build credibility. This is especially true of any financial information given in the document. In your dental business plan, you will need to include both sales and costs. We know that it can be difficult to predict sales, so we suggest you hire an accountant to go over your financials if you run into an issue with projections. Don’t let a few numbers stand in the way of you securing important financing. Take the extra step and save yourself the hassle. 

Devote the Most Time to Your Executive Summary

The executive summary is considered among professionals to be the most important section of your plan. An experienced lender will head to this section first to learn about the important facts and figures included in the remainder of your business plan. While these details may seem dull, they actually paint the story of your passion for dentistry and how you plan to put this plan into action. Make sure you keep this in mind as you write, so your content feels engaging and encourages them to read through the rest of the document. 

Speak with a Business Adviser

To make sure your document is as effective as possible, hire a business advisor to review your rough draft and give you constructive criticism. A review of your rough draft will help you determine which sections need to be revised, cut, or added to in order to make your final product stronger.

Properly Implement Your Plan

It’s important that you view this document as a guide for your strategy that informs how your business will develop. Your dental business plan will include responsibilities and goals that are frequently updated as your business grows. By following a solid plan, you can ensure your practice stays on track and in pursuit of future goals. 

How a Dentist can Increase Their Chances of Getting Approved for a Loan

Your business plan is a great tool when trying to improve your chances of qualifying for a loan, but there are additional steps you can take to ensure success. For instance, we know that lenders want to see that a loan applicant has saved up a minimum of five percent of the loan amount and is not prone to living above their means. This will demonstrate your credibility and strengthen their trust in your practice. Many lenders will provide all of the financing for a start-up, but it’s important to them that they are taking a safe risk on a borrower who makes responsible decisions. 

Know What Your Loan Approval Will Be Before You Apply

Before you try to purchase a start-up dental office or established practice, you will need to get prequalified for a loan. While prequalification isn’t the same as loan approval, it can give you a better understanding of what your borrowing capacity will be. We know that starting your practice is an exciting yet stressful time, and we want you to have as few surprises as possible as you work toward your goals. 

Getting prequalified for a loan will give you an advantage as you begin bringing the dream of your practice to life. There are some landlords who won’t speak to a dentist concerning a lease if they haven’t been pre-approved for financing. Additionally, you will have more negotiating power when you speak to different parties so that you don’t feel cornered by circumstances into accepting deals that aren’t in your best interest. To ensure that this process progresses with ease, it’s important to know whether you qualify for a loan before you make any offers. While there is no guarantee you will be approved for a loan, it’s always better to know your options and limitations sooner rather than later. 

When to Speak to a Lender About Your Dental Practice 

The first step to take as you consider purchasing an existing dental practice or founding a start-up is to speak to a lender who can help finance your vision. Lenders can act as expert advisors that provide invaluable insight and help dentists get in touch with the right professionals to make their dreams a reality. The advice given by bankers is free, so you should take advantage of this resource as you move forward. 

We suggest that you contact a lender prior to negotiations for an existing practice and even before you begin drafting a business plan. During this time, a lender can pre-approve you for a specific amount. If you begin the process without speaking to a lender, you may find yourself overwhelmed and over budget. If you consult with this finance expert before you make financial decisions, you will better understand what you can afford with a new practice, and you will have more flexibility during negotiations. 

Final Thoughts 

Your dental practice is a unique business that has lots of specific services and functions that allow you to rise above the competition. One of the best ways to set yourself up for success is to draft a thorough and descriptive dental business plan that showcases the best aspects of your practice. A dental business plan is a management tool that will help you track and evaluate the progress of your dental practice. This document is a roadmap that will keep you on track to reach your goals and help you gauge your progress based on your initial projections. 

In addition to helping you track your progress, a business plan is a marketing document that you will use to secure financing for your practice from lenders. This dental business plan will help you easily convince lenders that you’re a good risk for their financial backing. If you produce a document that is well-written and properly formatted, you will be able to demonstrate that your dental progress will thrive and join the ranks of other successful businesses. The best part of this document is that it serves as the written version of your dream. You aren’t just selling lenders on facts and figures but also the practice you’ve envisioned where you will use your skillset to craft life-changing smiles in your community. 

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How to Successfully Start a Dental Practice

Lisa Furgison

10 min. read

Updated March 18, 2024

Free Download:  Sample Dental Practice Business Plan Templates

If your future career involves dentistry, you’re in luck—there are a growing number of opportunities for starting a dental practice.

While routine services like cleanings and filling cavities are always in demand, new research shows a growing number of people are interested in cosmetic dentistry, such as whitening services and implants.

As demand grows, so does the annual salary. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics,  a dentist makes an average of $149,310 a year. The industry is expected to grow 16 percent between 2012 and 2022.

Of course, it takes some significant schooling and a license to practice dentistry, but if you have those two items crossed off your list, starting a dental practice is a real possibility.

For those thinking about this career path, we’ve put together a guide to help you plan, start, and grow your practice. So, if you’re wondering how to open a dental practice, read on.

To get the most important and relevant information, we asked two dental practice owners to help us create this guide.

Dr. Len Tau, owner of the  Pennsylvania Center for Dental Excellence,  and Dr. Frank DiCicco, owner of Manhattan-based Central Park South Dentistry,  were willing to share some of the lessons they’ve learned along the way.

• Starting a dental practice: Planning your business

To open your own dental practice, you need to do some planning. Here are the most crucial aspects of the planning stage:

Write a business plan

As with any business, you need a solid business plan, DiCicco says.

Every owner envisions opening a successful dental practice, but you need an actionable plan to get you there. That’s where a business plan comes in. A business plan describes your business, sets goals, defines your customer base, and addresses finances.

If you need a little help creating a business plan, we have some great resources. Here’s a short list:

• How to Write a Business Plan:  A step-by-step article that walks you through writing a plan.
• Free Business Plan Samples:  A few examples to give you some ideas.

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Create a financial plan

As you create a business plan, you’ll start to put figures together, but Tau says it’s vital to understand your finances before you open your practice.

In particular, he suggests knowing what your overhead will be. Your payroll will be your most expensive line item, so don’t bring on too many people at the beginning. Additionally, start with basic services for phone and internet to keep costs low.

Find the right insurance

Every business needs liability insurance, but the needs of a dental practice are unique. Before you start looking for places to set up shop, talk with an insurance agent about the kind of policies that you’ll need. Make sure this price is factored into your financial plan.

[see-also] Understanding Business Insurance [/see-also]

Pick the right location

Take some time to look around at a variety of office locations.

Location is key for dentists, DiCicco says. You want something that’s centrally located, visible, and in an area that your target market spends time in.

Of course, price will play a role in the space you pick, but make sure the spot is right for your practice. It’s better to wait for the right location to come around than it is to open your business sooner in a more remote location.

[see-also] How to Choose a Business Location [/see-also]

Talk with someone in the field

Ask other successful dentists if you can pick their brain—it’s one of the best ways to get tips on how to open a dental practice. Find someone who already runs a practice, and ask to come in and see how things work.

You’ll have the skills you need to open a dental practice, but there will be administrative tasks that you might not be familiar with that a current owner can walk you through. For instance, DiCicco says he had no idea how to manage expenses when he first started a practice.

“Everything added up to twice the cost that I expected,” he recalls.

To avoid these pitfalls, find a mentor who can guide you through these issues as they arise.

• Starting a dental practice: Marketing your business

Be a good dentist first, but a solid marketer second, Tau says.

You can have the best dental skills in the world, but if no one knows that you’re open for business, you won’t ever get the chance to show your skills—and you might not have success when it comes to opening a dental practice.

Before you open your doors, have a marketing plan in place. Figure out who your clients are and how you’ll attract them to your practice. For the first three years, you’ll need to devote five to seven percent of your collections to marketing.

“It’s not just a drill, fill, and bill business,” Tau says. “Reoccurring patients can only provide so much revenue. New patients are the lifeblood of your practice.”

Here are few marketing options to keep new customers coming in:

Create a user-friendly website

For starters, you need a website that’s appealing, easy to navigate, and offers vital customer information like the business phone number and office hours.

A surprising number of people will drive by your office and then go home and Google your business to see what it’s all about.

Use tools like Google My Business

Google is where it’s at, DiCiccio says, and his business uses as many Google tools as possible.

One of the newest tools you can take advantage of is Google My Business, a free tool that business owners can use to improve their online visibility.

Through the site, you input important information like your office hours, location, and contact information. You can collect and use customer reviews here, too.

Establish a social media presence

To keep your customers engaged when they’re not in your chair, take advantage of social media.  Tau makes use of six social media sites, all of which you can access via his website.

While Tau uses a variety of social media platforms, it is important to assess how much time you want to spend on these sites. Social media can eat up your time, so if you only have time to post and update one site it’s okay—just pick the platform that your target audience uses.

Take advantage of word of mouth

While there are a lot of digital options to promote your business, old-fashioned word of mouth still plays a big role in the dentistry world.

If your customers have an enjoyable experience, they’re more likely to recommend you to others. You might consider giving your regular customers a discount for referring a friend or family member.

Find time to network

You practice will run on referrals, DiCicco says. If you want referrals, you need to be active in the community. Join business groups, volunteer in the area, and make sure you’re getting your name out there.

• Starting a dental practice: Growing your business

Once your business is established, you’ll shift gears toward growth.

Here are a few tips to make sure your business heads in the right direction:

Hire amazing help

You might not bring on staff immediately, but one of the first staff members you’ll hire will probably be an office assistant or a receptionist.

You’ll want help answering phones, scheduling appointments, and doing other administrative tasks. When you’re ready to hire for this position, make sure you look for someone with impeccable personal skills, Tau suggests.

This is often the first person a customer comes in contact with, so you want him or her to not only make a great first impression, but also guide the patient through the process in a helpful way.

Specialize in an area of dentistry

What is it you like to do as a dentist? You need to answer that question to help refine your skills and clientele.

When you first start, you might try to be the jack-of-all-trades. After all, you want to pay the bills. However, having a focused skill set can improve the longevity of your practice.

“Master the techniques that you enjoy doing and focus on those techniques,” Tau says. “This may mean that you refer some of your clients elsewhere, but that’s okay when you’re growing your business.”

Once you are established in the community, other dentists will refer clients to your practice too.

Listen to your customers

Customer comfort and satisfaction should be at the top of your priority list.

Make sure you cultivate a good relationship with your clients. Take an interest in their lives before you get to work. If a customer is a bit scared, do what you can to make them comfortable. If a customer has feedback, whether it’s good or bad, take it into consideration.

When opening a dental practice, the bottom line is that you want to create a welcoming environment from start to finish, DiCicco says.

Take continuing education classes

You can’t stick with the skills that you learned during your residency; you have to constantly update your skills if you want your practice to grow, Tau says.

Make it a priority to take a certain number of classes each year, attend conferences, and cultivate a group of fellow dentists that you can interact with.

Refine your leadership skills

As you get comfortable with your new practice, you’ll start to bring on employees.

Growth means more responsibilities, including managing people. Just as you continue to work on your technical skills, you need to work on your leadership skills too. Your employees will follow your lead. Your attitude and decision-making process will dictate your company culture.

As you’re selecting classes to continue your education, you should also look into classes or conferences that can bolster your leadership qualities.

Review your business plan

It’s a good idea to review your business plan and see how you’re doing on the goals or milestones that you listed.

If you haven’t hit a certain goal, it’s time to renew your efforts to make it happen. If you’ve scratched a few milestones off of the list, now is a good time to look ahead and create goals for the next stage of your practice.

Make sure each goal is specific and measurable. Giving yourself a generic goal of “growing your business” isn’t enough. Instead, your goal could be to grow your customer base by 10 percent.

Plan for retirement

When you’re initially just focused on opening a dental practice, it can be tough to think about retirement. But, once you’re in the growth phase, you’ll need to plan for the next stage of your life.

“I live for today, but plan for tomorrow,” DiCicco says, who works with a financial adviser to invest in his retirement. He suggests that every owner does the same.

While it may seem as though retirement is far off, if you want to put away a comfortable amount of money, you’ll want to start investing sooner rather than later.

It will take some time to get your practice established in your area, but if you keep your customers happy and work to get referrals, you’ll have a good foundation to build on for years to come.

As the owner, you have a lot of responsibilities, but you also get a lot of perks, too. You work for yourself, set your own schedule, and create lasting relationships with your customers.

In time, you’ll become a successful and trusted member of the business community.

See why 1.2 million entrepreneurs have written their business plans with LivePlan

Lisa Furgison is a multimedia journalist with a passion for writing. She holds a graduate degree in mass communications and spent eight years as a television reporter before moving into the freelance world, where she focuses mainly on content creation and social media strategies. Furgison has crisscrossed the U.S. as a reporter, but now calls Key West, Florida home. When she's not conducting interviews or typing away on her laptop, she loves to travel.

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Dental Social Media Marketing Ideas & Strategies: Everything you need to know

Why dentists should use social media marketing to grow their business

Other platforms to consider, how to promote your practice on social media, 1. feature a service or treatment, 2. post oral hygiene tips, 3. create original content for holidays, 4. spotlight your employees, 5. run a promotional campaign or giveaway, 6. encourage your patients to follow you on social media, 7. create social media posts from your reviews, 8. post about what you’ve learned at dental conferences and trade shows, 9. highlight other marketing strategies your practice is using, 10. maintain a consistent posting schedule, a dental social media calendar for your practice, grow your practice with social media marketing for dentists, how often should i post on social media for my dental practice, what type of social media content do dental patients want to see, how can i measure roi from social media marketing, do i have to pay for social media advertising.

Social media can be a great marketing tool for dental offices, allowing you to connect with patients on a more personal level. From educational posts that teach patients about oral hygiene to giveaways and employee spotlights, there are lots of ways to engage your audience through social media.

You probably have social media accounts, but that doesn’t mean you’re using them the right way. Looking for dental social media post ideas? Check out this guide to find out how to attract more dental patients through social media platforms.

The dental industry is competitive. In most places, patients have several dental offices to choose from. One of the best ways to stand out is to connect with your patients on a more personal level.

Dental social media marketing gives you an opportunity to educate your patients, answer questions, and host giveaways. As you build a following and engage with more people, you’ll boost your reputation as a knowledgeable, friendly dentist.

Social media marketing for dentists is also great because it’s affordable. You don’t have to pay for expensive ads or waste countless hours writing slogans and creating graphics — just post consistently.

The best social media platforms for dentists

When it comes to dental social media marketing, there are several platforms to choose from. We’ll discuss the most popular platforms, what type of content does well on them, and what makes them smart choices for social media marketing below.

Facebook is one of the oldest social media platforms, and it’s also one of the most widespread. While some social media platforms are aimed at younger audiences, Facebook does an excellent job of attracting a variety of users. It’s also an effective marketing tool because people typically use their real names and pictures on Facebook.

Perhaps the best part of Facebook is the format. Instagram and TikTok are great for short-form content like video clips and graphics, but Facebook is the platform of choice when it comes to written content.

Instagram has become increasingly popular over the years, giving users an easy way to share images and videos. You might use Instagram to share a quick educational video about oral hygiene, or you could post a picture to promote a special event or giveaway you’re hosting. Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms, making it an excellent way to connect with your patients.

When it comes to modern social media, TikTok is at the top. TikTok is massively popular throughout the world with billions of users registered. The short-form video format that TikTok uses has proven to be a great way to attract attention.

You could post a TikTok video spotlighting one of your employees, or you can respond to a Google review and turn that into a testimonial video for your dental office. With TikTok, social media ideas for dentists are endless.

If you want to create longer video content, YouTube is one of the best places to post your videos. Whether you’re showing how a procedure is performed or giving potential patients a walk-through of your dental office, you can post your longer videos on YouTube.

While it’s not as popular with older audiences, Snapchat is huge with the younger generation. If you’re looking for dental social media post ideas to reach younger patients, Snapchat can be a great resource.

You needn’t worry about posting on Twitter / X for your patients—if they are on that platform it is not to hear from their dentist.

When it comes to promoting your practice on social media, consistency is key. People tend to connect with the brands they see on a regular basis, so make your dental-themed posts a consistent part of your current and prospective patients’ feeds.

If you’re having trouble reaching your local audience, you can use social media advertising to target people in your area. You don’t have to pay for ads to promote your practice on social media, but it can help you build a following when you’re just getting started.

10 social media ideas for dentists

Running a successful social media campaign starts with creating the right content. Effective social media content encourages people to keep reading or watching and check out your profile. If you’re having trouble figuring out what to post, here are a few dental social media post ideas for you.

It’s not uncommon for patients to have questions or concerns about the services and treatments you provide, so highlight some of your treatments and explain them in detail on social media. You can explain how teeth whitening works, how long it takes, and what the potential side effects are. You can also educate your patients about various surgeries and procedures and why they might need them.

Even if a patient isn’t interested in a particular service, you can show them you’re knowledgeable and show your compassion for patients.

Be part of proactive dental health. How many of your patients only brushing once a day and have no idea where their floss dispenser is? Help better their lives, and their feeling toward you practice by educating your patients about oral hygiene so they can prevent cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease.

Alternatively, you can create a post asking patients for questions about oral hygiene and other dental topics. Answering patient questions is a great way to educate your patients and keep them engaged.

There are dozens of dental-themed holidays throughout the year, which means you have several opportunities to create original content for social media. From Dental Assistants Recognition Week to Dental Hygienist Week, there are several holidays you can celebrate with your patients. You can even offer special discounts or small gifts for patients who visit on special occasions.

Spotlighting your employees is a great way for your patients to get to know your practice on a personal level. You want patients to view your dental office as a friendly group of people, not a faceless entity. Talking about your employees is a great way to make your practice more approachable.

There are lots of ways to spotlight an employee. You could make a simple graphic with an employee’s name and photo, a few fun facts, and some information about their experience and education. You could also create a quick video to introduce new employees to patients.

If you want people to engage with your social media posts, try hosting a giveaway or running a promotional campaign. You can post trivia questions where the correct answer wins a small gift card or an oral hygiene kit. For a simpler solution, you can host giveaways where the winner is decided at random from the comments.

Building a loyal following is one of the hardest parts of reaching a large audience on social media. If your patients aren’t following you, you can’t consistently connect with them through social media posts.

Encouraging your patients to follow is one of our favorite social media ideas for dentists. Patients who are following you can like your post to help spread the word, and any patient (or prospective patient) who’s not following you can click the follow button.

Does your practice have positive online reviews from patients? Spotlighting reviews are a great way to showcase your practice on social media and show prospective patients that you’re knowledgeable and experienced. Try posting a picture of a review with a quick response to the patient, thanking them for the kind words and choosing your practice.

Showcasing patient reviews can also help encourage new patients to leave a review.

Continuing education is part of being a dentist—new information is always coming out, so you’re never done learning. If you go to dental conferences or trade shows, take notes about some of the important things you’ve learned and the coolest products you’ve seen. Sharing this information shows patients you’re committed to keeping up with the latest trends in dentistry.

If you’re having trouble with dental social media marketing, try highlighting some of the other marketing strategies you’re using on social media. Perhaps you’ve got a program that you use to reach out and educate the community, or maybe you help provide dental services or toothbrushes for free or at an affordable price. Highlighting your dental marketing ideas can help patients get a better feel for what your practice values.

Consistency is key when it comes to social media marketing. If you’re not posting on a regular schedule, your patients aren’t going to check back for new content regularly.

Create a schedule for social media posts that you can keep up with. You don’t have to post several times per day to build an audience, but weeks of silence can drive your audience away. Ideally, you should try to post at least two–five times per week on your social media accounts. If you’re having trouble creating enough YouTube videos, short clips are a great way to catch the attention of your patients.

Are you having trouble deciding how often to post or coming up with dental social media post ideas? We’ve developed this dental social media calendar to help you stick to a consistent posting schedule:

Social media marketing is one of the best forms of community outreach—especially if you’re providing valuable information to your patients. You can educate patients about various dental procedures and types of floss and toothbrushes, or you can host giveaways to make sure people in your community have the necessary resources for dental hygiene.

Positioning yourself as a knowledgeable, friendly source can help you maximize the lifetime value of a dental patient. When it comes to social media marketing, focusing on content and consistency is the best way to build an audience. Try our dental social media calendar and see how social media marketing can help grow your business.

Dental Social Media Marketing FAQs

While consistency is one of the most important factors when it comes to social media marketing, you don’t have to post several times per day to market your practice. We recommend posting at least two–five times per week to keep your audience engaged. You can post as often as 20 times per week, but you don’t want to spam patients with constant social media posts.

Educating your patients is one of the best ways to create content for your social media accounts. You can compare popular electric toothbrush brands, offer dental hygiene tips, or create a list of symptoms that signify it’s time to visit a dentist. Don’t be pushy or focus on advertising — providing value is the best way to build relationships with patients.

You can determine your ROI from social media marketing by looking at the total cost of your marketing efforts compared to the returns you received. It can be difficult to determine which patients came from which channels, so you can ask patients how they heard about your practice if you want to figure out how much traffic you’re driving from various social media platforms.

Paid social media marketing is optional. You can invest in paid ads if you’re having trouble reaching prospective patients in your geographic region, but you probably don’t need to pay for advertising if you’re building a following organically. You can also get help from a professional to develop a more polished social media marketing campaign if yours isn’t effective.

Download the free dental social media calendar here!

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500+ business plans and financial models

How to Build a Financial Model for your Dental Practice

• January 3, 2023

Every business needs a financial model. Whether you want to understand what’s your breakeven , your valuation or create a budget for your dental practice business plan, you’ve come the right way.

In this article we’ll explain you how to create powerful and accurate financial projections for a dental practice.

1. Forecast patients

The first thing you’ll need to do is to forecast the number of patients you can expect to receive in your dental practice. Naturally, do this month over month. The number of patients is the sum of 2 types of patients:

Patients = New Patients + Repeat Patients

New Patients

These are the new patients who come for the first time. Unless you take over an existing practice, the number of new patients will likely be low in the early months and increase progressively.

Repeat Patients

To go a step further, you should forecast repeat patients: the patients who will come back at least twice in the future.

Repeat patients are very important as they don’t cost you a dime to attract (they come back because of the great care they had the first time, and not because of some ad you had to pay for). Also, repeat patients are more engaged and therefore likely to spend more (in regular checkups for example).

To forecast repeat patients, you should use a cohort model with a few assumptions:

• What % of your new patients who will become repeat
• How often the repeat patients come back (e.g. 2x a year for example)
• The annual churn (you can’t reasonably assume repeat patients will come back forever)

2. Forecast revenue

Now that we have the number of patients, we can calculate revenue.

Yet, before we do so, we must break down the number of patients into the different procedures a dental practice may offer. Indeed, you might focus more on general checkups & cleanings, or instead orthodontics and surgery.

It’s very important to break it down right. Indeed, as you know all these procedures have very different unit economics (prices and profit margins) you need to forecast accurately. Let’s see now how.

First, break down the services into a percentage of your total patients. For example, 80% of the patients go through a general exam, another 20% come for dental cleaning, 5% for a whitening, and so on..

That way, you can now multiply the number of patients for each service by their respective price.

3. Forecast expenses

In addition to the one-off startup costs discussed here , you must also budget for all the operating costs of running a dental practice.

We have laid out below the key expenses you can expect as well as their amount. Please note that these costs are for illustrative purposes, correspond to a hypothetical dental clinic with 2 dentists, and depend on a number of factors which may not fully be relevant to you.

Dental Practice Financial Model

Download an expert-built 5-year Excel financial model for your business plan

The main expense by far you will incur is payroll.

Logically, the total cost will depend on the size of your clinic, and the number of part-time and full-time employees you need.

Assuming the same 2 dentists, 6-chair dental practice example above, you may need to pay for:

• 2x dentists (including yourself): average annual gross salary of $180,000
• 2x dental assistants: average gross salary of $40,000
• 1x dental hygienist: average gross salary of $77,000
• 1x receptionist: average gross salary of $32,000

Assuming you rent the office space where you have set up your 1,600 square foot dental practice, you should expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $40 per square foot per year.

Lab fees and variable costs

Another significant expense for dental practices are the outsourcing of certain services to laboratories. For example, an orthodontist would ask a laboratory to work on custom dental prostheses.

In addition to lab fees, there are variable costs associated to the procedures themselves. Indeed, even a regular checkup requires a number of expendable supplies. These expendable supplies are single-use items such as: stationery, local anesthetics, dental cements and gypsum products.

According to Dental Economics , you must try to stick to the following benchmarks:

• Lab fees – 8% of total revenues
• Variable dental costs – 6% of total revenues

Assuming 2 dentists with 4 patients each in the first few months per day, this represents 160 patients per month. Assuming an average procedure of $540 (with some procedures like surgery and dentures costing up to $5,000), the monthly revenue stands at $90,000. Therefore we could reasonably assume $7,000 in lab fees and $5,000 in variable costs.

Other expenses

In addition to the expenses discussed above, there are a number of other operating expenses you should budget for. These expenses include for example: advertising, marketing, office supplies, professional fees, uniforms, laundry, telephone, electricity, etc.

Make sure to budget ~10% of your total revenues for these other operating expenses.

4. Build your P&L And Cash flow

Once we have forecasted revenues and expenses, we can easily build the profit-and-loss (P&L) from revenues down to net profit . This will help you to visualise key financial metrics such as Gross Profit or EBITDA margin as shown below:

The cash flow statement, in comparison, needs to include all cash items from the P&L and other cash movements such as capital investments (also referred as “Capex”), fundraising, debt, etc.

Cash flow is vital as it will help you understand how much funding you should get, either from investors or the bank (SBA loan for example) to start and run your own dental practice.

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