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Turn Practice Ownership from Hypothetical into Reality - 5 Ways to Get There Faster

Whether you open a new dental practice or buy an established one, getting your finances in order is essential.

Dental school prepared you for a fulfilling career by teaching you the clinical skills you will need to help people maintain good oral health. But if you are planning to join many of the dentists who own their own practice, there are additional skills you'll surely need, including ones to help you run a successful business.

Start-up costs can easily top $500,000.1 You'll need capital, likely in the form of a business loan. Whether you want to establish yourself as an attractive candidate for financing or hope to save enough to fund much of it on your own, you'll need a well-thought-out budget and the will to make it work

Get closer to starting your own practice by following these 5 tips:

1. Know Your Goals

Most of us have a range of goals in mind when we finish school and start our careers. Professional goals, financial, personal, and material. Long-term goals, short-term ones, and others we may not have a timetable for. Taking the time to prioritize those goals and make a budget can be a huge help. Determine which of your goals are the most important to you or the most easily achievable and focus on those first. Start by making a spreadsheet or grab a pad and pen and sketch out a list of goals, along with why and when you want to achieve them. You may be surprised at how such a simple exercise can clarify your way forward.

2. Make a Savings Bracket

Are you a college hoops fan? Or someone who loves joining March Madness pools in hopes of winning a few hundred bucks? Take a page out of the NCAA's book and create a bracket for yourself. Decide which expenses to eliminate or reduce and which ones to keep. The result: a budget that'll help you win the biggest prize of all — owning your practice. Check out our sample bracket below and make your own — it could be just one huge one or as many small ones as you need. It just depends on the scope of your spending on particular items. If something is out in the first or second round, you don't need to spend money on it while you're trying to save for future goals.


3. Lower Your Debt Payments

If you're still carrying student loan debt and you want to lower the payments, with an eye toward taking on business debt or contributing more to your savings, you have options. You can enroll in an income-driven repayment (IDR) plan, which ties loan payments to a portion of your discretionary income (though it may extend the repayment timeline), or you can potentially refinance at a lower rate. Either approach has pros and cons, which you can explore by doing a bit of research and seeking advice from other dentists who've already paid down their debt.

4. Don't Go It Alone

We live in a golden era for personal finance help. Apps, blogs, podcasts, and testimonials from self-styled experts and well-meaning individuals who've forged a path of financial improvement are available wherever you turn. As always, you can ask friends, family members and colleagues for recommendations. You can try different apps or budget approaches — even ones that seem gimmicky can be helpful guideposts as you streamline your lifestyle and grow your savings account. Professional associations like the ADA provide resources for new dentists to navigate financial and work/life questions as well. When you are ready to finance and open your new practice, you can find accountants, lawyers, financial advisors and other professionals with expertise in helping dentists start and grow a business.

5. Get Yourself Covered

Insurance is important for dentists at all career stages. And banks offering business loans for a dental practice often require proof of various types of insurance before they'll extend credit. The ADA Members Insurance Plans helps dentists find financial protection products to meet their personal and business needs. If you'd like help, call us at 866.607.5338 or email our plan specialists at ADAPlanSpecialist@protective.com.

Even before you are ready to open your own practice, it's a good idea to get coverage in place early so you are well protected for any eventuality. Going forward, as your business grows with new patients, added staff and expanding revenue, we'll work with you on maintaining a level of protection that keeps up with your changing needs.

1https://www.goamplify.com/blog/business/how-to-start-a-private-dental-practice/

CLC.3126770.02.23

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The information on this website is not a contract. Protective refers to Protective Life Insurance Company (PLICO) and its affiliates, including Protective Life and Annuity Company (PLAIC). PLICO, founded in 1907, is located in Omaha, NE and is licensed in all states excluding New York. PLAIC is located in Birmingham, AL, and is licensed in New York.

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Policies issued by PLICO in all states except New York: Term Life Insurance1 (TL-P 1-21), Student Term Life Insurance (TL-ST-P 2-21), Universal Life Insurance1 (TP-P 11-20), Level Term Insurance2 (LT-P 1-21), Disability Income Protection Insurance3 (IP-P 7-20), Office Overhead Expense Disability Insurance4 (OE-P 9-20), Student Disability Income Insurance3 (ST-P 8-20), Hospital Indemnity Insurance (HI-P 11-20) not available in New Mexico, and Critical Illness Insurance (CI-P 7-20).

In New York, policies issued by PLAIC: Term Life Insurance1 (TL-P-NY 1-21), Student Term Life Insurance (TL-ST-P-NY 2-21), Universal Life Insurance1 (TP-P-NY 2-21), Level Term Life Insurance2 (LT-P-NY 2-21), Disability Income Protection Insurance3 (IP-P-NY 12-20), Office Overhead Expense Disability Insurance4 (OE-P-NY 01-21), Student Disability Income Insurance1 (ST-P-NY 1-21), Hospital Indemnity Insurance (HI-P-NY 1-21), and Critical Illness Insurance (CI-P-NY).

Consult the policy for benefits, riders, limitations, and exclusions. Benefits adjusted for misstatements of age or sex. Benefits are provided under a group policy issued to the ADA. Each Plan participant will receive a Certificate of Insurance explaining the terms and conditions of the policy. An insured must maintain continuous ADA membership to remain eligible for insurance.

1For term life insurance and universal life insurance, premiums increase annually based on age. The Premium Credit is not guaranteed but reevaluated periodically. Universal life recommended premiums consist of the costs of insurance (which vary based on the member’s age and coverage amount), the amount a member places into the Policy Value Account and service charge. Premium deposits may fluctuate or remain level.

2For level term life insurance, premiums are fixed based on the member’s age, gender and coverage amount at issue.

3Premiums increase every five years based on age for disability income protection. Premium Credit is not guaranteed but reevaluated periodically.

4Premiums increase every 10 years based on age to age 60 and every 5 years thereafter to age 75 for office overhead expense disability. Premium credit is not guaranteed but reevaluated periodically.

Coverage for dental student members is issued regardless of condition if under age 60. Coverage automatically renews each academic year. Individuals may convert coverage to the plans for practicing dentists after graduation by paying member premiums and maintaining continuous ADA membership.

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