Dental and Medical Counsel Blog

Are you wondering how to relocate your dental practice? There are quite a few factors to consider, and it's easy to overlook little details that are actually very important. The following three tips will give you a well-rounded look at these details and help your transition go as successfully as possible.

1. Negotiate a Money-Saving Lease

Never accept a landlord's offer of lease without question or without any attempt to haggle over the terms. Just because they slide a thick, multi-page contract in front of you does not mean it is set in stone or impossible to change. Of course, to get a full picture of negotiating a lease, you will want to bookmark our other post that covers this topic exclusively, but the following money-saving tips will give you an edge when you sit down with a potential landlord:

• It all begins with a letter of intent to lease. The negotiation process doesn't start with the intimidating-looking, thick, multi-page lease agreement with all its obscure clauses designed to help the landlord. Before you get to that point they will give you an offer to lease, also called a letter of intent. This is a short-form version of the larger lease agreement that will come later, and it deals only with the major points of the contract: rent, lease length, deposit terms, renewal options and so on. This is a good time to set the tone for the negotiation discussions. Be bold about asking for changes and better terms and don't wait to request better terms after you've already waded into the thick weeds of the lease agreement.

• Create competition beforehand. Don't be shy about approaching several locations at the same time to obtain multiple proposals. Use the existence of those proposals in your negotiation, letting the landlord know that you have multiple interested parties with good offers, and you're not afraid to walk away if they don't try to work with you to give you a good lease.

• Talk with other tenants in the building. Gather intel. Speak with other tenants in the building(s) that you're considering for relocation. Ask them how their negotiations with the landlord went. This will give you a feel for what the landlord is willing to bend on, what their soft spots might be or other helpful advantages that you can use in your negotiation.

• Don't brag about success. Landlords talk to each other. It may be impossible to avoid or hide, but if you can avoid it, it's better not to brag about your solid, consistent success as a practice and all the foot traffic you've been getting (assuming that's the case, which hopefully it is). Don't brag to your current landlord, who may pass that intel to potential landlords where you're relocating, and don't brag to your potential landlords. They will use it as leverage to demand a higher rental rate since your practice is so lucrative. This is where humility pays off.

2. Avoid Dark Time in Between the Relocation

The first step involves closely examining the terms of any new lease offer or agreement you receive, but this second step involves looking at your current lease for your dental practice. You need to make sure your dental practice can stay in your current location as long as is necessary. If some unforeseen delay happens at your new dental practice location that prevents you from moving in when you had planned to, your dental practice will come to a grinding halt if you've already moved out of your current location or started the moving process enough to disrupt your practice. Here are some tips in this regard:

• How much sand is left in the hour-glass? It's crucial that you know exactly how much time left at your current location. Review your lease agreement and make sure you have a good handle on your time-frame, then plan your relocation accordingly. Don't leave yourself vulnerable to a complete shut-down of your practice.

• Do you have any fail-safe measures? To use the proper terminology, do you have a short-term extension option with your current landlord? If you know this is an option for you, then you can make decisions about relocation accordingly. If you know you do not have this option, then at least you will know that you've got to nail the timing of your relocation precisely and allow enough wiggle room to ensure you avoid dark time.

3. Schedule Your Move Months in Advance and Create a Detailed Strategy

You will need to schedule your move months in advance, preferably 12-24 months. Before you schedule it, examine the new space and determine if any renovations will be needed before you can move in. For the actual moving day of your office, ultra-precise planning will pay off. Good planning done well ahead of time will help you avoid any costly delays (which could lead to the dreaded "dark time" mentioned in Tip 2) and allow you to open your practice at the new location quickly.

Here are a few pointers for crafting a good moving strategy:

• Get a hold of the floor plan of your new dental practice office space. Figure out on paper where all of your equipment is going to go. Get your measuring tape out and start measuring every item if you need to to ensure there won't be any unforeseen problems that slow down the move-in process.

• Take an accurate inventory of everything in your current dental office, and make sure all of it makes it their new home.

• This is a good time to buy any new items that you will need. Make sure you incorporate any new purchases into your floor space planning mentioned above.

Don't Go At It Alone

The most important tip: don't be afraid to ask for help. If you need assistance with your relocation journey, we are here for you. Make sure to explore our blog for helpful information that can ensure your dental practice thrives in any situation, including relocation and other practice transitions. The dental attorney team at Dental and Medical Counsel is available to provide advice for all your dental practice needs. We work only with dental, medical, veterinary, and optometry practices and we understand the needs of dental practices like yours. Contact us to set up a complimentary consultation with dental attorney Ali Oromchian.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can I negotiate a money-saving lease when relocating my dental practice?
A: Negotiating a money-saving lease involves starting with a letter of intent to lease, creating competition among potential locations, gathering intel from other tenants, and avoiding boasting about practice success to prevent higher rental rates.

Q: What should I consider to avoid downtime between relocations?
A: To avoid downtime between relocations, review your current lease agreement, explore short-term extension options, and meticulously plan your relocation timeline.

Q: How can I schedule my move and create a detailed strategy for relocation?
A: Schedule your move well in advance, obtain the floor plan of your new space, plan equipment placement, take inventory of current office items, and plan for new purchases.

Q: What's the importance of seeking assistance during the relocation process?
A: Seeking assistance during relocation ensures a smooth transition. Don't hesitate to ask for help, explore resources like blogs, and consult professionals, such as dental attorneys, for tailored advice and support.

Q: How can I contact Dental and Medical Counsel for assistance with my dental practice relocation?
A: Contact Dental and Medical Counsel for a complimentary consultation with dental attorney Ali Oromchian. Their specialized services cater to the legal needs of dental practices, offering tailored advice for a successful transition.

About the Author

At Dental & Medical Counsel, we've been instrumental in realizing the practice goals of countless dentists. Whether you're looking to purchase, launch, or sell a dental practice, our expertise is your guide. Beyond the initial stages, we're committed to ensuring your dental practice remains legally compliant.

We provide comprehensive support, including employment law protections, dental contract reviews, and assistance with dental employment agreements. Additionally, we specialize in incorporating dental practices and securing trademarks. And for long-term planning, our services extend to helping dentists with succession and estate planning. Trust us to be your partner in every step of your dental practice journey.

About Ali Oromchian, Esq.

Your Dental Lawyer

Ali Oromchian, JD, LL.M. is the founding attorney of the Dental & Medical Counsel, PC law firm and is renowned for his expertise in legal matters

Ali Oromchian, JD, LL.M., is a leading legal authority in dental law and the founding attorney of Dental & Medical Counsel, PC, with over two decades of experience. His deep connection to dentistry comes from his wife's nearly two-decade-long career as a pediatric dentist. 

This personal insight fuels his dedication to empowering dentists to navigate their legal challenges and achieve their practice goals. In doing so, Ali has helped thousands of doctors open their practices while maintaining legal compliance. 

Ali is frequently quoted and contributes articles to dental publications, including the California Dental Society, Progressive Dentist, Progressive Orthodontists, Dentistry Today, Dentaltown, and The New Dentist magazines, further showcasing his commitment to the dental community.