Expanding your dental practice may be the next logical step in your business plan. Perhaps you're struggling to schedule new patients or maybe you're hoping to bring in more associates or partners in order to share the burden of patient care along with increased profits. Before expanding your dental practice, however, make sure that you take the time to think through these key considerations.

Consideration #1: Why Do You Want to Expand?

Often, thinking about expanding your dental practice means thinking about a move to a new location--which can offer its own set of problems. Why do you want to expand your dental practice? Are you struggling to fit in patient appointments, with so little time in your schedule that dental emergencies can bring your schedule crashing to the ground? Are patients practically sitting on top of one another in your waiting area? You might also find that your existing spaces are leaving you feeling cramped or that you don't have the space you need to add the latest technology to your dental practice. Think through your reasons for wanting to expand and make sure that you make the move at a good time for your practice, rather than rushing it because when you think about expansion, all you can imagine is increased profits.

Consideration #2: What Does Expansion Offer?

If you do expand your practice, what will you be able to accomplish that you can't take care of in your existing office? This might include elements like additional space for more patients, which will, at least in theory, fix the problem of an overcrowded office. It's important, however, to consider whether or not what an expansion offers your practice is more than you could acquire in other ways. For example, you might discover that you can easily see more patients by simply expanding your office hours. Allowing an associate to take over some of your time slots will make it possible for you to work the same number of hours, but increase the number of patients you can see.

Consideration #3: What's the Cost of Expansion?

When the time comes to buy your dental office expansion, it's not going to be free--and it's important to consider what the cost will be both in terms of immediate expenses and in terms of long-term expenses over the lifetime of your expansion. Make sure that you calculate:

• The cost of new equipment that will allow you to properly care for the increased numbers of patients you're hoping to see

• The cost of your new lease. Larger spaces typically cost more to rent than smaller ones!

• The cost of salary for staff to see those new patients: hygienists, associates, reception staff, and anyone else who helps your office function smoothly

• Marketing expenses, including notifying patients of the changes in your office structure

It's important to carefully calculate that cost of buying a dental practice expansion not only so that you'll know what you're getting into financially, but so that you can increase the odds that your expansion will support those necessary expenses.

Consideration #4: Is Now the Right Time for You to Make a Move?

Timing is important when you make that important dental practice expansion. Carefully evaluate whether it's the right time for your practice to expand before you decide to make a move. This may include things like:

• Evaluating your patient load. Are you left with gaping holes in your schedule now, or are you struggling with excess numbers of patients?

• Considering your time. Are you able to work your preferred hours, or are you working overtime every week to fit everyone in? On the other hand, if you're struggling to fit in enough patients for you and your current associates to work a full week, now might not be the time for an expansion.

• Checking your dental lease agreement with your dental contract attorney. You may not be able to get out of your current lease right now--and it's important to be clear on the terms of the lease before you try to move on. If you still have time left on your lease and you suspect that your landlord won't let you out, consider that time an opportunity to plan more thoroughly.

Consideration #5: Choosing the Right Staff

You can be struggling daily to keep up with your patient load and still not be ready to expand for one key reason: you won't have the staff in place to take care of your needs. You need associates, hygienists, and other employees who will fit in with your practice: people who share your vision, have the same positive attitude you do, and will treat your patients with the care you want whenever they interact with them. It's important to be sure that you have the right staff to expand along with you, since those staff members will be a key part of interactions with your patients.

Consideration #6: Designing Your Office

If you're currently in your first building, it's been an excellent opportunity to learn more about what you really want out of your dental practice. Do you have the right number of operatories? What about seating for the patients in your waiting area? Your office design can improve patients' comfort levels and make it easier for you to take care of business every day--and when you expand your practice, you want to expand into a location that will improve, rather than detract from, those important elements. Make sure that you have room for items like the latest pieces of dental technology, patients to sit comfortably in your waiting room, and other key elements. Create an inviting atmosphere that is ideally arranged to make your job easier, not harder. Thinking through office design before you make the move will allow you to choose a better location.

Plan Your Dental Practice Expansion with Expert Guidance

At Dental & Medical Counsel, we help dentists navigate the complexities of expanding their practices, from lease negotiations to employment contracts. Whether you're growing to meet demand or optimizing for efficiency, our team ensures your expansion is legally sound and financially strategic. Contact us today to discuss your next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I know if expanding my dental practice is the right move?
A: Start by identifying your reasons for expansion. Are you struggling to accommodate patients, or are you simply hoping for higher profits? Expansion should be driven by necessity, not just the idea of growth.

Q: What benefits does expansion offer my practice?
A: More space could mean shorter wait times, room for advanced technology, or the ability to bring in new associates. But consider whether alternative solutions—like extended hours—could achieve similar results.

Q: What costs should I factor in before expanding?
A: Beyond the cost of a larger office, consider new equipment, additional staff salaries, increased overhead, and marketing expenses. Expansion only works if it remains financially sustainable.

Q: How do I know if now is the right time to expand?
A: Assess your patient load, schedule, and financial position. If you’re consistently overbooked and have the resources to support growth, it might be time. If not, waiting could be the better option.

Q: What role does staffing play in expansion?
A: You’ll need the right team in place before you grow. Hiring and training associates, hygienists, and support staff is key to maintaining patient care as your practice scales.

Q: How should I approach office design for an expanded practice?
A: Consider workflow efficiency, patient comfort, and room for future technology. A well-planned office design can improve both patient experience and daily operations.

Q: Can my existing patient base support expansion?
A: Analyze patient retention and referral trends. If you’re already struggling to fill your schedule, expansion could lead to financial strain rather than increased revenue.

Q: What should I know about my current lease before expanding?
A: Review your lease terms with a dental contract attorney. Breaking or renegotiating a lease can have hidden costs and legal implications.

Q: What financial safeguards should I have in place before expanding?
A: Ensure you have reserves to cover unexpected delays, slow patient growth, or increased expenses. Expansion should strengthen your business, not put it at financial risk.

Q: How important is marketing when expanding a practice?
A: Very! You’ll need a strong marketing plan to attract new patients and maximize your new space. Expansion won’t be successful if patients don’t know about it.

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.