Dental Law - What You Need To Know
Dental Law - What You Need To Know
A summary of what every dental practice owner should know and implement in the day to day operations of their practice.
dentalattorney

Checklist for Opening a New Dental Practice

Checklist for Opening a New Dental Practice

5/30/2019 9:00:00 AM   |   Comments: 1   |   Views: 465
                                        
10-12 Months Before Opening             
                    
  • Create a thorough business plan
  •                 
  • Develop your practice philosophy
  •                 
  • Determine all major expenditures and establish a budget
  •                 
  • Hire a dental specific attorney, CPA, and a broker
  •                 
  • Evaluate locations
  •             
            
                                        
7-9 Months Before Opening             
                    
  • Determine your exact space and layout needs and narrow your list down to 2 or 3 potential locations
  •                 
  • Get estimates for remodeling needs and receive bids on leasehold improvements from experienced dental contractors
  •                 
  • Create a list of necessary equipment and other major expenditures
  •                 
  • Review practice management software systems
  •                 
  • Evaluate potential loans and get a preliminary loan package
  •             
            
                                        
6-7 Months Before Opening             
                    
  • Finalize your loan
  •                 
  • Choose your site location and sign the lease (after you review your lease with an attorney)
  •                 
  • Create a floor plan and layout and have a contractor begin modeling
  •             
            
                                        
5-6 Months Before Opening             
                    
  • Put the finishing touches on the site's interior
  •                 
  • Establish your hours of operation
  •                 
  • Have a dental specific attorney develop your office policy/ procedures manual
  •                 
  • Review and test different practice management software
  •                 
  • Make a list of personnel needs
  •             
            
                                        
4-5 Months Before Opening             
                    
  • Review the state's dental board requirements
  •                 
  • Have a web designer develop your practice's website
  •                 
  • Begin building your marketing strategy and working on your practice's SEO
  •                 
  • Review telephone and answering systems and get a telephone number
  •                 
  • Make a list of vendor/ provider numbers
  •             
            
                                        
3 Months Before Opening             
                    
  • Apply for a business permit, tax numbers, licenses, and staff privileges at hospital facilities
  •                 
  • Join local dental societies
  •                 
  • Order dental supplies and equipment
  •                 
  • Order and set up a computer system and the practice management software
  •                 
  • Order office supplies (stationary, pens, notepads, business cards)
  •                 
  • Contact an insurance representative and determine the insurance needed
  •             
            
                                        
2 Months Before Opening             
                    
  • Advertise for staff position availability
  •                 
  • Establish a fee schedule and payment policies
  •                 
  • Apply for membership in insurance provider plans
  •                 
  • Make lab work and pharmacy service arrangements
  •                 
  • Arrange janitorial, maintenance, and uniform/ linen services
  •                 
  • Set up a system for accepting credit card payments
  •             
            
                                        
1 Month Before Opening             
                    
  • Test computer equipment and ensure that they work properly
  •                 
  • Hire employees and begin training
  •                 
  • Set the Grand Opening date
  •                 
  • Place office opening announcements on your website and local publications
  •                 
  • Send office opening announcements in direct mail
  •                 
  • Have the office inspected by the necessary city and county officials
  •                 
  • Open your business
  •             
            


OBERMAN LAW FIRM 

Stuart J. Oberman, Esq handles a wide range of legal issues for the dental profession including cyber security breaches, employment law, practice sales, OSHA, and HIPAA compliance, real estate transactions, lease agreements, noncompete agreements, dental board complaints, and professional corporations.
 
For questions or comments 
regarding this article 
please call (770) 554-1400
or visit 
www.obermanlaw.com
 
 Email Emily Scarborough at emily@obermanlaw.com to hear Stuart J. Oberman, Esq speak at your next event.

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