The Dental Start Up (Pandemic Timeline)

This is an exciting time. You're beginning to start off on your own in the face of a global pandemic. Although, much has been affected we can help you get through the process. Below is a realistic timeline of events for a dental practice startup.

12 Months+ Prior

• Build a team of qualified partners: dental banker, dental specific CPA, attorney, equipment specialist, distributor representative, real estate broker, consultant, and Interior Designer
• Begin establishing a vision of the practice you would like to operate. What experiences do you want your patients to have?

12 Months Prior

• Evaluate your Financial Position and seek bank pre-approval
• Identify your Goals and Preferences for the Practice
• Consider a few different areas for your Practice and Run a demographics report for each. Search Annual Average Income, Family members per household, Children etc. www.dentagraphics.com is a great resource
• Tour locations with Real Estate Broker
• Finalize the selection of a city or community
• Conduct Preliminary Appraisals of locations

10 Months Prior

• Finalize the location
• Negotiate the lease with a dental specific Real Estate Broker and a dental attorney
  Develop a Space Plan and Equipment Layout with your Dental Equipment Specialist and Designer.
• Open supplier account for equipment. The pandemic impacted supply chains so develop a timeline with equipment specialist and time orders based on recommendations
• Tour local dental offices to understand layouts, equipment, styles, etc

8 Months Prior

• Meet with 2 lenders to determine who has the best options, rates and package to suit your needs.
• Finalize and approve the floor plan with your designer and Dental Equipment Specialist.
• Obtain estimates with a 2-3 dental contractors. Ask them for advice and ask to see previous projects. Request timelines and proposals on the project.
• Meet with IT professionals and seek bids (computers, cablling, server, etc)
• Meet interior designers to discuss aesthetics, finishes, etc and request bids.
• Finalize the Loan

6 Months Prior

• Finalize the floor plan and pick finishes with your interior designer.
• Select your Contractor and have them begin construction.
• Start to consider Office Policies, hours of operation, research Insurance programs.
• Establish business checking account and activate business credit card
• Meet with an IT Professional and discuss timeline for computers/servers. Supply chain affected them as well. Order based on recommendations.
• Select a Practice Management Software. Many cloud based options can significantly reduce IT hardware needs, decreasing costs.
• Begin interviewing dental marketing companies
• Meet with an interior designer to discuss finishes

5 Months Prior

• Negotiate with insurance companies. Consider a sevice that credentials and negotiates on your behalf
• Revisit equipment conversation with specialist and ensure orders are placed or planned
• Start working with a marketing company to build the website and create a rollout plan

4 Months Prior

• Explore additional software options such as patient communication, practice analytics, and online booking softwares
• Seek bookkeeping method from CPA
• Review Phone Systems
• Create and Launch Website and other Social Media
• Order small equipment
• Open an account with a medical gas supplier such as AirGas or Spectrum Gas
• Seek guidance on first aid and OSHA/HIPAA/CPR. Bill Hollowell from The Shield Group is a great resource: www.theshieldgroup.com
• Seek terms on waste management with Patterson Dental at 310-426-3149
• Monitor dental contractor and marketer's progress

3 Months Prior

• Apply for a Narcotics license with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)
• Apply for State, County, and City professional licenses as well as a Business Permit.
• Apply for Federal, State and local tax numbers.
• Notify state dental board of address and phone number
• Review requirements for unemployment and workman’s compensation insurance.
• Order Practice management software, additional softwares, business cards, stationary, prescription pads and office supplies.
• Determine the number, type of personnel required, and their job descriptions
• Start hiring early. The pandemic caused shortages and this could take time.
• Meet with CPA to develop your projected first year business budget.
• Speak with an insurance professional to determine what is needed and how policies need to be structured.
• Meet with your Dental Supply Representative and start going through a Supply List of necessary.
• Complete Applications for Insurance Plans.
• Monitor Contractor's Progress
• Launch Marketing Campaign just before two months prior to fill schedules on opening day

2 Months Prior

• Start recruiting staff members
• Complete a Fee Schedule and Payment Policies
• Explore Laboratory options and Pharmacy Options
• Explore Specialists in your area if you refer out treatment
• Make Credit Card arrangements
• Monitor Contractor's progress
• Review Supply List with Dental Representative and Finalize
• Register X-ray and laser equipment within 30 days of installation
• Establish fire extinguisher testing and certification service

1 Month Prior

• Make sure Contractor completes project and inspect all work.
• Place Dental Supply Order.
• Install Equipment and test every component. Seek training by Manufacturer’s representatives on equipment.
• Hire and train office personnel
• Arrange for inspection with city or county.
• Order emergency medical kit and supplies
• Send Office Opening Announcements out to Friends, Family, Prominent members of community, Dental Specialists and other Local businesses.
• Train staff on protocols, equipment, and practice management services

Office Opening – Congratulations!

• Walk through your office and go through all aspects with your IT Professional, Contractor, Dental Equipment Representative and Supply Representative.

After Opening

• The hard work continues. Meet frequently with your local resources such as your dental consultant and trusted reps for guidance and support
• Host a grand opening one month out

Contact:
Benjamin (Ben) Holguin
Text/Call: 714-560-3472
Email: Contact@TheDentalRocket.com