As a new dentist, you might ask yourself, “is buying a dental practice worth it?” While there are new responsibilities and risks involved when buying a dental practice that can cause fear, buying an existing practice from a retiring dentist with a good patient base is the best way to fight that fear! In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of buying a dental practice, as well as factors you should consider when deciding which practice is right for you.
Advantages of Buying a Dental Practice
Buying a dental practice that’s been in business has advantages that make it a desirable option, such as having existing patients, reputation, staff, and predictable investment returns.
Established Patient Base
One of the biggest advantages of buying a dental practice is it will already come with an established patient base. This means you don’t have to spend extra resources building a patient base from scratch and can focus your efforts on providing quality care.
Established Reputation
An established dental practice will also have its own reputation in the community. This can help attract new patients and ensure existing patients come back for their dental needs. Building a good reputation can take years, so buying a practice that already has one can save a lot of time and effort.
Existing Staff
Typically, when you buy a dental practice, you’ll also inherit the existing staff. This includes hygienists, assistants, and administrative staff who are already familiar with the practice and its patients. This can be a huge advantage, as it means you will generally spend much less time and money hiring and training.
Predictable Cash Flow
Buying an existing dental practice can help predict cash flow. You’ll have a current patient base and a history of revenue and expenses. This will help you plan and make informed business decisions.
Faster Return on Investment
Starting your own dental practice can be a long and expensive process that could take several years before seeing a return on your investment. When you buy an existing practice, however, you can start earning income from day one. This can help speed up your ROI, making it a more attractive option for new dentists.
Factors to Consider
If you’re considering buying a dental practice, there are several factors you should consider before making a decision. These include:
Location
Is the practice located in an area where there is a high demand for dental services? Will it be convenient for your patients to travel to you?
Practice History
How long has the practice been in business? Does it have a stable patient base and revenue stream over the past few years?
Practice Valuation
How much is the dental practice worth? Is the asking price fair, given the past revenue, patient base, and reputation?
Financing
How will you finance the purchase? Will you need to take out a loan, and if so, what are the terms and interest rates?
Staff
Who are the existing staff members, and how will they react to a change in ownership? Will you need to hire additional staff, or can you work with the existing team?
Conclusion
Buying a dental practice can be a smart investment for new dentists who want to earn more than just a normal dentist salary. It’s important to carefully assess the factors listed above and seek professional advice from a dental practice broker so you can make an informed decision that’s right for your career and financial goals.
