Starting a new business and making your first sale is one of the most exciting things to do, and that’s why we’re all part of the UK startup community.
The key is to find a business idea that is always in high demand, and there aren’t many that can outstrip a dental practice in that regard. Being able to take the pain away and help thousands of people fall back in love with their smiles is one of the greatest gifts of all.
In this quick guide, we’re going to show you how to monetise your skills and training so that you get started without delay.
How to Open a Dental Practice?
Start With a Business Plan
A business plan may feel like overkill if you’re only opening a small practice and are desperate to get started, but it’s the most important step on this list.
Making sure that you include all of the key goals you want to achieve and then budgeting for them is the only way to run a business. Your business plan will definitely grow, change, and evolve over time, but it’s the central resource you’re going to be using to maintain direction and focus.
Plan Out Your Finances
Taking your business plan and putting it into action is what your budget does, and it’s all about being smart with the money you have at your disposal.
Even if you have more than enough operating capital to easily meet your startup costs, learning to be lean and agile with your budget is most definitely the way to go.
Making your money go further in this way will ensure that you always have more in reserve when the unexpected inevitably happens.
Secure the Perfect Location
Many practices choose to rent or lease rather than buy outright straightaway, and there’s nothing wrong with this tried and trusted approach.
The key is to find a central location that your patients can easily get to, and preferably one that also offers parking. The more convenient you can make things, the more patients are going to make it through your door.
Kit Out Your Practice
Finding all of the dental equipment you need shouldn’t be difficult, and it doesn’t have to be. Connecting with a trusted national supplier who can offer nationwide delivery, competitive pricing, and a diverse range of choices is what it’s all about here.
Once you have found someone who is easy to do business with, making them one of your primary points of contact is the smart way to move things forward.
Market Your New Business
Social media, a new clinic sign, local ads and flyers, and an eye-catching welcome offer would all go down well here. By being proactive and energetic in the way you market your clinic, you can make sure that as many people as possible know about it.
Perfect when you want to reach a point of critical mass quickly, after which word-of-mouth referrals and recommendations drive a constant stream of new patients to your door.
Focus on Hiring and Insurance
You need to have the right people by your side from your first day in business if you want to make this a success, especially at a time when everyday people have become increasingly discerning.
They won’t think twice about leaving an online review or making a complaint, so that means you need skilled, personable staff and comprehensive insurance coverage before you even open for business.
Don’t Forget the Personal Touches
Whether it’s a patient loyalty program and a comfy chair in the waiting room or just a friendly smile on reception, your business needs to tick all the boxes when it comes to the personal touches.
Making your patients feel at ease as soon as they walk through the door really matters in the dental industry, especially when you consider how many of your patients are going to be stressed, nervous, or anxious. Go the extra mile and you’ll find that your business continually goes from strength to strength.
Final Thoughts
We hope you’ve found this guide useful and helpful, and that you’re now ready to start taking action. The more you put into the initial research and planning side of things, the more you’re going to get out of your practice in the long run. Ideal when you want to be able to build a business on the right foundations on day one.
All you have to do now is work through the basics, and you’ll be ready to welcome your first patient into the chair before you know it. Good luck!
