When it comes to setting up a dental office, the size of the facility is an important factor to consider. The cost of the commercial land in the location you want to establish will vary, so it's important to plan accordingly. My suggestion is that you plan for about 325 square feet per office. This means that if you have six operations, you'll need about 1950 square meters in total.
This will give you enough space for a reception area, bathrooms, staff areas, and a business office. In addition, the “Safety Net” dental clinic manual suggests preparing for a staff room of at least 120 square feet, locker space for storing personal items, and a designated bathroom for clinic staff. It also suggests a waiting area of at least 120 square feet for an operating clinic of one to four, 180 square feet for a surgical clinic of five to seven, and at least 240 square feet for a dental clinic that houses eight to thirteen offices. When it comes to budgeting for your new dental office or even beginning with the design, it's important to decide how many offices you want to have.
Studies show that the average dentist can effectively manage three offices on their own. If you want to perform four-hand dentistry in each restorative office at any given time, then this is the best option. It's also important to consider how you will meet the requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) so that you can mitigate risks of non-compliance. Additionally, since women make 92% of purchasing decisions when it comes to dental care, it's a good idea to place your office close to places women frequent and have an overall design that attracts their attention.
When it comes to construction, it typically takes 8-16 weeks. However, permit approval and pre-construction can take 4-12 weeks and design 6-12 weeks before that. It's also important to work with lenders who specialize in and understand the rigors of running a dental office. Thanks to the purchasing power of TDA membership, members can save an average of 30% on dental supplies. Overall, when you have the best dental office size, you can provide your patients and staff with the best experience while also lowering stress levels.
To explore why this factor can have such a massive impact on your office and your life, consider all of these factors before making your decision.
