How to Reduce Dental Practice Overhead

As much as dentists and all health-care professionals want to focus on the business of patient care, the truth is that practices are businesses with costs and bottom lines. Like all businesses, dental practices have to consider how to become and stay profitable. When revenues aren't rising, or any time you're trying to maximize returns, cutting overhead costs is a good way to get more out of your practice.

Instructions

• 1

  Look into the costs and legalities of joining a group dental practice. Sharing costs and client flow can take away a dentist's personal risks and responsibilities while potentially making her more profitable.

• 2

  Review your staffing levels. Consider whether you have more staff than is required to run your practice properly. Labor costs can become significant.

• 3

  Outsource services that can be contracted, such as billing and crown casting, to an outside provider. Examine whether these in-house services add an efficiency and cost-benefit or if they are taking up valuable resources.

• 4

  Price the rents for smaller offices and consider a move. Likewise, if your commercial building is renting space for less than it used to, try negotiating with the landlord for a lower, more market-consistent rate.

• 5

  Cut back on print collaterals such as brochures, and magazine subscriptions for the waiting room. Printing is costly, and collateral materials are helpful but not critical to your operation. Magazines may seem cheap per subscription, but offering variety can be costly as subscription fees add up.