Tips for Starting a Dental Practice as a Female Dentist

 

While dentistry was previously a male-dominated profession, women are at long last making their mark on the industry. In 2021, the ADA reported that women accounted for 56% of first-year dental students. This marks an exciting turning point for dentistry, showcasing the fact that women are claiming their place in the field.

 

As the world around us modernizes and evolves, women are enjoying more career opportunities than ever before. For women dentists wishing to open their own practice, there is nothing more valuable than proper information, equal opportunities, and strong support. 

 

What are the key steps to start a dental practice as a female dentist? Continue reading to learn more.

 

Overcoming Challenges Unique to Female Dentists

Three of the most common challenges that are unique to female dentists are addressing gender bias, networking and membership opportunities, and advocating for women in dentistry. Let’s break down the specifics of each issue, as well as how they can be successfully overcome.

 

 Addressing Gender Bias

It is the unfortunate truth that some people’s mindsets are stuck long in the past, leading them to believe that a female dentist could not possibly be as knowledgeable or skilled as a male dentist.

 

While society is certainly moving away from this antiquated mindset, there are a few things that can be done to address the issue and move forward. The first would be to implement and enforce clear policies against discrimination. Providing equal opportunities for advancement and leadership roles for women is incredibly important, as well.

 

Networking and Mentorship Opportunities

Mentorship and networking opportunities are important, as they provide a strong sense of purpose, self, and community. They encourage individuals to grow, learn, and connect with like-minded individuals for the purpose of furthering their career and reaching their goals.

 

The American Association of Women Dentists (AAWD) offers valuable mentorship programs, networking events, and resources specifically geared towards female dental professionals.

 

Advocating for Women in Dentistry

The Women Dentists Network (WDN) is an organization dedicated to providing female dentists with support and empowerment. As a whole, they aim to create an inclusive and professional work culture that provides equal opportunities for all. This is a shining example of the steps that are being taken to modernize and enlighten the dental industry as a whole.

 

Key Steps to Start Your Own Dental Practice

 

Planning and Preparation

 

Conducting Market Research: The best way to begin your planning and preparation process is to conduct thorough market research. 

First, identify your target market. This can be done by examining local demographics such as average age, income levels, and occupations of people in your area. Review local health reports to learn more about oral health issues that may be present in your community. Take a look at the percentage of the local population that has dental insurance, as well.

 

Next, study your competition. See what works for them and take note of what they can improve. Be sure to find out what services your competitors offer.

 

Take a look at your prospective practice location(s). Take note of things that will be important to patients, such as parking, accessibility via public transit, and proximity to local highways. It is also worth considering if people will be able to frequent your practice by walking.

 

Setting Clear Goals and Objectives: Think about what you wish to achieve with your new practice. Create clear, concise, and achievable goals for yourself. This can be something as simple as gaining 50 new patients within six months, or something as grand as reaching the top of your local market within a year. 

Creating a Comprehensive Business Plan: Your business plan is the blueprint for your new business. It will outline your goals, the legal structure of your business, the services you will provide, your target demographic, your marketing plans, and operational plans. It will also provide detail about the roles of each owner/team member, as well as the details of your startup costs, funding requirements and sources, and projections for revenue.

 

Legal and Financial Aspects

Below are some of the most important aspects of the legal and financial sides of your dental office.

Understanding Licensing Requirements: Just as you require licensing to practice dentistry in your state, your new practice requires licensing in order to open and provide service to the public.

You will need to ensure that your practice is in compliance with local, state, and federal laws. You will also need to acquire an National Provider Identifier (NPI) number. Your practice’s NPI will be used to differentiate and identify your business in financial transactions and interactions with health insurance companies.

Securing Financing and Funding: If you wish to secure funding or financing for your new dental practice, you will need to approach banks or other professional lenders. Prospective investors will want to see a detailed business plan; this will help them determine if your practice is well-planned out, and if it will provide them with a positive Return on Investment (ROI).

 

Learn More About the Costs of Buying a Dental Practice

 

Finding the Right Location

As previously mentioned, it is important to find a location for your new practice that will best serve you and your patients. Below are some steps that can be taken to find the best location for you:

• Analyzing Demographics: Analyzing demographics can help you learn everything you need to know about your local area, as well as what people may need or want out of their dental care.
• Negotiating Leases: Negotiating leases effectively helps you secure the ideal location for a new practice by ensuring favorable financial and operational terms.
• Designing a Patient-Friendly Space: A thoughtfully designed environment can alleviate anxiety, making patients feel at ease and more likely to return for future appointments. Lots of natural light, comfortable chairs, and bright, clean spaces are all things that can contribute towards a patient-friendly space.

 

Assembling Your Team

Below are some tips for assembling your new team:

• Hiring and Training Staff: Hiring and training new staff for a dental practice involves recruiting individuals with the right skills and attitudes, then providing comprehensive training to ensure they understand the clinic’s procedures, culture, and patient care standards.
  • This helps to improve staff efficiency, enhance patient satisfaction, and create a strong team morale. Investing in proper training also reduces turnover and helps maintain consistent, high-quality service for your patients.

• Building an Inclusive Work Environment: Promoting diversity, ensuring equal opportunities, and fostering open communication are all excellent ways to build an inclusive work environment.
• Establishing Roles and Responsibilities: It is crucial for each member of your team to understand their individual roles and responsibilities within the practice. This helps to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and prevent misunderstandings or overlaps in tasks. 

 

Learn More About Starting Your Own Dental Practice

 

Investing in Effective Dental Supplies and Equipment

A range of essential dental equipment is necessary to provide comprehensive care to your patients in your new practice. 

This includes dental chairs equipped with ergonomic features for patient comfort and accessibility. Imaging equipment such as digital X-ray machines and intraoral cameras enable precise diagnostics. Sterilization equipment ensures strict infection control protocols are maintained, while dental units contain instruments and accessories for various procedures. Additionally, dental suction systems, handpieces, and curing lights are indispensable tools for treatment delivery.

 

Essential Dental Equipment

Below are some examples of essential dental equipment that new practice owners will need to start a new dental practice:

• Dental Supplies: Instruments, anesthetics,dental handpieces, evacuation products, curing lights, cements and liners

• Hygiene Supplies: Ultrasonic scalers, low-speed handpieces, and hygiene instruments 

• Laboratory Supplies: Dental impression materials and trays

• X-Ray Equipment: X-ray machines, Intraoral digital sensors, XCP systems, sensor barriers,

• General Equipment: Computer systems and software for patient records and practice management, autoclaves, intraoral cameras, ultrasonic units, intraoral digital sensors

• Furniture: Dental operatory chairs, dentist and assistant stools, cabinets and storage units, countertops, televisions, and waiting room chairs

 

Explore equipment financing from Safco and Group Financial Services to Save & Set Up Your Practice!

 

How to Foster the Continued Success of Your Practice

A successful practice relies on a myriad of aspects, such as continuing education, marketing, and managing patient relationships.

 

Continuing Education and Professional Development

As the world around us evolves, so too does the dental industry and the practices within it. Below are some ways that you can assure constant improvement of techniques and knowledge:

• Staying Updated with New Techniques: Attending continuing education courses, workshops, and seminars are all excellent ways to ensure that you are updated with the latest in techniques and latest advancements within the industry.
• Joining Professional Organizations: Joining professional organizations provides dentists with access to valuable resources, networking opportunities, and continuing education opportunities. 

 

This is also an excellent way to form new connections with fellow providers, which in turn may open opportunities for sharpening your skills and learning more about the field.

Webinars are a great way to continue your development in the dental field and learn about what’s new in the industry without traveling to a conference or event. Explore Safco Dental Supply’s offering of on-demand webinars for dental professionals. Check out new webinars on our site every month!

 

Marketing Your Practice

Acquiring new patients is an essential and nonnegotiable step to building a successful dental practice. To attract these patients, marketing strategies that reach people in your area should be a consistent part of your practice management.

 

Utilizing Social Media Platforms:  Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) are all excellent platforms to use for marketing your new practice. 

 

Creating engaging content such as before-and-after photos, educational videos, and patient testimonials is a good way to showcase your expertise and services. Additionally, maintaining an active presence on social media allows you to interact with current and potential patients, build relationships, and establish your practice as a trusted authority in the field. Perhaps the best aspect of social media marketing is that it is free – unless you choose to enlist the help of paid advertisements, of course. 

 

Partnering with Local Businesses: Collaborating with nearby pharmacies, gyms, or wellness centers can provide opportunities for cross-promotion and referrals. You may also consider collaborating with other dental practices; referring out to local specialties is a great way to form professional relationships that can benefit your practice in the long run.

 

Managing Patient Relationships

• Ensuring Excellent Customer Service: The overall satisfaction of your patients plays a massive role in the success of your practice. Optimal patient satisfaction can be achieved by providing clear communication, maintaining a comfortable and welcoming environment, respecting patient concerns and preferences, offering convenient appointment scheduling options, and delivering high-quality dental care. 
• Handling Feedback and Complaints: Soliciting feedback from patients and actively addressing any concerns or issues that arise can help continuously improve the patient experience and create long-term patient loyalty. 

Negative feedback is certainly never enjoyable to receive for any practice owner, but it can be a valuable way to identify what you need to improve.

 

Trust Safco to Supply Your Practice & Support Women in Dentistry

Safco Dental Supply is a proud supporter of the advancement of women in dentistry. We celebrate the achievements of female dentists and encourage the diversification of the dental industry.

 

For high-quality instruments and dental equipment, place your trust in Safco Dental Supply. We provide a wide range of dental products and equipment to fit every need, with free shipping on orders over $250. 

 

We strive to get you your products as fast as possible. All orders placed before 4:30 pm CST (3:30 pm on Friday) are shipped out same-day.

 

Give us a call at 800.621.2178 to speak with one of our experts about the supplies and equipment you will need for starting your new dental office.