Can You Really Profit By Design When Planning an Office?

The direct answer is a resounding, “Yes!” We adopted the company slogan “Profit By Design” many years ago since it speaks to the intent as well as the effect of design. This simple formula has proven itself for our clients consistently over many years. So let me share a few of the elements that characterize this reliable prescription for success.

Intent

Call it goal-setting, due-diligence or simply homework, there is no substitute for intent in the achievement of any aspiration. To wit, you have earned your credentials as a dentist through focus, commitment, sacrifice, study and hard work - in short, intent. If you make the same commitment to planning an office, you are guaranteed a similar success.

Since the process of planning an office is not as well-scribed as an academic curriculum, the first step in the process is to find comfort in delegating responsibility and engaging professional guidance to lead you through the process. If you adhere to the simple precepts that follow, I assure you that you will discover factors that will save you money, others that will earn you money and those that will simply make your work-life stress-free. Collectively those elements will result in profitability. Here are a few examples:

On the savings front, there are no less than 30 check-points that we use in the process of determining the feasibility and efficacy of a facility for use as a dental practice. Each has a potential cost and will impact your construction budget negatively or positively. It’s a matter of knowing what to look for and having the wherewithal to redirect those costs from the plus column to the minus column.

Consider this typical example: A Lessor may offer a leased space as-is. That means that the cost of demolishing and removing all existing partitions, lighting, wiring, plumbing, ceilings, etc., would be assumed by the lessee – you. On a recent project, the demolition costs were estimated at $25,000 (that’s not a misprint). That constituted a 6.5 percent increase in the construction budget before the project began. We negotiated with the Lessor, and he agreed to provide the space clean.

Another common example is the need to provide a pitched walkway to accommodate handicapped access. By definition in the regulations, a slope (ratio of 1:20) will not necessitate railings. On the other hand, a ramp (ratio of 1:12) will require perimeter railings along with bi-level hand-rails. If you have the space to work with, the slope is obviously the most economical solution. The point is that, if you are vigilant about thoroughly evaluating the extensive list of potential line-items, you are likely to save as much as 30 percent in construction costs.

Earnings and stress-management are products of the same duediligence. It stands to reason that if you work more efficiently you will create the potential for increased revenue. In kind, if you create an environment of homeostasis, you will enjoy the peace of mind, contentment and joy of performing dentistry unencumbered. You can’t put a price or a value on that. To put that in perspective, picture the ideal ergonomic treatment room. You reach for something, and it’s there. You ask your assistant for something, and it’s there. If you identically replicate this work environment in all treatment rooms, I will personally guarantee

that the resulting increased efficiency and productivity will expand your bottom line. Most importantly, you and your staff will enjoy the synergy that results. Those are the rewards of intent.

Effect

So, where is the profitability in an effective design? Call it marketing, advertising, merchandising, or simply promotion, your professional image is established the moment anyone enters your office. You can’t buy that with any media. Therefore, the highly touted wow-factor is an essential effect that will certainly initialize a positive impression.

But the reality is that the image must transcend the atmosphere created with architectural appointments and sensory details. The fact is that patients are savvy and that dynamic image must be maintained throughout their experience in your office. As a result we adopted the mantra and skill-set to “manage the fluid movement of people within a defined space.”

It is grounded in the strategic juxtaposition and orientation of services, and is enhanced by the personnel who manage each of those services. It also isn’t exclusive to patients. The synergy of a well-planned environment will resonate with all who enter your office- including staff, colleagues, technicians, vendors and service providers.

In closing, I would like to quote a man who knew a great deal about profiting Steve Jobs. He said, “Design is not just what it looks or feels like. Design is how it works.” That’s the essence of effect.

ADCPA www.ADCPA.com

The Academy of Dental CPAs (www.adcpa.org) is the nationally recognized, authoritative source for enlightened and proactive tax, consulting and accounting resources for dental professionals. Our mission is to add value by assisting our clients to improve profitability, business success and quality of life, and to continually improve the value that ADCPA members can deliver to their clients through sharing resources, intellectual capital and best-practices.The ADCPA is comprised of 24 firms, representing in excess of 8,000 Dental Practices throughout the nation.Please see our ad on page 7.

ADS Dental Transitions (888) ADS-4237 www.ADStransitions.com

ADS is the nationwide leader in dental practice sales, associateships, buy-in/buy-outs, partnerships and appraisals. ADS is comprised of the industry’s most experienced professionals, including dentists, attorneys, and CPAs. We can help you with each step of your next transition. To view a complete list of practice opportunities available in your desired area, visit us at ADStransitions.com. Please see our ad on page 33.

ADS South is the premier dental transition organization in the Southeast. We provide associateship placement, dental practice sales, appraisals, and expert testimony services. Our company was founded over 26 years ago by Earl M. Douglas, DDS, MBA, BVAL, and we continue to control the cutting edge of transition technology. Please see our ad on page 11.

Dental practice financing designed to help you succeed. Bank of America Practice Solutions offers a full range of dental practice financing options from purchasing an existing practice or starting your own practice. We provide critical knowledge you need to establish and develop your business. See our ad on page 5.

Comfort Dental www.comfortdental.com

The Best of Both Worlds At Comfort Dental, we combine the old-style neighborhood dental practice with today’s modern group practice. Equity ownership, autonomy, management of your own business, and long- lasting relationships with your patients is combined with our economics of scale, prime locations, mass marketing, and overhead control. It truly is the best of both worlds. See our ad on page 17.

Henry Schein Nationwide Dental Opportunities (HS NDO) offers Dental Associate recruitment and placement services that pair job opportunities listed by dental practitioners with qualified, pre-screened dental associate candidates. HS NDO matches dentists based on skillset, practice philosophy, and style to ensure a high success rate. We are specialists who work confidentially to help doctors fill critical roles within their office by defining the job, attracting qualified candidates, and managing the interview/placement process. Dentists can make a decision with confidence, knowing that we have helped them through the process. And candidates can rest easier knowing that there is never a fee charged to them. We work to make the match a win-win situation for both the hiring doctor and the Associate with our personalized placement service and years of success. See our ad on the back cover.

Henry Schein Professional Practice Transitions is the leader in dental practice brokerage (sales and buying), transition services, and practice valuation. Our executive team includes respected dental practitioners with top-tier academic credentials, who have consulted on thousands of transitions and other industry professionals who have handled hundreds of closings. In addition, our dental consultants, many either practicing dentists themselves or with many years of experience in dental consulting, work to bring every transaction we facilitate to a successful close with both a satisfied buyer and seller. We have a broad range of dental practice listings nationwide

and have closed sales in all 50 states, yet have the expertise and knowledge of your local area. Our responsive support gives you a clear advantage and we can help you to refine your plans and create new options as your practice goals change. We offer valuable webinars, seminars, and other resources to support dentists throughout their career, as well as many value-added services such as practice valuations. See our ad on the inside back cover.

IgniteDDS 716-912-7970 david.rice@ignitedds.com

Building the bridge between dental school and tomorrow’s most successful, quality-conscious private practices Mission: Fueling Passions Beyond The Classroom for dental students, new dentists and new dental team members Description: igniteDDS empowers the next generation of dental professionals with the knowledge and resources you’ll need for tomorrow’s treatment and practice decisions!

MacPractice, Inc (402) 420-2430 MacPractice.com MacPractice DDS is the leading practice management and clinical application for dentists who prefer to use a Mac, featuring electronic insurance submission, Mac native digital radiography and photos, charting, Electronic Dental Records, Kiosk, Web Interface, iPhone Interface, speech dictation, and Mac stability and ease of use. Please see our ad on page 27.

Patterson Dental Supply Inc. is a full-service distributor of a complete range of dental products and services to dentists, dental laboratories, institutions and other healthcare providers throughout North America. As one of the nation’s largest dental distributors, Patterson Dental sells consumable dental supplies, digital and other dental equipment and practice management software. Please see our advertisement on the inside of the front cover and page 1, and page 23.

Business Beyond

the Classroom

CEREC AC from Sirona is the most advanced dental CAD/ CAM system available. With its Bluecam, capturing fast, precise digital impressions and then creating high quality esthetic restorations is a reality. CEREC AC delivers access to efficient, precise, scalable and affordable solutions, including CEREC Connect. Call 1-800-659-5977 or visit www.cereconline.com. Please see our ad on page 15.

The Artist Evolution is a full service, strategic marketing and design firm with a passion for helping practices around the country to communicate effectively with their target patients, to develop an identifiable brand, and to meet their objectives in a cost-effective way. Please see our ad on page 11.

Wells Fargo Practice Finance provides customized financing supported by experienced specialists and practical planning resources to help dentists acquire, start and expand their practices. The only practice lender selected especially for ADA® members and endorsed by ADA Business ResourcesSM, we understand the business of growing successful practices and are here to help you achieve your goals. Please see our ad on page 13.