As a dentist, you likely look at the current location of your dental practice with fondness. Maybe it’s where you first opened your practice, or it’s simply one of the many locations you’ve had. Still, as much as you might be familiar with one location, dental practice relocation may be necessary as your practice grows or your needs change.

Relocation, when it’s the right decision for the practice, can have endless benefits. It presents new opportunities and brings in new customers, which can increase dental production, along with digital tools from Dental Intelligence. Learn what to consider before your dental practice relocation.

Make the Decision

If you’re here, you’re probably already thinking about relocating your dental practice. Congratulations — thinking about it is the first step! What may feel less exciting is how much there is to think about. 

Consider your reason for relocation: Is it a space issue? Are you at the end of a lease?

Knowing your reason for relocating is essential as you move forward with the relocation process. If you know why your current space isn’t working, you can determine which new space will.

Know Your Timeline

The length of the relocation process might surprise you. Your moving plans need to begin well before you plan to move. At a minimum, you should begin this process 12 months before you plan to open your new location. However, 18 months or longer is ideal.

You have to find a new location, go through all the logistical issues, set up the equipment, and do all the necessary budgeting and marketing for this move. The relocation process will be chaotic, so make it easier on yourself and start as early as possible to give yourself some breathing room. 

Choose the Location

When you’re looking for a location, consider the following:

• What is the average income of local residents?
• What is the average age of local residents?
• What is the potential for growth?
• Are there competitors in the area?
• Is the building easily accessible? Does it have the space you need?
• Is it reasonable for your current patients and staff to commute to this location?
• Will it bring in new patients?

As you can see, it isn’t just about finding the right building or space. It’s about the communities in that space and how you can impact potential patients with your dental practice relocation.

Prepare Ahead of Time

The decision-making isn’t done yet! Preparation is a key step when you’re relocating. If you move too quickly, you risk missing details or making rash decisions. Keeping an organized schedule and checklist of everything you need to do can help with this. 

Don’t forget to prepare for inspections. Know what equipment you’re going to need at your new location, as well as the regulations you need to meet to pass those inspections. 

While dental practice relocation takes a long time, it will feel fast as it’s happening. The more prepared you are, the better. 

Know Your Budget and Marketing Plan

There’s no way around it: relocation is expensive. Overestimate the cost of the move in case of emergencies and unanticipated fees. Consider your lease, construction, equipment, and operating costs. 

Another cost to account for is your marketing. When you move, you have to let people know! Sometimes, the purpose of relocation is to bring in new clients. 

To make patients in the area aware that you’re there, consider new business cards, signs, and postcards.

A good first step is to update your website’s contact information section with news of your new location — but don’t stop there! Send emails, make social media posts, and make sure to update your location on Google Maps. Dental Intelligence can help you with dental marketing tools.

Make the Move

When it’s finally time to make the move, notify your patients and suppliers that you are relocating. You can do this in-office with signs, and with external communication like emails, letters, and text messages. 

Some places you shouldn’t forget to notify are:

• Existing patients
• U.S. Postal Service
• Insurance company
• Suppliers
• Payroll processing company
• Your accountant and attorney for the practice

New Location, New Opportunities

Dental practice relocation is a long process, but a worthwhile one. It’s good to know when you’ve grown out of one space and need a new location. From attracting new patients to improving the experience for existing ones, you can make your relocation a steppingstone on the path to practice growth and better patient care.

For more information about how you can take your dental practice to the next level, schedule a demo with Dental Intelligence today.