Frequently Asked Questions

TI allowances vary by landlord, location, and lease terms. A standard range for dental and medical spaces is $30 to $100 per square foot, but it depends on market conditions and how much leverage you have in negotiations. Understanding your full build-out costs and working with an experienced broker familiar with dental practices and local market conditions can help you maximize your TI package.

TI stands for Tenant Improvements. This refers to modifications or build-outs made to a leased space to meet the tenant’s specific needs. In the case of a dental practice, this can include plumbing, electrical work, cabinetry, flooring, and HVAC modifications required for medical use. TI allowances are often negotiated as part of the lease agreement and can help offset construction costs.

The cost per square foot varies significantly based on location, space condition, materials, and the complexity of the build-out. On average, dental office construction can range from $150 to $300+ per square foot. Factors such as permitting, existing conditions, structural modifications, and specialized equipment can impact costs. Working with an experienced team can help you stay within budget and optimize your investment.

Both options have their pros and cons, and the right choice depends on your goals, budget, and risk tolerance. Purchasing an existing practice provides an immediate patient base, revenue stream, and operational infrastructure but may come with limitations in design, equipment, employee culture, and patient population. Building a practice from scratch gives you full control over location, design, branding, and workflow but requires time, planning, and a solid business strategy. Carefully evaluate your long-term vision, detailed business plan, and demographics before deciding. 

Overall, in order to make a proper comparison, you can’t just compare building a practice with purchasing a practice. To have a meaningful comparison, you should first identify a specific practice available for purchase, then compare that particular practice with a new practice that could be built. Only then will you have a fair comparison to make an informed decision.

A strong patient base starts with strategic marketing, branding, and community engagement. Leverage social media, local networking, SEO-optimized websites, and referral programs to create early awareness. Additionally, focusing on excellent patient experiences, personalized care, and community outreach will help generate word-of-mouth referrals and long-term loyalty.

Both options have their advantages, and the best choice depends on your financial situation, long-term goals, and local real estate market conditions. Leasing can provide flexibility and lower upfront costs, while purchasing may offer long-term equity and stability. Consulting with a broker who specializes in dental real estate can help you make an informed decision.

The timeline varies depending on factors such as location, design complexity, permitting, and construction. On average, the process can take anywhere from 9 to 18 months from initial planning to opening day. A well-structured plan and experienced professionals can help streamline the process and avoid unnecessary delays.

 Choosing a location is more than just demographics. It requires running the right demographics, having a broker knowledgeable in the commercial dental space and local market, and making sure to consider all aspects of the project—both immediate and long-term. From design and construction to marketing and dental spending, every factor is key when considering potential practice locations.

The better question is: How are you going to utilize the available funding options properly to suit your business plan and budget? Do not wing it! Make sure to evaluate all aspects of different loan options properly—not just how much you can get or what the rate is.

Every location will be different. Space type and selection MATTER. Code requirements change depending on the type of space and location you are in, and they also change every few years. “Grandfathered in” is not really a thing! Ensuring your space’s zoning and architectural/engineering plans follow building codes for medical spaces is a good place to start.

Every practice development project is as unique as the doctor opening it. Therefore, every process is unique as well. While there is no “standard” or “cookie-cutter” approach to opening a practice, practice development can be broken down into three major steps: Feasibility, Planning, and Implementation.

The moment you have the idea of practice ownership, you can start! Since many parts of the process happen concurrently and simultaneously, it is always better to start sooner rather than later to make your practice vision a reality.

As they say, in life, there are no guarantees. But the ultimate advantage you have in ensuring the success of your practice is YOU! The process of developing your practice is as unique as you are, and the final product (your practice) should reflect that. Everything—from the location, design, marketing, and philosophy to the business plan—should be a reflection of you.

About 30-50% of your maximum operating potential. You do NOT need to break the budget on day one with equipment. You need the basics to operate your practice, and the rest should fit within your budget and business plan needs.