Running a dental practice

Practical guides for owners of independent dental practices: billing and insurance, staffing, marketing, technology and margins, and what to know when you buy or grow.

Best Month to Close on a Dental Practice Purchase
Eric ChenEric Chen
·· 10 min read

Best Month to Close on a Dental Practice Purchase

Closing timing affects insurance credentialing, tax benefits, and patient retention. Here's how to choose the right month for your dental practice purchase.

Buying GuideFinancingPractice Management
What to Say to Patients When You Buy Their Dental Practice
Eric ChenEric Chen
·· 12 min read

What to Say to Patients When You Buy Their Dental Practice

The letter introduces you on paper. What you say in person determines retention. Here's the framework that keeps patients from leaving after closing.

Buying GuidePractice Management
Regretting Your Dental Practice Purchase? Here's What to Do
Eric ChenEric Chen
·· 15 min read

Regretting Your Dental Practice Purchase? Here's What to Do

Struggling in your first year of practice ownership? Most regret stems from fixable problems—cash flow, staffing, or unrealistic expectations.

Buying GuidePractice ManagementFinancing
Why Practice Owners Feel Lonely After Buying (And What Helps)
Eric ChenEric Chen
·· 11 min read

Why Practice Owners Feel Lonely After Buying (And What Helps)

Loneliness after buying a dental practice is common but rarely discussed. Here's why ownership can feel isolating and what actually helps.

Practice ManagementBuying Guide
Tax Deductions in Your First Year Owning a Dental Practice
Eric ChenEric Chen
·· 11 min read

Tax Deductions in Your First Year Owning a Dental Practice

First-year practice owners can claim $200,000+ in deductions through equipment expensing, goodwill amortization, loan interest, and retirement contributions.

FinancingBuying GuidePractice Management
How Many Patients Will Leave After I Buy the Practice?
Eric ChenEric Chen
·· 13 min read

How Many Patients Will Leave After I Buy the Practice?

Industry data shows 5-10% patient attrition after acquisition. Here's what drives patient loss and how to protect your investment.

Buying GuideDue DiligencePractice Management
Do I Need Malpractice Tail Coverage When Buying a Dental Practice?
Eric ChenEric Chen
·· 13 min read

Do I Need Malpractice Tail Coverage When Buying a Dental Practice?

Tail coverage protects sellers, not buyers—but understanding the difference between claims-made and occurrence policies determines your own coverage needs.

Buying GuideDue DiligencePractice Management
What Happens If You Can't Make Your Dental Practice Loan Payments
Eric ChenEric Chen
·· 12 min read

What Happens If You Can't Make Your Dental Practice Loan Payments

Missing loan payments triggers consequences fast. Here's what happens at each stage and what you can do before default becomes permanent.

FinancingPractice Management
Buying a Dental Practice That Does Procedures You Don't Perform
Eric ChenEric Chen
·· 10 min read

Buying a Dental Practice That Does Procedures You Don't Perform

When a practice's revenue depends on procedures you can't do, the acquisition becomes a different calculation. Here's how to evaluate the risk.

Buying GuideDue DiligencePractice Management
When Should You Hire Your First Associate After Buying a Practice?
Eric ChenEric Chen
·· 11 min read

When Should You Hire Your First Associate After Buying a Practice?

Most new owners hire too early or too late. Here's how to read the signals that your practice is ready—and what happens when you move before the numbers align.

Practice ManagementBuying Guide
Buying a Dental Practice with Bad Online Reviews
Eric ChenEric Chen
·· 12 min read

Buying a Dental Practice with Bad Online Reviews

Bad reviews don't always mean a bad deal. Learn how to evaluate a practice with negative online feedback and turn reputation problems into opportunity.

Buying GuideDue DiligencePractice Management
How to Develop Cohesive Theme and Messaging for Your Dental Practice
Eric ChenEric Chen
·· 10 min read

How to Develop Cohesive Theme and Messaging for Your Dental Practice

Build a dental practice brand that attracts your ideal patients. Learn how to define positioning, create consistent messaging, and apply your theme.

Practice ManagementBuying Guide