Running a successful dental practice today involves much more than delivering top-notch clinical care. It’s about creating a thriving business that serves your community, supports your team, and grows sustainably over time. Whether you’re a seasoned dentist or just starting out, understanding how to succeed in owning a dental practice requires a mix of strategy, empathy, and adaptability.
Here are 10 practical tips to help you build a successful dental practice that’s both patient-centered and business-savvy.
Every successful dental practice begins with a clear and compelling vision and goal statement. Ask yourself:
A good vision statement should be two or three inspiring sentences that concisely represent your core values. A well-defined vision helps keep your team aligned and your practice focused on long-term success. Learn more about how to create a great mission statement with this comprehensive guide.
Once your vision is in place, set measurable SMART goals to track your progress. Goals for your dental practice could include patient retention rates, monthly revenue targets, or plans for expanding services. As a best practice, focus your goals in these five categories: finances, patient care, team culture, operations, and branding.
Understanding your local market is essential for tailoring your services and marketing efforts. Research the demographics of your area, identify competitors, and assess community needs. Are there underserved populations nearby? What dental services are most in demand? You can do this with a survey group or your own independent research, or just by speaking with people — at local events, for example — and gauging their opinions and needs.
Whether you’re just starting up or your dental practice is well-established, market research can help ensure your practice meets real needs and stands out from the crowd.
Patients aren’t just appointments on a calendar — they’re individuals seeking care, comfort, and trust. Make it a priority to communicate clearly, show empathy, and personalize treatment plans. Turn your office into a welcoming, accessible, and inclusive space for your patients.
Consider small touches that make a big difference: offering blankets during procedures, sending follow-up texts after appointments, or remembering patient preferences. These efforts build loyalty and increase the likelihood of referrals, which are key to growing a successful dental practice.
Your team is the heartbeat of your dental practice. But when do you hire them? While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, Dental Economics suggests hiring one dental assistant for roughly every $250,000 in revenue, and a front desk staffer for every $350,000 to $400,000 of production costs.
When it’s time to add a team member, hire professionals who not only have the right credentials but also share your values and commitment to patient care. Look for individuals who are empathetic, communicative, and eager to grow professionally. Then invest in ongoing training and create a culture of collaboration. Encourage feedback, celebrate wins, and foster a supportive work environment. A motivated and well-trained team enhances the patient experience and directly contributes to a successful dental practice.
Diversifying your services can help you attract a broader patient base and increase revenue. In addition to general dentistry, consider offering cosmetic procedures, orthodontics, preventive care, or emergency services. The more needs you can meet under one roof, the more valuable your practice becomes.
In addition, try to stay informed about dental industry trends and patient preferences. For instance, if you notice a growing interest in teeth whitening or clear aligners, consider adding those services to your offerings. Being proactive keeps your practice relevant and competitive.
Efficiency is crucial for maintaining a smooth-running dental office. Use dental management software to automate scheduling, billing, appointment reminders, and patient records. This reduces human error, saves time, and improves the overall patient experience. This type of automation also allows your staff to focus on more meaningful tasks, like building relationships with patients and ensuring quality care.
Modern dental technology can significantly enhance your diagnostic capabilities and treatment outcomes. Tools like digital X-rays, intraoral cameras, 3D imaging, and laser dentistry not only improve accuracy but also boost patient confidence in your services.
Consider offering telehealth consultations for follow-ups or initial assessments. This adds convenience for patients and expands your reach. Investing in technology shows that your practice is forward-thinking and committed to delivering high-quality care.
Building relationships outside your office walls is a powerful way to grow your reputation while marketing your dental business. Host free dental check-up events, partner with local schools for oral health education, or sponsor community activities. These efforts position your practice as a trusted and caring resource.
Community involvement also generates word-of-mouth referrals, which are often more effective than paid advertising. When people see your genuine commitment to the community, they’re more likely to choose your practice and recommend it to others.
Don’t just aim to maintain — plan to grow. Add some 3-year, 5-year, and 10-year goals to incorporate things like new services, expanding your team, or opening a second location. Your growth should be strategic and data-driven. Analyze performance metrics, assess market opportunities, and create a roadmap for expansion.
A successful dental practice must be financially sound. Track income, expenses, and profitability on a monthly basis. Use accounting software or work with a financial advisor to help with budgeting, forecasting, and tax planning to reach those exciting growth goals.
Understanding your financial metrics allows you to make informed decisions, whether it’s investing in new equipment, hiring additional staff, setting salaries, or adjusting your pricing strategy. Staying on top of your finances helps you avoid surprises and helps ensure long-term stability.
As your dental practice grows, so do your responsibilities — and risks. Protect your reputation and financial stability with dental malpractice insurance from Berxi. Every Berxi policy includes:
In addition, Berxi customers save an average of 15% versus industry standards because they have no commission fees, no membership costs, and no deductibles. Take a moment to get a free online quote — you might be surprised by how much you can save.
Running a successful dental practice takes vision, strategy, and heart. By focusing on patient care, team development, smart technology, and financial health, you can build a thriving practice with a clear path to growth. Whether you’re learning how to succeed in owning a dental practice or refining an established business strategy, these tips can help guide you toward sustainable growth and meaningful impact.
And with the right insurance partner like Berxi, you’ll be ready for whatever the future holds — confident, protected, and focused on delivering exceptional care.
Image courtesy of iStock.com/praetorianphoto
Image courtesy of iStock.com/gpointstudio
Image courtesy of iStock.com/FG Trade
Image courtesy of iStock.com/SolStock
More:
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Berxi™ or Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company. This article (subject to change without notice) is for informational purposes only, and does not constitute professional advice. Click here to read our full disclaimer
The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries and may be changed without notice. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. If you have questions about coverage available under our plans, please review the policy or contact us at 833-242-3794 or support@berxi.com. “20% savings” is based on industry pricing averages.
Berxi™ is a part of Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (BHSI). Insurance products are distributed through Berkshire Hathaway Global Insurance Services, California License # 0K09397. BHSI is part of Berkshire Hathaway’s National Indemnity group of insurance companies, consisting of National Indemnity and its affiliates, which hold financial strength ratings of A++ from AM Best and AA+ from Standard & Poor’s. The rating scales can be found at www.ambest.com and www.standardandpoors.com, respectively.
No warranty, guarantee, or representation, either expressed or implied, is made as to the correctness, accuracy, completeness, adequacy, or sufficiency of any representation or information. Any opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice.
The information on this web site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and does not purport to establish a standard of care under any circumstances. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this web site is for general information purposes only based upon the information available at the time of presentation, and does not constitute medical, legal, regulatory, compliance, financial, professional, or any other advice.
BHSI makes no representation and assumes no responsibility or liability for the accuracy of information contained on or available through this web site, and such information is subject to change without notice. You are encouraged to consider and confirm any information obtained from or through this web site with other sources, and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with your physician or medical care provider. NEVER DISREGARD PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY SEEKING MEDICAL TREATMENT BECAUSE OF SOMETHING THAT YOU HAVE READ ON OR ACCESSED THROUGH THIS WEB SITE.
BHSI is not a medical organization, and does not recommend, endorse or make any representation about the efficacy, appropriateness or suitability of any specific tests, products, procedures, treatments, services, opinions, health care providers or other information contained on or available through this web site. BHSI IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY FOR, ANY ADVICE, COURSE OF TREATMENT, DIAGNOSIS OR ANY OTHER SERVICES OR PRODUCTS THAT YOU OBTAIN AFTER REVIEWING THIS WEB SITE.
Click to collapse disclamerWant Berxi articles delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for our monthly newsletter below!
"*" indicates required fields
Gina Gallagher Apr 03, 2025
Want Berxi articles delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for our monthly newsletter below!
