Whether your practice is brand new or you’re moving an established practice, choosing the right location for your dental office is crucial. While it might be easy to get caught up in a lease’s details, it’s important that you look at all of a property’s assets to determine its value and potential for your business. Be sure to consider these location factors before investing in a new location for your dental practice!
Zoning
Make sure that the local zoning ordinances allow the space to be used for a dental office. If the zoning ordinances don’t allow for the space to operate as a dental office, you will need to file for a zoning variance. However, you may be charged a fee to file and you are not guaranteed approval.
Services and Demographics
Before opening your dental office, you should have a target demographic in mind. Who are your ideal patients? Look at the neighborhood’s average household income, population consistency and median age to determine whether your practice will be easily accessible to a large customer base. If your office concentrates on cosmetic dental treatments, consider placing your business in a wealthier neighborhood to attract patients willing to pay for those services. If you provide pediatric dentistry, then choose a convenient location near a family-oriented community.
Competition
Being within a close radius to competing dental offices could hurt your business. However, clinics that offer different services than you might be beneficial. For example, an orthodontic office nearby might make a great neighbor for your pediatric practice. You can offer referrals to one another’s businesses for different services.
Visibility
Visibility is a significant location factor for a dentist office, especially for practitioners that can’t rely on referrals for new patients. Make it easy for patients to find you and remain top of mind by setting up your office in a commercial plaza, or free-standing building visible to passer-bys.
Parking and Accessibility
Make your dental practice easy to access with plenty of nearby parking available for patients and staff. Find out if the area provides public transportation. You should also take into account the property’s surrounding businesses, such as daycare centers, grocery stores and banks. Potential patients and their families will enjoy the convenience of local amenities near your practice.