January 25, 2019

6 Perks of Buying a Rural Dental Practice

When buying or starting a dental practice, it’s easy to be drawn toward big-city or metropolitan areas. After all, more people equals more money, right? Not necessarily. One in 10 dentists practices outside of a 30-minute radius from a large city, and for good reason. Here are some perks worth considering if you’re in the market.

More complex cases

For better or worse, rural towns tend to have more complex cases. That is, dentists trend toward seeing more restorative work versus preventative treatment, similar dental procedures to that of urban practices, such as dentures, crowns, bridges, onlays, inlays and dental implants.

More patient demand

Statistically, less competition as fewer dentists are gravitating toward major cities and suburban areas means more patient demand, which equates to a better financial outcome in the long run for the practicing dentist.

More economic and buy-in opportunities

Established practices in rural areas offer more economic and buy-in opportunities simply because existing clinicians are doing well financially and, therefore, don’t have to put off retirement. Similarly, while many young graduates are having a harder time finding associate-to-buy-in opportunities, less competition means more economic opportunities.

Accelerated loan forgiveness

In areas with dental shortages, some states offer accelerated loan forgiveness based on the number of years a doctor practices in a shortage area. What’s more, in reducing your debt, you’ll be able to purchase a practice in a less-competitive market at a competitive price, resulting in a better return on your investment.

Lower overhead, higher net profit

Lower cost of labor, lower occupancy costs, lower rent and office costs, lower housing, and comparable dentistry fees to urban areas all contribute to lower overhead costs, which, in turn, results in a higher net profit for the practicing dentist. And, contrary to popular belief, most rural or small-town practices have updated facilities and high-end equipment.

Better goodwill

It’s no surprise that smaller towns come with a slower pace, allowing you to build a stronger connection with your patients that then translates into goodwill for your practice in the community while also significantly increasing your level of job satisfaction.

What’s next?

Read more about the buying process in the e-book “Transitions: Your Next Adventure Awaits,” then contact the experts at Professional Transition Strategies to find a rural dental practice for sale in your area.