Key Takeaways

• Start early with strategic planning. Budget six to nine months before construction to evaluate spaces, negotiate leases, and design for both current needs and future growth.
• Hire specialists, not generalists. Dental office construction requires precision and experience, and small mistakes in layout, plumbing, or equipment placement can lead to costly fixes later.
• Prioritize long-term value over short-term savings. The lowest bid often overlooks critical project elements, causing delays, additional costs, and lost revenue opportunities.
• Build a trusted advisory team. Partner with a CPA, attorney, lender, and specialized contractor who understand the dental industry to align financial planning, construction, and growth strategy.
• View your office as a business investment. A well-planned, properly executed build sets the foundation for operational efficiency, patient experience, and long-term profitability.

For many dentists, opening a new practice is one of the most exciting yet nerve-wracking steps in their careers. Between student loan debt, construction costs, and the weight of building something from the ground up, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, according to Dustin Long with Big Sky Northwest, a general contractor specializing in dental office construction and a guest on a recent Beyond Bitewings podcast, careful planning, the right team, and trusted expertise can make the process not only smoother but also more rewarding.

Construction Is About More Than Walls and Floors

Long, who has overseen more than 300 dental office builds over the past decade, emphasizes that great construction is about more than just brick and mortar; it’s about creating an experience. From the moment a dentist chooses a location to the day they welcome their first patient, each step tells a story. And with most practices built within 12 to 14 weeks once construction begins, that story unfolds quickly. But the real work starts long before ground is broken.

In fact, Long recommends budgeting six to nine months before construction for planning. During this time, dentists should work closely with brokers, attorneys, CPAs, designers, and contractors to evaluate spaces, negotiate lease terms, design layouts, and plan for future growth. Considering not just current needs but also future goals, including additional operatories, associates, or expanded services, ensures the space remains functional and profitable for years to come.

Why Specialization Matters

One of the most common mistakes dentists make is hiring a general contractor who doesn’t specialize in dental facilities. Precision matters in dental construction; a chair placed an inch too far in one direction can throw off ergonomics and patient flow. And oversights in plumbing, gas lines, or operatory design can lead to costly renovations later. As Long puts it, “It’s far more expensive to redo a practice than to do it right the first time.”

Beyond the build itself, specialized contractors also help avoid hidden costs by identifying potential site issues, negotiating tenant improvement allowances, and incorporating essential details into the plan from day one.

Look Beyond the Price Tag

While it’s natural to focus on keeping costs down, choosing the cheapest option can backfire. Long shared stories of clients who went with low-cost bids only to discover that 30% of their project had been overlooked. This can lead to expensive delays, unexpected add-ons, and lost revenue from extended construction timelines.

Think of it this way: a poorly designed or delayed build could reduce your number of operatories and potentially cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars in revenue each year. On the other hand, investing in an experienced dental construction team often pays for itself by saving time, preventing errors, and maximizing profitability from day one.

Build Your Advisory Team Now

With the right planning and partners, launching your practice doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. In fact, it can be one of the most exciting chapters of your career. Working with professionals who understand the business side of dentistry ensures that every element, from funding and financial forecasting to office design, is aligned with your growth strategy. When your advisory team understands the nuances of dentistry and is working toward the same goal, you’re not just building an office, you’re building a stronger, more profitable future.