Podcast Recap: Reducing Dentist Burnout Through Insurance

Key Takeaways

  • Disability insurance and proper coverage reviews can protect dentists from income loss if an injury or illness prevents them from practicing.
  • Offering employee benefits such as group health, disability, and liability coverage strengthens retention and helps combat staffing challenges.
  • Thoughtful insurance planning reduces stress for owners and teams, lowering operational risk and supporting long-term practice stability.
  • The right insurance partner does more than issue policies; they help dentists identify risks, prevent costly oversights, and stay focused on patient care.

Running a dental practice comes with an extraordinary amount of pressure, from patient care and production goals to staffing challenges and the constant demands of ownership. In a recent Beyond Bitewings episode, host Ash sat down with Nick Henshaw of WinStar Insurance Group to discuss how strategic insurance planning can help dentists reduce stress, protect their livelihoods, and strengthen their practices.

Nick specializes in insurance for dental practices and has seen firsthand how gaps in coverage or outdated policies can leave dentists vulnerable. One of the most common issues he encounters is disability insurance that hasn’t been reviewed since a dentist’s early career. Many dentists purchase basic coverage right out of school and never revisit it, even as their income, financial responsibilities, and lifestyle change. Nick emphasized that disability insurance is not limited to work-related injuries; any illness or accident that prevents a dentist from practicing can trigger a claim. Without proper coverage, the financial strain of losing the ability to produce can compound an already stressful situation.

The conversation also explored how practice owners can use group insurance benefits to strengthen retention and build a healthier workplace culture. Benefits such as health, vision, dental, disability, and group liability insurance are powerful tools for attracting and keeping talented team members, especially in competitive markets. Nick noted that younger workers increasingly prioritize culture and support over compensation alone. Offering meaningful benefits signals that a practice truly values its people, going beyond surface-level gestures like office perks or occasional recognition.

Another overlooked area is protecting hygienists and associates with appropriate disability coverage. Since practices rely heavily on the clinical output of their teams, the loss of a hygienist can create operational and financial strain. Ensuring these team members have access to protection is both a risk-management strategy and a meaningful demonstration of care.

Nick also warned practice owners about “force-placed insurance,” a costly and often inferior insurance automatically added by lenders when proof of coverage isn’t provided. This can quietly inflate loan payments and still leave practice property underinsured. Having an attentive insurance partner who manages these details can prevent delays in practice transitions, equipment acquisitions, or financing approvals.

Ultimately, Nick’s message centered on one idea: where pressure rises, risk rises. Dentists face enough stress clinically and operationally without worrying about inadequate coverage or overlooked liabilities. By reviewing policies regularly, offering strong benefits, and partnering with advisors who proactively help manage risk, practice owners can regain valuable peace of mind.

What Lower Interest Rates Mean for Your Dental Practice

Key Takeaways

  • The Fed’s recent rate cut makes borrowing more affordable, but smart planning is essential before taking on new debt.
  • Refinancing older loans can lower costs, and the savings should first go toward strengthening your financial reserves.
  • Maintain a cash buffer of at least two to three months of expenses to protect against reimbursement delays or rising costs.
  • Don’t assume low rates will last; use this window to improve stability and flexibility, not to overextend.
  • Strategic, disciplined decisions today can help your dental practice thrive through economic uncertainty.

The Federal Reserve’s latest rate cut is making headlines, but what does it actually mean for dental practices? In short, borrowing is about to get cheaper, but that doesn’t mean you should jump at every opportunity. For practice owners already managing loans, staffing, and rising costs, now is the time to think strategically, not react impulsively.

Where to Be Opportunistic

After several years of rising rates, the Fed’s recent decision to lower its benchmark rate, now hovering around 3.75% to 4%, could bring some much-needed financial breathing room. If your practice is considering investing in new technology, expanding operatories, or purchasing updated imaging equipment, financing those upgrades may soon come with a lower price tag.

The same goes for refinancing. Practices carrying older loans or equipment leases that were locked in during the higher-rate environment of 2023-2024 may have an opportunity to renegotiate better terms. Even a modest rate reduction can translate into meaningful monthly savings, funds that are best used to strengthen your financial reserves. Reinvesting those savings helps ensure long-term stability, especially if reimbursement cycles slow or costs rise unexpectedly. Once your safety net is solid, you can confidently put remaining funds toward team bonuses, technology upgrades, or marketing.

Where to Be Careful

It’s easy to see lower rates as a green light for growth, but proceed with a plan. Dental practices often operate on tight cash flow cycles, with insurance reimbursements and patient payments creating natural delays in revenue. Taking on too much new debt, even at attractive rates, could leave your practice exposed if collections slow or expenses rise unexpectedly.

It’s also worth remembering that the Fed’s decision doesn’t guarantee a long-term trend. Inflation remains a concern, and if economic conditions shift, rates could climb again. The smartest approach is to use this window to strengthen your financial position, not stretch it.

What to Do Right Now

Start by reviewing your current debt and cash flow picture. Look at every existing loan, from your practice mortgage to equipment leases, and identify which ones could be refinanced without penalty. Then, work with us to model how a lower interest rate could impact your monthly obligations and tax position.

If you’ve been considering a major investment, such as expanding your space or adding new operatories. In that case, it may make sense to move forward, but only after confirming that your reserves and revenue forecasts can handle the additional load. For most practices, maintaining a cash buffer of at least two to three months of expenses remains essential, especially while the economy is in flux.

Finally, keep your focus on long-term stability. Lower interest rates can create opportunities, but they can also tempt businesses into overextending. The businesses that thrive in uncertain times are the ones that balance optimism with discipline, using favorable conditions to reduce costs, build savings, and prepare for whatever comes next.

Thoughtful Growth Wins Every Time

Lower rates may make financing more accessible, but financial health still depends on sound planning. Before you refinance, expand, or upgrade, make sure those moves align with your larger goals, not just with the news cycle.

If you’d like help evaluating your options, from loan restructuring to cash-flow forecasting, our team can help you chart a course that supports your practice’s growth while keeping risk under control. Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment. 

Preparing Your Dental Practice for the Ongoing Government Shutdown

Key Takeaways

  • Stay current on taxes: IRS operations may be slowed, but filing and payment deadlines remain in effect. Avoid penalties by filing electronically and keeping your records organized.
  • Plan for premium hikes: Health and benefit plan costs are likely to rise as federal oversight remains uncertain. Review renewal terms and adjust your budget early.
  • Expect financing delays: SBA-backed loans and other federal funding channels are on hold, which could affect equipment purchases or expansion plans.
  • Protect your cash flow: Build a short-term reserve and monitor receivables closely, especially if your patients or vendors are tied to government contracts.
  • Lean on your advisors: Your accounting and financial partners can help model cash-flow scenarios, evaluate timing for investments, and prepare your practice for prolonged disruption.

The federal government shutdown is already impacting agencies and operations and showing no signs of ending any time soon. For dental practice owners, this means potential delays and disruptions, not just in Washington, D.C., but in your everyday finances, tax compliance, insurance costs, loan financing, and cash-flow stability.

Tax & IRS Realities for Dental Practices

Even though the shutdown has caused many parts of the federal government to scale back, the tax code hasn’t taken a pause. Your practice still must file returns, make estimated or quarterly tax payments (including payroll deposits), and comply with deadlines. Meanwhile, the IRS is operating with reduced staffing, meaning refunds, credits, and correspondence may take significantly longer to arrive.

If your practice anticipated a refund or tax-credit cash inflow to fund equipment purchases or operational expenses, plan now for extended wait times. At the same time, interest and penalties for late payments continue to accumulate, so it’s essential not to delay regular compliance. Keep payment schedules on track, file electronically when possible, and maintain documentation in case you receive IRS notices during the shutdown.

Insurance Premiums & Benefit Plan Impacts

As a dental practice owner, you’re also exposed to shifts in insurance markets and benefit-plan costs when federal funding is uncertain. Insurers and benefit administrators are already forecasting large premium increases next year, driven in part by uncertainty around subsidies and federal oversight. For example, federal employee health-plan premiums alone are expected to rise by more than 12% in 2026.  

For your practice and staff-benefit programs, that means two things: you may face higher benefit premiums, and you may need to update your budget assumptions accordingly. If you sponsor an employee-health plan, consider adjusting contribution models or benefit designs now, so you’re not caught off guard by rate shocks later. Communicate proactively with your benefit carrier and review renewal terms with your accounting team.

Business Loans, Equipment Financing & Cash-Flow Considerations

Another key risk for dental practices during a prolonged shutdown is financing and loan access. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) reports that each business day during the shutdown, roughly $170 million in federally-guaranteed loans have been blocked, affecting hundreds of small and mid-sized businesses.  

For a dental practice planning to purchase new equipment, open a second location, refinance, or undertake a practice acquisition, this means possible delays or increased cost of capital. If you were relying on loan disbursement, tax refunds, or growth funding that’s now delayed, you’ll want to stress-test your cash-flow assumption for slower inflows and higher borrowing costs. We are happy to help you model scenarios that include 30-60-day delays in reimbursement or loan proceeds and help identify contingency plans.

What You Can Do Right Now

  • File and pay taxes electronically to reduce processing risk during delays.
  • Build a cash buffer equal to at least 2-3 months of operating costs based on worst-case assumptions.
  • Review your upcoming equipment purchases, lease obligations, and expansion plans with an eye toward delay risk.
  • Talk to your benefits broker now about the upcoming premium renewal, and ask about rate-shock mitigation strategies.
  • Monitor receivables carefully, especially if you serve a lot of patients or groups tied to federal employment or contractors.
  • Communicate with us as well as your internal accounting, financing, and advisory teams early, so we can prepare for all scenarios accordingly.

We Are in this Together

A government shutdown doesn’t mean your dental practice can pause its responsibilities, but it does raise the odds of financial disruption. By being proactive about tax timing, insurance costs, loan access, and cash flow, you put your practice in a better position to navigate the uncertainty. If you’d like help reviewing your cash-flow model, reviewing purchase or expansion plans, or evaluating your tax timeline in light of the shutdown, our team is ready to work with you so your practice can stay focused on serving patients.

Texas Financing License Renewal Deadline is December 1

Key Takeaways

  • Texas dental offices that offer third-party or in-house financing must hold an active license with the Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner (OCCC).
  • The renewal deadline for this license is December 1, 2025.
  • You can complete the renewal directly through the Texas OCCC website, or we can manage the process for clients.
  • Practices that don’t comply risk penalties and potential disruption to their patient financing options.

Understanding the Texas Financing License Requirement

For Texas dental practices, offering flexible payment options can help improve case acceptance and make dental care more accessible to patients. However, if your office provides third-party financing (such as CareCredit or Sunbit) or in-house payment plans that extend beyond 90 days, you’re legally required to hold a business license from the Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner (OCCC).

This licensing requirement stems from Texas Finance Code §342, which regulates businesses that extend consumer credit. The goal is to ensure that lenders, including healthcare providers who allow deferred payments, operate transparently and in compliance with consumer protection laws.

While the regulation has been in place for a few years, many dental offices are still unaware of it or have yet to renew. The annual renewal deadline is December 1, making now the time to double-check your compliance.

Who Needs the License?

In simple terms, if your practice allows patients to pay balances over time or through third-party financing, you likely need a license.

You do not need a license if:

  • Your practice only accepts direct payments at the time of service.
  • You don’t offer installment plans or financing options.
  • You work solely as an associate or contractor and don’t bill patients directly.

Failing to maintain an active license could expose your practice to fines, delays, or loss of financing privileges, which can impact both cash flow and patient relationships.

How to Stay Compliant

You can file or renew your OCCC license directly through the Texas OCCC website by paying the $10 renewal fee. If you prefer not to handle the paperwork yourself, we are here to manage the process for our clients as long as you let us know by November 19. For a flat $100 filing fee, we’ll submit your renewal, confirm completion, and keep your practice compliant with state regulations. (Note: If you’re already part of our Monthly Core Services plan, we’ve got this covered for you.)

Why It Matters

For dental practices, compliance isn’t just about avoiding penalties; it’s about protecting the trust you’ve built with patients and ensuring uninterrupted access to financing options that support treatment acceptance. By staying proactive, you can maintain smooth operations and focus on what matters most: providing great patient care.

Need Help Filing?

If you’re unsure whether this rule applies to your office or would like us to handle your license renewal, contact our team today. We’ll ensure everything is filed correctly and on time, so you can move into the new year with peace of mind.

Podcast Recap: How to Successfully Build Your Dream Dental Office

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.

2026 Tax Changes Every Dental Practice Owner Should Know

Key Takeaways

  • Estate tax thresholds are increasing, creating new opportunities for wealth transfer and succession planning.
  • Standard deductions and tax brackets are increasing for 2026, which could impact how much you owe or how much you save.
  • Credits and exclusions, including the adoption credit and earned income tax credit, are getting inflation adjustments that could benefit your household.
  • Business-related benefits, like the childcare tax credit and flexible spending limits, are rising, offering more ways to manage expenses.

The IRS has announced its annual inflation adjustments for 2026, and they can add up to big differences for dental practice owners and their families. These changes will apply to tax returns filed in 2027, but now is the time to start planning so you’re not caught off guard.

Bigger Standard Deductions for Most Filers

One of the most notable updates is the higher standard deduction, which reduces the amount of income subject to tax. For 2026, the new amounts are:

  • $32,200 – Married couples filing jointly
  • $16,100 – Single filers or married filing separately
  • $24,150 – Heads of household

This means you’ll keep more of your income tax-free, which can be especially valuable if you’re reinvesting profits into your practice or saving for retirement.

Updated Tax Brackets: Where Your Income Falls Matters

While the top marginal tax rate remains 37%, income thresholds are shifting upward. Here’s how the 2026 brackets break down for single filers (married filing jointly thresholds in parentheses):

  • 35% for income over $256,225 ($512,450)
  • 32% for income over $201,775 ($403,550)
  • 24% for income over $105,700 ($211,400)
  • 22% for income over $50,400 ($100,800)
  • 12% for income over $12,400 ($24,800)
  • 10% for income below $12,400 ($24,800)

For practice owners, these bracket shifts could affect how you time income, bonuses, or equipment purchases. Strategic planning now can help reduce your overall tax liability.

Planning for the Future: Estate and Gift Tax Updates

Succession planning is essential for any dental practice, and new thresholds may open the door for more tax-efficient transfers:

  • Estate Tax Exemption: Rises to $15 million, up from $13.99 million.
  • Annual Gift Exclusion: Remains at $19,000, while gifts to a non-U.S. citizen spouse increase to $194,000.

If you’re thinking about transitioning your practice or passing wealth to the next generation, these changes could significantly reduce your tax burden.

Business and Employee Benefits: Expanded Opportunities

Running a practice isn’t just about patient care; it’s also about smart business decisions. Several inflation adjustments for 2026 could impact how you compensate and support your team:

  • Child Care Tax Credit: Increases from $150,000 to $500,000 for employer-provided care (up to $600,000 for eligible small businesses).
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): The annual salary reduction limit increases to $3,400, with a $680 carryover option.
  • Qualified Transportation Benefits: Monthly limits increase to $340.

These higher limits provide more ways to offer competitive benefits, which can support retention and reduce turnover in a tight labor market.

Key Personal and Family Tax Benefits

In addition to practice-level planning, individual taxpayers will see changes that can impact household finances:

  • Adoption Credit: Up to $17,670, with $5,120 refundable.
  • Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): The maximum credit for families with three or more children increases to $8,231.
  • Foreign Earned Income Exclusion: Rises to $132,900.

These adjustments offer new planning opportunities, particularly for dental professionals with growing families or global income considerations.

Why Early Planning Matters for Dental Practices

These changes don’t just affect your next return; they can shape your entire tax strategy. Whether it’s timing revenue and expenses, updating your compensation structure, or planning for succession, proactive tax planning is key to minimizing what you owe and maximizing what you keep.

At Edwards & Associates, we work exclusively with dental professionals to translate IRS changes into actionable strategies for your practice and personal wealth. The earlier we start planning, the more opportunities we have to protect your income and grow your financial future.

The 2026 tax landscape is shifting in ways that could directly affect your practice, your team, and your personal finances. Don’t wait until tax season to react; plan ahead for the most flexibility.

What the Government Shutdown and IRS Furlough Mean for You

Key Takeaways

  • The IRS is operating at half capacity as roughly 34,000 employees have been furloughed during the government shutdown that began on October 1, 2025.
  • Electronic filing and payments continue as normal, but audits, taxpayer phone support, and correspondence are on hold until the government reopens.
  • Taxpayers who filed extensions until October 15 should still file and pay on time. The IRS continues to process returns, but delays in confirmations or refunds are likely.
  • Dental practice owners can expect slower IRS communication and potential backlogs, but filings submitted electronically remain secure.
  • For current Edwards & Associates clients, no action is required. Our team continues managing all submissions and monitoring IRS updates on your behalf.
  • If you aren’t yet a client, reach out to us to talk about working with a firm experienced in managing filings during government shutdowns and IRS delays.

The federal government shutdown, which began on October 1, 2025, is not significantly impacting the IRS.

On October 8, the agency furloughed nearly half of its 74,000 employees after using leftover Inflation Reduction Act funds to stay open for the first few days of the shutdown. What does that mean for taxpayers, especially dental practice owners who filed extensions and are approaching the October 15 deadline? In short, the IRS is still accepting returns and payments, but response times and certain processes are already slowing down. Here’s what we know and what we don’t.

What’s Still Running

While roughly 34,000 employees are furloughed, the IRS is keeping some “excepted” operations active, including:

  • Electronic filing and payment processing, which continue automatically
  • Limited computer systems maintenance to prevent data loss or system failure
  • Criminal investigations and disaster relief processing which fall under essential services.

Everything else, from taxpayer assistance lines to audit reviews and correspondence, is on hold. That means if your return needs manual review, or if you’re waiting on a reply or refund check, you can expect delays. 

What This Means for Dental Practices

For our clients, the good news is that we’ve already submitted or are finalizing your extension returns, and those filings are being processed electronically. The IRS’s digital systems are still functioning, and electronic payments continue to post normally.

However, some ripple effects are possible in the weeks ahead:

  • Delayed confirmations or correspondence from the IRS, especially for returns that trigger additional review
  • Longer response times to questions, adjustments, or refund requests
  • Potential backlog growth that could affect future filings if the shutdown lasts several weeks.

In other words, your filings are safe, but don’t expect the usual pace of communication or updates from the IRS until the government reopens.

What We Don’t Yet Know

Like much of the tax community, we’re still waiting for clarity on:

  • How quickly furloughed employees will return once funding is restored
  • Whether the backlog will affect next year’s filing season
  • Whether certain enforcement or compliance activities will be delayed or compressed later in the year.

The Taxpayer Advocate Service is also shut down during the furlough, removing one of the few safety valves for those caught in IRS delays.

What Our Clients Should Do

If you’re already a client of our firm, rest assured: we’re monitoring developments daily and will reach out if anything changes that could affect your filings, payments, or correspondence with the IRS. You don’t need to take any action right now. Our team will continue managing everything on your behalf and keeping you informed.

If you aren’t currently working with us but are concerned about your upcoming filing or payments, now is the time to line up a tax advisor who understands the system and how to navigate unexpected disruptions like this one. While we can’t help new clients with their 10/15 filings, we’re here to assist with future extension filings, electronic submissions, payment verification and tracking, and IRS correspondence once operations resume.

Hang Tight

The IRS shutdown is another reminder of how unpredictable the tax landscape can be. For most dental practices, this won’t create immediate problems, but it does underscore the value of having a team that stays ahead of every detail, especially when communication with the IRS is limited.

At Edwards & Associates, we keep a close eye on developments like these, so you don’t have to. If you have questions about your filing, or if you’d like to make sure your tax plan is protected no matter what happens in Washington, our team is just a call or email away.

The HIRE Act and What It Could Mean for Your Dental Practice

Key Takeaways

  • The HIRE Act targets accounting outsourcing. If passed, the Halting International Relocation of Employment (HIRE) Act would add a 25% tax on payments to foreign contractors and remove the ability to deduct outsourcing costs — making offshore accounting services much more expensive.
  • Dental practices could face higher accounting fees. Many CPA firms that outsource would likely pass these new costs on to clients, raising the price of tax preparation, bookkeeping, and other accounting services for dental practices.
  • Outsourcing adds risks beyond cost. Offshore accounting work can create challenges with data security, oversight, accountability, and consistency in client service.
  • Edwards & Associates provides U.S.-based accounting support. Because the firm never outsources, dental practices avoid surprise fee increases and know their financial data is handled by trusted, in-house professionals.

Congress is considering new legislation called the Halting International Relocation of Employment (HIRE) Act, introduced in September 2025. Although still in its early stages, the bill could significantly increase the cost for accounting firms that outsource client work overseas. Why does this matter to you as a dental practice owner or administrator? Because if your accounting firm relies on outsourcing, you may end up paying the price.

What the HIRE Act Would Do

The HIRE Act is designed to discourage companies from offshoring work and instead encourage U.S. job growth. It does this in two big ways:

  • New 25% tax on outsourcing payments: Any U.S. business, including accounting firms, that pays foreign contractors for work benefiting U.S. clients would owe a 25% excise tax on top of those payments.
  • Loss of tax deductions: Today, outsourcing costs are deductible business expenses. Under the HIRE Act, that deduction would disappear, meaning firms would owe income tax as if those expenses never happened.

Together, those changes could greatly increase the effective cost of outsourcing. For example, if a firm currently pays $100,000 a year to an offshore provider, the real after-tax cost could jump to around $150,000 under the HIRE Act.

While the HIRE Act is still only a proposal, most experts believe it is unlikely to pass in its current form. That said, legislation often changes shape as it moves through Congress, and some version of it could eventually become law. That’s why we’re keeping a close eye on it now so we can help explain what it would do and what it could mean for your practice if it advances.

Why That Matters for Dental Practices

For firms that outsource, these higher costs won’t stay behind the scenes. They’ll almost certainly be passed on to clients in the form of higher fees. And here’s the frustrating reality: when many firms first turned to outsourcing to cut their own costs, very few passed those savings along to their clients. Yet if the HIRE Act passes and outsourcing becomes more expensive, it’s very likely those same firms will shift the added costs to the practices they serve. In other words, clients could pay more for the same work, all because of a business decision they didn’t make.

On top of cost, outsourcing has always raised other concerns like reduced oversight, less accountability, and potential risks to the security of sensitive financial data.

Why Edwards & Associates Is Different

At Edwards & Associates, we don’t outsource your work. Everything is handled by our U.S.-based team, with the people and processes you already know and trust. That means:

  • No surprise fee increases tied to outsourcing legislation
  • No hidden risks about who is handling your financial data
  • A consistent, client-first focus on supporting your practice

While the HIRE Act is still making its way through Congress, it highlights an important truth: there is risk involved when your accounting firm outsources. With Edwards & Associates, you don’t have to worry about unexpected costs or hidden trade-offs. Our commitment is, and always has been, to keep your work in-house so we can focus on what matters most: helping your practice thrive.

Podcast Recap: Unlock Hidden Revenue in Your Dental Practice with Mobile Specialty Care

In this episode of Beyond Bitewings, host Ash sat down with Cindy Lozano, co-founder of Nomad Mobile Dental Specialists, to discuss how her company helps general dental practices keep specialty procedures in-house. Rather than referring patients to outside specialists for endodontics, periodontics, oral surgery, or even advanced procedures like all-on-four implants, Nomad provides the specialists, assistants, and equipment directly to the general practice. This approach allows practices to keep both the patient relationship and the associated revenue under their own roof.

Cindy explained that Nomad handles nearly everything needed for specialty services, from training staff on specialty insurance verification to bringing in their own assistants and disposables for procedures. The only responsibilities left to the practice are managing patient payments, filing insurance claims (if they choose), and providing sterilization space and the dental chair. Nomad carries malpractice insurance and works with practices to integrate seamlessly, tailoring the arrangement to each office’s workflow.

Financially, the model is designed to be simple and low-risk for practices. Instead of paying upfront, practices agree to share a pre-set percentage of the specialty production with Nomad, while retaining the rest. Cindy shared examples of practices that have grown dramatically, with one office increasing daily production from $3,000 to $25,000 through consistent use of Nomad’s services. In some cases, practices that never realized they needed specialty support have seen up to $90,000 in monthly production once Nomad helped them identify patient opportunities.

Flexibility is central to Nomad’s approach. Some practices schedule visits every few weeks, while others bring Nomad in multiple times a month. The service is not one-size-fits-all; Cindy emphasized that each partnership is tailored to patient demand and practice needs. Even offices that handle some specialty cases themselves can rely on Nomad for complex or high-risk procedures, allowing them to provide a broader scope of care without losing patients to outside referrals.

The conversation also touched on implementation. Nomad typically introduces itself through a lunch-and-learn with the office team, followed by a pilot day about six to eight weeks later. From there, the frequency of visits is set based on patient volume. Cindy underscored that their model isn’t about running another practice’s operations but creating a genuine partnership that adds value on both the patient and business side. For practices, that means less lost revenue, greater patient satisfaction, and a more complete set of services under one roof.

The New Roth Catch-Up Rule: What Dentists Should Know

Key Takeaways

  • What dentists need to know about the new SECURE 2.0 Roth catch-up contribution rules
  • How dental practice owners can prepare for retirement plan changes starting in 2026
  • Roth catch-up contributions explained for dentists and other high-income professionals
  • Financial planning tips for dentists navigating SECURE 2.0 updates to 401(k) and retirement savings

Retirement rules are changing, and if you’re age 50 or older (or will be soon), this might affect how you save in your 401(k) or other retirement plans. On September 15, the IRS finalized regulations under the SECURE 2.0 Act that add a new wrinkle: certain catch-up contributions must now go into Roth (after-tax) accounts instead of traditional pre-tax accounts

Here’s what’s happening and what you should watch for:

What’s Changing

  1. Mandatory Roth treatment for higher earners: Under the new rules, if your prior-year wages from your employer exceeded $145,000 (subject to indexing for annual inflation), any catch-up contributions you make beginning in 2026 must go into a Roth account. This means you will pay taxes on them now rather than later. This is a significant shift for high earners who have relied on pre-tax catch-up contributions.  
  2. Higher catch-up limit for ages 60-63: SECURE 2.0 also includes an increase in the catch-up contribution limit for people who turn 60, 61, 62, or 63 during the year. The new “super catch-up” limit is 150% of the standard catch-up amount. For 2025, that means $11,250 instead of $7,500. In doing so, the law gives older savers an opportunity to boost savings more steeply.  
  3. Implementation timeline & flexibility built in: The final regulations become effective November 17, 2025, and generally apply to contributions made in tax years beginning after December 31, 2026. However, during 2026, the IRS allows “reasonable, good-faith interpretation” of the rules, giving plan administrators some flexibility in the transition. Plans without a Roth option face a tough reality: participants subject to the new rule may not be allowed to make any catch-up contributions (pre-tax or Roth).  

Why This Matters for Dentists & Practice Owners

These changes may seem technical, but they have real implications for your tax, retirement, and practice decisions:

  • Possible higher tax hit in peak earning years: If your wages exceed the $145,000 threshold, your catch-up contributions must go into a Roth account. That means no upfront tax deduction, potentially increasing your adjusted gross income (AGI) and affecting eligibility for other deductions, credits, or phase-outs. For dentists in high-margin years, the difference can be meaningful.
  • Catch-ups require Roth access: Beginning in 2026, high earners can only make catch-up contributions into a Roth account. If a plan doesn’t offer a Roth option, those participants can’t make catch-ups until the plan is amended. Practices should review plan design now to avoid limiting savings.
  • Planning assumptions shift: Until now, many planners assumed catch-up contributions would remain pre-tax, and in effect, act as a tax deferral. These new rules force planners to rethink projections of after-tax income in retirement. Because Roth withdrawals are typically tax-free, the shift may benefit those who expect to be in a higher tax bracket in retirement, but it’s a gamble.
  • Opportunity for older savers
    The “super catch-up” for people ages 60-63 gives a window to increase savings significantly later in your career. For dental professionals closing in on retirement or looking to accelerate contributions, that is a useful tool, but it must still adhere to the Roth rule if you’re above the $145,000 wage threshold.

What You Should Do Now

To adapt to these changes and ensure your retirement strategy stays on track, here are steps to consider:

  • Review your retirement plan offerings: Talk with your plan administrator or financial advisor to confirm whether your plan offers Roth contributions. If not, it may be time to evaluate adding one.
  • Model both scenarios: Run projections under both tax-deferred vs. Roth catch-up assumptions. See how much after-tax income you’d net under expected tax rates in retirement. Consider tweaks to your non-retirement savings or charitable planning to offset the tax change, if required.
  • Phase in changes: With the good-faith window in 2026, you might be able to ease into the changes. But don’t assume unlimited flexibility.
  • Communicate with your compensation and benefits teams: If you run a dental practice with associates or employees, these changes will affect them too. Make sure plan design, employee communications, and payroll systems are ready well before 2026.
  • Stay current on indexing and thresholds: The $145,000 threshold will be indexed for inflation. What applies now may change, requiring recalibration year to year.

Starting in 2026, higher earners aged 50 and up will no longer enjoy the luxury of making catch-up contributions in a tax-deferred bucket. That means paying the tax now rather than later. For dentists, whose best earning years often come later in a career, this shift could bite if not anticipated. But with careful planning, design updates, and scenario modeling, it’s still possible to adjust your strategy so your retirement goals remain intact, and maybe even enhanced with the right moves.

If you’d like help modeling how this change affects your situation, whether as a practice owner or in your personal retirement projections, we’re ready to help you explore the best path forward.

IRS Phasing Out Paper Checks on September 30

In March 2025, the White House issued an Executive Order on Modernizing Payments to and from America’s Bank Account (essentially the IRS’s system for payments and refunds). As part of this effort, the U.S. Treasury announced that, starting September 30, 2025, it will no longer send paper checks for IRS payments. From that date forward, refunds and other federal tax payments will only be issued electronically.

For dental practice owners, this may not feel like a big shift since you’re probably already paying and receiving funds electronically. However, it’s important to understand what’s happening and how to help family members who may still rely on paper checks prepare for the change.

Why the Change Is Happening

This particular shift is part of a broader government initiative to modernize payments. Electronic transfers are faster, more secure, and more cost-effective than paper checks, and they also reduce the risk of mail theft, fraud, or lost payments, something that has grown in recent years.

What It Means for You

  • Refunds: If you typically get your IRS refund by check, you’ll need to provide direct deposit details or another electronic option going forward.
  • Payments: While details are still emerging, the IRS is expected to encourage or even require more electronic tax payments. 
  • Exceptions: Some taxpayers, such as individuals without bank accounts or those facing specific hardships, may still be able to request paper checks, but these allowances will be rare.

Why We’re Sharing This

While this change may not affect you directly, we want to ensure everyone is as informed as possible. You may have family members, especially older relatives, who still depend on paper checks. For them, this shift could feel like a big adjustment. Passing along this information now gives them time to prepare before the next tax season and allows them to set up direct deposit or look into alternatives like prepaid debit cards.

What To Do Now

  • Confirm your bank information with the IRS if you normally get refunds. You can confirm or update your bank account information through secure IRS tools like Direct Pay, EFTPS, and the IRS Online Account.
  • Encourage family members who still depend on paper checks to talk to their bank or financial advisor about electronic options.
  • Stay informed: The IRS is expected to release additional guidance on payment acceptance and exceptions over the coming days. We will do our best to keep you updated as new information is released.

Note For Those Yet to File Their 2024 Tax Return

If you have not yet filed your 2024 tax return, but plan to before the October 15 deadline, keep in mind that the new rules will apply to you. Beginning September 30, 2025, IRS refunds will only be issued electronically, and any balance due will be paid the same way. If you don’t provide valid banking information for your refund, you risk delays or even having the payment held until those details are confirmed.

At the end of the day, this change is about making the system faster and more secure. If you have any questions or want help, just let us know. We are here to help make this transition as seamless as possible.