Strand Office: 020 7118 4142 London Bridge Office: 0207 403 1500 Romford Office: 020 3600 0781 Sutton Office: 020 3600 0904

Dentist Solutions

Elantax - Specialist Nasdal Dental Accountants.

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We are delighted to announce our recent merger with Ajay Associates ltd.

The two firms have recently decided to merge their practices and combine their resources to provide a better service to their clients in the new and changing environment. Ajay Patel has specialised in dealing with dentists and healthcare clients for nearly 40 years and has relocated to London Bridge.

The new combined firm will have a team of thirty professionals with three London offices.

Whether you are a salaried dentist, locum, associate, general dental practitioner or a specialist you will need help with your tax and accounting affairs.

The dental profession has become quite complex in recent years from the manner in which individual practices and individuals are paid to how best to deliver a high quality service. The nGDS and nPDS contracts have brought on added uncertainties with mid-year and annual monitoring with claw backs and in some cases unpaid over performance. Also the relaxation of the Dentists Act 1984 now permit dentists to practice via limited liability entities; this for a few individuals is an opportunity to reduce their tax burden but for many a mistake in waiting. With the uncertainty of proper funding for NHS dentistry we see severe regional differences. Independent dentistry has therefore become the only choice for many dentists which is set to polarise the profession. With further de-regulation and the introduction of DCP’s we now see new corporate bodies entering the market further fueling goodwill values.

No matter which end of dentistry you are in, as specialists we can help you to achieve your goals. This may for instance take the form of due diligence during acquisition, securing funding for expansion, bench marking, preparing for retirement, business advice, etc. Ajay Patel's membership of The National Association of Specialists Dental Accountants and Solicitors ( NASDAL) ensures that we are empowered with the latest knowledge base on dental matters. Ajay conducts an annual survey of practice and associates income and performance and monitor practice goodwill on a quarterly basis, to our knowledge this is the only statistical resource of its kind in the UK.

10 tips for Starting up a Dental Practice

  1. Do some homework.

The failure rate for dental practices is low however a failure rate could be a professional disaster. Discuss opening a practice with established dentists. See what they recommend and what the pit falls are setting up. What would they have done differently?  Once you are comfortable with the challenges you face you are less likely to fail.

  1. Build a network of trusted advisers.

Get a team of industry specific advisers such as dental practitioners, accountants specialised in dental practitioners, and dental equipment specialists who will advise you on the best course of action as opposed to how much money they can make.  You may even need a dental specific lender who will know how dental practices work.

  1. Secure financing.

You need to consider the loan term, like a mortgage 10-15 years, whether it is pre-payment, and consider interest rate levels.

  1. Have a business plan.

Templates can be gained from your lender provider.

  1. Develop your business acumen.

Dental practitioners often feel they are not given business acumen. It would be possible to speak to other students who are built their practices can help you with your dream of practice ownership. Also attending practice management seminars and downloading articles on the business dentistry can help.

  1. Maintain a high level of credit worthiness.

This tip is no secret. This must be maintained both professionally and personally as a low score can affect your practice loan. Some-one like Experian.com can help you check your rating.

  1. Maintain a manageable debt load and do not overextend yourself.

Be mindful of new technology. New technology might be expensive and equipment companies may say it will generate more income. However it can be a burden on your cash flow if you are not ready to optimize its use for immediate revenue or expanse savings.  You can start off with two dentist’s equipment at first and then get more outfit when the practice supports them.

  1. Stay on budget.

You will have a budget to build your practice. Try to stay in your budget, allowing for an overrun of 10%. Any more than that may create concern for the lender.

  1. Establish professional and practice goals.

Goals either short – term, medium-term, or long term should be achievable and measurable. Once you establish a goal, the measureable component will help you stay focused and force you to reinvent ways to achieve it. You will be ultimately responsible for achieving these goals. It can be a certain number patients a week or a month, number of hygiene appointments a week, anticipated financial income a month and so on.  It will motivate you and your team to make the difference of success and challenges.

  1. Maintain an associate position as you grow your business.

No one is more familiar with your debt load then you. From your car loan, student debt and practice debt, and the debt can be enormous. It is important to have a predictable income as you open your practice and build revenue. As an associate 2 or 3 days a week you can better predict cash flow, pay your bills and add patients to your practice.

Call Ajay Patel on 020 7403 1500 for a consultation.