DAVIE, Fla., May 15, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- A national research study from Bankers Healthcare Group, a leading provider of financial solutions for healthcare professionals, examines how dentists manage their business finances and investments. BHG surveyed more than 400 dental professionals (both practice owners and associates) to better understand their financial decision-making and how they're investing to maintain and grow their practices/services.
Making Financial Decisions
Three out of four dentists (76%) play an active role in making financial decisions for their practice, regardless of their title within the office. These decisions include budgeting, investments, and borrowing.
Among practice owners only, 60% make financial decisions on their own, while 27% make them jointly with others. The remaining 13% are hands-off in financial decision-making, relying on others such as practice partners, office managers, or a financial advisor. Those aged 35 and older skewed higher on sole decision-making, while younger practice owners were more likely to tap other experts to make financial decisions.
Among associates (non-practice owners), those aged 35-49 and who practice with only two or fewer other dentists are more likely to be involved in their practice's financial decisions.
Practice Expenses
Practice owners surveyed say payroll and benefits are their highest expenses, with nearly half (47%) estimating an average annual spend $100,000-$299,999, while about a quarter (22%) estimate spending $300,000-$499,999.
Hiring office staff is the most frequently incurred significant financial investment for dentists. One-quarter said their practice hires office staff every two to three years, while another 22% hire annually. Upgrading or purchasing new equipment is also a frequent larger financial move, with 20% indicating they're likely to do this every year.
BHG asked respondents to estimate how much they spend on average for other annual practice costs. Top expenses include:
Dental Supplies: 32% report spending more than more than $30,000.
Office Rent/Mortgage: 39% spend more than $30,000.
Lab Fees: 29% of owners estimate they spend over $30,000.
Lower expenses include:
Marketing: 43% report spending less than $3,000.
Continuing Education: 41% of owners spend less than $3,000.
Borrowing Habits
Almost half of all dentists (44%) surveyed said they've taken out a commercial loan and 40% have taken out a personal loan. The most common uses of a business loan include:
Start/open practice/healthcare business: 50%
Working capital: 41%
To finance expansion/equipment: 32%
About Bankers Healthcare Group
Bankers Healthcare Group provides innovative, hassle-free financial solutions to healthcare practitioners and other licensed professionals. Since 2001, BHG has provided more than $4 billion in financial solutions to thousands of satisfied customers nationwide. BHG is proud to maintain partnerships with leading healthcare industry associations, and is recognized regionally and nationally for innovation, continued growth, and being a best place to work. BHG is partially owned by Pinnacle Financial Partners. To learn more, visit www.bankershealthcaregroup.com, and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.
