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How to Get Paid Without Losing Patients: A/R Strategies for Startup Practice Owners

 

How to Get Paid Without Losing Patients: A/R Strategies for Startup Practice Owners

Let’s face it—building a successful dental startup isn’t just about clinical excellence or crafting the perfect patient experience. It’s also about making sure your practice gets paid. And while few dentists go into private practice dreaming about accounts receivable, ignoring it can quietly erode the financial health of your future business.

In fact, one of the most common surprises new owners face is discovering that their “best” patients—kind, loyal, friendly—can still become overdue payers.

The good news? There’s a strategic way to protect your practice's cash flow without compromising patient trust. And today, I’m bringing you insights straight from dental A/R expert Andy Cleveland, who’s spent years helping practices navigate this tricky but essential terrain.

Why Smart A/R Strategy Is a Must for Dental Startups

When you’re preparing to open your own dental practice, you’re laying the groundwork for long-term sustainability. That includes your financial systems—especially when it comes to managing payments.

In our conversation, Andy shared the foundational habits that set healthy practices apart from the ones constantly chasing balances or fearing patient backlash.

Here’s what you’ll take away:

  • How to avoid building A/R in the first place—with systems that prevent it up front

  • When to offer flexible payment options (and when not to)

  • The smart way to get your team aligned on patient payment discussions

  • Why some balances should be held—and how to handle them strategically

  • A surprisingly strong link between financial transparency and patient health outcomes

It’s not about becoming a collections agency. It’s about running a healthy business that allows you to serve more people—confidently and sustainably.

Getting Paid Isn’t Just About the Money—It’s About Your Mission

When you’re constantly worried about cash flow, it’s harder to focus on the real reason you started your practice: patient care. A strong A/R process supports that mission.

And here’s the thing—your patients want clarity too. With the right approach, you can build a practice where financial conversations are clear, respectful, and well-received.

Bonus Tools to Strengthen Your Systems

Take the next step in building your financial strategy:

You don’t have to sacrifice relationships to build a thriving business. With the right tools and team, you can create a practice that’s both financially sound and deeply trusted by your patients.

Let’s build it—together.

—Stephen Trutter