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Dental Construction Costs: The $100K Surprise Hiding Beneath Your Feet

Dental Construction Costs: The $100K Surprise Hiding Beneath Your Feet

If you’re preparing to open your own dental practice, you’ve probably asked, “What’s the average dental construction cost?”

Smart question—but here’s a better one:
“What’s the biggest surprise cost that could blindside me?”

Spoiler: It’s not a fancy piece of equipment or upgraded cabinetry.
It’s your driveway.

Yes, your driveway—plus the land and infrastructure around it—can quietly eat $100,000 of your budget if you’re not prepared.

The Hidden Danger in Your Construction Budget

Most doctors plan for chairs, cabinetry, finishes—even a few upgrades.

But what catches them off guard?

  • Drainage

  • Setbacks

  • Curb cuts

  • Fire lane access

  • ADA slopes

  • Water retention

  • Long driveways for tricky lots

None of this is glamorous. But all of it is required.

And because it happens early in construction—when momentum is high and timelines are tight—these costs can pile up fast before you have time to course-correct.

Why This Matters for Startup Owners

Unlike a home build, your dental office must meet commercial development codes. Cities may require additional access points, extra paving, underground drainage work, or wider drives to accommodate emergency vehicles.

These things don’t show up on most “buildout checklists”—but they do show up on invoices.

At Ideal Practices, we’ve seen real clients face surprise infrastructure costs as high as $80K–$120K—all before a single operatory was installed.

How to Stay Ahead of the Cost Curve

Avoid the budget bombshell by planning for:

  • Storm drainage and utilities

  • ADA-compliant entrances and slope grading

  • Zoning rules for setbacks, parking, or signage

  • City-specific infrastructure requirements

  • Site-specific surprises (like flag lots or corner properties)

No, you don’t need to become a civil engineer.
But you do need a team that’s seen it all before.

Bottom Line: This Isn’t About Fear—It’s About Preparation

Every successful startup we’ve supported had two things: a clear plan and the right people helping them avoid the hidden traps.

That’s why our Startup Practice Blueprint includes construction strategy from day one—so you’re not stuck mid-project, writing checks you didn’t budget for.

Next steps for smart planning:

Because when it comes to your practice dreams, the invisible costs matter just as much as the visible ones.

Let’s make sure you’re ready.

—Stephen Trutter