The Lease That Could Make—or Break—Your Dental Startup

The Lease That Could Make—or Break—Your Dental Startup

When you're building your dental startup, your lease isn’t just a formality—it’s a foundational contract that can either protect your practice or quietly sabotage it.

And yet, many dentists sign leases that give landlords more control than they ever intended. From limiting the sale of your practice to giving away rights to your own equipment, the wrong lease terms can have massive financial consequences.

Let’s walk through what to look for—and how to protect yourself from the start.

How Dental Leases Can Work Against You

In a recent episode of the Ideal Practices Podcast, we shared two powerful case studies of dentists who narrowly avoided disaster—all because they got strategic with their leases before signing.

Here are a few must-know takeaways:

• Why “custom” lease agreements often come with hidden risks

• What the TI (Tenant Improvement) Allowance really means—and how to negotiate more

• How dentists unintentionally give up legal rights to equipment

• What to include to protect $75,000+ in investment and build-out

• Why most lease language protects the landlord, not the practice owner

• Two rules of thumb to help you navigate lease negotiations with clarity

Leases Aren’t Just Paperwork—They’re a Business Decision

Many new practice owners are shocked to learn that the lease they signed is the very document preventing them from selling or relocating their practice years later.

This isn't about paranoia. It’s about preparation. You need to know which clauses to negotiate and which to walk away from entirely.

Want to Take the Next Step Toward a Stronger Startup?

Here’s how to move forward strategically:

• Learn the proven 13-step strategy in the Startup Practice Book: idealpractices.com/startup

• Talk through your lease concerns and startup plan—Book a Consultation Call

• Follow us on Facebook for more real-world examples and conversations: facebook.com/idealpractices

Your lease is more than a location agreement—it’s a legal framework for your business success. Let’s make sure it supports your goals from day one.

—Stephen Trutter