Should You Relocate Your Dental Practice? What Every Startup Owner Needs to Know

Should You Relocate Your Dental Practice? What Every Startup Owner Needs to Know

Relocating a dental practice will either be:

(A) A strategic decision you make ahead of time, with control
or
(B) The worst news of your career

Which path you take depends entirely on your preparation.

I’ve seen both scenarios play out. One dentist was blindsided when their building was unexpectedly bulldozed. No warning. No plan B. And then there are those who relocate with purpose—adding ops, improving access, and growing revenue because the move was intentional.

So let’s talk about how to make sure you land in the first category.

Practice Relocation: When It’s Smart, When It’s Risky

Relocation might not be on your radar today—but it’s a real possibility over the lifetime of your practice. Whether you’re planning for expansion or just exploring options, here’s what you need to think through first.

Key relocation triggers we’ve seen over the years:

• Landlords selling buildings unexpectedly

• Major commercial developments (yes, even a new grocery store next door can hurt your practice)

• Zoning shifts that restrict healthcare operations

• Practices outgrowing their original footprint

In every one of these scenarios, relocation became necessary—but only the dentists with a plan were able to handle it well.

The Hidden Costs of Relocation

Relocation isn’t just about packing up and moving equipment. The hidden expenses are where many dentists get caught off guard.

Here’s what you’ll need to factor into your plan:

• Buildout and construction costs for the new space

• Marketing to reintroduce your practice to the community

• Operational downtime or patient attrition during the transition

• Staff re-training or turnover depending on the new location

• Technology infrastructure setup

To avoid surprises, get clear on financial modeling early. We cover this in detail inside the Startup Practice Blueprint.

Is Relocation Ever a Good Idea?

Actually, yes. When done intentionally, relocation can set the stage for faster growth, improved visibility, and long-term operational efficiency.

But here’s the catch—it must be aligned with your bigger vision. If you’re considering a move, revisit your practice values, growth goals, and patient demographics.

Ask yourself:

• Will this help us deliver better patient experiences?

• Will this improve access or efficiency?

• Are we growing into a new phase—or running away from an old one?

When relocation is guided by purpose, not panic, it can be a very smart move.

Read more in our post on strategies for growing your dental practice.

Real Talk: The Practice That Got Bulldozed

One of the hardest calls I’ve received came from a dentist whose office was demolished—literally—after a lease dispute.

The worst part? It was avoidable. Had they reviewed their lease terms carefully or prepared a contingency plan, they could’ve stayed in control.

That’s why we always advise startups to build in long-term flexibility and protect their future from day one. For legal and operational red flags, our Startup Practice Blueprint can walk you through what to look for.

Don’t Rely on Paste Solutions

Here’s where a lot of dentists go wrong: they grab a relocation checklist off a forum or follow advice that worked for someone else in a totally different situation.

That’s what we call paste.

Paste strategies are recycled, generic shortcuts that don’t reflect your practice’s unique circumstances. They’re disconnected from your goals, your patients, and your team.

If you're serious about protecting your investment, skip the paste. Build systems that are custom-fit for your startup and vision.

Want to see how customized communication builds trust? Read our guide on ethical communication and case acceptance.

Your Team and Patients Will Feel the Shift

Relocation isn’t just a logistical decision—it’s an emotional one.

Patients who’ve been with you from day one need clarity, not confusion. Your team needs confidence, not guesswork.

That’s why everything from your messaging to your systems must be dialed in before you move.

Use tools like texting and automated follow-ups to keep everyone informed. But be sure you're doing it the right way—check out our guide on how to improve dental patient trust through communication that actually sticks.

You’ll also want to ensure your marketing strategy is ready to reintroduce your practice—especially if you're moving outside your current neighborhood or patient zip codes.

Next Step: Build With Strategy, Not Stress

We explore relocation and startup growth strategies in detail on the Ideal Practices Podcast. If you’re ready to learn from doctors who’ve faced these transitions and grown stronger, that’s where to start.

And if you’re planning a move or launch soon, the Startup Practice Blueprint gives you the playbook—complete with timelines, lease negotiation tactics, patient communication plans, and more.

Final Thought

Relocation doesn’t have to be a disaster.

With a clear strategy, a strong brand, and a well-trained team, it can be one of the smartest decisions you make for your practice.

Don’t rely on paste. Don’t leave it to chance. Let’s help you make your next move the right one.

— Stephen Trutter
President, Ideal Practices