Squat practices are dental practices built up from scratch. Unlike buying an existing practice, they offer you the freedom to pursue your vision of what your practice should look like.

Setting up a dental squat practice is usually cheaper than buying an existing one. However, there can be significantly more work involved.

This guide will talk through each step on your squat practice journey, from budgeting to final designs. It will also introduce some of the companies that you can work with to bring your squat practice vision to life.

What is a squat dental practice?

A squat dental practice is usually a single-surgery practice that is owned and operated by a dentist. They are started from scratch.

Unlike working as an employed or self-employed associate, running a squat practice gives you complete control over operations.

How to start a dental squat practice

Starting a dental squat practice involves finding a location, buying and installing equipment and designing the premises. It also means building a team and, of course, bringing in patients.

Begin with a vision

Setting up a squat practice is no mean feat. But if you get it right, it can be hugely rewarding. You will need to begin with a vision of what you want your final squat to accomplish.

You may see a geographical area underserved by dental services. Or perhaps you want to cater to nervous patients or children. Having a clear understanding of your goals is the foundation to everything that comes afterwards.

Consider the following factors:

• Your goals
• Services you will provide
• Costs
• Financial targets.

Budget

The main limitation on your vision for a squat practice will be how much you want to spend on it. For that reason, understanding your finances and setting up ways to access credit, if needed, will be your first step. Remember to plan for the unexpected. You will need additional funds set aside in case your project takes longer or ends up costing more than you first estimated.

Some areas of expense you should consider:

• Premises
• Staff
• Equipment
• Maintenance
• Marketing
• Fit out.

You should also map out your predicted income, including:

• The number of patients you expect to treat
• The average cost per treatment
• Income from other sources, e.g. selling products
• Income from payment plans.

Draw up a business plan and cash flow forecast based on all the above. This will be vital when applying for funding.

You should also find a good accountant, ideally with experience of the dental market. They will help in areas like maximising your profits and making sure you aren’t paying too much tax.

Location

Settling on a location is an early step in your squat practice journey. A good dental practice can become an integrated part of the local community. Where you decide to set up will have a big impact on your operations. Consider these factors:

• Local demand
• Competition
• Demographics (for example, average income, age, families).

Finding a premises

Choosing the right place to pitch your squat practice may take time and patience. Some of the things to consider are:

• Size
• What floor it is on (and stairs/lifts etc)
• Visibility
• Footfall
• Mechanical and electric services
• Disabled access
• Restrictions (for example, noise, which could slow construction work)
• Zoning (are healthcare or dental use permitted?)
• Transport links
• Car parking.

Regulations

You must register as a provider with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) before you perform any regulated activities. A registered manager will also be required.

You will need to meet the CQC’s expectations before it approves your registration. This will involve preparing a number of policies.

Equipment

Choose a trusted equipment supplier that can provide quality products and support. Equipment can often be acquired on finance, which means one less up-front expense to factor in when applying for funding. To save on costs, you may wish to consider second-hand equipment.

Carefully plan all the equipment you will need. Be sure to include everything required to keep you compliant with regulations. 

Design

The design of your practice serves multiple functions. Some of the areas of consideration include:

• Maximising space: making sure things like equipment are installed in a way that allows staff and patients the space to move around freely
• Ergonomics: think about treatment areas and how ergonomic they are for the practitioner. Regular bending and stretching, for example, can cause serious musculoskeletal disorders
• Materials: choose cost-effective, durable materials in line with laws and regulations. You may want to consider sourcing building materials from sustainable sources
• Colour schemes: consider the impact of colour on your practice. For example, soft colour schemes can help ease anxiety. The colours used for external visuals can be used to draw in new patients.

Recruitment

It might seem appealing to try to run the practice yourself, single-handedly. However, bringing in a practice manager, at least, can be a huge help.

A practice manager can focus on dealing with day-to-day issues relating to the business. They can help to attract new patients as well. This can allow you to focus on treating patients and overall strategies.

Marketing

Once you have everything else in place, a marketing strategy is vital in attracting new patients. This can include:

• Digital marketing: a well-crafted and professional website is the modern shop window. Social media is a key way to connect to potential patients. Utilise both thoughtfully
• Traditional marketing: not everyone will go online to find a new dentist. Consider leafleting the local area and buying local newspaper advertising
• Promotions: promotional offers can be used to entice new patients. For example, you could offer a free initial checkup
• Opening event: holding some sort of opening ceremony can help to put your new practice on the map. It is a good way to meet local people, helping you to grow roots in the community. It also serves as a newsworthy event. Think about sending press releases to the local media before and after.

Finding support for your squat dental practice

Setting up a squat dental practice can be a lot of work. It isn’t just time-consuming; it also requires expertise to ensure everything goes smoothly. That’s why there are plenty of companies ready to offer their services to you every step of the way.

When choosing one, think about:

• The costs involved
• Their level of service
• Their location
• Their reputation.

Buying guide

Hague

Selecting your project partner

When setting up a dental practice, choosing between contracting an architect or hiring a specialist dental project company can significantly impact the process. Each approach has its strengths, depending on your priorities and project requirements.

Architects are proficient in construction methods, materials and building technologies. They have expertise in structural integrity, ensuring buildings are safe and durable.

Hague Dental Supplies specialises in end-to-end dental projects. It handles planning permission, layouts and drawings, interior and exterior design, compliance, construction and fit-out under one roof. It is well-versed in dental-specific requirements, such as infection control, equipment placement and ventilation standards.

With Hague’s in-house project management and contractor coordination, it typically completes projects faster and more efficiently.

Some projects may require the services of both an architect and projects company due to the size and scope of the project. Hague Dental will advise you in this regard before you commit to unnecessary services and fees.

Planning application

Hague provides expert assistance with planning permission, guiding you through every step. Its team collaborates with local authorities, prepares detailed plans and addresses compliance with building and healthcare regulations.

Budgeting for your project

Regardless of your budget or the scope of your project, Hague is committed to delivering the same level of dedication, expertise and attention to detail to bring your vision to life. Read more on valuable insights on accurately calculating your budget for a new practice build or refurbishment. By following these guidelines, you can avoid common financial pitfalls and ensure a successful project.

Financing

Hague’s team understands the financial demands on any practice and the extensive funds required for setting up a squat. It works alongside leading finance brokers that support the dental industry to ensure it can quickly and easily help you with finance options.

Measuring up

Hague would recommend around the following m² allowance, depending on your wish list:

Room	Size in sqm
Reception and Waiting Area	15 sqm
Surgery 1	15 sqm
TCO Room	10 sqm
Hygienist Room	10 sqm
Large Multiuse	20 sqm
Disabled Access Toilet	4 sqm
Decontamination Room	10 sqm
Staff Room	10 sqm
CBCT Room	10 sqm
Treatment Coordinators Office	15 sqm
Corridors	+ 10%

Please note you will need to also assign space for clinical bins, storage and plant equipment, whether inside or outside.

The Hague Dental Supplies approach

Hague ensures it understands your requirements, applies its knowledge and experience and works with you to create the best design for your new practice. It applies ten key areas of consideration when working to develop a dental squat practice:

Hague expertise

Hague provides all the following services in-house, and are experts in:

• Practice design and interiors
• Project management and build
• Dental equipment and engineering.

With nearly 30 years of experience, Hague’s multi-award-winning team has been dedicated to supporting dentists and clinicians in developing their practices. Customer-focused and detail-oriented, Hague provides end-to-end bespoke solutions tailored to your needs, handling projects of all sizes with care and expertise.

Coverage

As Hague continues to grow and expand, it is excited to now extend its service coverage to Manchester and Leeds. This enables it to deliver comprehensive, localised solutions tailored to its clients’ needs. Hague’s dedication to excellence is upheld by its team of highly skilled dental engineers, ensuring every client receives exceptional service.

In-house support teams

Hague is dedicated to ensuring fast turnaround times to keep your project moving forward smoothly, backed by seamless communication and complete transparency. Its extensive in-house support team is here to actively assist your project, comprising:

• Knowledgeable technical sales team
• Interior designers
• 2D/3D technical CAD designers
• Project managers
• Construction team
• Engineering team
• Digital engineering team
• Decontamination engineering team.

Showroom and design centre

Visit Hague’s 4,000 square ft Showroom and Design Centre near Gatwick to explore equipment from world-leading manufacturers. These are carefully selected by independent engineers for quality, longevity, reliability and lower maintenance costs.

Hague’s showroom features a dedicated interior design area, where you can collaborate with its team to choose finishing touches, like paint colours, lighting, and upholstery.

Additional services

Hague Dental can provide all the following additional services for your squat, in partnership with tried and tested third party service providers:

• Business planning and strategy
• Legal and regulatory consultation: guidance on licenses, permits and compliance with local health authorities and the Care Quality Commission (CQC)
• IT and software infrastructure and integration: setting up IT structure, patient management software, electronic health records and cybersecurity measures
• Dental compliance
• Branding
• Marketing (website, socials, patient acquisition etc)
• Recruitment.

A wealth of knowledge and experience

With nearly three decades of expertise in squat practice development and refurbishments, Hague brings a wealth of knowledge and experience you can rely on.

You can read some firsthand accounts from Hague’s customers, sharing their experiences in their own words.

Hague’s team has successfully delivered countless projects, refining its skills and deepening its understanding of the unique demands and challenges of dental environments. This extensive experience ensures Hague stays well-versed in the latest industry standards, regulations and trends. That way, it can proactively address potential challenges with tailored solutions to meet your specific needs.

Hague’s enduring presence in the industry speaks to its unwavering commitment to quality and its ability to adapt to evolving technologies and practices.

Case studies

Squat Practice in Shenfield, Essex – Hague Dental Supplies

Testimonials

Squat Practice Development in Cambridgeshire – Hague Dental Supplies

Apollo

Concept and interior design

Apollo produces conceptual designs through to full construction drawing packages.

These include:

• Detailing
• Mechanical and electrical layouts
• General arrangement plans
• Reflected ceiling layouts
• Finishes schedules.

Apollo’s team of designers work on projects from beginning to end. They will complete drawing revisions as needed. They will also produce ‘as built’ drawings. Apollo will work alongside other architects, design teams and consultants if requested.

Construction and implementation services

Apollo has its own dedicated site teams. These include:

• Builders
• Decorators
• Carpenters
• Electricians
• Plumbers.

Apollo will also perform mechanical works and install air conditioning.

For all works completed, Apollo will provide certification. This includes gas, electric and building control certificates.

Contract administration

Apollo offers contract administration. This means it will:

• Draw up contracts
• Appoint contractors
• Manage valuations and payments
• Manage contracts.

Estimating

Apollo’s design and build procurement department can produce budget costs or full scope of works documents. Estimators work with clients and designers to cost engineer designs and budgets.

Planning and advisory service

Our team can help with the preparation and submission of plans for local authority planning applications. Its advisory service assists with planning applications and approval processes for building projects.

Planning and building control approvals

Apollo takes care of all building control issues. It will appoint a building control company if needed. It also collaborates with local authority building control officers over planed site inspections, plan checks and building control sign off and certification.

Project management

Apollo’s project managers work with clients from design to completion. They ensure clients’ needs are met and that projects complete at a high standard within budget and time frame. They ensure the smooth management of equipment and furniture suppliers or nominated contractors.

Site surveys and space planning

Apollo undertakes site surveys to produce accurate drawings. Its designers will create space plans featuring the clients’ furniture and equipment to ensure that all designs are efficient and make the most of the space available whilst creating a perfect ergonomic working environment.

DB Dental

DB Dental promises to help you design your squat practice to high standards, whatever your budget is.

Its team will design your practice based on your needs, whether you are working solo or four-handed. It will consider everything from ergonomics to workflow as part of this process.

Equipment

DB Dental offer a comprehensive approach to procuring and installing equipment. The team will take everything into account, from infection control to maximising space and aesthetical appeal.

Realise your vision

How your practice looks will be the first thing your patients notice when they visit your squat practice. DB Dental will carefully consider your vision and your working practices. It will then use that understanding as the foundation on which to create your ideal practice.

You may want to be upmarket, with plush upholstery and equipment that is hidden from view. You can bring in elements like frosted glass, natural light and spa-like flooring.

Or you may want to appeal to more nervous patients, by using chairs that allow them to sit up while being treated.

If you have limited space, DB Dental can help you maximise what you have. It can also make the most of the space you have to ensure wheelchair users can easily navigate the premises. For example, its team can source chairs that take up less space and are adaptable to wheelchair users.

DB Dental will also work with clients to minimise cross-infection risks. This can involve designing cabinetry that is easy to clean and requires minimal contact.

DB Dental can help you to understand what each approach will involve and design your practice accordingly. And it can do all this using its own teams of design experts and trusted equipment suppliers.

Trusted

DB Dental prides itself on its customers’ loyalty. Around 85% of its business comes from recommendations. As such, DB Dental can claim to have designed and built more than 1,500 dental practices over the past 20 years. It even offers to take potential customers to see its past work in person.

Decadent

Decadent offers turnkey services. It will work with you to reach your design decisions and then take full control of the design and installation process.

It provides a comprehensive project management service, ensuring a smooth process from beginning to end. You will have a dedicated advisor who is always just a phone call away. They can offer expert guidance throughout the process.

Clients will have direct contact with Decadent and the build team. This means full transparency throughout the process and ensures your vision will be met.

Contractors will be supplied for the entire project. Decadent maintains working relationships with all contractors used, which means it can guarantee the quality of their work. This includes:

• Electrical installation
• Plumbing
• Building work.

Experienced craftspeople will be used to create flooring and cabinetry to ensure everything meets your design expectations.

Global Dental

Workflow planning

Each project includes an assessment of the flow of patients and colleagues. It also assesses the technology and equipment being used. Global Dental’s team use this understanding as the basis for building smarter practices.

Global Dental works closely with its clients from the beginning. It ensures that your vision of how the practice will look and feel is taken into consideration from the start.

Its team knows that decisions made during the early design stage will have a big impact on how your squat practice will work from day to day. Even factors like the placement of equipment can make a big difference.

With Global Dental can bring specialist dental practice fitout expertise to your practice. That’s because it has real-life experience of the intricacies of dental design and construction in the UK.

Consultation and design

Global Dental’s specialist advice can support your practice launch from the initial ideas through to launch. It creates visual aids to help bring your vision to life. It will then show you how premium fabrics, colour, light and more can be used to their best effect.

Global Dental’s team can explain how every element of your project can work in harmony to create an outstanding, innovative practice.

Conclusion

This guide has gone through many of the areas you will need to consider when looking to set up a squat practice. It might seem like a lot – it is! – but with the right plans in place and good support, it can be hugely rewarding.