Select the right contractor — and start permitting early

Once your design is finalized, the next big milestone is construction. This phase begins with selecting the right contractor and initiating the permitting process. Dental office construction isn’t like building a standard office space — it involves specialized plumbing, electrical, and ventilation needs, plus strict healthcare regulations. Choosing a contractor with proven dental experience helps prevent costly missteps and ensures your space is built to perform.

Permitting may seem like a formality, but it can have serious implications for your timeline and budget. Delays in securing permits can trigger unexpected costs — like higher loan interest or rent on a space you can’t yet occupy. Every municipality has different requirements, so starting early and maintaining open communication with local officials is critical.

This is also the stage where smart bidding strategy can significantly impact your bottom line. Dental consultants often reduce overall construction costs by requesting 3–4 competitive bids from each subcontractor (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, etc.). This process reveals pricing inconsistencies and gives you leverage to negotiate better terms.

Beyond cost savings, transparency is key. Understanding how change orders work — and how to avoid being billed twice for items already included in the original bid — is essential. Your Henry Schein equipment specialist can be an invaluable partner during this process, helping you ask the right questions, review scope overlap, and protect your project budget.

Construction is typically the single largest expense in a dental startup. Giving this phase your time and attention can help prevent budget overruns and preserve working capital — crucial for the first 6–12 months after opening.