Dental Office Accounting Simplified
Learning Objectives:
Set up and effectively utilize the practice accounting system to generate meaningful data for measuring financial performance.
Identify key elements of an accounting system for a dental practice that are easy to maintain and useful to the dentist.
Generate and read useful financial reports and compare the practices’ performance with industry standards.
Presentation Summary:
This presentation is designed for dentists who own their practices and want to learn how to effectively manage their finances and use their financial data to make informed business decisions. The presentation teaches a comprehensive system for tracking income and expenses and generating useful reports for decision-making purposes. It simplifies financial data into actionable insights and provides a primer on The Rich Dentist System℠, a set of protocols that can significantly increase the net worth of dentists and lead to financial independence at an earlier age.
Throughout the presentation, key elements of financial statements will be highlighted, and their relevance and importance to the practice will be explained. The presentation uses real-life examples and financial statements from dental practices. Sample documents and hands-on exercises are included.
In addition to traditional accounting techniques, the presentation also covers using accounting software to streamline and automate tasks. dentists will learn how to set up and use software, enter transactions, generate financial reports, and track and analyze financial data. They will have the opportunity to practice their newly acquired skills through case studies and receive guidance and support.
By the end of the presentation, dentists will have the knowledge and skills to effectively manage their accounting and financial records, improving their ability to make informed business decisions and achieve long-term financial success.
Duration: From 1 Hour to a Half Day
Dental office accounting: what this course covers
Clean books are the foundation of every tax strategy and every good business decision in a dental practice. This course shows dentists and office managers how to set up and run dental office accounting so the numbers are accurate, on time and useful.
Who this course is for
- Practice owners who are not sure their books are right
- Office managers who handle bookkeeping, payroll or collections
- New owners setting up accounting after a startup or acquisition
Topics covered
- Chart of accounts for dental practices: how to group production, collections, supplies, lab fees and staff costs.
- Cash vs. accrual: what most practices use and why it matters at tax time.
- Reconciling the practice management system with the bank: catching missed deposits and write-offs.
- Key numbers to watch monthly: overhead percentage, supply and lab costs, collection rate and profit per doctor.
- Payroll and contractor basics: W-2 vs. 1099 for associates and hygienists.
- Internal controls: simple steps that reduce embezzlement risk.
What attendees walk away with
- A monthly close checklist built for a dental office
- A short list of key numbers to read each month
- Clear next steps to fix messy books before tax season
Related course: Dental Tax Savings Strategies.
Frequently asked questions
What accounting method do dental practices use?
Many small practices use the cash method for taxes because it is simpler and matches when money actually comes in. Larger practices may need or choose accrual. The course explains how each affects taxes and reporting.
What overhead percentage is normal for a dental practice?
Overhead varies by specialty and location, but tracking it every month matters more than any single benchmark. The course shows how to break overhead into categories you can act on.
How can a dental practice reduce embezzlement risk?
Separate duties, reconcile daily deposits with the practice management system, check adjustments and write-offs, and have the owner check bank statements. These simple controls are covered step by step.
Is the course for dentists or office managers?
Both. Dentists learn which numbers to watch, and office managers learn the routines that keep the books accurate.
How long is the accounting course?
From one hour to a half day, in person or online.