Starting your own orthodontic practice is a big step, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. How can you budget for marketing? What strategies will help you bring in patients and stand out from other practices? In this guide, we’ll answer these questions with simple, practical advice to help you succeed right from the start.

Opening a practice—whether it’s brand-new or one you’ve bought from someone else—can be expensive. On top of your student loans, you have to pay for equipment, rent, and other costs. But one area you can’t ignore is marketing. Without patients, your practice can’t grow.

A good rule of thumb is to spend about 10% of your yearly revenue goal on marketing. For example, if your goal is to make $1 million in your first year, you should plan to spend $100,000 on marketing. This investment might sound like a lot, but it’s crucial to attract new patients and grow your practice quickly.

Marketing is about balancing quick wins with long-term success. Here’s how to approach it:

Your success depends on three important factors:

Here are examples of orthodontists who used these strategies to build successful practices:

Marketing can bring in patients, but it’s your team that will keep them coming back. A friendly, professional staff creates a great experience for your patients, just like brands like Chick-fil-A and Ritz Carlton are known for. Train your team to provide excellent customer service and make every patient feel welcome.

It’s also important to have strong systems in place for following up with new leads. Studies show that calling back a potential patient within five minutes of their first inquiry can increase your chances of booking them by 400%. If you don’t follow up at least six times, you might lose 70% of potential patients. Fast and consistent communication is key.

Starting your own orthodontic practice can feel overwhelming, but with the right planning and mindset, you can create a business that thrives. By budgeting for marketing, building a strong brand, training your team, and following up with patients, you’ll set yourself up for long-term success.

If you want to dive deeper into these topics and hear from experts, listen to the GrowOrtho Podcast. It’s packed with actionable advice to help you unlock your practice’s full potential.

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