From Gateway Bank — The Bank for Dental Financing
Written by Brandon Cadle & Brian Maxwell
A Quick Guide from Gateway Bank — The Bank for Dental Financing
If your schedule is booked out for weeks, your operatories feel cramped, or adding new services is becoming a challenge, you may be outgrowing your current space. These are often the first signs that it might be time to consider expanding your practice. Thinking about it early can make the entire process feel much more manageable.
Gateway Bank has supported dentists across Minnesota and Wisconsin through this exact stage for decades. With a deep understanding of dental financing and local decision making, we know what successful expansions look like—and how to guide you from the first idea all the way to opening day.
Is Now the Right Time to Expand? Questions to Ask Yourself
Before jumping in, it’s helpful to think about your long term goals:
• Would renovating your current space or relocating deliver a better return?
• Does the timing make sense financially and operationally?
• Is your community or patient base growing in a way that supports expansion?
A little clarity upfront goes a long way.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
Most projects begin with a deeper look at your practice:
• Production trends
• Patient flow and scheduling
• Room usage and bottlenecks
• Future service offerings and clinical needs
From there, it’s time to assemble your support team. Many dentists work with specialists such as:
• A lender who understands dental financing
• A dental focused architect
• A contractor experienced in healthcare buildouts
• Equipment representatives you already trust
Once the vision is clear, you’ll outline your budget. This typically includes:
• Construction and buildout
Pro Tip: If leasing, discuss with your landlord if they would contribute a Tenant Improvement Allowance.
• Architectural and design work
• Leases
• New equipment
• Permits and inspections
• A buffer for unexpected costs
Pro Tip: It could be beneficial to plan for 10%–20% in cost overruns or contingency. Additionally, plan for longer completion times and be prepared to encounter potential revenue loss.
Financing may involve a mix of:
• Expansion loans
• Construction or real estate loans
• Equipment financing
• Working capital during the build
Collecting items like financial statements, tax returns, production numbers, and project plans ahead of time helps streamline approvals.
Why Work with a Lender Who Knows Dentistry
Working with someone locally who understands dental practices can simplify every step of the process. A knowledgeable lender can help:
• Time financing around construction phases
• Plan for cash flow changes during the project
• Structure repayment terms that support your goals
• Flag potential challenges before they surface
Dental‑experienced, local lenders will stay with you through the entire project—from early planning to move in day, and beyond.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Even with a strong plan, it’s easy to run into surprises. Common issues include:
• Underestimating total project costs
• Designing layouts that slow down workflow
• Forgetting to plan for future growth
• Overlooking how construction will affect daily operations
With the right advisors, these hurdles become much easier to navigate.
The Bottom Line
Expanding your practice is an exciting milestone—one that can improve patient experience, boost efficiency, and support long term growth. And when you partner with a lender who knows dentistry and understands your local market, the process becomes far more manageable and aligned with your vision.
If you’re starting to wonder whether it’s time to grow, we’d be happy to help you explore what comes next.
Gateway Bank
The Bank for Dental Financing — Local insight, dental expertise, and support for your next chapter.
Contact Gateway Bank’s Dental Finance Team:
📞 Phone: (952) 465‑3890
📧 Email: bmaxwell@gateway.bank
📍 Office: Mendota Heights: 745 Market St, Mendota Heights, MN 55118 | Edina: 4530 France Ave S #200, Edina, MN 55410
Gateway Bank
Local insight. Dental expertise. Financing built for your next chapter.