Building a dental office involves meticulous planning, both in terms of design and finances. One of the most common questions that arises is, "how much does it cost to build a dental office?" The answer can vary significantly based on several factors, including location, size, and chosen materials, but knowing the most important parameters can help keep costs in line.

This article delves into the specific components and expenses associated with building a dental office.

Cost Drivers for a Dental Office

Designing and building a dental office can be a big undertaking but, if done with careful planning, can be incredibly lucrative. The total expense of building a dental office is often influenced by three major factors: the chosen region, the size of the office, and the choice of building materials.

Choosing a Region

Building in a low-cost area and opting for a smaller office can lead to significant savings, potentially up to 20% of the cost​​. It’s important to ensure that the region has sufficient demand for dental services and the demographic fits the target for the new dental office.

While choosing the lowest-cost region for a new dental office may seem appealing, it's important to strike a balance. Cost-saving is essential, however, it should not compromise the practice's potential for growth and profit​​.

Dental Office Size

Building size can be a difficult parameter due to the conflicting desires to minimize cost while maximizing growth potential. Striking a balance between these two options helps ensure that the amortized cost of the office is not excessive while ensuring the practice has room for growth. Careful attention in the design phase can lead to ergonomics that allow for more productive use of space.

Building Materials

Building materials and finishes are often a third major contributor to overall building costs, but also play a major role in ongoing operating costs and the feel and function of the building. Cheaper building materials and methods may be appealing at first, but their higher maintenance costs and higher energy bills simply raise the operating costs of the dental office. Materials like insulated concrete forms (ICF) provide exceptional energy efficiency and durability without noticeable increases in building costs.

Average Cost of Building a Dental Office

Over the past few years, the average range for starting a new dental practice has been between $550,000 to $750,000​​. However, this amount is not set in stone and can fluctuate based on various factors. One of the most important things to keep in mind is that the decisions made in the design phase will be felt for the life of the building.

The Role of Building Materials: The Case for ICFs

One of the critical aspects to consider when building a dental office is the choice of building materials. Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) from Fox Blocks provide a sturdy, efficient, and versatile construction material that offers several benefits, including exceptional strength, noise reduction, and energy efficiency.

ICF blocks are hollow blocks with an inner and outer layer of insulating foam. The foam is held together with proprietary polypropylene ties to form a block shape. The blocks are stacked together on site to form the shape of the building. Steel reinforcements are placed inside the hollow gap and then covered with concrete. Once the concrete has set, what is left is an incredibly strong and durable steel-reinforced concrete structure. ICF structures have many benefits including:

High Strength

The durable, steel-reinforced concrete is so strong that the blocks are often used for constructing storm shelters. The design of an ICF building allows the entire wall structure to support itself and to move loads around the building and into the foundation.

ICF buildings are some of the safest to be in when severe weather strikes.

Acoustic Performance

The thick concrete and multiple layers of foam work to minimize sound transmission through the walls. The inner layer of foam also helps to prevent echoes and makes the interior quieter, all benefits for any medical office.

Energy-Efficiency

The thick concrete walls provide large amounts of thermal mass to the building. The inner and outer layers of continuous insulation also slow the transfer of heat into and out of the building. Combining these characteristics results in a building that is significantly more energy efficient than similarly sized traditionally constructed buildings, which results in lower energy bills and lower operating expenses for a dental office.

Low Maintenance

Concrete is naturally mold and mildew resistant. Insects like termites are not attracted to concrete. ICF buildings are typically lower maintenance and easier to care for, which extends the operational life of the building.

A healthy environment - ICFs create a healthy space, easy to maintain, with no material off-gassing, plus the product does not promote mold or mildew growth.

For Your Dental Office, Choose Fox Blocks

The cost to build a dental office can vary widely, but careful planning, a well-chosen location, and the right building materials can help control costs while still achieving a high-quality result. The strength, acoustic benefits, and energy efficiency of Fox Blocks' ICFs make them an excellent choice for any dental office.

Are you considering building a dental office and want to explore the benefits of ICFs further? Contact Fox Blocks today to discover how their ICF products can provide the perfect foundation for your new dental office!