January 15, 2024

Using Feedback to Improve Workplace Performance | Dental CPA Baltimore

We exchange feedback almost continuously from the leadership team as well as from the team members. Leading is as much about listening as it is about speaking. Although feedback is one of the most important aspects of performance improvement, it can also be one of the most challenging aspects of the process. People generally do not like to look at themselves critically. Throughout the following sections, we will illustrate some of the most effective methods for not only receiving constructive feedback but also handling it in such a way as to ensure its maximum effectiveness.

Ask for what you need:

People tend to assume that when something goes wrong, they will be informed and corrected as soon as possible. In an ideal world, this would be wonderful, but unfortunately, it isn’t the case when we look at what is happening in reality. By asking for feedback directly, you give your employees and your leaders the chance to provide you with valuable insights into what they think of your practice. You may miss out on mistakes that have been made or innovations that have improved processes or operations if you don’t ask.

Even if your feedback is not received formally, it can help strengthen your systems and enhance your performance. Do not hesitate to request feedback whenever possible.

Rather than reacting, listen and digest.

We can find it difficult not to feel personally attacked when we receive feedback, especially when it is critical. In situations like this, the worst thing you can do is react without considering the perspective of the other party. Listen to what they have to say and consider the reasons behind their feelings.

To understand the other person’s perspective, keep a clear head and ask clarifying questions. Positive and helpful feedback may be misinterpreted and turned into a destructive situation. Consider asking for additional time to digest your feedback if necessary. There is no harm in returning to discuss your feedback in greater detail and from a different perspective. If you allow yourself the necessary space and time, you will be in a position to deal with feedback more constructively and gain a better understanding of your leadership style and practice.

Providing Feedback Through Reflection:

Having a conversation with your team members is not the only way to receive valuable feedback. The successes and failures you have experienced can also provide you with valuable insight into your strengths and weaknesses. Are you prone to experiencing the same failure repeatedly? It may be necessary to determine the root cause of the problem and formulate a plan to prevent it from occurring again in the future.

The ability to hear criticism, whether constructive or not, can be difficult. It is, however, true that, at the end of the day, that brief period of difficulty will pay off for you and your practice in the long run. Our accounting team might be able to provide you with non-biased, constructive feedback from an outside perspective that may help you to grow your practice. Having the ability to analyze your strengths and areas for improvement is a great way to help you grow your practice. Contact our dental accounting office today to schedule a consultation.

January 1, 2024

What Makes a Real Dental CPA Better than Accounting Software | Dental CPA Baltimore

In the years to come, as humanity expands further into the digital age, the number of accounting software providers who promise to offer everything your business requires will certainly grow. The truth is that, despite what these claims may suggest, a real dental accountant is still superior to software for your practice.

The majority of people believe that accountants are experts in basic math, but that isn’t the case. To save ourselves the time of having to analyze and interpret the results, we let the computers do the majority of the math for us.

Although computers are capable of balancing your numbers, they cannot determine whether those numbers are accurate or what their implications are for the financial future of your organization. By contrast, a dental accountant can analyze the financial health of your practice by comparing your numbers to those of successful practices, tracking your progress over time, and determining the appropriate overhead costs for your practice.

A dental CPA is also available to assist you with determining what goals you wish to accomplish and what decisions you need to make to accomplish them. One of the weaknesses of software programs, not recognized by many, is that they can only tell you when something is wrong. Most of the time, they are unable to determine what the problem is and they are unable to provide a solution that is unique to your situation.

Because dental accounting professionals have vast experience in everything related to dentistry, they know what financial strategies will work and which will not. Their services do not end with just doing the math; we also provide support during financial emergencies as well as when you simply wish to learn how you can manage your money more effectively.

While there is no denying the fact that these software tools can be very useful when they are used correctly, their value is often only as great as the person who uses them. Individuals who are inexperienced when it comes to managing their finances on their own may make costly mistakes they could have avoided with the support of a professional.

A dental accountant will be able to assist you at whatever stage you are at in your dental career. Your business and your career will thrive with our team of dental CPAs. The services we provide range from tax preparation and minimization to business management, start-up services, retirement planning, and yes, even bookkeeping. To arrange a consultation with one of our dental accounting professionals, please contact us today.

May 15, 2023

Burnout Within the Dental Practice | Dental Accounting

Burnout Within the Dental Practice

Dentistry can be an overwhelming and stressful career, to the point where it can actually affect your productivity. Dental burnout is common among both dentists and their teams. Learn how to recognize the signs of burnout and how to manage it before it begins to significantly impact you and your dental practice.

Identify Signs of Dental Burnout

Feeling bored, tired, or finding it hard to concentrate are all signs that you are beginning to burn out. You may also notice that your team is beginning to lack the signs of enthusiasm that they once displayed. As soon as you begin to notice these things occurring, it is important to take action immediately. Don’t allow a temporary period of burnout to negate the countless hours of work and money that you put into your education and career. Instead, begin to look for ways to peak your interest again.

Identify the Problem Areas

When production numbers begin to take a dip, identify the area that is being affected. A dental CPA can help you analyze your numbers to see where things are falling. When the production numbers in the practice start to fall, team morale can be greatly affected. By identifying these areas promptly, things can be adjusted or fixed before the dissatisfaction in the office increases to a point of no return.

Identify New Areas to Explore

Learning a new skill or attending a convention/seminar are ways to bring excitement back into the workplace. Sign up for a CE course on a subject that interests you. Join a local study club to meet new peers. By expanding your skills, you can increase the number of services you provide which can help bring in new patients or boost production. To get the team involved, select a course that everyone can participate in or look into team building activities. This will greatly help improve team morale.
Burnout will most likely happen to everyone at some point during their career. Being proactive and identifying signs of burnout early on is the best way to get you and your team back on track. If you feel you may be experiencing burnout, contact a dental CPA with Schiff & Associates, LLC to help determine areas of opportunity that are available in your practice.

January 15, 2023

Are You Ready for an Audit? | 21204 Dental CPA

The prospect of an IRS audit can be a daunting experience, especially now that the government is expecting greater levels of accountability. An effective way to beat the stress associated with that dreaded envelope in the mail is to be proactive. While a dental accountant can help to buffer you against an audit, there are a few steps you can take to be proactive.

Document Everything

Get in the habit of keeping up with your tax records year-round to be better prepared if you are targeted. Staying organized is critical. Use whatever personal filing system works for you so you always know where your files and documents are located. Be sure to make both a digital and paper trail for redundancy.

Learn How Audits Work

If you are unaware of what an audit entails, take time to learn about the process. Knowing what questions an IRS examiner might ask or what documents they will want to see goes a long way toward being prepared. A dental accountant can also explain the process and arm you with the knowledge you’ll need to feel confident.

Gather All Necessary Information

Before the audit takes place, ensure you have gathered all documentation that you will need to make available to the auditor. If you believe something is missing, be proactive and contact they vendor for the missing records. When you have all your documents in one place, lay out the information and label it for the auditor. This will help to make the process more efficient.

Beware of Red Flags

If you are a practice owner, you will need to be scrupulous in reporting income down to the penny. Be aware of red flags such as travel, entertainment, and vehicle expenses. Ensure you are substantiating all deductions so that they align with your reported income.

Hire a Dental Accountant

While the tax laws are always changing, our dental accounting firm keeps up with the latest updates. We understand the nuances of deductions in your field and can answer questions in a way that DIY tax software can’t.

Get a Pre-audit Compliance Report

If you have let your bookkeeping become disorganized, or you’re feeling overwhelmed, get on track with a thorough examination of your financial data. Our experienced dental CPA team will help you establish a system and provide the documentation if you are ever faced with an IRS audit.

For more information on audits, or additional accounting advice, contact us today.

January 1, 2023

Are You Making an Informed Acquisition? | Towson MD Dental CPA

Whether you are creating a startup or purchasing an existing practice, the acquisition process comes with tax challenges. Make sure you are prepared and have all the information needed to complete your forms. Our dental accounting firm can help you run the numbers and determine your costs.

Here are other factors to consider when purchasing a dental practice.

Determine Practice Value

Before you commit to purchasing a particular practice, get a professional appraisal of all tangible assets. This can include everything from the soundness of construction, to the useful life of the equipment. The location, cash flow, salaries, number of active patients, and goodwill should all be factored in. As dental accountants, we offer solid estimates of your acquisition costs and their tax implications

Verify Seller Information

To make an informed acquisition of a dental practice, research your prospect with care. Visit the location at different times of the day. When talks get serious, verify patient counts through practice management software, or viewing a sample of charts. If you are not buying the building, review the lease terms to see if you can get out of a disadvantageous situation.

Consider the Cost of Build-outs and Renovations

Factor in the costs of updating your new practice. Even the most aesthetically pleasing and technologically advanced office might require some renovations or changes to fit your vision. This is especially true for an older office that will need modernization. A great deal on a building might not be a bargain after all when you factor in renovation costs.

Reputation is More Important Than You Think

If you are seeking to purchase a practice, determine its standing in the community. If the seller has poor reviews or has difficulty retaining patients, consider those important potential hurdles to overcome. It is possible to build a better reputation for your new practice, but it will require a proactive approach. You might want to increase your marketing budget, host open houses to show off your new team and renovations, and build goodwill through community outreach and charity efforts.

If you need advice on the hidden costs of acquiring a dental practice, require tax preparation services, or could use financial guidance on running your practice, please contact our dental accounting firm and request a complimentary consultation today.

December 15, 2022

Does Your Dental Office Make the Right Impression? | Towson MD Dental CPA

When patients walk through your office door, they form an immediate impression about your practice. No matter how competent you are, and no matter how friendly your team is, your practice will be judged by what people see up front. Increasingly, they want more than just a clean office.

Make the Waiting Room Look Like a Living Room
Research, led by physician and author Esther Sternberg, shows that patients are putting a premium on healthcare design. They want practices that pay attention to aesthetics and sensory wellbeing. Baby Boomers respond to an upscale, hotel-like atmosphere, while Millennials and Generation Z value artwork and digital connectivity. All groups value a waiting area that feels more like a comfortable, but uncluttered living room than a sterile space.

How does your office stack up? Walk into your waiting room from the point of view of a new patient. How are the furnishings? Are the walls painted in a soothing color or a hue that is harmonious with your brand? Is the floor spotless? Does the waiting room smell clean and fresh? [Text Wrapping Break][Text Wrapping Break]If you and your staff just don’t have time to deep clean, consider a janitorial service. Your accountant can help you build this into your budget.

Focus on Decor
Place a premium on making patients feel comfortable with decor. It doesn’t need to be expensive. A rustic or oriental-style rug on a hardwood or laminate floor adds warmth. Lighting can add dimension and a modern touch. [Text Wrapping Break][Text Wrapping Break]As for the walls and furnishings, healthcare decorators favor a mix of warm and cool colors, perhaps with an aquarium or a Zen-like fountain.

Amenities count, too. Some dental offices are adding massage chairs, aromatherapy, paraffin hand-wax stations, and noise-cancelling Bluetooth headphones. Check out Pinterest for ideas and ask your patients what would add to their experience. Be sure to showcase your decor in your social media marketing to attract new patients.

Look at Your Team
Ultimately, team interaction with patients is more important than decor. Make sure your office etiquette is up to par, that each team member greets visitors in a polite manner, and answers phone calls promptly and professionally.

Keeping your dental office clean and inviting is more important than you might think for attracting and retaining patients. To learn how you can afford upgrades to your office, call our dental accounting firm.

December 1, 2022

The Financial Rewards of Work-Life Balance in Your Dental Practice | 21204 Dental CPA

Work-life balance is essential for productivity and long-term financial success. Here are tips on how to balance personal time with business needs for both you and your team.

Motivating Your Team
Work-life balance needs to be built into your practice values. If your employees are well-rested and feel their family life is manageable, they are likely to put more energy into their work and be happier overall. Those who feel stressed might request more sick days, which puts a financial strain on your practice. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control Foundation says lost productivity from absenteeism costs U.S. employers nearly $226 billion each year, or $1,685 per employee.

As a practice owner or manager, you likely can’t give your team the perks of a large corporation, such as subsidized daycare, FMLA, or an employee-assistance program; however, you can be sensitive to your team members’ needs, such as child or eldercare responsibilities, and schedule accordingly. Creating a strong team culture in this way also motivates employees to help one another.

Consider implementing an employee incentive program for milestones met. A day off is ideal, but if that is unworkable, you can implement other meaningful perks, such as commissions, raises, and bonuses. However you choose to compensate your employees, it is important to remember that happy team members tend to be loyal, productive, and motivated to deliver excellent patient care.

How to Achieve Work-Life Balance as a Dental Practice Owner
When you are responsible for teams as well as patients, you have double the workload. Add to that continuing education and paperwork, and it can be difficult to carve out time for reflection, organizing, and personal errands. The answer lies in planning.

Use a calendar or scheduling app to plan your day. Set aside blocks of time to work with patients, arrange team meetings, and attend organizational group functions. Your calendar should be your primary time-management tool. It can also include your outside commitments, such as children’s school activities, birthdays, and anniversaries.

By including nonwork events on your calendar, you minimize the risk of schedule conflicts between your work and personal lives.

Honor Your Own Time Off
When you decide to take a day off, make sure you put it on your calendar and honor it. Make your scheduling priorities clear with your team members and make instructions clear so they are not left wondering how to handle unexpected situations while you are away.

The key to achieving work-life balance is creating clear boundaries for you and your team members and truly learning how to unplug. It can help your practice become a more productive place that in turn boosts profitability.

For more tips on creating a more harmonious, financially savvy dental practice, contact our team for a consultation.

April 1, 2022

Financial Freedom is Within Your Reach | Dental Accountant Maryland

Whether you’re starting up a new practice or have owned a practice for years, the financial stress that can come from being a business owner can sometimes overwhelm even the most consummate professionals. Our primary focus at Schiff & Associates, CPA is to help you achieve complete financial freedom so that financial worries and concerns never interfere with your ability to provide the best quality care.

Below are some tips shared by our 21204 dental CPA you can follow on your own to help build a rock-solid foundation for your practice.

1. Set goals. Don’t hesitate to dream big. Your practice will only be as successful as you envision it. Setting goals allows you to have a clear ‘ruler’ to measure your success and can help you make better financial decisions in the present. By recognizing that every small decision you make now can have a true impact on the future, you’ll be able to start setting yourself up for success. Your future self and future team will thank you.

2. Have a plan. As the saying goes, “failing to plan is planning to fail.” In order to see true growth, you’ll need to have both short and long-term plans set in place for your practice. How will you allocate new earnings? How is your practice prepared to deal with slow times or another unexpected shutdown? How are you budgeting for new purchases? If you don’t already have answers to these questions, this is a great place to start. Planning for the unexpected and for the future can help safeguard your profitability from being derailed by unplanned expenses.

3. Act wisely. When starting or growing your practice, there can be benefits to taking on strategic debt. However, doing so in a manner that will benefit, rather than hinder your growth requires a firm understanding of the returns you can expect on your investments. Don’t make big purchases without a plan, but instead weigh the potential benefits and risks of all your financial decisions.

4. Stay organized. Disorganization can be the quick downfall of any business. In order to ensure that you’re not letting anything slip through the cracks, it’s important to have systems in place that will guarantee that no details are missed. In addition to protecting you from unforeseen troubles, efficient organization can also help bring opportunities for improvement to the forefront.
If you want to take steps towards achieving true financial freedom, [business name] is here for you. Our goal is to make the process of managing and running your practice as smooth as possible, allowing you to focus on delivering quality care to your patients and growing your business. Contact our dental accounting firm in Towson today to learn more.

Schiff & Associates, CPA

Email: ASchiff@Schiffcpa.com

Phone: (410) 321-7707

Url: https://welcome-11f6d10.netsolhost.com/

100 West Road, Suite 410

Towson, MD 21204

March 15, 2022

The Business Management Tools You Need For A Successful Practice | Dental CPA 21204

Business management tools refer to the systems, applications, and methods used by dental practices in their day to day operations. These tools are used to ensure that they can keep up with changing markets, ensure a competitive position within those markets, and improve their performance. Many of these tools shared by our dental CPA in 21204 can be used to help manage your operations and guide your practice towards success.

Mission Statements

These are short statements that define what your practice is and identifies your goals. According to Forbes magazine, a mission statement must answer these questions:

“What do we do?”
“How do we do it?”
“Whom do we do it for?”
“What value are we bringing?”

Mission statements provide a sense of direction that helps your practice make beneficial decisions and plan for the future. It also gives a clear, defined purpose, and acts as a motivational tool to encourage your staff to work towards a common goal.

Strategic Planning

Strategic planning builds off of mission statements. It is the process of defining a direction for your practice, and making decisions that contribute towards that direction. A proper strategy outlines how your end goals will be achieved by the means you have.

Strategic planning can be simple, and has a demonstrable impact on your practice’s success. Write down your core values, and create a vision of where you want to be within five years. Then determine what the steps are that will help you achieve that vision. Make sure to stress these goals and vision to your staff and explain how they tie in to your mission statement. This will ensure they work towards them every day.

Customer Relationship Management

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is the act of using data analysis to improve business relationships with your current and potential patients. CRM compiles data from a wide range of sources, including your practice’s website, marketing materials, and social media. Using the CRM approach helps you learn about your patient base and how best to cater to their needs.

The best way to bring customer relationship management into your practice is to invest in a CRM system. These are software programs that can store patient information, record notes about their treatments, and manage marketing campaigns all in one central location. There are many of these systems designed specifically for dental practices, including Curve Dental, Dentrix Ascend, Denticon, and more. Contact our dental broker in Towson, MD to learn more.

Leadership

You’re more than just an owner of a practice. You’re also the leader of your team. Having quality leadership skills is more than just being able to delegate and hire the right people for the job. It’s about staying in control emotionally and being consistent in leadership.

It can take a long time to reach a point where you’re consistent, and that’s perfectly fine- but don’t settle for half-measures. Communicate with your team and ask them for suggestions about what you can do to lead better.

All of these management tools and more can help improve the performance of your practice. Our team has resources to help you learn more about business management tools and how to maximize your potential. Contact our dental accounting firm in Towson, MD to find out more.

Schiff & Associates, CPA

Email: ASchiff@Schiffcpa.com

Phone: (410) 321-7707

Url: https://welcome-11f6d10.netsolhost.com/

100 West Road, Suite 410

Towson, MD 21204

March 1, 2022

Key Performance Indicators in the Dental Industry | 21204 Dental CPA

Key performance indicators (KPIs) refer to a set of quantifiable measurements used to gauge a dental practice’s long-term performance. KPIs are used by dental offices to measure progress towards tangible goals, such as increasing collections by 20% in a year, or improving patient retention rates by 5%. Using these goals to evaluate specific areas of your practice will show you where you can improve in order to better your financial success. Contact our dental accounting firm in 21204 to learn more.

The Different Types of KPIs

KPIs can be organized into several different types, depending on what area of your practice they affect. There are five categories:

Inputs – Inputs refer to the resources used in producing outputs (see below). For a dental practice, inputs can refer to the supplies used during the day, such as tools and cleaning solutions, along with the time investment from the staff.
Process – Also called “activity,” these measure the processes used in producing outputs (see below.) For dentists, process KPIs measure the cost of performing procedures, such as how much fluoride is given to a single patient or how much anesthesia is used during a surgery.
Outputs – Outputs refer to measurements that indicate the amount of work done and what was produced. In most businesses, outputs refer to tangible products. In dentistry, outputs can be used to assess things like how many patients are seen in a day.
Outcomes – These KPIs are more abstract, focusing on accomplishments and impacts. Patient satisfaction and positive retention rates are two major outcomes practices can focus on.
Project – Like outcomes, project KPIs are rather abstract. They are meant to answer questions related to milestone progress towards important initiatives. For example, adding a specific amount of new patients via a marketing campaign is a project KPI.

How Can I Use KPIs In My Practice?

One important thing our dental accountant in Towson wants you to keep in mind is that KPIs do not have to be tied to financial data. Outcome and project KPIs can help improve a practice’s relationship with their patients and community. Every aspect of a practice can be analyzed and improved through smart use of KPIs. Establishing them is an easy process:

Write a clear goal for the KPI. Tie the goal to a key business objective, something integral to the organization’s success. Make sure the goal is strategic, otherwise it will not translate into tangible outcomes.
Communicate the new KPIs to employees. Be sure to not only explain what the goal they’ll be working towards is, but why they’re working towards it. Someone on staff may even have an idea to improve it.
Review KPIs regularly. Use records and hard numbers to track progress. For example, if a process KPI is set to reduce fluoride use to make stock last 10% longer, compare the amount of fluoride used before and after the goal was introduced.
Evolve your KPIs if need be. If the results fall short of expectations, fine tune the goals or change directions entirely. Change may bring about a new, more efficient way of getting to the same destination.

Key performance indicators are an effective strategy to get your practice to where you want it to be. They are easy to define and act upon, making them reliable ways to track progress. For more information on KPIs and how they can be used to grow your practice, contact our experienced dental accounting firm in Towson, MD today for more information.

Schiff & Associates, CPA

Email: ASchiff@Schiffcpa.com

Phone: (410) 321-7707

Url: https://welcome-11f6d10.netsolhost.com/

100 West Road, Suite 410

Towson, MD 21204

February 15, 2022

What You Should Know About Your Practice’s Finances | Dental Broker Baltimore

As the owner of your own dental practice, you’re most likely also responsible for the financial health of your practice. As the leader of your own business, this responsibility probably isn’t one that you would change, but it may be one that you can improve on. Here are a few ways that you can better understand your finances to help ensure your growth and continued success.

Do you Have a Strong Billing Strategy?

Managing the finances of your business means collecting payments from your patients and their insurance companies. Short of hiring an enforcer to collect payments like some kind of dental loan shark, a strong billing strategy can help you receive these payments in a timely and efficient manner. If you struggle to collect payment, take a look at what strategies you use and learn how to help improve the day-to-day functionality of your practice. An accountant may be able to help you create a more powerful billing strategy.

How Are You Spending, and What Returns Are You Seeing?

By knowing this information about your practice finances, you’ll have a much clearer picture of your practice. From this knowledge, you can make more informed decisions about which expenditures continue to make sense, and which you could most likely cut back on without seeing a large dip in productivity. Understanding your practice’s finances and using that understanding to make better decisions is the main speciality of our dental CPA in Towson, MD. If accounting and handling the finances of your practice isn’t your strong suit, our team is here to help.

Prepare For the Future, Whether it Holds Growth or Decline

You solve problems for your practice every day. This won’t change in the future, but you can ensure that you’re equipped to handle even the most difficult of problems by preparing for the future with your finances.

Setting aside a little money consistently can help you have a large fund when opportunities for growth pop up. This fund can also be used if you ever find yourself in an emergency. Either way, having a financial plan is essential for a thriving business and a stable financial future.

If you’re ready to take your practice to the next level, give our team of skilled accountants a call. We can help with more than just your taxes. Together, we can discuss the current financial health of your practice and devise a plan for growth and a more secure financial situation. Whatever your needs, our expertise is here to help your practice grow. Contact our dental accounting firm in Towson for more information.

February 1, 2022

Our Dental Accountants Can Help Your Practice Grow | Towson Dental Practice for Sale

As a practicing dental professional and business owner, you have a lot of your plate. With so many competing demands, you may find you struggle to find time for proper accounting. One consideration that can help streamline your practice and give you more time for other priorities is hiring a professional dental accountant. Our team of dental accounting experts in Towson can provide you with the expertise and knowledge you need when you don’t have time to do your own accounting. Of course, in addition to the time saving benefits, there are many reasons why a dentist might need a dental accountant, including:

Stay Compliant With Tax Laws. Accounting professionals will keep up on the trends in your industry. Our dental accountant will make sure your practice doesn’t end up paying more annual taxes than you need to. Tax laws are always evolving, and staying compliant with all the various changes can be difficult if you aren’t a dental accountant.

Assisting With Retirement Planning. Whether you’re in the first year of your practice or you can see retirement within the next couple years, it’s always a good idea to think about retirement and planning for the future. Having an accountant can help you set goals and plan for your future and the future of your practice.

Opportunities to Grow. Eventually you’ll want to invest in new equipment for your practice. As your practice grows, you may consider moving to a bigger office. Our dental accountant will look at your financials and advise you to make the best decision for your practice.

When it comes to running a successful practice, managing your finances is a key concern. If you’re looking to optimize how you spend your time and resources, consider speaking with a member of our team. Our dental accountants in Towson, MD can offer you the expertise and support you need to manage this all-important area of your business so you can focus more on patient care and even take your practice to the next level. If you’re ready to learn more about how our team can help you, schedule your consultation today.

January 15, 2022

What to Consider When Selling Your Dental Practice | Towson Dental Practice for Sale

Selling your dental practice can be quite an intimidating prospect. You may have numerous questions, such as: How do you make sure the practice you’ve worked so hard to create, or the team you’ve come to love is properly taken care of after you’re gone? When is it too soon to make a decision, or has the time frame already passed? The good news is, the important decisions you’ll face when attempting to sell a practice don’t have to be faced alone. Our dental accountant in Towson is here to help you with expert guidance and knowledge because we’ve helped many dentists just like you create successful transitions. With that in mind, here are a few things to consider when it comes time to sell.

Determine a “why”

It is important to understand why you’re considering selling the practice in the first place. Is the practice underperforming financially? Has it become too much work? It could also be more of a personal reason. Have you lost passion for the business? Are you considering retirement? Knowing why you’re selling is an important first step, especially if it is something that can be turned around or improved. Occasionally understanding the why can change your initial plans before they go too far.

Timing is key

If you’ve fully committed to selling your dental practice and are happy with your “why”, it’s important to look at the timing. Do you have a hard sell-by date? Or will you take your time? Knowing how you want to time each step is an important part of the selling process, and can make or break a deal in the end. Having a date to sell by can increase pressure, and affect the results of the sale. Taking time and assessing when the best time to sell is can take more time, but may be more rewarding in the end.

Consider partnering with outside experts

Personally handling every aspect of the sale of a dental practice can be a full-time job itself, and adding it onto a still functioning dental practice can be an overwhelming situation. Using partners or contacting outside help can make the situation go much more smoothly. It may be helpful to consider contacting a broker to help with closing, or a marketing agency to help you find the right buyer for your dental practice. Adding these resources can save you time and help with your totals in the end.

There are many factors to consider when selling a dental practice. Make sure you take the time to think through all areas that may affect your situation. An important decision like closing a dental practice can have many repercussions and eliminating as many variables as possible will only make for a better sale in the end. If you’re looking for expert assistance in the sale of your business, call our dental accounting office in Towson, MD today and see how we can help you.

January 1, 2022

How to Be a More Effective Practice Leader | 21204 Dental CPA

At the core of any thriving dental practice is an effective and powerful leader. When a team has direction, intention, and a clearly articulated purpose, they’re able to achieve the desired goals. With that in mind, it’s important to be the best leader you can possibly be. Whether you’re opening a brand new practice for the first time, or have been leading a team for multiple years, there’s always room to grow and our dental accountant in Towson can help.

Effective leaders create a compelling direction.

People work best when they have a set of goals they’re working to achieve, and your team is no different. When communicating, make sure you set concrete and attainable goals for your employees. Make sure they understand why these goals are important, not only to the success of your practice, but to their own personal success. As they work to achieve these goals, it’s important to monitor their progress in order to make sure everyone is performing at an optimal level.

Effective leaders create lasting solutions.

When an issue inevitably arises in your practice, how will you address it? If your solution is a temporary fix, it will only lead to more headaches and struggles for your team later. The difference between a leader and a follower is that a leader won’t settle for a quick fix when they know their team is capable of more. Just like in dentistry, it’s important to treat the root cause of the issue, rather than just the symptoms themselves.

Effective leaders know when to be flexible, and when not to be.

Many new leaders make one of two mistakes. They either allow their team to walk all over them, giving in to any demand or complaint, or they take the opposite approach and refuse to change anything. Both are disastrous and will derail the success of your practice. There are times when you will have to go with the flow, making adjustments based on what your team and your practice needs. These changes can affect everything from your systems to your leadership style. However, there are also times when you must push your team and your practice forward.

Effective leaders understand when they need support.

Oftentimes, leaders believe that they need to handle it all themselves, having the weight of the entire practice on their shoulders. This isn’t the case. When you lack the time or expertise to complete a project at a high level, it’s more than acceptable to ask for outside help. If your accounting skills are holding you back from a greater level of success, our team is here to help you with expert accounting services. We know how to leverage your finances to help you achieve your goals and stay on track. Contact our dental accounting office in Towson, MD for more information.

December 15, 2021

Can Your Practice Weather a Financial Storm? | Certified Dental Accountant Towson MD

One of the core financial planning tenets is the need to establish an emergency fund. Having a financial safety net is essential, especially today when the economy and the world is facing so much uncertainty. Should an unexpected natural disaster, staffing upset, or other unplanned event interrupt the flow of business to your practice, are you prepared to ride out the difficulty?

Defining a financial emergency

The criteria for what constitutes a financial storm or emergency will be defined differently based on each practitioner’s unique circumstances. A large, financially stable practice may barely notice if several staff members suddenly quit. That same scenario could wreak havoc on a small practice. Of course, a fire, flood or other damaging event is likely to be disastrous for any practice if you are unable to see patients and generate revenue for an extended period of time. This is why having a business emergency fund in place is so vital: to help you carry on, make payroll and pay bills until things return to normalcy.

How much should you set aside?

Our dental accountants in Towson recommend saving between 3 and 6 months salary in individual emergency funds. However, these amounts will likely be insufficient for even a small dental practice. There are a number of variables, but here are some questions to consider as you calculate what makes sense for you:

· What are your insurance limits?

· How much time will you wait for insurance claims to be processed?

· What risks are not covered by insurance?

· How long can your practice survive if you are unable to generate revenue?

· What would it cost to arrange coverage for staff members who quit unexpectedly?

· How much are replacement costs for essential equipment that is damaged and inoperable?

Knowing where to start

Many people don’t save for a rainy day because they don’t anticipate financial emergencies until it’s too late to prepare. If you have not begun shoring up your practice against financial storms, now is the time to begin putting a plan in place. An excellent place to start is by scheduling a consultation with our dental accounting office in Towson, MD. We can assess your assets and your risk, and identify vital next steps to ensure your practice is financially secure, no matter what the future holds.

December 1, 2021

Streamline Your Practice with Better Accounting | Best Dental Accountant

As a dental practice owner, you have a lot on your plate. From seeing patients and managing your staff to staying abreast of trends in your profession, there is not a lot of extra time for balancing the books. Yet, profitability is always a priority, so how can you streamline your practice and create better efficiencies so that your practice can truly thrive? One of the best ways is to hire an accountant who specializes in your area of expertise. Our dental accountant in Towson, MD can offer the following advantages:

1. Keeping you abreast of industry trends. Specialized accounting professionals will be mindful of trends that impact your profitability. This means you’ll enjoy practice-specific tax advice suited to your practice size and location so you don’t end up paying more annual tax than you should. A specialized accountant is also aware of evolving tax laws and can help you stay compliant and avoid unwanted audits.

2. Serving as a sounding board. At some point you will probably consider investing in new equipment or perhaps consider an office expansion. Staying competitive requires looking for opportunities to grow. A specialized accountant can consult with you and help you look at various pros and cons prior to making a financial commitment. Having a sounding board for important monetary decisions can help you avoid a poor investment that could cost you in the long run.

3. Assisting with retirement planning. Even if you see retirement as a long way off, planning ahead can make the difference in terms of your future nest egg. Having a CPA who understands your goals, your business and your target retirement age can free you up to focus on other things, like caring for patients.

4. Spotlighting best practices. When you engage the services of a dental-industry accountant, you can take advantage of all of their industry know-how. They can share lessons learned from similar practices, connect you with other professionals in related industries, and provide trusted advice about important business decisions.

When you think about streamlining your practice, hiring an accountant may not be the first decision that comes to mind. But you may not realize how much of your time and energy is spent on the myriad of financial decisions and concerns that are inherent in running any small business. A skilled dental-industry accountant may be just the support you need to take your practice to the next level of success.

To learn more about how our small-business accounting services can help your dental practice thrive, contact our dental accounting firm in Towson today for more information.

November 15, 2021

Safeguard Your Practice with a Specialized Dental CPA | Dental Broker Baltimore

When it comes to managing the financials of your dental practice, you need an accounting professional that employs a high degree of attention to detail. That’s why hiring a certified public accountant (CPA), like our dental accountant in Towson, MD, with dental experience should be one of the first moves you make.

A dental CPA’s reach extends further than just balancing your financial statements at the end of each quarter. Instead, think of a dental CPA as more of an advisor. Their role is to guide you through the various pitfalls and obstacles that can encumber dentists and their practices. Overseeing point of sale transactions (POS), insurance billing, cash flow, and accounts receivables/payables are just some of the routine tasks covered by a CPA. However, unlike a general accountant, a specialized dental CPA can advise you on industry-specific best practices.

Sound Financial Advice for Dentists

Dentists are not unlike most business owners who typically find it difficult to relinquish control over their office finances. However, a specialized CPA can provide additional insight that strengthens the overall financial health of your practice, such as whether your staffing matches your production levels. They can guide you on timing when it comes to investing in new equipment. Or give you tips on what to do now, to minimize tax payments later. Are you thinking of expanding your building or bringing in another dentist? Dental CPAs provide the extra set of eyes and financial advice you need when making important business decisions where your emotions might cloud your judgment.

Fraud Prevention

Unfortunately, fraud is also a common occurrence in dental practices. Its source can originate both internally and externally. Losses from employee theft or insurance claim irregularities can quickly accumulate into thousands of dollars. If not caught in time, fraud can irreparably damage the business you’ve worked so hard to grow. An experienced, specialized dental CPA is well-aware of the common origins, red flags, and methods associated with such industry-specific fraud cases. Their keen understanding of how to implement fraud-deterrent policies and procedures will help protect your livelihood. Even when no fraud is suspected, it’s a good idea to conduct a risk assessment to gauge the likelihood that it could occur in the future.

A Smart Investment for Your Dental Business

Running a profitable dental practice goes far beyond crunching numbers on a spreadsheet. A specialized dental CPA will be able to listen to and communicate clearly with you and your staff when it comes to goals and best practices. Their intricate understanding of the variables that sway your practice’s production comes into play on a daily basis.

Partnering with a dental CPA can undoubtedly guide you towards a successful and profitable future in dentistry. Contact our dental accounting firm in Towson, MD today for a consultation.

November 1, 2021

How to Avoid Becoming a Victim of Employee Embezzlement | 21204 Dental CPA

Let’s face it: As a business owner, you have many responsibilities. Juggling the demands of clients, overseeing staff, and monitoring financial transactions can be overwhelming. That’s why putting safeguards and internal controls in place is so important, to help you avoid the risk of theft from employees. While it may be hard to imagine that the smiling face you hired to greet visitors could be stealing from you, that kind of naivety has cost business owners thousands of dollars in annual revenue. It can be difficult to prevent employee theft, but educating yourself now and putting processes in place to better secure your financial picture can help minimize the possibility of it happening to you. Here are some tips to get you started.

Know Who You’re Hiring
It’s not enough to select a new employee based on their resume or personality. Your new hire will likely be handling confidential information, so anyone whom you consider bringing on board should undergo a professional background check. You should also request references, including contact information from their previous employer.

Learn as Much as (and More Than) Your Employees
Over time, employees may see which clients pay with cash, who writes checks, the average daily and weekly deposit amounts, and how much money comes in from outside sources. This is information you should be familiar with as well. Require that each employee log these details in your accounting software and ask your accountant to help you create a program that includes a check and balance system with daily opening and closing reports. That way, either you or your dental accountant in 21204 can run and analyze these reports—never an employee.

Delegate Shared ResponsibilitiesNo individual in your office should control any financial process from start to finish, so make sure you establish and implement a team approach to these tasks. This will let you know who recorded which transactions and create a higher degree of accountability among your staff.

Look for Common Red Flags

You should always keep an eye out for common indicators that an employee might be stealing from the practice. Pay attention if someone on your team is suddenly spending beyond their means, is always the first in the building and last to leave, or is overly protective or secretive of their work.

Schedule an Outside Audit

Serious financial damage can add up quickly if you’re the victim of embezzlement, so it’s important to periodically hire an outside accountant to review your finances and look for irregularities. He or she will be able to monitor your employees’ work and catch errors, mistakes and theft.

If you notice that the numbers in your business aren’t adding up, it’s best not to tell anyone on your staff since the suspect could find out and destroy incriminating evidence. Instead, talk to a trusted CPA first so they can put a fool-proof process in place to catch your thief and get your money back in your business where it belongs. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment to learn more, contact our dental accounting office in Towson, MD today.

October 15, 2021

4 Money-Saving Tips to Keep Your Dental Practice in the Black | Dental Broker Baltimore

Running a profitable dental practice requires a significant investment of both time and money. Regardless of the size or age of your office, you have ongoing overhead and expenses related to things like:

Instruments, tools, and equipment
Marketing
Office rent or mortgage
Utilities
Staffing and payroll
Insurance
Technology and software
Building or equipment maintenance

With so much to keep up with, you might be wondering if there are tangible ways you can actually save money while continuing to help your practice grow. Here are some proven accounting tips that can get your dental practice headed in the right direction:

Select the right software: Choosing accounting software customized for your practice can help you accurately assess and track your expenses and revenue. While there are several “good” programs out there, you might not be getting all of their intended benefits unless you’re using a system designed specifically for your field of business.

If possible, automate patient interactions: Web-based portals allow patients to interact with your office online, 24/7. Utilizing such technology can save you and your staff significant amounts of time when it comes to appointment scheduling, answering the phone, accepting payments, or addressing simple billing questions. Once perceived as impersonal, online portals are increasingly becoming a preferred service by most patients because of their convenience.

Track your marketing efforts: Marketing your practice is essential for attracting and converting prospective new patients. The question is, are you analyzing your efforts to ensure that you’re getting the best return on your investment? If you aren’t sure what your ROI is, it will be impossible to know if your marketing budget is being invested wisely or simply wasted altogether.

Hire a professional so that you can focus on what you do best: Investing in a professional dental accountant may feel counterintuitive if your goal is to cut overall costs, but in many cases, hiring a financial advisor can help you find, make, and keep more of your hard-earned money.

The accounting needs of a dental practice are detailed and complex. While there are reliable do-it-yourself programs designed to make small business accounting easy, there are additional benefits that come with hiring an accountant who specializes in dental practice operations. Contact our dental accounting office in Towson, MD today to learn more about how our small-business accounting services can help your practice thrive.

October 1, 2021

Does Your Practice Really Need an Accountant? | Dental Accountant Maryland

In many ways, we rely on the internet to solve our problems and answer all of the questions we ever have, instantly. The internet is such a useful tool, that more doctors are beginning to turn to it for their accounting needs, making it seem as if an accountant really isn’t all that necessary.

But while the internet can be an extremely useful place, don’t be fooled. The internet can’t solve everything and your practice really does still need an accountant.

Our accounting team doesn’t just crunch the numbers. We have years of experience and education that allows us to explain your financial statements. In turn, we help you understand those statements in order to truly grasp the ins and outs of your business. These insights can include useful information on cash flow and any recognizable patterns, how your inventory is being managed, whether the pricing of your services is reasonable, and even your business financing.

From those insights, we can help you analyze which areas are ready for growth, what changes need to be made and how you can create a plan for continued success. In short, an accountant gives you the resources and guidance you need to make better, more informed decisions for your practice. The internet might be able to help you in some ways, but it can’t provide the level of depth and personalized understanding of individual situations that we can.

Accountants are also great for all the roles they are usually associated with. We can provide expert advice and oversight on aspects of your practice finances, such as payroll and estimated tax payments.

We work efficiently, avoiding costly errors that someone with less experience could make and we make sure that everything is completed fully and on time to help protect you from audits.

Hopefully, we’ve convinced you of the benefits an accountant can have for your practice. If so, get in touch with our dental accounting team in Towson, MD and have a conversation about how we can best serve your practice and financial goals.

September 15, 2021

Bookkeeping Basics to Help Your Practice Thrive | Certified Dental Accountant Towson MD

As a small business owner, you likely wear a lot of hats. When it comes to managing your office finances, you’ve likely realized that there are many tasks that demand more time and attention than you have to offer. While there are reliable software packages designed to streamline do-it-yourself small business accounting, there are also numerous benefits associated with hiring an accountant trained in your practice field. For example, a skilled accountant:

Understands your industry. Specialized accounting professionals will stay abreast of trends that impact your profitability and bottom line. That means they can offer you practice-specific tax advice to make sure you maximize your annual tax savings. They are also knowledgeable about new tax laws so you stay compliant in your ever-evolving field.

Can offer advice on equipment purchases. Investing in the latest technology and equipment is an important part of keeping your practice on the leading edge. A specialized accountant can advise you on the financial benefits and liabilities associated with these types of investments, so you can make informed choices that save you money in the long run.

Is trained to help you see the big picture. Industry-specific accounting professionals can provide useful comparisons that benchmark your practice against other similar ones. This kind of insight can help you make informed choices when it comes to hiring, adding products and services, or expansion decisions that require a financial investment.

Can assist with retirement planning. If you are self-employed (and many dental practitioners are), responsibility for retirement planning is solely up to you. A good CPA can advise you on the right types of plans for your situation and help you strategize on your long-term financial goals.

Is connected with other industry professionals. Perhaps you want to purchase a larger facility or add a partner to your practice. A specialized accounting firm can connect you with banking professionals or loan officers who understand the nuances of your field, and also advise on business structure best practices when it comes to creating a partnership agreement.

Accounting for a dental practice encompasses so much more than simply preparing an annual tax return. A skilled small-business accountant can offer sound business advice, help analyze the financial health of your practice, provide long-range financial planning, and guide you toward business decisions that keep you in the black. To learn more about how our small-business accounting services can help your dental practice thrive, contact our dental accounting office in Towson, MD today for more information.

September 1, 2021

Common Characteristics of High Performing Teams | Schiff Dental CPA

Teamwork makes the dream work, or so the saying goes. With a team of rockstars behind you, your practice can truly soar into the success that you envisioned when you first started your own business. However, creating that amazing team can be more difficult than you may have thought. Even if you have the right people, there may be something that is holding them back from reaching their full potential. Look at this list of common characteristics of high performing teams. Which ones are your team performing well on? Which do they lack? By comparing this list to your own, it may just give you the insight you need to reach the next step.

No Individual Member is More Important than the Team:

In any business, there are going to be some members of the team that are in positions of power. However, this should not make them more or less important than any other member on the team. When your team knows that they are all equals working to accomplish the same goal of success for your practice, it can help create a team that relies on the necessary people to get the job accomplished.

Each Person Carries Their Own Weight:

It’s important for every team member to be performing optimally in their own role. When one person is falling behind, the rest of your team can struggle to pick up the slack while maintaining their own work. Ultimately, what this characteristic boils down to is mutual respect. If you have a team that respects each other, they’ll be working to ensure everyone has what they need in order to do their job as best they can. Without that respect, it’s likely that people will be performing the bare minimum in their role.

Trust:

As important as mutual respect is the level of trust your employees have in each other. When you have a team that trusts one another, it allows for strong cohesion, conflict management and natural agreement when issues arise. Cohesion built upon trust means that every member of your staff is working towards the same goals, knows how to work together, and can make the right judgement calls when problems arise.

Understanding Limitations:

Some of the best teams know when it’s time to ask for outside help. Whether it’s a task that your team may not have the experience or knowledge to fully complete, or the workload seems to be simply more than they can handle, outside assistance or perspectives are nothing to be ashamed about and can help your team succeed at a higher level.

If you and your team require help with tax prep, retirement planning, or any accounting related service, we are here for you. Contact our dental accounting office in Towson, MDtoday and let us know how we can help.

August 15, 2021

The Power of Feedback in Improving Workplace Performance | Dental CPA Baltimore

The exchange of feedback between leaders and their teams is an almost non-stop process. Official, or not, good leaders are as willing to listen to feedback as they are giving it out. Feedback is one of the most important aspects of improving performance, and yet it can be one of the most difficult things to hear. Very few people enjoy viewing themselves in a critical light. Below, we’ll outline some of the best ways to not only get constructive feedback, but also how to handle feedback for optimal benefit when it comes.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask For It:

People will often assume that if something is wrong, they’ll be told and corrected. While in a perfect world, this may be the case, it is unfortunately not the reality. When you directly ask for feedback, you give your employees and your leaders the opportunity to give you valuable insights into the operations of your practice. Without asking, you may be missing out on mistakes being made, or innovations that have changed operations for the better.

Even if the feedback is not received in an official setting (such as an “on the fly” direction) it can give you the ability to bolster your systems and improve your practice. Make sure you ask for that chance as frequently as possible.

Don’t just React – Listen and Digest:

When feedback comes to us, it can sometimes be difficult to not feel personally attacked – especially if the feedback is critical. The worst thing you can do in this type of situation, would be to react without really considering what the other person is saying. Make sure you hear what them out and think about why they feel the way they do.

Do your best to stay clear headed and ask clarifying questions to help you fully understand the other person’s view point. Sometimes, the most positive and helpful feedback can be misinterpreted and turned into a destructive situation. If you need to take the time to digest, think about asking for time to do so. It never hurts to come back and be able to discuss feedback in more detail and from a different perspective. Taking whatever space and time you need will ultimately help you deal with feedback in a more constructive way and help you to understand your practice and your leadership style better.

Reflection is a Form of Feedback:

A conversation with a manager or employee is not the only way to get feedback. You can also learn a lot about your strengths and potential limitations by reviewing the successes and failures you have had in your position. Is the same failure happening over and over again? It may be time to figure out the root cause of the issue and create a plan to make sure it doesn’t happen again.

Criticism, constructive or not, can be difficult to hear. Ultimately however, that brief time of difficulty will turn in to large dividends for both you, your team, and the practice as a whole. If you’re looking for constructive feedback from an outside perspective that can help your practice grow, contact our Schiff Dental CPA team. We’ll be able to analyze your strengths and areas for improvement in order to help you bring your practice to the next level.

August 1, 2021

Why a Real Dental CPA is Still Better Than Any Accounting Software | 21204 Dental CPA

As humanity expands ever outward into the digital age, the number of available accounting software that claim to be able to do it all for your practice are only going to increase. While you may be tempted to believe these claims, the truth is this: a real accountant is still better for your practice than any software. Why? We’re glad you asked.

Dental CPA Baltimore

Contrary to most people’s opinions of accountants, basic math is not our speciality. We allow computers to do most of the math for us in order to save ourselves the time to analyze and interpret the results.

Any computer can do the work it takes to balance your numbers, but none of them can understand whether those numbers are actually right, or what they mean to the financial future of your practice. Conversely, a dental accountant has the capability to analyze the financial health of your practice by comparing your numbers to benchmarks set by successful practices, tracking progress through past years, and determining proper overhead costs for your practice.

Our team is also here to help advise you on your goals, and what decisions need to be made in order to meet them. Another pitfall of software programs that many do not realize is that they can only tell you when something is wrong. Most of them are unable to tell you exactly why something is wrong and none of them are able to help provide you with a specialized solution.

Dental accountants know which financial strategies work in the dental field and which do not, because we have the experience to do so. Not only can we do the math, but we provide support during a financial emergency, or even when you just want to learn how to spend your money more wisely.

While there is no arguing that these software tools can be useful in the right hands, they are often only as good as the person using them. If an inexperienced individual is attempting to manage all of their finances on their own, it may result in costly errors that could have been avoided with a professional.

Wherever you are on your career journey, an accountant can help you find success. Help your practice and yourself with professional accounting services from our team. We can assist you with everything from tax prep and minimization to business management, start up services, retirement planning, and yes, bookkeeping. Contact our Schiff Dental CPA today to get started.

July 16, 2021

How An Accountant Can Solve Problems Through Creative Solutions | Allen Schiff CPA

Al Capone was a notorious mobster and crime boss who committed countless crimes either himself or through his organization. However, the crime that finally got him caught and sent to prison wasn’t related to his gangster reputation. Ultimately, Capone was arrested and convicted for income tax evasion. The man who had a seven year reign as crime boss of Chicago ended up being taken down by a team of accountants.

Maryland Dental CPA

While this story may not have much to do with dentistry, it is a testament to just how important accountants can be to any field. More than just the people who help you with your taxes, accountants are trained to understand businesses and create solutions that others may not think of. Here are just a few of the ways accountants can solve problems for your practice find success.

Understanding Dentistry:

While an accountant of any type may be able to be helpful to your practice, a dental CPA fully understands all the ins and outs of dentistry and is able to use that knowledge to help you. Dental accountants are uniquely qualified to assist you because they understand your issues in the larger context of dentistry and can examine an issue from every relevant angle. They know the business and therefore have a better grasp on will be the right solution for you.

Big Picture Thinking:

Accountants are known for their analytical minds. When it comes to solving a financial problem in your practice, a new perspective that considers all the widespread consequences may be exactly what your practice needs. This capacity for lateral thinking is one of the reasons why dental accountants are able to make such significant contributions to your practice success.

Creativity:

Difficult problems require creative solutions. While accountants aren’t always respected for their originality, you may be surprised to know that their line of work takes quite a bit more creative flexibility than most believe. Combining their knowledge of the dental field with the ability to bring a unique approach allows dental accountants to come up with innovative solutions that work to meet and exceed your practice’s financial goals.

While it’s better to have an accountant before trouble arises, we are here to help you no matter your circumstances. If you’re facing a problem that requires a special touch, contact our Dental CPA Baltimore team of professional dental accountants today and find the solution for success you’ve been looking for.

July 1, 2021

5 Qualities Your Next Accountant Should Have | 21204 dental CPA

The easiest way to gage how well your practice is doing is to hire a professional dental accountant. However, not all accountants are the same, and you should know what you’re looking for before you trust your business to anyone. As you research your options, make sure your next accountant has these five qualities.

Dental Broker Baltimore

Informed

It may seem like a no brainer, but your accountant should be an expert in bookkeeping and accounting specific to the dental industry. Make sure they know the best options for dentists and stay on top of practice related financial details and information.

Organized

If you’ve tried to do your accounting yourself, you know just how quickly it can turn messy. Hire an accountant that knows how to clean up the mess and keep it that way. Not only will this allow you to reach your goals faster, but it was also help ensure your business is both efficient and compliant.

Credible

Trust is one of the most important factors when deciding on an accountant. You are often putting your practice, your financials and your life in their hands. In this case, reputation means everything. Find out everything you can about the company and accountant before signing anything. Consider contacting professional references for testimonies.

Responsible

The devil is in the details, and one mistake could cost your practice dearly. Discuss the ways that your accountant would avoid mistakes and stay familiar with your financials. You spend a lot of time familiarizing yourself with your patients, an accountant needs to do the same with your practice.

Dedicated to You

The top dental accountants understand that customer service is paramount. Your accountant should go above and beyond to help your practice become successful. Our team knows this to be the case, and gives each of our clients the respect and dedication they deserve. Contact our Towson MD Dental CPA office today and see how a great accountant can help you.

June 9, 2021

Why a Dental CPA Is Your Most Valuable Asset | Best Dental CPA

Dental practices are businesses, and the dentists at the heart of them are CEOs. If you own a dental practice, or are one of several dentists in a partnership-based practice, you should be treating that practice like a business. That means looking for ways to grow revenue, trim overhead, maximize business deductions, and minimize your tax liability. A dental CPA can help dentistry firms achieve all these goals. Here’s how.

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They’re Specialists

A dental CPA is more than just a generic accountant. Dental CPAs work exclusively with dentists and their practices. This means that they have specialized knowledge that other accountants lack. Dental CPAs have an insider’s grasp of the industry, including expenses, trends, and the best ways to lower a practice’s tax burden. They also understand what new equipment is delivering the best return on investment, and how to save money every year from the depreciation of assets unique to the dentistry field.

They Can Analyze Your Firm’s Financial Health

The benefits of having a dental CPA go far beyond just getting an advantageous grip on your business’s taxes, though. They can also apply their financial acumen to your overall business model. An experienced dental CPA will be able to look at a practice’s financial reports and determine how it can reduce its expenses and increase profits. They’re trained to recognize financial oversights and areas of inefficiency specific to the dental industry.

Given just a few months to carefully analyze your practice’s finances, a dental CPA will be able to make insightful, actionable suggestions that make an immediate difference.

Industry Benchmarks

Benchmarking is the practice of comparing a business’s performance metrics with both competitors and the highest standards in the industry. While a dentist in Ohio may have no idea how their practice compares with firms in California, Texas, or New York, a good dental CPA does. They’re thoroughly versed in the industry’s key performance indicators (KPIs). These include metrics like patient loads, profit margins, and the percentage of active patients that are currently under schedule.

Dentists primarily focused on their patients and the scientific aspects of their profession may have never even considered evaluating their practices in these ways. But benchmarks and KPIs are powerful ways to frame and understand your business. Dental CPAs can leverage those tools better than anyone. Our office offers you expert guidance on all of these financial strategies and more. Contact our certified dental accountant in Towson MD today and learn more about the many ways a Dental CPA can help you.

May 11, 2021

Retire Confidently With a Dental Accountant | Best Dental CPA

There is a saying made famous by Stephen Covey that has stuck with us for years. The saying goes, “begin with the end in mind”. While these words can mean many different things to many different people, to us, they mean that it’s never too early to start planning for your retirement.

Talk About Retirement with Dental CPA in Maryland

As a dentist with your own practice, your eventual retirement requires a great deal more planning than that of the average person. Hiring a dental accountant can reduce your financial waste, helping you to retire sooner with confidence.

If retirement planning feels like it’s still a long way down the road, consider what has to be accomplished in order to ensure success:

In-depth debt reduction strategies
A strong practice exit plan (estate planning)
A retirement funding plan
Understanding risk management
And, if necessary, providing for your family.

It’s never too early to start working your way through this list. In fact, its recommended by most accountants that you meet with your advisor at least once a year to report on your progress and make necessary adjustments.

Think of a dental accountant like a financial coach. Among the many services offered, accountants can help you find the right pensions, properties, and business opportunities to invest in while you’re still working. As your revenue starts to increase, they can also help you understand where your money is being spent in order to put you in better financial shape once you’re ready to retire.

When you do retire, an accountant will also help you divvy up your assets while making sure they don’t fall into the wrong hands.

Retirement shouldn’t feel like work. Start building financial peace of mind today with a certified dental accountant. Contact our Towson MD Dental CPA office for more information.

May 1, 2021

Thousand Dollar Mistakes You May Be Making | 21204 dental CPA

Most dentists are experts at what they do. They keep teeth healthy. Many of those same dentists are less experienced in making sure their books are well kept and accurately reflect the financial health of their practice. Both of these skills are absolutely critical to maintaining the longevity of your practice. With that in mind, here are 3 common bookkeeping mistakes that could be costing you thousands of dollars and eventually your entire business.

Dental CPA in Maryland

Misunderstanding the Difference Between Cash Flow and Profit

Understanding financial reports is no easy task. The complexity can often be confusing for inexperienced people, leading to some costly mistakes. Commonly, a dentist/in house bookkeeper will mistake profit figures for the amount of available cash. This is not correct. As a result of this mistake, dentists make purchases hat incur overdraft fees and charges costing your practice a lot of money. Profits are computed using a profit and loss statement. Cash flow however, is measured using a cash flow equation and factoring in depreciation expenses, inventory, and accounts receivable.

Accidently Recording Transactions in the Wrong Period

Another common mistake is made as practices “close the books” at the end of each month. As your in house bookkeeper reconciles accounts and prepares your financial statements, transactions from previous periods can be wrongfully entered. If this mistake goes unnoticed, all of your future reports will be wrong as well as you tax documents and cash figures. As you can imagine, that is not good news. Misrepresentation of cash, whether or not it was an honest mistake, can mean a doubling of repair costs and harsh penalties from the IRS.

Not Working With an Experienced Dental Accountant

Trying to manage your financials yourself or hiring and inexperienced bookkeeper can spell disaster for your practice. High tax bills, theft, common cash mistakes and more are all results of an unreliable accounting system.

Working with a dental accountant can save you time and money by implementing an effective system. Give yourself the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have an accurate understanding of your practice finances at all times. Contact our Towson MD Dental CPA office for more information.

April 7, 2021

Best Dental CPA | How Hiring a Dental Accountant Can Save Time

Staff issues, the IRS, practice management, day to day business needs; it can all seem overwhelming. It’s more than likely that you got into the dental field to be a dentist, not an accountant, and even though those are important, we know it might just not be your thing. You don’t have to worry- most dentists feel the same way. But unfortunately lack of interest or knowledge doesn’t let you off the hook. After all, the right accountant can be the difference between your practice succeeding or failing. As your best line of defense against the complex and brutal business world, a specialized CPA can save you not only a great deal of time, but also money.

Unlike an accounting computer program, a specialized accountant does more than provide basic numbers. Unless you or someone on your staff has a background in dental accounting, you’ll need a CPA to organize and present the data in a useful way. A skilled dental CPA will go multiple steps further than a computer program ever could. Just as you gather information to help treat your patients, your dental accountant will use those reports to evaluate, diagnose and plan in order to keep your business running as efficiently as possible.

The CPA will ask questions and create solutions to problems such as: How is the financial health of you practice? What can we do to minimize taxes and generate more revenue? Is it time to add another dentist?

Services your CPA will provide depend upon your needs. You may only need your tax returns prepared. But if you’re looking for the maximum benefit of a specialized accountant, they can also provide you with added security, tax planning and expert business advice. Remember, an excellent dental CPA can save you both time and money while providing peace of mind.

If you have questions about what a specialized CPA can do for you practice, or would like to begin your search for a CPA, contact Schiff & Associates today.

April 6, 2021

The New Dentist Names Allen Schiff Best Dental Accountant 2021

The New Dentist, an influential online industry magazine, has named Allen Schiff, CPA, CFE the Best Dental Accountant for 2021. Schiff, president and founder of Schiff & Associates, based in Towson, MD, was nominated by many clients for freely donating his time to helping dental practices understand the impact of COVID-19 — whether they were clients or not.

“As CPAs we had two choices: to put our head in the sand or walk stride for stride with our clients holding their hands to get through the pandemic,” Schiff told the magazine. “I chose the second route.”

Over the past year, Allen has participated in many ADA and state dental association webinars, informing attendees of the financial aspects of the CARES Act

“They held multiple virtual meetings on evenings and weekends to help me navigate the complex processes, covering PPP1 and PPP2 loans, EIDL loans/grants, state grants, HHS grants, ERTCs and more,” client Eric Morse, DDS, said of Schiff & Associates. “They donated significant hours of their time to give national webinars to dentists at no cost.”

Schiff & Associates has been instrumental in securing nearly $30 million in PPP loans and other funding sources for his clients.

“Many times, we received Allen’s emails to provide guidance or update us on the constant changes relating to the pandemic and all the PPP/Employer Tax Credit/Grant programs, etc., late at night or … extremely early in the morning at 1, 2 a.m. and sometimes after a few hours at 5 or 6 a.m.,” said client Trang Ton, DDS. “We were way ahead of our fellow dentist friends with all the business, accounting and tax aspects of the pandemic and felt very confident getting back on our feet and on track because of this amazing accounting team.”

Schiff’s nominations also noted his tireless lobbying of the American Dental Association for changes that benefit dentists; his attendance at continuing education courses and sending reports back to his clients; and his longtime role as an instructor at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry and other dental schools on the business side of dentistry.

Schiff, who is president of the Academy of Dental CPAs (ADCPA), has more than 35 years of experience in dental accounting and practice management. A graduate of the University of Baltimore, he is an accomplished speaker, contributing writer to Dental Economics magazine, and a multiple recipient of the SMART CEO award in the State of Maryland. His firm guides 265 practices across the nation.

April 1, 2021

Dental CPA in Maryland | Is Your Business Healthy?

The definition of success is subjective. However, many can agree that accomplishing a healthy work-life balance seems to be one of the most important ways to achieve success on many levels. By establishing healthy business habits, you can minimize the occurrence of career burn-out. If you’re experiencing career dissatisfaction and questioning the health of your business, consider the following:

Establish healthier habits. Arrive at work at the same time each day. Consistency for yourself and your team can make a difference in creating a peaceful work environment. Dedicate time to work on your business and stick to it. When administrative work, important decisions and other owner responsibilities stack up, it’s common to carry that stress around with you. Eventually it affects your team and patient satisfaction as well.

Know your number. Money is not the root of all evil. It’s also not the solution to every problem. It’s a necessary component to running a healthy business. It’s important to know where you stand financially and have the ability to make smart investment decisions. Before purchasing that $30,000 “high tech solution to all of your problems”, consider how it will truly aid in providing better care for your patients. What will the ROI be? How have others in your situation made this investment profitable? Our team will help advise your major financial decisions. When it comes to your numbers, it’s helpful to know where you stand at all times. We are here for you.

Owning a business can be a very satisfying and rewarding responsibility. It can be difficult to find the time needed to accomplish everything on your to-do list. Prioritize your responsibilities and create deadlines. This alone will help you make the time for the important items that often get pushed to the backburner. Once your priorities are clear, it will become easier to say “no” when necessary and to have the focus required to check off important items.

If you’d like assistance in making wise financial decisions, contact us at Schiff & Associates today.

March 15, 2021

Allen Schiff CPA | There’s Power in Numbers

Being a member of the exclusive Academy of Dental Certified Accountants (ADCPA.org) allows our team the benefit of providing collective experience, national averages and best practices. The ADCPA meets twice per year to learn and grow together. By joining with dentistry’s top dental accountants, we have the ability to expand our service offerings, continually improve our communication and technology, as well as learn about ancillary supporting services which benefit our dental clients.

If considering a general CPA for your dental practice, consider the advantages to hiring an ADCPA member.

When uniting with other top dental CPA’s, our team at Schiff & Associates have the ability to learn alternative ways to serve our clients. We discuss controversial topics and learn where our peers stand in terms of providing the most ethical, and beneficial tax strategies. Having a CPA that is well versed in tax law and is up to date on best practices can save you time and money.

Dental CPAs provide a wide range of dental specific accounting needs. As your Practice grows, your taxes become more complex. Dental CPAs will share effective techniques for maximizing your tax savings. Aside from tax planning and support, we offer proficient insight on current trends and relevant issues that aid in making sound decisions for your business. Whether starting your first practice or managing your established growth, you can rest assured knowing your our team is by your side, providing you with strategic advice, every step of the way.

For more information on how our team will help you, contact Schiff & Associates.

Schiff & Associates, LLC
Email: ASchiff@Schiffcpa.com
Phone: (410) 321-7707 Ext #1205
100 West Road Suite 410
Towson, MD 21204

February 15, 2021

Dental CPA Near Me | 4 Simple Ways to Reduce No-Shows

Whether your patient is scheduled for a cosmetic consultation, restoration placement, or routine hygiene and screening visit, you want to be certain they will come. When your patient cancels with little or no notice, they delay important treatment and wreak havoc with your schedule. Even one missed appointment per day can lead to thousands in lost revenue in a single year.

Reports indicate that about one in ten patients cancels or skips scheduled dental visits. Consider these 4 easily implemented strategies for reducing your practice no-show rate:

During a patient’s visit, clearly communicate the state of their oral health. Explain what treatment they need, why they need it, and when it needs to happen. Emphasize the benefits of receiving the treatment in a timely manner. Patients who understand the value of their treatment are more likely to remember and return as scheduled.

Ask your patient to choose how their appointments are confirmed. Offer to use text, email, mail, or phone calls, if possible, so they are more likely to receive their reminder. Consider offering your patient the ability to authorize you to contact a spouse, parent, or partner who most often handles scheduling or reminding them of commitments.

Whatever their method of choice, follow through with appointment reminders at least 24-48 hours prior to their scheduled window. If you speak to someone directly during a reminder, choose words that prompt the patient to agree to call if they cannot keep the appointment. Cancellations are less frequent when the patient feels they have made a commitment.

4. Set aside time at least once a month for your team to reach out to patients who are not yet scheduled for their next visit. Use the preferred contact method on file and offer same day or next day appointments, if possible. This has the benefit of both bringing back inactive patients and filling openings left by cancellations or reschedules.

Communication is key in reducing no-shows and reactivating patients. Before implementing new strategies for scheduling, hold a team meeting and discuss your new policies in detail. Be certain that every member on your team is ready and willing to explain the value of treatment, follow up with patients, and support the changes to your systems.

For more ideas that can help your business thrive, contact our office for a consultation.

100 West Road suite 410
Towson, MD 21204

February 1, 2021

Towson Dental CPA | 4 Ways to Grow Your Confidence as a Business Leader

The up and down nature of confidence can be exemplified as a business leader because of the stressful nature of maintaining a high-ranking position. Confidence can grow with practice and effort. Here are four ways to grow confidence as a business leader.

Consistency is Key

Rapidly changing methods and ideas can prevent a business leader from feeling confident. The business should work for the business leader, not the other way around. Gaining a sense of consistency and stability with schedules, rules, and realistic expectations can lead to an increase in confidence that the business will run smoothly. Know and understand the key parts of the business, important dates, and the function of each role. You can only become confident in your business operations when you fully grasp the nature of the entire business.

Be Yourself

Being afraid to say what you think can be viewed as a lack of confidence. Speaking your mind, while still having a professional filter, can build confidence as it shows you are part of a team and contributing. Being yourself will also dispel any notion coworkers might have that you are not being a genuine person. Openness and authenticity will not only strengthen your bond with your employees, but are also essential traits for effective leadership.

Be Open to Criticism

Change cannot come from one person alone, and not all criticism should be seen as a slight against you. Listen to feedback from coworkers and customers and tailor that feedback into something positive. Do not let the criticism fester and destroy your confidence, take it and use it to grow as a person. Accepting constructive criticism and negative comments can help increase your confidence.

Know What You Are Talking About

Fully understanding what you are talking about can help improve your confidence. If you are a business leader, strive to know everything you can about the business and its operations. If you are speaking about a topic, research everything you can about that topic. Become the expert. You will be better positioned to demonstrate confidence when it is clear that you are invested in what you are discussing.

Confidence can not only make or break your career, it can impact the business as a whole. You can take your confidence to the next level, while learning how to prevent situations from arising that can be detrimental to your confidence.

For a consultation, contact our team.

100 West Road suite 410
Towson, MD 21204

January 20, 2021

Towson Dental CPA | 5 Signs You NEED an Accountant

Have you wondered whether you actually need to have a professional accountant? Here are 5 signs that confirm you do:

1) You earn over $200,000 per year – Your odds of being audited once you start earning over $200,000 a year increases to nearly 4%. While this may not seem like a large number, it’s actually an increase of over 300%. Having your financials in order in case this does occur is vitally important once you become a high-earner.

2) You are a business owner or are self-employed – Utilizing the services of an accounting professional is vitally important for any business owner or entrepreneur. Tax laws change annually. The current US tax code has over 7 million words in it. Making sure all of your deductions are included, your assets are depreciating properly, and you are maximizing your tax savings will wind up saving you money in the long run.

3) You are setting money aside for others – When putting money aside for your children, grandchildren, or anyone you want to take care of, it’s very important to use a financial professional to decide which vehicles to use for tax-deferred or tax-free savings. This includes college savings plans or trusts.

4) You are incurring large capital gains tax – The key to success in paying big capital gains tax is paying at long-term rates. An accountant can help you with a Qualified Small Business Tax Credit, minimize your taxes, and help you set long-term payment goals.

5) You are experiencing rapid growth in your business – Not only is keeping your finances up to date time-consuming, it’s also complicated. When you’re experiencing rapid growth, it’s time to call in an accounting professional. Having more customers, employees, and vendors is going to require more paperwork and number crunching and can rapidly become impossible for you to manage.

Contact our team today to learn how we can make your life easier.

100 West Road suite 410
Towson, MD 21204

January 6, 2021

Dental CPA in Towson | Career Tips for New Dentists

Starting your professional career as a new dentist can be one of the most exciting (and anxious) times of your life. Whether you are beginning your own practice or joining one, there are several important aspects to keep in mind. We have compiled a quick guide that will help you manage your priorities as a new dentist with confidence.

Protect Your Work-Life Balance – While you might be used to a heavy schedule during your years in academia, don’t let yourself burn out. You deserve a healthy work-life balance. By setting expectations and following them, you can enjoy your time with friends, family, or hobbies without feeling tread on by your work schedule.
Know Your Strengths – Your practice should center on two things: what you are compassionate about, and what you are incredible at. Don’t pursue a specialty just to appeal to your community if it isn’t something you are excited about. Focusing on your strengths will bring you more satisfaction in your work as well as higher quality to your service.
Manage Your Debt – Dental school graduates usually have a significant trail of student debt following them. Whether you refinance, make extra payments, or choose an alternate repayment plan, focus on reducing your balance instead of simply paying off the interest. Don’t forget to contribute early to your retirement fund, either. The best time to start saving was yesterday.
Successful Practice Management – A dental practice is a business, and a business needs a strong leader. Dental schools don’t typically prepare you for the financial and leadership elements of your career, so don’t be afraid to seek coaches or consultants. With the right mentor, both you and your practice can succeed.
Continue Your Education – The last advice you want to hear as a new dentist is ‘more schooling,’ but it’s true. Once you have settled in, you should look for new opportunities to hone your skills. There exists a world of workshops, lectures, and courses that can further your passion in dentistry, bring you confidence in your work, and improve the value of your practice.

With the right mindset and plan, you can build yourself up as a new dentist, achieving your leadership and financial goals. If you are considering starting your own practice, our team will be the resource you need to secure your future in success. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

100 West Road suite 410
Towson, MD 21204

December 16, 2020

Next Round of HHS Grant Relief Funds 12/16/20

Today, December 16, 2020, many of you should be receiving the next round of HHS Payments (Phase 3 Payments). Please check your bank statement for they are ACH into your Business Checking Account. For those of you, that have had your 2020 year-end meeting with us, you may want to increase your Estimated Tax Payments due January 15, 2021, for these funds are taxable. Please contact your Schiff Team Member for any questions you may have. If your 2020 year-end meeting is coming up, we will need this info from you ASAP, so that we remain current.

December 6, 2020

Towson MD Dental CPA | Claim Financial Freedom

Whether you’re starting a new practice or have been an owner dentist for years, the financial stress that can come from being a business owner can sometimes overwhelm even the most seasoned professionals. Our goal is to help you achieve complete financial freedom so that financial worries don’t interfere with your ability to work well.

Below are some tips you can follow on your own to help build a rock-solid foundation for your practice. Staying organized and up-to-date with your financials allows you to focus on delivering quality care to your patients. Contact our firm today to learn how we can help!

1. Have a plan. As the popular saying goes, “failing to plan is planning to fail.” In order to see true success, you’ll need to have both short and long-term plans for your practice. How will you allocate new earnings? How is your practice prepared to deal with slow seasons? How are you budgeting for new purchases? If you don’t already have answers to these questions, they could be a great place to start. Planning for the unexpected can help safeguard your profitability from being derailed by unforeseen expenses.

2. Set goals. Don’t be afraid to dream big. Your practice will only be as successful as you make it. Setting goals allows you to have a clear yardstick to measure your success against and can help you make better financial choices in the present. By recognizing the simple truth that every small decision you make now can have a huge impact on the future, you’ll be able to start setting yourself up for success. Your future self with thank you.

3. Be Smart. When starting or growing your business, there can be benefits to taking on strategic debt. However, doing so in a manner that will benefit, rather than hinder your growth requires an understanding of the returns you can expect on your investment. Don’t jump into big purchases without a plan, rather weigh the potential benefits and risks of all your financial decisions.

4. Get Organized. Disorganization can be a killer for any business. In order to ensure you’re not letting anything important slip through the cracks, it’s important to have systems in place that will guarantee nothing is missed. In addition to protecting you from unforeseen troubles, efficient organization can also help bring opportunities for improvement to light. Whether it’s money that could be saved or resources that could be conserved, understanding the ins and outs of your financials can help you to understand exactly how your money is being used.

If you feel that you could improve in any of these areas, our firm is here to help! Our goal is to make the process of managing and running your practice as simple as possible, allowing you to focus on delivering quality work to your patients and growing your business. Contact us today to learn more.

100 West Road suite 410
Towson, MD 21204

December 1, 2020

Townson Dental CPA | Combat Burnout to Increase Production

Have you ever felt tired, stressed, and overwhelmed to the point where it impacts your production numbers? Burnout can happen to all dentists and their teams. Yes, this includes you. Before burnout starts to significantly impact your practice, you need to know how to recognize it and how to manage it.

Identify Signs of Burnout

If you start to feel unfocused, tired, or bored, you may be experiencing burnout. Does your team lack the enthusiasm they once possessed? When you start to notice these clues and behaviors, take action immediately. You and your team have invested countless hours in building a fulfilling career in dentistry. Don’t allow a temporary period of burnout to cause you to question your work. Instead, it’s time to reinvigorate your attitude.

Identify the Problem Areas

When production numbers begin to slip, look at where your numbers are starting to drag. A dental CPA can help you identify areas where your numbers a falling. When a department’s numbers begin to sink, your team members can start to feel low, impacting the office’s overall morale. Identifying the problem area allows you and your team to find and implement a solution before dissatisfaction spreads.

Identify New Areas to Explore

If you are experiencing burnout, the time may be right to learn a new skill. Sign up for a CE course or workshop on a subject that is new or intriguing. By expanding your skills, you can increase the number of services you provide, which can turn sagging appointment numbers around. Could your team benefit from additional courses? You may want to try selecting a course the entire team can participate in together. Not only will you all be learning new applicable skills, but you will be improving your relationships with each other which will lead to improved morale.

Burnout will happen to even the best dental team. When you start to notice the signs of burnout, don’t wait for things to improve on their own. Be proactive and identify the areas you or the team could improve. Whether it is improving the number of hygiene appointments, or taking a new CE course, take action immediately to combat signs of burnout.

A dental CPA team can help you evaluate areas of opportunity. Contact us today.

100 West Road suite 410
Towson, MD 21204

November 17, 2020

Maryland Dental CPA | Common Payroll Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Handling payroll for a dental practice is often thought of as a simple task. The truth, however, is that there are many minor errors that can easily lead to major problems. Train your team to catch these small mistakes your practice might be making, so you can be sure to avoid them in the future.

Estimated Recordkeeping – Don’t wait until the day before payroll is due to log shifts worked for the pay period. Days can begin to blend together and it can be challenging to recall who worked which days and times after the fact. Looking through notes and emails to figure out past days’ activities can be stressful and even inaccurate, leading to incorrect pay.

Employee Misclassifications – There are many differences, at both federal and state levels, between an employee and a contractor. Make sure you classify your team members, temporary replacement workers, and anyone else in payroll correctly to ensure an accurate, streamlined process. Depending on the infraction and your area, heavy penalties can occur for misclassified worker pay.

Not Tracking Bonuses or Gifts – Work trips or group outings are no problem, but any sort of bonus or gift that has monetary value needs to be tracked. Gift cards are a common example of this. Make sure to keep a running log of any exchanges like these for year-end purposes.

Paying Employees Wrong Rates – When employees are hired, given a raise, or have their pay otherwise adjusted, make sure this is correctly logged in the system or software you use. Using an hourly wage in a program to pay as salary can have rounding problems, so double-check your work. Manual error or forgetting to process a raise on the books right away can lead to owing back-pay or other issues in the future.

Holidays or Haphazard Payroll – Try to set a fixed schedule for your payroll. When holidays affect the normal cycle, have an established plan to deal with it appropriately. Depending on your area, missing or late payroll can create tax headaches or incur penalties, as well as causing hardship for your team.

Payroll can be a straightforward and mistake-free process at your practice, but it requires proper oversight and attention. Keep an airtight system, follow up on any mistakes, and think ahead. For more information on how to handle payroll or tax concerns, contact our office.

November 10, 2020

Towson Dental CPA | Converting Leads into Patients

Marketing is an essential part of attracting new business. Strong print and internet marketing materials can help introduce your practice to potential new patients. Glowing reviews and testimonials tell people that you have a trustworthy team and offer quality care. However, even the best marketing efforts won’t contribute anything to your business if you fail to convert leads into patients. There are a variety of reasons outside of your control that might stop someone from scheduling an appointment at your practice, but it’s important to make sure you do all you can to help motivate people to seek treatment with you. Below are some tips to help your team more effectively sell the value of your service to potential new patients.

Be responsive and available. As a dental professional, you know what it’s like to be busy. Often, your patients have busy lives of their own. Make sure your team is available to take calls as they come and try to offer flexible appointment times to help people work within their limited free time.

Don’t be too pushy. While it’s helpful to be clear about all the treatments offered at your practice, patients are often turned off by overly “salesy” approaches. Take the time to get to know a patient and their needs, goals, and budget before trying to sell them on dental solutions. This will make them feel valued and understood, increasing the likelihood of treatment plan acceptance.

Offer a friendly and welcoming environment. There are a number of people who absolutely dread going to the dentist. Because of that, some potential patients may already have a negative feeling towards you and your team despite no fault of your own. Work to overcome this discomfort quickly by offering a personable and kind environment. Make sure your team greets patients by name and gets to know a bit about them. A little can go a long way.

Don’t lose track of people. Repetition is one of the easiest techniques for cementing something into memory. If a potential new patient contacts your office, be sure to follow up if you don’t hear from them again. You never know the reason they didn’t call back, so taking that step for them can offer a second chance to make a connection and help your practice stand out more in their mind.

Many dentists find it difficult to think about their practice as a business. It is likely that you chose dentistry due to a passion for service and healing, not bookkeeping or sales. Yet nearly any successful retailer will say that the only way to gain business is to give customers what they want, when they want it. Contact our firm for more strategies on boosting new patient numbers and patient retention!

October 21, 2020

Schiff Dental CPAs | Medicine for Your Business

The business world often goes hand in hand with stress. Pressures to attract new customers, meet quotas, or increase productivity can make working feel like an unpleasant chore. If you have begun to dread going into the office due to an oppressive atmosphere, chances are strong that you are not alone in your feelings. Turning things around for you and your team may be easier than you think. Consider adding fun back to your business with a daily dose of laughter.

While the addition of humor to the workplace does not move deadlines or reduce the expectations for performance, it can help create a more enjoyable environment for everyone there. When the office feels fun and engaging, the work feels lighter and more accessible. Scientific studies have shown that laughter relieves tension, boosts the immune system, and relaxes the muscles. Additionally, laughing can increase memory, energy, and creativity and elevate the mood. Every office can benefit from these effects.

There are many ways to inject some humor into your workdays. Try sharing a joke with your team to start the huddle and invite them to bring their own. Post a board in a shared space and challenge everyone to bring a funny image or comic strip to hang. Have a silly shirt day once a week or once a month. Take silly photos or videos of you and your team to share on social media.

Embracing a little more humor with your colleagues and team takes only a small investment of time and can yield large increases in mood, productivity, and worker morale. For more ideas on making your work more engaging, contact our Schiff Dental CPAs.

October 14, 2020

Dental CPA | Dental Practice Human Resources: FAQs

Whether you manage human resource decisions and concerns yourself or simply oversee your practice manager, as the business owner, you are responsible for ensuring your policies are legal, appropriate, and applied fairly. You may find it useful to take a moment to review a few commonly asked questions regarding aspects of human resources for dental practice owners.

What questions do I need to avoid during interviews?

There are a few basic, even common questions we would not think twice about asking during conversation that are not appropriate for an interview setting. Some of these include:

Are you married?
Do you have children?
What is the origin of your (unusual) name?

While all these questions can be meant to break the ice, they can also lead to the sharing of information about protected class status, such as disability, family status, ethnic or religious heritage, and others. Even if the answers would have no bearing on your decision, these questions can leave you open to a complaint or suit if the position is not offered.

What should I do if an employee refuses to sign their disciplinary action form?

Bring a witness into the room, note the refusal to sign, and have the witness sign confirmation that the disciplinary action form was provided. Additionally, remind the employee that refusal to sign does not nullify the disciplinary action and further infractions can still lead to more serious consequences.

We use software to track the hours our employees work. The program has a function to automatically deduct meal times so the employee does not need to manually clock in and out. Should we use that function?

Before you decide to implement an automatic system of this type, consider the time saved by not manually entering hours. Then compare that to the time lost by entering corrections if a team member misses lunch, returns early, or runs late. If your office rarely deviates from schedule, this may be beneficial. However, if you find that you are making corrections more than once or twice a week, it may be costing more time than it saves.

If you have other questions regarding staffing concerns, contact our office for a practice management consultation.

September 2, 2020

Dental CPA in Maryland | Finding Opportunity in Hygiene Appointments

What percentage of your total production consists of hygiene appointments? For many dentists, hygiene appointments make up a significant portion of total production numbers. According to a study last year, hygiene appointments comprise nearly one-third or greater of total production numbers for approximately 80% of all dentists.

Hygiene is a significant source of overall production, but is there room for improvement? The same study uncovered a startling statistic – only 17% of dentists indicated that the majority of their active patients are receiving regular hygiene appointments every six months. This means there is a significant opportunity here. Hygiene numbers could increase as much as five times among current, active patients.

What steps can you take to encourage patients to schedule, and attend, regular hygiene appointments?

It is necessary to have an action plan in place. Create a consistent system that can be followed for confirmations. Some practices call or text one or two days prior to the appointment. This can help reduce the number of no-shows. Instill in your team the need to address the importance of hygiene examinations to patients. Most patients are not fully aware of all that goes on during the appointment and view it merely as a cleaning. Emphasize the need for regular oral cancer screenings as well.

Opportunity exists within your practice. Harness the potential that each patient brings with regular hygiene visits.

Boost hygiene production to improve your bottom line. Contact Schiff & Associates for financial insight and assistance.

June 22, 2020

Towson MD Dental CPA | Manage Your Calendar to Balance Your Life

Appointments and continuing education consume most of your time. How do you manage to live a happy, well-adjusted, balanced life when you simply don’t have time? The key is in planning. Do you use a calendar to manage your time or do you simply make agreements and arrangements as they come up? Here is how you can balance your schedule by managing your calendar.

Set Clear Boundaries

The first step to achieving a work-life balance is to consider your basic responsibilities and obligations. Set aside blocks of time in your calendar to meet with patients, hold team meetings, and attend organizational group meetings. Your calendar should be your primary time-management tool.

Time Off Means Time Off

You need to set aside time for activities unrelated to work. When you decide to take a day off, make sure it’s in your calendar. If it’s not in there, your time off is likely to be consumed by an emergency patient appointment, unexpected meeting, or other business-related expense. Make your scheduling priorities clear with your office team so they are not left with the burden of how to handle unexpected situations while you are away.

It’s Not Just for Work

Your calendar doesn’t need to be exclusive to work. In fact, it may be beneficial for you to regularly include your other commitments. From your children’s school activities to anniversaries and birthdays, seeing these events alongside your work schedule can help you make better scheduling choices. You’ll be more reluctant to accept an invitation to a meeting or convention when you know it will conflict with another occasion. By including other events on your calendar, you minimize the risk of dealing with a stressful schedule conflict between your work life and your personal life.

Never let your calendar run your day. You have the ability to schedule your day by using your calendar as a tool for time management. Start by setting clear scheduling boundaries by blocking the time you need for your main responsibilities. Don’t be afraid to take time off, but always make sure it is a part of your schedule. Also, consider including other life events and activities in your calendar to better manage your schedule.

For more tips on effectively managing your work schedule, contact our team today.

June 17, 2020

Towson MD Dental CPA | Opportunity Called – Did You Answer?

The first step to growing your practice is attracting new patients. Your website, social media, and marketing are all geared toward the idea of getting people to call your office. To help convert this interest into new patient appointments, you have probably spent time selecting and training the team members who answer the phones during office hours. But have you considered what happens when a prospective patient calls when the practice is closed?

If a person calls your office for information about a service or comparison shopping, they may decide to call back within your business hours. Chances are, they were not ready to schedule an appointment at the time of the call, so they may accept the delay and still call back. However, a new or current patient who is experiencing a dental emergency is far more likely to hang up and try calling another dentist who has someone answering the phones and ready to help.

Many dental practices do not have any coverage for phone calls outside their hours of operation or during lunch hour. Others have an impersonal answering machine advising callers of the practice hours and perhaps offering to record a message. This can be extremely frustrating for your patients, both current and prospective.

If your patient discovers on Friday afternoon or evening that they will need to reschedule an appointment set for Monday morning, chances are that message will not be heard until it is too late to move another patient into the opening. If your phones are being answered outside working hours, this can be addressed much more promptly, leading to better scheduling and happier patients.

You may be wondering how to arrange to have 24/7 phone coverage. There are a few options available, but one of the most economical and most personal for your practice is to train some of your team members to share the responsibility. No one has better knowledge of your practice, your patients, and your schedule than your own team. You will want to decide on the best way to compensate them for the added time, such as paying them a set amount per weekend or evening day or an amount per call answered.

Once this is determined, arrange a rotation for the team members who will participate. Your main phone line can be forwarded to a practice-owned mobile phone during off-hours, which can be held by the team member on call. Be sure that each person has your after-hours contact information in case of an emergency, especially when you are first launching this system.

After a few months, hold a meeting with all the involved team members to review the number of after-hours calls you receive, what times are most common, and how many are converted into new appointments for your practice. This can help you value the ROI for this new plan of action and to determine whether your office benefits from full 24/7 coverage or if a more limited extension of hours is more cost-effective. Contact us today.

May 26, 2020

Towson MD Dentist | Planning for Retirement

Whether you have been working for 3 years or 30, it is important to have a retirement plan in place. Unfortunately, many people have never taken the time to create a realistic estimate of what kind of savings they will need to enjoy the lifestyle they want during retirement years. Here are a few key factors that influence how much you should be saving to ensure that you can retire comfortably on schedule.

How long will you be retired? Advances in modern medicine have increased life expectancy over the past decades. Depending on your health and family history, you may want to plan as though you will live to 100 and estimate your needs accordingly.
What do you plan to do during retirement? If you are planning to travel more, visit family members more frequently, or embrace a hobby, you may have increased living expenses compared to your working years.
What other expenses will change? Your commute, work clothes, and business lunches may stop, but you may have higher costs for medical care and prescriptions. Talk with our financial planner about the types of changes to your budget that are likely to occur during retirement.
How much are you currently saving? When you meet with our financial planner, you will review the details of your current retirement savings plans and how your portfolio is performing. During retirement, it may be beneficial to continue some of your investments to help your savings outpace inflation.
Do you have a withdrawal strategy? If you are an owner or partner in your business, is there a written agreement for buying you out when you retire? Do you plan to transition by working part time for a year or more or should you stop all at once? How are your retirement savings affected by taxes? All these and more should be part of your strategic plan for retirement. Our financial planning expert can guide you through the details of your withdrawal process.

For more information on planning for your comfortable retirement, contact our office and schedule a financial planning consultation.

May 22, 2020

Towson MD Dental Accountant | Revitalize Revenues through Increased Investment

Every business experiences trends of increasing and decreasing revenues. When new business slows and income begins to dip, many business owners react by cutting back on the item in their budget they think is most expendable: marketing.

The unfortunate reality is that this is almost definitely the wrong step to take. When you cut your marketing budget, you reduce your revenues as well.

Today’s business cannot survive through only word of mouth referrals. Your company needs to attract new clientele on an ongoing basis, not just in the weeks following a postcard blast or mass email. In addition, you need to engage and maintain the loyalty of your existing customers.

Consistent, effective marketing helps you achieve both ends.

One recent study examined the marketing budgets of several publicly-traded companies. The researchers found that businesses that were spending an average of 16.5% of revenue grew up to 15% annually, and those that spent an average of 22% grew 16% – 30% annually.

When your marketing budget increases, your revenue follows suit.

There are several factors that can influence how much your business should be spending on marketing.

Are you a new startup company? You may need to invest more until you have established a client base.
Is business established and you want to maintain growth? Compare your current rates of new customers to those lost annually to determine how your current budget is doing.
Is business stagnant or decreasing? Consider investing an additional 5% or 10% above your current marketing budget, at least until the trend reverses.
How competitive is your local market? Higher competition requires greater investment to grow business.

For more advice regarding your marketing budget and business growth, contact our office.

March 18, 2020

Towson MD Dental CPA | The Bright Side of Patient Complaints

No matter how fantastic you and your team are, you will occasionally have a patient complain about something. When this happens, you and your team may feel discouraged, frustrated, or even annoyed, depending on the specific complaint and how it was shared. It can be easy to brush the complaint aside and tell yourself that the patient was just having a bad day. However, changing the way you think about patient complaints can be highly beneficial to your business.

Patient complaints may involve anything from office décor or other patients to the time, cost, or outcome of a treatment. Even concerns that feel trivial or unfair to you should be handled with respect and appreciation. Like any consumer, your patient wants to feel like you care about their experience and their feelings. A complaint is an opportunity for you to win back a patient’s trust.

If you thank your patient for bringing their concerns to you, commit to taking action to correct the situation, and follow through on your commitment, you will earn loyalty from that patient. This loyalty can translate into fewer rescheduled or cancelled appointments, increased case acceptance, and even referrals to friends, family, and social media connections. Over time, handing one complaint as an opportunity to improve can lead to hundreds or even thousands of dollars in revenue.

However, if patients leave your office feeling that their concerns are unimportant to you, they will likely look elsewhere for dental care in the future. Unhappy patients do not stay with your practice. They do not refer others to you. They may even tell others about their unpleasant experience with your office, which can cost you potential patients and revenue.

Every patient complaint you receive is a gift. Your team or practice may have a weakness that you were unaware was an issue. If one patient voices a complaint, it is likely that others have noticed the problem as well. Consider asking patients for feedback after a visit. Let them know proactively that you appreciate their input and are ready and willing to provide the best experience possible. When your patients feel valued, they will be more loyal to you, your team, and your practice.

For more tips on providing a better patient experience, contact our office.

March 4, 2020

Dental CPA Towson MD | The Costs of a Toxic Employee

Hiring is time-consuming, stressful, and sometimes costly. In some cases, this causes business owners to avoid firing an employee long after it has become clear that the person is damaging the overall work environment. Finding the right person for your office can be challenging. However, continuing to retain a toxic employee can be far more costly for you and your business.

What is a “toxic employee?”

A toxic employee is easily recognized for exhibiting several, if not all, of the following behaviors:

Bad attitude: This includes eye-rolling, muttering, snide comments, complaints, confrontational tone, and passive-aggressive speech or actions.
Lack of engagement: This can include work-avoidance, lack of enthusiasm, unwillingness to accept responsibilities, and being inattentive in meetings and huddles.
Dishonesty: Whether this involves refusal to accept accountability, blaming others for mistakes, or outright lies and thefts, dishonesty is harmful to your business and your team.
Poor work performance: While a new team member may experience a learning curve at first, the toxic employee never rises above the bare minimum of what has been explicitly listed as expected. In many cases, they may not even be fully or properly completing work. They are uninterested in feedback or training and unwilling to work to improve.

Do you recognize anyone in your office from these descriptions? If so, it’s time to pull the plug.

When you continue to keep a toxic employee on your staff, you may avoid the headaches of the hiring process in the short term. However, you are creating a host of other problems for yourself that will cost you a great deal more time, money, and energy to solve in the long term.

One toxic employee in your office can cause:

Loss of new customers: If a toxic employee is interacting with potential customers, they are creating a negative image of your business, which can lose hundreds or thousands of dollars in revenue.
Loss of existing customers: If your clients are treated poorly even once, they may choose to take their business elsewhere – and they may tell others.
Loss of your best team members: Your best people want to work in a positive environment where they feel supported and appreciated. By tolerating the complaints or shoddy work of one toxic person, you risk losing team players to a company that maintains a better atmosphere.

Don’t compromise your business or your best team members by refusing to fire toxic employees. For more strategies to improve your business, contact our office.

February 6, 2020

Dental CPA near me | The Impact of Ignoring Negative Reviews

Finding a bad review of your business can feel like your world is turned upside down. Some business owners may choose the approach of dismissing the negative feedback and blaming the customer or client. When ignored, negative reviews can have a detrimental impact on your business. Here’s how:

You Will Lose Clients

Customers and clients will not want to be treated disrespectfully. They want their voices heard and to be valued as an individual. If you ignore negative reviews, you are essentially telling both the reviewer and prospective leads that you don’t care about what they have to say. The clients that do complain are ones that feel passionately enough about your business to voice their concerns. If you don’t validate those concerns, expect them to take their business elsewhere.

Missing a Chance to Learn

Mistakes present an opportunity for business leaders to learn. It’s even better when a client presents those mistakes clearly. This will allow you to learn why the mistake happened and how to fix it so it doesn’t happen in the future. If you ignore the feedback from the client, you will not know what the mistake was and it may happen again. Negative reviews offer a chance to learn and grow your business, if you ignore them you miss that opportunity.

No Response Speaks Volumes

Potential clients that are looking at your online profile will see that a bad review is being ignored. If that were to happen, you could lose out on their business and any referrals they might make in the future because they don’t think you care about your clients. This applies to current clients that keep track of your businesses reviews.

Running Out of Excuses

Due to the nature of reviews being public, once a client writes one, everyone can see it. This creates a lasting list of negative occurrences for your business that can be referenced by others. Address poor reviews when possible. Show the client or customer that you care about their thoughts. While it may not win them back, it may be the perfect set up to capture future loyal clients who see your thoughtful and personal response.

Great reviews are not the only ones that can help improve your business. Bad reviews present an opportunity to learn from them and grow your business. If you choose to ignore poor reviews, the consequences could be disastrous. Not only could you lose current clients, but negative reviews could impact the decisions of future clients looking at your business. When you see a negative review, take a step back and see what you can learn from the experience. Address their concerns, and make an effort to change your business to create positive experiences in the future.

Contact our team for a consultation today.

Schiff & Associates, CPA

Email: ASchiff@Schiffcpa.com

Phone: (410) 321-7707

Url: https://welcome-11f6d10.netsolhost.com

100 West Road, Suite 410,

Towson, MD 21204

January 14, 2020

Towson MD Dental CPA | What to Look for in a Dental CPA

Hiring a certified public accountant (CPA) to your dental practice grants you not only greater financial transparency, but also provides you with an excellent guide in making informed business decisions. You can also gain an increased ability to focus on your patients rather than being glued to QuickBooks between appointments.

If you’re considering hiring a CPA, it’s vital to know what you’re looking for in candidates. Below are the most important steps when looking for an ideal dental CPA.

Determine Your Need

Before you even start looking for an accountant, determine why you need a dental CPA. Are you looking for a CPA to fine-tune your financial business strategy? Do your bookkeeping? Or maybe you just need help filing your taxes? Once you pin down your specific needs, you can determine which skills you should look for in candidates.

Ask Around

Colleagues experienced in running their own practices can be a helpful resource. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice. Find out the traits they look for in a CPA. With their knowledge in mind, begin conducting your own research – guided by your particular needs.

Here are some general questions to ask yourself when looking for a dental CPA:

Do they meet my specific needs?
Are they up-to-date with their knowledge? Do they use modern software?
Are they established and reputable?
What dental practices do they currently represent?

Look for Dental Industry Experience

Many general accountants spend a majority of their time working with clients in a vast number of industries and don’t necessarily have specific experience with dentistry. If you are looking for an accountant with industry knowledge, contact us today.

It can take time finding the right team to work beside you. Skip this step and contact us to get to know our team. We offer a variety of services to fit everyone’s needs. We look forward to hearing from you.

December 3, 2019

Towson MD Dental CPA | Why You Should Join (or Start) a Dental Study Club

Science is a field where the only true constant is change. Dentistry is no different. With advances in techniques and new technologies every year, it can be challenging to stay current, especially without breaking your budget.

Study clubs can be an ideal solution to this inevitable problem. There are many reasons why you should be gaining the benefits of membership in a dental study club. Here are some of the most valuable advantages you stand to gain:

Continuing Education
By pooling the resources of a group of dental professionals, you can attend continuing education lectures and clinical hands-on training in your local area, without all the time and expense of travel. This added source of training and education can be invaluable for staying current with new techniques and new technological advances. If you have a desire to focus your practice on one or more specific areas of dentistry, such as implants or sleep apnea treatment, a targeted study group can help you find and attend the courses you need to develop the skills and qualifications to reach your goal.

Peer Support
With a dental study club, you are interacting with other dentists and specialists in your area. Group discussions have been shown to be one of the most effective ways to share experiences, techniques, challenges, and new ideas with like-minded individuals for the benefit of everyone involved. This informal venue can allow you to explore new ways of approaching a problem or a treatment and allows you to benefit from what another has already tried.

Networking
While it is not the primary reason to join a study club, you should not overlook the importance of networking. Making other dental contacts in your area can be highly beneficial. Specialists, in particular, depend on referrals from other dentists. It can be much easier to refer a patient or gain a referral when you have developed a relationship with other professionals and know how they treat their patients, what technologies they use, and other such information.

Whether you join a local study club or decide to create one of your own, the benefits of membership far outweigh the costs. For more information, contact a local study club, or contact our team today.

November 25, 2019

Towson MD Dental CPA | Why Your Practice Needs Effective Team Meetings

Regular effective team meetings can play a crucial role in the health of your dental practice. That one simple-sounding factor can impact every aspect of your business. Your people, your patients, and your practice all benefit from regular effective team meetings.

Your people need team meetings. The core of your practice is your vision, your goals, and your strategy for achieving your goals. Each member of your team needs to understand all of these things and, just as importantly, needs to understand their part in your plan. Without that understanding, your team is working blindly and is unable to actively contribute toward reaching your goals for your business.

A team meeting is an ideal format for open discussion about your vision, goals, and strategy. Not only can you use this discussion to ensure every member is clear on your expectations, but you may find that their unique perspective creates an exchange of ideas on more effective ways to reach your goals and how each person can best contribute.

While not every team meeting needs to include high-level discussion of vision, goals, and strategy, it is a good idea to include this at least once or twice a year and when bringing a new employee into the team. Additionally, many successful dentists find that it is highly useful to touch on how the strategies are being implemented and to discuss any measurable progress toward goals on at least a monthly basis. This helps to keep your team engaged and motivated toward achievement.

Your patients need team meetings. One of the most common components of an effective team meeting is education. Your team needs to know what the policies are, what is on the agenda for the day, if there are any specials being offered, if anyone is sick or on vacation. Any new ideas, training, or techniques that can be shared should be. Your patients need to know they will be given correct and consistent information from any member of your team. Make sure everyone is on the same page.

Your practice needs team meetings. Teach your team how to ask patients for referrals. Word of mouth can have a huge impact on your new customer base. Even happy, satisfied patients rarely refer anyone unless asked to do so, according to a recent study. Your team members should be engaging your patients in every interaction to ensure a positive experience and should be able to ask for referrals when patients are pleased.

Only you can review your practice, your time, and your schedules to determine when and how frequently you should hold team meetings. Whether you meet daily, weekly, or on some other timeline, make your meetings regular and effective. You will see benefits to your team, your patient experience, and your practice.

October 21, 2019

Effective Goal-Setting: Making Dreams into Reality

No matter how impressive your vision for your business may be, dreams require hard work, strategic planning, and a willingness to adapt to make them real. Highly successful business owners learn to set goals realistically and effectively. Master the skills of effective goal-setting, strategic planning, and assessment to find greater success in your business.

Set Incremental Goals

Start small when setting goals. Establish daily and weekly goals. It can be easy to let ambition take over while you dream of long-term goals. However, you cannot reach your long-term goals without smaller victories along the way. Setting smaller, incremental goals provides the opportunity for you to be in constant control of your business. You will know if you miss a weekly goal, and you can then adjust your strategy to make sure it never happens again. If you are only setting quarterly or yearly goals it can come as a surprise when you miss them, or your team might be left struggling to meet them at the last minute.

Make Goals Visible

You and your team need a visual reminder of what your goals are and when you plan to achieve them. Put them up on a bulletin board in the office, include them on your calendar. Write your goals in a place you look daily as a constant reminder. We all have those back-of-the-mind thoughts or ideas that might be good if implemented, but they are frequently forgotten. Make your goals visible to you and your entire team.

Goals Need to be Measured

How will you know if you achieved your goal if you cannot measure it? Goals should have a measurable standard. Perhaps your goal is to see 10 new clients by the end of each month or to increase the number of referrals by 50% before the end of the quarter. Pick specific numbers and concepts that can be defined in a concrete way. Abstract goals are harder to reach because they are too difficult to define. When goals are measurable, you will know exactly what you need to achieve your desired result.

Rethink the way you are setting your goals for your business. Your ambitious plans will be successful only if you have a road map to reach them. This is where effective goal setting comes in. Get into the habit of writing down your goals and measuring them. Effective goal-setting strategies take careful planning. Master these skills and you will be on your way to the business success you have dreamed of achieving.

For more tips on managing your business, please contact us.

June 27, 2019

Dental Accountant | Four Financial Mistakes That New Dentists Make

Graduating dental school after four years of hard work and beginning your practice brings about a myriad of changes, which include embarking on a rewarding career. Unfortunately, many new dentists do not pay close enough attention to financial considerations. The team at Schiff & Associate can work with you to avoid the common pitfalls that new dentists often encounter. Take care to avoid these five common mistakes.

Poor Debt Management In 2018, the median debt for dental school graduates was $280,410. Compounding interest on school loans can add up quickly. While it’s tempting to buy cars and clothes that you previously weren’t able to afford, managing student loan debt during the first years of your practice can make the difference when the time comes to get a mortgage or expand your practice. Talking with our team of professionals can help you strike a balance between paying off your debt and taking advantage of the student loan income tax benefits.

Few or No Written Goals Having a financial plan for your life will help you set a course, even when the unexpected happens. Saving for retirement needs to happen early on. The average age of retirement for dentists is now 69, according to the American Dental Association. Not considering retirement can have you living beyond your means early on in your career. Because of schooling, many dentists are age 30 or close to it before they start earning a significant salary. Having a sound plan as soon or soon after you start working will set you up for the future.

Ignoring Changing Overhead Costs Newer dentists are often anxious to further their practices, but what comes along with that is an increased cost in overhead when more supplies, employees and the like are needed. Review your practices every few years to determine where you can cut costs or streamline processes to reduced overhead.

Insufficient Billing and Collections Procedures Every practice has bills that are eventually written off because of the failure of insurance companies and patients to pay. Working with your accountant to develop a plan can help minimize those write-offs and maximize profits.

If you’re a newly practicing dentist and want to get your professional career off on the right foot, contact our office to schedule a meeting. Developing a financial plan at the outset is one of the keys to creating a sound dental practice.

Schiff & Associates, CPA

Email: ASchiff@Schiffcpa.com

Phone: (410) 321-7707

Url: https://welcome-11f6d10.netsolhost.com

100 West Road, Suite 410,

Towson, MD 21204

February 18, 2019

CPAs in Towson | Protect Your Practice Against Employee Fraud

Towson CPAs

Did you know that at least one in three dental practices have been victim to some sort of embezzlement? Protect your practice against employee fraud by understanding the tactics involved, and how to watch for them with tips from a Dental CPA.

Check Fraud

Oftentimes, patients will pay for their portion of fees by check. One instance of fraud can happen by a team member instructing the patient to leave the payee section blank, letting them know they have a stamp for the payee section. Then, it’s as simple as writing in their own name or business and depositing the check. To combat this, do not allow the use of payee stamps and ensure that your checks are reviewed carefully, both before and after they are deposited.

Altering Book Transactions

Committing fraud is a two-part process — siphoning money or resources, but also covering up the tracks. As a business owner you need to be aware of both. A fraudulent employee may alter transactions in your accounts receivable to create a false trail that shows payment was made in the right steps. Ensure that any additions, deletions, or adjustments of activity in your accounting or bookkeeping software are properly logged and audited.

Skimming Cash or Patient Credits

A fraudulent employee may be stealing money directly from cash transactions, or indirectly, by refunding patients’ credit balances onto their own credit cards. Both of these examples of fraud are easy to catch with the proper systems in place. Tally your cash balance at the end of every office day and have it confirmed by more than one employee. In addition, ensure a proactive approach to any credit balances that patients might accrue so that they will not remain and be forgotten about.

Quick Tips from a Dental CPA to Protect Yourself

In addition to keeping watch for the potential fraud examples above, here are a few pointers to help avoid others:

Reconcile every payment logged in your accounting software by confirming them on the bank’s end.
Implement a business credit card to easily track any purchases made for the office, and to reduce the need for reimbursement.
Investigate transactional history that does not make logical sense or is overcomplicated.
Bring another agency aboard to monitor and control your accounting duties to ensure quality and validity.

If you feel that your business is at-risk for fraud or you have already been a victim to it, contact Dental CPA Allen M. Schiff today to schedule a consultation.

100 West Road, Suite 410
Towson, MD 21204
(410) 321-7707

February 7, 2019

Dental CPA Allen Schiff Gives Back to Maryland Community

Towson, MD: Dental CPA Allen M. Schiff, CPA, CFE has continued to make philanthropy a priority in his community after providing financial support to the Maryland State Dental Association Foundation (MSDAF). The donations made by Schiff & Associates to the MSDAF in 2018 helped bring dental care to over 1,300 Marylanders in need.

The MSDAF has dedicated itself to improving the oral health of Marylanders through education and support of programs that improve access to dental care. Through donor participation and volunteer support, the MSDAF helps thousands of Marylanders overcome barriers of care, connecting them with the treatment they need but may be unable to afford.

By supporting the MSDAF, Allen hopes to give back to his Maryland community and improve the education and level of care for those around him. As a Dental CPA, Allen has committed himself to helping empower not just dentists, but the communities they serve as well.

Allen Schiff is the managing member of Schiff & Associates, LLC and also serves as President of the Academy of Dental CPAs (ADCPA). He has over 35 years of experience in dental practice management and has received the SMART CEO award six out of the last seven years as one of the top CPAs in Maryland.

In addition, Allen is an active speaker on a national level, helping dental practices achieve top success. He has presented to the American Dental Association (ADA), the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists (AAPD), local Mid-Atlantic societies, as well as various dental study clubs. Allen has also taught dental practice management at a local dental school for over 30 years.

For more information on Allen Schiff or to request a consultation, please call Schiff & Associates, LLC at (410) 321-7707 or visit https://welcome-11f6d10.netsolhost.com/.

Schiff & Associates, LLC
100 West Road, Suite 410
Towson, MD 21204
(410) 321-7707
www.schiffcpa.com

November 30, 2018

Towson Dental CPA | 3 Tips to Empower Your Dental Team and Your Practice

As the front line of your practice, your dental team is crucial to your business goals. Their performance, attitude, and communication can determine if a patient has a fantastic visit or a frustrating one. Here are four tips that can help you empower your team, improving patient retention and overall happiness in the workplace.

A Healthy, Positive Culture

Your first priority toward a loyal, productive team should be establishing a welcoming and comfortable office culture. Being open to feedback and transparent in your motives will make the atmosphere of your practice something that your team looks forward to each day. Encourage your team with attainable goals and ensure that all criticism is constructive, yet humble.

Communication Goes Two Ways

When it comes to proper communication, don’t forget that listening is just as important as speaking up. Your team should feel comfortable with voicing their concerns.

As the leader, there are times when it is important to gain the approval of your team. If issues arise in performance, between employees, or surrounding changes, don’t ignore them. Talk to your team and listen to their perspective. Be fair in your assessment and just in your decisions.

Bring Out the Best

A powerful team requires powerful recruiting. Finding talented team members depends on competitive salaries and the chance for growth. By rewarding your team for their best efforts, you can help them feel confident and loyal to your practice.

Even more important than recruiting, however, is retention. Train your team to strengthen their skills, and step in when they are feeling the strain. Make sure you cross-train where appropriate, to reduce the impact that vacations or turnover may have on your team’s wellbeing. If you ensure their work environment allows them to thrive, then they will.

Building your dream team can push your practice ahead while establishing a positive experience for patients, employees, and yourself. If you are in need of a healthy change for your practice, then don’t hesitate. Our team at Schiff & Associates can bring you the management consulting you need to empower your practice and your staff. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

100 West Road, Suite 410
Towson, MD 21204
(410) 321-7707

October 31, 2018

Dental CPA in Towson | Career Tips for New Dentists

Towson Dental CPA

Protect Your Work-Life Balance – While you might be used to a heavy schedule during your years in academia, don’t let yourself burn out. You deserve a healthy work-life balance. By setting expectations and following them, you can enjoy your time with friends, family, or hobbies without feeling tread on by your work schedule.
Know Your Strengths – Your practice should center on two things: what you are compassionate about, and what you are incredible at. Don’t pursue a specialty just to appeal to your community if it isn’t something you are excited about. Focusing on your strengths will bring you more satisfaction in your work as well as higher quality to your service.
Manage Your Debt – Dental school graduates usually have a significant trail of student debt following them. Whether you refinance, make extra payments, or choose an alternate repayment plan, focus on reducing your balance instead of simply paying off the interest. Don’t forget to contribute early to your retirement fund, either. The best time to start saving was yesterday.
Successful Practice Management – A dental practice is a business, and a business needs a strong leader. Dental schools don’t typically prepare you for the financial and leadership elements of your career, so don’t be afraid to seek coaches or consultants. With the right mentor, both you and your practice can succeed.
Continue Your Education – The last advice you want to hear as a new dentist is ‘more schooling,’ but it’s true. Once you have settled in, you should look for new opportunities to hone your skills. There exists a world of workshops, lectures, and courses that can further your passion in dentistry, bring you confidence in your work, and improve the value of your practice.

With the right mindset and plan, you can build yourself up as a new dentist, achieving your leadership and financial goals. If you are considering starting your own practice, our team at Schiff & Associates will be the resource you need to secure your future in success. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

100 West Road, Suite 410
Towson, MD 21204
(410) 321-7707

October 15, 2018

Henry Schein – Breaking News: Section 169 | October 2018

August 31, 2018

Dental CPA Towson, MD | Schiff & Associates: Accounting and More

Dental CPA Near Me

As an accounting firm specializing in the business of dentistry, our primary goal is providing our clients with the best accounting, tax, and business consulting services available. We work to help you improve business growth and achieve your goals. As part of our dedication to the dental industry, we offer a wide array of services, resources, training, and connections to our clients and other dental professionals. We invite you to review this brief “tour” of our website to see what opportunities we may have for you.

Resources

We post articles and blogs to keep you informed on the latest news and best practices in dentistry. Topics may vary from dental economics to tips and tricks on dental accounting and much more. We encourage clients and visitors to our website to utilize these resources to help maintain a successful dental practice.

Practice Sales

Whether you are looking to buy or sell a dental practice, our practice sales page can help you make the connections you need. Wanting to purchase a practice? You’ll find dozens of options to review on this page. Preparing to sell? Our team can help you prepare for the sale and find the right buyer for your practice.

Furniture/Equipment

Practices that are relocating, downsizing, or closing often have equipment and furniture that remains in good condition. Whether you’re ready to sell some unneeded items or looking to equip your office without paying retail prices, this resource page is for you.

Dental Positions Available

At Schiff & Associates, we understand how challenging it can be to find the right fit. Whether you are a practice owner with a position to fill or a dental professional seeking the right opportunity, our Dental Positions page includes details to help you find what you need.

To learn more about how Schiff & Associates can help your practice succeed, contact our office.

100 West Road, Suite 410
Towson, MD 21204
(410) 321-7707

July 18, 2018

Towson, MD Dental CPA | Top 10 Accounting Mistakes

Dental CPA Near Me

Maintaining a dental practice is often a lot of work and can seem daunting – especially when you are running the whole operation yourself. You must find a balance between caring for your patients, balancing your books, and attracting new patients, all while maintaining work-life balance.

As a solo practitioner, you may feel like the room is spinning, and at the end of the day the last thing you want to do is look at the numbers. With so much going on it is easy to make mistakes, so our team at Schiff & Associates want to give you a quick list of common mistakes to avoid so you don’t end up in trouble.

Not saving receipts

While not all receipts are required by the Internal Revenue Service(IRS), we still recommend keeping a drawer or folder for your receipts to provide backup documentation which can prove valuable at tax time.

Not tracking reimbursements

As a small business owner, you have likely payed for a few items for your practice out of your own pocket. Be sure to track your private payments so you can be reimbursed by your company.

Lack of communication

If you have an employee that handles your finances, they can only keep a good book if they are in the know. Keep communication open and regular involving anything with money.

No backup

Always keep the backup documentation to what you put into your system. Having a paper trail of your business can be valuable if something goes wrong or you ever come under audit.

Not deducting sales tax

Remember to deduct the sales tax from your sales to make sure you are honest about your total sales and don’t pay more when taxes are due.

Trying to do it all yourself

Maintaining a private practice can seem overwhelming. It can be easier to make mistakes when you try to do your accounting on your own. It is best advised to have at least another set of eyes on your numbers.

Neglecting cash flow forecasting

Your books are not only for keeping up with the past but also planning for the future. Stay informed by forecasting so you know where your practice is going.

Keeping track of city-specific tax regulations

If you are starting a new practice or have moved to a new city, it may be a good idea to keep abreast of your city’s tax regulations. These systems vary from city-to-city and can be hard to remember.

Falling behind

Procrastination can be costly. Be intentional about keeping up to date with your books so you don’t forget things that happened days, weeks, or even months in the past.

Stick with the procedures

Systems are put in place to keep each other honest and efficient. By staying with the set procedures, you can assure yourself that you are not cutting any corners.

Keep these common mistakes in mind for when it comes time to go through your books. If you are having a hard time maintaining your accounting, contact us today at (410) 321-7707 or visit us online to learn more about our services at https://welcome-11f6d10.netsolhost.com/.

May 23, 2018

Preventing Embezzlement in Your Practice | Dental CPA

Dental Broker

About 1 in 6 dental practices will experience embezzlement during its lifetime. There are many reasons why this can happen, but it is your job as a practice owner to take what actions you can to protect yourself, your team, and your business. Implementing a few basic safeguards can prevent opportunities for embezzlement and help keep your practice on track for success.

Why does embezzlement happen?

There are several reasons why so many dental practices face employee embezzlement. Most dental schools spend little time preparing students for the business side of their career. This often leads to practices being built around clinical systems, which can provide team members too much access and not enough accountability. You may want to trust each of the people who work with you daily, but unchecked opportunity can make temptation seem irresistible. Limiting opportunity and increasing accountability in your practice can help make the idea of embezzlement seem unthinkable.

How do I protect my practice?

First, schedule time with your dental CPA to discuss embezzlement prevention. Review your current internal accounting controls and how they might be improved. If possible, segregate billing, collection, and adjustment responsibilities between multiple team members. Limit access to systems that are not part of a team member’s responsibilities. Talk with your insurance agent about having your employees bonded or purchasing employee theft bonds.

There is a very old saying that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. When it comes to protecting yourself, your team, and your practice from the financial and emotional pain of embezzlement, this axiom is, if anything, an understatement. Contact our office to schedule a meeting to discuss your internal accounting controls and how you can prevent employee theft in your business.

100 West Road suite 410
Towson, MD 21204

November 30, 2017

21204 Dental CPA | What Sets Dental CPAs Apart

Towson, MD Dental CPA

towson md dental cpa CPAs are a valuable resource for business owners of all kinds. Whether you’re looking to ensure that you remain legally compliant while saving as much as possible during tax season or are looking for guidance in how to allocate incoming resources well, a CPA can help you run a more efficient and profitable business. At Schiff & Associates LLC, we recognize the benefits that come from working with a dental-specific firm. As a proud member of the ADCPA, we understand the specific needs unique to dentists and will help you run your practice better.

Below are just some of the benefits that come from working with a dental CPA. For more information about the difference we can make for your practice, contact Schiff & Associates today!

Wealth Management: A dental CPA can help plan and implement wealth management strategies for your practice that will help you get the most out of your earnings in both the short and long term.

Tax Preparation: We can prepare your taxes and ensure that you’re complying with all laws while minimizing liability, allowing you to keep more of your earnings. We’ll also represent your practice before tax agencies if needed.

Practice Analysis: Our firm will analyze your practice to find areas of opportunity, measure efficiency, and evaluate overhead and profitability. The first step to improving your practice is to recognize ways in which you could grow.

Purchasing Advice: We will help you understand the pros and cons of big ticket investments such as equipment and real estate. Understanding the earning potential tied to a purchase is important in determining whether or not it’s a good investment.

Team Management: Whether you’re looking to grow your team or discern whether an existing employee needs to be terminated, we’re pleased to offer business insights tailored to help your practice thrive.

Legacy Planning: Whether you’re thinking of selling your practice or want a plan in place for the unforeseen loss of a partner, we can help you analyze the ideal trajectories for your practice and create plans for a number of different potential situations.

100 West Road, Suite 410
Towson, MD 21204
(410) 321-7707

September 27, 2017

57 Definitive Dental Practice Management Tips from 57 Dental Practice Consultants

Dental CPA

Allen Schiff, Dental CPA, has been featured in delmainanalytics.com’s latest article “57 Definitive Dental Practice Management Tips from 57 Dental Practice Consultants” giving advice regarding:

Management
Communication
Teamwork
Customer Service
Time Management
And Much More…

Please follow this link to see what these professionals have to say:

57 Definitive Dental Practice Management Tips from 57 Dental Practice Consultants

September 18, 2017

Dental CPA in Baltimore | Are You Prepared for the Future of Dentistry?

MD Baltimore Dental Broker

What will the dental profession will look like in 10 years? Are you and your team prepared to face the future with a successful action plan?

As a dentist, you are used to thinking about the big picture. This is true when you are caring for your patients, as they turn to you for your expertise to establish a lifetime of optimal oral health. But do you employ the same forward-thinking strategies to ensure the long-term health of your business?

Dentistry is changing. New technology is constantly being developed leading to entirely new procedures, which in turn creates a new market of patients who could benefit from your services. Furthermore, the business landscape of the profession is evolving. What used to be a field dominated by independently owned practices has become increasingly more corporate-based. Ask yourself where your practice fits into the landscape of differing business models in dentistry.

If one thing is for certain in dentistry, it is that the future will continue to bring change. Did you ever think you would be ordering supplies from your smartphone or connecting with potential new patients on Facebook? The future will likely bring innovations bridging the education and communication gap between dentist and patient.

Like today, the key to success will lie in your ability to build trusting, loyal relationships. It is essential that your marketing messages hone in on the unique qualities that make your practice and your team stand out from the crowd. A re-branding strategy can help freshen your practice’s appeal to your community and attract your ideal new patient.

You’ve probably heard the saying, “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” The future will bring changes to the dental profession, but that shouldn’t come as a surprise nor should it be a cause for concern. Face the future with optimism and an action plan.

August 23, 2017

Dental CPA in Baltimore | 3 Ways to Buy Time: Boost Your Practice’s Productivity with Time-Saving Measures

Dental Broker

Time is your most precious resource. On certain days, managing your time is not just difficult, it is downright impossible. Ask yourself about the strategies you are currently using to organize your day. What other tools could you be leveraging to save your practice’s most precious commodity? Here are 3 methods you can implement to maximize your time.

Re-evaluate Your Management Tactics

You can buy time without spending a dime. Employ a new way of keeping track of practice productivity. You can have your team record their tasks for the day in a quick email. Each staff member can quantitatively list their duties, allowing for simple reference later. This cuts down on micromanaging your staff by way of asking, “What did you do today?” Managerial work is difficult to implement after a full day of back-to-back appointments.

You can cut back on daily meetings because you will have a clear picture of what each team member is contributing. Having a list of completed tasks at the end of the day allows for everyone at your practice to be keenly aware of who is to be held accountable for each task.

Utilize Apps to Maximize Efficiency

“Lost time is never found again.” Ben Franklin knew this more than 200 years ago, so how can you apply this knowledge to running your practice? There are numerous tools available for your phone that can be a valuable resource for keeping track of your practice. You can benefit from the use of efficiency apps. In today’s world, there is no need to manage all aspects of your business manually.

Take advantage of scheduling apps and software. You can schedule emails to remind patients to book their next visit to your office without having to send it in real time. This can be an indispensable tool for patient retention, by keeping you in consistent contact with your patients. Apps such as these will help you save time, and keep track of your practice’s performance.

Consider Express Check-In

It is not always your team that is responsible for lost time slipping through your fingers. One late patient can set the whole day off-schedule. Make it easy for your patients to register. Provide compliant forms online for patients to fill out before coming into the office. Saving time at the front desk will help your entire practice run on schedule. Never allow for your practice to earn a reputation of running behind schedule, instead work with your patients to create a smoother, faster registration. Your patients will not want to fill out redundant forms. Rework any documents or forms where possible to prevent your patients from filling out information such as their name and address multiple times.

Successful business leaders are experts at time management. Put methods in place that allow for concrete, quantitative results to measure productivity. Utilize technology to make your life easier and allow your patients to work with you to save time. Don’t get caught watching the sand fall through the timer, take action and rethink your time management strategies. Contact us today.

100 West Road suite 410
Towson, MD 21204

June 7, 2017

Towson Dental CPA | Don’t Manage. Lead.

Dental CPA in Towson, MD

Dental CPA in Towson Practice leaders set the standard and pace of your work. Managers hover and maintain status quo. Which definition sounds like you? Changing the way your practice is structured or operates can be a vast undertaking. Use these tips to get started on a path for developing an innovative practice that you lead, not manage.

Leaders Innovate

Leaders develop ideas that further practices. Managers use the framework that is already in place. Don’t hover over your hygienists or office staff. Let their work speak for itself and step in where necessary. Demonstrate to your team the qualities you want through your own actions.

Do What You Do Best

The bulk of your time should be spent with patients; that is the best use of your abilities. This means you must delegate tasks to other team members. Leaders delegate tasks. Let your office staff handle the clerical side of the practice. Utilize a hands-off strategy where appropriate to free your time for patients.

Track Team Tasks

Rather than micromanaging your team, have them write or email their daily tasks to you. This will allow you to track the team’s progress and use of time. It will also save you from constantly asking, “What did you do today?” Hold your team accountable for their tasks. Request that your team define their tasks in quantitative terms. Spot-check as you feel necessary.

Know When to Hire and Train

When your practice feels swamped, hire and train. Leaders can recognize if their team is unable to handle the current workload. Pushing your team beyond their limits is not going to produce the results you are striving to achieve. Your team will work best when they have the necessary time and resources to do their tasks.

Leaders don’t have the time to micromanage. Leaders know when to back off and let the practice run on its own. This doesn’t mean you should let your entire operation always run on auto-pilot, but focus on letting each team member contribute their abilities in the best capacity. The only way to break through the status-quo is to allow for new ideas and strategies to take hold. This cannot be achieved if you are spending your time hovering over your team. Transform the way you manage your practice and your practice will transform itself.
To learn more, contact our office.

March 15, 2017

The Academy of Dental CPAs

As a business owner, your choice of CPA can have a profound impact on your company. A skilled CPA will help you minimize tax burden, assist with audits, payroll, and cash flow, and generate financial reports for your review.

However, an ADCPA member offers the added benefit of their specialized experience with the unique needs facing dental professionals and practices.

What is the ADCPA?

The Academy of Dental CPAs, or ADCPA, is an organization comprised entirely of accountants and financial advisors who have extensive experience working with dentists. ADCPA members meet regularly to share training and workshops, to discuss industry changes, trends, and best practices, and to learn about new techniques and technologies in dentistry.

The ADCPA’s mission is to enhance the expertise of its members through the sharing of knowledge and resources, which are then used to provide accounting, tax, and business consulting services to dental professionals.

What can an ADCPA member do for me?

With their specialized resources and experience, an ADCPA member can provide more targeted support for you and your practice. A skilled dental CPA can not only generate your financial reports, but can also use them to analyze the health of your business, including:

How do you compare to other businesses in your market?
Are there ways to further minimize next year’s tax burden?
Do you have the right number of staff for your production?
Is your hygiene production appropriate for your staffing?
Is it time to expand or invest in new technology?
Could case acceptance and patient conversion rates be improved?

ADCPA members are dedicated to promoting the practice health and success of dental professionals. Contact ADCPA President and founding member Allen Schiff at (410) 321-7707 or by email at ASchiff@schiffcpa.com to learn more about what an ADCPA member can do for you.

January 16, 2017

General Dental Practice Seeking FT Dental Associate: Eldersburg, MD

Freedom Dental Care is growing and in search of a Dental Associate. The position is for four days per week, with patient hours scheduled for the following: Tuesday 8-4pm, Wednesday 9-5:30pm, Thursday 11-7pm, and Friday 8-2:30pm. The practice is a Fee for Service and PPO practice. The salary will be commensurate to the skills and experience of the Dental applicant. Freedom Dental Care is owned by Julia Burchett, DDS and currently has one location in Eldersburg, MD. Information regarding our practice can be found on the website, FreedomDDS.com or other social media sites. Your Resume/C.V. will remain confidential and can be emailed to Josh@Freedomdds.com (preferred) or faxed to our office (410.795.0022). Below is a list of some of the skills/services that Dr. Burchett and the Freedom Dental Care team perform:

·Digital Imaging

·Cerec Same-day crowns

·Eaglesoft Software

· Invisalign

· 6 Month Smiles

· Veneers

· Whitening / Kor Whitening

· Root Canal Therapy

· Implants & Implant Supported Dentures (Surgical and Restorative)

· Sedation Dentistry

· Sleep Appliances

· Laser Dentistry

Please Reply to Josh@Freedomdds.com with inquiries

January 9, 2017

Havre de Grace GP Seeking Associate Dentist

High-Tech General Dental Practice located in Havre de Grace, MD is currently seeking an Experienced Dentist to start Immediately. This will be a full time position Please send Resume and Salary History to: Allen Schiff aschiff@schiffcpa.com .

January 5, 2017

General Dentist Wanted FT/PT: Bethesda, MD

GENERAL DENTIST WANTED FT/PT IN BETHESDA, MD

Amazing opportunity for a highly productive dentist to join our practice immediately. We are an office of general dentists and specialists working together in 2 state of the art locations in Bethesda. Must be personable, talented and committed to both the patients and their future with the practice. Fax resume to 301 299 2228.

December 5, 2016

General Dental Practice seeking PT Associate: Eastern Panhandle, WV

Well established Dental Practice located in the Eastern Panhandle of WV. This dental practice is seeking a part time associate general dentist 2-3 days per week. The practice strives to provide personalized, high-quality care to their patients. This is a full-service general dental practice of dedicated, experienced dentists and team members who believe in working with patients to maintain and improve dental health. This practice believes in providing comprehensive dental health care services to their patients in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere and in educating our patients as they work with them to achieve the best smile possible.

The ideal associate would demonstrate a passion for dentistry and patient care, contagious energy, a willingness to learn and grow and at least 2-3 years of clinical experience. Please send Resume and Salary History to: Allen Schiff aschiff@schiffcpa.com .

November 4, 2016

MD Oral Surgery Practice seeking Associate: Signing Bonus Included

An outstanding position is now available for an Associate leading to Partnership in a highly successful, well respected 8 location, full scope surgical practice in the MD/DC/VA metro area. Our team is looking for a bright, ambitious, and caring individual. Our future partner must be proficient in all phases of our specialty including outpatient general anesthesia, dentoalveolar / implant surgery, TMJ, orthognathic and cosmetic surgeries. Board eligible/ certified a must. Highly Competitive salary, incentives, benefits and signing bonus included. Please send letter of interest and CV to: Ms. Petersen at mdmosa20850@gmail.com

September 18, 2016

General Dental Associate / Successor Wanted: Hanover, PA

General Dental Associate / Successor Wanted Hanover PA

buy in Full Time General Dental Associate Position Available in Hanover, PA. Amazing Opportunity for a General Dentist that may not be 100% ready to take the ownership plunge. Do you strive to deliver high quality patient care in a welcoming, modern environment? Do you take extra time to learn about your patients individual needs? Extremely Busy High Tech Dental Practice is Seeking Full Time Dental Associate to join a professional team. This practice is committed to using teamwork and state-of-the-art technology to provide the best dental experience for their patients. Latest and Greatest Technology including Cone Beam, CAD/CAM Dentistry Electronic Medical Records, and many more. Practice is currently averaging over 70 new patients per month and growing. At the moment, four full time hygienists are booked through the next 6 months. Owner is seeking an associate / successor to join the practice now as an associate then enter into a buy-in / buy-out agreement. Practice is easily accessible from Carroll County, Maryland located 7.5 miles from the MD / PA Border. Please upload or email CV / Resume to: Allen Schiff w/ SCHIFF DENTAL BROKERAGE, LLC – 410-321-7707 aschiff@schiffcpa.com.

Interested in this Opportunity? Click Here to Upload Your CV / Resume Now

August 2, 2016

General Practice Seeking Associate – Rockville, MD

General Family Dental Practice seeking a motivated and enthusiastic associate to join our practice with all digital facility located in a high traffic area in Rockville/Gaithersburg, MD. Modern office with digital charts and x-rays. Dedicated staff members handle all administrative tasks. Looking for Part Time to start on Mon, Thur, Fri and then extend to Full time as needed. Guaranteed base pay and profit sharing based upon performance.

Qualifications
– Active MD license
– Strong communication skills
– Passionate about patient care
– Must have 3 or more years experience

To learn more about this opportunity, please send Resume and Salary History to: Allen Schiff aschiff@schiffcpa.com .

General Dental Practice Seeking Associate: Rockville/Gaithersburg, MD

Qualifications
– Active MD license
– Strong communication skills
– Passionate about patient care
– Must have 3 or more years experience

To learn more about this opportunity, please send Resume and Salary History to: Allen Schiff aschiff@schiffcpa.com .

July 31, 2016

General Practice Seeking FT Associate – Annapolis, MD

Annapolis, MD General Dental Practice Now Hiring Associate Dentist.

General Dental Practice seeking an Associate to work Full Time in Annapolis, MD. Highly skilled and motivated General Dentist needed as an Associate to join a successful, high-end General Dental Practice located in Annapolis, Maryland. The ideal associate would demonstrate a passion for dentistry and patient care, contagious energy, a willingness to learn and grow and at least 2-3 years of clinical experience. Please send Resume and Salary History to: Allen Schiff aschiff@schiffcpa.com .

General Dental Practice Seeking FT Associate: Annapolis, MD

Annapolis, MD General Dental Practice Now Hiring Associate Dentist.

June 23, 2016

General Dental Practice Seeking FT Associate: York, PA

High-end General Dental Practice looking for Associate in York, PA

Full Time Position available for highly skilled and motivated General Dentist to work as an Associate five days per week at a successful, High-end General Dental Practice located in York, PA. Please send Resume and Salary History to: Allen Schiff aschiff@schiffcpa.com .

June 17, 2016

General Practice Seeking PT Associate – Germantown, MD

Montgomery County Dental Practice Now Hiring Part Time Associate Dentist.

High-Tech General Dental Practice located in Germantown, MD is currently seeking an Experienced Dentist to start Immediately. This will be a part time position of 2-3 days per week eventually turning to full time once the associate is booked out for 2 weeks consistently. Please send Resume and Salary History to: Allen Schiff aschiff@schiffcpa.com .

June 9, 2016

Periodontist wanted in Bethesda, MD

Periodontist Part Time in Bethesda Amazing opportunity for a personable, skilled and enthusiastic periodontist to join our team. We have 2 offices and enjoy state of the art surroundings in a very nice environment. We are looking for someone to work 1 day a week and we can be flexible on the day and times. This is a long term commitment due to the nature of periodontics and want someone who is stable and dedicated. Please send Resume and Salary History to: Allen Schiff aschiff@schiffcpa.com .

April 2, 2016

Buyer Testimonial – Dr. Thomas O’Shea

March 24, 2016

Seller Testimonial – Dr. Olwyn Diamond

Seller Testimonial – Dr. Gary O’Shea

February 22, 2016

Western MD General Dental Practice Seeking Partner

Western Maryland Area General Dental Practice Now Seeking Partner with Buy-In Opportunity

Unique Opportunity for a Highly Skilled and Motivated General Dentist to Buy-In and Practice autonomously in a High Tech practice currently collecting $700k+. Great income with Immediate Ownership. 3800+ Active Patients. The ideal candidate must be proficient in all aspects of general dentistry and demonstrate a passion for dentistry and patient care with the willingness to learn and grow. 100% financing available! Contact Allen Schiff w/ SCHIFF DENTAL BROKERAGE, LLC for more info about Dental Practices for Sale – 410-321-7707 aschiff@schiffcpa.com.

January 26, 2016

Complimentary Dental Practice Valuation & Assessment

Receive Your Complimentary Dental Practice Valuation & Assessment

This Complimentary Dental Practice Valuation & Assessment will provide your practice with a full range of fair market value as well as insights into a number of opportunities to maximize the selling price of your practice at no cost to you.

Benefits of having this Complimentary Dental Practice Valuation & Assessment performed on your practice:

Expertise on how to buy/sell your dental practice
Advice from a Dental Practice Valuation & Assessment expert
A clear plan for the transition of your dental practice

January 18, 2016

Seller Testimonial – Dr. Michael Doyle

January 12, 2016

Your Dental Practice Exit Strategy

Happy New Year! I hope you are doing well. Things are beginning to slow down again after an amazing finish in 2015. If you are familiar with dental practice sales, you know the majority of the transitions take place at the end of the year or the very beginning of the new year. When I say slow down, “I mean we will close 1-2 dental practice sales per month on average versus 9-10 in December and January.” You can say this is a seasonal business.

According to recent ADA figures, today only 6% of dentists in America can comfortably retire at age 60. This information warrants the question, “What measures are you taking to ensure the independence and freedom you desire upon retirement?” We recently launched a NEW program this month combined with our accounting company, Schiff & Associates that will maximize the net sale proceeds of our clients’ dental practices. This program is designed to benefit all general dentists or dental specialists planning on retiring in the next 5-10 years. If you are planning on retiring in the near future this program will not benefit you, but we will still want to talk to you so we can customize a special program to maximize the return of your life-long investment.

We wanted to reach out to as many local dentists in the Mid-Atlantic Region as possible that are considering retiring in the next 5-10 years. Our NEW program is designed to benefit you while you are currently in practice and also benefit you when it is time to finally retire. My NEW program will benefit you NOW and LATER. I would love to come out to visit your practice for a free no obligation consultation and explain exactly what I am referring to and exactly how the program works. If you are unable to meet in person I will be happy to explain over the phone but eventually I will need to see your office for you to receive the maximum return possible. Please contact me ASAP to setup an appointment to get the process started. I promise you will be glad that you did.

Eric Schiff and his father Allen M. Schiff, CPA combined have over 50 years experience in the dental industry. Together they founded Schiff Dental Brokerage, LLC., a company that specializes in building your dental practice to sell. Schiff Dental Brokerage is located in Baltimore, Maryland. Contact 410-321-7707 or email eschiff@schiffcpa.com.

January 11, 2016

Bethesda Dental Practice Seeking General Dentist

Bethesda Dental Practice Now Hiring Dental Associate:

General Dentist: Amazing opportunity for a personable, skilled and enthusiastic individual to join our team. We have 2 offices and enjoy state of the art surroundings in a very nice environment. We are looking for that special person who would fall in the top 5% of the profession who wants to make a serious commitment to their future with an equity position possible. Please email your resume and photo along with a cover letter explaining what is special about you and what you can bring to enhance the practice to eschiff@schiffcpa.com

September 9, 2015

General Practice Seeking FT Associate: Northern VA

Associate Dentist Wanted in Northern Virginia

World-class office expanding our schedule to accommodate demand. We are offering the ultimate full-time associate opportunity! Temporary position with opportunity for permanent position. Current associate is going on Maternity leave. Super-fun team, with your own treatment coordinator, quality work, completely equipped with latest technology. Fax resume to 703–858-0102.

Information about the associate position

Full Time – 4 1/2 days 40 hours per week

Two evenings per week 10 am – 7 pm

Two mornings per week 7am – 4 pm

No Saturdays

Pay based on percentage of collections with minimum of $500/day guarantee

Health benefits available through HRA

Dental Benefits for Associate and family

CE credits

General Dental Practice Seeking FT Associate: Northern VA

Associate Dentist Wanted in Northern Virginia

Information about the associate position

Full Time – 4 1/2 days 40 hours per week

Two evenings per week 10 am – 7 pm

Two mornings per week 7am – 4 pm

No Saturdays

Pay based on percentage of collections with minimum of $500/day guarantee

Health benefits available through HRA

Dental Benefits for Associate and family

CE credits

August 14, 2015

General Practice Seeking FT Associate: Eldersburg, MD

General Dental Practice Seeking FT Dental Associate: Eldersburg, MD

·Digital Imaging

·Cerec Same-day crowns

·Eaglesoft Software

· Invisalign

· 6 Month Smiles

· Veneers

· Whitening / Kor Whitening

· Root Canal Therapy

· Implants & Implant Supported Dentures (Surgical and Restorative)

· Sedation Dentistry

· Sleep Appliances

· Laser Dentistry

Please Reply to Josh@Freedomdds.com with inquiries

August 10, 2015

Ortho Associate Wanted in Hanover, PA

High-end General Dental Practice looking for Ortho Associate in Hanover, PA

Part Time Position available for highly skilled and motivated Orthodontist to work as an Associate one day per week at a successful, High-end General Dental Practice located in Hanover, PA. Please fax or email Resume and Salary History to: Eric Schiff, Schiff Dental Brokerage; 410-321-7006 Fax; ESchiff@Schiffcpa.com

General Dental Practice Seeking FT Associate: Owings Mills, MD

General Dental Practice Seeking Full Time Associate: Owings Mills, Maryland

Highly skilled and motivated General Dentist needed as a Full Time Dental Associate to join a successful State of the Art General Dental Practice located in Owings Mills, Maryland. The ideal associate would demonstrate a passion for dentistry and patient care, contagious energy, a willingness to learn and grow and at least 2 years of clinical experience. Please send Resume and Salary History to: Allen Schiff aschiff@schiffcpa.com .

General Practice Seeking FT Associate: Owings Mills, MD

General Dental Practice Seeking Full Time Associate: Owings Mills, Maryland

August 4, 2015

Frederick, MD General Practice Hiring Associate w/ Buy-In Opp

Frederick, MD Area General Dental Practice Now Hiring Associate Dentist with Buy-In Opportunity

Unique Opportunity for a Highly Skilled and Motivated General Dentist to Practice autonomously in a 5 op practice in a rural medical facility. Great income with Ownership potential!!! Position available starting in September. The ideal associate must be proficient in all aspects of general dentistry and demonstrate a passion for dentistry and patient care with the willingness to learn and grow. Please send Resume and Salary History to: Allen Schiff aschiff@schiffcpa.com .

Towson Dental CPA

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Dental CPA Near Me

Towson, MD Dental CPA

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Dental CPA in Towson, MD

General Dental Practice Seeking FT Dental Associate: Eldersburg, MD

GENERAL DENTIST WANTED FT/PT IN BETHESDA, MD

General Dental Associate / Successor Wanted Hanover PA

Annapolis, MD General Dental Practice Now Hiring Associate Dentist.

Annapolis, MD General Dental Practice Now Hiring Associate Dentist.

High-end General Dental Practice looking for Associate in York, PA

Montgomery County Dental Practice Now Hiring Part Time Associate Dentist.

Western Maryland Area General Dental Practice Now Seeking Partner with Buy-In Opportunity

Receive Your Complimentary Dental Practice Valuation & Assessment

Bethesda Dental Practice Now Hiring Dental Associate:

Associate Dentist Wanted in Northern Virginia

Associate Dentist Wanted in Northern Virginia

General Dental Practice Seeking FT Dental Associate: Eldersburg, MD

High-end General Dental Practice looking for Ortho Associate in Hanover, PA

General Dental Practice Seeking Full Time Associate: Owings Mills, Maryland

General Dental Practice Seeking Full Time Associate: Owings Mills, Maryland

Frederick, MD Area General Dental Practice Now Hiring Associate Dentist with Buy-In Opportunity

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