Posts by Ed Gabriel
Tax Planning Strategies for Dental Practice Owners in 2026
For many dental practice owners, tax planning has become more complicated and more important than ever in 2026. Rising operating costs, changing tax provisions, and continued economic uncertainty are forcing practice owners to think more strategically about how they manage taxable income, major purchases, and long-term financial decisions. The challenge is that many dentists still approach taxes…
Read MoreThe True Cost of Hiring in a Dental Practice Right Now
For many dental practice owners, staffing has become one of the biggest financial pressures in 2026. Wages are rising. Competition for hygienists and assistants remains intense. At the same time, practices are trying to maintain profitability while continuing to deliver a high level of patient care. Most owners know staffing costs are increasing. What is harder to see is how those…
Read MoreAre You Properly Insured Against Employee Theft in Your Dental Practice?
Most dental practice owners carry insurance. Property coverage, liability policies, workers compensation. It feels comprehensive. Yet one of the most common and financially damaging risks in a dental office is often underinsured or overlooked entirely: employee theft. Embezzlement in dentistry is not rare. In fact, it is one of the most frequent causes of unexpected…
Read MoreMembership Plans vs. PPOs: What Dentists Need to Know Before Making the Switch
As subscription dentistry continues to grow, many dental practice owners are re-evaluating the role PPOs play in their business model. Rising write-offs, shrinking reimbursement rates, and increasing administrative complexity have pushed dentists to consider alternatives—most notably, in-house membership plans. These plans offer predictable revenue, simpler fee structures, and more control over patient relationships. But transitioning…
Read MoreChanges to the Business Meals Deduction
As we move into 2026, a major shift in the tax landscape has officially taken effect — and it impacts any business that provides meals to employees. For years, meals provided “for the convenience of the employer” were partially deductible. That is no longer the case. The Big Change Starting in 2026, meals provided on…
Read MoreStrategic Credentialing: Protection from Low Fees Starts on Day One
When a dentist acquires a practice, the big questions are easy to spot: What’s it worth? How is it financed? What does this mean for taxes? But one early decision often flies under the radar—and quietly shapes profitability for years: credentialing. Not just getting enrolled, but doing it strategically. Credentialing sets the financial baseline of…
Read MoreThe Hidden Costs That Reduce Dental Practice Profitability and How to Identify Them Early
Dental practices often operate with tight margins, especially as labor costs rise, insurance reimbursement pressures grow, and operational demands increase. While many owners focus on production and collections, the real threats to profitability are often less visible. Hidden costs—small, gradual, and easily overlooked—can erode margins long before they show up in annual financial statements. Understanding how these costs develop,…
Read MoreDelta Dental Changes in 2026 That Will Affect Your Practice
Delta Dental has announced a significant change coming at the end of 2026: the elimination of insurance payments by check. While this may sound like a simple administrative update, the downstream impact on dental practices could be meaningful, particularly when it comes to costs, cash flow visibility, and embezzlement risk. This topic has been thoughtfully…
Read MoreHow Rising Staffing Costs Are Reshaping Dental Practice Finances in 2026
The dental industry continues to face persistent staffing challenges, and 2026 is shaping up to be another year where labor costs significantly influence practice performance. Hygienists, assistants, and front-office team members remain in high demand, and competitive hiring pressures are driving wages upward across the country. For many practices, staffing represents their single largest expense category—and increases in labor…
Read MoreHow to Use Financial KPIs to Improve Case Acceptance and Production in Your Practice
A new year often brings renewed focus for dental practices: refining systems, improving efficiency, and strengthening the connection between clinical activity and financial performance. One of the most effective ways to achieve these goals is by tracking and understanding financial KPIs—key performance indicators that reveal how well your practice converts opportunities into production and revenue. Dentists are…
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