Category: Baton Rouge Dental Consultant

3 Dental Bookkeeping Mistakes You’re Probably Making (And How to Fix Them) Baton Rough LA Dental Accountant

Posted on by user

Owning a dental practice is a demanding position. In addition to seeing patients and managing your staff, you also have to keep track of your finances. While bookkeeping may not be your favorite task, it’s important to make sure that you’re doing it correctly. Otherwise, you could end up making mistakes that cost you money.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss three common dental bookkeeping mistakes and how to fix them.

Dental Bookkeeping Mistake #1: Not Tracking Your Income

One of the most important aspects of dental bookkeeping is tracking your income. Without accurate records of what you’ve earned, it’s impossible to make informed financial decisions for your practice. Yet, many dental practices fail to track their income properly, leading to all sorts of problems down the road.

If you’re not tracking your income, you could be making some serious mistakes that could have a negative impact on your practice. Here are just a few of the things that can go wrong if you’re not keeping accurate records of your dental practice’s income.

  • You could miss out on tax deductions: Without accurate records of your income, you could miss out on important tax deductions that could save you money.
  • You could make poor financial decisions. Without knowing how much money you’re bringing in, it’s difficult to make sound financial decisions for your practice.

Dental Bookkeeping Mistake #2: Failure to Track Expenses

One of the most important aspects of running a successful dental practice is keeping track of your expenses. This can be a difficult task, as there are many different items that you need to keep track of. However, it is essential to track your expenses in order to maintain a healthy financial situation for your practice.

One of the biggest mistakes that dental practices make is not tracking their expenses. This can lead to major financial problems down the road. Tracking expenses can be done in a variety of ways, but consistency is the key to success. 

You can use a simple spreadsheet to track your expenses, or you can use more sophisticated financial software. Whichever method you choose, make sure that you track all of your expenses on a regular basis. If you are not tracking your expenses, you are putting your dental practice at risk. 

3rd Dental Bookkeeping Mistake: Failing to Keep Up with Accounts Receivable

One of the most important aspects of dental bookkeeping is staying on top of your accounts receivable. This refers to the money that is owed to you by your patients. When patients don’t pay their bills on time, it can put a strain on your cash flow and make it difficult to keep up with your own bills.

One way to stay on top of your accounts receivable is to use a software system that can track payments and send reminders to patients who are behind on their payments. There are a number of different software systems available, so be sure to do your research to find one that will work well for your dental practice.

Another way to stay on top of your accounts receivable is to hire a bookkeeper or accountant to handle this aspect of your business. This can be a good option if you don’t have the time or resources.

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re making at least one of these three dental bookkeeping mistakes. But don’t worry, we can help! Our Baton Rouge dental accounting office offers a wide range of services to help you get your bookkeeping in order. We’ll work with you to find a solution that fits your needs. So, please contact AG Dental CPAs and Advisors to schedule a consultation. We look forward to hearing from you!

AG Dental CPAs and Advisors
Phone: (225) 767-1020
6421 Perkins Road, Bldg A, STE 1B
Baton Rouge, LA 70808

A Dental Accountant Can Help You Retire Confidently | Baton Rouge LA Dental CPA

Posted on by grace

Baton Rouge LA Dental Advisor

Stephen Covey made famous a saying that has stuck with us for years. He said, “Start with the end in mind.” There is no time like the present to start planning for your retirement. These words can mean many things to many different people, but to us, they mean that you should never be too young to start. 

The planning required for your eventual retirement as a dentist with your own practice is much more extensive than that of the average person. Your financial waste can be reduced with the help of a dental accountant, allowing you to retire sooner. 

Approximately how much are you saving?

When you meet with our Dental CPA Baton Rouge accounting team, you will discuss your dental profit and loss, taxes, and long-term savings goals. Changing your investments during retirement may be beneficial to your savings as it may outpace inflation.

What is your exit strategy?

A written agreement that details who will buy you out when you retire would be helpful if you are a dental practice owner or partner. Determine whether you plan to retire outright or work part-time. Consider how taxes will impact your retirement savings. You should consider these and many other factors when planning your retirement. Our Baton Rouge LA Dental Consultant firm can help you with the details of the transition.

When you retire, what do you plan to do?

Your priorities and living expenses may have to shift if you are considering starting a new venture, traveling more, or embracing a hobby. Considering how rapidly the economy is changing, it is worthwhile consulting experts to help you future-proof your lifestyle.

How long will you be retired?

Life expectancy has increased dramatically due to advances in modern medicine. Depending on your health and family history, you may want to plan as if you’ll live to be 100 years old and estimate your needs accordingly.For example, have you considered long-term care insurance?

Will there be any other changes to expenses?

Even though retirement may eliminate your commute, work wardrobe, and team lunches, it also means higher medical costs. Consider what changes to your budget you may experience during retirement.

You can start working through this list at any time. The majority of accountants recommend meeting with your advisor annually to discuss your progress and make any necessary adjustments. 

Dental accountants are similar to financial coaches. Among the many services accountants can offer, they can assist in finding the right pensions, properties, and business opportunities for you to invest in while you are still employed. They can also help you understand where your money is going as your income grows, ensuring you have a better financial future once you retire.

In addition to helping you divide up your assets after you retire, an accountant ensures that they don’t fall into the wrong hands.

You shouldn’t have to work during retirement. Get financial peace of mind by contacting a Baton Rouge Dental CPA accountant today. Let’s talk.

AG Dental CPAs and Advisors
Phone: (225) 767-1020
Url: https://agdentalcpas.com/
6421 Perkins Road, Bldg A, STE 1B
Baton Rouge, LA 70808

Are You Making a Costly Mistake? | Dental Consultant Baton Rouge

Posted on by grace
Baton Rouge Dental Accountant

Dentists are experts at what they do. They maintain healthy teeth. Most of these dentists are less experienced in ensuring their books are kept accurately and reflect the financial health of their practice. Both of these skills are necessary to ensure longevity in your practice. In light of this, here are three common bookkeeping mistakes that could be costing you thousands of dollars and, ultimately, your business.

The Difference Between Cash Flow and Profit

It is not easy to understand financial reports. Inexperienced people can sometimes be confused by the complexity, leading to costly mistakes. It is common for dentists and in-house bookkeepers to mistake profit figures for cash. This is incorrect. Due to this mistake, dentists make purchases that incur overdraft fees, which can cost a lot of money for your practice. Profit is calculated using a profit and loss statement. However, cash flow is calculated using a cash flow equation and factoring in depreciation expenses, inventory, and accounts receivable.

Incorrectly recording transactions in the wrong period

It is another common mistake for practices to “close the books” at the end of each month. As your in-house bookkeeper reconciles accounts and prepares financial statements, transactions from previous periods can be entered incorrectly. If this mistake is not caught, all of your future reports, your tax documents, and your cash figures will be wrong. You can imagine how bad that is. The IRS can slap harsh penalties on individuals who misrepresent cash, regardless of whether it was an honest mistake.

Managing your payroll

Dental practices often think handling payroll is a simple task. However, many minor mistakes can easily lead to major problems and penalties. Payroll errors can be frustrating and costly for both employers and employees. A mistake in state tax deductions can result in a sizable tax deduction from an employee’s last paycheck of the year, and this deduction may coincide with the holiday season. Missed hours or incorrect pay rates can also inadvertently decrease an employee’s pay, leading to frustration and lasting resentment. It is these mistakes that cause employee-employer strain and negatively affect your employees. For the employer, incorrectly calculated payroll tax obligations can result in fines and penalties. Generally speaking, dentists aren’t experts in the complex world of government tax regulations.

Not using experienced dental accountants

Managing your practice’s finances yourself or hiring an inexperienced bookkeeper can be disastrous. An unreliable accounting system can lead to high tax bills, theft, cash mistakes, and more. 

A dental accountant can help you save time and money by implementing an efficient system. Having an accurate understanding of your practice’s finances at all times will give you peace of mind. For more information, please contact our Baton Rogue Dental Accountant office.

AG Dental CPAs and Advisors
Phone: (225) 767-1020
Url: https://agdentalcpas.com/
6421 Perkins Road, Bldg A, STE 1B
Baton Rouge, LA 70808

The Importance of Professional Bookkeeping for Dentists | Dental Accountant in 70808

Posted on by grace
Baton Rouge Dental Accountant

You spent years as a dentist, gaining education and experience to open your own practice. If you pursued conventional methods of education and training, you probably did not acquire skills in bookkeeping, much less accounting. Most likely, you focused your dental practice on the areas where you were trained and knowledgeable, which included patient care and relations, administrative duties, payroll, and possibly some basic marketing. No doubt, you’ve had to expand your repertoire as your practice evolved.

Perhaps you have neglected your bookkeeping and accounting over the years. Instead of struggling with your finances, why not hire an accounting or bookkeeping service? 

Why should you hire a professional bookkeeper?

Despite your competence in running your dental practice, you may not possess the skills and expertise required to manage your books as effectively and accurately as a professional agency. Just as bookkeepers and accountants do not perform their own dental care, you would be better off placing your bookkeeping and accounting responsibilities in the hands of a professional.

A bookkeeper will manage some of the financial aspects of your practice that a bookkeeper will manage:

  • Company Bank Accounts 
  • Insurance billing
  • Account Payable 
  • Accounts Receivable
  • Cash flow

The Advantages of Outsourcing Bookkeeping

  • By reducing bookkeeping time, more time can be allocated to patient care.
  • Due to fewer operational expenses, the dental practice saves money by only paying for what it needs. As a result, the company may be able to provide raises annually to employees. 
  • As the dentist and owner of your practice, you can be assured of the accuracy of the bookkeeping services provided, allowing you to manage your office more effectively and efficiently.
  • Instead of trying to handle the finances, you and your staff can place much more emphasis on patient care. The result is greater patient satisfaction thanks to improving the overall experience.
  • Instead of you and your staff being responsible for the practice’s bookkeeping, which can lead to uncertainty and errors, you have access to bookkeeping specialists. This approach allows you to enjoy consistency with your bookkeeping practices and have more time to devote to financial strategy, which puts you in a proactive position when managing your finances.
  • In addition, you can also utilize premier bookkeeping programs within your dental practice. The programs will allow you to back up and save your data for years to come, making it easy for you to maintain your financial records reliably and persistently.

The Advantages of Professional Accounting Services for Dental Practices

It is essential to work with a skilled accountant who develops high-level strategies aimed at improving your practice’s financial standing. A professional accountant will prepare financial statements, analyze operational costs, prepare tax returns, and consult with your dental practice on financial decisions. 

Our dental accountant in Baton Rouge, LA provides accounting services tailored to specific industries. As your business grows, your taxes will become more complex. We will help you maximize your tax savings as your business grows. In addition to tax planning and support, we offer insight into current trends and relevant issues to help companies make wise decisions. Whether you’re starting your first company or managing your established one, you can rely on our team to provide you with strategic advice along the way. 

Contact our Baton Rouge dental accounting firm if you would like to learn more about how our team can assist you.

AG Dental CPAs and Advisors
Phone: (225) 767-1020
6421 Perkins Road, Bldg A, STE 1B
Baton Rouge, LA 70808

3 Time Saving Strategies | 70808 Dental Accountant

Posted on by grace
Dental Consultant Baton Rouge

Your most valuable resource is time. Managing your time can be impossible on some days. Think about the strategies you currently use to manage your time. What other tools could you use to protect your most valuable asset? These three methods shared by our Baton Rouge dental accountant will help you maximize your time.

Reevaluate Your Management Strategies.

Without spending a dime, you can buy time. Use a new method for tracking practice productivity. Having your team email their task lists for the day can be a great way to keep them organized. Each staff member can describe quantitatively what they do, making it easy to refer back to them. The previous method would avoid micromanagement of employees by asking, “What did you do today?” With a full schedule of appointments, implementing management tasks is difficult.

Since you know what each team member contributes, you can reduce the number of daily meetings. A daily list of completed tasks allows everyone at your practice to be aware of which tasks need to be handled.

Maximize efficiency by using apps.

“Lost time is never found again.” Ben Franklin knew this 200 years ago. How can you use this knowledge in running your practice? You can track your practice with several tools available on your phone. Using these tools can help you become more efficient. Today, you don’t need to manage all aspects of your business manually.

Utilize scheduling apps and software. Apps such as these will help you save time and keep track of your practice’s performance. If you need some guidance, feel free to contact our accounting firm.

Consider Express Check-In.

Losing time is not always the fault of your team. One late patient can disrupt your whole schedule. Make registration easy for your patients. Provide patients with online forms they can fill out before they come in. This will help your entire practice run smoothly. Working with your patients to create a smoother, faster registration is the best way to avoid becoming known as a practice that runs behind schedule. Your patients will not want to fill out redundant paperwork. Whenever possible, rework any documents or forms to prevent your patients from repeatedly filling out information such as their name and address.

Time management is an essential skill for successful business leaders. Set up methods that allow you to measure productivity in concrete, quantitative terms. Make your life easier with technology and let your patients work with you to save time. Think differently about your time management strategies.

Our dental accounting firm in Baton Rouge, LA can help you implement strategies that will help you be more efficient. Please contact us for a consultation.

AG Dental CPAs and Advisors
Phone: (225) 767-1020
6421 Perkins Road, Bldg A, STE 1B
Baton Rouge, LA 70808

Increase Your Confidence As A Dental Practice Leader | Dental Accountant Baton Rouge LA

Posted on by grace
Baton Rouge Dental Accountant

The varying nature of confidence can be exemplified as a business leader because of the stressful nature of leading a dental practice. Confidence can grow with a conscientious effort. Our team of dental CPAs in 70808 come up with a few ways to increase your confidence in the dental practice, leading to a more positive work environment.

Consistency is Key

Rapidly changing methods and ideas can prevent a business leader from feeling confident. The business should work for the practice 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 practice will run smoothly.

Know and understand the key parts of the dental office, 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.

Stay True To 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 get rid of any notion that team members might have that you are not being a genuine person. Openness and authenticity will not only strengthen your bond with your team, 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 an attack against you. Listen to feedback from team members 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.  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 dental practice leader, strive to know everything you can about the office 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 dental practice as a whole. Contact our dental accounting office in Baton Rouge, LA for a dental practice evaluation and analysis to make sure you are working at your full potential.

AG Dental CPAs and Advisors
Phone: (225) 767-1020
6421 Perkins Road, Bldg A, STE 1B
Baton Rouge, LA 70808

Signs That It Is Time To Hire A Dental Accountant | Dental Consultant Baton Rouge LA

Posted on by grace
Dental Consultant Baton Rouge LA

How do you know when it is absolutely time to hire our dental accountant in 70808? Occasionally there are certain tasks that you are able to do on your own, but these tasks may be very time consuming. When you are busy with clinical work, it is easy to overlook certain things or make financial mistakes. Here are a few signs that confirm you need help from our dental CPAs in Baton Rouge.

  1. You earn over $200,000 per year– Your odds of being audited once you start earning over $200,000 a year increase 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 that all of your deductions are included, your assets are depreciating properly, and that 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, can help minimize your taxes, and can 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, team members, and vendors is going to require more paperwork and number crunching and can rapidly become impossible for you to keep up with.

Contact our dental accounting firm in Baton Rouge, LA if any of these signs apply to you and your dental practice. We can help you organize the financial aspect of your practice.

AG Dental CPAs and Advisors
Phone: (225) 767-1020
6421 Perkins Road, Bldg A, STE 1B
Baton Rouge, LA 70808

Tips For Your New Dental Career | Baton Rouge Dental Advisor

Posted on by user
Baton Rouge Dental Accountant

Starting your new dental career can be one of the most exciting (and nerve-wracking) times of your life. Whether you are starting your own practice from scratch or joining one that is already established, there are several important aspects to keep in mind.

Our dental accounting team in 70808 has compiled a quick guide that will help you manage your priorities as a new dentist with confidence and ease.

  1.  Protect Your Work-Life Balance– While you might be used to a heavy schedule during your years in school, don’t let yourself burn out. You deserve a healthy work-life balance. By setting boundaries and following them, you can enjoy your time with friends, family, or hobbies without feeling overwhelmed by your work schedule.
  2. 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.\
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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 our dental accounting firm in Baton Rouge today to schedule a consultation.

AG Dental CPAs and Advisors
Phone: (225) 767-1020
6421 Perkins Road, Bldg A, STE 1B
Baton Rouge, LA 70808

The Achievement of Financial Freedom | Dental CPA Baton Rouge

Posted on by user
Dental CPA in Baton Rouge

It’s no secret that, as a dental practice owner, you take on a great deal of responsibility and overwhelming  financial stress. Here in our office, one of our main goals is to help you achieve financial freedom so that you can completely focus on leadership and business growth. The following tips from our dental accounting team in Baton Rouge will help you create a more solid foundation for your dental practice and help you along in your financial journey.

Organization is key. It is important to make sure that you always have systems in place. This will ensure that no details are missed and that everyone has a protocol to follow. Disorganization can quickly lead to unhappy customers, and ultimately, the downfall of a business. Efficient organization can also help bring opportunities for improvement to your attention.

Dream big.  Your dental practice will only be as successful as you envision it to be. Set clear goals with deadlines to use as a ruler for your success. Goals will help with financial decisions that present themselves. By setting goals with clear expectations, you will be able to assess how small decisions can have a true impact on your practice in the future. It will help you define a clear path toward your financial freedom.

Always have a plan. Without both short-term and long-term financial plans in place, you will be setting yourself up to fail. How will new earnings be allocated; how much will go toward savings? Are you budgeting for new purchases? Where will money come from if business gets slow?  If you don’t already have the answers to these questions, this is a great place to start. Planning for the unexpected helps to ensure that your dental practice will survive surprise expenses.

Make wise financial decisions. When starting a dental practice, it is inevitable that you will acquire some strategic debt. The key to success in the business will be an analysis of your return on investment. Don’t make big purchases without a thorough analysis of the value that it will bring to your practice.

If you need help creating a plan or making a financial decision, our office is available to help. Our goal is to put you on the path toward financial freedom. We want to help take some of the financial stress away so that you can focus on your community, patients, and business growth. Contact our dental accounting firm in Baton Rouge, LA today for a business consultation.

AG Dental CPAs and Advisors
Phone: (225) 767-1020
6421 Perkins Road, Bldg A, STE 1B
Baton Rouge, LA 70808

Burnout Within the Dental Practice | Dental Consultant Baton Rouge LA

Posted on by user
Baton Rouge Dental Accountant

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 accountant in Baton Rouge 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 in Baton Rouge with Apple Guerin to help determine areas of opportunity that are available in your practice.

AG Dental CPAs and Advisors
Phone: (225) 767-1020
6421 Perkins Road, Bldg A, STE 1B
Baton Rouge, LA 70808