---
title: "What Is De novo practice? Dental Practice Glossary"
description: "A new practice built from the ground up rather than bought, so it starts with no existing patients, staff or records."
url: https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/de-novo-practice
publisher: Copeland Consulting Services
email: drcopeland@joncopelanddds.com
contact: https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/contact
---

Ownership and transitions

# De novo practice

A new practice built from the ground up rather than bought, so it starts with no existing patients, staff or records.

A de novo practice is a new office that did not exist before. The term is Latin for "from the beginning." Industry writers use it as another word for a start-up. The ADA describes this path as starting a practice from scratch and says startups offer full control but require patience and capital.

Owners of a de novo office build the patient base, team and systems themselves. Plans often include a [business plan](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/business-plan), financing through a [practice loan](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/practice-loan), and a clear view of [working capital](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/working-capital) while the practice grows.

The choice between de novo and buying an existing office depends on facts that differ for each dentist. Lenders, CPAs and attorneys can explain the options. This entry gives a definition only.

[Next stepPractice consulting with Dr. Copeland](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/contact?topic=consulting)

## Related terms

-   [Practice start-up](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/practice-start-up)
-   [Practice acquisition](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/practice-acquisition)
-   [Business plan](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/business-plan)
-   [Practice loan](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/practice-loan)

## Sources

1.  [ADA News, Ask the Expert: What are my financial paths to practice ownership?](https://adanews.ada.org/new-dentist/2026/march/ask-the-expert-what-are-my-financial-paths-to-practice-ownership/)
2.  [ADA, Business side of dentistry: 7 steps for success in starting your own practice](https://www.ada.org/resources/careers/7-steps-for-success-in-starting-your-own-practice)

## Talk with Dr. Copeland

[Contact Dr. Copeland](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/contact)[Email](mailto:drcopeland@joncopelanddds.com)