Chapter 3. Financing

Introduction

I. Financial Feasibility--Getting to the "Bottom Line"

a. Can we predict if the dental clinic we have planned will be sustainable?

b. What does it mean for our clinic to "achieve balance"?

c. How do we estimate clinic revenue from all sources?

d. What are sources of patient care revenue (e.g., Medicaid, SCHIP)?

e. How should we estimate patient care revenue?

f. What factors affect patient care revenue?

g. How do we determine patient charges?

h. How do we establish a non-discounted (full) fee schedule?

i. How do we establish a sliding fee schedule (SFS)?

j. How do we implement the sliding fee schedule?

k. How can we use payer mix to increase patient care revenue?

l. What do we need to know about the Medicaid and State Children's Health Insurance (SCHIP) Programs?

m. What should we consider before entering into a contract to provide dental care?

n. What are other sources of revenue besides patient care?

o. How do we estimate clinic expenses?

p. How do we establish reasonable and competitive salary and fringe benefit packages?

q. What are typical fringe benefits?

r. How can the use of volunteers reduce expenses?

s. How can we lower dental equipment and supply costs?

t. What are lab fees and how can we manage them?

u. How do we estimate administrative expenses?

v. What are fundraising expenses?

Section II. Managing Clinic Finances

a. Where can we get expert assistance in the financial management of our clinic?

b. What do we need to know about developing a budget?

c. What role do financial reports have in program planning and management?

d. How do we assess financial sustainability?

e. How can a business plan benefit our clinic?

f. How can I learn more about non-profit organization budget planning and management?

g. What is an independent audit and why is it necessary?

Section III. Grants and Fundraising

a. What is the difference between a grant and a contract?

b. What are the different types of grants?

c. Who provides grant funding?

d. How do we start our search for grant opportunities?

e. How can we learn more about foundations?

f. What are some examples of corporate funding?

g. How can we access funding from state and local government?

h. How do we find out about federal funding opportunities?

i. What do we need to know to write a grant proposal?

j. What should we know about grants management if a proposal is funded?

k. How do we develop a fundraising plan?

Appendices