Refine
Clear All
Your Track:
Live:
Search in:
The Startup Dentist
The Startup Dentist

The Startup Dentist

Guiding you from associate to grand opening. The Startup Dentist podcast is the only podcast that helps Associate Dentists go from practice, to profit, to purpose in their journey to open their own dental practice startup. With more successful dental startups than anyone else, your host Stephen Trutter is here to share all that he, and the Ideal Practices team, have learned over the years of opening successful dental startups. To learn more visit us at: https://start.idealpractices.com

Available Episodes 10

In this episode, Stephen Trutter talks with Stacy Peters, Director of the Startup MBA for Ideal Practices, about the crucial role business systems play in dental startups. While many dentists are confident in their clinical skills, running a successful practice demands mastery of the business side as well.

*Key points discussed:*

- The importance of business systems in dental startups

- How to avoid common pitfalls that lead to struggling practices

- Real-world examples of dentists who built thriving businesses with the right systems

- Financial guidelines and team accountability

- Patient experience and its direct link to practice success

*Links and resources mentioned:*

- [Startup Practice Blueprint Course](StartupPracticeBlueprint.com)

- [Ideal Practices Website](https://www.idealpractices.com)

*Calls to action:*

If you’re ready to take your dental startup to the next level, join the Startup Practice Blueprint course to learn from experts like Stephen and Stacy on building a solid foundation for long-term success.

Contact Information and Social Media Links:

- Insurance credentialing vs. negotiating: Learn the difference between these two essential processes and how they impact your dental practice.

- The importance of having experts assist with insurance credentialing to ensure accuracy and efficiency.

- Timelines: Credentialing can take 3-6 months, so start the process as soon as you secure your real estate.

- Credentialing strategies, including in-network vs. out-of-network, and how to decide what's best for your startup.

- Tips for negotiating fee schedules and knowing when it’s worth paying for a negotiating service.

Contact Information and Social Media Links:

**Introduction:**  

  Welcome to today's episode, where Stephen Trutter is joined by Steve Burns, a senior advisor with over 30 years of experience in dental equipment and technology. Together, they explore how dentists can make smart equipment purchases for their startups, ensuring that investments align with both their clinical vision and financial constraints.

- **Key Points Discussed:**  

  1. The importance of budget management when choosing dental equipment.  

  2. How to navigate promotions and avoid being oversold by vendors.  

  3. The benefits of phasing in technology over time, focusing on what adds immediate value.  

  4. How showrooms and vendor relationships can impact decision-making.

- **Links and Resources Mentioned:**  

  - Ideal Practices Startup Practice Blueprint course  

  - Manufacturer promotion websites  

  - Recommendations on internal scanners and phased technology adoption

**Calls to Action:**  

Sign up for the **Startup Practice Blueprint** course to dive deeper into creating a successful dental startup, and explore more insights from industry experts like Steve Burns.

Contact Information and Social Media Links:

Introduction to the Topic: Welcome back, associate dentists! If you're on the fence about whether to pursue a startup or an acquisition, this episode is for you. Today, we're diving into the David vs. Goliath story of dental startups versus corporate dentistry, offering insights on how you can make your dream practice a reality even in the face of big corporate competition.

Key Points Discussed:

  1. Doctor-Patient Relationship:
    • Importance of personalized care and building trust with patients.
    • How maintaining strong patient relationships can provide a competitive edge over corporate practices.
  2. Choosing Your Patients:
    • The advantage of targeting and attracting your ideal patients.
    • How demographics play a crucial role in choosing the right location and patient base for your startup.
  3. Community Impact:
    • Strategies for making a meaningful impact in your local community.
    • Examples of successful community engagement that builds loyalty and referrals.

Links and Resources Mentioned:

  • Recent episode on the pros and cons of startup vs. acquisition
  • Demographics insights and strategies
  • Contact information for Rob Montgomery, dental-specific attorney

Calls to Action:

  • Listen to the recent episode on startup vs. acquisition for more insights.
  • Consider your ideal patient profile and community impact as you plan your startup.
  • Connect with us for personalized advice on making your dental startup a success.

Contact Information and Social Media Links:

In this episode of "The Startup Dentist," host Stephen Trutter dives into the critical topic of dental real estate. With real estate decisions being one of the most significant financial commitments for dental startups, Stephen provides essential insights to help you avoid costly mistakes.

Key Points Discussed

  • Importance of Real Estate Decisions: Understanding how initial real estate choices impact your practice long-term.
  • Avoiding Common Pitfalls: Why you should avoid flashy locations and instead focus on strategic positioning.
  • Lease vs. Purchase: The pros and cons of leasing versus buying real estate and how to decide what's best for your practice.
  • The Role of Representation: The necessity of having experienced commercial real estate agents and attorneys to guide you through transactions.
  • Future-Proofing Your Practice: Ensuring your real estate deal protects you if you decide to sell or relocate in the future.

Links and Resources Mentioned

  • Startup Practice Blueprint Course
  • Contact information for Stephen Trutter and Ideal Practices

Calls to Action

  • Listen to the episode and learn how to avoid real estate mistakes that could jeopardize your dental startup.
  • Visit the Ideal Practices website for more resources on starting and growing a successful dental practice.
  • Sign up for the Startup Practice Blueprint Course to get in-depth training on all aspects of launching a dental practice.

Contact Information and Social Media Links:

Choosing between starting a new dental practice or acquiring an existing one involves weighing the freedom and creativity of a startup against the immediate functionality and existing patient base of an acquisition. Each path offers unique benefits and challenges that must align with your personal goals and professional aspirations.

Interested in more detailed insights and experiences from dental professionals who have walked both paths? Tune into the full episode.

Contact Information and Social Media Links:

Key Points Discussed:

  1. Introduction to Startup Marketing Strategies
  2. Timing and Budget for Marketing
  3. Importance of Tracked and Trackable Efforts
  4. Creating Compelling Marketing Messages
  5. Focusing on Appointments vs. Awareness
  6. Essential Ingredients for Successful Marketing
    • Marketing Agency
    • Ground Marketing
    • Community Engagement
  7. Real-Life Success Stories
    • Dr. Karl’s Social Media Strategy
    • Dr. Katie’s Achievement of 100 Patients in the First Month
  8. Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Links and Resources Mentioned:

Contact Information and Social Media Links:

Starting a new dental practice is an exhilarating journey, filled with opportunities and, unfortunately, numerous potential pitfalls. Many dentists embark on this venture with a DIY mindset, only to encounter unforeseen challenges that can hinder their progress—or worse, jeopardize their business. In our latest podcast episode, "How to Avoid the DIY Pitfalls of Dental Startups," we peel back the curtain to learn the critical strategies that can help you avoid common mistakes and set a solid foundation for your practice.

Understanding the Risks of a DIY Approach for Dental Startups

The allure of doing it yourself, especially in the initial phases of setting up a practice, is strong. You might think that handling everything from real estate transactions to interior design and marketing might save costs. However, this approach often leads to compromised outcomes. Without specialized knowledge in areas like dental office design, marketing, and practice management, DIY efforts can quickly become costly missteps.

Learning From Your Fellow Dental Practice Owners

Take Dr. Ben’s story for example: with the success of his practice, he managed to pay off the looming pile of debt from his student loans within just a few years of opening his practice. What a ginormous weight lifted off his shoulders! 

How did he pay off his dental student loans? Well, his success wasn't due to cutting corners, but through strategic planning and understanding where to allocate resources effectively. 

His story is a testament to the power of aligning practice, profits, and purpose.

Growth vs. Savings: Striking the Right Balance in Dental Startups

One of the key points I want you to take away from this episode is the importance of focusing on growth-oriented strategies rather than just cost-cutting. While it's essential to maintain a budget, under-investing in critical areas like technology, marketing, and space can limit a practice’s potential and lead to greater expenses down the line. Like I always say “No one has ever saved themselves into a million-dollar practice” 

A perfect example: opting for a slightly larger space might seem expensive initially but can dramatically increase operational capacity and revenue potential over time.

The Value of Professional Guidance for Dental Startups

DIY projects might give you a sense of control, but professional guidance is invaluable. Experts who specialize in dental startups can help you navigate complex decisions, from choosing the right location to investing in the right technology. They can also steer you clear of common missteps that many new owners make, saving you from costly errors and helping accelerate your path to profitability.

Marketing: Your Gateway to Patient Growth

A significant focus of the episode is on the importance of robust marketing strategies from day one. Many new practice owners underestimate this aspect, thinking of it as an afterthought. You know those posts in the dental facebook groups “Hey, I’m opening my practice next week! What do you all do for marketing?”

WHAT?! Next week?! I seriously lose sleep over these posts. 

Why? Because after nearly 1000 dental startups, I KNOW that effective marketing is crucial for attracting and retaining patients. And for marketing to be effective, it doesn’t start the day before you open your doors. 

Investing in professional marketing guidance can yield a high return by building a strong patient base quickly, but it’s also about having a true strategy. Something that takes you through the highs and lows of startup life. And it starts 6-9 months BEFORE you open. 

So, as you venture into the world of dental practice ownership, remember that the decisions you make early on can define your path forward. While the DIY approach may seem appealing, I wanted to record this episode so you know the exact missteps you need to avoid. 

And if at the end of the day, you decide a DIY isn’t the path for you, you’ll also understand how the professional guidance and strategic investment in growth can set you apart from the competition and pave the way for a successful and profitable practice.

Remember, your dream practice does not have to be a daunting endeavor filled with trial and error. 

With the right strategies and support, you can create a thriving business that lives up to your vision

Contact Information and Social Media Links:

Welcome to the Startup Dentist Podcast! In this episode, we dive into three key elements essential for launching a successful dental practice: practice, profits, and purpose.

However, our discussion goes beyond the basics. We explore how crafting a robust profit strategy is pivotal for practice success. I share actionable strategies for ensuring financial viability, from effective marketing to implementing efficient systems and fostering strong leadership within your practice.

Yet, the true essence of practice ownership lies in its sense of purpose. Beyond monetary gains, real success stems from positively impacting your community and finding personal fulfillment in your work.


I share strategies for ensuring financial viability, including effective marketing, implementing the right systems, and cultivating strong leadership within your practice.

But perhaps the most fulfilling aspect of owning a practice is the sense of purpose it brings. Beyond financial rewards, I believe that real success comes from making a positive impact on your community and finding personal fulfillment in your work.

Throughout the episode, I share inspiring stories of dentists who have found fulfillment through practice ownership, underscoring the potential for personal and professional growth in this path.

As we wrap up, I encourage you to subscribe and engage with the podcast for continuous learning and inspiration. Your dream of owning a successful dental practice is within reach, and I'm here to help you achieve it.

Contact Information and Social Media Links:

Hey there! Welcome back to another episode of “The Startup Dentist Podcast”, where we're all about diving into the nitty-gritty questions of dentistry and practice ownership. Today's topic is a big one: When are you ready to be a practice owner? It's a question that's probably crossed your mind more than once, whether you're a seasoned associate or a dental school student dreaming about the future.

I've been in the dental industry for nearly two decades, overseeing over 800 start-up practices, so trust me when I say I've heard this question a few times! And today, I want to share some wisdom to help you navigate this journey.

First things first, let's debunk a myth: There's never a "perfect" time to take the leap into practice ownership. Just like becoming a parent, you'll never feel 100% ready, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't go for it. It's about recognizing the right moment for you and seizing it.

So, let's break it down into three parts:

  1. The tangible
  2. The intangible and
  3. The best-case/worst-case scenarios.

Tangible Elements: Experience, Money, Vision

Experience is key. Whether you've been working in corporate dentistry or private practice, each environment offers valuable lessons. It's not just about clinical skills; it's about understanding the business side too.

Money talks, especially to banks. Having around 5-10% of the funds you'll need for your practice in liquid assets shows banks you're serious. So start saving now, even if you have student loans to tackle.

Vision is your roadmap. Use your experience to envision the kind of practice you want. From patient demographics to marketing strategies, clarity on your vision is crucial.

Intangible Elements: Community, Lack of Control, Freedom

Feeling like you're just working for someone else's retirement plan? That lack of control and freedom? It's a sign. If you're ready to take charge of your destiny, it might be time to make the move.

Community connections are your secret weapon. Building relationships with patients and fellow business owners is the key to a thriving practice. And remember, it's not just about transactions; it's about serving your patients on a deeper level.

Best Case/Worst Case Scenario

Think about where you want to be 18 months from now. Taking meaningful steps towards practice ownership can lead to opening your own doors. But if you stay stagnant, you'll still be spinning your wheels, wishing for change. Remember, it's not about waiting for the perfect moment; it's about making the moment perfect. Until next time, keep smiling, keep dreaming, and keep building your future.

Contact Information and Social Media Links: