The Startup Dentist

How to build a dental practice that reflects your values and gives you a life you love 14.05.2026 46min

Fifteen years ago, Dr. Gus stood up at a campfire on the last night of a diabetes summer camp and promised he'd be part of that community forever. He was a college kid. He hadn't even decided he wanted to be a dentist yet. But he meant every word. Today, Dr. Gus owns his own dental practice in Henderson, Nevada, and he's finally keeping that promise the way he always wanted to. In this episode of The Startup Dentist Podcast, Stephen Trutter sits down with Dr. Gustavo Hernandez to talk about what dental practice ownership can really look like when you build it around your values. You'll hear why some of his old campers are now his adult patients, how two team members from previous offices tracked him down to work for him, and why he's home by 4:00 every single day without exception. There's also a Macho Man Randy Savage neon sign hanging in his practice that sums up exactly who he is. If you're an associate dentist wondering whether ownership is worth it, this is the episode that shows you the life on the other side. Learn more at idealpractices.com Book an Ownership Clarity Call: idealpractices.com/consultation-call

Why DIY Dental Startups Fail (And What to Do Instead) 27.04.2026 30min

The biggest myth in dental startups is this: if you're smart, motivated, and willing to work hard, you can figure it out by yourself. That's exactly the mindset that got you through dental school. It's also the mindset behind the most expensive, most avoidable mistakes Stephen has seen in 20 years and nearly a thousand startup practices. In this episode, Stephen breaks down the four most common DIY mistakes that quietly derail startups before the doors ever open. One of them can't be undone once it's made. Another drains the bank account before a single patient walks in. He shares the story of a husband-and-wife team who moved across the country because a demographics report told them to, and why that story is more common than most dentists realize. He also talks about what changes when the guidance is right: fewer decisions made in the dark, faster movement, and the reassurance that comes from having someone in your corner who has seen everything that can go wrong and knows how to work through it. If you're planning a dental startup and you're weighing whether expert guidance is worth it, this episode is the honest answer. Learn more at idealpractices.com. Book an Ownership Clarity Call: idealpractices.com/consultation-call

Dental Startup Marketing: Get Patients Before You Open 22.04.2026 24min

Your dental startup SEO isn't ranking from day one. Your Google ads aren't at full strength the moment your doors open. So where do your first 100 patients come from? In this episode, Stephen Trutter breaks down the community engagement strategy that Ideal Practices uses with every dental startup client, and why it's the fastest and most authentic way to fill your schedule at launch. He talks about what community engagement actually is (and what it isn't, including the table-at-a-health-fair mistake most dentists make). He shares Dr. Aarti's story of building a thriving practice in New York one genuine connection at a time. And he tells the story of Dr. Alex, who opened in a competitive Florida market with a full schedule on day one, because the mayor of her town was there to cut the ribbon. You'll walk away with five specific tactics, a framework for building your VIP list before construction even finishes, and a mindset shift that turns community showing up into consistent patient growth. This episode is for associate dentists who want to open strong, not scramble. Learn more at idealpractices.com Book an Ownership Clarity Call: idealpractices.com/consultation-call

The Private Practice Advantage DSOs Will Never Have 08.04.2026 30min

In this episode of The Startup Dentist, titled "The Private Practice Advantage DSOs Will Never Have," I delve into the critical yet often overlooked aspect of patient relationships that can set your practice apart. As we navigate a speed-driven dental world, I discuss how prioritizing genuine connections with patients can lead to long-term loyalty and case acceptance. Drawing from my extensive experience with over 800 successful dental startups, I emphasize that slowing down to cultivate trust is not just beneficial—it's essential for sustainable growth. Join me as I explore strategies to reclaim meaningful patient interactions, empower your team, and ultimately build a practice that thrives on relationships rather than transactions. Tune in for insights that can transform your approach to dental practice ownership.

Dental startup financing requirements (what banks want) 27.03.2026 27min

Dental startup financing can feel like a wall, especially when you are an associate dentist staring at student loans and wondering if a bank will even take you seriously. The truth is, lenders are not guessing, they are grading you on a handful of specific numbers. In this episode, Stephen Trutter breaks down what banks actually want to see before they approve a dental startup loan, including the credit score range many lenders look for, the savings target that changes your odds, and why monthly cash flow often matters more than your total student loan balance. He also shares a real story of a “friendly” local bank approval that came with a brutal catch, and how dental-specific lenders think differently about startups versus acquisitions. If practice ownership is on your radar and you want a clearer path without expensive surprises, this episode will help you prepare like a future owner, not a hopeful one. Learn more at idealpractices.com Book an Ownership Clarity Call: idealpractices.com/consultation-call

From Associate to CEO: The Systems That Make Dental Startups Profitable 06.02.2026 49min

Most dentists think they have a stress problem or a team problem, when what they really have is a business systems problem. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Amanda Burke to talk about how intentional systems in her startup dental office create confidence for her team, trust for her patients, and real freedom for her as an owner.

How to Choose a Dental Startup Consultant 22.01.2026 35min

Not all dental consultants are created equal, especially when it comes to startups. In this episode, Stephen breaks down exactly what associate dentists should look for in a startup dental consultant and how the right guidance can prevent expensive mistakes before opening day.

Dental Startups and Marriage: What Every Couple Needs to Know Before Opening a Practice 16.12.2025 42min

In this episode of The Startup Dentist, I delve into the intricate dynamics of launching a dental practice while navigating the challenges of marriage. Joining me are Dr. Dan Danowitz and his wife, Michelle, who share their firsthand experiences as they transitioned from associates to owners of Voorhees Pediatric Dentistry. We explore the emotional, financial, and relational impacts of starting a practice, emphasizing the importance of communication and teamwork for couples embarking on this journey. From balancing long hours to managing stress, their insights offer valuable lessons for aspiring dental entrepreneurs and their partners. Tune in to discover how to strengthen your marriage while building a successful dental practice.

The 12 Month Blueprint: How Associates Can Prepare for Dental Practice Ownership 25.11.2025 20min

Thinking about owning your own dental practice but not sure where to start? In this episode, Stephen walks you through a practical 12 month game plan every associate dentist can follow to get financially, mentally, and strategically ready for ownership so when the time comes, you’re prepared, not panicked.

Common Pitfalls of Dental Acquisitions (and How to Avoid Them) 20.11.2025 37min

Buying a dental practice might look like a shortcut to ownership, but for many, it becomes a costly trap. In this episode, Stephen Trutter breaks down the most common pitfalls of dental acquisitions and shares how to protect yourself from overpaying, inheriting hidden problems, and walking into chaos on day one.

Purchasing the Right Way: How to Buy a Dental Practice Without the Costly Mistakes 24.10.2025 35min

Buying a dental practice can feel like a shortcut to ownership—but it’s only the right move if you know what to look for. In this episode, Stephen Trutter breaks down how to evaluate a dental practice before you buy, avoid common financial pitfalls, and make sure you’re purchasing the right practice for you—not someone else’s problems.

When to Walk Away: What Dentists Need to Know Before Leaving an Associate Position 19.09.2025 45min

Leaving your associateship isn’t just a career move. It’s a life-altering decision. In this episode, Stephen Trutter walks through the most overlooked risks, emotional hurdles, and strategic moves you must make before taking the leap into ownership.

Dental Floorplans for Control: The Overlooked Design Choices That Shape Your Startup's Success 11.09.2025 43min

Your floorplan isn’t just walls and cabinets—it’s a blueprint for profitability or chaos. In this episode, Stephen reveals how smart design can supercharge production, improve case acceptance, and keep your team and patients flowing like a dream.

Your First 90 Days of Ownership: Fast Starts, Leadership, and Patient Flow 29.08.2025 42min

In this episode of The Startup Dentist, I, Steven Trotter, delve into the critical first 90 days of owning your dental practice. Drawing from my extensive experience with over 800 successful startups, I discuss the essential elements of leadership, patient flow, and establishing a strong foundation for your practice's success. Joining me is Stacy Peters from the Ideal Practices team, who shares her insights on building a positive team culture and nailing the patient experience. We emphasize the importance of taking proactive steps to attract your first 100 patients without relying solely on marketing agencies. This episode is packed with practical strategies and real-world examples to help you navigate the emotional rollercoaster of startup ownership. Tune in for valuable takeaways that will set you up for long-term success in your dental career.

Dental Startup Fears: What’s Stopping You and What to Do About It 31.07.2025 21min

In this episode, Stephen Trutter pulls back the curtain on the fears that hold so many associate dentists back from ownership. If you’ve ever felt paralyzed by uncertainty, debt, or the unknowns of practice ownership, this conversation is the mindset reset you need to take your next big step.

The Real Estate Mistake That Could Wreck Your Dental Startup 18.07.2025 27min

Choosing your real estate too early—or without a strategy—can cost you everything. In this episode, Stephen Trutter breaks down the must-know truths about real estate for startup dentists and how to protect your practice from one of the biggest (and most expensive) mistakes of your career.

The Legal Risks That Can Kill Your Dental Startup 26.06.2025 50min

In this episode of The Startup Dentist, I dive into the essentials of building a successful dental practice. Join me, Steven Trotter, as I chat with Dr. Aarti, who defied the odds by establishing a thriving practice in Manhattan. We explore her approach to patient connection and community immersion. Later, I welcome esteemed dental attorney Rob Montgomery to discuss the critical legal aspects of starting a practice. We cover the importance of understanding associate agreements, focusing on non-competes and termination clauses. Whether you're a new dentist or an aspiring practice owner, this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate the legal landscape and make informed decisions for your dental career. Tune in to turn your dream practice into a reality.

The 13 Stages That Built 800+ Successful Dental Startups 04.06.2025 48min

Ready to turn your dream practice into reality? In this episode, Stephen walks you through the exact 13-stage system that’s helped over 800 associate dentists open customized, thriving startups—often reaching profitability in year one.

Breaking the Mold: Redefining Dental Practice Ownership 19.05.2025 42min

In this episode of The Startup Dentist, I sit down with Dr. Arti Jagirdar to talk about what it really means to break free from the conventional model of dental ownership. From walking away from acquisition offers to launching her own Manhattan practice, Dr. Arti shares how she’s reshaping dentistry on her terms—and thriving.

The Startup Dentist’s Financing Guide 28.04.2025 28min

Thinking about opening your own practice? In this episode, Stephen Trutter shares real-world tips to avoid the biggest financing mistakes that can crush your startup dreams. You'll learn why saving cash beats paying down student loans, why you can’t time the market, and how to prepare for bank approvals the smart way. If you're serious about practice ownership—and want to do it right—this episode is your blueprint. Grab a notepad and get ready to move closer to your dream practice!