The Startup Dentist
The Startup Dentist podcast guides associate dentists from practice to profit to purpose in opening their own dental practice startup. Host Stephen Trutter shares insights from the Ideal Practices team's experience with successful dental startups. Each episode provides practical advice on the journey from associate to practice owner. The podcast aims to help dentists achieve their entrepreneurial goals in dentistry.
Episodes
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When to Leave Your Associate Job (Even If It's a Good One)
The job is fine and the money is good, so why do you keep thinking about owning your own practice? For an associate dentist, the pull toward practice ownership often shows up long before anything is actually wrong at work.
Stephen Trutter walks through the subtle signs an associate position has run its course, from thinking like an owner to getting stuck with the leftover cases. He shares the que
AI for Your Dental Startup: Helpful Tool or Costly Mistake?
An assistant that works 24 hours a day sounds like the perfect partner for opening a dental practice. But can AI actually help you become a practice owner, or can trusting it blindly create expensive mistakes you never see coming?
Stephen Trutter sits down with Jonathan, CEO of the practice management software company Archie, to take on both sides. You will hear which front desk tasks AI already
Associate Dentist to Practice Owner: 10 Free Lessons
Somebody is already paying for your education in practice ownership, and it is not you. Most associate dentists spend years inside a working business and never collect the lessons sitting in front of them every single day.
This episode covers ten of them. Stephen Trutter gets into what you can learn about leadership by watching how your doctor handles a bad afternoon, why more patients will never
Opening a Dental Practice: The 12 Months Before
Most associates believe the first twelve months after opening a dental practice are about survival. Stephen Trutter has been part of nearly 1,000 startups, and he will tell you the strongest ones had already won or lost before they ever saw a first patient.
This episode is about what he calls the 12 month mindset, the six shifts that separate owners who grow fast and calm from owners who spend ye
Dental Practice Ownership: What Really Scares You
The dentist earning $220,000 a year was convinced he was failing. A young guy making minimum wage said he would trade places in a heartbeat. That gap explains almost everything about dental practice ownership in 2026, and it has very little to do with money.
In this episode, Stephen Trutter sits down with Gary Bird, founder and CEO of SMC National, to name the three fears almost every associate d
Start a Dental Practice: It's Not About Money
The dentists who build the biggest success stories in dental practice ownership were not the ones with the least debt or the most money in the bank. So what actually separates them? After nearly 1,000 startups, Stephen Trutter has watched the same pattern play out every time, and it has almost nothing to do with financing.
In this episode, Stephen breaks down the biggest misconception associate d
Dental Startup 7 years later: $1M Producer in Year One
Is a dental startup actually worth it? Seven years ago, Dr. Ben Friberg was an associate who quietly wondered if practice ownership was for other people, not for him. Today he produces over $2.2 million a year, takes ten weeks off, and has watched three DSOs open within a half mile without losing a step.
But his first year was a roller coaster he is honest about. He shares the $10,000 case he clo
Patient Experience: The Foundation Every Successful Startup Builds
Most dental startups spend hours picking chair fabric and five minutes on culture. Then they open, patients can feel it, and the experience they meant to create gets defined for them by accident.
On this episode of The Startup Dentist, Stephen Trutter breaks down what it actually takes to build a patient-centered dental practice from day one, and the one exercise he runs with every client before
PPO or Fee for Service for a Dental Startup?
Dental insurance isn't really insurance. It's closer to a coupon, and the second a new owner starts credentialing with every plan they can get into, they've made three quiet trade-offs that will define their dental practice for the next decade.
In this episode of The Startup Dentist, Stephen Trutter walks through the dental startup insurance strategy almost nobody teaches associates before they o
How to build a dental practice that reflects your values and gives you a life you love
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
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Why DIY Dental Startups Fail (And What to Do Instead)
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 DI
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Dental Startup Marketing: Get Patients Before You Open
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 abou
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The Private Practice Advantage DSOs Will Never Have
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 exp
Dental startup financing requirements (what banks want)
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
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From Associate to CEO: The Systems That Make Dental Startups Profitable
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.
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How to Choose a Dental Startup Consultant
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
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
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The 12 Month Blueprint: How Associates Can Prepare for Dental Practice Ownership
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)
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
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.
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When to Walk Away: What Dentists Need to Know Before Leaving an Associate Position
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.
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Dental Floorplans for Control: The Overlooked Design Choices That Shape Your Startup's Success
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.
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Your First 90 Days of Ownership: Fast Starts, Leadership, and Patient Flow
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 he
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Dental Startup Fears: What’s Stopping You and What to Do About It
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.
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The Real Estate Mistake That Could Wreck Your Dental Startup
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.
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The Legal Risks That Can Kill Your Dental Startup
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 s
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The 13 Stages That Built 800+ Successful Dental Startups
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
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.
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The Startup Dentist’s Financing Guide
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
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How to Buy the Right Dental Practice
Thinking of buying a dental practice? In this game-changing episode of The Startup Dentist Podcast, Stephen Trutter breaks down the exact 13-stage roadmap Ideal Practices uses to help dentists confidently acquire practices that align with their long-term vision—and avoid the mistakes that leave new owners stuck, stressed, and struggling.
The Power of Partnership: How Twin Dentists Built a Thriving Startup Practice
In this episode of The Startup Dentist, we dive into the inspiring journey of Drs. Andrew and Tim, founders of Twin Teeth Family Dentistry. Join me as we explore how they transitioned from initially considering a practice acquisition to confidently launching their own dental startup. We discuss the strategic choices they made—from selecting optimal demographics and assembling a strong team to fost
Results Driven Demographics: Secrets from 800 Successful Dental Startups
Introduction to the Topic: Choosing the right location for your dental startup isn't just about finding an open space—it’s about understanding the demographics that will drive your success. In this episode, Stephen Trutter shares proven strategies for analyzing demographic data, identifying your ideal patient base, and ensuring your practice is set up in a community that supports long-term growth
From Zero to Four: Secrets to Explosive Growth from the Fastest Growing Dental Startup
Stephen Trutter welcomes Dr. Andrew Vallo, a dentist who has successfully expanded from one startup location to multiple thriving practices in just a few years. They discuss the mindset, systems, and strategies necessary for scalability, sharing actionable tips for dentists aspiring to grow their practices. **Key Points Discussed:** - Starting strong: Building a scalable foundation from day one.
Dental Startup Partnerships: Divide and Conquer or Failure to Launch?
This episode unpacks the complexities of dental startup partnerships, from the benefits of collaboration to the potential risks of misalignment. Stephen provides actionable advice for navigating partnerships, including how to assess compatibility and structure agreements to set the stage for long-term success.**Key Points Discussed:** - Why partnerships can be both a blessing and a challenge in d
From Dream to Reality: Growing and Sustaining a Thriving Dental Startup
**Introduction to the Topic:** This episode features Dr. Rachel Eglash, founder of Eglash Dental Studio in Pennsylvania, who shares her journey of building a startup practice from scratch. Stephen and Dr. Eglash dive into the lessons learned, the importance of community engagement, and how creating a strong team culture drives sustainable growth. **Key Points Discussed:** - The decision to choos
Securing Funding: Building a Solid Financial Foundation for Your Dental Startup
**Introduction to the Topic:** Stephen Trutter discusses the critical steps in securing funding for a dental startup, emphasizing how preparation and planning can lead to better financial outcomes. This episode equips aspiring practice owners with practical advice for navigating lender discussions and budgeting effectively.**Key Points Discussed:** - Preparing your finances: Understanding your c
Start-Up vs. Buying: The Ultimate Guide to Dental Practice Ownership
Stephen Trutter, CEO of Ideal Practices, welcomes special guest Brian Hanks, founder of The Gentle Buyer Advocates and author of *How to Buy a Dental Practice*, to dive into one of the most debated topics in the dental world: Should you start a new dental practice or buy an existing one? Together, they explore both avenues, weighing the advantages and challenges of each.**Key Points Discussed:**-
Mastering the Business Side of Your Dental Startup with Proven Systems
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
Unlocking the Secrets to Insurance Credentialing for Dental Startups
- 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-net
Smart Investments: Choosing the Right Equipment for Your Dental Startup
**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. Th
3 Strategies Dental Startups Can Use to Beat DSOs
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:Doc
How Dentists Can Dodge The Most Expensive Real Estate Mistakes
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 DiscussedImportance of Real Estate Decisions: Understanding how initial real estate choices impact
The Pros and Cons of Dental Startups vs Acquisition
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 p
How to Get 100 Patients in Your First Month: Proven Marketing Strategies for Dental Startups
Key Points Discussed:Introduction to Startup Marketing StrategiesTiming and Budget for MarketingImportance of Tracked and Trackable EffortsCreating Compelling Marketing MessagesFocusing on Appointments vs. AwarenessEssential Ingredients for Successful MarketingMarketing AgencyGround MarketingCommunity EngagementReal-Life Success StoriesDr. Karl’s Social Media StrategyDr. Katie’s Achievement of 100
How to Avoid the Pitfalls of DIY Dental Startups
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 c
Thriving Beyond Launch: 3 Strategies for Long-Term Dental Practice Success
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 impl
When is the right time to start your dental practice?
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
Startup Demographics - PART 1
In this episode, Jayme will have a conversation with three of the country’s leading startup demographics experts to share some startup demographics strategies and theories that have created some of the most successful startup practices. Just about everybody would agree that demographics have a significant role to play in the success of a startup. They can either positively or negatively affect a s
Introduction To Demographics
In this episode, Jayme will do an introduction to demographics for startup practices. Demographics is the study of people and as a dentist, you serve people. If you get demographics right, you’ll enjoy serving your patients, your startup will grow faster and you’ll become more profitable faster. That’s how crucial demographics are and why you must get it right from the beginning. In this introduct
Financing For Startups - Part 2
In this episode, Jayme and Stephen will do part two of financing for startups. They are going to cover three topics including the twists and turns of how to rank banks, whether it’s a good, safe and sound idea to buy a house, and how to identify the fastest path to paying off student loans. When it comes to ranking banks, there are a number of criteria that one should consider when they start to l
Financing For Startups - Part 1
In this episode, Jayme will welcome back Stephen Trutter, the President of Ideal Practices and an experienced startup dentistry expert who has been a part of 650+ startups. Stephen has helped raise half a billion dollars in dental funding, and together they will dive into stage 2 of the 13 stages startup journey which covers financing for startups for associate dentists. Their discussion will be b
The GIVE Secret: Background Research For Startups
In this episode, Jayme will share the backstory of the GIVE secret and his own personal backstory to give us a deeper insight into what GIVE is really all about and the power it wields in ensuring a higher level of success in dental practice ownership. A lot of dentists have attempted the GIVE secret but they’ve not had any results, while others are willing to do it but they feel like it’s a costl
How do I "Start" a Dental Startup? (Part 2)
In this episode, Jayme will continue his conversation with Stephen Trutter, the President of Ideal Practices and an experienced startup dentistry expert who has been a part of 650+ startups. Stephen has been instrumental in the acquisition of half a billion dollars in dental financing for dental startups all over America. They will dive into the R in the KRG framework which represents what a pract
How Do I "Start" A Dental Startup? (Part 1)
In this episode, Jayme will welcome Stephen Trutter, the President of Ideal Practices and an experienced startup dentistry expert who has been a part of 650+ startups. Stephen has been instrumental in the acquisition of half a billion dollars in dental financing for dental startups all over America. The two will start off by diving into the two things an associate dentist should avoid when they wa
The 13 Stage Guide for All Startups
In this episode, Jayme will officially initiate the startup practice masterclass for doctors considering setting up their own practice, and he will start by diving into the first P of the three Ps he unveiled in episode one, which are, Practice, Profit, and Purpose. Practice refers to the act of opening up a practice and Jayme will share and discuss the 13 stage guide that it all boils down to. He
Masterclass Curriculum and Introduction
In this episode, Jayme will dive into what The Startup Dentist podcast is all about. He will introduce it as the masterclass made just for doctors considering startup practices and share some of the questions the podcast will answer for aspiring dental practice owners. A lot of doctors dream of owning their own practices but they never take any steps towards that because they feel that startups ar
Welcome To The Startup Dentist Podcast with Jayme Amos
Welcome to the beginning of The Startup Dentist podcast hosted by Jayme Amos. Learn more at: https://idealpractices.com
Contact Information and Social Media Links:Website: Ideal PracticesEmail: hello@howtoopenadentaloffice.comFacebook: Ideal PracticesInstagram: @idealpractices
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