Workflows, Walls, and What Matters Most in Dental Office Design 🏗️🛠️🪚

What separates a stressful buildout from a successful dental startup? In this episode of Dental Unscripted, Mike D’Inzio sits down with veteran dental contractor Steve Anderson of Denco Dental Construction to unpack the real factors that determine whether your office will work for you—or against you.

From optimizing clinical workflows to avoiding costly overengineering, Steve shares wisdom from building over 1,000 dental offices. This episode explores more than blueprints—it’s about vision, values, and the kind of planning that prevents regret.

🎓What You’ll Learn:

• Why workflow should drive design (not the other way around)
• The hidden costs of poor floor plans
• Design-Build vs. Hard Bid: Which is right for you?
• What most architects miss about dental spaces
• How COVID permanently changed dental office design
• The most important question every dentist must ask before building

Guest Steve Anderson/Denco Dental Construction
 www.dencodental.com
(480) 201-7479
[email protected]
Steve Anderson's book – Blueprints for Success (link below 👇)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DNNYLYK6?binding=paperback&qid=1742878073&sr=8-1&ref=dbs_dp_rwt_sb_pc_tpbk

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify - Your feedback helps us bring more unscripted & valuable content to your practice and other on the ownership journey!  Watch us LIVE on YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/@dentalunscripted
Interact and ask questions during the show.

Show Host Michael Dinsio:
💬 Whether you're planning a startup, expanding your current practice, or just want to avoid expensive mistakes, this episode will give you the clarity (and confidence) to move forward. Michael Dinsio is a Dental Startup Consultant and can partner with you through the entire startup process. Learn more about what he does and can do here: https://nxlevelconsultants.com/dental-practice-ownership/starting-a-dental-practice/

#DentalDesign #DentalStartup #DentalConstruction #PracticeOwnership #DentalOfficeLayout #WorkflowMatters #DentalUnscripted

Welcome to Dental Unscripted's "Dental Shark Week," a series dedicated to everything you need to know about building a dental office! In this crucial episode, Mike Dinsio sits down with Chad Hill from Hill Commercial Construction, a highly respected dental contractor in the Colorado market. If you're envisioning a dental practice startup or considering an office remodel, Chad's insights on dental practice construction are a must-listen.

• Due Diligence: Learn the critical factors a general contractor assesses when evaluating potential spaces for your practice, including existing retail locations and ground-up opportunities. Understand the importance of inspecting infrastructure like electrical, HVAC, water taps, and potential environmental concerns such as asbestos or soil issues. 
• From Floor Plans to Permit: Follow the journey from initial floor plans (often provided by equipment reps) to securing the necessary city permits. Chad emphasizes collaborating with an architect who is not only creative but also budget-minded, translating your vision into a practical and affordable design. 
• Navigating "Hard Bids" & Unexpected Costs: Get an honest look at the challenges of the hard bid process when design and budget clash. Learn how experienced contractors like Chad proactively address issues like material delays and inflation to keep your project on track and minimize surprises. 
• The Power of a True Partner: Understand why choosing a contractor who acts as an educator and a partner—offering transparent communication and solution-oriented thinking—is invaluable for a smooth and successful build. 
• Smart Spending Strategies: Learn to prioritize where to invest your construction dollars, focusing on patient-facing areas and functionality over extravagant hidden features to maximize impact and stay within budget. 

Whether you're taking the leap into ownership or refining your existing practice, this episode provides the blueprint for making smart construction choices for your dental practice startup.

Guest: Chad Hill, Hill Commercial Construction
Connect with Chad: [email protected]
https://hillcommercial.com/
303.994.4849 

Like this episode???
Hit SUBSCRIBE, leave us a comment, and let us know what other "Dental Shark Week" topics you want us to tackle!

Michael Dinsio is a Dental Startup Consultant and can partner with you through the entire startup process. Learn more about what he does and can do here: https://nxlevelconsultants.com/dental-practice-ownership/starting-a-dental-practice/

Rate and review Dental Unscripted on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help us continue bringing you expert insights for your practice ownership journey!

Beyond the startup "Acquisition Unscripted" now offers vital insights for current and aspiring practice owners. This channel has moved over into the main channel "Dental Unscripted" feed, provides valuable discussions on buying established practices and effective practice management strategies. While dental construction, as highlighted in this episode by expert Dustin Long of Big Sky Construction you will learn about the importance of working with contractors like Dustin. He prioritize his client's experience by coordinating all aspects of the project, including managing timelines to avoid delays that can lead to lost revenue and increased payroll. This holistic approach ensures you can focus on seeing patients while your project progresses smoothly

Welcome back to Dental Unscripted Shark Week! 🦈 This is it—the week that will kick off your vision for transforming a vision into a thriving dental practice. In this full week of dental construction episodes, Mike Dinsio starts off talking to Kenny Ackerman of Accurate Construction bring even more game-changing insights for every dentist considering a startup or expansion.

We're going beyond the blueprint to reveal how site selection can truly be the cornerstone of your practice's success, focusing on everything from patient accessibility to long-term market potential. Dive deeping ( pun not intended ) into the art of dental office design, learn how thoughtful layouts and aesthetics can boost both team members efficiency and patient ease and comfort. Kenny shares more invaluable tips, emphasizing how Accurate Construction’s unique approach and expertise can simplify complex projects, learn what it takes to ensure a smooth journey from concept to grand opening. Get ready to unlock the secrets to a successful, stress-free build!

• Mastering Site Selection: Learn to identify prime locations that promise high visibility, easy access, and a strong patient base for your dental practice.
• Designing for Success: Uncover the principles of effective dental office design that optimize workflow, create a welcoming atmosphere, and enhance patient experience.
• The Power of Early Planning: Why involving your contractor from day one is essential for avoiding costly delays and ensuring a seamless construction process.
• Budgeting Smart: Practical advice for managing your construction budget without compromising on quality or your vision.
• Building Your Dream Team: How to foster a collaborative relationship with your contractor for a successful and enjoyable build.

Guest: Kenny Ackerman/Accurate Construction
727-709-6887
[email protected]
https://accurateconstructioncorp.com/

Like this episode?
SUBSCRIBE, on youtube https://www.youtube.com/@DentalUnscripted
Leave us a comment, and let us know what other "Dental Shark Week" topics you want us to tackle!

Ready to Build Your Dream Practice?
Michael Dinsio is a Dental Startup Consultant and can partner with you through the entire startup process.
Learn more about what he does and can do here: https://nxlevelconsultants.com/dental-practice-ownership/starting-a-dental-practice/

They offer a variety and flexible solutions to any dentist who wants to become a practice owner or just get advisors and coaching on the practice you are running now!

Subscribe to https://www.youtube.com/@DentalUnscripted, hit that notification bell, and leave us a five-star review on Apple or Spotify! Your support helps us continue to bring expert content for more dentists trying to further their career. Keep an eye on our channel for exciting new developments as we evolve to bring you an even better experience!

#DentalUnscripted #DentalSharkWeek #DentalPractice #ConstructionTips #DentistEntrepreneur #OfficeDesign #SiteSelection #DentalStartup #PracticeGrowth

It's a clash of consultants on this episode of Dental Unscripted! Two experts battle against each other to settle a very serious debate 🤪
What are the most important Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for a thriving dental practice?

Representing Team Finance & Marketing is Mike Dinsio. Championing Team Operations & Clinical is Paula Quinn. They each make their case, defend their metrics, and reveal the numbers they believe will make or break your business.

If you want to gain clarity on where to focus your energy for maximum growth and efficiency, this episode is a can't-miss.

Key discussion points include:

• The case for financial KPIs as the primary driver of success.
• The argument for operational KPIs as the foundation of a healthy practice.
• Which numbers will give you the best snapshot of your practice's health?
• Discovering the blind spots in your current data tracking.

Connect with Mike & Paula: This discussion is brought to you by Michael & Paula owners of NEXT LEVEL CONSULTANTS.
They offer a variety of coaching and advisory solutions for dentists. Find out more: https://nxlevelconsultants.com

Subscribe for more episodes like this!

The single most expensive mistake in your dental career might not be a failed marketing campaign or a bad hire—it's likely hidden in the pages of the lease agreement you signed years ago. While most practice owners focus on the monthly rent, the real financial traps are buried in complex clauses that can dictate the future value and salability of your entire practice.

In this critical episode of Dental Unscripted, hosts Michael Dinsio and Paula Quinn sit down with dental real estate specialist Dan Gleissner of Ally Healthcare Real Estate to expose the pitfalls that most dentists and even non-specialized agents miss. Before you sign or renew, you need to understand the long-term consequences of your lease.

In this discussion, you will learn:

• The "Sale-Killer" Clause: About half of all first-draft leases contain severe "assignment" language that could prevent you from selling your practice. In rare cases, just requesting to sell can give the landlord the right to terminate your lease immediately.
• The Truth About Triple Nets (NNN): Your rent is not your total cost. We break down the three "nets"—property taxes, insurance, and Common Area Maintenance (CAMs)—and explain how these estimated expenses can lead to a surprise bill for thousands of dollars at the end of the year.
• The HVAC & Roof "Gotcha": Who pays for a $30,000 HVAC replacement? In many retail leases, the tenant is responsible for the full, immediate cost. Learn how to negotiate spreading these capital improvements over the lifespan of the asset.e
• The Two-Year Rule: To maintain leverage with your landlord, you must start the renewal process at least two years before your lease expires. Waiting until the last minute puts you on the defensive.

00:49 Topic Introduction: Dental Leases 

01:20 Guest Introduction: Dan Gleissner 

03:42 The Risk of Non-Specialized Agents 

11:00 Exclusivity Clause Explained 

18:04 The Importance of the Assignment Clause 

26:18 What is a Triple Net (NNN) Lease? 

34:56 "Gotchas": HVAC and Roof Replacements 

40:44 The Lease Negotiation Process & Timeline

VISIT NEXT LEVEL CONSULTANTS:
Michael Dinsio is a longtime dental startup consultant
VISIT https://nxlevelconsultants.com FOR MORE INFO on how to partner with him on your dental practice startup! 

VISIT Dental Unscripted's WEBSITE:
https://www.dentalunscripted.com 
HERE you can SEE all the past and current EPISODES. Visit and SIGN-UP to stay connected! 

Step into Dental Unscripted replacing Acquisition Unscripted.
Hosts Michael Dinsio and Paula Quinn, alongside industry experts like executive coach Michael Clark with Next Level Consultants. Our NEW CHANNEL breaks down the dental practice ownership journey with raw, real, and actionable insights. From startups to acquisitions to running a successful practice, this podcast covers it all, one unfiltered episode at a time. In this installment, aired March 27, 2025, the trio dives deep into patient financing—a game changer for boosting case acceptance and turning unscheduled treatment into revenue.

Why does patient financing matter? Michael Clark, a former CareCredit insider, reveals that 15-20% of patients walk in unprepared to pay, leaving practices with massive unscheduled treatment lists (think $1.2-$1.5 million for a $1 million practice). The team unpacks stats showing 50% of revenue comes from insurance, 35% from traditional payments like Visa or cash, and the critical gap financing fills. They tackle why practices shy away—staff discomfort with money talks, misconceptions about fees (it’s a merchant fee, not interest!), and “legacy office managers” pushing risky in-house payment plans that rarely get collected past 120 days. 

Paula shares her own experience as a practice owner and how she picked and chose when to use financing options, while Mike highlights a $1.6 million practice only offered patient financing just once - in an entire year. The conversation gets practical: offer financing on 100% of treatment plans, lead with multiple options (cash discounts, credit cards, third-party lenders like CareCredit, Covered Care, or Clarity Pay), and let patients choose. Why? Because 25-30% of those who leave without scheduling get treatment elsewhere, and same-day acceptance is dropping. From clear aligners to high-end restorations, financing can elevate care levels—like zirconia crowns over PFMs or premium dentures over basics. Plus, hear a story of a patient swayed by low monthly payments, proving presentation is everything.

Now unified under the Dental Unscripted banner (bye-bye Startup Unscripted and Acquisition Unscripted), this navy blue and turquoise-branded show—complete with a big tooth logo—is your go-to for practice management gold. https://dental-unscripted.transistor.fm/

0:00 Intro
4:26 Why Use Patient Financing
7:46 Statistics, and Opportunities in Your Practice
13:20 Case Acceptance Rate, Verbal Skills, & Options
14:47 Why Offices Are Using Patient Financing
20:47 Why patients NEED Financing
25:01 Increase Patient Care Option
27:38 Which Financing Companies to Use?

Sponsored by Candid Pro, a clear aligner system built for general dentists to drive efficiency and profit, this episode offers a special deal https://candidpro.com/nxlevel. Get an amazing deal and exclusive offer via this link.

Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube, Rate us, and follow for more.
Need help with case acceptance or setting up shop as a new owner?

Next Level Consultant's team has you covered Visit: https://nxlevelconsultants.com
find out more on how Michael Dinsio & Paula Quinn can help you with your career as a dentists! 

Ever walked into your dental practice and felt more like a referee than a leader inspiring a team? Let's face it, managing a dental team can be like navigating a minefield of personalities, competing priorities, and unexpected challenges. But it doesn't have to be a constant struggle!

In this episode of Dental Unscripted, Mike Dinsio and Paula Quinn share their journey from dental practice chaos to creating a dream team that's both productive and fun to work with. They reveal the turning points and "aha!" moments that transformed their approach to team management, and they'll guide you through the same process.

Get ready to discover:

• The Power of Ownership: How to cultivate a sense of ownership within your team, so they're not just showing up but truly invested in the practice's success.
• The Art of Communication: Mastering the communication skills to address conflict, give constructive feedback, and inspire your team to reach their full potential.
• The Secret Sauce of Motivation: Unlocking the key motivators that drive your team members and creating a culture where they feel valued and appreciated.
• The Joy of a Thriving Team: Building a positive and collaborative environment where everyone feels supported, respected, and excited to come to work.

Mike and Paula don't just offer theories – they share real-life stories, practical examples, and actionable strategies that you can implement in your practice today.

Plus, hear about the game-changing clear aligner system from our sponsor, Candid Pro, and take advantage of an exclusive offer for Dental Unscripted listeners. Tune in now and start building the dental dream team you've always wanted!"

• Direct and Action-Oriented: Starts with a strong call to action and clearly outlines the benefits for the listener.
• Concise and Focused: Delivers the key information in a clear and concise manner.
• Benefit-Driven: Emphasizes the positive outcomes and value for the listener.
• Sense of Urgency: Encourages listeners to take action now and not miss out on the valuable information and the special offer.

KEY TOPICS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE
0:00 Episode Intro
6:04 Biggest Challenge Managing a Team
11:53 How Do You Get Your Team Onboard
18:25 Why Are 'Systems' So Important
22:19 How To Create a Practice 'Culture'
28:27 Where Do You Even Start?

🔗 Important Links:
Plus, don't miss our special offer from Candid Pro for clear aligner therapy!
https://candidpro.com/nxlevel

Subscribe to Dental Unscripted: https://dental-unscripted.transistor.fm/subscribe

ALSO – Learn more about Next Level Consultants, Michael and Paula's Dental Consulting Group. They offer valuable services to doctors who are looking for support in a variety of ways. https://www.nxlevelconsultants.com

Follow us on social media:
Like, comment, and subscribe for more valuable insights on dental practice management, ownership, startups, and transitions! 👍

Dental consultants: Are they worth the investment, or just a bunch of hype? 🤔  On this episode of Dental Unscripted, Mike Dinsio and Paula Quinn break down the truth about dental consultants and help you decide if one is right for YOUR practice.

We cover:
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly:
We explore the potential benefits AND drawbacks of hiring a consultant, so you can make an informed decision.

Hype vs. Reality:
We cut through the noise and reveal what consultants REALLY do (or perhaps don't do).

Cost vs. Value:
We analyze the financial implications of hiring a consultant and help you determine if it's a worthwhile investment for your practice.

Finding the Perfect Fit:
We share tips on how to choose the RIGHT consultant for your specific needs and goals.

Whether you're considering hiring a consultant or just curious about their role in the dental industry, this episode is a MUST-WATCH!

➡️  Don't miss out on these valuable insights! Watch now! ⬅️
0:00 Intro - Sponsored by CandidPro
4:43 The Value In Hiring a Dental Consultant
8:41 Reasons for Hiring a Dental Consultant
13:10 Why NOT to Hire a Dental Consultant
16:28 What Working w/ a Consultant Looks Like
19:46 Getting Your Team Onboard with Consulting
27:26 The Real Reason Consulting Works

#DentalConsultant #DentalPractice #PracticeManagement #DentalUnscripted #Podcast #DentalIndustry #DentalBusiness #PracticeGrowth #DentalSuccess #Consultants #MikeDinsio #PaulaQuinn

🔗 Important Links:
Get a Candid Pro Deal Stopper Through Next Level Consultants:
https://candidpro.com/nxlevel

ALSO – Learn more about Next Level Consultants, Michael and Paula's Dental Consulting Group. They offer valuable services to doctors who are looking for support in a variety of ways. https://www.nxlevelconsultants.com

Subscribe to Dental Unscripted: https://dental-unscripted.transistor.fm/subscribe

Follow us on social media:
Lke, comment, and subscribe for more valuable insights on dental practice management, ownership, startups, and transitions! 👍

Ever wondered what day one of owning a dental practice really looks like?
In this candid episode of Dental Unscripted, hosts Mike Dinsio and Paula Quinn reveal what often gets overlooked in the excitement of becoming a practice owner and realities of transitioning into practice ownership.

Paula, draws from her experience as a new owners, and together they reveal the crucial "Things You Just Don't Know You Don't Know" that can make or break your initial days. They tackle the overwhelming feeling of taking over a practice post close and the importance of strategic scheduling, and the often-necessary art of navigating communication with sellers and brokers.

Key takeaways from this episode:

• The Shock of Day One: What to expect when you finally get the keys and the reality of being a practice owner sets in.
• Scheduling Strategies: Why Paula recommends a light schedule (or even blocked-out time) for the first few days, and how to manage hygiene versus restorative appointments.
• Communicating with Sellers and Brokers: How to tactfully handle scheduling requests and manage expectations during the transition.
• The Importance of Administrative Time: Why prioritizing administrative tasks over patient care in the initial days can be beneficial.
• Real-World Insights: Paula shares her personal experiences and advice from working with numerous dental practice owners.

0:00 Intro
3:00 Day One of Ownership!
9:18 Making Changes in Acquisition?
13:06 Team Member Expectations
19:44 Getting to Know The Patients
27:57 Transitioning Clinically w/ Team & Patients
32:59 Just Relax, Breathe, & Go Slow
35:35 Ownership is Not Just Doing Dentistry

Catch up with Michael & Paula by contacting them and visiting their website http://www.nxlevelconsultants.com