When contractor bids come back higher than expected, the issue often starts with what’s missing from the landlord’s work letter. In this episode, Art and Hailee break down a real situation where a healthcare tenant discovered major gaps in the landlord’s delivery—including no HVAC, no electrical panel, no drywall, and even no concrete slab.

For dental offices, these items can dramatically inflate construction costs and create unexpected budget stress.

This episode covers:
• Why bidding construction from design-only drawings leads to inaccurate pricing
• How missing core infrastructure can add $100K+ to your dental build-out
• What your landlord’s work letter must include before you sign a lease
• How to negotiate TI money when key elements aren’t delivered
• Why working with an experienced healthcare realtor matters

A must-listen for any dentist preparing to lease a new space and wanting to protect their construction budget.

Renovations can fall apart long before construction begins — and in this case study, a 3,500 sq. ft. dental expansion in Arizona shows exactly how. What looked like a “full” drawing set turned out to be missing critical engineering details, complete specifications, clear phasing, and even basic contract protections. The result? Four wildly different bids, unclear scope, and a project headed toward major cost overruns.
In this episode, Art and Hailee break down how vague drawings, incomplete contracts, and early contractor involvement can derail a renovation before it ever starts — and what every doctor should verify before signing anything.

Topics include:
• Why incomplete drawings lead to inconsistent bids and surprise costs
• How missing MEPs, open specs, and vague details create disputes
• The risk of starting a phased project without a defined shutdown plan
• What every dental contract must include (timelines, penalties, warranties, lien waivers, etc.)
• Why spending more on design and planning can save hundreds of thousands later

In this “Whoops, It Can Happen to You” episode, Art and Antonis break down a real-world situation that every dentist should understand before expanding their practice. A doctor attempted to renegotiate a sublease on an adjoining space—only to discover he was unintentionally renegotiating his entire lease without professional guidance.
Antonis walks through the hidden risks, overlooked opportunities, and the financial leverage most dentists don’t realize they have when adding square footage. From tenant improvement allowances to updating outdated floor plans, to protecting your future exit strategy, this episode outlines exactly what can go wrong—and how to prevent it by involving the right professionals before speaking to your landlord.

Many dentists assume that taking over a former medical office will save time and money — but as Art and Sara reveal, that’s often far from the truth. In this episode, they break down what really goes into converting a medical space into a functional dental practice. From occupancy codes and power upgrades to compressor rooms, plumbing, and fire-rated nitrous closets, every detail matters.

Tune in to learn:

Whether you’re eyeing a second-generation space or weighing your build-out options, this episode will help you make an informed, cost-effective decision.

Second-generation dental spaces can look like a shortcut — faster to open, cheaper to build, and already “set up.” But in reality, many doctors discover hidden challenges, unexpected costs, and long-term compromises they didn’t anticipate.

In this episode, Sara and Art walk through the critical steps to evaluate an existing dental office before you lease or purchase it. They explain why simply inheriting someone else’s layout, infrastructure, or equipment can work against your vision, efficiency, and budget — and how to determine whether a space truly supports your long-term goals.

Topics include:
• Defining your clinical and business plan before shopping spaces
• Understanding when a second-gen office actually saves money
• Navigating code compliance, outdated systems, and redesign needs
• The importance of inspections, due diligence, and cost analysis
• Real examples of doctors who regretted or benefited from second-gen decisions

Banks, contractors, and doctors don’t always speak the same language—and that confusion can cost you. In this episode, Art and Antonis explain what lenders actually mean when they ask for a “construction bid,” how to tell the difference between an estimate and a bid, and why contingencies can lead to unnecessary costs. If you’re financing a dental build-out or renovation, this discussion will help you avoid common pitfalls and protect your investment.

From the look of your office to the technology you invest in, every choice you make as a practice owner impacts your return on investment. In this episode, Hailee sits down with Art and Antonis to explore what truly drives ROI for dental practices. Is it your design aesthetic, your equipment lineup, or the patient experience you deliver? The team breaks down how each factor influences patient perception, long-term retention, and profitability — and how to find the right balance for your next build or renovation.

In this episode of How to Open a Dental Practice, Art, Antonis, and Hailee explore three real-world case studies from Art’s recent visits to dental offices, each highlighting a unique ownership or operational challenge.

They break down:

A dentist navigating the tension between leasing and owning her condo space — and how seller financing could reshape the outcome.

A practice owner is weighing renovation costs against prepayment penalties while trying to expand her operatory count and efficiency.

An established dentist nearing retirement, facing underused space — with options like subleasing, bringing in specialists, or downsizing.

Each scenario offers practical lessons on negotiation, financing, and maximizing your practice’s long-term value.

In this Whoops, It Can Happen to You episode of How to Open a Dental Practice, Sara shares a cautionary tale about what happens when dentists try to cut corners by hiring contractors below budget. While saving money up front might seem appealing, the hidden risks and long-term costs can be devastating. Through real-life examples, this episode explores the pitfalls of penny-pinching—ranging from poor workmanship to ethical dilemmas—and highlights how those choices can derail your project and cost you more in the end. Learn why investing in the right team from the start is one of the smartest financial decisions you can make for your practice.

Choosing the right location is one of the biggest factors in your practice’s success. In this episode of How to Open a Dental Practice, we dive into the essential questions every dentist should ask their realtor before signing a lease. From navigating zoning regulations and understanding lease terms to evaluating long-term growth potential, you’ll get practical tips to ensure your space supports both your vision and your future. Whether you’re opening your very first office or expanding into a new one, this episode will help you approach the process with clarity and confidence.