The Dental Marketer

What does it really take to launch a dental startup while juggling motherhood, a mission-driven vision, and a learn-as-you-go leadership style?

Dr. Pooja Makam opens up about building Lumina Dentistry from the ground up, all while parenting two toddlers and fighting for a patient-first approach in a world of corporate pressure.

In this episode, Dr. Makam takes us behind the scenes of opening her North Carolina practice, from tackling unexpected technology meltdowns to navigating hiring heartbreaks and financial curveballs. She contrasts her corporate dentistry experience with her drive to create genuine, customizable care, revealing how she implemented efficient workflows and a “comfort menu” that attracts modern patients without hard sells. You'll hear real stories of operational fires, evolving boundaries, self-forgiveness, and the power of vetting vendors and advice. If you’re dreaming of practice ownership (or simply want to survive your startup season,) you'll want to hear Dr. Makam’s story!

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The reality of opening a dental startup as a working parent
• What differentiates a patient-first, private practice from DSO-driven dentistry
• Mistakes made and lessons learned in early-stage hiring and team building
• Tactics for smoother workflow, cross-training, and avoiding burnout
• How to realistically test your systems before opening day
• Subtle ways to introduce elective services without seeming salesy
• Marketing and branding hacks (including how $35 can launch your logo)
• Navigating vendor relationships, technology snags, and construction delays
• Setting healthy boundaries to protect family time and your own sanity
• How to filter advice and avoid sales-driven online “mentorship”

Turn up the volume for a raw, practical guide to launching and growing a dental practice on your own terms.

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Sponsors:‍

CallRail: Call tracking + AI that turns calls into campaigns that convert, quality patients, and cost savings. Click our link to start a free trial today! https://sta.mx/vz69

Click here for a special offer!Guest: Dr. Pooja MakamPractice Name: Lumina DentistryCheck out Pooja's Media:‍

Website: https://dentist-morrisville.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luminadentistry/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575688889108

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Host: Michael Arias

Join my newsletter: https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/newsletter/‍

Join this podcast's Facebook Group: The Dental Marketer Society

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Love the Podcast? Subscribe on Your Favorite App! https://lnkfi.re/TDMPod

If the fear of facing complex dental implant failures is holding you back, this episode is your key to turning those failures into opportunities!

Dr. Evan Matthysse shares his transformative experience of initial implant failures that led to a turning point for their dental practice. Listen as he reveals how tackling the fear and learning from the best in the field widened their service portfolio, boosted their reputation for handling advanced implant cases, and enhanced overall growth. To all dentists grappling with a fear of failures and complexities: don't miss this chance to learn from Dr. Matthysse's journey and turn your potential setback into your greatest success.

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Listen to Evan's Other Episodes Here:

285: Dr. Evan Matthysse | Choosing the Perfect Software Stack for Open Dental Users – The Dental Marketer Podcast

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Host: Michael Arias

Join my newsletter: https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/newsletter/‍

Join this podcast's Facebook Group: The Dental Marketer Society

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Love the Podcast? Subscribe on Your Favorite App! https://lnkfi.re/TDMPod

What if a warm welcome and a personal touch could be the most powerful tools for growing your dental practice?

In this episode, Dr. Allon reveals how her journey from corporate dentistry to solo practice was powered by a desire for meaningful patient relationships, family support, and a relentless commitment to hospitality. She shares the step-by-step systems her Clear Lake office uses to maximize comfort and efficiency, from five-minute patient intake to comprehensive 90-minute new patient exams and personal follow-up calls after treatment. Dr. Allon also reflects on the behind-the-scenes grit required to launch her practice: navigating unexpected DIY build-out challenges, winning initial patients through strategic signage and ground marketing, and fostering a collaborative, no-ego team culture that attracts both patients and staff. Whether you’re considering the leap into private practice or want inspiration on building trust and visibility, you’ll find practical insight and encouragement in Dr. Allon’s candid story.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The transition from corporate dentistry to starting a solo practice
• How to design a hospitality-driven patient flow that stands out
• Why thorough new patient visits build lasting trust and referrals
• Strategies for marketing your practice with visibility (not just ads)
• Practical tips for juggling practice ownership with family life
• Lessons learned from running your own office build-out on a tight budget
• The impact of personal follow-up calls and ground marketing techniques
• How to foster a team culture without egos or micromanagement
• Overcoming unexpected challenges during a post-pandemic opening
• Why investing in patient relationships leads to rapid growth

Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at how real, patient-focused dentistry can transform your practice and your community!

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(This episode originally aired on 1/18/2024)

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Sponsors:‍Oryx: All-In-One Cloud-Based Dental Software Created by Dentists for Dentists. Patient engagement, clinical, and practice management software that helps your dental practice grow without compromise. Click or copy and paste the link here for a special offer! https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/oryx/

Net32: Founded by a dentist, for dentists. Net32 is the leading online marketplace for dental supplies, helping dental and medical professionals save on high-quality products for over 25 years. Start saving today at: https://www.net32.com/dentalmarketer

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Guest: Dr. Liel AllonPractice Name: DentAllon DentistryCheck out Liel's Media:

Practice: https://www.dentallondentistry.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dentallon_dentistry/

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Host: Michael Arias

Join my newsletter: https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/newsletter/‍

Join this podcast's Facebook Group: The Dental Marketer Society

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Love the Podcast? Subscribe on Your Favorite App! https://lnkfi.re/TDMPod

Tangled in the web of low-performing staff? Learn how to cut loose and fire fast for the well-being of your practice.

In this episode of The Fail Forward series, Dr. Gabe Ross honestly shares the lesson he learned the hard way about the necessity of staff turnover for the greater good of his pediatric dental practice. Sifting through his personal experience of reluctantly firing an underperforming dental assistant, Dr. Gabe elucidates why sometimes, removing the problem from your team can be the healthiest decision for your team and your patients. Tune in to give your practice a new lease of strength by learning how to handle tough staffing decisions!

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Listen to Gabe's Other Episodes Here:

MMM [Ground Marketing] How Dr. Gabe Ross Creates Highly Effective Partnerships with Specialists – The Dental Marketer Podcast

284: Dr. Gabe Ross | Oak Landing Pediatric Dentistry – The Dental Marketer Podcast

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Host: Michael Arias

Join my newsletter: https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/newsletter/‍

Join this podcast's Facebook Group: The Dental Marketer Society

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Love the Podcast? Subscribe on Your Favorite App! https://lnkfi.re/TDMPod

Are you trapped in hustle mode and afraid of what happens if you slow down?

In this episode, Dr. Sana Yusuf jumps right into stepping away from the relentless “hustler” mentality that shaped her academic and professional journey, and into a space where fulfillment is measured by flexibility and presence, not just financial milestones. With refreshing honesty, Dr. Yusuf explains why extreme wealth no longer defines her sense of security. Her practice now covers what matters most: family, stability, and the freedom to breathe. She delves into the exhausting impact of constant gratitude and positivity, revealing how coping habits formed by early traumas can lead to minimizing struggle rather than truly processing it. From navigating the mental weight of multiple business obligations to the life-changing decision to sell her second practice, Dr. Yusuf shares what it really takes to let go and prioritize quality of life over unending hustle.

The conversation shifts gears to reveal what works (and what doesn’t) in dental practice marketing today. Dr. Yusuf gives a behind-the-scenes look at everything from unsuccessful yearbook ads to surprisingly effective targeted mailers and the evolution of her social media strategy. She also reflects on the pitfalls of chasing volume over vision, emphasizing her desire for a practice known for its distinct strengths, not price wars. Dr. Yusuf discusses the hard-earned lessons of setting boundaries with staff and patients and what she’d do differently after partnership challenges. Plus, you’ll hear how her journey is guiding her toward a more focused, identity-driven future and the boundary-setting advice she wishes she’d received sooner.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How to recognize when gratitude becomes a survival mechanism, not a solution
• The realities of selling a practice and when it’s worth walking away
• Which marketing strategies really deliver for dental practices (and which flop)
• The importance of niche identity versus chasing growth at any cost
• Lessons in staff management, pay negotiations, and setting boundaries with your team
• How to avoid common pitfalls in partnerships and contracts
• Ways to prevent burnout by structuring work hours and communication more intentionally
• Techniques for adapting marketing tactics as industry platforms and demographics evolve
• Dr. Yusuf’s practical tips for balancing ambition with wellbeing

Don’t miss this honest, behind-the-scenes episode highlighting the power of boundaries, the truth behind “staying positive,” and the beauty of building a practice that prioritizes depth over constant hustle!

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Sponsors:‍Oryx: All-In-One Cloud-Based Dental Software Created by Dentists for Dentists. Patient engagement, clinical, and practice management software that helps your dental practice grow without compromise. Click or copy and paste the link here for a special offer! https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/oryx/Guest: Dr. Sana YusufPractice Name: Sana Dental StudioCheck out Sana's Media:‍

Website: https://sanadentalstudio.com

Email: [email protected]

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/sanayusufdmd (personal)

https://www.instagram.com/sanadentalstudio (practice)

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Host: Michael Arias

Join my newsletter: https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/newsletter/‍

Join this podcast's Facebook Group: The Dental Marketer Society

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Love the Podcast? Subscribe on Your Favorite App! https://lnkfi.re/TDMPod

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Are you finding that the administrative burden of PPO participation is costing you more than it's earning?

This episode features Lisa Weber, a PPO expert, shedding light on the hidden and often overlooked administrative cost associated with PPO participation. She tells the real story of a dentist facing a tough decision about whether to hire a full-time employee to manage UnitedHealthcare or terminate the network altogether. Tune in to gain valuable insights on how to view an insurance network burden relative to its value, helping you make strategic decisions that could directly impact your profit margin. If you're wrestling with insurance networks, this episode is an eye-opener you can't afford to miss!

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Listen to Lisa's Other Episodes Here:

75: Lisa Weber | Unlock The PPO, Teams, Numbers, and all about dental insurance – The Dental Marketer Podcast

MMM [Insurance] Here's Why You Should Treat Your PPO Insurance Carriers Like Every Other Marketing Strategy – The Dental Marketer Podcast

The Making of SMILE & CO. - Episode FOUR – The Dental Marketer Podcast

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Host: Michael Arias

Join my newsletter: https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/newsletter/‍

Join this podcast's Facebook Group: The Dental Marketer Society

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Love the Podcast? Subscribe on Your Favorite App! https://lnkfi.re/TDMPod

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Imagine reclaiming 30+ hours a month for patient care, growth, and your own peace of mind with the help of AI and team empowerment.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jordan Sanders of Knox Mountain Dentistry, who opens up about the transformative journey from launching a startup practice to leading a bustling, seven-operatory dental office that stands out for its patient-centric approach and in-house innovation. Dr. Sanders shares candid insights about the growing pains and rewards of scaling up, from handling a steady influx of new patients to managing a dedicated (and ever-evolving) team. He explains how he’s harnessed his passion for education, teaching 3D printing techniques, and traveling to speak for major dental companies while learning to juggle these responsibilities without compromising on care.

As Dr. Sanders reflects on the highs and lows of ownership, he reveals the real-world strategies that keep his practice running smoothly and his own well-being in check. You’ll hear about the mindset shifts he’s made, including letting go of micromanagement, creating structured paths for staff growth and raises, and leveraging AI to streamline tedious administrative work. Dr. Sanders delivers heartfelt advice about building a practice that aligns with both professional and personal values, encouraging us to prioritize mental health, be intentional about growth, and never lose sight of the human touch in dentistry.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Proven strategies for transitioning a dental startup to a thriving, full-capacity practice
• Tips for balancing clinical work with educational and speaking opportunities
• The benefits (and challenges) of offering in-house lab services to create distinct patient experiences
• How to build and empower a supportive, growth-oriented team
• Insight into implementing systematic raise programs based on achievements
• Ways to use AI and automation to streamline time-consuming admin processes
• Why prioritizing emotional health, therapy, and personal boundaries is essential for practice owners
• The importance of focusing on patient-centric, human-driven care above financial metrics

Hit play to discover Dr. Sanders’ hard-won lessons and actionable strategies for building a dental practice with heart, purpose, and balance!

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Sponsors:‍

‍Net32: Founded by a dentist, for dentists. Net32 is the leading online marketplace for dental supplies, helping dental and medical professionals save on high-quality products for over 25 years. Start saving today at: https://www.net32.com/dentalmarketer

Oryx: All-In-One Cloud-Based Dental Software Created by Dentists for Dentists. Patient engagement, clinical, and practice management software that helps your dental practice grow without compromise. Click or copy and paste the link here for a special offer! https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/oryx/Guest: Dr. Jordan SandersPractice Name: Knox Mountain DentistryCheck out Jordan's Media:‍

Website: https://knoxmountaindentistry.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knoxmountaindentistry/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ascenddentaleducation/

Jordan's Previous Episodes:

375: Dr. Jordan Sanders | Knox Mountain Dentistry – The Dental Marketer Podcast

456: Dr. Jordan Sanders | The Power of Personalization: Captivating Your Ideal Patients with Content – The Dental Marketer Podcast

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Host: Michael Arias

Join my newsletter: https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/newsletter/‍

Join this podcast's Facebook Group: The Dental Marketer Society

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Love the Podcast? Subscribe on Your Favorite App! https://lnkfi.re/TDMPod

Is your dental practice unknowingly losing money through shared network relationships?

In this episode of Fail Forward, Lisa from Unlock the PPO launches into one of the most overlooked factors affecting dental practice revenue: the dynamics of shared networks. Discover how unsuspecting practices can find themselves receiving reduced payments without realizing, and learn actionable strategies to protect your practice against this pitfall. From training your front desk to be "the keeper of the gates" to understanding new shared network announcements, Lisa offers key insights and practical tactics that could significantly impact your practice's bottom line. Don't let lack of awareness about shared networks affect your profitability; listen to this episode and stay on top of your practice's financial health!

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Listen to Lisa's Other Episodes Here:

75: Lisa Weber | Unlock The PPO, Teams, Numbers, and all about dental insurance – The Dental Marketer Podcast

MMM [Insurance] Here's Why You Should Treat Your PPO Insurance Carriers Like Every Other Marketing Strategy – The Dental Marketer Podcast

The Making of SMILE & CO. - Episode FOUR – The Dental Marketer Podcast

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Host: Michael Arias

Join my newsletter: https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/newsletter/‍

Join this podcast's Facebook Group: The Dental Marketer Society

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Love the Podcast? Let Us Know How We're Doing on Apple Podcasts!

Are you prepared for the challenges that come with practice ownership, from hiring the right staff to deciding on tech that will truly make a difference?

In today's episode, Dr. Cindy Rask of Bespoke Dental opens up about the real highs and lows that come with stepping into the driver’s seat of practice ownership. You’ll hear firsthand about the bold decisions she’s considering, such as investing in same-day crown technology despite significant upfront costs, and the tough conversations that reshaped her team during challenging financial moments.

Cindy doesn’t shy away from vulnerability as she recounts the evolution of her practice’s team dynamics, her renewed focus on core values like teamwork and integrity, and the marketing missteps that taught her the power of tracking and strategy. From revamping patient communication and collection processes to celebrating year-one milestones with fresh eyes, Cindy shares practical lessons and honest reflections on what it means to build trust; not just with patients, but with your staff and yourself. This episode is packed with actionable insights for anyone seeking to navigate the complexities of practice ownership and foster a resilient, patient-focused team!

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How to evaluate and implement same-day crown technology in your practice
• The impact of clear core values on team culture and patient care
• Strategies for transparent communication around financial challenges
• Lessons learned from marketing missteps and critical pivots that improved visibility
• Practical tips for staff hiring, training, and fostering teamwork
• Why tracking patient sources is vital for effective marketing
• Approaches to accurate treatment presentation and improving patient collections
• Celebrating milestones and identifying key areas for growth in your first year
• Questions to consider when making high-stakes equipment purchases for your practice

Tune in now to discover Dr. Cindy Rask’s essential lessons on overcoming the hurdles of practice ownership and leading with purpose!

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Sponsors:‍

CallRail: Call tracking + AI that turns calls into campaigns that convert, quality patients, and cost savings. Click our link to start a free trial today! https://www.callrail.com/dentalmarketer

Click here for a special offer!Guest: Dr. Cindy RaskPractice Name: Bespoke DentalCheck out Cindy's Media:‍

Website: https://www.bespokedentalga.com/‍

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bespokedentalga‍

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bespokedentalga

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Host: Michael Arias

Join my newsletter: https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/newsletter/‍

Join this podcast's Facebook Group: The Dental Marketer Society

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Love the Podcast? Let Us Know How We're Doing on Apple Podcasts!

No dentist dreams of living paycheck to paycheck.

Yet, that was Dr. Alan Stern's reality after making several strategic mistakes that found him stuck in a cycle of debt and stress. In this episode of Fail Forward, Dr. Stern speaks openly about how he turned his life around by choosing financial freedom over the illusion of success, a move that not only rescued him from his emotional and financial low, but revitalized his entire practice. More than a story of recovery, this episode is a testament to the transformative power of facing your financial failures head-on. Tune in to discover how you, too, can escape the imprisoning cycle of financial obligation and reimagine your practice as a consistent, stress-free success!

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Listen to Alan's Other Episodes Here:

From Provider to Healer: Embracing Empathy in Your Career | Dr. Alan Stern | MME – The Dental Marketer Podcast

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Host: Michael Arias

Join my newsletter: https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/newsletter/‍

Join this podcast's Facebook Group: The Dental Marketer Society

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Love the Podcast? Let Us Know How We're Doing on Apple Podcasts!

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