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.  

- Delegation and leadership: How to empower your team and step into the CEO role.  

- Operational efficiency: The importance of systems that adapt and grow with your practice.  

- Marketing strategies that prioritize consistency and community engagement.  

- Lessons learned from rapid growth and overcoming challenges in real-time.  

**Guest Information:**  

Dr. Andrew Vallo is a multi-location dental practice owner based in Tampa, Florida. He specializes in building scalable systems and has grown his group rapidly while maintaining high patient care standards.

**Links and Resources Mentioned:**  

- [Startup Practice Blueprint Course](StartupPracticeBlueprint.com)  

- [Ideal Practices Website](https://www.idealpractices.com)  

**Calls to Action:**  

If you’re ready to scale your dental startup or want to learn how to build a scalable foundation, listen to this episode and explore the Startup Practice Blueprint course for more comprehensive guidance.

Contact Information and Social Media Links:

• Website: Ideal Practices
• Email: [email protected]
• Facebook: Ideal Practices
• Instagram: @idealpractices

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 dental startups.  

- The importance of shared values, philosophies, and clinical approaches.  

- Examples of successful partnerships and lessons from failed ones.  

- The role of clear agreements and defined decision-making in avoiding conflicts.  

- Alternatives to partnerships, including leveraging external collaboration networks.  

**Links and Resources Mentioned:**  

- [Startup Practice Blueprint Course](StartupPracticeBlueprint.com)  

- [Ideal Practices Website](https://www.idealpractices.com)  

**Calls to Action:**  

If you're considering a partnership for your dental startup, listen to this episode to understand the key factors for success and the red flags to watch for. For more in-depth guidance, attend the Startup Practice Blueprint course and gain insights from top industry experts.

Contact Information and Social Media Links:

• Website: Ideal Practices
• Email: [email protected]
• Facebook: Ideal Practices
• Instagram: @idealpractices

**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 choose a startup over buying an existing practice.  

- Building a patient-centered culture that reflects personal values and vision.  

- Strategies for overcoming challenges like construction delays and staffing issues.  

- The impact of community involvement and personalized care on practice success.  

- Insights on leadership, team building, and maintaining balance as a business owner.  

**Guest Information:**  

Dr. Rachel Slash is the owner of Eglash Dental Studio, a thriving startup practice in Squirrel Hill, PA. She has over two decades of dental experience and is passionate about personalized care and giving back to her community.

**Links and Resources Mentioned:**  

- [Startup Practice Blueprint Course](StartupPracticeBlueprint.com)  

- [Ideal Practices Website](https://www.idealpractices.com)  

**Calls to Action:**  

Listen to this episode to learn how Dr. Rachel turned her vision into a reality and continues to grow her practice with purpose. For additional guidance on starting and sustaining a successful practice, explore the Startup Practice Blueprint course.

Contact Information and Social Media Links:

• Website: Ideal Practices
• Email: [email protected]
• Facebook: Ideal Practices
• Instagram: @idealpractices

**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 cash flow, reserves, and student loan implications.  

- Crafting a business plan to impress lenders and maximize funding potential.  

- Comparing bank options: Asset-based vs. projection-based lenders and what to prioritize.  

- Spending strategies: Balancing construction, equipment, and marketing costs.  

- Common mistakes to avoid when securing funding and allocating resources.  

**Links and Resources Mentioned:**  

- [Startup Practice Blueprint Course](StartupPracticeBlueprint.com)  

- [Ideal Practices Website](https://www.idealpractices.com)  

**Calls to Action:**  

Listen to this episode to gain the confidence and knowledge needed to approach lenders and create a funding strategy that ensures the success of your dental startup. For even more guidance, explore our Startup Practice Blueprint course.

Contact Information and Social Media Links:

• Website: Ideal Practices
• Email: [email protected]
• Facebook: Ideal Practices
• Instagram: @idealpractices

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:**

- Common misconceptions about buying a dental practice.

- Key considerations for starting a practice from scratch.

- The importance of practice ownership for career control and financial freedom.

- Why timing and location matter for both buying and starting.

- The role of patient retention and growth in both scenarios.

- Critical financial insights for both options, including how to avoid costly mistakes.

**Links and Resources Mentioned:**

- *How to Buy a Dental Practice* by Brian Hanks (Available on Amazon)

- Practice Purchase Podcast with Brian Hanks

- [Ideal Practices Website](https://howtoopenadentaloffice.com)

**Calls to Action:**

- Ready to take the next step in your dental career? Tune in now to learn whether buying or starting a practice is right for you.

- Check out Brian Hanks’ book *How to Buy a Dental Practice* for a deeper dive into the acquisition process.

Contact Information and Social Media Links:

• Website: Ideal Practices
• Email: [email protected]
• Facebook: Ideal Practices
• Instagram: @idealpractices

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 common pitfalls that lead to struggling practices

- Real-world examples of dentists who built thriving businesses with the right systems

- Financial guidelines and team accountability

- Patient experience and its direct link to practice success

*Links and resources mentioned:*

- [Startup Practice Blueprint Course](StartupPracticeBlueprint.com)

- [Ideal Practices Website](https://www.idealpractices.com)

*Calls to action:*

If you’re ready to take your dental startup to the next level, join the Startup Practice Blueprint course to learn from experts like Stephen and Stacy on building a solid foundation for long-term success.

Contact Information and Social Media Links:

• Website: Ideal Practices
• Email: [email protected]
• Facebook: Ideal Practices
• Instagram: @idealpractices

- 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-network vs. out-of-network, and how to decide what's best for your startup.

- Tips for negotiating fee schedules and knowing when it’s worth paying for a negotiating service.

Contact Information and Social Media Links:

• Website: Ideal Practices
• Email: [email protected]
• Facebook: Ideal Practices
• Instagram: @idealpractices

**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. The importance of budget management when choosing dental equipment.  

  2. How to navigate promotions and avoid being oversold by vendors.  

  3. The benefits of phasing in technology over time, focusing on what adds immediate value.  

  4. How showrooms and vendor relationships can impact decision-making.

- **Links and Resources Mentioned:**  

  - Ideal Practices Startup Practice Blueprint course  

  - Manufacturer promotion websites  

  - Recommendations on internal scanners and phased technology adoption

**Calls to Action:**  

Sign up for the **Startup Practice Blueprint** course to dive deeper into creating a successful dental startup, and explore more insights from industry experts like Steve Burns.

Contact Information and Social Media Links:

• Website: Ideal Practices
• Email: [email protected]
• Facebook: Ideal Practices
• Instagram: @idealpractices

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:

1. Doctor-Patient Relationship:
   • Importance of personalized care and building trust with patients.
   • How maintaining strong patient relationships can provide a competitive edge over corporate practices.
2. Choosing Your Patients:
   • The advantage of targeting and attracting your ideal patients.
   • How demographics play a crucial role in choosing the right location and patient base for your startup.
3. Community Impact:
   • Strategies for making a meaningful impact in your local community.
   • Examples of successful community engagement that builds loyalty and referrals.

Links and Resources Mentioned:

• Recent episode on the pros and cons of startup vs. acquisition
• Demographics insights and strategies
• Contact information for Rob Montgomery, dental-specific attorney

Calls to Action:

• Listen to the recent episode on startup vs. acquisition for more insights.
• Consider your ideal patient profile and community impact as you plan your startup.
• Connect with us for personalized advice on making your dental startup a success.

Contact Information and Social Media Links:

• Website: Ideal Practices
• Email: [email protected]
• Facebook: Ideal Practices
• Instagram: @idealpractices

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 Discussed

• Importance of Real Estate Decisions: Understanding how initial real estate choices impact your practice long-term.
• Avoiding Common Pitfalls: Why you should avoid flashy locations and instead focus on strategic positioning.
• Lease vs. Purchase: The pros and cons of leasing versus buying real estate and how to decide what's best for your practice.
• The Role of Representation: The necessity of having experienced commercial real estate agents and attorneys to guide you through transactions.
• Future-Proofing Your Practice: Ensuring your real estate deal protects you if you decide to sell or relocate in the future.

Links and Resources Mentioned

• Startup Practice Blueprint Course
• Contact information for Stephen Trutter and Ideal Practices

Calls to Action

• Listen to the episode and learn how to avoid real estate mistakes that could jeopardize your dental startup.
• Visit the Ideal Practices website for more resources on starting and growing a successful dental practice.
• Sign up for the Startup Practice Blueprint Course to get in-depth training on all aspects of launching a dental practice.

Contact Information and Social Media Links:

• Website: Ideal Practices
• Email: [email protected]
• Facebook: Ideal Practices
• Instagram: @idealpractices