The Startup Dentist

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 her insights on building a positive team culture and nailing the patient experience. We emphasize the importance of taking proactive steps to attract your first 100 patients without relying solely on marketing agencies. This episode is packed with practical strategies and real-world examples to help you navigate the emotional rollercoaster of startup ownership. Tune in for valuable takeaways that will set you up for long-term success in your dental career.

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.

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.

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 starting a practice. We cover the importance of understanding associate agreements, focusing on non-competes and termination clauses. Whether you're a new dentist or an aspiring practice owner, this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate the legal landscape and make informed decisions for your dental career. Tune in to turn your dream practice into a reality.

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.