The Startup Dentist

Latest Episodes:

Dental Startups and Marriage: What Every Couple Needs to Know Before Opening a Practice Dec 16, 2025

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In this episode of The Startup Dentist, I delve into the intricate dynamics of launching a dental practice while navigating the challenges of marriage. Joining me are Dr. Dan Danowitz and his wife, Michelle, who share their firsthand experiences as they transitioned from associates to owners of Voorhees Pediatric Dentistry. We explore the emotional, financial, and relational impacts of starting a practice, emphasizing the importance of communication and teamwork for couples embarking on this journey. From balancing long hours to managing stress, their insights offer valuable lessons for aspiring dental entrepreneurs and their partners. Tune in to discover how to strengthen your marriage while building a successful dental practice.

The 12 Month Blueprint: How Associates Can Prepare for Dental Practice Ownership Nov 25, 2025

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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.

Common Pitfalls of Dental Acquisitions (and How to Avoid Them) Nov 20, 2025

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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.

Purchasing the Right Way: How to Buy a Dental Practice Without the Costly Mistakes Oct 24, 2025

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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.

When to Walk Away: What Dentists Need to Know Before Leaving an Associate Position Sep 19, 2025

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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.

Dental Floorplans for Control: The Overlooked Design Choices That Shape Your Startup's Success Sep 11, 2025

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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.

Your First 90 Days of Ownership: Fast Starts, Leadership, and Patient Flow Aug 29, 2025

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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.

Dental Startup Fears: What’s Stopping You and What to Do About It Jul 31, 2025

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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.

The Real Estate Mistake That Could Wreck Your Dental Startup Jul 18, 2025

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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.

The Legal Risks That Can Kill Your Dental Startup Jun 26, 2025

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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.

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