Episode Description 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 [...]
Episode Description 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, [...]
Episode Description In this episode of How to Open a Dental Practice, we unpack one of the most important relationships in your startup journey: the one with your general contractor. Knowing the right questions to ask can save you from costly mistakes and delays. From evaluating past project experience to understanding how a GC handles [...]
Episode Description For dentists starting a new practice, timing can be everything. Should you lock in a lease before securing financing, or line up your loan before committing to a space? In this episode, we break down the pros and cons of each path, share common pitfalls, and give you the clarity you need to [...]
Episode Description HVAC problems can quickly undermine patient experience in a dental practice, even in a brand-new space. This episode examines how overlooked mechanical details, like missing dampers or repurposed ductwork, create comfort issues and unnecessary expenses. We share strategies for ensuring mechanical systems are designed, specified, and installed correctly, plus tips for avoiding the [...]
Episode Description Finding the right space for your dental practice goes beyond looks. We discuss the critical factors to assess during property tours, including ADA compliance, restroom requirements, and egress points. You’ll learn how space shape and layout impact operational efficiency, why early involvement from your design team prevents costly adjustments, and how building type [...]
Episode Description Refreshing a dental office can boost patient perception and improve functionality, but timing and planning are everything. This episode covers how to choose the right moment to renovate, whether you’re refreshing aesthetics, upgrading systems, or reconfiguring for a better workflow. We discuss budgeting with both design priorities and functional needs in mind, how [...]
Episode Description A last-minute decision to bring on an associate dentist caused a major redesign for one oral surgeon. Sara and Art walk through how a missing compressor line disrupted the entire project, costing time, money, and momentum. Learn how business plan shifts impact construction, and why aligning your clinical vision and build scope early [...]
Episode Description Is it really possible to build a dental practice without using any of your own money? Sara and Art unpack a real-world example where poor budgeting, a vague LOI, and a misleading test fit led to financial strain. They explain what TI allowances actually cover, why design always comes before demolition, and how [...]
Episode Description Sara and Art share the story of a ventilation and HVAC failure that delayed a new dental practice from passing inspection. What seemed like a contractor issue revealed a deeper design flaw—caused by a lack of coordination between the mechanical engineer and build team. They explain how to avoid these expensive missteps with [...]
