EPISODE DESCRIPTION

Dr. Rae Orraca-Tetten shares her journey from considering an acquisition to ultimately launching a successful dental startup that grew from 3 to 10 operatories. She explains why a startup was more cost‑effective for her personality, clinical style, and long-term goals—despite early recommendations to purchase the practice she worked in. Dr. Orraca-Tetten breaks down how she phased her buildout, accelerated production from day one, and strategically expanded into a neighboring suite as patient demand exploded.

Her experience provides a candid and highly practical look at startup budgeting, confidence, production expectations, and the mindset required to scale quickly.

Topics include:
●       Why purchasing an older practice didn’t fit her vision or financial goals

●       How she launched with 3 operatories and expanded to 10 within six years

●       Cost differences she observed between startups and acquisitions

●       Building a team, managing overhead, and optimizing operatory utilization

●       Expanding into adjacent space and planning for future associate opportunities

●       How personal drive and clinical confidence shape the startup path

●       Advice for dentists choosing between buying and building