Dental Contractor Mistakes: How One Decision Cost a Doctor $45,000 Before Construction Even Began
There are two types of practice owners I meet across the country:
Those who hired a dental contractor… and those who wish they had.
Let me walk you through a real example of how choosing the wrong dental contractor cost one of our clients over $45,000—before a single wall went up. This isn’t theory. It’s a true story, and if you're preparing to open a dental office, it could save you time, money, and stress.
The Wrong Contractor Can Derail Your Startup Before It Begins
This doctor did what many well-intentioned practice owners do: hired a local contractor who claimed to have “some experience” with dental.
It felt like a safe bet—support local business, save a little money, and get started.
Fast forward a year.
The walls still weren’t up.
The doctor was $45,000 in the hole.
And the emotional toll? Even worse.
Here’s Where That $45K Vanished:
Rent & Mortgage Overlap:
Four months of delays meant paying for two spaces at once—his existing office and the unbuilt startup. Total loss: $16,000
Architectural Overcharges:
Dental designs typically run $2K–$4K. He was billed $10,000—a $6,000 overage.
Engineering Fees:
Normal dental engineering: mid-four figures. His? $20,000+
Stress, Sleep, and Sanity:
Harder to measure, but absolutely real. Delays, miscommunication, no progress—it wore him down, and it made every decision harder to make confidently.
And remember: none of this included actual construction.
Why Specific Dental Construction Experience Matters
Dental construction is a category of its own. It’s not residential. It’s not standard commercial. It’s clinical, regulatory, workflow-driven, and highly specialized.
That’s why at Ideal Practices, we tell every startup doctor:
Your contractor should have completed at least 10 dental offices—and be able to prove it.
If not, you’re learning on their dime. And the cost is always higher than expected.
This Is What We Mean by a Practice Project Team
Your contractor isn’t the only one who matters—but they’re one of the biggest levers in your timeline and your budget. That’s why we help our clients build a full Practice Project Team with proven dental experts across every phase—from financing to construction to real estate strategy.
Before You Build, Ask Yourself:
Has this contractor built at least 10 dental offices?
Can they connect you with past clients (and show examples)?
Do they understand dental workflows and specialty equipment?
Are their timelines and pricing realistic—or just appealing?
Because when things sound “too good to be true,” they usually are.
What to Do Next
If you’re unsure whether your current contractor is the right fit—or you want a second opinion before signing—reach out.
Our team has supported over 900 dental startups, and we’re happy to be a sounding board.
Learn from doctors who’ve done it right on our testimonials page
Hear more construction strategy on the Ideal Practices Podcast
Or schedule a consultation and get expert eyes on your timeline before it’s too late
You’ve worked too hard to get here.
Let’s make sure your investment leads to momentum—not mistakes.
—Stephen Trutter