Starting a new dental practice can feel overwhelming—especially if you’re an associate dentist ready to take the leap into ownership.
There are so many unknowns, moving parts, and high-stakes decisions to make. That’s why having a solid strategy—and a trusted advisor in your corner—can make all the difference. This is where dental startup consulting comes in.
Dental startup consulting is a highly specialized service designed to guide and support dentists through every phase of starting their own practice. At Ideal Practices, we’ve helped launch over 800 successful dental startups, and we’ve seen firsthand how powerful the right plan can be.
Why Dental Startup Consulting is Essential for Success
On a recent episode of the Behind the Smiles Podcast, Jayme Amos (founder of Ideal Practices) joined Dr. Gina Dorfman for an honest conversation about what it really takes to build a thriving dental startup.
Gina highlighted one of the biggest mindset shifts new practice owners need to make. Instead of asking, “How do I start a new dental practice?” she suggests asking, “What makes a successful dental practice?”
That simple change in thinking helps dentists focus less on to-do lists and more on creating a clear vision for what they want to build—and why.
The Three P’s of Planning for Your Dental Practice
Jayme and Gina also discussed what they call the Three P’s of a successful dental startup:
Practice – the day-to-day operations, patient care, scheduling, and systems that keep your practice running smoothly.
Profit – the financial side of the business, including budgeting, banking relationships, and insurance management.
Purpose – the heart of the practice. This includes your mission, your values, your patient experience, and how you want your brand to show up in the world.
Getting clarity in these three areas helps dentists build practices that are both financially viable and personally fulfilling.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Dental Startups
Jayme shared real-world examples of mistakes he’s seen new practice owners make—mistakes that are often irreversible. Things like choosing a poor location, signing a lease with hidden traps, or setting up the wrong banking relationship can completely derail a startup before it even begins.
But the good news? These mistakes are avoidable—with the right guidance.
Gina also emphasized the power of visualization and goal setting. When she started her own practice, she envisioned exactly what she wanted—and built it. That clarity made all the difference.
Join the Network for Dental Practice Success
Starting a dental practice is no small task, but you don’t have to do it alone.
By working with an experienced dental startup consultant and learning from others who’ve been in your shoes, you can dramatically reduce stress, avoid costly mistakes, and fast-track your success.
If you're interested in learning more, check out Ideal Practices and explore how dental startup consulting can help you launch your ideal practice—one that reflects your goals, your purpose, and your values.
Key Takeaways:
Dental startup consulting offers dentists personalized support through every step of the startup journey.
Reframing your mindset from “how to start” to “how to succeed” is the first big shift toward clarity.
Practice, Profit, and Purpose are the three pillars of a strong startup foundation.
Avoiding early mistakes with expert guidance can save you money, time, and stress.
Join a community of successful startup dentists and learn from their journeys with Ideal Practices.
Want more insight? Watch the full interview with Jayme Amos on the Behind the Smiles Podcast to hear more powerful tips and inspiration for launching your own dental practice.
Watch the video here:
https://youtu.be/cF5YWZcoLys