Ready to Open Your Own Practice? Let’s Talk Vision—Not Just Real Estate

2020-04-08  • 46 min

How Do I "Start" A Dental Startup? (Part 1)

The Startup Dentist

Play

Welcome, Doctor! Ready to Open Your Own Practice? Let’s Talk Vision—Not Just Real Estate

If you’re preparing to open your own dental practice, you’re standing at the start of an exciting and transformative journey. I’m Stephen Trutter, President of Ideal Practices, and I’ve had the privilege of helping launch over 650 successful dental startups across the country.

Today, I want to share something that too many dentists overlook: your practice should start with your vision, not with banking or real estate. Those things matter—but only after you’ve clarified what you’re truly building.

Start Here: Avoid These Common Startup Missteps

Let’s get this out of the way—jumping straight to loan applications and scouting office space is not the best first step.

The biggest mistake I see? Dentists get caught up in logistics before they’ve defined the experience they want to create. They end up with beautiful offices that don’t reflect their values, teams that don’t align with their goals, and branding that misses the mark.

Before you talk to banks or sign a lease, ask yourself:

• What will your practice be known for?

• What kind of relationships do you want with your patients?

• What kind of impact do you want to have on your community?

The answers to these questions form the foundation of everything else.

Why Vision Is Your Most Valuable Asset

Yes, I’ve helped secure more than half a billion dollars in dental startup financing. But here’s the truth: no amount of capital can replace a clear, purpose-driven vision.

Think of building your practice like climbing a mountain. You wouldn’t start the climb without knowing where the summit is. Vision is that summit. It’s what gives you direction when decisions get hard and energy when obstacles show up.

A strong vision is more than a mission statement. It’s the filter for every choice—from who you hire to how you design your patient experience.

Dr. Smith’s Vision-First Approach

One of our clients, Dr. Smith, took this to heart. He envisioned a practice where every patient felt like family. He wrote down what that looked like in detail—how patients would be greeted, what conversations in the op would sound like, and how the team would celebrate wins together.

Six months after opening, Dr. Smith was seeing over 80 patients a day. His community knew exactly what made his practice different. They weren’t just coming in for cleanings—they were coming in because they felt seen and cared for.

Your Team Will Reflect Your Vision

Here’s something else to keep in mind: your team will mirror your values, whether you define them or not.

When your vision is clear, it becomes a magnet for like-minded people. Hiring becomes easier. Training becomes more consistent. Culture becomes something you shape, not something you hope for.

Create a Practice That Reflects You

At Ideal Practices, we guide startup dentists through every step—but we always start with vision. It’s how we’ve helped doctors build practices that are not only profitable, but fulfilling.

If you’re ready to take your next step:

• Join our free Facebook group, The StartUp Crew, and connect with other dentists on the same journey

• Visit our website at IdealPractices.com to access tools and training

• Subscribe to The Startup Dentist Podcast for stories and strategies from real-world practice owners

Whatever your vision is, you don’t have to build it alone. Let’s make it real—and make it something you’re proud to call your own.

Stephen Trutter
President, Ideal Practices