Behind the Scenes of the Dental Industry’s First Startup Documentary

Dear Dentist,

As someone who’s been deep in the trenches of launching over 900 dental startups, I’ve had the unique opportunity to share what really works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to building a thriving practice. One of the most memorable platforms I’ve had the pleasure of contributing to is Jonathon Van Horn’s SYDP Podcast. I was honored to be his very first guest three years ago, and even more honored to return after 111 episodes to talk about one of the most exciting projects our team has ever taken on.

Here’s what you can expect from this latest conversation:

• Behind the scenes of the dental industry’s first-ever documentary dedicated to startup practices—and why we believe this project needed to exist

• Trends shaping today’s entrepreneurial dentists—and how they’re impacting ownership paths for associates just like you

• The emotional rollercoaster of practice ownership—and what to do when you hit the inevitable highs and lows

• The real comparison: startup vs. acquisition—how to make the best call for your career and your life

• Why experience matters more than letters after your name—and how to balance formal education with real-world lessons

• Who should not open a dental practice—and why we need to talk more honestly about that

We also cover marketing, mindset, and what it really takes to grow a practice in a competitive market—especially when you're starting from scratch.

Why tune in?

Because this episode isn’t fluff. It’s built on real numbers, real stories, and nearly two decades of guiding dentists through the startup journey. If you’re serious about ownership—or even just wondering if you should be—this is a conversation that could change your outlook and give you the clarity you’ve been looking for.

Ready to dive in?

And if our conversation sparks questions or curiosity about what’s possible for your own practice, let’s keep the conversation going. You can explore more of our work, see client stories, and access our startup roadmap at Ideal Practices.

To your success,
Stephen Trutter
President, Ideal Practices
Startup Advisor & Speaker for 900+ Practices Launched

P.S. Whether you’re months from opening or still on the fence, the biggest mistake is waiting too long without a plan. Listen in, take notes, and let’s build something remarkable together.