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How do I "Start" a Dental Startup? (Part 2)
2020-04-09  • 48 min
How do I "Start" a Dental Startup? (Part 2)
The Startup Dentist
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Dental Startup Consulting and the KRG Framework: What Will You Be Remembered For?

Welcome to the world of dental startup consulting. I’m Stephen Trutter, President of Ideal Practices, and over the years I’ve had the privilege of helping launch more than 650 successful dental practices. In this episode, I sit down with Jayme Amos to unpack one of the most powerful frameworks we use with our clients: KRG—what your practice is Known for, Remembered by, and what it Gives.

If you're preparing to open your own practice, getting clear on your KRG isn’t just a branding exercise—it’s a foundational strategy that can shape your entire career in private practice ownership.

Let’s Focus on the R: What Will You Be Remembered For?

The “R” in KRG stands for what you’ll be remembered for. And here’s the kicker: it’s not about your equipment or your flooring. It’s not about your technology or your logo. Those are just tools.

What you’ll truly be remembered for is the impact you make in your community. The way you lead. The way you show up. People remember practices that stand for something—those that help others live better, healthier, more confident lives.

If you want staying power in your market, don’t just aim to be impressive. Aim to be meaningful.

Now, Let’s Talk About the G: What Will You Give?

The “G” is about what you choose to give to the world around you—and no, it’s not just about free dentistry (though that might be part of it). This is deeper. Think of companies like TOMS Shoes, where every purchase supports someone in need. Their giving became part of their brand DNA.

Ask yourself:

  • What cause are you passionate about?

  • What do you want to support beyond your clinical work?

  • What kind of legacy do you want your practice to build?

Aligning your practice with a cause you believe in creates a ripple effect—one that builds trust, attracts like-minded patients, and differentiates you from the competition in a deeply authentic way.

Highlights from the Episode

  • How to create balance in your startup journey without burning out

  • The key to happiness for practice owners—and how to protect it

  • Why being remembered has nothing to do with your chairs or your paint colors

  • The importance of making values-based decisions as a business owner

  • How authentic giving becomes a magnet for the right kind of patients

  • The biggest mistake startups make when it comes to real estate and demographics

  • What it really means to align your gifts with your community

Favorite Quotes from This Episode

“If we’re not aiming for something, we’re literally aiming for nothing.”

“All the decisions you make for the rest of your career should be aligned with something.”

“Before I was allowed to touch the product, I was invited to experience the values.”

Your Next Steps

Whether you’re months from opening or just beginning to explore startup ownership, understanding your KRG can give your practice a clear identity from day one—and that clarity will guide everything from your location to your hiring to your patient experience.

Here are some ways to go deeper:

  • Join the StartUp Crew Facebook Group – Connect with other associate dentists on the same path

  • Visit Ideal Practices – Explore our 13-stage startup roadmap and strategy resources

  • Listen to Episode 13 of the Startup Dentist Podcast – More on building your ideal practice

  • Check out StartupDentistPodcast.com – Full library of expert-led episodes

Thanks for tuning in. If you’re serious about launching a purpose-driven, high-impact practice, the KRG framework is your starting point. When your values guide your decisions, everything gets clearer—and your practice becomes more than just a business. It becomes your legacy.