The Power of Partnership: How Twin Dentists Built a Thriving Startup Practice

Have you ever imagined owning a dental practice where your chairs are filled, your team is thriving, and your patients align perfectly with your clinical vision? If you're an associate dentist contemplating practice ownership, you're probably asking: what's the best path forward—buying an existing practice or starting fresh?

In the latest episode of The Startup Dentist Podcast, we welcomed Drs. Andrew and Tim Cooed of Twin Teeth Family Dentistry, who shared valuable insights from their first year as startup owners.

The Journey to Startup Ownership

Initially, Andrew and Tim planned to purchase an existing practice, but they quickly realized it didn’t align with their clinical desires or ideal patient base. Surprisingly, their banker suggested they consider a startup, pointing out they were essentially already building a startup within an existing practice. Encouraged by a friend who found success with Ideal Practices, they chose the startup path—and haven’t looked back.

Choosing the Right Location

A critical factor discussed in this episode is selecting the right location. Andrew and Tim emphasized the importance of matching their clinical vision with their chosen community. Instead of purely relying on demographic numbers, they found success by focusing on their ideal patient type and community needs, even if another practice was nearby.

Building and Trusting Your Team

One of their biggest lessons was the importance of delegation and trust. Initially, the duo found themselves stretched thin, handling everything from dentistry to administration. Eventually, they empowered their talented team to handle day-to-day operations, allowing them to focus on patient care and strategic growth. This delegation has significantly contributed to their remarkable growth, including attracting over 2,000 patients in their first year.

Navigating Growth and Financial Decisions

Andrew and Tim also shared transparent insights into the financial realities of a startup. They initially reinvested heavily in their practice, delaying their own paychecks to accelerate growth. With guidance from their advisors, they carefully timed expansion decisions, such as adding new treatment rooms and hiring staff, balancing immediate needs against future growth.

Marketing That Works

The Cooed brothers highlighted the surprising success of social media marketing, crediting professional support and strategic advice for their online growth. By sharing authentic, relatable content and consistently engaging their community, they generated impressive new patient numbers, showcasing that thoughtful marketing significantly contributes to practice success.

Final Thoughts for Aspiring Practice Owners

If you're considering the leap into practice ownership, this episode provides real-world insights and practical advice directly from dentists who have successfully navigated their startup journey.

Ready to hear their full story? Listen to the complete episode here!

Keep smiling,
Stephen Trutter & The Startup Dentist Podcast Team