How to Prepare for the Future of Private Practice—Insights from Dr. Howard Farran

How to Prepare for the Future of Private Practice—Insights from Dr. Howard Farran

Let’s get honest: opening a dental startup today requires a whole new level of strategy. Between corporate consolidation, insurance shifts, and changing patient expectations, the landscape of private practice ownership is evolving fast.

That’s exactly why I sat down with Dr. Howard Farran—founder of DentalTown and one of dentistry’s most unfiltered voices—for a no-nonsense conversation about what startup dentists need to be thinking about now to prepare for the future.

What Every Dental Startup Owner Needs to Know

Dr. Farran doesn’t sugarcoat it—and that’s a good thing. If you're serious about launching and growing a dental practice that lasts, the insights we cover in this episode will help you think bigger and plan smarter.

Here are just a few takeaways you’ll want to keep front and center:

• The “capacity problem” most startups face—and how to address it before it stalls your growth

• How to build a healthy, productive relationship with PPOs (yes, it's possible)

• Key performance metrics that matter most when preparing for ownership

• The risks of following the “typical dentist path”—and what to do instead

• How broader trends, like the rise of dental unions and corporate influence, could shape your practice future

This isn’t a doom-and-gloom conversation. It’s a wake-up call for strategic ownership. And if you're launching a startup soon, the sooner you start thinking this way, the better.

Private Practice Isn’t Dead—It’s Changing

There’s still a powerful place for independent practices—but only if you understand the game and play it with clarity. Dr. Farran reminds us that success doesn’t come from avoiding change, but from leaning into it with purpose.

Whether you’re in planning mode or already building, this episode offers the kind of real-world advice that’ll help you stay ahead.

Want to Get Ahead of the Curve?

Here’s how to take the next step toward startup success:

• Learn the proven framework that’s helped over 900 dentists launch practices they love—start with the Startup Practice Book

• Ready to talk through your specific vision? Book a free consultation call with our team

• Get more ideas, inspiration, and real stories from fellow practice owners on the Ideal Practices Facebook page

Practice ownership isn’t getting easier. But with the right mindset, resources, and strategy, it can be more rewarding than ever.

Let’s build something that lasts—together.

—Stephen Trutter