Why Every Startup Dentist Needs to Understand Their Numbers (Even If You'd Rather Be Restoring Molars)

Why Every Startup Dentist Needs to Understand Their Numbers (Even If You'd Rather Be Restoring Molars)

If you’re a dentist preparing to open your own practice, you already know your clinical skills have gotten you this far. But here’s the truth we don’t talk about enough: those skills alone won’t carry you through ownership.

At some point—ideally before your grand opening—you’ll need to get comfortable with something that might not have come up in dental school: your numbers.

And no, we’re not talking about becoming a spreadsheet wizard. We're talking about understanding just enough of the financial side to make confident, strategic decisions that help your practice thrive.

The Real Power Behind Practice Profitability

On the first episode of the Ideal Practices Podcast, we sat down with Bob Gray, Co-Founder of the Academy of Dental CPAs. Bob’s spent his career helping dentists go from stressed-out clinicians to confident business owners, simply by showing them how to use their numbers the right way.

If you’re serious about owning a financially healthy practice, this episode is packed with practical insights you can use right now.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• A unique tax write-off from family members that could reshape your financial outlook (and no, it’s not about adding them to payroll)

• Which “speedometer” matters most for gauging the health of your startup practice

• The one tool you can start using today—free—that can increase your profitability

• How to avoid the most common (and costly) mistake dentists make with discretionary expenses

• Three ways to make faster, smarter decisions without getting buried in data

Why Your Numbers Matter (Even Before You Open Your Doors)

Let’s say it plainly: if your startup can’t support itself financially, it doesn’t matter how beautiful your operatory layout is or how advanced your scanner may be.

This isn’t about chasing bigger margins—it’s about sustainability and peace of mind. When you know your numbers, you can:

• Invest wisely (without overextending)

• Set realistic goals for growth

• Lead your team with confidence

• Sleep at night knowing your business is on solid ground

The Takeaway: Own the Numbers. Don’t Let Them Own You.

Whether you're just starting to scout locations or already deep in buildout, now is the time to build a financial foundation you can trust.

Because clinical freedom starts with financial clarity. And when those two work together? That’s when you get to enjoy the practice—and the life—you’ve been working toward.

—Stephen Trutter