Startup vs. Acquisition: One Doctor’s Journey Through Both—and What He’d Do Differently

Startup vs. Acquisition: One Doctor’s Journey Through Both—and What He’d Do Differently

If you're a dentist preparing to open your own practice, one of the biggest questions you'll face early on is this: Should I start from scratch or acquire an existing practice?

It’s a big decision—and one that deserves more than gut instinct or hearsay. That’s why I want to introduce you to Dr. Dan Casel, one of the first dentists we ever helped launch a startup practice here at Ideal Practices. His story doesn’t just answer the startup vs. acquisition debate—it reframes it entirely.

Because Dan didn’t choose just one path. He did both.

And he did them well.

From Startup Success to Multi-Practice Owner

Dr. Casel’s journey started with a scratch startup near Philadelphia. Within just four years, he had built a seven-figure dental practice. But instead of coasting, he sold the practice, relocated his family to Florida, and dove headfirst into acquisitions.

Here’s how it unfolded:

• He purchased a practice and nearly doubled its value in just two years

• Then he bought another

• And another

• And… yes, another

Each move was strategic. Each outcome taught him something new. And in this episode of the Ideal Practices Podcast, he lays it all out—what worked, what didn’t, and what he’d absolutely do differently if he had the chance to start again.

Startup vs. Acquisition: What You’ll Learn from Dr. Casel

If you’re weighing the pros and cons of building vs. buying, Dr. Casel’s experience will give you the clarity and real-world perspective you need. You’ll learn:

• The key advantages of startup ownership—especially when done right from the start

• Why certain acquisitions are riskier than they look on paper

• How to strategically scale from one location to multiple

• What Dr. Casel would do differently if he could hit rewind

And perhaps most importantly, you’ll walk away with insight on how to align your practice path with your long-term goals—so you’re building a career, not just buying a job.

3 Questions Every Dentist Should Ask Before Choosing a Path

Want a quick framework to help clarify your direction? Ask yourself:

• Do I want to create something new, or optimize something existing?

• What kind of team, culture, and clinical environment do I want to lead?

• Am I making this decision based on opportunity—or fear?

Whether you’re pulled toward the control of a startup or the (apparent) speed of an acquisition, the most successful doctors start with clarity, not just action.

Listen to the Full Interview with Dr. Dan Casel

Ready to hear the full story and absorb the lessons from someone who’s walked both roads? Listen to the episode now at:

Ideal Practices Podcast – Episode 5

And if you're still wrestling with the decision between startup or acquisition? Let’s talk. We’ve helped over 900 dentists navigate this exact crossroad—because the right answer isn’t the same for everyone. It’s the one that aligns with your values, vision, and future.

Let’s make sure you choose wisely. And build boldly.

—Stephen Trutter