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The Challenge
Starting over is never easy. But starting a dental practice in a brand-new city? That takes a different level of courage.
When Dr. Katie decided to open her own practice, she was moving hundreds of miles away from her existing community, leaving behind patients, colleagues, and everything familiar. She had no connections, no referral base, and no local reputation. Just a dream to build a modern, patient-centered dental home from the ground up.
"When I made the decision to open this practice, I didn't really know where to start. It was very overwhelming trying to figure it out on my own, so I knew I needed some help."
Dr. Katie Reisenberg
That's when Katie turned to Ideal Practices.
The Ideal Practices Partnership
From the very first call, Katie was paired with a team who would walk her through every step. Not with generic templates, but with strategy built around her vision.
Together, they created the roadmap for Beachside Smiles:
Vision Clarity
The process started with defining what mattered most: Katie's ideal patient, ideal community, and ideal philosophy of care. That clarity became the foundation for every decision that followed.
Site Selection and Lease Negotiation
Ideal Practices helped her identify the right location in North Myrtle Beach, negotiate favorable lease terms, and design a space with 7 operatories built for long-term growth.
Financing and Build-Out
The team secured the right lender and guided her through every financial decision, ensuring stability from day one.
StartupMBA Systems
Katie learned how to hire, lead, and systemize like a seasoned owner before the doors even opened.
Marketing Strategy
From grassroots outreach and community introductions to "coming soon" ads and patient transfers, Ideal Practices helped Katie launch with momentum.
"They helped me stay within my vision of what I saw this practice becoming and reminded me to keep coming back to that vision."
Dr. Katie Reisenberg
The Results
When Beachside Smiles opened its doors in December 2023, it wasn't starting from zero. It was launching with 850 patients already in the database. Those results might sound unbelievable, but we regularly see these outcomes from our partners.
And that was just the beginning.
She Hit "Freedom Day" Before Opening
Freedom Day is the moment a doctor can safely and confidently leave their associateship because their startup is strong enough to stand on its own.
"My Freedom Date happened a month before I even opened. That freedom is being able to treat patients the way I want. Not by someone else's rules."
Dr. Katie Reisenberg
The Transformation
Katie's journey is more than a success story. It's proof that with the right plan, the right team, and the right process, geography doesn't matter.
She didn't just open a dental office. She built a thriving business that reflects her values and vision.
Before
- New to Myrtle Beach, didn't know anyone
- No connections or referral base
- Overwhelmed, didn't know where to start
- Trying to figure it out on her own
- Practicing by someone else's rules
After
- 850 patients in the database at launch
- Paid herself within the first month
- Expanded from 3 to 5 operatories
- Team of 7 and still growing
- Practicing on her own terms, building a legacy
"That freedom of owning my own practice has allowed me to focus on supporting my team, investing in technology, and becoming a better clinician. It's really about leaving a legacy of doing it the right way."
Dr. Katie Reisenberg
The Takeaway
Dr. Katie's story shows what's possible when clarity meets action. With Ideal Practices' 13-stage process, she transformed uncertainty into confidence and built a practice that's both thriving and deeply personal.
Inside Beachside Smiles
10 Businesses Funded Through HOPE International
For every practice we help launch, Ideal Practices funds 10 businesses in underserved countries through our partnership with HOPE International. Katie's practice opening means 10 more entrepreneurs around the world received the support they needed to build something of their own.