Meet The Ideal Practices Team

Stephen Trutter is the CEO of Ideal Practices, a published author, and podcast host, and a leading authority in dental startups. Before leading Ideal Practices, Stephen worked as a dental banker, giving him firsthand insight into what lenders need to see—and, more importantly, which practices successfully repay their loans, grow, and why. With more than 850 startup practices guided under his leadership, startups aren’t just his expertise—they’re his passion. Stephen takes a deeply personal approach with every client, working to understand what truly motivates them before building a fully customized strategy aligned with their vision, financial realities, and long-term goals. Beyond client outcomes, Stephen is equally committed to the Ideal Practices team, investing in strong leadership and development so each team member can level up, take pride in their work, and consistently deliver an elite, trusted experience to clients.

Years in Dentistry: 20 Years

Years in Dentistry: 12 Years

Stacey works closely with clients to build the business foundation of their practice, including hiring, financial policies, management systems, and preparation for opening day. With nearly 30 years in the dental industry, she brings deep, practical insight into what it takes to launch a successful startup practice. Before joining the team, Stacey served as a dental office manager and helped turn around more than 100 failing practices—giving her firsthand knowledge of what works, what doesn’t, and why. She also leads our proprietary A5G program, guiding clients in establishing meaningful community involvement and a clear, strategic marketing foundation. Her favorite moment is the “dress rehearsal,” when clients see everything come together and realize their vision is about to become reality.

Years in Dentistry:  31 Years

Jen works with dentists at the very beginning of their ownership journey, helping them navigate the fear and uncertainty of taking the first step. She talks with every associate dentist exploring ownership to understand their vision, goals, and concerns, and advises them on whether ownership is the right path—and if so, when, how, and what type of practice best fits their life and career. Jen takes pride in helping associate dentists move from hesitation to clarity and confidence as they begin their journey toward practice ownership.

Years in Dentistry:  13 Years

Often referred to as the queen of acquisition experiences, Liz brings a deep understanding of what it takes to run a successful dental practice. She helps clients build the business systems, policies, and protocols that support long-term success—from hiring processes to financial and operational policies. Through the Startup MBA program, Liz ensures every critical aspect of the practice is thoughtfully developed and aligned before opening. She is deeply motivated by helping clients bring their vision to life and create practices that serve their communities, support their families, and reflect the future they want to build.

Years in Dentistry: 13 Years

John is often called the Picasso of dental floor plans—and for good reason. With 43 years in dentistry, he has designed more than 6,000 dental offices, each one entirely custom. His work has earned multiple industry awards, but what truly sets him apart is his process. John works closely with every client to understand their vision, operational needs, and long-term goals, ensuring each space is built to support growth, efficiency, and profitability. He brings deep experience, thoughtful planning, and genuine care to every startup practice he designs.

Years in Dentistry: 43 Years

Steve has spent 33 years in the dental industry and guides clients through the equipment, technology, and construction phases of their startup. With a background in dental equipment sales, he understands the tactics often used to upsell and inflate costs—and knows exactly what to watch out for. This experience allows him to help clients choose equipment that truly fits a startup practice, avoiding unnecessary purchases while investing in technology that delivers real value. Steve vets contractors and vendors, keeps projects on budget, and ensures clients pay the right price for the right tools. On average, Steve helps clients save approximately $64,000 in equipment and construction costs alone.

Years in Dentistry: 33 Years

Carol specializes in insurance credentialing and plays a strategic role in setting new practices up for long-term success. At no additional cost, she guides clients through the credentialing process while helping them research and evaluate the primary insurance plans in their area—especially those tied to major local employers. Carol also educates clients on the billing process so they understand how insurance participation impacts revenue, patient flow, and growth. She takes pride in helping clients make informed, strategic decisions and move confidently toward building the practice they’ve envisioned.

Years in Dentistry:  10 Years

Over the years Deana has discovered a soft spot and love for doctors in the start-up process. Her passions grew into a big drive to work alongside doctors in the big life changing adventure to set them up on a positive, proactive foundation that propels them into stratospheric success. Deana works with clients to develop the business side of their practice: hiring, financial policies, management, and preparing for opening day. With 30 years in the dental industry, Deana knows what it takes to launch a successful dental startup practice. 

Years in Dentistry: 30 Years

Mary has spent 20 years in the dental industry and guides clients through the equipment, technology, and construction phases of their startup. With a background in dental equipment sales, she understands the tactics often used to upsell and inflate costs—and knows exactly what to watch out for. This experience allows her to help clients choose equipment that truly fits a startup practice, avoiding unnecessary purchases while investing in technology that delivers real value. Mary vets contractors and vendors, keeps projects on budget, and ensures clients pay the right price for the right tools. On average, Mary helps clients save approximately $64,000 in equipment and construction costs alone.

Years in Dentistry: 20 Years

Tristyn brings a background in dental banking, giving her firsthand insight into what lenders look for—and which practices successfully repay their loans, grow, and why. She prepares business plans and budgeting tools, supports financing conversations, and introduces associate dentists to banks that align with their goals. Tristyn helps structure financing to secure strong terms and rates that support long-term sustainability.

Years in Dentistry:  10 Years

With experience as a dental-specific real estate professional, a background as a small business owner, and prior military service, Tod understands how location, lease structure, and market dynamics impact long-term practice success. He helps associate dentists evaluate potential sites using relevant market information while ensuring each space aligns with their vision and budget. Tod negotiates commercial lease terms on behalf of associate dentists to secure the strongest possible deal and takes pride in bringing clarity and confidence to complex real estate decisions.

Years in Dentistry: 10 Years

Carolyn is the Operations Manager and works behind the scenes to ensure every detail runs smoothly, from loan closings to day-to-day operational processes. She plays a key role in keeping projects on track and supporting both clients and the internal team throughout the startup journey. Carolyn values working with clients who care about more than just opening their doors—they’re focused on building a strong culture, a connected team, and a meaningful presence in their community.

Years in Dentistry:  20 Years