Episodes

  • Why Business Systems Are the Difference Between Chaos and Confidence in Your Dental Startup Practice

    Why Business Systems Are the Difference Between Chaos and Confidence in Your Dental Startup Practice
    Feb 6 2026
    Most dentists think they have a stress problem or a team problem, when what they really have is a business systems problem. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Amanda Burke to talk about how intentional systems in her startup dental office create confidence for her team, trust for her patients, and real freedom for her as an owner.
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    50 mins
  • The Best Startup Dental Consultant: What Associates Must Look For Before Opening

    The Best Startup Dental Consultant: What Associates Must Look For Before Opening
    Jan 22 2026
    Not all dental consultants are created equal, especially when it comes to startups. In this episode, Stephen breaks down exactly what associate dentists should look for in a startup dental consultant and how the right guidance can prevent expensive mistakes before opening day.
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    36 mins
  • Dental Startups and Marriage: What Every Couple Needs to Know Before Opening a Practice

    Dental Startups and Marriage: What Every Couple Needs to Know Before Opening a Practice
    Dec 16 2025
    In this episode of The Startup Dentist, I delve into the intricate dynamics of launching a dental practice while navigating the challenges of marriage. Joining me are Dr. Dan Danowitz and his wife, Michelle, who share their firsthand experiences as they transitioned from associates to owners of Voorhees Pediatric Dentistry. We explore the emotional, financial, and relational impacts of starting a practice, emphasizing the importance of communication and teamwork for couples embarking on this journey. From balancing long hours to managing stress, their insights offer valuable lessons for aspiring dental entrepreneurs and their partners. Tune in to discover how to strengthen your marriage while building a successful dental practice.
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    43 mins
  • The 12 Month Blueprint: How Associates Can Prepare for Dental Practice Ownership

    The 12 Month Blueprint: How Associates Can Prepare for Dental Practice Ownership
    Nov 25 2025
    Thinking about owning your own dental practice but not sure where to start? In this episode, Stephen walks you through a practical 12 month game plan every associate dentist can follow to get financially, mentally, and strategically ready for ownership so when the time comes, you’re prepared, not panicked.
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    21 mins
  • Common Pitfalls of Dental Acquisitions (and How to Avoid Them)

    Common Pitfalls of Dental Acquisitions (and How to Avoid Them)
    Nov 20 2025
    Buying a dental practice might look like a shortcut to ownership, but for many, it becomes a costly trap. In this episode, Stephen Trutter breaks down the most common pitfalls of dental acquisitions and shares how to protect yourself from overpaying, inheriting hidden problems, and walking into chaos on day one.
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    38 mins
  • Purchasing the Right Way: How to Buy a Dental Practice Without the Costly Mistakes

    Purchasing the Right Way: How to Buy a Dental Practice Without the Costly Mistakes
    Oct 24 2025
    Buying a dental practice can feel like a shortcut to ownership—but it’s only the right move if you know what to look for. In this episode, Stephen Trutter breaks down how to evaluate a dental practice before you buy, avoid common financial pitfalls, and make sure you’re purchasing the right practice for you—not someone else’s problems.
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    35 mins
  • When to Walk Away: What Dentists Need to Know Before Leaving an Associate Position

    When to Walk Away: What Dentists Need to Know Before Leaving an Associate Position
    Sep 19 2025
    Leaving your associateship isn’t just a career move. It’s a life-altering decision. In this episode, Stephen Trutter walks through the most overlooked risks, emotional hurdles, and strategic moves you must make before taking the leap into ownership.
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    46 mins
  • Dental Floorplans for Control: The Overlooked Design Choices That Shape Your Startup's Success

    Dental Floorplans for Control: The Overlooked Design Choices That Shape Your Startup's Success
    Sep 11 2025
    Your floorplan isn’t just walls and cabinets—it’s a blueprint for profitability or chaos. In this episode, Stephen reveals how smart design can supercharge production, improve case acceptance, and keep your team and patients flowing like a dream.
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    43 mins