Podcast Recap: How to Successfully Build Your Dream Dental Office

Key Takeaways

  • Start early with strategic planning. Budget six to nine months before construction to evaluate spaces, negotiate leases, and design for both current needs and future growth.
  • Hire specialists, not generalists. Dental office construction requires precision and experience, and small mistakes in layout, plumbing, or equipment placement can lead to costly fixes later.
  • Prioritize long-term value over short-term savings. The lowest bid often overlooks critical project elements, causing delays, additional costs, and lost revenue opportunities.
  • Build a trusted advisory team. Partner with a CPA, attorney, lender, and specialized contractor who understand the dental industry to align financial planning, construction, and growth strategy.
  • View your office as a business investment. A well-planned, properly executed build sets the foundation for operational efficiency, patient experience, and long-term profitability.

For many dentists, opening a new practice is one of the most exciting yet nerve-wracking steps in their careers. Between student loan debt, construction costs, and the weight of building something from the ground up, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, according to Dustin Long with Big Sky Northwest, a general contractor specializing in dental office construction and a guest on a recent Beyond Bitewings podcast, careful planning, the right team, and trusted expertise can make the process not only smoother but also more rewarding.

Construction Is About More Than Walls and Floors

Long, who has overseen more than 300 dental office builds over the past decade, emphasizes that great construction is about more than just brick and mortar; it’s about creating an experience. From the moment a dentist chooses a location to the day they welcome their first patient, each step tells a story. And with most practices built within 12 to 14 weeks once construction begins, that story unfolds quickly. But the real work starts long before ground is broken.

In fact, Long recommends budgeting six to nine months before construction for planning. During this time, dentists should work closely with brokers, attorneys, CPAs, designers, and contractors to evaluate spaces, negotiate lease terms, design layouts, and plan for future growth. Considering not just current needs but also future goals, including additional operatories, associates, or expanded services, ensures the space remains functional and profitable for years to come.

Why Specialization Matters

One of the most common mistakes dentists make is hiring a general contractor who doesn’t specialize in dental facilities. Precision matters in dental construction; a chair placed an inch too far in one direction can throw off ergonomics and patient flow. And oversights in plumbing, gas lines, or operatory design can lead to costly renovations later. As Long puts it, “It’s far more expensive to redo a practice than to do it right the first time.”

Beyond the build itself, specialized contractors also help avoid hidden costs by identifying potential site issues, negotiating tenant improvement allowances, and incorporating essential details into the plan from day one.

Look Beyond the Price Tag

While it’s natural to focus on keeping costs down, choosing the cheapest option can backfire. Long shared stories of clients who went with low-cost bids only to discover that 30% of their project had been overlooked. This can lead to expensive delays, unexpected add-ons, and lost revenue from extended construction timelines.

Think of it this way: a poorly designed or delayed build could reduce your number of operatories and potentially cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars in revenue each year. On the other hand, investing in an experienced dental construction team often pays for itself by saving time, preventing errors, and maximizing profitability from day one.

Build Your Advisory Team Now

With the right planning and partners, launching your practice doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. In fact, it can be one of the most exciting chapters of your career. Working with professionals who understand the business side of dentistry ensures that every element, from funding and financial forecasting to office design, is aligned with your growth strategy. When your advisory team understands the nuances of dentistry and is working toward the same goal, you’re not just building an office, you’re building a stronger, more profitable future.

Podcast Recap: Unlock Hidden Revenue in Your Dental Practice with Mobile Specialty Care

In this episode of Beyond Bitewings, host Ash sat down with Cindy Lozano, co-founder of Nomad Mobile Dental Specialists, to discuss how her company helps general dental practices keep specialty procedures in-house. Rather than referring patients to outside specialists for endodontics, periodontics, oral surgery, or even advanced procedures like all-on-four implants, Nomad provides the specialists, assistants, and equipment directly to the general practice. This approach allows practices to keep both the patient relationship and the associated revenue under their own roof.

Cindy explained that Nomad handles nearly everything needed for specialty services, from training staff on specialty insurance verification to bringing in their own assistants and disposables for procedures. The only responsibilities left to the practice are managing patient payments, filing insurance claims (if they choose), and providing sterilization space and the dental chair. Nomad carries malpractice insurance and works with practices to integrate seamlessly, tailoring the arrangement to each office’s workflow.

Financially, the model is designed to be simple and low-risk for practices. Instead of paying upfront, practices agree to share a pre-set percentage of the specialty production with Nomad, while retaining the rest. Cindy shared examples of practices that have grown dramatically, with one office increasing daily production from $3,000 to $25,000 through consistent use of Nomad’s services. In some cases, practices that never realized they needed specialty support have seen up to $90,000 in monthly production once Nomad helped them identify patient opportunities.

Flexibility is central to Nomad’s approach. Some practices schedule visits every few weeks, while others bring Nomad in multiple times a month. The service is not one-size-fits-all; Cindy emphasized that each partnership is tailored to patient demand and practice needs. Even offices that handle some specialty cases themselves can rely on Nomad for complex or high-risk procedures, allowing them to provide a broader scope of care without losing patients to outside referrals.

The conversation also touched on implementation. Nomad typically introduces itself through a lunch-and-learn with the office team, followed by a pilot day about six to eight weeks later. From there, the frequency of visits is set based on patient volume. Cindy underscored that their model isn’t about running another practice’s operations but creating a genuine partnership that adds value on both the patient and business side. For practices, that means less lost revenue, greater patient satisfaction, and a more complete set of services under one roof.

Podcast Recap: What Should Dental Students Know About the Business Side Before Graduating?

In a recent Beyond Bitewings episode, Ash sat down with David Mitchell, Meija, a D3 dental student at Texas A&M, to discuss what dental students really need to know before entering the profession. While most of dental school focuses on clinical training, the conversation highlighted how critical it is to also prepare for the business and financial realities of running or joining a practice.

Mitchell, who earned an accounting degree before attending dental school, shared his curiosity about the practical steps new dentists should take to be ready for life after graduation. Ash’s first piece of advice was to recognize that no one succeeds alone. He emphasized the importance of building a team of experts early on, including professionals such as CPAs, lenders, and legal advisors, who can help navigate decisions about location, financing, and contracts. While it’s possible to research these topics independently, having trusted advisors makes it easier to sort through information and apply it to your unique situation.

Location and financing topped the list of early concerns for aspiring practice owners. Ash noted that choosing the right place to live and work impacts not only a dentist’s professional success but also their family life. Financing is another hurdle, and knowing what terms, structures, or lenders make sense for a new practice is often best evaluated with expert guidance. Building these relationships before graduation helps new dentists hit the ground running.

The discussion also turned to associate agreements. Too often, new graduates sign contracts without fully understanding compensation models, restrictive covenants, or exit clauses. Ash urged dental students to have these agreements reviewed by experienced professionals who know what’s typical for a given market. Negotiating for terms that reflect fair compensation and realistic restrictions can make a significant difference in long-term career flexibility.

Financial literacy was another recurring theme. From setting aside money for taxes to starting retirement savings early, new dentists must shift quickly from the world of student loans to managing real income. Ash stressed the value of working with financial professionals to create plans for debt repayment, tax compliance, and long-term savings. Starting early with even modest contributions can harness the power of compounding growth over time.

Finally, Mitchell asked about the differences between corporate dentistry (DSOs) and private practice. While Ash acknowledged there are benefits to both, he explained that DSOs, driven by investors, often prioritize efficiency and volume, which can sometimes reduce time spent with patients. This model may not suit every dentist, particularly those who value longer patient interactions. As the profession continues to evolve, understanding these differences will help new dentists choose the path that aligns best with their personal and professional goals.

Podcast Recap: Dental Marketing ROI & Google’s Best Practices

In this episode of Beyond Bitewings, Ash sits down with David Herman, founder of Web Marketing for Dentists, to dive into the nuances of dental marketing. The conversation explores how marketing can go beyond vanity metrics and instead focus on attracting the right patients, supporting practice goals, and generating a measurable return on investment.

David emphasizes that dental marketing isn’t one-size-fits-all. While some providers cast a wide net using generic ads or basic websites, truly effective campaigns reflect a practice’s unique strengths, services, and patient base. For example, different messaging is needed for marketing emergency care versus implants or Invisalign. Patients are often driven by urgency or emotion and understanding that dynamic is key to designing outreach that resonates.

Another focus of the conversation is the importance of data. While many dental professionals view marketing as a necessary expense, David encourages practices to treat it like an investment, one that should deliver trackable results. He explains how to tie leads back to production, giving practice owners the information they need to make smarter decisions about their marketing budgets and strategy.

The episode also touches on the most common pitfalls that practices – particularly newer ones – tend to face. From slow-loading websites and underdeveloped content to inconsistent follow-up processes, these issues can derail even the best campaigns. David offers practical advice on how to audit and improve a practice’s digital presence, emphasizing that simple, foundational changes often yield the biggest returns.

Throughout the conversation, one theme stands out: good marketing starts with knowing who you are and what kind of patients you want to serve. Whether you provide general dental care, or specialize in cosmetic dentistry, full-arch restorations, or TMJ treatment, building a marketing plan that reflects your values and capabilities is what ultimately creates trust and drives results.

Cryptocurrency: The Basics

What you need to know about cryptocurrency

There’s a lot of buzz surrounding cryptocurrency these days, inspiring our recent podcast Cryptocurrency: An Introduction. Bitcoin, the first cryptocurrency, has been around for a decade. Yet crypto is still a mystery to most. There are over 15,000 different cryptocurrencies available! But only around 16% of Americans say they have invested/traded in crypto. However, some platforms such as Bitcoin and Ethereum have exploded in value from just a few years ago, enticing more investors and novices. If you haven’t yet explored crypto, should you consider investing? What are some risks? How should you report your transactions to the IRS? Let’s explore.

De-Fi

Cryptocurrency is virtual currency existing on the internet. Unlike traditional currency, crypto is decentralized, meaning it isn’t under a single entity’s control. In this sense, cryptocurrencies don’t belong to any one country and can’t be controlled by a government or bank. Think of the US Dollar. The US government created it and regulates it. Conversely, crypto is part of a broader concept called decentralized finance (DeFi). DeFi removes bank control over money and financial services. It is secured through cryptography using blockchain technology. In simple terms, it uses an encryption technology that keeps transactions secure and an algorithm that eliminates the need for middlemen. It makes it impossible to counterfeit transactions or double-spend, which happens quite frequently with traditional currency. It also allows borrowing without the need for a bank.

Blockchain

As its name suggests, you can view the blockchain as a set of connected blocks or an online ledger. Each block holds information about a set of transactions and is verified independently by each member (computer) in the network. Once a transaction is formed, it can’t be changed, making forgery nearly impossible. But blockchain is not just for crypto. Companies are researching many uses for this technology including banking, medical records, and self-driving cars.  

Storage

Despite the secure technology behind crypto, there is risk when it comes to storing your coin. You have several options to safely store your crypto, each with its pros and cons.

Cold-storage options mean putting your coin on a hard drive or USB drive that is not connected to the internet. Third-party companies such as Trezor and Ledger make very secure hardware wallets. This is the preferred method to store large quantities of crypto. It’s safe from online theft so long as there is some antivirus software in place. Unfortunately, hardware wallets can be lost, stolen, or damaged. This means the coin stored on the device may be lost forever.

With hot-storage, or cloud-based storage, you use a third-party app or digital wallet. Digital wallets shouldn’t be used to store large amounts of crypto. Rather, use digital wallets only to store small amounts for trade or transactions. Some popular examples include Coinbase wallet, Kraken, and Exodus.

Tax Treatment

The IRS treats gains and losses from exchanging crypto like selling stocks or real property. This means that if you buy a coin for $20,000 and sell for $40,000 you realize a taxable capital gain of $20,000. It may be either long-term or short-term depending on your holding period. The IRS’s desire would be to require annual disclosure from the crypto exchanges–1099s of some sort. But it doesn’t have the resources or means currently to crackdown on crypto exchanges.

But this doesn’t mean you can avoid reporting your gains. Crypto operates on an “open-ledger” which means that all transactions are visible to the public and thus to the IRS. The IRS is currently slow to enact any changes to the law regarding the tax treatment of virtual currencies. However, it has encouraged exchanges such as Coinbase to report transactions over $20,000. Some exchanges may voluntarily comply with this request by sending a 1099.  

Wrap-up

Ultimately your decision to invest…or not…in crypto will depend on many factors. Is there value in the underlying technology of crypto which determines if there is value in crypto itself? Is the idea of decentralized finance important to you? How will a crypto investment affect your overall financial health? Consider making a conscious decision before investing. Don’t let the complexities steer you away from the discussion.