Rapid Growth as a Dental Start-up!

Let me start this by saying you will not fail. It’s not going to happen. The content I produce about dental start-ups is not built for fear-mongering. It’s not because I feel my coaching and marketing strategies are what makes someone successful; it’s that dental practices rarely fail. 

The issue is that it takes some new owners three to four times longer than others to replace their income and find the success they want. That’s hundreds of thousands of dollars lost in the beginning. I want to change that, and that’s where my content and coaching programs will help you. 

Click to Listen to this episode on the  Dental Start-up Success Podcast.

Where are you in your dental start-up journey?

Whether you’ve already opened your doors or are still in the vision phase, there’s one crucial truth you need to grasp: you don’t know what you don’t know. But don’t worry—that’s exactly why I’m here! My goal is to help you think through the essentials you need to build a brand that eventually grows organically through patient referrals rather than relying on expensive marketing campaigns.

Listen, Learn, and Strategize

If you’re eager to see rapid growth in your practice, it’s vital to approach your startup journey with a strategic mindset. I’ve created a series of episodes designed to guide you step-by-step through the process of building a thriving dental practice. It’s important to listen to these episodes in order, as each one builds upon the last, creating a comprehensive roadmap for success.

Here’s what you will take away: It doesn’t matter whether you’re a seasoned dentist already running your own practice or a fresh graduate still piecing together your vision. Each episode will arm you with valuable insights and actionable strategies. 

If you follow along, use the workbook, and commit to applying the principles I outline, your start-up will grow three times faster than those who decide to wing it. By the end of year one, you’ll be as far along as the average practice owner is by the end of year three. Yes, you read that right—three years of progress in just one!

Download the Workbook here.

Authenticity and Intentionality: Your Advantage over Corporate Dentistry!

Throughout your journey, you’ll hear me talk a lot about the importance of being authentic and intentional. Building a brand that is authentic and connects with your ideal patients is somehting corporate dentistry can’t do effectively. 

There’s a lot of noise for consumers these days—especially the kind that comes from the endless scroll of social media—staying true to your vision can be a challenge. But here’s the truth: authenticity resonates. It helps you cut through the clutter and connect with your patients on a deeper level.

Being intentional, on the other hand, means making every decision with purpose. From the decor of your office to the way you communicate with patients, every detail should reflect the brand you’re building. When you operate with intention, you create an environment that fosters trust, comfort, and loyalty—the kind that leads to those coveted word-of-mouth referrals.

See this tool for Success: Signature Brand Experience™

The Dangers of Online Groups for Dental Start-Ups

We live in an age where advice is just a click away, and it’s tempting to seek validation and guidance from online forums and social media groups. But let me caution you—these spaces can be helpful but also very dangerous.   

These forums can be powerful tools, but it’s also a breeding ground for negativity and misinformation. I’ve seen aspiring practice owners share their ideas online only to be met with unwarranted criticism that leaves them questioning their dreams. In some cases, this negativity has crushed their entrepreneurial spirit; in others, it has caused confusion and a lack of clarity.

Here’s my advice: be selective about where you seek advice. Avoid the noisy, opinionated corners of the internet where people you don’t now are waiting to judge you. Instead, focus on building a trusted circle of advisors—people who genuinely understand your goals and have your best interests at heart. If you can, introduce them to one another so you develop a supportive network of advisors who know and respect each other, which can be invaluable.

The Most Important Step: Building a Dental Brand Quickly

At the core of every successful private dental practice is a brand that connects to their ideal patient. Your brand isn’t just your logo or your tagline—it’s the promise you make to your patients. It’s the feeling they get when they walk through your doors, the care they receive in the chair, and the follow-up they experience afterward. It’s about creating a patient journey that turns first-time visitors into lifelong advocates.

Think about it: Would you rather have patients who find you through expensive ads and gimmicks, or those who come to you because their friend couldn’t stop raving about their amazing experience? The latter is what we’re aiming for—organic growth fueled by genuine patient satisfaction. This is the kind of value that no marketing budget can buy, but it starts with laying a solid foundation built on trust, consistency, and an unwavering commitment to be successful.

Your Journey Starts Now

Embarking on your start-up journey can feel overwhelming, but remember, every great dental entrepreneur began where you are now—with questions, doubts, and a burning desire to succeed in business. You have the power to create a practice that not only reflects your professional values but also enriches the lives of your patients and your staff. By approaching this venture with curiosity, dedication, and a willingness to learn, you’ll be well on your way to building a dental practice that doesn’t just survive but thrives.

So, dive into those episodes, work through the exercises, and embrace this process with an open mind. Your future patients are counting on you, and with the right approach, your dream practice is closer than you think. Let’s make it happen—one step at a time!

 

About the Author Ben Shaver

For over fifteen years, I've guided private dental practice owners on how to rapidly grow their practice brand through leadership, team communication and marketing.

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