In this Whoops, It Can Happen to You episode of How to Open a Dental Practice, Sara shares a cautionary tale about what happens when dentists try to cut corners by hiring contractors below budget. While saving money up front might seem appealing, the hidden risks and long-term costs can be devastating. Through real-life examples, this episode explores the pitfalls of penny-pinching—ranging from poor workmanship to ethical dilemmas—and highlights how those choices can derail your project and cost you more in the end. Learn why investing in the right team from the start is one of the smartest financial decisions you can make for your practice.

Choosing the right location is one of the biggest factors in your practice’s success. In this episode of How to Open a Dental Practice, we dive into the essential questions every dentist should ask their realtor before signing a lease. From navigating zoning regulations and understanding lease terms to evaluating long-term growth potential, you’ll get practical tips to ensure your space supports both your vision and your future. Whether you’re opening your very first office or expanding into a new one, this episode will help you approach the process with clarity and confidence.

In this episode of How to Open a Dental Practice, we unpack one of the most important relationships in your startup journey: the one with your general contractor. Knowing the right questions to ask can save you from costly mistakes and delays. From evaluating past project experience to understanding how a GC handles challenges, you’ll learn what to listen for in their answers—and which red flags to avoid. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of the contractor’s true role in bringing your vision to life, and the confidence to approach your build with the right partner on your side.

For dentists starting a new practice, timing can be everything. Should you lock in a lease before securing financing, or line up your loan before committing to a space? In this episode, we break down the pros and cons of each path, share common pitfalls, and give you the clarity you need to make the right first move for your dental startup.

HVAC problems can quickly undermine patient experience in a dental practice, even in a brand-new space. This episode examines how overlooked mechanical details, like missing dampers or repurposed ductwork, create comfort issues and unnecessary expenses. We share strategies for ensuring mechanical systems are designed, specified, and installed correctly, plus tips for avoiding the trap of “value-engineered” bids that cut out essential components. Learn how to safeguard your renovation or build from these avoidable setbacks.

Finding the right space for your dental practice goes beyond looks. We discuss the critical factors to assess during property tours, including ADA compliance, restroom requirements, and egress points. You’ll learn how space shape and layout impact operational efficiency, why early involvement from your design team prevents costly adjustments, and how building type — retail, medical office, or standalone — affects your budget and build. We also explore the trade-offs of first- vs. second-generation spaces and why location quality should never be sacrificed for a lower rent.

Refreshing a dental office can boost patient perception and improve functionality, but timing and planning are everything. This episode covers how to choose the right moment to renovate, whether you’re refreshing aesthetics, upgrading systems, or reconfiguring for a better workflow. We discuss budgeting with both design priorities and functional needs in mind, how to avoid code-triggered scope creep, and ways to minimize downtime during construction. You’ll also learn how to weigh the costs and benefits of phased renovations versus full shutdowns.

A last-minute decision to bring on an associate dentist caused a major redesign for one oral surgeon. Sara and Art walk through how a missing compressor line disrupted the entire project, costing time, money, and momentum. Learn how business plan shifts impact construction, and why aligning your clinical vision and build scope early is crucial to staying on track.