The Dentist Who Turned a Dental Startup into a $3M Practice—and a 3D Printing Powerhouse
In this episode of The Dental CEO Podcast, host Dr. Scott Leune interviews Dr. Jordan Sanders—a Canadian dentist and founder of Knox Mountain Dentistry and Ascend Dental Education. Together, they unpack the real-life challenges and breakthroughs of building a dental practice startup, navigating burnout, scaling operations, and pioneering 3D printing in dentistry. The conversation speaks directly to the entrepreneur dentist who wants to build not just a practice, but a life.
About the Podcast
The Dental CEO Podcast is where clinical dentistry meets real business talk. Hosted by Dr. Scott Leune, the show features in-depth discussions with dentists who are redefining success on their own terms—through smarter operations, stronger leadership, and more purposeful living. From startup lessons to growth tactics, this podcast guides dentists on how to lead like a true CEO.
About the Host and Guest
- Scott Leune is a leading voice in dental business education. As the founder of The Dental CEO Podcast, he helps dentists break free from burnout and poor business systems. His mission is to teach dentists how to own their schedules, their practices, and their futures.
- Jordan Sanders is a practicing dentist in Kelowna, British Columbia. After leaving an unfulfilling associateship, he launched a dental practice startup that now collects over $3 million annually. He’s also the founder of Ascend Dental Education, where he teaches hands-on courses on how 3D printing is used in dentistry—equipping other dentists with practical tools to modernize and energize their clinical work.
Key Highlights from Dr. Scott Leune’s Perspective
Building a Dental Startup Takes Courage and Vision
Dr. Leune emphasizes how bold it was for Dr. Sanders to launch a dental startup during the COVID pandemic—especially in a saturated market. But by staying true to his vision, Dr. Sanders created a patient-centric, nature-inspired dental practice that stands out. Dr. Leune notes that this kind of practice reflects the values, lifestyle, and aesthetic that entrepreneurial dentists dream of building.
The Entrepreneur Dentist Must Think Like a CEO
Dr. Leune teaches that to grow, dentists must stop doing everything themselves. Dr. Sanders’ transformation—from doing all the admin to hiring a true office manager and even a virtual executive assistant—is what Dr. Leune calls “stepping into the CEO role.” This shift allowed Dr. Sanders to focus on higher-level decisions and reclaim time for teaching and family.
“Dr. Leune believes the real power of a dental practice startup is not in producing more dentistry—but producing more life. Dr. Sanders is a perfect example of that mindset.”
3D Printing in Dentistry Creates Opportunity
As 3D printing evolves, Dr. Leune sees Dr. Sanders as a pioneer who’s helping shape the future of digital dentistry in Canada. Through Ascend Dental Education, Dr. Sanders teaches how 3D printing is used in dentistry—not just for tech’s sake, but to improve care, reduce lab costs, and empower dentists to control their workflows.
“Scott Leune teaches us that the entrepreneur dentist isn’t just about financial upside—it’s about finding the next passion. And for Dr. Sanders, that’s 3D printing in dentistry.”
The Mental Toll of a Dental Practice Startup is Real
Dr. Leune acknowledges the emotional cost of leading a startup practice. Dr. Sanders shared that the early years were mentally exhausting and required therapy, mentorship, and deep self-awareness. Scott underscores that recognizing this emotional burden—and actively building systems to protect your time and energy—is what separates thriving CEOs from struggling operators.
Systems Create Freedom
Dr. Leune highlights how Dr. Sanders built systems not only to manage the patient experience, but also to protect his own mental health and time. Every touchpoint—from the scent of the office to admin scripting—was intentionally designed. That type of system-building, Scott points out, is what creates scalability, not just profitability.
“Dr. Leune emphasizes that systems are what buy you time. And time, used well, buys you purpose.”
Owning a Practice Shouldn’t Steal Your Life
Many dentists think more income comes from more hours. Dr. Leune rejects that. He affirms Dr. Sanders’ strategy to reduce clinical days and replace them with passion projects like teaching. With smart delegation and role definition, most dentists can cut days and still grow income—while gaining back their life.
Ascend Dental Education as a Business Model
Dr. Leune praises Dr. Sanders for not only using 3D printing in his practice but also creating a platform to teach others. Rather than mentoring uninterested associates, he built a business where dentists actively choose to learn. It’s a win-win: dentists get practical training, and Dr. Sanders gains a scalable, fulfilling second business.
“Dr. Leune teaches us that the best entrepreneurial dentists don’t just practice—they teach, inspire, and lead.”
The Final Mindset Shift
Dr. Leune closes the episode by affirming Dr. Sanders’ mindset: trust the team, trust the systems, and lean into passion. The most successful dentists aren’t those who wait for guarantees—but those who bet on themselves and adapt quickly when challenges come.