The Golden Age of Dental Startups: Why Now is the Best Time to Build Your Practice
In this episode of The Dental CEO Podcast, Dr. Scott Leune emphasizes that we are currently living in the golden age of dental startups. He believes that today’s landscape presents unprecedented opportunities for dentists considering opening a dental practice. With access to better marketing strategies, favorable real estate deals, and more efficient financial structures, how to open a dental practice has never been easier or more profitable.
Dr. Leune outlines the key factors that make this era ideal for a dental practice startup, including the ability to secure substantial loans, advancements in dental technology that increase case acceptance, and more cost-effective ways to attract and retain patients. He also breaks down the core elements of success for a dental startup, including choosing the right location, understanding patient flow, and leveraging modern marketing strategies to maximize growth.
Throughout the episode, Dr. Leune provides insight into the financial and operational advantages of starting a practice today compared to previous decades. He urges dentists to take action, recognizing that every year they delay their dental practice startup is a missed opportunity for both financial growth and career fulfillment.
About the Host: Dr. Scott Leune
Dr. Scott Leune is a highly respected entrepreneur and educator in the dental industry. With over 15 years of experience, he has built, managed, and consulted on more than 1,000 dental startups nationwide. As the founder of several dental business ventures, he has dedicated his career to teaching dentists how to open a dental practice with minimal risk and maximum profitability.
Scott believes that success in opening a dental practice comes down to a combination of strategy, efficiency, and the willingness to embrace change. Through his speaking engagements, startup seminars, and coaching, he has helped hundreds of dentists build thriving practices, proving that a well-structured dental practice startup can be one of the most rewarding and financially successful decisions in a dentist’s career.
Key Highlights from the Episode
Why Now is the Best Time for a Dental Startup
Dr. Scott Leune strongly believes that today’s market conditions make opening a dental practice easier and more profitable than ever before. He points out that the post-COVID landscape has shifted in favor of dental startups, with factors like reduced competition from DSOs, increased marketing efficiency, and lower real estate costs creating the perfect opportunity for new practice owners. Unlike in the past, where dentists had to struggle with high marketing expenses and cutthroat competition, today’s environment allows startups to attract and retain patients at a fraction of the previous cost.
The Three Growth Drivers for a Successful Dental Practice Startup
According to Dr. Leune, every dental practice startup relies on three core pillars:
- Patient Flow – Bringing in new patients and retaining them is essential. Today, automated retention systems, digital marketing strategies, and organic social media engagement make it easier than ever to maintain a steady patient base. With DSOs slowing down expansion, dental startups have greater access to local patient pools.
- Diagnosis – Advances in technology and an aging patient population have increased the demand for dental procedures. Implants, orthodontics, laser therapy, sleep apnea treatment, and advanced periodontal procedures allow general dentists to diagnose and treat a broader range of conditions, increasing production per patient.
- Case Acceptance – Dr. Leune highlights how modern dental startups are leveraging AI-driven X-ray analysis, 3D imaging, smile simulation software, and intraoral cameras to educate patients and boost case acceptance. These technologies help patients visualize their treatment needs, making them more likely to commit to comprehensive care.
Financial Advantages for New Practices
One of the biggest advantages of starting a practice today is the availability of large loans. Dr. Leune explains that banks are offering record-breaking funding amounts for dental startups, often reaching $1 million. However, he emphasizes the importance of being financially disciplined—while securing a large loan is beneficial, spending wisely is critical. He warns against overspending on unnecessary equipment and excessive square footage, advocating for a lean, efficient dental practice startup model that balances cost-effectiveness with high-end aesthetics and functionality.
Find more dental financial tips here: https://scottleune.com/blog/the-dental-ceo-financial-strategies-with-dr-scott-leune/
Choosing the Right Location for Your Dental Startup
Dr. Leune dismisses outdated ideas about ideal locations for opening a dental practice. Instead of simply placing a practice near a grocery store or in a high-income area, he emphasizes a data-driven approach. Using demographic analysis, he identifies prime locations based on patient density, demand, and competition. He believes that every major city and many suburban areas still have untapped potential for dental startups, and with the right research, dentists can find profitable locations that ensure long-term success.
The Mindset Shift: From Employee to Entrepreneur
Dr. Leune passionately advocates for dentists to embrace their entrepreneurial potential. He believes that many dentists remain stuck in uninspiring associateships due to fear of failure. He urges them to recognize that opening a dental practice is not just about financial gain—it’s about freedom, passion, and the ability to create a work environment that aligns with their values. He reminds listeners that every year spent working for someone else is a year of lost income and unfulfilled potential. He stresses that the real risk isn’t how to open a dental practice—it’s waiting too long to take control of one’s career.
The Science of a Successful Startup
Dr. Leune compares the journey of opening a dental practice to climbing a mountain. While past generations of dentists had to navigate this journey blindly, today’s entrepreneurs have access to a clear, proven roadmap. By following established best practices, seeking mentorship, and utilizing modern tools, new practice owners can accelerate their success and minimize mistakes. He emphasizes that dentists no longer have to struggle through trial and error—by learning from those who have already built successful dental startups, they can reach profitability faster and with less stress.
Read about Startup or Acquisition? Decoding the Best Path to Dental Practice Success
Final Thoughts
Dr. Leune concludes the episode with a call to action: now is the time to act. With the perfect combination of financial resources, technological advancements, and strategic guidance, any dentist considering how to open a dental practice has an unprecedented opportunity to thrive. He encourages listeners to step out of their comfort zones, bet on themselves, and take the first step toward building a practice that aligns with their vision and values.