How to Open a Dental Practice

When contractor bids come back higher than expected, the issue often starts with what’s missing from the landlord’s work letter. In this episode, Art and Hailee break down a real situation where a healthcare tenant discovered major gaps in the landlord’s delivery—including no HVAC, no electrical panel, no drywall, and even no concrete slab. For dental offices, these items can dramatically inflate...

Renovations can fall apart long before construction begins — and in this case study, a 3,500 sq. ft. dental expansion in Arizona shows exactly how. What looked like a “full” drawing set turned out to be missing critical engineering details, complete specifications, clear phasing, and even basic contract protections. The result? Four wildly different bids, unclear scope, and a project headed toward...

In this “Whoops, It Can Happen to You” episode, Art and Antonis break down a real-world situation that every dentist should understand before expanding their practice. A doctor attempted to renegotiate a sublease on an adjoining space—only to discover he was unintentionally renegotiating his entire lease without professional guidance. Antonis walks through the hidden risks, overlooked opportunitie...

Many dentists assume that taking over a former medical office will save time and money — but as Art and Sara reveal, that’s often far from the truth. In this episode, they break down what really goes into converting a medical space into a functional dental practice. From occupancy codes and power upgrades to compressor rooms, plumbing, and fire-rated nitrous closets, every detail matters. Tune in...

Second-generation dental spaces can look like a shortcut — faster to open, cheaper to build, and already “set up.” But in reality, many doctors discover hidden challenges, unexpected costs, and long-term compromises they didn’t anticipate. In this episode, Sara and Art walk through the critical steps to evaluate an existing dental office before you lease or purchase it. They explain why simply inh...

Banks, contractors, and doctors don’t always speak the same language—and that confusion can cost you. In this episode, Art and Antonis explain what lenders actually mean when they ask for a “construction bid,” how to tell the difference between an estimate and a bid, and why contingencies can lead to unnecessary costs. If you’re financing a dental build-out or renovation, this discussion will help...

From the look of your office to the technology you invest in, every choice you make as a practice owner impacts your return on investment. In this episode, Hailee sits down with Art and Antonis to explore what truly drives ROI for dental practices. Is it your design aesthetic, your equipment lineup, or the patient experience you deliver? The team breaks down how each factor influences patient perc...

In this episode of How to Open a Dental Practice, Art, Antonis, and Hailee explore three real-world case studies from Art’s recent visits to dental offices, each highlighting a unique ownership or operational challenge. They break down: A dentist navigating the tension between leasing and owning her condo space — and how seller financing could reshape the outcome. A practice owner is weighing reno...

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 po...

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 b...

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 t...

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-en...

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 stan...

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 cre...

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.

Is it really possible to build a dental practice without using any of your own money? Sara and Art unpack a real-world example where poor budgeting, a vague LOI, and a misleading test fit led to financial strain. They explain what TI allowances actually cover, why design always comes before demolition, and how early planning prevents costly surprises.

Sara and Art share the story of a ventilation and HVAC failure that delayed a new dental practice from passing inspection. What seemed like a contractor issue revealed a deeper design flaw—caused by a lack of coordination between the mechanical engineer and build team. They explain how to avoid these expensive missteps with better oversight, smarter mechanical design, and early alignment with your...

In this episode of How to Open a Dental Practice, Sara and Art talk about all things trade shows. From tips on how to make the most of your time at the event to the value that lives beyond CE credits, this episode breaks down how to approach trade show season with purpose. Whether you're attending to learn, network, or explore new vendors, this conversation offers practical advice for doctors at a...

In this episode of How to Open a Dental Practice, we dive into the critical role of architectural drawings in the planning and development of your dental office. Artin Safarian breaks down why these drawings are more than just blueprints—they’re the foundation for compliance, functionality, and long-term success. We’ll discuss common mistakes to avoid, how detailed drawings impact permitting and c...

In this inaugural episode of How to Open a Dental Practice, Senior Integrated Practice Specialist Sara Reichenbach and President of Arminco Inc. Artin Safarian kick off the series with an engaging discussion on what it takes to successfully plan and launch a dental practice. From defining your vision to selecting the right location and navigating design and construction, Sara and Artin draw on the...