If building your own dental startup sounds overwhelming and expensive, here's a real-world look behind the curtain on tough decisions and smart spending as a practice owner!

In this episode, Dr. Katie Mathis shares her rollercoaster journey from ambitious associate to proud owner of Prairie Creek Dental, revealing what it really takes to bring a single-doctor practice to life in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. You’ll get a front-row seat to the pivotal decisions that shaped her path, from navigating complex construction logistics to choosing between an acquisition or a startup, all while forging a practice that truly reflects her standards and values.

Michael and Dr. Mathis delve into the daily realities of starting fresh—the anxieties of big loans, the strategic art of hiring, and the delicate balance of marketing to and caring for patients in a competitive landscape. Dr. Mathis opens up about practical systems she’s put in place, the vital role of a supportive community, and the power of smart financial planning (hint: don’t forget that dental-specific accountant!). Her real-world tips and candid anecdotes make this a must-listen episode for any dentists dreaming of practice ownership or looking to fine-tune their current practice.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• When to choose a startup over acquiring an existing dental practice
• Essential first steps for building your own dental startup
• Key factors that influenced Dr. Mathis’s decision to launch in Cedar Rapids
• How to hire and build a reliable practice team from day one
• The real challenges and rewards of taking on significant debt
• Effective marketing tactics for new dental practices in small communities
• Practical ways to manage patient expectations and treatment plans
• The importance of a dental-specific accountant and strong financial systems
• Advice for maintaining an emergency fund and preparing for unexpected costs
• Real-life lessons learned and actionable advice from Dr. Mathis’s journey

Hit play to uncover the behind-the-scenes realities and practical strategies of building your own successful dental practice!

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Sponsors:

DocSites: Do you need a new website or marketing agency with no long-term contracts? Visit DocSites' website here and be sure to mention The Dental Marketer for $500 off! docsites.com

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Guest: Dr. Katie Mathis

Practice Name: Prairie Creek Dental

Check out Katie's Media:‍

Website: pcdiowa.com

Email: [email protected]

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Host: Michael Arias

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