What does it really take to launch a dental startup while juggling motherhood, a mission-driven vision, and a learn-as-you-go leadership style?

Dr. Pooja Makam opens up about building Lumina Dentistry from the ground up, all while parenting two toddlers and fighting for a patient-first approach in a world of corporate pressure.

In this episode, Dr. Makam takes us behind the scenes of opening her North Carolina practice, from tackling unexpected technology meltdowns to navigating hiring heartbreaks and financial curveballs. She contrasts her corporate dentistry experience with her drive to create genuine, customizable care, revealing how she implemented efficient workflows and a “comfort menu” that attracts modern patients without hard sells. You'll hear real stories of operational fires, evolving boundaries, self-forgiveness, and the power of vetting vendors and advice. If you’re dreaming of practice ownership (or simply want to survive your startup season,) you'll want to hear Dr. Makam’s story!

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The reality of opening a dental startup as a working parent
• What differentiates a patient-first, private practice from DSO-driven dentistry
• Mistakes made and lessons learned in early-stage hiring and team building
• Tactics for smoother workflow, cross-training, and avoiding burnout
• How to realistically test your systems before opening day
• Subtle ways to introduce elective services without seeming salesy
• Marketing and branding hacks (including how $35 can launch your logo)
• Navigating vendor relationships, technology snags, and construction delays
• Setting healthy boundaries to protect family time and your own sanity
• How to filter advice and avoid sales-driven online “mentorship”

Turn up the volume for a raw, practical guide to launching and growing a dental practice on your own terms.

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Sponsors:‍

CallRail: Call tracking + AI that turns calls into campaigns that convert, quality patients, and cost savings. Click our link to start a free trial today! https://sta.mx/vz69

Guest: Dr. Pooja Makam

Practice Name: Lumina Dentistry

Check out Pooja's Media:‍

Website: https://dentist-morrisville.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luminadentistry/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575688889108

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Host: Michael Arias

Join my newsletter: https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/newsletter/‍

Join this podcast's Facebook Group: The Dental Marketer Society

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Love the Podcast? Subscribe on Your Favorite App! https://lnkfi.re/TDMPod

If the fear of facing complex dental implant failures is holding you back, this episode is your key to turning those failures into opportunities!

Dr. Evan Matthysse shares his transformative experience of initial implant failures that led to a turning point for their dental practice. Listen as he reveals how tackling the fear and learning from the best in the field widened their service portfolio, boosted their reputation for handling advanced implant cases, and enhanced overall growth. To all dentists grappling with a fear of failures and complexities: don't miss this chance to learn from Dr. Matthysse's journey and turn your potential setback into your greatest success.

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Listen to Evan's Other Episodes Here:

285: Dr. Evan Matthysse | Choosing the Perfect Software Stack for Open Dental Users – The Dental Marketer Podcast

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Host: Michael Arias

Join my newsletter: https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/newsletter/‍

Join this podcast's Facebook Group: The Dental Marketer Society

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Love the Podcast? Subscribe on Your Favorite App! https://lnkfi.re/TDMPod

What if a warm welcome and a personal touch could be the most powerful tools for growing your dental practice?

In this episode, Dr. Allon reveals how her journey from corporate dentistry to solo practice was powered by a desire for meaningful patient relationships, family support, and a relentless commitment to hospitality. She shares the step-by-step systems her Clear Lake office uses to maximize comfort and efficiency, from five-minute patient intake to comprehensive 90-minute new patient exams and personal follow-up calls after treatment. Dr. Allon also reflects on the behind-the-scenes grit required to launch her practice: navigating unexpected DIY build-out challenges, winning initial patients through strategic signage and ground marketing, and fostering a collaborative, no-ego team culture that attracts both patients and staff. Whether you’re considering the leap into private practice or want inspiration on building trust and visibility, you’ll find practical insight and encouragement in Dr. Allon’s candid story.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The transition from corporate dentistry to starting a solo practice
• How to design a hospitality-driven patient flow that stands out
• Why thorough new patient visits build lasting trust and referrals
• Strategies for marketing your practice with visibility (not just ads)
• Practical tips for juggling practice ownership with family life
• Lessons learned from running your own office build-out on a tight budget
• The impact of personal follow-up calls and ground marketing techniques
• How to foster a team culture without egos or micromanagement
• Overcoming unexpected challenges during a post-pandemic opening
• Why investing in patient relationships leads to rapid growth

Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at how real, patient-focused dentistry can transform your practice and your community!

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(This episode originally aired on 1/18/2024)

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Sponsors:‍

Oryx: All-In-One Cloud-Based Dental Software Created by Dentists for Dentists. Patient engagement, clinical, and practice management software that helps your dental practice grow without compromise. Click or copy and paste the link here for a special offer! https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/oryx/

Net32: Founded by a dentist, for dentists. Net32 is the leading online marketplace for dental supplies, helping dental and medical professionals save on high-quality products for over 25 years. Start saving today at: https://www.net32.com/dentalmarketer

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Guest: Dr. Liel Allon

Practice Name: DentAllon Dentistry

Check out Liel's Media:

Practice: https://www.dentallondentistry.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dentallon_dentistry/

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Host: Michael Arias

Join my newsletter: https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/newsletter/‍

Join this podcast's Facebook Group: The Dental Marketer Society

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Love the Podcast? Subscribe on Your Favorite App! https://lnkfi.re/TDMPod