✍️ Designing a Dental Practice That Actually Works: Lessons from 1,000+ Buildouts

If you’re planning a dental startup, expanding your dental office, or just want to avoid costly construction mistakes, this episode is packed with must-know insights from someone who’s seen it all. Mike D’Inzio sits down with Steve Anderson, founder of Denco Dental Construction, to unpack what makes a dental practice functional, profitable, and built to last.

With over 1,000 dental office buildouts under his belt, Steve shares his most valuable lessons on floor plan layout, operatory design, workflow efficiency, mechanical systems, permitting pitfalls, and more.

💡In this episode, you’ll discover :

• How to design a dental practice that supports team productivity
• The #1 mistake dentists make during construction (and how to avoid it)
• Why your workflow should shape your floor plan—not the other way around
• What “Design-Build” really means and why it saves time and money
• The truth about waiting room space and post-COVID patient flow
• How smart design choices can increase production from Day One

Whether you're working with an architect, a general contractor, or going it alone—don’t make design decisions until you hear this.

🎧 Hit play and learn how to build a practice that works as hard as you do.

Guest Steve Anderson/Denco Dental Construction
https://www.dencodental.com
(480) 201-7479
steve@dencodental.com
Steve Anderson's book – Blueprints for Success (link below 👇)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DNNYLYK6?binding=paperback&qid=1742878073&sr=8-1&ref=dbs_dp_rwt_sb_pc_tpbk

Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify - Your feedback helps us bring more unscripted & valuable content to your practice and other on the ownership journey! Watch uis LIVE on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/@dentalunscripted
You can ask Questions during LIVE STREAMS and be a part of conversation!

Michael Dinsio is a Dental Startup Consultant and can partner with you through the entire startup process. Learn more about what he does and can do here: https://nxlevelconsultants.com/dental-practice-ownership/starting-a-dental-practice/

#DentalStartup #DentalOfficeDesign #PracticeOwnership #DentalConstruction #DentalBuildout #DentalWorkflow #DentalConsulting #DentistryBusiness #DentalContractor #DesignBuild

Thinking about a dental practice startup or remodeling your existing office? This special "Dental Shark Week" episode of Dental Unscripted is your ultimate guide to dental practice construction! Join Mike Dinsio as he interviews Chad Hill from Hill Commercial Construction, a leading dental contractor in the Colorado market, who shares invaluable insights from his extensive experience in building dental offices.

• Choosing the Right Space: Discover what critical factors a general contractor looks for during the due diligence process for both rented spaces and ground-up builds. Learn about evaluating infrastructure like electrical, sewer, and HVAC, and understanding potential issues like asbestos or soil conditions.
• From Plans to Permit: Understand the journey from initial floor plan concepts (often provided by equipment reps!) to securing city permits. Chad emphasizes the importance of a budget-minded architect who truly understands your vision, balancing desired aesthetics with practical costs.
• Navigating Hard Bids & Unexpected Costs: Get insights into the challenges of the hard bid process when design isn't aligned with budget, and how experienced contractors manage unforeseen issues like material delays or tariffs.
• The Power of Partnership: Learn why choosing a contractor who acts as a partner, offering transparent communication and problem-solving, is crucial for a smooth and successful project.

Chad emphasizes that projects aren't slowing down, and for those considering getting into business or making a move, there's no better time than now!

Guest: Chad Hill, Hill Commercial Construction
Connect with Chad: chill@hillcommercial.com
https://hillcommercial.com/
303.994.4849

Like this episode?
Hit SUBSCRIBE, leave us a comment, and let us know what other "Dental Shark Week" topics you want us to tackle!

Michael Dinsio is a Dental Startup Consultant and can partner with you through the entire startup process. Learn more about what he does and can do here: https://nxlevelconsultants.com/dental-practice-ownership/starting-a-dental-practice/

Like this episode?
Hit SUBSCRIBE, leave us a comment, and let us know what other "Dental Shark Week" topics you want us to tackle!

Michael Dinsio is a Dental Startup Consultant and can partner with you through the entire startup process. Learn more about what he does and can do here: https://nxlevelconsultants.com/dental-practice-ownership/starting-a-dental-practice/

Join us in this episode as we dive deep into practical advice for building a dental practice from scratch. Whether you're embarking on your entrepreneurial journey or considering building a new location, we have tailored this 'Dental Shark Week' focusing on dental practice construction. A key focus of the discussion is the "design build" model, where the contractor, designer, and client collaborate from the outset to ensure the project meets the doctor's needs and budget before permit submission. This integrated approach saves time and money by avoiding over-engineered systems often seen in traditional bid models where architects may not consider budget during the design phase. Dustin also provides critical timelines, noting that after permits are in hand, an office can be ready for equipment in approximately twelve weeks, and ready to see the first patient in about fourteen weeks

Connect with Dustin Long/Big Sky Construction:
(206) 259-0936
https://www.bigskynorthwest.com/contact

0:00 Intro
1:51 Why Dental Construction Matters
7:05 The Importance of Contractor Early Involvement & Due Diligence
20:20 The "Design-Build" Model (Benefits, Avoiding Over-Engineering)
29:55 The Impact of Delays & Change Orders, or Value Engineering
32:38 Key Questions to Ask a Contractor (Budget, Timelines, Experience)
37:37 The Cost of Materials and Labor Drives Rates

Don't forget to subscribe, rate the show 5 STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️, and engage with our community by watching on YouTube or participating in our live streams! https://www.youtube.com/@DentalUnscripted

For more information about working with Michael as a Dental Startup Consultant, visit Next Level Consultants at https://nxlevelconsultants.com/dental-practice-ownership/starting-a-dental-practice/

Join Mike Dinsio for an exciting Dental Unscripted Shark Week episode, diving deep into dental practice construction with Kenny Ackerman of Accurate Construction! In this episode, we explore the ins and outs of building or expanding your dental practice, from choosing the right space to managing budgets in today’s market. Kenny shares expert tips on why early contractor involvement is crucial, how in-house services streamline projects, and the must-ask questions to ensure you hire the right general contractor. Perfect for dentists starting up or scaling up, this episode delivers practical advice to make your construction journey smooth and successful. Subscribe, give us a five-star rating, and catch more Dental Unscripted Shark Week episodes for game-changing insights!

Key Takeaways:

• Why involving a contractor early saves time and money
• How to evaluate spaces for power, HVAC, and more
• Questions to ask your contractor for a confident partnership
• Navigating construction costs in 2025
• The value of trust and communication with your GC

0:00 Intro
1:35 Meet Kenny Ackerman & Accurate Construction
4:38 Working w/ a Contractor Early On
9:13 Build a Relationship with Your Contractor
11:20 Site Selection Process
15:20 Collaborating with Real Estate Agents
31:08 Benefits of "In-House" Services
33:28 Questions to Ask Your General Contractor
39:20 When is the Best Time to Build

Guest: Kenny Ackerman/Accurate Construction
727-709-6887
accuratetpa@gmail.com
https://accurateconstructioncorp.com/

Like this episode?
SUBSCRIBE, on youtube https://www.youtube.com/@DentalUnscripted
Leave us a comment, and let us know what other "Dental Shark Week" topics you want us to tackle!

Michael Dinsio is a Dental Startup Consultant and can partner with you through the entire startup process. Learn more about what he does and can do here: https://nxlevelconsultants.com/dental-practice-ownership/starting-a-dental-practice/

00:00 - Intro
01:01 - Battle of the Brains: Dental KPIs
03:36 - KPI 1 (Paula): Hygiene Reappointment Rate
06:10 - KPI 1 (Mike): Wages to Collections Ratio
09:54 - Target Goals: What Numbers Should You Aim For?
13:03 - KPI 2 (Paula): Case Acceptance
21:27 - KPI 2 (Mike): Patient Retention vs. New Patients
25:52 - KPI 3 (Paula): Production vs. Collections
29:30 - KPI 3 (Mike): New Patient Acquisition Cost & ROI
32:56 - The Value vs. Cost of Marketing
36:05 - Who Won? Final Thoughts

In this episode of Dental Unscripted, it's a battle of the brains as Mike Dinsio and Paula Quinn go head-to-head, debating the most critical Key Practice Indicators (KPIs) for a thriving dental practice. Mike, with his financial and marketing expertise , faces off against Paula, the master of operations and clinical aspects. They each present their top KPIs, making a case for why theirs are the most important for practice success.

Which KPIs will come out on top?
Hygiene Reappointment Rates: Why this is the "heartbeat of the practice."
Wages to Collections Ratio: The key to managing profitability.
Case Acceptance: How to measure it and what the top performers are achieving.
Patient Retention: Are you losing patients out the back door?
Production Per Day: The daily number your whole team should be watching.
New Patient Acquisition Cost: Are you getting a return on your marketing investment?

Watch to see who wins the debate and gain valuable insights to help you focus on the numbers that will truly move the needle in your practice. Let us know in the comments which KPIs you think are most important!

Visit Michael & Paula at NEXT LEVEL CONSULTANTS
https://nxlevelconsultants.com
They offer a variety and flexible solutions to any dentist who wants to become a practice owner or just get advisors and coaching on the practice you are running now!

Is your dental lease a ticking time bomb? While most dentists focus on the cost of monthly rent, REAL DANGER lies buried in the fine print. In this episode of Dental Unscripted, hosts Michael Dinsio is joined by dental real estate expert Dan Gleissner of Ally Healthcare Real Estate in Colorado to pull back the curtain on the complex world of dental leases.

Discover why a general real estate agent isn't really equipped to handle a dental practice's most critical contract! Why is having a dental-specific real estate professional essential. Dan Gleissner breaks down the key agreement clauses every dentist needs to understand before signing, whether you're starting, buying, or renewing!!!

• The Exclusivity Clause: When is it worth fighting for, and when is it a waste of time and negotiation capital?
• The Assignment Clause: This could be the most important part of your lease. About half of first-draft leases have severe language that could prevent you from ever selling your practice. Some even allow the landlord to terminate your lease if you simply request to sell.
• Triple Nets (NNN): What are you really paying for? We demystify the "three nets"—property taxes, insurance, and Common Area Maintenance (CAMs)—and explain how these "pass-throughs" can dramatically inflate your costs.
• Lease "Gotchas": Learn how to protect yourself from sudden, massive bills for capital improvements like a new roof or HVAC system.

Dan Gleissner shares why you need to start reviewing your lease at least two years before it expires to maintain leverage. Don't let your lease dictate the future of your practice. Tune in for the expert advice you need to negotiate with confidence.

Join Michael Dinsio and Paula Quinn as they dive into navigating tough conversations to elevate patient care and revenue from the HYGIENE CHAIR in your practice. Discover how dentists can effectively communicate with hygienists to set clear expectations, gain support, and prioritize periodontal disease diagnosis—critical as 50% of adults over 30 face some form of perio disease.
Learn how hygienists can work with front office staff to streamline scheduling and insurance coordination, and how to educate patients on their oral health, including scaling and root planing and perio maintenance.
The discussion emphasizes the pivotal role of hygiene chair diagnosis in early periodontal disease detection using tools like probing and intraoral photos. Finally, explore the difference between “selling dentistry” and providing patient-centered care by presenting treatment plans that prioritize oral and systemic health. Perfect for dentists, hygienists, and dental practice teams searching for strategies to enhance communication, boost patient compliance, and improve dental practice management.

0:00 Episode Intro
2:40 Hygienist Salaries!
6:57 Supply & Demand - Hygienist Job Market '25
8:36 How to Get The Most Out of Your Hygienist
8:55 The Importance of Diagnosis from Hygiene
11:37 Does Insurance Coverage Affect Hygiene Diagnosis?
14:27 Supporting Hygienists Front to Back
15:01 Talking to Patients about Their Care
16:31 Front Office Supporting Hygiene Department
19:11 Leadership from the Dentist
20:30 50% of Population have Perio Disease
28:55 Ways to Drive Revenue from Hygiene Chair
34:37 Business Decisions and Leadership
35:43 Should Care Sold Count Toward Production
41:16 Sales VS. Proper Care

Your HOSTS Michael Dinsio, MBA & Paula Quinn, RDH, BSDH own NEXT LEVEL CONSULTANTS
Visit https://nxlevelconsultants.com to find out more about what they do.

GO WATCH THE EPISODES ON YOUTUBE!
https://youtu.be/x4z4HlGFOnM

In this episode of Dental Unscripted, Michael Dinsio is joined by dental CPA and advisor Morgan Hamon to unpack the often-overlooked—but critically important—topic of allocation schedules in dental practice transitions. Whether you're buying your first practice, preparing to sell, or just want to understand how purchase prices are split between assets and goodwill, this episode is for you.

We break down how allocation affects taxes, why it matters more to sellers than buyers, and how to avoid common pitfalls.
Plus, insights on depreciation, amortization, and how to time deductions to your advantage.

Subscribe, rate, and follow for more real talk on the business of dentistry.

Morgan Hamon is a Partner at the firm with over 20 years of experience in full-cycle accounting and business consulting, specializing in dental practices. He helps practice owners streamline operations, improve cash flow, and make strategic financial decisions that drive long-term profitability.

Previously, Morgan served as President of HDA Accounting Group, a dental-focused CPA firm that grew to serve over 900 practices nationwide under his leadership. A former U.S. Navy F/A-18 pilot and instructor, Morgan brings discipline, precision, and strategic insight to every client engagement.

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