The Making of a Dental Startup

Ashley shares a personal update recorded on a quiet Sunday evening, no clinical talk, just life.What's In This Episode:Brian finished radiation and is back at work. His follow-up PET scan came back with a possible cancer recurrence scare that lasted over a week of waiting. Ashley shares the toll that wait took on her, a girls' weekend in Napa, a hard conversation with Brian mid-run, and the relief when his results came back normal.She talks openly about anxiety, faith, and leaning on community during hard seasons, whether it's health, business, or life in general.If you're in a season of waiting right now, this one's for you.Thank You to Our PartnersNet32: The dental marketplace that helps practice owners stop overpaying for supplies. Compare and save at net32.com/themakingof.Studio 8E8 — Dentistry's story-driven growth agency for startups. s8e8.com/vslKasper Opportunity Finder: Fill those empty chairs and reclaim lost revenue with one click. Get it free at meetkasper.com/register.Support the showFind Out MoreThank you for listening to The Making Of podcast. If you enjoyed it, please share with anyone you think will gain value from the show by clicking on one of the sharing tabs above.SUBSCRIBE to our NEWSLETTER HEREAlso, please consider leaving an honest review on iTunes. It helps other listeners find the show, and I would be forever grateful.Questions or comments? Feel free to contact us at - [email protected] us on Instagram or Facebook and improve your dental practice every day!Have you subscribed? Don't miss a single episode!

The Making Of | Brian Is Back: A Life Update From The Centurion LoungeIn this episode Ashley and Brian record from the Centurion Lounge in Phoenix while waiting for a delayed flight home from a conference in Scottsdale. It is the first time Brian has been on the podcast in months and they cover a lot of ground together. From completing radiation to returning to work part time to the big questions this past year has forced both of them to sit with.What You'll Hear In This Episode:Brian's Health Update Brian completed radiation at the end of May. Eight to nine weeks post radiation he is returning to work part time and progressing better than his doctors expected. He still has some recovery ahead but the momentum is there.The Forced Slowdown This past year gave both Ashley and Brian something they never would have chosen but are genuinely grateful for. Time. Time with the boys. Time at the park. Time to sit with the big questions about purpose, fulfillment, and what they are actually building and why.Reevaluating What Matters Brian opens up about the deeper work this year has asked of him and Ashley reflects on the new filter it has given her for everything. What is the true calling? Why did they go through this? And how do they want to spend the energy they have going forward. Brian also talks about the urgent versus important framework and how he has started walking out of meetings that do not move the needle.The Conference And The Community Both Ashley and Brian reflect on what they loved most about the conference they just attended. Not the keynotes. The conversations. The connections. And how much it reminded them of why The Making Of retreat is so special and why they cannot wait to get back to it.The Comeback Ashley is back in the practice figuring out how to grow leaders so the business can not just run without her but be profitable without her. Brian is going back part time and easing back into life one day at a time. They are both still figuring it out and they are grateful to have this community figuring it out alongside them.Thank You to Our PartnersNet32: The dental marketplace that helps practice owners stop overpaying for supplies. Compare and save at net32.com/themakingof.Studio 8E8 — Dentistry's story-driven growth agency for startups. s8e8.com/vslKasper Opportunity Finder: Fill those empty chairs and reclaim lost revenue with one click. Get it free at meetkasper.com/register.Support the showFind Out MoreThank you for listening to The Making Of podcast. If you enjoyed it, please share with anyone you think will gain value from the show by clicking on one of the sharing tabs above.SUBSCRIBE to our NEWSLETTER HEREAlso, please consider leaving an honest review on iTunes. It helps other listeners find the show, and I would be forever grateful.Questions or comments? Feel free to contact us at - [email protected] us on Instagram or Facebook and improve your dental practice every day!Have you subscribed? Don't miss a single episode!

The Making Of Smile & Co. #2 — Episode SIX: The Tech Behind The PracticeIn this episode Ashley and Collin get into all the technology behind Smile & Co. #2. From practice management software to in house milling, scanners, 3D printing, and the music that patients always comment on. This one is packed with real world insight for any startup doc trying to figure out what technology is actually worth investing in and when.What You'll Hear In This Episode:Practice Management Software Ashley shares why she went back to what was tried and true after exploring a cloud based option for the Roseville location. She also breaks down the pros and cons of cloud versus server based software and why the ability to see both locations in one consolidated view has been a game changer.IT Support: Local Versus Remote Ashley makes the case for local IT every single time. When the phones go down or the server goes kaput you want someone who can just come. Not someone you have to troubleshoot with over the phone.Imaging Software and Sensors Ashley walks through the imaging software and sensors at Smile & Co. #2 including why she chose to rent sensors instead of buying them and what she has learned from the very expensive lesson of owning sensors at the Folsom location.AI Radiograph Analysis Ashley and Collin talk about how AI radiograph analysis has changed the patient education experience at Smile & Co. #2. Patients see shades of gray on a radiograph. AI shows them exactly what is going on in a way that actually makes sense to them.CBCT No CBCT at Roseville yet. Ashley explains why and when she would invest in one. Spoiler. It comes down to what you are actually doing clinically.Scanners: Folsom vs Roseville Two different locations. Two different workflows. Ashley breaks down the scanners at both offices and why the difference between them is night and day when it comes to restorative cases.3D Printing The 3D printer has been at the Folsom location for years. Ashley shares what they use it for now, where 3D printing is headed, and why the latest advancements in printable restorations have her attention.Cerec and In House Milling Ashley walks through the entire same day crown workflow at Smile & Co. #2 from the pre-scan to the prep to the design to the mill and fire. Her fastest case? Three crowns in under 25 minutes of milling time. She also shares why she would not recommend in house milling to a startup doc right out of the gate and why she has no plans to bring one into the Folsom location.The Music 90s and 2000s hip hop and R&B. It is in the core values. Patients love it. And yes there have been assistants sprinting down the hallway to skip a song mid appointment.Coming Next Episode Ashley and Collin get into systems. How Smile & Co. #2 got off the ground and everything that went into building the workflows that run the practice today.Thank You to Our PartnersNet32: The dental marketplace that helps practice owners stop overpaying for supplies. Compare and save at net32.com/themakingof.Studio 8E8 — Dentistry's story-driven growth agency for startups. s8e8.com/vslKasper Opportunity Finder: Fill those empty chairs and reclaim lost revenue with one click. Get it free at meetkasper.com/register.Support the showFind Out MoreThank you for listening to The Making Of podcast. If you enjoyed it, please share with anyone you think will gain value from the show by clicking on one of the sharing tabs above.SUBSCRIBE to our NEWSLETTER HEREAlso, please consider leaving an honest review on iTunes. It helps other listeners find the show, and I would be forever grateful.Questions or comments? Feel free to contact us at - [email protected] us on Instagram or Facebook and improve your dental practice every day!Have you subscribed? Don't miss a single episode!

Michelin Star Moves: The Morning Huddle That Changes EverythingIn this episode Ashley and Collin break down the morning huddle that has become a non negotiable part of how Smile and Co. runs every single day. From starting with gratitude to identifying VIP patients, this quick episode is full of tactical takeaways you can implement in your own practice starting tomorrow morning.What You'll Hear In This Episode:Starting With Gratitude Every huddle begins with each team member sharing something they are grateful for in the office. It is fast, it is simple, and it sets the tone for the entire day before a single number gets discussed.The Numbers Check In After gratitude, the team reviews new patients for the month, the previous day's collections and production, and where the schedule currently stands so everyone is aligned before the day begins.The Chart Review Process Assistants and hygienists go through every patient on the schedule ahead of time, checking for current PAs, treatment accuracy, updated medical history, and any nuances the team needs to know. Ashley shares why catching these details before the patient is in the chair makes all the difference.Identifying Same Day Treatment Opportunities The team flags unscheduled treatment and potential no shows in advance so they always have a plan if a gap opens up in the schedule.The VIP Patient Strategy One of Ashley's favorite parts of the huddle. Each day a team member identifies one patient they are going to go above and beyond for, which naturally creates the kind of experience that leads to glowing reviews and referrals.Why Fifteen Minutes Changes The Whole Day Ashley and Collin explain why this short huddle creates seamless communication between hygiene, assistants, doctors, and front office, and why the investment of fifteen minutes pays off across the entire day.The End Of Day Huddle They Miss Ashley shares why she misses doing an end of day huddle in the earlier days of the practice and what made it such a valuable learning tool for the team.Connect with Ashley: Instagram: @ashleyjovesddsThank You to Our PartnersNet32: The dental marketplace that helps practice owners stop overpaying for supplies. Compare and save at net32.com/themakingof.Studio 8E8 — Dentistry's story-driven growth agency for startups. s8e8.com/vslKasper Opportunity Finder: Fill those empty chairs and reclaim lost revenue with one click. Get it free at meetkasper.com/register.Support the showFind Out MoreThank you for listening to The Making Of podcast. If you enjoyed it, please share with anyone you think will gain value from the show by clicking on one of the sharing tabs above.SUBSCRIBE to our NEWSLETTER HEREAlso, please consider leaving an honest review on iTunes. It helps other listeners find the show, and I would be forever grateful.Questions or comments? Feel free to contact us at - [email protected] us on Instagram or Facebook and improve your dental practice every day!Have you subscribed? Don't miss a single episode!

The Making Of Evelina Smiles | Front Desk, Floors, and Soft Opening Strategy with Dr. Rich ConstantineIn this episode Ashley catches up with Dr. Rich Constantine after a few weeks away and gets a full update on everything happening at Evelina Smiles. From hiring the front office team to finally solving the herringbone flooring saga, to insurance decisions and the philosophy that is shaping how Rich is building his team this time around, this episode is packed with real, in the moment startup updates.What You'll Hear In This Episode:The Herringbone Floor Update Remember the flooring drama from a few episodes back? Rich's team found a machine that could finally cut the planks the way they envisioned. The floors look incredible and prove that sometimes the answer really is just more elbow grease.Building The Front Office Team First Rich hired two full time front desk administrators right out of the gate, both former assistants, so they can speak clinical language and step in when needed. He explains why splitting check in and check out responsibilities matters so much in a larger office and why he wanted them trained up together before adding the clinical team.Slow Is Smooth, Smooth Is Fast Rich shares an update on his favorite phrase from training. This time he is intentionally building in time to coach his team, role play patient conversations, and make sure everyone is on the same page before opening the doors. He breaks down why confused patients do not commit to treatment and why getting the team aligned matters more than speed.Construction And Equipment Status Six operatories are fully equipped. Chairs, sterilization, cabinetry, and CBCT are all in. Scanners and the handheld x-ray unit are still on the way. The parking lot needed an unexpected redo and furniture is being timed around construction completion.Schedule And Sedation Plans Rich shares his initial hours, Monday through Thursday from 8 to 5, and his plan to reserve Fridays for longer procedures and sedation cases once he is solo. He also talks about why he works with a CRNA group for sedation rather than managing it himself.Dropping Delta Dental Rich shares his reasoning for stepping away from being in network with a major insurance plan and how comparing the membership plan cost to typical payroll deductions made the decision clear.The Membership Plan Breakdown Rich walks through how his membership plan works through Clerri, including the 20% discount structure, how clear aligners are included, and why tracking a membership plan is the real challenge, not setting one up.Hiring Challenges In This Job Market Ashley and Rich get honest about no shows, ghosting, and how different hiring feels compared to his their startup. He also shares how leaning on a consultant's team member helped streamline some of the interview process.Connect with Ashley: Instagram: @ashleyjovesddsConnect with Rich: Instagram @dr.c_smiles or [email protected] You to Our PartnersNet32: The dental marketplace that helps practice owners stop overpaying for supplies. Compare and save at net32.com/themakingof.Studio 8E8 — Dentistry's story-driven growth agency for startups. s8e8.com/vslKasper Opportunity Finder: Fill those empty chairs and reclaim lost revenue with one click. Get it free at meetkasper.com/register.Support the showFind Out MoreThank you for listening to The Making Of podcast. If you enjoyed it, please share with anyone you think will gain value from the show by clicking on one of the sharing tabs above.SUBSCRIBE to our NEWSLETTER HEREAlso, please consider leaving an honest review on iTunes. It helps other listeners find the show, and I would be forever grateful.Questions or comments? Feel free to contact us at - [email protected] us on Instagram or Facebook and improve your dental practice every day!Have you subscribed? Don't miss a single episode!

The Making Of Evelina Smiles | Branding, Marketing, and Building Something That Lasts with Josh Scott of Studio 8E8In this episode Ashley sits down with Dr. Rich Constantine and Josh Scott, founder of Studio 8E8. They talk about everything from the story behind the Evelina Smiles name and logo to ad spend strategy, grand opening timing, and what actually makes a startup marketing campaign work, this one is packed with real talk from people who have been through it all.What You'll Hear In This Episode:The Story Behind Evelina Smiles Rich shares the deeply personal story behind the name. Evelina was his grandmother, someone who never seemed stressed, always gathered people together, and made everyone feel at home. The practice is named in her honor with a nod to his other grandmother Jane tucked into the waiting room as Jane's Coffee Bar. A name is not just a name when there is a story behind it.The Branding Process With Studio 8E8 Rich walks through what it was actually like to go through the Studio 8E8 onboarding process from the questionnaire to the first logo iteration to multiple rounds of revisions and ultimately landing back on the very first design. Josh breaks down why logos have to work in every format from a ChapStick to a billboard and why the Evelina sunflower was designed with that versatility in mind.Ad Spend: What Actually Works Josh breaks down the real numbers behind dental marketing. New patient Google campaigns run between $275 and $350 per acquisition. Implant campaigns need a minimum of $5,000 a month to be effective. Full mouth surgical campaigns start at $10,000. And none of it works if your team does not have the systems in place to handle the leads coming in.Why Rich Scaled Back His Marketing Package Rich made the intentional decision to step back from a more aggressive ad spend package before opening. His reason was simple. Slow is steady and steady is fast. Get the team trained, get the systems dialed in, and then turn up the volume. Throwing money at marketing before your infrastructure is ready is just money out the window.Building The Right Team Before You Open Rich is bringing his front desk team member on a full month before seeing the first patient. The goal is to get her trained on the practice management software, the phone systems, the membership plan, the financial conversations, and everything in between before a single patient walks through the door.Grand Opening Strategy Rich is planning to soft open in July and push the grand opening to September or October once the space is settled and the team is comfortable. Josh and Ashley both agree this is the smarter play. Let the kinks work themselves out first and then use the grand opening as a second wave of momentum when the initial buzz starts to settle.Connect With Our Guests: Josh Scott of Studio 8E8: @joshuascottDr. Ashley: Instagram: @ashleyjovesddsDr. Rich: Instagram @dr.c_smiles or [email protected] You to Our PartnersNet32: The dental marketplace that helps practice owners stop overpaying for supplies. Compare and save at net32.com/themakingof.Studio 8E8 — Dentistry's story-driven growth agency for startups. s8e8.com/vslKasper Opportunity Finder: Fill those empty chairs and reclaim lost revenue with one click. Get it free at meetkasper.com/register.Support the showFind Out MoreThank you for listening to The Making Of podcast. If you enjoyed it, please share with anyone you think will gain value from the show by clicking on one of the sharing tabs above.SUBSCRIBE to our NEWSLETTER HEREAlso, please consider leaving an honest review on iTunes. It helps other listeners find the show, and I would be forever grateful.Questions or comments? Feel free to contact us at - [email protected] us on Instagram or Facebook and improve your dental practice every day!Have you subscribed? Don't miss a single episode!