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 standalone — affects your budget and build. We also explore the trade-offs of first- vs. second-generation spaces and why location quality should never be sacrificed for a lower rent.

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 creep, and ways to minimize downtime during construction. You’ll also learn how to weigh the costs and benefits of phased renovations versus full shutdowns.

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 project team.

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 any stage of their journey.

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 construction, and why investing in the right architectural team can save you time and money. Whether you’re starting from scratch or renovating an existing space, this episode will give you key insights into building a practice that works for you.

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 their extensive experience to provide actionable insights for aspiring and current dental practice owners. Whether you’re in the early stages of planning or looking to refine your existing business, this episode lays the groundwork for building a thriving practice.
Tune in for expert advice, real-world examples, and a fresh perspective on the essential steps to make your dental practice dreams a reality.