✍️ 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
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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/