The Making of a Dental Startup

Ashley Joves

This is the making of your goals, your dreams, and your life.

  1. 4d ago

    Brian Is Back | On Purpose, Fulfillment, and Reevaluating Everything with Ashley and Brian Joves

    The Making Of | Brian Is Back: A Life Update From The Centurion Lounge In 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 Partners Net32: 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 show Find Out More Thank 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 HERE Also, 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 - themakingofadental@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram or Facebook and improve your dental practice every day! Have you subscribed? Don't miss a single episode!

  2. Aug 4

    The Making Of Smile & Co. #2 - Episode SIX: The Tech Behind The Practice

    The Making Of Smile & Co. #2 — Episode SIX: The Tech Behind The Practice In 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 Partners Net32: 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 show Find Out More Thank 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 HERE Also, 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 - themakingofadental@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram or Facebook and improve your dental practice every day! Have you subscribed? Don't miss a single episode!

  3. Jul 28

    The Making Of Smile & Co. #2 — Episode FIVE: Operatories, Chairs, and the Sterilization Area

    The Making Of Smile & Co. #2 — Episode 5: Operatories, Chairs, and Everything In Between In this episode Ashley and Collin get into the equipment decisions behind Smile & Co. #2. From how many ops are plumbed versus equipped to why Ashley switched from Sirona to A-dec, this one is packed with real world advice for any startup doc trying to figure out where to spend and where to save. What You'll Hear In This Episode: The Operatory Layout Smile & Co. #2 is plumbed for nine operatories and currently equipped with five. Ashley walks through the layout including her open bay hygiene section with floor to ceiling windows, the restorative rooms, the cosmetic suite, and her plans for the remaining ops including a dedicated sedation room and a potential Botox suite tucked away in the back. The Sterilization Setup Ashley and Collin break down the sterilization area from dirty to clean, the gorgeous marble black countertops that patients actually compliment, the slat wall system from Uline that replaced traditional tip-out bins, and the tech cubby that keeps all the scanners and equipment tucked away and out of the patient flow. Sterilization has somehow also become the unofficial team hangout. No complaints. The Chairs Ashley went with A-dec for Smile & Co. #2 after her experience with the Sirona Intego chairs in Folsom. She breaks down the difference between the 500 Series in the cosmetic suite and the 400 in the restorative rooms, why she chose continental delivery, and why patient comfort should be the number one deciding factor when choosing a chair. The Assistant Package Two high speed suctions on the assistant side. A dedicated workstation. A round table. And garage style drawer doors for the tubs that slide out instead of swing open. Ashley is very extra about her millwork and zero apologies are being made. Electric Handpieces Once you go electric you never go back. Ashley makes the case for investing in electric handpieces from day one and shares the full mouth sedation case that reminded her exactly why she would never work without them again. The Equipment Philosophy If it improves the patient experience or makes your job more enjoyable, more efficient, and more profitable, it is worth the cost. That is Ashley's filter for every single equipment decision and it is the advice every startup doc needs to hear before they start spending. Coming Next Episode Technology, the Cerec, 3D printing, the music in the rooms, and all the little things that make Smile & Co. #2 what it is. Thank You to Our Partners Net32: 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 show Find Out More Thank 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 HERE Also, 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 - themakingofadental@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram or Facebook and improve your dental practice every day! Have you subscribed? Don't miss a single episode!

  4. Jul 21

    The Making Of Smile and Co. #2 — Episode FOUR: Design Details, The Cosmetic Wing, and The Details That Make All The Difference

    In this episode Ashley and Collin dive into the design details behind Smile Design Studio in Roseville. From the Pinterest board that started it all to the $200,000 lighting package that got vetoed, the $45,000 fireplace that never happened, and the cosmetic wing that patients cannot stop raving about. What You'll Hear In This Episode: The Design Vision If Tom Ford met dentistry, what would that look like? Ashley shares the Pinterest board of boutique hotels, restaurants, and resorts that inspired the entire aesthetic of Smile Design Studio. Neutrals, blacks, clean lines, and a vibe that is anything but a dental office. She also shares the one scent detail that had patients asking questions the moment they walked through the door. The $200,000 Lighting Reality Check Ashley wanted uplighting, downlighting, chandeliers, and statement fixtures throughout the entire space. The lighting package quote came back at $200,000. She scaled back. Tastefully. And the office still looks stunning. The Fireplace That Never Was A see-through fireplace separating the lounge from the consultation room was on the original design. The quote came in at $45,000. It did not make the cut. Neither did the full kitchen in the break room. Sometimes champagne taste has to meet the hotdog budget. The Design Box After flying to Denver to meet with the architect for the 3D walkthrough, Ashley received a large box of every material sample for the office. Flooring, tile, millwork, wallpaper, and hardware. She and Collin spent hours going through it and there is an unboxing video to prove it. Hardware, Furniture, and Finishing Touches Matte black hardware throughout. Chandeliers from Crate and Barrel, West Elm, and CB2. Sofas and lounge chairs from Rove Concepts. A white sofa in the patient lounge that the team Scotchguards on the regular and would do again in a heartbeat. The Coffee Bar A single serve machine that grinds beans fresh for every cup, sparkling waters, flavored syrups, and creamers. Ashley also shares the California ADA accessible counter height detail that catches a lot of practice owners off guard. The Cosmetic Wing The crown jewel of Smile Design Studio. A dedicated cosmetic photo studio with a black wall and light boxes, a private patient restroom with river rock flooring, a concierge desk, and Ashley's personal office with a couch and TV for patients during long procedures. It feels like a completely separate business within the practice and it is the single thing patients compliment most. The Advice Worth Writing Down Know your long game. Design for who you are and where you are going. And if this is your first location do not go balls to the wall. Save that for when you have already proven the concept. Resources Mentioned: Scent diffuser and espresso machine links coming in the show notes and newsletter soon Thank You to Our Partners Net32: 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 show Find Out More Thank 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 HERE Also, 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 - themakingofadental@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram or Facebook and improve your dental practice every day! Have you subscribed? Don't miss a single episode!

  5. Jul 14

    The Making Of Evelina Smiles - SIX

    The Making Of Evelina Smiles - SIX Delays, Profit Sharing, and the Week Before Everything Changes In this episode Ashley sits down with Dr. Rich Constantine for a look at what the final stretch before a soft opening actually feels like. Setbacks, systems, 300 patients on a priority list, and the first peek at how Rich thinks about rewarding his team. What You'll Hear in This Episode: The Weeks Leading Up to Opening Supplies delayed by the Fourth of July holiday. Design Ergonomics trainer flew in but not everything was ready. Certificate of occupancy and zoning permit still pending over a landscaping detail. How Rich is keeping his head right when things do not go as planned. His mantra this week: pressure is a privilege. Where the Building Stands Software integrated. Imaging bridged with practice management. Phones hooked up. Wi-Fi working. TVs up. Chandeliers hung. Interior signage still coming. Half the waiting room furniture arrived. Scanner still in transit. Soft open pushed back. Training and Systems CareStack boot camps underway. Admin team working through UCR fees, third party financing conversations, patient portals, and building out Q and A for the AI phone system. Say this not that verbiage in place for both front desk and clinical team. Written playbooks and binders being built from scratch before the first patient walks in. 300 Patients on the Priority List Rich casually drops one of the biggest wins of the episode. How the landing page, social media, QR code signage, and periodic email updates built a pipeline of 300 prospective patients before the doors even open. What he is doing first when the phones go live and why he is keeping ad spend light to start so he can see what is actually working. Merch, Giveaways, and Branded Everything The T-shirt rabbit hole. Why Rich wants to do premium branded gear or nothing at all. Printful, Real Thread, BYLT, and Cuts all come up. Ashley makes the case for buying great shirts and just getting them embroidered locally. Profit Sharing vs Bonus Culture Rich opens up about how he thinks about rewarding his team. Why he calls it profit sharing and not a bonus. Clear KPIs, collective rewards, and why nobody gets money that is not there. The difference between rewarding people blindly and building a team that understands the numbers. And why you do not own a business if you have to be there for it to run. Connect with Ashley: Instagram: @ashleyjovesdds Connect with Rich: Instagram @dr.c_smiles or richconstantinedds@gmail.com Thank You to Our Partners Net32: 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 show Find Out More Thank 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 HERE Also, 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 - themakingofadental@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram or Facebook and improve your dental practice every day! Have you subscribed? Don't miss a single episode!

  6. Jul 7

    The Making Of Smile and Co. #2 — Episode THREE - Floor Plans, Architects, and Unexpected Surprises

    Building Ashley's Second Smile & Co. Office: Floor Plans, Architects, and Unexpected Surprises In this episode, Ashley and Collin go behind the scenes of building Ashley's second Smile & Co. office, diving into the two-year construction timeline and the decisions that shaped the space from day one. Ashley opens up about drawing her own floor plan on taped-together printer paper, why she brought on a dental-specific architect for this build (unlike her first location), and the surprising realities of buying an existing building versus leasing one. In this episode: Ashley's original floor plan: drawing it herself on taped printer paper and comparing it to the final resultWhy Ashley hired an architect for this build (and didn't for her first location)Architect vs. GC: cost differences, scope of work, and who actually needs an architectThe Denver trip: Pinterest boards, a 3D walkthrough, and designing the vision from scratchHow the architect, GC, and interior designer worked together (and Dave's initial hesitation about "too many cooks")Designing a separate cosmetic wing, the "office within an office" conceptCommunication between the build team: walkthroughs, emails, and staying in the loopUnexpected surprises: shared Wi-Fi with the building next door, a load-bearing wall that couldn't move, and the "pony wall" fixThe $71,000 building permit shock, and why budgeting for city fees matters more than people thinkAshley's advice: architect vs. no architect, and why owning your building changes the equationThank You to Our Partners Net32: 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 show Find Out More Thank 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 HERE Also, 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 - themakingofadental@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram or Facebook and improve your dental practice every day! Have you subscribed? Don't miss a single episode!

  7. Jun 30

    Michelin Star Moves: The Morning Huddle That Changes Everything

    Michelin Star Moves: The Morning Huddle That Changes Everything In 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: @ashleyjovesdds Thank You to Our Partners Net32: 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 show Find Out More Thank 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 HERE Also, 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 - themakingofadental@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram or Facebook and improve your dental practice every day! Have you subscribed? Don't miss a single episode!

  8. Jun 23

    The Making Of Evelina Smiles - FIVE

    The Making Of Evelina Smiles | Front Desk, Floors, and Soft Opening Strategy with Dr. Rich Constantine In 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: @ashleyjovesdds Connect with Rich: Instagram @dr.c_smiles or richconstantinedds@gmail.com Thank You to Our Partners Net32: 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 show Find Out More Thank 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 HERE Also, 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 - themakingofadental@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram or Facebook and improve your dental practice every day! Have you subscribed? Don't miss a single episode!

4.8
out of 5
24 Ratings

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This is the making of your goals, your dreams, and your life.

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