The Making of a Dental Startup

Ashley Joves
  • 4.8 (22)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
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This is the making of your goals, your dreams, and your life.

  1. 1D AGO

    From the Vault - Mastering Dental Practice: Dr. Rob Ritter's Secrets to Long-Term Success

    Episode Overview: We are re-releasing one of our most popular and impactful conversations! In this episode, Dr. Ashley Joves sits down with the legendary Dr. Rob Ritter for a masterclass in dental practice longevity, leadership, and the art of the high-end consult. Dr. Ritter shares the hard-won wisdom from his 30+ years in practice, diving into the "benevolent dictatorship" model of leadership, the truth about dropping PPOs, and why valuing your time is the ultimate key to success. Whether you’re a startup owner or a seasoned veteran, Dr. Ritter’s "Apple Store of Dentistry" philosophy will challenge you to elevate every aspect of your practice. In This Episode, We Discuss: The "Benevolent Dictatorship" [06:15]: Why clear leadership and boundaries are essential for a thriving team and practice culture.Dropping PPOs the Right Way [18:15]: How to transition out of network without losing your patient base (and why you should never send a "breakup" letter).The Art of the High-End Consult [26:45]: Dr. Ritter’s step-by-step process for presenting complex, $30k+ cases with confidence.Valuing Your Time [36:38]: Why charging for consultations is the ultimate filter for attracting your ideal patients.Artist vs. Entrepreneur [52:01]: Defining what success looks like for you—whether it’s mastering your craft or building a business empire.Special Announcement: Ready to implement the exact systems Dr. Ritter and his partner, Dr. Chris Ramsey, use in their world-class practice? 👉 Sign Up HERE Connect with Dr. Rob Ritter: @drrobritter Connect with The Making Of...: Instagram: @themaking.ofWebsite: www.themakingofpodcast.comAshley: @ashleyjovesddsSponsors: Net 32 — The online marketplace to compare brands and prices so you never overpay. net32.com/themakingofStudio 8E8 — Dentistry’s story-driven growth agency for startups. s8e8.com/vslSupport 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!

    1h 6m

  2. FEB 17

    The Making Of Bloom Dental Co. - FOURTEEN

    In This Episode, We Discuss: The Physicality of Dentistry: Toni discusses how she combats the postural strain and why ergonomic loupes have been a game-changer for her migraines and neck pain.The $17,000 "Happy Accident": Toni recounts her first All-on-4 restoration case. Relinquishing the Vine: Dr. Ashley Joves reflects on the "forced delegation" of her business, realizing that building a team-led practice has allowed her the freedom to be present for her family during a crisis.The CBCT & AI Debate: Following up on a community question, the duo explores how to maximize technology. Ashley shares the legal importance of "reviewing" vs. "reading" scans to avoid liability.Scrappy Grand Opening Marketing: With the grand opening just two weeks away, Toni shares her masterclass in bartering and community networking:Tacos & Tours: How she convinced a local food truck to park at her office for free.The Trader Joe’s Hack: Ordering bulk flowers in advance to create a "Bloom Bar" for guests.Sponsorships: Landing a specialist to cover the "fancy lavender lemonade" and charcuterie cups.The Power of the Schedule: Toni has officially mapped out her entire year and realized the ultimate goal of ownership: Freedom.Episode Timestamps: [00:10:15] – The "Actionable Ick": When patients grab your hand during surgery.[00:15:30] – CBCT Discussion: Do you charge for the scan, and how do you read it?[00:25:20] – Scaling & Freedom: Ashley on why she's finally ready to "let go of the vine."[00:40:00] – Milestone: Bloom Dental Co. hits its first profitable month.[00:44:30] – The All-on-4 Win: A $17,000 lesson in quoting and specialist partnerships.[00:51:30] – "Tacos and Tours": Leveraging local vendors for zero-cost event traffic.[01:01:10] – The "March Schedule": Why Toni is moving to a 4-day week and owning her calendar.Connect with Toni: Instagram: @the.joyful.dentist • @bloomdental.co Connect with Ashley: Instagram: @ashleyjovesdds Featured Resources & Sponsors: Net 32 — The online marketplace to compare brands and prices so you never overpay. net32.com/themakingofStudio 8E8 — Dentistry’s story-driven growth agency for startups. s8e8.com/vslSupport 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!

    54 min

  3. FEB 10

    "Your Mess is Your Message" - Brian’s Perspective on the Fight Forward

    In this raw "trifecta" episode, Ashley, Brian, and Collin sit down for a candid update on Brian’s battle with Stage 4 tongue cancer. Recorded just weeks before a life-altering surgery, the team discusses the physical toll of chemo, the overwhelming weight of "decision fatigue," and how the dental community has rallied to support them. This is an unfiltered look at resilience and the reality of navigating a healthcare system in crisis. 1. Life in the "Messy Middle" Family Strength: Brian shares the emotional (and humorous) reality of home life, from their sons shaving their heads in solidarity to a breakthrough moment of faith and empathy with their middle son, Brady.The "Messy Years": Brian reflects on a quote by Chris Dixon: "The messy years make the obvious years possible." He views this grueling season as the "mess" that will eventually become a message of hope.2. Clinical & Dietary Pivots Metabolic Support: Brian details his 72-hour fast leading into his third round of chemo to improve treatment tolerance and "starve" the metabolic pathways of the tumor.The 180-Degree Shift: After seeing rapid growth on high protein, the couple pivoted to a 95% plant-based, whole-food diet inspired by Dr. Valter Longo. Ashley discusses the shift to juicing and "clean" plant proteins like lentils and tofu.Favorable Momentum: Recent imaging shows that while the journey is far from over, the tumor growth has slowed, and the lymph node architecture is improving.3. The Mental Burden: Decision Fatigue The Surgical Plan: Brian explains the upcoming Hemi-Glossectomy (removing half the tongue) and reconstruction using a thigh graft.The Weight of Choice: After researching alternative trials (like Chef Shirley’s non-surgical path in Chicago), Brian speaks candidly about "decision fatigue." When every choice feels like life or death, he has reached a point of mental exhaustion. He finds a strange peace in surgery because it shifts his role from "decision-maker" to "rehab worker."4. Advocacy & A Broken System Access Challenges: Despite being a physician, Brian reveals the "mind-boggling" difficulty of scheduling scans, with major institutions booked out for months.The Power of the Tribe: Ashley discusses her "bulldog" approach to advocacy—leveraging her network to get a patient liaison at MD Anderson in Houston within 30 minutes of a single text.This episode is made possible by: Studio 8E8 — Dentistry’s story-driven growth agency for startups. Learn more at https://s8e8.com/vsl Net 32 — The online marketplace to compare brands and prices so you never overpay. Check them out at net32.com/themakingof 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!

    48 min

  4. FEB 3

    The Making Of Bloom Dental Co. - THIRTEEN

    In this week’s episode, Collin Al-Samarrie sits down with Dr. Toni Torres of Bloom Dental Co. to navigate the high-stakes month leading up to her formal grand opening. From the logistics of hosting a city-sanctioned ribbon cutting to the sudden "panic" of realizing your practice is growing faster than your team can handle, Toni pulls back the curtain on the emotional and operational roller coaster of being four months into a startup. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: [07:05] – Home Life Update[09:40] – The Grand Opening Logistics[16:45] – The Residency Debate[23:05] – The "Imposter" Mindset[27:30] – Clinical Boundaries[33:30] – Hiring Hacks & "Server" Stories[38:40] – The Six-Month Panic[41:45] – Systems for Scale[45:15] – Tech Regrets & Future-Proofing[54:10] – The Sign MiracleCommunity Question: Toni is looking to maximize her CBCT production. How are you utilizing your CBCT beyond just surgical guides? Are you doing airway/sleep screenings for every new patient? Do you charge for the initial scan? Let us know in the Facebook group Connect with Toni: Instagram: @the.joyful.dentist • @bloomdental.co Connect with Ashley: Instagram: @ashleyjovesdds This episode is made possible by:  Studio 8E8 — Dentistry’s story-driven growth agency for startups. Learn more at https://s8e8.com/vsl  Net 32 — The online marketplace to compare brands and prices so you never overpay. Check them out at net32.com/themakingof 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!

    59 min

  5. JAN 27

    The Fight We Didn't See Coming: Dr. Ashley Joves on the Healthy Patient Paradox and the Messy Middle

    Life in the Making — An Update from Dr. Ashley Joves After a brief hiatus, Dr. Ashley Joves is back in the booth with Collin Al-Samarrie. While The Making Of usually focuses on the grit of dental startups, this episode takes a deeply personal turn as Ashley shares the "life" part of the journey—specifically, the challenging season her family has walked through since December. In this transparent and heart-wrenching episode, Ashley opens up about her husband Brian’s battle with oral cancer recurrence, the reality of navigating a Stage 3 diagnosis, and the critical clinical lessons every healthcare provider needs to hear. In This Episode, We Discuss: The Return to the Mic: Ashley and Collin share a "This or That" icebreaker to settle back into their rhythm before diving into the "meat and potatoes" of life lately.The "Action Potential" Mindset: Why Brian’s "all or nothing" approach to health and life has been both a blessing and a challenge during treatment.The Healthy Patient Paradox: Brian is the "poster child" for health—a non-smoker, fitness enthusiast, and physician who never gets sick. Ashley discusses the shock of finding oral cancer in the one place she never expected: her own home.A Shift in Staging: How a Stage 1 diagnosis in July rapidly evolved into an aggressive Stage 3 recurrence by December, and the emotional toll of receiving that news just days before Christmas.The Power of Clinical Advocacy: Ashley shares a vital lesson on trusting your gut. After an initial biopsy came back negative, her intuition led to a second biopsy that eventually confirmed the cancer.The Treatment Path: A deep dive into the "Kitchen Sink" approach—choosing a combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy (Pembrolizumab) to fight the tumor’s progression before opting for invasive surgery.The Reality of the "Messy Middle": From the physical toll of chemo rashes and weight loss to the emotional weight of telling their children, Ashley and Collin discuss the raw reality of being a "soldier" through trauma.A Note of Gratitude: Ashley and the entire team want to thank this community for the overwhelming outpouring of prayers, messages, and support. This community truly is our extended family. This episode is made possible by:  Studio 8E8 — Dentistry’s story-driven growth agency for startups. Learn more at https://s8e8.com/vsl  Net 32 — The online marketplace to compare brands and prices so you never overpay. Check them out at net32.com/themakingof 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!

    58 min

  6. JAN 20

    The Making Of Bloom Dental Co. - TWELVE

    EPISODE 12  “The Business of Branding, Banned Words, and Burst Water Heaters” In this week’s episode Dr. Ashley Joves, Dr. Toni Torres, and Collin dive deep into the "messy middle" of the startup journey—moving from the dry world of legal paperwork into the high-stakes world of branding and insurance. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the "invisible" work of being an owner, this episode is a must-listen. Toni and Ashley pull back the curtain on the mistakes that cost six figures and the aggressive credit strategies you need to secure a massive cash runway before your loan even hits the bank. What You’ll Hear in This Episode:  08:15 – The Paperwork Foundation: PLLC vs. DBA • Why Toni filed for a PLLC • The crucial step of filing a DBA so the bank can actually accept your checks • Why your legal name and your brand name don’t have to be the same 16:40 – Credit Card Hacks: Why you should ask for an $80k limit • Toni’s advice on overestimated monthly spend to avoid a cash flow crunch • Ashley’s "ego bruise": The $100 credit limit increase story  25:30 – The Soul of the Brand: Working with Studio 8E8 • Moving away from the "toothbrush and tooth" logo for a boutique aesthetic  34:15 – Trademark Wars: The $$$$ mistake • Ashley’s horror story of a LegalZoom • Why you have to "defend your mark" once you own it 45:10 – Insurance & Scheduling Hacks • The "Banned Words List" • How Bloom Dental Co. handles no-shows with the "Final Attempt" text  55:00 – What saved Toni’s life this week? • Winning the insurance appeal and finally finishing that Nevada State Board inspection Toni is hitting a technical wall with Open Dental and needs the community’s help! Since Bloom Dental Co. takes so many prepayments, her 'unearned income' reports are showing a negative value for the month once the procedures are completed. The Question: If you take prepayments, is this normal? Are you seeing negative values on your aging reports, or is there a 'secret click' in Open Dental to post these prepayments more cleanly? If you're an OD PRO, let us know! Connect with Toni: Instagram: @the.joyful.dentist • @bloomdental.co Connect with Ashley: Instagram: @ashleyjovesdds This episode is made possible by:  Studio 8E8 — Dentistry’s story-driven growth agency for startups. Learn more at https://s8e8.com/vsl  Net 32 — The online marketplace to compare brands and prices so you never overpay. Check them out at net32.com/themakingof 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!

    1h 9m

  7. JAN 13

    Seven Years In: Clinical Mission, Marketing Hustle, and the "3-Year Shift" with Dr. Hiral Patel

    About the Guest: Dr. Hiral Patel is the owner of Solid Smiles in Lewisville, Texas. As an "OG" member of The Making Of community, she transitioned from searching for acquisitions to building her own startup from the ground up in 2019. Episode Summary: Collin and Dr. Patel discuss the full evolution of a startup—from the first "silent" months in 2019 to a thriving, five-op practice seven years later. Hiral gets transparent about the financial struggles of the early years, the importance of "boots on the ground" marketing, and the deeply personal motivation behind her practice: her father’s battle with and victory over oral cancer. She also shares her simplified hiring philosophy and why she wouldn't trade ownership for an associate role for anything. Key Takeaways: A Personal Mission: Hiral opens up about her father’s oral cancer journey (diagnosed in 2014).The Marketing Myth: Hiral shares how she used baskets of cards at local businesses and handwritten thank-you notes to build a patient base when the phone wasn't ringing.Attitude Over Resume: Why Hiral looks for people who are presentable and willing to learn rather than "experienced" staff who might be jaded or stuck in their ways.The Power of Coaching: Hiral utilizes a coach to role-play handoffs and case presentations monthly.Financial Reality: Hiral breaks down her personal pay structure from Year 1 ($23k) to Year 7.Time Stamps: [00:00] Intro: Meeting an OG member of the 14,500+ Facebook community.[05:30] The "Anti-Startup" mindset and opening in August 2019.[12:45] Bootstrapped Marketing: 7-Eleven flyers and Chipotle baskets.[18:20] The "Secret Sauce": Why Hiral’s team still sends 50 handwritten cards a month.[23:40] Outfitting rooms: Why Hiral wishes she did more than 2 ops at the start.[28:15] The Paycheck: From $23,000 in Year 1 to owner-level income.[34:50] Hiring & Firing: The first termination and hiring for attitude.[42:15] The Heart of the Practice: Hiral’s father’s oral cancer story and 10-year recovery.[53:10] Advice for the Grind: "The days are hard, but the years are good."Connect with Dr. Hiral Patel: Instagram: @solidsmilesPractice: Solid Smiles (Lewisville, TX)This episode is made possible by:  Studio 8E8 — Dentistry’s story-driven growth agency for startups. Learn more at https://s8e8.com/vsl  Net 32 — The online marketplace to compare brands and prices so you never overpay. Check them out at net32.com/themakingof 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!

    52 min

  8. JAN 6

    The Making Of Bloom Dental Co. - ELEVEN

    The Money Deep Dive: Loans, Leverage, and the Cost of Day ZeroEpisode Summary: Happy New Year! We are officially in 2026, and we are kicking off the year with a masterclass in startup finance. To celebrate our recent win as Course Karma’s 2025 Best Facebook Group for Business Management, we are diving straight into the "Day Zero" realities of Dr. Toni Torres and Bloom Dental Co. In this episode, Toni pulls back the curtain on the phase before the lease is signed. We explore the terrifying transition from being an associate to asking a bank for nearly a million dollars. If you have ever wondered how to negotiate with lenders, what insurance you actually need, or how to survive the first 90 days of "insurance lag," this episode is your tactical manual. Time-Stamped Highlights [11:20] – Dental School Doesn't Prepare You for This [12:30] – The First Phone Call: The Rep Connection [14:10] – Approval Before the Search The golden rule of startups: Do not look for a location until you know your budget. Toni explains why she prioritized the loan approval process to understand her square footage limits and avoid "exhausting" herself looking at locations she couldn't afford. [15:45] – Interviewing the Banks: How to Negotiate Terms Toni interviewed four different banks. She breaks down the "vibe check" of lenders and how she used a competing 14-year loan proposal to negotiate her preferred lender's monthly payments in half. [18:30] – Specialized Lenders vs. Big Banks A look at the difference between general banks and medical/dental specific lenders. Why specialized lenders understand the "insane" overhead of dentistry (plumbing, compressors, $130k CAD/CAM setups) that general business lenders might not. [20:10] – The Collateral and the Spouse’s Role The weight of the "Personal Guarantee." Toni discusses signing for the loan with her husband, putting their home and investments on the line, and the emotional pressure of having a partner who fully believes in your vision. Connect with Toni: Instagram: @the.joyful.dentist • @bloomdental.co Connect with Ashley: Instagram: @ashleyjovesdds This episode is made possible by:  Studio 8E8 — Dentistry’s story-driven growth agency for startups. Learn more at https://s8e8.com/vsl  Net 32 — The online marketplace to compare brands and prices so you never overpay. Check them out at net32.com/themakingof 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!

    52 min
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4.8
out of 5
22 Ratings

About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Ashley Joves
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    267
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Making of a Dental Startup
  • Show Website
    The Making of a Dental Startup

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