The Making of a Dental Startup

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

  1. 5D AGO

    The Making Of Soleil Dental Co. with Dr. Megan Rascius

    "You can't have beauty without that foundation of health and function." In this episode of The Making Of..., Collin sits down with Dr. Megan of Soleil Dental Co. to pull back the curtain on a truly unique path to ownership. Dr. Megan didn't just decide to open a practice; she decided to build a "village" in her hometown after realizing the standard associate track couldn't contain her vision. Her story is a masterclass in the "Shell-Start"—buying an existing facility with equipment but zero patients. This allowed her to skip the "dirt floor" construction phase while still having a total blank slate to build the culture, brand, and patient experience she dreamed of. Key highlights from our conversation: The Patient’s Perspective: How growing up missing 14+ teeth gave Dr. Megan a level of empathy that most clinicians never experience.The "Unmanageable" Founder: Why she walked away from a potential buy-in to start fresh just 3 minutes from her front door.Integrated Care: Her mission to bridge the gap between dentistry, lactation support, and airway health after her own journey as a mother.The Hybrid Grind: The reality of DIY renovations, hiring a lean team, and the "Founder Shift" required to lead a practice while still working as an associate.If you’ve ever felt like you were "too much" for an associate role, or if you’re curious about how to find a "middle ground" between a cold start and an acquisition, Dr. Megan’s story is for you. Connect with Dr. Megan: Instagram: @MegTheDentist & @SoleilDentalCoWebsite: https://www.soleildentalco.com/Connect with Ashley: Instagram: @ashleyjovesdds Thank You to Our Partners Net 32: The dental marketplace that helps practice owners stop overpaying for supplies. Compare and save at net32.com/themakingof.Kasper 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!

    58 min

  2. MAR 24

    The Making Of Bloom Dental Co. - FIFTEEN

    Collin sits down with Dr. Toni Torres to see how Bloom Dental Co. is flourishing five months post-launch.  1. Clinical & Financial Milestones The Profit Pivot: Bloom hit profitability in Month 3 and doubled it in Month 4, fueled by a successful All-on-X case.The $30k Tax Surprise: Toni shares the relief of a $30,000 tax refund due to startup investment losses—a crucial "cash cushion" as she navigates not yet taking a personal salary.2. Anatomy of a "Wedding-Style" Grand Opening The Results: Beyond the 100+ guests and taco truck, the event was a massive ROI win, with lead assistant Ari scheduling 8-9 new patients on the spot.Toni’s Advice: "Go all out. You only grand-open once. Spend the money to make it exactly what you want."3. Hyper-Local Marketing & The Power of the "Ask" 50+ Five-Star Reviews: Bloom reached this milestone in under six months. Toni’s secret? Being human. She asks patients for detailed reviews to help a small business grow, specifically targeting keywords like "anxiety."Community Roots: From a cover feature in Inspirada Living magazine to raffling gift cards from local med-spas and BBQ joints, Toni is proving that deep neighborhood roots outperform broad digital ads.4. Scaling the Team & Identity The Extern Advantage: Toni is currently cross-training a dental assisting extern to handle both back-office and front-desk duties.The Hygiene Hurdle: Planning to hire a part-time hygienist by May. Collin and Toni discuss the "3x Production" gold standard and the challenge of $60+/hr wages versus insurance denials.Toni's Question: > "If you are in-network, but an insurance provider doesn't cover a specific benefit (like adult sealants), are you contractually obligated to honor the insurance fee schedule, or can you charge your full UCR fee for that non-covered service?" Connect with Toni: Instagram: @the.joyful.dentist • @bloomdental.co Connect with Ashley: Instagram: @ashleyjovesdds Thank You to Our Partners Net 32: The dental marketplace that helps practice owners stop overpaying for supplies. Compare and save at net32.com/themakingof.Kasper 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!

    1 hr

  3. MAR 17

    The Making Of Pearl & Pine Dental Studio with Dr. Dixie Mobley

    In this episode, Collin Al-Samarrie talks with Dr. Dixie Mobley, an Air Force veteran and founder of Pearl and Pine Dental Studio. They discuss her rapid transition from military dentistry to building a "bomb-shelter" startup in the Florida Panhandle. Episode Timestamps [00:00] Intro & "This or That" with Dr. Dixie.[05:42] The Origin Story: Following her father’s private practice footsteps.[08:15] Military Life: The elite training and the "dual military" commute struggle.[14:30] The Turning Point: Why she chose a startup over an acquisition.[18:45] Pearl and Pine: The meaning behind the brand and using AI for logo design.[22:10] The Numbers: A deep dive into conventional loans, interest rates, and down payments.[28:30] Construction: Converting a concrete "bomb shelter" into a modern studio.[34:15] The Floor Plan: Designing for 9 ops and a unique "kids' flex space."[39:50] Decision Fatigue: Learning to make $20k choices on the fly.[44:20] Wellness: Running as "unplugged therapy" for the startup grind.[48:05] Advice for Moms & Veterans: "If you aren't building your dream, you're building someone else’s." Dr. Dixie is looking for your advice on: Sound Systems: Sonos vs. Flush-mount ceiling speakers?Signage: Recommendations for national or local sign companies for her interior logo wall.🔗 Connect with Dr. Dixie Instagram: @dr_dixielynnmobleyPractice IG: @pearlandpinedentalstudioThank You to Our Partners Net 32: The dental marketplace that helps practice owners stop overpaying for supplies. Compare and save at net32.com/themakingof.Kasper 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!

    55 min

  4. MAR 10

    Life, Wellness, and the "Marathon Mindset"

    Life, Wellness, and the "Marathon Mindset" In this raw and intimate "living room session," Ashley, Collin, and Brian sit down to pass a single mic and share a major life update. This isn't your typical clinical podcast; it’s a deep dive into the "Not Alone" mission that defines The Making Of. From Brian’s miraculous PET scan results to a surprise marathon challenge and the role of AI in personal wellness, this episode explores the grit required to navigate the "messy middle" of both dentistry and life. Key Discussion Points The Miraculous Update: Brian shares the incredible news that his tumor has responded to chemo and immunotherapy beyond expectations—showing no current evidence of existence on his latest PET scan.The Decision to Act: Despite the clear scan, the team discusses why surgery remains the necessary next step to ensure "dysplastic cells" don't create a monster down the road.The CIM Marathon Challenge: Brian officially puts the "nail in the coffin" by challenging Ashley and Collin to run the California International Marathon (CIM) this December. It’s a 9-month journey from recovery to the finish line.Mindset & Control: Brian reflects on the struggle of losing his identity as an athlete during chemo and how this marathon represents taking back control of his body and health.AI in Wellness: Collin explains how she’s been using Gemini AI as a digital personal trainer and nutritionist to bridge the gap between setting goals and executing them.Plant-Forward Living: The trio discusses the realities of a whole-food, plant-based diet, the struggle for protein, and Ashley’s latest kitchen experiment: a sourdough starter made from macerated grapes.The Power of Prayer: Ashley shares her mindset heading into Brian’s major surgery, leaning on faith and the strength of the community to get through the "rabbit hole" of anxiety.A Special Request for Our Tribe 🙏 Brian is heading into major surgery this week, followed by a stay in the ICU. We are asking our community to rally around the Joves family. Please keep them in your prayers and thoughts for a successful procedure and a steady recovery. No one goes through the "messy middle" alone. Thank You to Our Partners Net 32: The dental marketplace that helps practice owners stop overpaying for supplies. Compare and save at net32.com/themakingof.Kasper 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!

    49 min

  5. MAR 3

    A Walk, A Miracle, and a New Menu

    In this raw, "on-the-go" episode, Brian and Ashley take you on a Thursday afternoon walk in California to discuss the most intense season of their lives. Recorded just after receiving life-changing medical imaging results, this conversation bridges the gap between the clinical "battle" and the human "journey." From the "hangover" of chemotherapy to a radical shift in nutrition, this is a deep dive into what it means to "make" a life when the foundation is shaken. 🎙️ In This Episode, We Discuss: The Miracle of the Scans: Brian shares the incredible news from his recent MRI and PET scans—showing a near-total response to chemo and immunotherapy.The Military Mindset vs. Medical Reality: How Brian’s history as an athlete and physician led to "stupidly optimistic" expectations for chemo, and the humble reality of the "full-body rash" that stopped him in his tracks.Phase 0 of Nutrition: Why they pivoted from a strict Keto diet to a plant-centric, whole-foods approach (and the science of the "Warburg Effect").Fasting through Chemo: Brian explains his experience with "fasted infusions" to mitigate nausea and the "permanent hangover" feeling.The Power Couple Stress-Test: Ashley opens up about the "non-caretaker" side of being a companion—the fights, the frustration, and the grace required to survive a trauma season.Community as Medicine: How a random connection with a doctor in Maine led to a vital "buddy system" with another patient going through the exact same diagnosis.The Road to UCSF: What the upcoming surgery looks like and why "giving up control" was the hardest lesson of all.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/vsl 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!

    40 min

  6. FEB 24

    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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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
    272
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Making of a Dental Startup
  • Show Website
    The Making of a Dental Startup

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