In this episode of *The Startup Dentist*, Stephen Trutter and guest Brian Hanks discuss the pros and cons of starting a dental practice from scratch versus buying an existing one. Gain insights into both paths and determine the best route for your dental career.
Stephen Trutter, CEO of Ideal Practices, welcomes special guest Brian Hanks, founder of The Gentle Buyer Advocates and author of *How to Buy a Dental Practice*, to dive into one of the most debated topics in the dental world: Should you start a new dental practice or buy an existing one? Together, they explore both avenues, weighing the advantages and challenges of each.
**Key Points Discussed:**
- Common misconceptions about buying a dental practice.
- Key considerations for starting a practice from scratch.
- The importance of practice ownership for career control and financial freedom.
- Why timing and location matter for both buying and starting.
- The role of patient retention and growth in both scenarios.
- Critical financial insights for both options, including how to avoid costly mistakes.
**Links and Resources Mentioned:**
- *How to Buy a Dental Practice* by Brian Hanks (Available on Amazon)
- Practice Purchase Podcast with Brian Hanks
- [Ideal Practices Website](https://howtoopenadentaloffice.com)
**Calls to Action:**
- Ready to take the next step in your dental career? Tune in now to learn whether buying or starting a practice is right for you.
- Check out Brian Hanks’ book *How to Buy a Dental Practice* for a deeper dive into the acquisition process.