If you’re considering owning a dental practice, one of the first questions you’ll face is whether to start your own from scratch or buy an existing one. Both paths have their perks and pitfalls, but which one is right for you? In this episode of *The Startup Dentist*, I sit down with Brian Hanks, founder of The Dental Buyer Advocates and author of *How to Buy a Dental Practice*, to break it all down.

We explored the advantages of acquiring a practice with an established patient base versus building your dream practice from the ground up. Brian shared key data points on patient retention, financial investments, and timelines, while I highlighted the importance of getting your finances and systems in order before starting. 

One key takeaway? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best path depends on your goals, your tolerance for risk, and how much control you want over your business from the start. Whether you’re looking for faster growth or a long-term vision, we’ve got the insights to help you decide.

Ready to figure out which option suits you best? Tune in to the full episode now.

Want to learn more? Check out Brian’s book How to Buy a Dental Practice or visit his website at dentalbuyeradvocates.com.