EPISODE 10 — “AMA Part 2: Real Startup Questions, Real Answers”

Collin steps in for Ashley and sits down with Dr. Toni Torres to finish the AMA questions doctors have been sending in after following Bloom Dental Co’s startup journey. This episode is packed with practical build-out advice (ops, cabinetry, sterile flow, signage), plus the very real frustrations of insurance denials—and how community helps you keep going.

⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome + why community makes you braver
05:40 – Winter festival recap: 7 new patients booked + whitening promo
10:40 – This or That + Toni’s mom book club + gift idea chat
18:55 – Ops: how many to plumb vs. equip (Toni’s “3-op sweet spot”)
24:40 – Sterile setup: what she’d change + why assistants must review plans
32:35 – Where she invested in custom cabinetry + where she saved (Amazon wins)
37:40 – Sign timing: “coming soon” vs “now open” and what actually worked
43:15 – Mango Voice: forwarding your office line to your cell before opening
48:20 – Marketing struggles: aligners + Botox/facial aesthetics (how to share without overwhelming)
54:40 – Insurance denial rant: crown narrative got denied over ONE word
1:01:10 – Wrap-up + what’s “saving her life” (building + organizing on a budget)

🔑 Key Takeaways
• Nobody feels ready—start anyway and lean on community.
• For a 1-doc/1-assistant startup: 3 equipped ops is ideal (2 is doable but tight).
• Have your assistant review sterile/op flow BEFORE cabinets are cut.
• Mix custom cabinets where it matters (ops/sterile/front) + Amazon storage to save thousands.
• If your sign goes up early, add a bold “NOW OPEN” banner so people know you’re live.
• Insurance narratives are a game—one word can trigger a denial and delay cash flow.

💬 Toni’s Question to the Audience

1. How are you marketing clear aligners and Botox/facial aesthetics without overwhelming patients? (forms, promos, signage, scripts—what works?)
2. Do you have “winning” insurance narrative templates/keywords to reduce denials?

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

Net32 – Compare dental supply brands, vendors, and pricing in one place.
Visit: net32.com/themakingof

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