The Making Of Evelina Smiles | Front Desk, Floors, and Soft Opening Strategy with Dr. Rich Constantine

In this episode Ashley catches up with Dr. Rich Constantine after a few weeks away and gets a full update on everything happening at Evelina Smiles. From hiring the front office team to finally solving the herringbone flooring saga, to insurance decisions and the philosophy that is shaping how Rich is building his team this time around, this episode is packed with real, in the moment startup updates.

What You'll Hear In This Episode:

The Herringbone Floor Update
Remember the flooring drama from a few episodes back? Rich's team found a machine that could finally cut the planks the way they envisioned. The floors look incredible and prove that sometimes the answer really is just more elbow grease.

Building The Front Office Team First
Rich hired two full time front desk administrators right out of the gate, both former assistants, so they can speak clinical language and step in when needed. He explains why splitting check in and check out responsibilities matters so much in a larger office and why he wanted them trained up together before adding the clinical team.

Slow Is Smooth, Smooth Is Fast
Rich shares an update on his favorite phrase from training. This time he is intentionally building in time to coach his team, role play patient conversations, and make sure everyone is on the same page before opening the doors. He breaks down why confused patients do not commit to treatment and why getting the team aligned matters more than speed.

Construction And Equipment Status
Six operatories are fully equipped. Chairs, sterilization, cabinetry, and CBCT are all in. Scanners and the handheld x-ray unit are still on the way. The parking lot needed an unexpected redo and furniture is being timed around construction completion.

Schedule And Sedation Plans
Rich shares his initial hours, Monday through Thursday from 8 to 5, and his plan to reserve Fridays for longer procedures and sedation cases once he is solo. He also talks about why he works with a CRNA group for sedation rather than managing it himself.

Dropping Delta Dental
Rich shares his reasoning for stepping away from being in network with a major insurance plan and how comparing the membership plan cost to typical payroll deductions made the decision clear.

The Membership Plan Breakdown
Rich walks through how his membership plan works through Clerri, including the 20% discount structure, how clear aligners are included, and why tracking a membership plan is the real challenge, not setting one up.

Hiring Challenges In This Job Market
Ashley and Rich get honest about no shows, ghosting, and how different hiring feels compared to his their startup. He also shares how leaning on a consultant's team member helped streamline some of the interview process.

Connect with Ashley: Instagram: @ashleyjovesdds

Connect with Rich: Instagram @dr.c_smiles or richconstantinedds@gmail.com

Thank You to Our Partners

• Net32: The dental marketplace that helps practice owners stop overpaying for supplies. Compare and save at net32.com/themakingof.
• Studio 8E8 — Dentistry's story-driven growth agency for startups. s8e8.com/vsl
• Kasper Opportunity Finder: Fill those empty chairs and reclaim lost revenue with one click. Get it free at meetkasper.com/register.

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