In a recent episode of the Hey Docs! Podcast, Jill Allen sat down with Artin Safarian, CEO of Arminco, for an honest look at what it really takes to build a dental or orthodontic practice from the ground up. If you are gearing up for a startup or planning an expansion, consider this your roadmap. From timelines and real estate to team dynamics and construction surprises, Artin breaks down the decisions that truly move the needle.
Artin’s story starts long before Arminco, back in his family’s mechanical heating and air conditioning business. After years building restaurants and commercial spaces, he shifted into dental construction in 2004. Since then, Arminco has evolved into a full-service powerhouse offering design, architecture, equipment, and project management in one place.
This “one point of contact” approach is exactly what most doctors do not realize they need. Fewer handoffs. Fewer headaches. A more cohesive plan from start to finish.
One of the biggest takeaways from Artin is that even a “small” dental practice build-out has a lot of moving parts. Without a strong project manager coordinating the players, such as architects, contractors, designers, equipment reps, and more, miscommunication is almost guaranteed.
Arminco’s integrated model fills that gap. They align design, equipment, real estate, and construction to work in unison. The result is fewer surprises, smoother timelines, and a significantly less stressful startup process.
Real estate is the domino that sets off everything else: your layout, your budget, and even your operational flow. Artin stresses that every doctor’s goals, vision, and financial parameters are different. There is no universal budget or template.
This is where value engineering comes in. Artin’s team helps practices balance aesthetics and affordability through smarter material choices, optimized layouts, and strategic construction negotiations. It is not about cutting corners. It is about maximizing impact while protecting your budget.
Zoning, parking allotments, and city regulations are often overlooked until it is too late. Artin shared examples of practices that discovered limitations after signing their lease. These situations resulted in costly pivots that could have been avoided.
The takeaway is clear: due diligence is not optional. A feasibility study can save thousands, prevent timeline delays, and ensure you are building in a space that is actually buildable.
A dental startup budget is more than construction costs. Artin breaks it down into seven major categories:
Construction
Dental equipment
Cabinetry
IT
Marketing
Small equipment
Furniture
When doctors understand the full picture early on, they make better decisions. This prevents the financial whiplash that comes from discovering hidden costs mid-project.
Building or expanding a dental practice is a major investment, and it deserves intentional planning. With the right project management, clear communication, and industry expertise, your build-out does not have to feel overwhelming.
Artin’s advice is simple but powerful. Be proactive, ask questions, and surround yourself with people who understand this space inside and out. That is how you protect your time, your money, and ultimately, your vision.