In this episode of The Dental Practice Launch Podcast, host Shane Simmons, Founder and CEO of Crimson Media Dental Marketing, sits down with Dr. Ryan Driesse, owner of Mountain City Dentistry.
Dr. Driesse shares the full behind-the-scenes story of launching a startup dental practice from scratch in Jasper, Georgia, and scaling it to nearly $2 million in production in just over a year. From construction delays and last-minute staffing challenges to explosive patient demand and rapid team growth, Ryan breaks down what it really takes to succeed as a first-time practice owner.
This conversation goes far beyond numbers. Ryan opens up about building trust in a new community, creating a culture-first team, and the life-changing personal wins that came from practice ownership, including paying off student loans, transforming his father’s smile, and creating unforgettable experiences for his family.
If you’re an associate dentist thinking about ownership, or a new owner in the early stages of your journey, this episode is a masterclass in mindset, leadership, and what’s possible when preparation meets execution.
SUBSCRIBE to The Dental Practice Launch Podcast!
Learn more about Crimson Media Dental Marketing and how we help dental startups grow through proven marketing strategies.
Takeaways:
- Startup ownership can scale fast when done intentionally – Ryan built demand before opening through ground marketing, community involvement, and a VIP list that generated nearly 300 interested patients pre-launch.
- Community connection beats clinical credentials – Trust, authenticity, and human connection were the real drivers of early growth, not just technology or advanced procedures.
- Delays and setbacks are part of the deal – From an 8-month construction delay to losing a key team member 10 days before opening, Ryan shows how planning for worst-case scenarios creates resilience.
- Culture-first hiring is a growth accelerator – Ryan hires almost exclusively through referrals and prioritizes attitude, sacrifice, and culture fit over résumés.
- Reputation matters more than revenue,especially early – His first goal wasn’t collections; it was building a reputation with patients, staff, and the community that would compound over time.
- Ownership unlocks life-changing personal impact – Practice ownership allowed Ryan to pay off massive student loans, provide exceptional benefits to his team, restore his father’s smile, and fulfill lifelong dreams for his family.
- The mental load is real, but worth it – Ryan candidly discusses decision fatigue, stress, and the transition from associate to CEO, and why the fulfillment outweighs the pressure.
