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From Zero to Fully Booked: How I Built a Squat Dental Practice from the Ground Up
- Dr Bobby Bhandal
- Jul 30
- 3 min read
By Dr. Bobby Bhandal | Founder, Squat Success
Let me take you back a few years…
No patients. No premises. No staff. Just a BIG vision, a solid game plan, and a whole lot of faith.
Starting a squat practice — launching a dental clinic from scratch — was the boldest move of my career. And yes, it was tough. But it was also the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done.
Fast forward to today, and Avenue Dental is thriving — and I’ve helped dozens of other dentists do the same through Squat Success. If you’re thinking about building your dream practice from the ground up, here’s your no-fluff guide with the real top tips no one else is telling you.
🎯 Tip 1: Don’t Start with a Drill — Start with a Vision
Before you think about chairs, logos, or even location, ask yourself:
What kind of dentist do I want to be?
Who do I want to serve?
What experience do I want patients to walk away with?
Your practice isn’t just a place — it’s your brand. Start with that foundation, and everything else will align faster.
🏗 Tip 2: Planning Is Sexy (Seriously)
This is where dreams become actionable.
✅ Build a robust business plan — include cashflow forecasts, marketing plans, and a timeline.
✅ Map out the CQC journey (more on that later).
✅ Start networking early — suppliers, trades, financial advisors.
Pro tip: Break everything down into 90-day sprints. It keeps you focused and avoids burnout.
📍 Tip 3: Choose Location Like a Property Developer
When I chose the site for Avenue Dental, I wasn’t just thinking about footfall — I was thinking 10 years ahead.
Ask yourself:
Is it accessible?
Is the demographic growing?
What’s the competition like?
Does the space give you room to expand?
A squat in the right area can outperform a tired old acquisition. Choose wisely.
🛠 Tip 4: Don’t DIY Your Fit-Out
Unless you’re a closet interior designer with a GDC number, bring in the pros.
Look for teams who:
Know CQC compliance inside out
Have done dental builds before
Won’t upsell you 5-star marble floors when what you really need is ventilation and zoning
And yes — get 3 quotes. Always.
📜 Tip 5: CQC Is a Beast — But a Beatable One
Most dentists delay here because CQC seems intimidating. But I promise: it’s just a process.
Start early — seriously.
Have your Registered Manager sorted.
Use a proven checklist (yes, I give one to all Squat Success members!).
Nail your policies and practice ethos early — they’ll carry you through.
🧠 Tip 6: Build a Team That Believes in Your Mission
This isn’t about hiring a receptionist. This is about building your core crew — the ones who’ll grow the brand with you.
Look for:
Positive attitude > experience
Shared values
Willingness to wear multiple hats in the early days
Remember: You’re not just hiring — you’re creating a culture.
📣 Tip 7: Launch Loud
One of the biggest mistakes I see? Dentists open quietly… and stay quiet.
Instead:
Document your build on Instagram — patients LOVE behind-the-scenes content.
Tease your opening months in advance.
Partner with local businesses, do a press release, hold an open day.
Your first 100 patients are out there — they just need to know you exist.
💡 Bonus Tip: Learn from Someone Who’s Done It
You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. That’s why I created Squat Success — the UK's most practical, no-nonsense roadmap to launching a successful squat practice.
Full step-by-step course
Templates for policies, business plans, and marketing
Access to trusted suppliers and my network
One-on-one mentorship
🔥 Final Thoughts
Starting a squat practice isn’t for everyone. But if you want freedom, flexibility, and a practice that feels 100% you, there’s nothing like it.
You don’t need to wait for the “perfect time” — you need a plan, a community, and a bit of fire in your belly.
Let’s build something unforgettable.
👉 Check out Squat Success and let’s get you from zero to fully booked.
Dr. Bobby Bhandal is a squat practice coach, clinical director at Avenue Dental, and founder of Squat Success — helping UK dentists take control of their careers and build thriving practices from scratch.
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