How a Mom-Dentist is Redefining Patient Care and Startup Survival | Dr. Pooja Makam | 598

Mar 12, 2026

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What does it really take to launch a dental startup while juggling motherhood, a mission-driven vision, and a learn-as-you-go leadership style?

Dr. Pooja Makam opens up about building Lumina Dentistry from the ground up, all while parenting two toddlers and fighting for a patient-first approach in a world of corporate pressure.

In this episode, Dr. Makam takes us behind the scenes of opening her North Carolina practice, from tackling unexpected technology meltdowns to navigating hiring heartbreaks and financial curveballs. She contrasts her corporate dentistry experience with her drive to create genuine, customizable care, revealing how she implemented efficient workflows and a “comfort menu” that attracts modern patients without hard sells. You'll hear real stories of operational fires, evolving boundaries, self-forgiveness, and the power of vetting vendors and advice. If you’re dreaming of practice ownership (or simply want to survive your startup season,) you'll want to hear Dr. Makam’s story!

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

The reality of opening a dental startup as a working parent
What differentiates a patient-first, private practice from DSO-driven dentistry
Mistakes made and lessons learned in early-stage hiring and team building
Tactics for smoother workflow, cross-training, and avoiding burnout
How to realistically test your systems before opening day
Subtle ways to introduce elective services without seeming salesy
Marketing and branding hacks (including how $35 can launch your logo)
Navigating vendor relationships, technology snags, and construction delays
Setting healthy boundaries to protect family time and your own sanity
How to filter advice and avoid sales-driven online “mentorship”

Turn up the volume for a raw, practical guide to launching and growing a dental practice on your own terms.

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