In Grants Pass, Oregon, Pastrell, Buchanan & Hartzell Dentistry had everything most private practices work years to build: a strong community reputation, loyal patients, and experienced doctor partners who cared deeply about their team.
But behind the scenes, growth had stalled.
Overhead was climbing. Systems were outdated. Staffing gaps were creating pressure. Hygiene wasn’t operating at full capacity. And like many independent practices, the doctors were spending too much time managing problems instead of leading growth.
They needed the right infrastructure behind them, so they chose to partner with MB2 Dental.
A Strong Private Practice Facing Familiar Pressures
Dr. Peter Pastrell, Dr. Justin Buchanan, and Dr. Chad Hartzell had built a successful, respected practice. Clinically, they were thriving.
But even strong practices face pressure. Behind the scenes, operational challenges were starting to stack up:
- Lab costs hovering around 9% of revenue
- Dental supply expenses reaching 8–9% of revenue
- Minimal marketing traction and a 3.4-star Google rating
- No-shows and inconsistent recall systems
- Open positions in both front office and clinical roles
- Underutilized hygiene space
- Limited access to peer collaboration and leadership development
Like many dentists, they were focused on taking care of patients but didn’t have time to develop the systems and support necessary to scale profitably.
The Decision to Go “All In”
After partnering with MB2 in 2023, the doctors made a critical decision:
They had already built a successful practice—but they knew incremental change wouldn’t solve the operational challenges holding them back.
They weren’t going to implement one or two tools. They were going all in.
They started working closely with their MB2 Director of Operations and leaned fully into the partnership, tapping into Operations, Procurement, Marketing, and Talent Acquisition to create real momentum.
As Dr. Pastrell put it:
“We basically went all in with our Director of Operations and tried to implement all things MB2. It paid off in a big way.”
What Changed and Why It Worked
Smarter Dental Supply & Lab Ordering = Immediate Margin Relief
By transitioning to MB2’s tier-one lab network curated by the Procurement team, lab expenses dropped from 9% to 4% of revenue — while maintaining high-quality outcomes. They also streamlined supply ordering through Dentira, a one-stop dental supply platform, that helped reduce supply costs from 8–9% down to 3–4%.
Those two changes alone significantly lowered overhead and improved cash flow.
Marketing That Actually Moved the Needle
Instead of passive marketing efforts, the practice implemented a targeted digital strategy with MB2’s Marketing team.
The result?
- Google rating increased from 3.4 to 4.9 stars
- New patient growth jumped 50% in one year
The practice now benefits from stronger visibility, an improved reputation, and a steady flow of new patients.
Fixing Recall and No-Shows
With the implementation of structured recall systems and patient communication software, no-shows decreased and reappointment rates improved. These upgrades created more consistent production and better patient retention.
Solving Staffing Challenges
With support from MB2’s Talent Acquisition team, the practice filled critical roles across both the front office and clinical team.
That shift did more than fill seats—it restored consistency to the schedule, improved patient flow, and took pressure off the existing team.
Instead of constantly reacting to staffing gaps, the doctors were able to lead a more stable operation and focus on growing the practice.
Unlocking Hygiene Potential
With support from MB2’s Facility team, they revamped their hygiene program and expanded capacity by adding two new hygiene rooms.
That decision didn’t just increase production; it supported long-term growth and better patient access.
Engaging in the MB2 Community
Beyond operations, the doctors immersed themselves into the MB2 family, by attending the annual MB2 Owners Retreat, engaging with peer partners, and holding consistent weekly check-ins with their Operations team.
They were no longer operating in isolation; they were building a thriving practice with the support of like-minded dentists and teams that had their back.
The Results After 12 Months
Within one year of partnership with MB2, the impact was clear:
- 150% increase in EBITDA
- Significant overhead reductions
- Increased take-home pay for all doctor partners
- Stronger online presence and new patient flow
But perhaps more importantly, they built a healthier, more scalable business.
Why This Story Matters
Pastrell, Buchanan & Hartzell Dentistry didn’t sell or walk away from dentistry.
They chose to partner and fully commit—retaining leadership over their practice, maintaining clinical autonomy, and preserving the identity they had built within their community—but stopped trying to do it all alone.
Their story is a reminder that growth doesn’t require giving up control. It requires the right support structure.
A Blueprint for Growth-Minded Doctors
If you’re a private practice owner feeling:
- The pressure of rising overhead
- Frustrated with stalled growth
- Tired of staffing challenges
- Curious about what your practice could do with stronger infrastructure
You don’t necessarily need to exit; you may need a partner.
At MB2 Dental, we exist to help entrepreneurial dentists scale smarter, while staying in control of their practice and future.
Want to see what MB2 Dental can do for your practice?
Start the conversation with one of our doctor partners.
