In this episode, Dr. Meena Barsoum sits down with Dr. Shant Aharonian, a Los Angeles-based cosmetic and restorative dentist, to share how he launched a scratch startup practice during COVID and scaled it using digital dentistry and 3D printing.You’ll learn:✅ How Dr. Shant built a high-tech practice from the ground up✅ Why he invested in scanners, mills, and 3D printers from day one✅ The role of SprintRay Pro2 and Midas in delivering same-day dentistry✅ How digital workflows like intraoral scanning, CAD/CAM, and AI-driven software change the patient experience✅ Lessons for new grads and seasoned dentists about adopting technology and staying adaptable👉 If you’re curious about digital dentistry, CAD/CAM, 3D printing, or running a modern dental startup, this episode is packed with insights you can use in your own practice.00:00 – Introduction 01:00 – Dr. Shant’s background: USC, early exposure to CAD/CAM & digital dentistry03:40 – Starting a scratch practice in Burbank during COVID07:00 – Going all-in on digital from day one: scanners, mills & 3D printing10:30 – Financing, startup risks & investing in technology first13:00 – Growing through patient experience & digital workflows21:00 – Technology investments: trios, Omnicam, CBCT 25:00 – Challenges of leaving associateships & going all-in on ownership28:00 – Early struggles, temptations to quit & how Dr. Shant pushed through31:00 – Balancing practice growth with lecturing & teaching digital dentistry34:00 – How Midas changed his approach to restorative dentistry38:30 – Same-day workflows & the future of additive manufacturing in dentistry43:00 – The rise of AI, cloud-based CAD, and the “liberation of CAD”49:30 – Dr. Shant's advice to new grads and dentists entering digital dentistry51:00 – Closing thoughts & takeaways