Discover how Dr. Stephanie Marvelli and Dr. Shalini Kamodia built a thriving, multi-million dollar dental practice from the ground up, overcame a global pandemic, scaled with confidence, and became inspirational leaders in private dentistry. Their story is a roadmap for any practice owner who dreams bigger. Follow them from dental school to the building of their own 30 operatory facility below or in Jay Geier’s interview with them on the Private Practice Playbook podcast.
1. The Meeting That Sparked a Movement
It all began with a simple lunch on the first day of dental school. Two strangers, Dr’s. Marvelli and Kamodia, found themselves seated at the same table. Neither could have known that this random encounter would eventually turn into a flourishing business partnership.
Throughout dental school, they became inseparable—roommates, study partners, and, eventually, co-dreamers. A pivotal guest lecture on private practice flipped a switch. It wasn’t about fillings or floss—it was about systems, experiences, and ownership. Dr. Kamodia recalls, “…we were sitting next to each other and both of us were like, this is really cool. This is awesome. And that was like the moment that we’re like, ‘oh, this is my person.’”
2. Jumping In With Both Feet
After graduation, the duo took separate paths—Stephanie in Michigan and Shalini in upstate New York. Still, the dream lingered. When Shalini suggested starting a practice in North Carolina, Stephanie didn’t hesitate. ‘Everyone told us not to do it,’ they said. But they packed up, moved in together, and started their practice.
They took a dental startup course, followed a detailed checklist, and signed a lease on a building that didn’t even exist yet. With no patients and no safety net, they rolled the dice—and got to work building Mint Hill Smiles.
3. The Pandemic Curveball
Just three months after opening, COVID-19 shut the world down. With a new lease, a new team, and no patient base, the challenge seemed insurmountable. But their lean structure became their saving grace. Fewer patients meant fewer problems. They survived by trimming expenses and staying agile.
When the world reopened, other practices were slammed. Mint Hill Smiles? They had availability—and patients came flooding in.
Dr’s. Marvelli and Kamodia applied what they learned from their dental startup course and they began to grow. “We did everything we knew how to do to grow a business from the course that we took before we opened,” Dr. Kamodia reflects, “And then we reached a point where we’re like, we don’t know what’s next.”
4. The Coaching Catalyst
Once the dust settled, Dr’s. Marvelli and Kamodia realized something critical: they had grown fast, but they didn’t know what came next.
Both doctors had previously worked as associates in practices that had worked with the Practice Growth Institute (previously the Scheduling Institute) and had remembered they’re fond experiences in those practices.
Realizing they didn’t just need new patients or money—they needed a new mindset to transform their business. They needed a new perspective to shift from being overworked clinicians to strategic leaders; to build systems, empower their team, and—most importantly—zoom out and see the business from above. “It’s not what you think you need, but it’s what you need,” Dr. Marvelli muses in the podcast.
That’s when they turned to coaching.
5. Systems, Teams, and Letting Go
Their first major hire? A full-time executive assistant. That role eventually became their HR director. It changed everything. They built a leadership team, delegated responsibilities, and stopped trying to do it all themselves.
Now with over 30 employees, Dr’s. Marvelli and Kamodia lead a culture of ownership and growth. “The fact that we have a leadership team that we can delegate things to is just monumental,” Dr. Marvelli reflects in the podcast, “They like to do the thing[s] that we don’t like doing and they’re better at it.” Dr’s. Marvelli and Kamodia don’t micromanage—they inspire.
6. Building While Becoming Moms
Over the past five years, they didn’t just grow a business. They became wives, mothers, and role models. Their story is a beacon for women in dentistry who wonder if they can have it all.
Their answer? Not only can you—but you should. With structure, support, and a clear vision, you can grow your practice without sacrificing your personal life.
7. The $6 Million Vision
Their current office is booming. So they’re building a new one: 30 operatories, $6 million, top-tier design. Why? Because they’re done thinking small. The new space won’t just accommodate more patients—it will host training, inspire staff, and transform the local community.
As Jay Geier told them, ‘Nobody ever says they built too big. Only too small.’ They listened.
8. Lessons Every Private Practice Owner Should Learn
- Coaching isn’t optional—if you want to grow, you need a guide
- Systems create freedom, not restriction
- The right hires elevate everything
- You grow when you let go
- Bigger vision = bigger impact
- The business will only grow as much as you do
- Private practice isn’t dead—it’s being redefined
9. Final Word—Why Their Story Matters
In just five years, Dr’s. Marvelli and Kamodia built what many dream of: a thriving, meaningful, multi-million-dollar business. But it didn’t happen by accident. It happened by design—rooted in coaching, mindset, and courage.
Their story is proof that private practice owners don’t have to settle. With the right support and a bold vision, you can scale your practice and your life—at the same time. Discover for yourself how you can grow your practice with the right shift in mindset.
