Leading in Dentistry – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode, Dr. Eggett dives into the struggles of his current leadership position and, using the 5 Dysfunctions of a Team and his own Accountability Check protocol, describes how to keep the pendulum from swinging back and forth between focusing on results and focusing on culture. How can holding people accountable actually BUILD trust? That's what we aim to answer in this episode.

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In this episode, Wes sits down with his brother-in-law, Mitch Rush, just after giving his 30-day notice at his first associateship out of dental school. The reason? Mitch has found the practice he's been looking for and is transitioning into practice ownership!

Wes and Mitch talk about what led Mitch to this point, how he found the practice he's purchasing, and what things he's learned and will implement as the new leader of the practice.

We're so excited for you Mitch! Go get 'em!

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In this short (but sweet!) episode, I share a recent story about a win that our team had in training an assistant to complete prep scans on crowns. A patient came in on recall this week and it reminded me of this crown case, and I wanted to share it with everyone to inspire you to TRUST your team!

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In this episode, we unpack the 3 E's of Team Leads—a simple yet powerful framework built around three E’s: Example, Execute, and Experience.

Whether you’re a dental assistant, front desk lead, or hygienist stepping into leadership, this episode breaks down what it really means to lead without a title.

 You’ll learn how being a calm, competent example, carrying out the vision of your leadership team, and creating a positive experience for both coworkers and patients can elevate your entire practice.

We also explore the unique role team leads play as the bridge between leadership and day-to-day operations.

Through practical stories and insights, we’ll show how consistency, communication, and presence—not position—are what make someone truly influential on a dental team.

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This episode welcomes back Dr. Richard Low to the podcast! Dr. Low shares his journey of leadership and the eventual feelings of burnout that resulted from the struggles that came with it.

After having largely stepped away from his role as a clinical dentist and CEO of his company, Dr. Low has directed his focus towards helping dentists who struggle with feeling overwhelmed with the stresses of being a dentist.

If you are struggling with feelings of burnout, overwhelm, or just need someone to talk to, feel free to reach out to me at any time and check out Richard's group on Facebook to connect with someone who might be able to help!

• Next Level Dentist Facebook Group
• Next Level Fathers Website - Schedule a Call with Richard

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In this episode, we tackle one of the toughest leadership questions: How do you know when it’s time to move on—or when it’s time to let someone go? Using a simple 2x2 matrix and a four-question reflective checklist, we explore the key factors that signal whether a situation is fixable or fundamentally misaligned. We discuss the importance of communication, patience, and self-awareness in decision-making, and how to ensure that leaving (or terminating) isn’t just an escape from discomfort but a step toward real alignment.

Whether you’re an employee wondering if it’s time to move on or a leader questioning if someone is the right fit, this episode will give you the tools to evaluate your next steps with clarity and confidence.

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Associate dentists are a growing portion of the dental industry and the power they hold to affect change in the office cannot be overstated! In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Tony Schicktanz, AKA The Educated Associate, to discuss the role of associate dentists in leading the dental team.

Tony has a wealth of knowledge on the subject of associate dentists and the potential they have to steer the team in the right direction, as well as innumerable tips and tricks on helping associates find an environment where they're leadership is appreciated and respected.

You can check out Dr. Schictanz's work, as well as grab a copy of his book, by following the link HERE.

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In this episode of the Leading in Dentistry Podcast, Dr. Wes Eggett reviews the TEACH leadership model, specifically regarding its importance in setting expectations and maintaining accountability within a dental team. He emphasizes addressing gaps between expectations and reality to understand why plans may not be working as envisioned. Dr. Eggett introduces the Six Sources of Influence framework from Crucial Learning, known for their work on Crucial Conversations, to help diagnose and influence team behavior effectively.

Motivational and ability problems can be divided into personal, social, and structural areas. Dr. Eggett explains how to use this framework to diagnose issues and positively influence behaviors, using case acceptance in dental practices as an example. He provides detailed strategies for improving case acceptance by addressing personal motivation and ability, social motivation and ability, and structural motivation and ability, demonstrating how using multiple sources of influence can significantly enhance results. This practical approach aims to help dental leaders create a more effective and supportive environment for their teams.

VitalSmarts Research on Six Sources of Influence

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 I recently had the chance to join Dr. DeAngelo Webster on the Practice Biopsy podcast to talk about leadership in dentistry—what it is, what it isn’t, and how anyone can step into it, title or not. We discussed how great leaders multiply impact, why trust is the foundation of influence, and how the TEACH model helps create systematic, measurable growth. Whether you’re leading a practice, a team, or just yourself, this conversation breaks down leadership into real, actionable steps. 

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In this episode, Dr. Wes Eggett breaks down the 5 Lies of Culture, a concept taught by Ginger Hardage, and explains why these misconceptions can hold businesses—and dental practices—back from reaching their full potential. He dives into how culture isn’t just about perks or mission statements on the wall, but about the daily leadership actions that shape a thriving team.

Dr. Eggett challenges the idea that culture is someone else’s job, emphasizing that every team member, from the front desk to the operatory, plays a role in shaping the patient experience and work environment. He also tackles the fear that empowering employees leads to losing control—when in reality, giving people ownership within a structured framework leads to stronger teams and better results. Finally, he dispels the myth that culture is expensive, offering practical, low-cost strategies that any dental office can use to build engagement, retention, and a more positive workplace.

If you’ve ever wondered why some workplaces thrive while others struggle with morale and turnover, this episode is for you. Tune in to learn how to cultivate a strong, values-driven culture in your dental practice—without waiting for someone else to do it.

💡 Key Takeaways:
✔ Culture isn’t about perks—it’s a driver of business success.
✔ Every employee shapes culture, not just the practice owner.
✔ Values must be lived out daily, not just displayed on a wall.
✔ Empowering employees strengthens a business, rather than weakening control.
✔ You don’t need a big budget to build a great culture—leadership behaviors make the difference.

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