Explore every episode of the podcast The Lifestyle Practice Podcast For Dentists
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 331. Your Practice Isn’t Broken, Your Standards Are Too Low | 26 oct. 2026 | 00:07:46 | |
Many of the issues dentists face in their practice are a direct result of standards that aren't high enough. In this episode, Dr. Matt Vogt asks you to picture your perfect practice, from how your team performs to how your patients treat you, and then asks a simple question: why are you accepting anything less? He shares common examples of low standards in dental offices, a real story about holding a hygienist accountable, and why your standards need to apply to your team, your patients, and yourself. WHO THIS EPISODE IS FOR Dental practice owners, associate dentists, and dental students who want a practice that supports their lifestyle instead of consuming it. KEY TAKEAWAYS - Visualize your perfect practice: how your team performs, how patients communicate with you, and even how the office looks and smells. Then ask why you accept less than that today. - Many dentists tolerate things they would never accept if they were starting from scratch, such as an office manager who doesn't perform like an office manager or a front office team member who drops new patient calls. - Sometimes the issue is you. If you struggle with patient communication or clinical outcomes, point the finger inward instead of outward. - You get what you're willing to accept, in life and in dentistry. - When a team member keeps falling short, avoiding the confrontation is the wrong path. Your standard can be high and still be reasonable. - A clear, direct conversation, including asking what the team member needs to meet the standard consistently, can create change almost immediately. - When one person isn't held to the same standard, the rest of the team notices. That creates resentment and lowers everyone's effort. - Hold yourself to the same standard. If a patient doesn't accept treatment, ask your team how you communicated and what questions the patient had. - A culture of collaboration helps you learn from your team instead of assuming you're always right. - Treat every patient with respect, and expect respect in return. If a patient consistently isn't a fit, it's okay to help them find a dentist who suits them better. - Healthy patient standards come from an abundance mindset, and those standards will carry over into everything your practice does. Connect with us: Take our FREE lifestyle and practice assessment: https://thelifestylepractice.com/practice-assesment/ Learn more about 1-on-1 coaching: https://thelifestylepractice.com/coaching-services/ Get access to TLP Academy: https://thelifestylepractice.com/coaching-services/ Get the TLP Student Academy for $20 (lifetime access): https://the-lifestyle-practice.teachable.com/p/studentacademy Visit our website: https://thelifestylepractice.com Subscribe to The Lifestyle Practice Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tlp-podcast-for-dentists/id1476544801 Email Steve: steve@thelifestylepractice.com Email Derek: derek@thelifestylepractice.com Email Matt: matt@thelifestylepractice.com Email Raheel: raheel@thelifestylepractice.com #DentistLife #LifestylePracticePodcast
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| 330. The 3-Day Dental Workweek: How to Work Less Without Earning Less | 19 oct. 2026 | 00:09:32 | |
Can a dentist work three days a week without earning less? Dr. Derek Williams cut his Thursdays cold turkey, took a small dip in September, and then had the best month in his practice's 30-plus-year history. In this episode of The Lifestyle Practice Podcast, Dr. Williams answers a listener's question: what does it actually look like to go from a four-day to a three-day dental workweek? He explains why he made the decision without a perfect plan, what happened to production and collections, and how his team learned to fit a four-day schedule into three highly productive days. You'll learn how to remove the "fluff" from your dental schedule, how assistants can prepare better and turn over rooms faster, and why Dr. Williams treats the daily schedule like a game of Tetris. He also covers whether you should cut your team's hours, how hygienists can keep seeing patients on days the doctor isn't in the office, and how an overhead-based bonus system supports a shorter workweek. If you're a dental practice owner dealing with burnout, an associate dentist planning your future, or a dentist who wants better work-life balance, this episode shows how dental practice efficiency can give you more time off without sacrificing your income. Connect with us: Take our FREE lifestyle and practice assessment: https://thelifestylepractice.com/practice-assesment/ Learn more about 1-on-1 coaching: https://thelifestylepractice.com/coaching-services/ Get access to TLP Academy: https://thelifestylepractice.com/coaching-services/ Get the TLP Student Academy for $20 (lifetime access): https://the-lifestyle-practice.teachable.com/p/studentacademy Visit our website: https://thelifestylepractice.com Subscribe to The Lifestyle Practice Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tlp-podcast-for-dentists/id1476544801 Email Steve: steve@thelifestylepractice.com Email Derek: derek@thelifestylepractice.com Email Matt: matt@thelifestylepractice.com Email Raheel: raheel@thelifestylepractice.com #DentistLife #LifestylePracticePodcast | |||
| 329. How to Make Your Dental Hygiene Department More Profitable | 12 oct. 2026 | 00:09:43 | |
Growth Through Hygiene: How to Make Your Hygiene Department More Productive When Dr. Raheel Haider took over his dental practice, the hygiene schedule was booked out for three months, the hygienist was bouncing between her own patients and new-patient perio exams, and the reappointment rate sat at around 20%. In this solo episode, he explains how he rebuilt the hygiene department into one of the most productive and profitable parts of his practice. WHO THIS EPISODE IS FOR Dental practice owners, associate dentists planning to own, and dental students who want to understand how hygiene drives practice growth. KEY TAKEAWAYS - If your hygiene schedule is booked out for months, the fastest fix is more capacity. Hiring another hygienist lets new patients be seen in hygiene instead of waiting. - New-grad hygienists are often easier to coach because they are eager, motivated, and open to mentorship. - A $50-an-hour hygienist who sits idle for eight hours costs you $400. One extra new patient brings in revenue at the first visit and gives you a chance to diagnose treatment. - Dr. Haider's team now tracks the reappointment rate daily and keeps it above 90%, up from about 20% when he took over. - Roughly half of American adults have some form of periodontal disease, so many practices are underdiagnosing perio. AI voice perio charting can complete the chart, provide staging and grading, and print an educational sheet that helps with case acceptance. - Build a same-day mentality across your team. Patients stop thinking about dentistry the moment they walk out the door. - Require deposits for SRPs. Patients follow their money, and if they won't put a deposit down, don't schedule them. - Don't cut your hygienists' hours when the schedule slows down. Fix cancellations and no-shows with better case acceptance, communication, and deposits. - When fluoride isn't covered by insurance, you can charge your full office fee. Dr. Haider offers a 50% same-day discount to every patient, cash or insurance. Check your state's insurance laws before copying this. - Curodont can reverse incipient cavities in about 30 seconds to a minute per tooth. Showing patients AI-highlighted X-rays dramatically increases acceptance. - Aim for hygienists to produce about 3.3 times their pay. Paying hygienists hourly or a percentage of production, similar to an associate, creates motivation to produce. - Even in a worst-case scenario where a hygienist only produces 1x their pay, you still gain new patients and long-term growth. TOOLS MENTIONED AI voice perio charting, Overjet and Pearl (AI X-ray detection), Curodont Connect with us: Take our FREE lifestyle and practice assessment: https://thelifestylepractice.com/practice-assesment/ Learn more about 1-on-1 coaching: https://thelifestylepractice.com/coaching-services/ Get access to TLP Academy: https://thelifestylepractice.com/coaching-services/ Get the TLP Student Academy for $20 (lifetime access): https://the-lifestyle-practice.teachable.com/p/studentacademy Visit our website: https://thelifestylepractice.com Subscribe to The Lifestyle Practice Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tlp-podcast-for-dentists/id1476544801 Email Steve: steve@thelifestylepractice.com Email Derek: derek@thelifestylepractice.com Email Matt: matt@thelifestylepractice.com Email Raheel: raheel@thelifestylepractice.com #DentistLife #LifestylePracticePodcast
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| 328. Personal Finance for Dentists: Budgeting, Debt, and Selective Frugality | 05 oct. 2026 | 00:08:04 | |
A dentist asked Dr. Steve Van De Graaff a simple question: "Should I have a budget? I have a Tesla, and I'm starting to wonder if I should be spending my money differently." In this episode of The Lifestyle Practice Podcast, Steve answers three questions every dentist eventually asks: How should I manage my money? How can I save more of it? And what should I spend it on? Steve starts with financial literacy basics: knowing your monthly expenses, building an emergency fund of six months of living expenses, keeping a cash reserve for your dental practice, carrying life insurance, and understanding the difference between good debt and bad debt. He explains why practice loans and a home mortgage can work in your favor, while credit card debt and high-interest consumer loans should be paid off fast. Then he shares his philosophy of selective frugality: spend happily on what you value, and cut back on everything else. You will learn how to save money on the big three expenses (housing, transportation, and food), why you should annualize recurring costs, how to avoid lifestyle creep, and how to shift from a consumer mindset to building passive income and long-term wealth. Whether you are a practice owner, an associate dentist, or a new grad paying off student loans, this episode will help you use money as a tool to build financial freedom and a life you actually want. Connect with us: Take our FREE lifestyle and practice assessment: https://thelifestylepractice.com/practice-assesment/ Learn more about 1-on-1 coaching: https://thelifestylepractice.com/coaching-services/ Get access to TLP Academy: https://thelifestylepractice.com/coaching-services/ Get the TLP Student Academy for $20 (lifetime access): https://the-lifestyle-practice.teachable.com/p/studentacademy Visit our website: https://thelifestylepractice.com Subscribe to The Lifestyle Practice Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tlp-podcast-for-dentists/id1476544801 Email Steve: steve@thelifestylepractice.com Email Derek: derek@thelifestylepractice.com Email Matt: matt@thelifestylepractice.com Email Raheel: raheel@thelifestylepractice.com #PersonalFinance #FinancialFreedom #DentistLife #LifestylePracticePodcast | |||
| 327. How to Stop Procrastinating: The $15 Timer Productivity Hack for Dentists | 28 sept. 2026 | 00:07:54 | |
Do you put off small tasks until they weigh on your mind for days? In this episode of The Lifestyle Practice Podcast, Dr. Matt Vogt shares the $15 dial kitchen timer that transformed his productivity at his dental practice, in his coaching career, and at home. Dr. Matt explains how to use a simple productivity timer to build focus, gamify your to-do list, and stop procrastinating. You will learn how timing yourself makes you aware of every distraction, why tasks expand to fill the time you give them, and how to finish dreaded admin work in minutes instead of days. Whether you are a dental practice owner, an associate dentist, or a dental student, this time management strategy can help you build efficiency at procedures like crown preps without compromising the quality of care. It can also help you manage your practice more effectively and protect your time outside of work. Connect with us:
#ProductivityHacks #StopProcrastinating #DentalPractice #LifestylePracticePodcast | |||
| 326. Why Financial Freedom Isn't the Finish Line for Dentists | 21 sept. 2026 | 00:10:45 | |
In this solo episode, Dr. Derek Williams reflects on life after selling his dental practice and spending two years on the road in an RV with his family. After years of chasing financial freedom, he's now working through a different question: what do you do with freedom once you have it? Key takeaways
Resources mentioned
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| 325. Stop Complaining About Dental Insurance and Start Playing the Game | 14 sept. 2026 | 00:08:26 | |
Dr. Raheel Haider takes a deliberately contrarian position on the most-complained-about topic in dentistry. Instead of joining the social media pile-on about denials, write-offs, and impossible reimbursements, he argues that a negative mentality about dental insurance spreads through a practice — to the front desk, to the billing team, to the patients — quietly costs the office production. Key takeaways
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| 324. The Simplest Dental Team Training That Actually Works | 07 sept. 2026 | 00:08:11 | |
Dr. Steve Van De Graaff hosts an episode on the single most common struggle he hears from dentists: leading and managing a team. His answer isn't a culture overhaul or an offsite — it's a training you can run in fifteen minutes and start using the same afternoon. The handoff has two rules. First, tell the patient what's coming next, so nobody sits in a chair wondering why they're waiting. Second, build up the team member taking over. "Erica's going to take care of you — she does the best cleanings." "Sarah's really good with insurance; she'll find a way to make this work." "Kate's in here with you today, and she's great with kids." Why it works — three effects
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| 323. Why "Hire Slow, Fire Fast" Is Terrible Advice for Dental Practice Owners | 31 août 2026 | 00:07:49 | |
Firing a team member is one of the most uncomfortable parts of owning a dental practice — and according to Dr. Matt Vogt, most of the advice out there makes it harder, not easier. In this episode, Matt takes apart the popular "hire slow, fire fast" cliché and shares a real coaching conversation with a client who recently acquired a practice. The client inherited a front office where four team members had no clear roles and no defined expectations — including "Kathy," an employee who'd been shuffled from position to position for years without ever being told what a good job actually looked like. When the team pushed for Kathy to be let go, the client's gut said the same. But Matt's coaching reframed the situation: before you fire someone, you owe it to them — and to yourself as a leader — to give your absolute best effort. That means clear roles, clear expectations, real training, and honest accountability. Dr. Matt's core philosophy: people fire themselves. When you've laid everything out on the table, and someone still can't rise to the standard, the decision becomes clear, guilt-free, and fair. And the bonus? The better you get at creating clarity, the less often you'll ever need to fire anyone. Key takeaways:
Ready to build a practice — and a team — that runs on clarity? Take the free lifestyle and practice assessment and start a no-pressure conversation with Derek, Matt, Steve, or Raheel.
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| 322. How I Paid Off $300K in Dental School Loans in One Year (The Full Breakdown) | 24 août 2026 | 00:24:33 | |
Dr. Derek Williams paid off $300,000 in dental school student loans within twelve months of graduating — then got accused of faking it. In this episode, he addresses every criticism head-on and walks through exactly how it happened. Fresh out of dental school in 2016, Derek bought a practice doing $570K at 50% overhead after evaluating close to 100 practices. In his first year of ownership, he nearly doubled production to $1.3 million — not through one big move, but through hundreds of small operational decisions: fixing the practice's visibility with a digital sign, going comprehensive with patient care, training an underdeveloped team, and bringing extractions, grafting, and implants in-house. He's honest about the cost, too — the emotional weight of a brutal first three-to-six months, dropping his daughter at a new school with no friends or family nearby, and questioning whether he could even do it. Derek also breaks down the tax timing that freed up early cash flow, the psychology behind choosing to pay off debt over investing, and how he rolled the momentum into real estate. The takeaway: paying off the loans wasn't his best investment — learning to build an exceptional practice was. The debt disappearing was just the first visible result. Connect with us:
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| 321. From $800K a Year to Bankrupt: What Went Wrong | 17 août 2026 | 00:05:50 | |
In this episode, Dr. Raheel Haider breaks down the exact red flags that turned an $800K practice into a bankruptcy — sky-high rent eating into profit margins, $10,000/month in marketing that wasn't converting, a saturated market with brutal competition, and a seller he didn't trust. This is a real case study in dental practice acquisition, practice due diligence, and the numbers every dentist needs to check before buying a dental practice. If you're a dentist considering practice ownership, a dental student planning your future, or a practice owner trying to figure out why your margins feel this tight — this episode shows you exactly what to look for (and look out for) before you sign. What you'll learn:
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| 320. He Bought a 3-Chair Practice With ZERO Patients on Day 2 — Now It's Doubled | Dr. Eric Palmer | 10 août 2026 | 00:49:56 | |
Five and a half years ago, Dr. Eric Palmer bought a three-operatory dental practice about 20 minutes outside one of the most competitive dental markets in the United States. The practice had no insurance verification process, no real treatment plan presentation, and a hard credit check on every new patient. Today, that same practice has doubled its production and collections on the same three chairs, runs on a three- to four-day clinical week, and is being built out to eight operatories to support a future associate hire. In this conversation, Eric and Steve walk through the entire arc: discovering practice ownership through a podcast episode during residency, finding an off-market practice through direct mailers to retiring dentists, navigating a financing gap when a home sale fell through days before closing, fixing broken front-office systems in the first weeks of ownership, and building a billing strategy that profits inside a low-fee-allowable PPO state using CEREC same-day dentistry. Key topics covered:
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| 319. 2026 Is Halfway Over: Are You Winning or Losing as a Dentist? | 03 août 2026 | 00:09:31 | |
2026 is officially halfway over — and if you're a dentist or dental practice owner, that means it's time for an honest mid-year check-in. In this episode of The Lifestyle Practice Podcast, Matt Vogt breaks down the real difference between dentists who are winning in 2026 and dentists who are losing, based on patterns he sees across practice ownership, dental practice management, and everyday life. Dr. Matt shares three signs you're losing this year: being reactive to every up and down in your dental practice, blaming your team or "bad luck" instead of taking ownership, and coasting through your career without intention. Then he flips it — the three signs you're actually winning: staying the course through the ups and downs of practice ownership, taking extreme ownership of your results (including how you handle a tough Google review or patient complaint), and leading your day, your team, and your practice with real intention instead of drifting. Whether you're a general dentist, a specialist, or a practice owner working on treatment acceptance, staffing, or burnout, this episode is a reset for the second half of 2026. If you want to build a practice and a life that actually feel like a win — not just look like one — this one's for you. Connect with us:
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| 318. The 3 Problems Killing Dental Practice Profits in 2026 (And How to Fix Them) | 27 juil. 2026 | 00:12:52 | |
Every dental practice owner is facing the same three problems in 2026: insurance reimbursements that haven't kept up with inflation, a staffing and retention crisis, and overhead that keeps climbing no matter what you cut. In this episode of The Lifestyle Practice Podcast, Dr. Derek Williams breaks down why these dental practice management challenges have gotten worse — and more importantly, what the highest-performing practices are doing differently to grow production, protect their margins, and build a team that doesn't leave. You'll learn how one practice increased production by 40% without changing their insurance mix or seeing more patients — just by fixing how they diagnosed, communicated, and followed up with patients. You'll also get a practical framework for improving staff retention (without a bigger payroll budget) and a simple way to tell whether an expense is actually an investment in your practice's growth. If you're a dental practice owner trying to increase profitability, reduce overhead, and build a team that sticks around, this episode gives you three action items you can implement in your practice this week. Connect with us:
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| 317. If I Had to Pay Off $450K in Debt Again, I'd Do These 3 Things Differently | 20 juil. 2026 | 00:14:25 | |
Dr. Matt Vogt is back for another episode of The Lifestyle Practice — and this one gets personal. After a chance dinner conversation with a pre-dental student staring down a $650K tuition bill, Matt found himself revisiting his own $450,000 student loan journey and asking a simple question: if he had to pay it all off again, what would he do differently? In this episode, he breaks it down into three hard-won lessons: 🦷 Start or buy a practice sooner — ownership (in the right opportunity) is one of the biggest drivers of freedom and wealth in dentistry. 📈 Invest more heavily in yourself and your practice early — the CE, the hygienist, the growth moves that compound before life gets busier. 💸 Attack the debt even faster — delay gratification, stay hard-headed, and chase that indescribable moment when the balance hits zero.
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Grow smarter. Practice better. Live more. #DentalPodcast #PracticeOwnership #DentalStudentLoans #DentistryBusiness #TheLifestylePractice #DentalEntrepreneur #FinancialFreedom | |||
| 316. Before You Quit Dentistry, Watch This | 13 juil. 2026 | 00:09:43 | |
82% of dentists report major stress. 60% have considered changing careers or retiring early. If you've felt that way, you're not alone — but selling the practice isn't the only exit. In this episode, Dr. Steve Van De Graaff breaks down a practical framework for beating dental burnout and rediscovering satisfaction in your work, without blowing up everything you've built:
You are not trapped. Your practice should support your life — not the other way around. Dentistry is challenging, but it shouldn't be miserable. Connect with us:
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| 315. He Bought a Practice in 6 Months — Meet TLP's Newest Partner | 06 juil. 2026 | 00:42:48 | |
We're thrilled to welcome our newest partner to The Lifestyle Practice — Dr. Raheel Haider! In this episode, Derek Williams, Matt Vogt, and Steve Van De Graaff sit down with Raheel to talk dental practice ownership, financial freedom for dentists, and the mindset shifts that took him from a burned-out associate with imposter syndrome to a confident practice owner growing his dental practice 50% in under a year. Raheel shares his journey from growing up in Dallas, Texas, with immigrant parents who pushed dentistry as "the way out," to discovering personal finance and financial literacy in college after a missed car payment wrecked his credit score. He walks through his dental school strategy at UNLV, why he prioritized clinical volume over grades, how he found and negotiated his first dental practice acquisition, and the exact playbook he used to grow collections without adding new procedures — renegotiating insurance, fixing front desk phone answer rates, and pricing corrections. If you're a dental student, associate dentist, or practice owner interested in dental practice ownership, financial independence for dentists, or scaling a dental practice through better systems (not more chairside hours), this episode is packed with practical lessons. Connect with Dr. Raheel Haider: 📘 FREE EBOOK — "How to Achieve Financial Freedom in Seven Years or Less": https://the-lifestyle-practice.com/home-page-page 🔗 Coaching & TLP Academy → https://thelifestylepractice.com 📩 raheel@thelifestylepractice.com 👥 FB Group: Financial Freedom, Retire Early for Dentists → https://www.facebook.com/share/g/18C1jHTJb6/?mibextid=wwXIfr
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| 314. The Practice Everyone Else Ignored Changed His Life | 29 juin 2026 | 00:30:13 | |
In just over three months of practice ownership, Dr. Tim Balzen has already produced double the income he made last year as an associate — and he's closing on a second building in a few weeks to keep up with demand. In this episode, Dr. Tim sits down with Steve to walk through the five-year, multi-state journey that led him from a saturated Boise market to a three-op practice in a small Missouri town, and everything that's happened since closing day. He gets candid about the offices he almost bought (and why he didn't), the moment three team members broke down crying in his first month, the insurance call that earned him an instant 20% fee bump, and the neighboring dentist whose letter to patients accidentally sent over 100 new appointments his way. If you're a dentist or dental student weighing ownership, this one is packed with practical, no-fluff lessons on how to actually pull it off — and why the path is rarely a straight line. Learn more about The Lifestyle Practice and the work behind Tim's journey at thelifestylepractice.com. Connect with us:
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| 313. Dental Practice Startup vs. Acquisition: Which Path Leads to Success? | 22 juin 2026 | 00:42:31 | |
In this episode of The Lifestyle Practice Podcast, Dr. Matt Vogt and Dr. Derek Williams dive deep into what it really takes to succeed as a dental practice owner—whether you're starting from scratch or acquiring an established practice. Are you thinking about starting a dental practice but unsure if it's the right move? In this dental practice startup guide, Matt shares his honest coaching approach to evaluating potential dental entrepreneurs. Unlike typical "you can do it" motivational advice, Matt takes a neutral, wisdom-based approach to dental business strategy that helps dentists make smarter decisions about practice ownership. What You'll Learn in This Dental Practice Coaching Conversation
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| 312. 7 Lessons That Could Change How You Think About Money | 15 juin 2026 | 00:07:51 | |
In this episode of The Lifestyle Practice, we break down 7 powerful money lessons every dentist and parent should know—covering financial freedom, smart investing, compound interest, and how to teach kids about money the right way. Most people don't learn through advice—they learn through experience and ownership. That single shift changes everything about how you build wealth, raise financially independent kids, and design a life of intentional living. Whether you're a dentist looking to grow and scale your dental practice without burning out, or a parent who wants to teach financial literacy early, this conversation is packed with real, actionable insight. We cover why money is a tool and not the purpose of life, the multiple paths to financial freedom (college isn't the only one), why investing early and understanding compound interest matters, and how to balance saving, investing, and actually enjoying life. Most importantly, we talk about why intentionality plus ownership equals true freedom.
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| 311. Waiting to Buy a Dental Practice Is Costing You $1.14 Million | 08 juin 2026 | 00:35:33 | |
Thinking about buying a dental practice but not sure where to start? In this episode of The Lifestyle Practice Podcast, host Steve Van De Graaff sits down with practice acquisition expert Brian Hanks — founder of Dental Buyer Advocates (DBA) and author of "How to Buy a Dental Practice" — to break down everything new and aspiring dentist owners need to know about dental practice acquisition in 2026. Brian shares hard data from the Health Policy Institute showing that 89–90% of dentists eventually become practice owners — but that dentists today are waiting about 5 YEARS longer than they used to. That delay can cost the average dentist $1.14 million in pre-tax income. We dig into WHY dentists are waiting, the truth about student loan debt and practice ownership, and how to find great dental practices for sale that never make it to a broker website. Whether you're a dental student, an associate dentist, or actively searching for a practice to buy, this conversation is packed with actionable advice on dental practice ownership, financing, due diligence, and building the mindset of a business owner who happens to be a dentist. Connect with us:
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| 310. The Fastest Way to Grow a Dental Practice in 2026 | 01 juin 2026 | 00:08:51 | |
How does a dentist have his best collections month ever — paying $20,000 extra toward debt and taking home $15,000 more — without doing a single big case or expensive CE course? In this episode of The Lifestyle Practice Podcast, Dr Matt Vogt reveals the three lowest-hanging-fruit needle movers that grow a dental practice from the inside out. If you're a dentist or dental practice owner who wants to increase production, improve treatment acceptance, boost collections, and build a more profitable practice without burning out, this dental practice management episode is for you. Real practice growth doesn't come from new equipment or another continuing education weekend — it comes from optimizing what's already inside your four walls. Connect with us:
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| 309. The #1 Rule That Separates Successful Dentists From Everyone Else | 25 mai 2026 | 00:08:45 | |
What separates the most successful dentists from average performers? It's not intelligence, strategy, or opportunity — it's the ability to keep going when it's no longer exciting. In this episode of The Lifestyle Practice Podcast, Dr. Derek Williams reveals the #1 rule of long-term success in dentistry, dental practice ownership, and life. Drawing from "The Gap and the Gain" by Dan Sullivan, real coaching conversations with dentists, his own ACL surgery recovery, and Rory McIlroy's Masters comeback, Derek breaks down why most dentists quietly fall off at the plateau — and what high performers do differently. You'll learn the dangerous trap of tying your effort to your emotions, the difference between interest and commitment, and the mindset shift that turns boredom into a signal you're doing things right. If you've ever felt stuck, burned out, or wondered why the strategies you know aren't translating into results, this is the episode that will reset your standard. Because you don't rise to your goals — you fall to your standards. Connect with us:
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| 308. Is Owning a Dental Practice Actually Worth It in 2026? | 18 mai 2026 | 00:13:20 | |
Is dental practice ownership worth it in 2026? In this episode of The Lifestyle Practice Podcast, Dr. Derek Williams breaks down the real pros and cons of owning a dental practice — the truth social media gets wrong, the financial risks nobody warns you about, and the mindset shifts every dentist must make before buying a dental practice. Whether you are a new dental school graduate weighing associate dentist vs. practice owner, a dentist exploring dental practice acquisition, or an established owner trying to build a profitable lifestyle dental practice, this dental podcast delivers the framework you need. Dr. Derek Williams shares the four biggest upsides of practice ownership in dentistry, the four most painful downsides, and the key questions that determine whether ownership will give you freedom or feel like golden handcuffs. In this episode, you will learn: ✔️ The four biggest upsides of dental practice ownership — income potential, control, equity, and growth ✔️ The hidden downsides — financial risk, mental load, leadership pressure, and total responsibility ✔️ Why most dentists fail at ownership (hint: it is NOT clinical skill) ✔️ The key questions to ask yourself before buying a dental practice ✔️ How to build a profitable dental practice with intentional systems ✔️ Associate dentist vs. practice owner — which path actually fits your lifestyle ✔️ How to avoid the "golden handcuffs" trap of bad ownership models.
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| 307. The Dental Hygiene Crisis is Real (And How to Survive) | 11 mai 2026 | 00:15:49 | |
The dental hygienist shortage is REAL — and it's hitting practices across the country hard. If you're a dentist struggling with hygienist turnover, rising hygiene pay rates, or difficulty hiring dental hygienists, this episode is for you. In this episode of The Lifestyle Practice Podcast, Dr. Matt Vogt breaks down exactly what's driving the dental hygienist shortage, why hygienist pay rates keep climbing, and — most importantly — four practical strategies to combat the hygiene shortage in your dental practice. Whether you're dealing with a hygienist leaving to temp, struggling with dental hygiene staffing, or just trying to figure out how to retain your hygiene team, Matt shares real-world insights from his own practice ownership journey. If you've ever searched "dental hygienist shortage," "hygienist near me," "hygienist dental hiring," or "hygienist visit revenue," this episode answers the questions you've been asking. Connect with us:
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| 306. Dental School Won't Teach You This — But We Will | 04 mai 2026 | 00:33:49 | |
Dental students — this episode is for YOU. The Lifestyle Practice team — Steve Van De Graaff, Derek Williams, and Matt Vogt — officially announce the launch of the TLP Student Academy: an online course built specifically for dental students who want to graduate ready to OWN a dental practice, build wealth, and design a lifestyle practice on their own terms — all for just $20 with lifetime access. In this dental podcast episode, three practice-owning dentists who bought practices straight out of dental school break down the business and clinical "crash course" that fills the gaps every dental school leaves wide open. From maximizing clinical experience and shortening your learning curve, to evaluating dental practices for acquisition, dental practice startups, communication and leadership skills, personal finance for dentists, student loan strategy, and the GP vs. specialist decision — this is the dental school survival guide and dental practice ownership roadmap rolled into one. Whether you're a D1 just starting, a D4 prepping for graduation, or a new associate dentist mapping your path to ownership, the Lifestyle Practice Student Academy is your shortcut to financial freedom in dentistry, work-life balance, and early practice ownership. 🦷 Topics covered in this episode: ✔ Why dental school doesn't teach business or personal finance ✔ How to maximize clinical experience in dental school ✔ Networking and mentorship strategies for dental students ✔ Buying a dental practice vs. starting a dental practice from scratch ✔ Practice acquisitions for new dentists ✔ Raising your "belief lid" as a future dental practice owner ✔ Building a lifestyle practice that fits YOUR life ✔ ROI mindset for dental school investment ✔ Implants, oral surgery, and endo experience hustle in school ✔ Path to financial independence as a dentist If you're searching for dental practice coaching, dental student mentorship, dental practice ownership advice, dental school tips, or how to buy a dental practice — this episode is your starting point. Get the TLP Student Academy for $20 (lifetime access): https://the-lifestyle-practice.teachable.com/p/studentacademy Connect with us:
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| 305. How To Win Your Day — The 4-Part Framework Top Performers Use | 27 avr. 2026 | 00:12:35 | |
Are you a dentist or dental practice owner feeling stuck working in your business instead of on it? In this episode of The Lifestyle Practice Podcast, Dr. Steve reveals the 4 powerful daily questions every dentist needs to ask themselves each morning to build a thriving dental practice — without sacrificing family, health, or freedom. Drawing inspiration from free solo climber Alex Honnold's historic El Capitan ascent and heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder's late-start path to greatness, Dr. Steve breaks down why success in dentistry is never about one big moment — it's about winning ordinary days, consistently, over time. Whether you're a pre-owner looking to acquire a dental practice, a new practice owner in growth mode, or an established dentist planning your exit strategy, these 4 questions will help you focus on what actually moves the needle: business growth, family connection, physical health, and sharper thinking. In this dental practice management podcast, you'll learn: ✅ The #1 question to ask yourself every morning to grow your dental practice ✅ Why most dentists confuse "providing for their family" with actually being present ✅ How to protect your physical health (your body IS your livelihood as a dentist) ✅ Daily habits of high-performing practice owners for better thinking and decision-making ✅ Why working ON your business beats working IN your business — every time ✅ How to identify and attack the one thing you've been avoiding in your practice
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| 304. The Truth About Practice Ownership: What No One Tells You | 20 avr. 2026 | 00:17:02 | |
What is it really like to be a dental practice owner? In this episode of the Lifestyle Practice Podcast, we explore the real truth behind dental practice ownership, including the challenges, mindset shifts, and growth strategies required to succeed in today’s competitive healthcare environment. If you are a dentist, practice owner, or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode will help you understand what it truly takes to build a thriving, profitable, and lifestyle-focused practice. We discuss key topics such as leadership, scaling a dental practice, time freedom, team building, and long-term success strategies. This episode is designed to help you avoid common mistakes and grow your practice with clarity and confidence. Connect with us:
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| 303. Dr. Mitch reveals Stunning Truths about Success in Practice Ownership | 13 avr. 2026 | 00:39:34 | |
From dental student to dental practice owner in just 14 months — Dr. Mitch Rush breaks down exactly how he did it. In this episode of the Lifestyle Practice Podcast, host Dr. Derek Williams sits down with TLP coaching client Dr. Mitch Rush to walk through the full journey of buying a dental practice, navigating the chaos of first-year ownership, and growing production from $1.25M to a $135–140K monthly pace in just four months. If you're a dentist looking to buy a practice, an associate dentist planning for ownership, or simply want real, unfiltered insight into dental practice management, business growth, and what dental coaching actually looks like — this episode is for you. Mitch shares the fears he never talked about, the team drama he didn't expect, and the acquisition strategies that helped him hit the ground running. This conversation covers everything from evaluating a dental practice prospectus and writing an LOI to managing a pre-existing team, firing your first employee, and setting a culture of core values from day one. Mitch is a graduate of the TLP Academy, the same program that has helped hundreds of dentists transition from associate to owner with confidence and clarity. Whether you're in dental school preparing early or an associate dentist ready to leap, Mitch's story proves that preparation plus the right coaching equals momentum from day one.
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| 302. New Dentist Bought a Practice & Matched His Associate Salary in 2 Months | 06 avr. 2026 | 00:10:24 | |
What does it actually take to go from dental associate to successful practice owner — fast? In this episode of The Lifestyle Practice Podcast, Dr. Steve Van De Graaff shares the real story of a new dental practice owner who bought his practice, rebuilt the team culture from scratch, and matched his entire previous year's associate income in just 2 months of ownership. If you're a dental associate wondering whether buying a dental practice is worth it — or a new dental practice owner struggling to grow — this episode is exactly what you need to hear. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE: → How this dentist evaluated dental practices during due diligence and found the right one after 1.5 years of searching → The specific leadership moves he made in his first weeks as a new practice owner that transformed team culture → Why he went from working 5 days a week with an empty schedule to owning a thriving, fully booked dental practice → The mindset shift that separates dentists who take ownership of their career from those who stay stuck → Dr. Steve's personal story of dropping a bad dental insurance plan — and how working fewer days actually increased his income → The single most important lesson for any dentist feeling stuck: nobody is coming to save you
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| 301. From Multi-7 Figure Practice to the US Open Stage | 23 mars 2026 | 00:31:03 | |
Are you a dentist or entrepreneur looking to build a lifestyle practice without burnout? In this episode of The Lifestyle Practice Podcast, Dr. Matt Vogt sits down with Matt Brown and Dr. Andrew Vallow to break down how to build a high-income dental practice that creates freedom, flexibility, and true work-life balance. Dr. Matt Vogt shares his journey from early startup struggles to building a multi-seven-figure dental practice while still pursuing elite-level golf and qualifying for the US Open Championship. We discuss key strategies for dental startups, practice ownership, scaling a dental business, avoiding burnout, and designing a life-first business model. Whether you are a new dentist, practice owner, or entrepreneur, this episode provides valuable insights into time freedom, productivity, leadership, and intentional growth.
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| 300. The Fastest Path to $500K a Year in Dentistry | 16 mars 2026 | 00:15:00 | |
Want to know the fastest way to earn $500,000+ as a dental practice owner without working more hours? In this episode, Dr. Derek Williams from The Lifestyle Practice breaks down the exact math and strategy behind building a high-profit dental practice. Most dentists believe they need more patients, more marketing, or more technology to grow their income—but the truth is that the biggest breakthroughs come from fixing the core bottlenecks in your dental business. Learn how case acceptance, schedule productivity, dental practice leadership, and efficient overhead management can dramatically increase your production and profit. Dr. Williams explains how a practice collecting $1.25M annually with 60% overhead can generate $500K in income, and why ownership leverage is the key to financial freedom in dentistry.
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| 299. 3 Traits That Turn Average Dentists Into High Earners | 09 mars 2026 | 00:13:36 | |
High-income dentist mindset, dental practice growth strategies, and dentist business success are not about luck—they come from specific habits and skills that top dentists develop. In this episode, we break down the three traits of high-income dentists that separate average dental practices from highly profitable ones. If you're a dentist who wants to increase dental production, grow a dental practice, improve case acceptance, and build a profitable dental business, this episode will show you what elite dentists consistently do differently. Dr. Steve Van De Graaff shares insights from 10+ years in dentistry and coaching high-performing dentists, revealing the behaviors, leadership skills, and production mindset that help dentists dramatically increase their income and impact. Connect with us:
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| 298. Dental Marketing Not Working? Here’s Why | 02 mars 2026 | 00:15:07 | |
Why is your dental marketing not working, even though you're running ads, sending mailers, and spending money every month? In this episode of the Lifestyle Practice Podcast, Dr. Matt Vogt breaks down the real reasons dentists aren't getting new patients, why your dental practice isn't growing, and how internal systems—not just ads—determine your success. Most dentists think dental marketing means Facebook ads, Google Ads, or direct mail. But the truth is, your dental phone call conversion process, front desk training, scheduling systems, case presentation skills, and treatment acceptance strategy determine whether your marketing works or fails. If you’ve ever asked:
This episode gives you the answers. Connect with us:
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| 297. How To Make First $1 Million as a Dentist | 23 févr. 2026 | 00:18:42 | |
How does a dentist go from student debt to earning their first million in just 18 months? In this episode, Dr. Derek Williams breaks down the exact strategies, mindset shifts, leadership skills, and business systems that helped him scale his dental practice fast — without burnout, gimmicks, or chasing trends. This episode dives deep into dental practice management, case acceptance strategies, leadership in dentistry, dental marketing systems, scheduling efficiency, and building a profitable dental business. Instead of focusing on flashy procedures or expensive courses, Derek explains why proper diagnosis, communication skills, team leadership, and focused execution were the real drivers behind his success. If you’re a dentist, practice owner, or aspiring dental entrepreneur looking to improve dental practice profitability, patient communication, leadership mindset, and work-life balance, this episode is packed with actionable insights. You’ll learn:
Whether you’re a new dentist, dental student, or experienced practice owner, this episode provides a clear blueprint for dentistry success, financial independence, and lifestyle design. Connect with us:
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| 296. The #1 Mistake That’s Killing Your Practice Revenue | 16 févr. 2026 | 00:12:05 | |
Are you a general dentist wondering how to increase production, improve clinical skills, and grow your dental practice without working longer hours? In this episode of the Lifestyle Practice Podcast, Dr. Steve Van de Graaff shares powerful insights on specialty procedures for general dentists, including dental implants, endodontics, oral surgery, and advanced treatment planning. Many dentists struggle with referring high-value cases out of their practice—from root canals and wisdom teeth extractions to implant dentistry. But what if bringing more procedures in-house could increase profitability, reduce burnout, and create more freedom in your schedule? You’ll learn how continuing education (CE), live-patient mentorship, and incremental skill development can help dentists expand their clinical skill set responsibly while delivering better patient outcomes. Whether you’re a practice owner, associate dentist, or someone looking to grow your dental career, this episode is packed with actionable strategies for dental practice growth, increased production, and clinical efficiency. In this episode, we discuss:
If you want to work smarter, avoid burnout, and build a more profitable dental practice, this podcast is for you. Connect with us:
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| 295. The Future of Dentistry in 2026 | 09 févr. 2026 | 00:12:16 | |
Is dentistry still worth it in 2026? With rising interest rates, staffing shortages, shrinking insurance reimbursements, and the polarizing narratives on social media, this question is louder than ever. In this episode, Dr. Derek Williams breaks down the real state of the dental industry today—no fear-mongering, just clarity on the math and the mindset required to win. We dive deep into the specific challenges modern dentists face, from "complexity inflation" to the realities of overhead costs. Whether you are a dental student questioning your debt, an associate looking for a career path, or a practice owner trying to protect your margins, this video covers what has changed in the business of dentistry and what hasn't. Connect with us:
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| 294. How He Took a Practice From $840K to $1.6M in One Year | 02 févr. 2026 | 00:55:52 | |
How Dr. Cody Santora Doubled His Dental Practice Revenue in 1 Year. Are you debating whether to buy a dental practice or start one from scratch? In this episode of The Lifestyle Practice Podcast, Dr. Matt Vogt sits down with Dr. Cody Santora to reveal the exact blueprint he used to acquire a practice and nearly double its collections—from $840k to $1.6M—in just 12 months. If you are looking for dental practice growth strategies that work, this episode is a masterclass in execution. We break down the fears of dental practice ownership, how to optimize your fee schedules, and the specific staffing changes that fueled this explosive growth. Connect with us:
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| 293. What to Do When Your Best Employee Quits | 26 janv. 2026 | 00:13:53 | |
When a key team member resigns, it can be one of the most stressful moments in managing a dental practice. Most owners feel blindsided, and if handled poorly, a single resignation can damage your dental office culture and trigger a wave of dental staff turnover. In this episode, Dr Steve Van De Graaff breaks down exactly how to handle employee resignations with professionalism and strategy. This is not just about filling a role; it's about leadership in dental practice and maintaining stability when things get rocky. Whether you are new to ownership or an experienced clinician, this guide to dental practice leadership will help you respond better, grow as a leader, and protect the business you’ve built. Connect with us:
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| 292. Passive Income Strategies Every Dentist Should Know in 2026 | 19 janv. 2026 | 00:36:38 | |
In this episode of The Lifestyle Practice Podcast, host Matt Vogt is joined once again by Zach Lemaster, founder of Rent To Retirement, to explore how dentists and other healthcare professionals can build long-term wealth through turnkey real estate investing—without the stress of being a landlord or losing focus on their practice. You’ll learn exactly how to start or scale a real estate portfolio using passive strategies, new construction rentals, and tax-saving techniques such as bonus depreciation and cost segregation. Zach shares real numbers, strategic insights, and projections for the 2026 real estate market that every dentist investor should hear. Connect with us:
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| 291. The Side of Dentistry No One Talks About | 12 janv. 2026 | 00:10:29 | |
In this episode of the Lifestyle Practice Podcast, Dr. Steve Van De Graaff shares a powerful and personal story about designing a dental career that supports freedom, family, and meaningful experiences outside the dental office. Dr. Steve reflects on a recent dental humanitarian trip to the Galápagos Islands, where he and his family provided essential dental care to underserved communities in Ecuador. This episode highlights how building a well-run dental practice allows practice owners to step away from daily chairside dentistry and pursue purpose-driven work, travel, and family time. If you’re a dentist, dental practice owner, or dental student who feels chained to your office, this conversation will inspire you to rethink success, prioritize memories over production numbers, and intentionally build a lifestyle dental practice that aligns with your values. This episode is a reminder that dentistry is not just about production—it’s about impact, service, and living well. Connect with us: • Take our FREE lifestyle and practice assessment: https://thelifestylepractice.com/practice-assesment/ • Learn more about 1-on-1 coaching: https://thelifestylepractice.com/coaching-services/ • Get access to TLP Academy: https://thelifestylepractice.com/coaching-services/ • Subscribe to The Lifestyle Practice Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tlp-podcast-for-dentists/id1476544801 • Email Derek at derek@thelifestylepractice.com • Email Matt at matt@thelifestylepractice.com • Email Steve at steve@thelifestylepractice.com | |||
| 290. How Top 1% Dentists Manage Their Money | 05 janv. 2026 | 00:37:07 | |
Dentists are taught to equate success with production, income, and constant growth. But many high-achieving practice owners still feel stressed, restless, or burned out. In this episode of The Lifestyle Practice Podcast, Dr. Derek Williams sits down with repeat guest Dr. Talon Davis to explore a better framework for wealth, ambition, and fulfillment through the lens of Morgan Housel’s book The Art of Spending Money. They discuss how dentists often use money as a status scoreboard, why lifestyle inflation happens even when income rises, and how contentment can be engineered through intentional choices. You’ll hear practical insights about financial mindset, goal-setting, and designing a dental career you don’t need to escape. This episode is especially relevant for dental practice owners, associates considering ownership, and anyone looking for sustainable dental business growth without sacrificing mental health or family time. If you’re questioning whether your next milestone will actually make you happier, this conversation will help you reframe success and build a lifestyle-driven dental practice with clarity. Connect with us: • Take our FREE lifestyle and practice assessment: https://thelifestylepractice.com/practice-assesment/ • Learn more about 1-on-1 coaching: https://thelifestylepractice.com/coaching-services/ • Get access to TLP Academy: https://thelifestylepractice.com/coaching-services/ • Subscribe to The Lifestyle Practice Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tlp-podcast-for-dentists/id1476544801 • Email Derek at derek@thelifestylepractice.com • Email Matt at matt@thelifestylepractice.com • Email Steve at steve@thelifestylepractice.com | |||
| 289. Why Pre-Owners Should Start A Practice in 2026 | 22 déc. 2025 | 00:08:52 | |
Is 2025 the year you finally buy a dental practice? If you’re a recent dental school graduate, GPR resident, or an associate who’s been waiting for the right moment — this episode of The Lifestyle Practice Podcast is the wake-up call you need. Dr. Steve Van De Graaff makes a powerful case for dental practice ownership and challenges you to stop waiting and take action. Through real-world financial comparisons and personal coaching insights, Steve breaks down the income potential of being an owner vs. an associate, and why the best time to buy is now — not “someday.” Whether you're weighing the decision between starting a dental practice from scratch or acquiring an existing office, this episode walks you through the numbers, mindset, and practical advantages of ownership — including higher profitability, more flexible scheduling, and long-term equity. Plus, you'll hear how dentists who take early action set themselves up for career success, financial freedom, and more control over their work-life balance. If you want to escape the associate hamster wheel and finally become the CEO of your own dental business, don’t miss this one. We cover everything from dentist tax strategy, practice cash flow, and lifestyle design, to how TLP coaching can help you find, evaluate, and purchase your first practice confidently. Connect with us: • Take our FREE lifestyle and practice assessment: https://thelifestylepractice.com/practice-assesment/ • Learn more about 1-on-1 coaching: https://thelifestylepractice.com/coaching-services/ • Get access to TLP Academy: https://thelifestylepractice.com/coaching-services/ • Subscribe to The Lifestyle Practice Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tlp-podcast-for-dentists/id1476544801 • Email Derek at derek@thelifestylepractice.com • Email Matt at matt@thelifestylepractice.com • Email Steve at steve@thelifestylepractice.com | |||
| 288. Is Opening a Second Practice Worth It? | 15 déc. 2025 | 00:10:04 | |
Thinking about buying a second dental practice? You’re not alone. In this episode of The Lifestyle Practice Podcast, Dr. Steve Van De Graaff unpacks one of the biggest decisions every growth-focused dentist must face: “Should I expand to multiple dental practices or go all in on one highly productive office?” If you're a dentist looking to increase production, reduce stress, and build long-term financial freedom, this episode offers critical insights into what actually drives dental practice growth. This episode also dives into the real numbers behind practice profitability, the challenges of associate dentist retention, and what separates the 10% of dentists who scale successfully from the 90% who actually earn less after expansion. Whether you're considering private equity, transitioning into a dental CEO role, or just want to improve profitability in your current dental office, you'll get actionable advice to help you grow smarter—not just bigger. Connect with us: • Learn more about 1 on 1 coaching • Get access to TLP Academy • Subscribe to The Lifestyle Practice Podcast • Email Derek at derek@thelifestylepractice.com • Email Matt at matt@thelifestylepractice.com • Email Steve at steve@thelifestylepractice.com
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| 287. Dental Practice Growth Hacks for 50% Yearly Increase | 08 déc. 2025 | 00:29:25 | |
Is it smarter to buy a dental practice or build one from the ground up. In this episode of The Lifestyle Practice Podcast, Dr Matt Vogt sits down with TLP coaching client and startup owner Dr Dawson, who shares his powerful journey of launching and growing his practice from zero. If you are a dentist debating startup versus acquisition, this conversation gives you a clear look at what real life looks like when you open a practice from scratch. Dawson walks through how he handled uncertainty, made decisions on the fly, and grew a thriving office in a small town while serving a wide variety of patients and keeping most procedures in house. You will also hear the leadership lessons that shaped him along the way. From building a strong team to handling staff dynamics to finding his true leadership voice, Dawson opens up about what it really takes to create a stable and successful practice. This episode is filled with practical guidance for anyone who wants to grow their dental office, improve their leadership, expand clinical skills, or gain momentum in their career. Dawson’s story proves that you can build a practice your way and build it profitably. Connect with us: • Learn more about 1 on 1 coaching • Get access to TLP Academy • Subscribe to The Lifestyle Practice Podcast • Email Derek at derek@thelifestylepractice.com • Email Matt at matt@thelifestylepractice.com • Email Steve at steve@thelifestylepractice.com | |||
| 286. Dentist Shares Secret Methods to Make 100k in 2026 | 03 déc. 2025 | 00:08:06 | |
If you’re a dentist looking to increase production, improve daily efficiency, and grow your dental practice in 2025, this episode of The Lifestyle Practice Podcast is for you. Dr. Steve shares one of the most overlooked productivity tips for dentists: arriving just 15 minutes earlier each day. This simple shift can lead to more efficient dental scheduling, a stronger dental office team culture, and even add $100,000 in annual production, without working longer hours. In this episode, you'll learn how to identify gaps in your daily schedule, convert same day treatment opportunities, and lead your team with intention. These aren't abstract concepts or generic dental consultant advice these are real practice management strategies that Steve and the team use in their own offices every day. Connect with us: • Learn more about 1 on 1 coaching • Get access to TLP Academy • Subscribe to The Lifestyle Practice Podcast • Email Derek at derek@thelifestylepractice.com • Email Matt at matt@thelifestylepractice.com • Email Steve at steve@thelifestylepractice.com | |||
| 285. Manage Your Overhead Before It Manages You | 24 nov. 2025 | 00:24:43 | |
How to Increase Profit, Lower Costs, and Build a Simpler, Richer Lifestyle Practice. Connect with us: • Learn more about 1-on-1 coaching • Get access to TLP Academy • Suscribe to The Lifestyle Practice Podcast • Email Derek at derek@thelifestylepractice.com • Email Matt at matt@thelifestylepractice.com • Email Steve at steve@thelifestylepractice.com | |||
| 284. Buying the Right Practice, Building the Right Life: Dr. Dale’s First 6 Months of Ownership | 17 nov. 2025 | 01:06:12 | |
In part two, Derek and Dr. Dale Hoffel unpack the whirlwind from deal collapse to dream fit—how walking away from a tight, risky acquisition led to a Laguna Beach practice that aligned with her life vision. Dale shares the inside story: a last-minute listing, a 48-hour offer, and launching into ownership with three ops (quickly four), paper-to-digital conversion, and a summer of broken equipment, staff gaps, and nonstop “first impressions.” What follows is Dale’s leadership playbook in real time—setting clear patient standards (yes to X-rays, no to “pedicure cleanings”), running on-time through better hygiene workflows, blocking admin and team-meeting time, and distinguishing why she’s a dentist (care and comfort) from why she’s an owner (freedom to be present with her family). She talks hiring for attitude, creating redundancy, inviting staff goals into the practice plan, and finding the line between pushing and listening. You’ll hear: How trusting her gut (and the numbers) turned a hard “no” into the right “yes” Converting chaos into systems: 4th op buildout, digital X-rays, and on-time hygiene Patient standards without apology—and with kindness The “why dentist” vs. “why owner” talk that aligned her team Practical tactics for retention: flexible schedules, goal-setting, and cross-training A candid, tactical look at early ownership—and how to build a practice that serves the life you actually want. Reach out to Dale at drdaledentistry@gmail.com Connect with us: • Learn more about 1-on-1 coaching • Get access to TLP Academy • Suscribe to The Lifestyle Practice Podcast • Email Derek at derek@thelifestylepractice.com • Email Matt at matt@thelifestylepractice.com • Email Steve at steve@thelifestylepractice.com | |||
| 283. From Rock Bottom to Running the Show: Dr. Dale Hoeffel’s Journey to Dentistry | 10 nov. 2025 | 00:49:08 | |
In this episode, Derek sits down with Dr. Dale Hoffel of Laguna Beach, California, to unpack her remarkable and vulnerable path to ownership. From battling severe depression and personal trauma to rediscovering purpose and chasing a long-lost dream, Dale’s story is one of courage, self-awareness, and transformation. She opens up about the years she thought dentistry was behind her, how therapy and honest self-reflection changed everything, and what ultimately reignited her drive to lead and create the life she wanted. This conversation is an honest look at what it takes to rebuild — mentally, emotionally, and professionally — and why being authentic can be the greatest advantage in life and leadership. Highlights include: Facing and overcoming mental health struggles in college The turning point that led her back to dental school Learning to stop hiding and start sharing her story Building confidence through vulnerability Reconnecting with her “why” and choosing ownership with purpose. Reach out to Dale at drdaledentistry@gmail.com Connect with us: • Learn more about 1-on-1 coaching • Get access to TLP Academy • Suscribe to The Lifestyle Practice Podcast • Email Derek at derek@thelifestylepractice.com • Email Matt at matt@thelifestylepractice.com • Email Steve at steve@thelifestylepractice.com | |||
| 282. The Top Mistakes Dentists Make in Practice Acquisitions (Part 2 w/ Attorney Vince Nardone) | 03 nov. 2025 | 00:43:42 | |
In this episode, Matt continues his conversation with attorney Vince Nardone on the legal mistakes dentists make around practice acquisitions. Building on Part 1, they expand the discussion and continue breaking down areas where dentists get themselves into trouble, often without realizing it until much later. Vince shares additional examples and insight that apply whether you're preparing to buy a practice or already own one and want to avoid costly legal surprises. Connect with us: • Learn more about 1-on-1 coaching • Get access to TLP Academy • Suscribe to The Lifestyle Practice Podcast • Email Derek at derek@thelifestylepractice.com • Email Matt at matt@thelifestylepractice.com • Email Steve at steve@thelifestylepractice.com | |||