1: Should You Own a Dental Practice?

The Unfiltered Truth for Aspiring Owners

Is the dream of owning your own dental practice right for you, or is it a recipe for unexpected stress?

In this kickoff episode, hosts Dr. Dave Striegel and Sandy Baird peel back the layers of what it really takes. With Dave’s three decades spent sharpening performance psychology for high achievers and Sandy’s rich history helping dental teams thrive, they bring you an unfiltered look at the rewards and realities of dental practice ownership. Whether you dream of independence, setting your own schedule, or building a valuable asset, this conversation will challenge what you think you know about practice ownership!

They lay out the critical balance every dentist must strike between clinical excellence and the business acumen required to run a practice. From weighing risk tolerance and leadership strengths to considering the impact on family, Dave and Sandy guide listeners through the initial reflection every would-be owner needs. If you’ve ever wondered if you’re ready to take the leap (or how to avoid costly missteps), this episode offers honest advice, essential self-assessment questions, and a preview of the foundational topics to come.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The real differences between being an employee and an owner in dentistry

• Hidden perks and pitfalls of dental practice ownership

• Self-assessment strategies to determine if you’re truly ready for ownership

• Why mindset and leadership skills are as important as clinical expertise

• Top questions to ask yourself before committing to ownership

• Preview of crucial topics for aspiring owners: buying practices, contracts, finances, and more

• How involving your spouse or partner strengthens decision-making

• Resources for continued learning as you progress toward ownership

Hit play to start your ownership journey with confidence!

Questions From This Episode:

1. Do you see yourself inspiring and leading a group, a team of people, to accomplish your mission statement? Is that something that's meaningful to you?

2. How do you handle debt mentally?

3. Do you want full control over your work environment?

2: Owning a Practice: Conquering Financial & Leadership Challenges

Is stepping into practice ownership really the key to financial freedom or just a new set of challenges you haven’t faced yet?

Episode two of The Dental Associate Edge dives straight into the real conversations so many dental associates and students need but rarely hear: how to map a confident route from chairside roles to leading a thriving practice on your terms.

Dave and Sandy revisit the core questions every aspiring owner should ask, from leadership ambitions and appetite for risk, to handling debt and setting life priorities. They unpack the realities of practice ownership, from managing cash flow and resisting lifestyle inflation to meeting bank requirements and deciding whether to buy a practice before paying off student loans. With relatable stories and actionable advice, this episode is the perfect listen for anyone weighing the lifelong rewards (and real challenges) of moving from associate to owner.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The key advantages of dental practice ownership are beyond just increased income.

• Essential questions to ask yourself before pursuing ownership.

• How to weigh leadership responsibility versus clinical focus in your career path.

• The truth about managing debt as a dental professional (and how banks view it.)

• Strategies to avoid lifestyle inflation that can jeopardize practice success.

• Timing major purchases to support long-term financial stability.

• Building personal and practice cash reserves to reduce stress and burnout.

• What banks expect from buyers when financing a dental practice.

• How delaying ownership impacts your lifetime career benefits.

• Practical prompts to assess your readiness and next steps to take toward practice ownership.

Hit play now and start building the clarity and confidence you need to become a successful dental practice owner!

Questions From This Episode:

1. Which bank requirements have you already met?

2. What strategies will you use to meet the remaining requirements?

3. What will be your first step right now?

3: Three Doors to Dental Practice Ownership: Buyers, Sellers, & Fixers

Which path would you choose if your dream dental practice was hidden behind three very different doors?

In this episode, Dave and Sandy put you in the contestant’s seat in “Let’s Make a Dental Practice Deal,” guiding you through three distinct “doors” that can lead to a successful practice purchase, no matter where you are on your career journey.

They break down the pros, cons, and expectations behind each "door": the crowded market of brokered sales, the relationship-driven private sellers, and the overlooked fixer-uppers that may just need some TLC. Dave and Sandy share their playbook for early financing prep, explain why building local relationships pays off, and offer clear, actionable steps to map out your dental future.

Whether you’re a motivated associate, student, or new buyer, you’ll come away ready to take the next concrete step on your journey, armed with the questions to ask, the lists to start, and the confidence to spot opportunity where others don’t.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How associates and students can qualify for 100% practice financing

• Key factors banks use to underwrite dental practice loans

• The three main pathways (“doors”) to finding a practice to buy

• Advantages and challenges of public broker listings

• Secrets to uncovering hidden, unlisted practices through personal outreach

• Why some overlooked practices hold untapped potential for growth

• How to define your ideal community and practice target zones

• Steps for early networking and due diligence with lenders

• Tips for evaluating and tracking opportunities like a pro

• Actionable homework to start your practice search today

Hit play to discover the best-kept secrets to finding (and securing) your next dental practice opportunity!

Three Homework Questions / Action Items:

1. Where are your three doors?
   What communities are you interested in? Where do you want to spend your career? Research those locations and build a spreadsheet profile for practices in those areas.

2. What do you know about your target communities?
   Research population growth, median age, major employers, dental insurance dependency, number of dentists in the area, competition, education, cultural offerings, and safety.

3. Walk through door number one and explore what's publicly for sale.
   Check broker listings, dental journals, and dental association literature for your target locations. Get reps reviewing practice prospectuses so you know what to look for when it matters.