The Lifestyle Practice Podcast For Dentists

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.   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 

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   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 

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.   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 

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.   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 

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: 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 

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: Why are my dental ads not working? Why is my dental practice not growing? How do I get more new patients in my dental clinic? Why are patients not accepting treatment? How do I improve dental case acceptance? This episode gives you the answers. 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   

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: How buying a dental practice early changed his financial trajectory The role of coaching in dental business growth Why systems matter more than marketing alone Leadership strategies that transformed team performance How to avoid burnout while scaling a dental career 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: 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   

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: How specialty dentistry increases dental practice revenue Why dental implants and endo are high-profit procedures How dentists can improve productivity without more new patients The best CE strategy for dentists who want real clinical confidence Practical steps to expand your dental skill set safely If you want to work smarter, avoid burnout, and build a more profitable dental practice, this podcast is for you. 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 

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: 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 

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: 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 

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: 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

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: 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 

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

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

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

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    

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

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

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

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