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Welcome to The Stress Free Dentists Podcast with your host Dr. Eric Block.
Dentistry is a high-stress and often thankless profession. Over time this stress builds and can lead to mental and physical health problems, and ultimately burnout. But it doesn't have to be this way. You can make the necessary changes to feel healthy and love going to work again.
We chat and typically learn how the guests got into dentistry, how they can help other dentists, and of course, have some fun.
http://www.thestressfreedentist.com/
Join our community of like-minded dentists and gain access to exclusive course work that will help you understand your burnout and reignite your passion for dentistry.
Dentists, you're not alone anymore. Your health and happiness matter and Dr. Eric Block is here to help!
Email me at info@thestressfreedentist.com with any questions.
-Dr. Eric Block, DMD
Dentistry is a high-stress and often thankless profession. Over time this stress builds and can lead to mental and physical health problems, and ultimately burnout. But it doesn't have to be this way. You can make the necessary changes to feel healthy and love going to work again.
We chat and typically learn how the guests got into dentistry, how they can help other dentists, and of course, have some fun.
http://www.thestressfreedentist.com/
Join our community of like-minded dentists and gain access to exclusive course work that will help you understand your burnout and reignite your passion for dentistry.
Dentists, you're not alone anymore. Your health and happiness matter and Dr. Eric Block is here to help!
Email me at info@thestressfreedentist.com with any questions.
-Dr. Eric Block, DMD
247 Episodes
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In this episode of The Stress-Free Dentist Podcast, Dr. Eric Block sits down with executive coach Tom Passalacqua to explore the emotional and leadership challenges dentists face at every stage of their careers. From imposter syndrome and self-doubt to practice ownership and professional growth, Tom shares powerful insights on how clarity, awareness, and intentional goal-setting can help dentists lead with confidence instead of overwhelm. Drawing from his background in education, dental sales, DSOs, and executive coaching, Tom explains how coaching differs from consulting, why emotions often derail progress, and how dentists can break big goals into actionable steps. This episode is a must-listen for dentists who feel stuck, stressed, or uncertain—and are ready to regain clarity, confidence, and control in their professional and personal lives.
In this episode of The Stress-Free Dentist Show, Dr. Eric Block sits down with Dr. Zina Berry, retired dentist, entrepreneur, and founder of Z-Loupes to explore her journey through early practice ownership, public health dentistry, burnout, and reinvention. Dr. Berry shares powerful lessons from purchasing a practice straight out of dental school, navigating high-volume community health settings, and recognizing the physical toll dentistry takes on the body. The conversation dives into how neck and back pain, infection-control concerns, and ergonomic challenges inspired the creation of Z-Loupes, a lighter, more hygienic loupe system designed with longevity in mind, especially for female clinicians. This episode is packed with real-world insights on efficiency, resilience, and building a dental career that supports both performance and well-being.
In this episode of The Stress-Free Dentist Podcast, Dr. Eric Block welcomes Dayna Johnson, founder and CEO of Novonee and a nationally recognized Dentrix trainer, for an in-depth conversation on how dental software training directly impacts efficiency, profitability, and team retention. Dayna shares her journey into dentistry, explains the differences between server-based and cloud-based practice management systems, and breaks down why Dentrix remains the most widely used software in dental practices today. Together, they explore how intentional team training, smarter software integrations, and streamlined workflows reduce stress, improve morale, and deliver a strong return on investment. This episode offers practical insights for dentists at every stage, from startups to long-established practices, looking to create a calmer, more efficient, and more profitable dental office.
What happens when you've built a successful dental practice… but your soul is craving something more? In this powerful and honest episode, Dr. Eric Block sits down with Dr. Alan Stern, longtime dentist turned speaker and coach, for a vulnerable, heartfelt conversation about what it really takes to step away from clinical dentistry and into a more purpose-driven life. Dr. Stern shares his two-year odyssey of selling his dental practice: the emotional rollercoaster, the flaky buyers, the financial stress, and the burnout that left him mentally retired long before he actually signed the papers. But out of that chaos came clarity, and a second career that's richer, deeper, and more impactful than he ever imagined. If you're thinking about what's next in your dental career or you just need a reminder that you're more than your production numbers, this episode is for you.
In this episode of The Stress-Free Dentist Podcast, Dr. Eric Block welcomes back Brett Walisever, CEO and founder of Ball Sales Training, for a discussion on the real reason case acceptance is low in many dental practices, and what to do about it. Brett breaks down the emotional psychology behind patient decision-making and explains why dentists must stop relying on fear-based messaging and start having deeper, more meaningful conversations centered on a patient's true "why now." Listeners will learn how to move away from rigid, clinical, logic-heavy presentations and shift toward a patient-centered, choice-driven, emotionally aligned process that not only grows revenue, but builds trust and lasting patient relationships.
In this episode of The Stress-Free Dentist Show, Dr. Eric Block speaks with Cairo Murphy, founder and CEO of Stratus AI, about how artificial intelligence is transforming the way dental practices handle insurance. Cairo shares how his company built an AI-powered system that automates insurance verification and claim follow-ups, using advanced voice technology that sounds human while saving dental teams hours of administrative work each week. Listeners will learn how AI helps offices reduce stress, streamline workflows, and recover thousands of dollars lost to inefficient insurance processes. Cairo also discusses the latest trends in dental technology, the importance of overcoming skepticism about AI, and how practices can adopt innovative tools to future-proof their success.
In this episode of The Stress-Free Dentist Show, host Dr. Eric Block sits down with Chris Miles, CEO of Money Ripples and a renowned cash flow expert known as the Anti-Financial Advisor. Chris shares how dentists can escape the traditional "save forever" mindset and instead create lasting financial freedom through cashflow management, passive income, and strategic investing. He explains how to overcome debt stress, avoid financial traps, and move toward becoming work optional, working because you want to, not because you have to. From managing student loans and building practice profitability to understanding infinite banking, Chris offers actionable insights that help dentists achieve true financial independence without burnout. You'll also learn his Cashflow Index method, how to protect your money, and why mindset and value creation matter more than chasing income.
In this episode of The Stress-Free Dentist Podcast, host Dr. Eric Block welcomes back Dr. Laura Brenner, a former dentist turned coach and speaker, for a powerful conversation about burnout, career transitions, and rediscovering fulfillment in dentistry. Dr. Brenner shares her personal journey of leaving clinical practice, the difference between therapy and coaching, and how dentists can overcome fear, align with their true goals, and explore meaningful side gigs without giving up financial security. This inspiring discussion reminds every dental professional that growth begins with self-awareness and that happiness in dentistry is absolutely possible.
In this episode of The Stress-Free Dentist Podcast, Dr. Eric Block sits down with Jen Kirkham, the COO of airVata, to explore how dental sleep medicine is revolutionizing patient care and transforming dental practices across the country. With over two decades of experience as a hygienist and national trainer, she unpacks the science, psychology, and practical steps that help dentists implement life-changing sleep solutions.
In this episode of The Stress-Free Dentist Show, host Dr. Eric Block sits down with Dr. Mark Davis, founder of Dental Simplified, to explore how dentists can reduce stress, avoid burnout, and build lasting career success. Dr. Davis shares his 37-year journey in dentistry, owning multiple practices, navigating the challenges of practice management, and ultimately finding fulfillment by focusing on time management, clinical efficiency, and responding vs. reacting in the operatory. Together, they discuss the traps of perfectionism in dentistry, strategies to streamline the clinical day, and how dentists can reclaim balance while delivering exceptional patient experiences. Whether you're a new dentist looking to build confidence, or a seasoned practice owner seeking ways to reduce stress, this episode offers practical tips and inspiration to create a more rewarding career.
In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Dr. Eric Block welcomes fellow dentist, coach, and burnout survivor Dr. Eric Recker. They dive into the highs and lows of dentistry, from early career challenges and family practice dynamics to the emotional and physical toll of burnout. Dr. Recker shares how his journey from overcommitment and silent suffering led him to redefine success, reclaim his joy, and ultimately help others do the same through coaching, micro-resilience, and purposeful living.
In this compelling episode, Dr. Eric Block sits down with Bob Spiel, dental consultant, leadership expert, and host of the "Just Say No to the DSO" podcast to unravel the truth behind Dental Service Organizations (DSOs), private equity buyouts, and the illusion of "easy exits" in dentistry. Bob shares his deep experience in leadership development and associate dentist matchmaking, shedding light on how private practitioners can reclaim control, build effective teams, and avoid costly mistakes that jeopardize long-term profitability and fulfillment. If you're contemplating selling your practice or feeling weighed down by management stress, this is your wake-up call.
If you've ever wondered how to make patients say yes more often or how to bring out the best in your team, this episode is for you. Dr. Eric Block sits down with Debra Engelhardt-Nash, a well-loved dental coach with decades of real-world experience, for an honest and inspiring talk about the things that really matter in your practice. They explore how simple changes in the way you speak and connect can make a big difference in case acceptance, patient trust, and team morale. Debra also shares stories from her own journey, what emotional intelligence really looks like in a dental setting, and how to create a practice culture people are excited to be part of. Whether you're just starting out or have been doing this for years, you'll walk away with practical tips you can use right away and a renewed sense of purpose for why you do what you do.
In this episode of The Stress-Free Dentist Podcast, Dr. Eric Block is joined by Dave Monahan, CEO of Kleer and Membersy, to explore how dental membership plans are helping dentists move away from insurance dependence and take back control of their profitability. From automation and compliance to patient behavior and small business opportunities, Dave lays out why a well-run membership plan is no longer optional, but essential. Whether you're a new practice looking to build loyalty fast or an established office ready to drop PPO plans, this conversation will help you rethink your business model and your revenue stream.
In this episode, Dr. Eric Block is joined by Dr. Mark Murphy, Chief Learning Officer at the International Academy of Sleep. From his beginnings in general dentistry to becoming a leading figure in dental sleep medicine, Dr. Murphy shares a compelling journey marked by transformation, innovation, and a relentless passion for improving patient care through airway-focused solutions. They explore how sleep dentistry is not only clinically impactful but also professionally rewarding, and dive into the hurdles keeping dentists from embracing this field. If you've been thinking about adding sleep medicine to your practice or have felt unsure about medical billing, this conversation will give you both the confidence and the tools to move forward.
In this episode, Dr. Eric Block welcomes performance psychologist Dr. Ben Bernstein to explore the intense demands of the dental profession and the subtle, often overlooked indicators of stress and burnout. Drawing from decades of experience working with high-stress professionals,including athletes, surgeons, and test takers, Dr. Bernstein provides practical strategies for dentists to recognize, manage, and recover from stress. You will gain a deeper understanding of the unique psychological pressures in dentistry, the importance of performance-focused support, and how to build a thriving, balanced career.
In this inspiring episode of The Stress-Free Dentist Podcast, Dr. Eric Block sits down with Dr. Sam Shamardi, Harvard faculty, periodontist, speaker, and founder of Master Clinical Surgery. Dr. Shamardi shares his journey from dental school to launching a unique mentorship-based surgical training platform designed to elevate clinicians with practical, day-to-day surgical confidence. From his passion for perio and its systemic importance, to insights on why traditional CE falls short, this episode explores the power of mentorship, learning through community, and how modern dental professionals can grow both clinically and financially with the right support.
In this episode, Dr. Eric Block talks with Dr. Scott Drucker—a periodontist, entrepreneur, and co-host of The Open Wide Podcast. Scott shares his unique journey from dental school to launching Supply Clinic, an online marketplace for dental supplies, all while still in residency. Scott opens up about the challenges of building a business during such a demanding time, working long nights after full days of surgery and classes. But his drive to solve problems in the dental world pushed him forward, leading to a company that now helps practices save time and money. Now, Scott is working on something even bigger: a brand-new dental practice model that's fully out-of-network and membership-based. He believes the insurance system holds back both patients and dentists—and he's on a mission to create a care-first, health-focused experience that doesn't depend on insurance rules or quotas. This episode is packed with simple but powerful ideas for dentists who want to practice with more freedom, help more patients, and maybe even start something of their own. If you've ever thought about going beyond the traditional dental path, you'll find real inspiration here.
In this episode of The Stress-Free Dentist Show, Dr. Eric Block is joined by Nancy Kagan, Managing Partner at Rosen Summit Dental Advisors. Drawing from decades of experience in clinical hygiene, multi-practice management, billing systems, and consulting, Nancy shares what truly makes a dental practice successful, not just operationally, but ethically and emotionally. You'll hear real-world insights about identifying embezzlement, setting up proper billing structures, the emotional toll of leadership, and how written systems can support stress-free, sustainable growth. Plus, Nancy opens up about her journey as an educator and her recently published book Dental Administration: A Beginner's Reference.
In this episode of The Stress-Free Dentist Podcast, host Dr. Eric Block sits down with board-certified master hypnotherapist Kyra Yang to explore how reprogramming the subconscious mind can help dentists and high achievers break through burnout, anxiety, and perfectionism. Kyra shares her personal journey from corporate burnout to hypnotherapy, and explains how unresolved subconscious programming can quietly drive stress, overthinking, and the never-ending chase for validation. This is a must-listen for anyone who's "checked all the boxes" but still feels stuck or overwhelmed.
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