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The Resting Stitch Face Podcast
The Resting Stitch Face Podcast
Author: Dr. Erin Sheffield, Dr. Sarah Harding
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© 2026 Dr. Erin Sheffield, Dr. Sarah Harding
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Join Dr. Erin Sheffield and Dr. Sarah Harding, two Oral Maxillofacial Surgeons with busy practices and even busier lives, as they peel back the surgical drapes and get real about the joys and challenges of being women in medicine. From career pivots to parenting, friendships to failure, and burnout to boundary-setting, nothing is off limits!
We talk about what it's really like behind the surgical mask and why we all need a room of our own. Because surgery is hard...but life can be harder.
We talk about what it's really like behind the surgical mask and why we all need a room of our own. Because surgery is hard...but life can be harder.
71 Episodes
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Is dentistry evolving for the better, or are we slowly losing control of our profession? 🦷Dr. Brendan Gallagher is BACK for Part 2, and we're tackling the changes reshaping dentistry—from the rise of corporate dentistry and DSOs to shifting referral models, in-house specialists, staffing shortages, and the increasingly blurry line between clinical expertise and weekend certifications.Are we protecting patients or protecting our turf? Can private practices compete with corporate dentistry without sacrificing patient care? And when did highly trained surgeons become interchangeable cogs in a corporate machine?We share our experiences navigating alternative oral surgery practice models, discuss why proper anesthesia training matters, and explore how AI and professional collaboration could create new opportunities for dentists and specialists.We also get into the realities of practice ownership, staff retention, declining reimbursements, professional autonomy, and why making more money isn't always worth giving up your freedom.And because it's Resting Stitch Face, there are plenty of detours—including implant system gender reveals, questionable corporate social media policies, and whether Erin has been pronouncing her own name wrong her entire life. 😂Dentistry is changing whether we like it or not. The question is: Are we shaping its future or just along for the ride?Join Dr. Sarah Harding, Dr. Erin Sheffield, and Dr. Brendan Gallagher for an honest, funny, and occasionally uncomfortable conversation about the future of dentistry.What We're Talking AboutCorporate dentistry, DSOs, private equity, and professional autonomyThe rise of in-house specialists and changing dental referral patternsPrivate practice survival and competition with corporate dentistrySedation safety, surgical training, and the risks of weekend certificationsDental staffing shortages, retention, and team cultureAlternative oral surgery practice models and locum tenensAI-driven innovation and opportunities for dental professionalsPractice profitability, insurance reimbursement, and specialist feesWork-life balance, flexibility, and knowing your professional worthEpisode Chapters00:00 – Who's Really Running Dentistry?00:22 – Are Doctors Replaceable?02:16 – Alternative Oral Surgery Practice Models03:05 – The Dental Staffing Crisis04:15 – AI & Dental Staffing Solutions05:07 – When Staff Training Impacts Patient Safety06:53 – Oral Surgery Inside General Dental Practices09:03 – Learning Practice Operations From Scratch11:02 – Building Professional Relationships12:22 – In-House Specialists & Changing Referrals14:04 – Private Practice vs. DSOs14:53 – Weekend Courses & Surgical Standards16:14 – Sedation Training & Anesthesia Safety20:37 – Balancing Surgery, Parenting & Life22:11 – Corporate Social Media Restrictions24:14 – Team Culture & Creative Practice Models25:50 – The True Cost of Losing Good Employees26:24 – Specialist Fees & Insurance Reimbursement29:07 – Rapid-Fire Questions & Unexpected Tangents34:10 – Corporate Changes & Career Security35:53 – More Production, Less Freedom?Is dentistry moving in the right direction? We'd love to hear your thoughts!KeywordsFuture of dentistry, corporate dentistry, DSOs, private equity dentistry, private practice dentistry, oral surgery, in-house specialists, dental referrals, dental staffing, sedation safety, AI in dentistry, dental practice management, professional autonomy, Dr. Brendan Gallagher, Dose of Dental Podcast.Follow Along with UsInstagram:@restingstitchfacepodcast@drerinsheffield@avocadodontist@thedoctorisallin@drgallagher@doseofdentalpodcastYouTube:@doctorgallagher@therestingstitchfacepodcastTikTok:@doctorgallagher_LinkedIn:Brendan Gallagher, DDS
Dr. Brendan Gallagher, the "master podcaster," is back on the Resting Stitch Face Podcast. He has two new jobs and a long commute, and he's turned his drive time into admin time. Hosts Dr. Sarah Harding and Dr. Erin Sheffield get into AI tools, social media strategy for doctors, and brand deals that pay very little. Then Brendan opens up about why his first job after residency wasn't his forever job, and what he'd tell anyone starting out. Part 2 is next week.Timestamps0:05 – Welcome back, Brendan0:33 – Two new jobs and the commute (13–15 hours a week)5:17 – Turning drive time into admin time, and the oral boards web app Brendan built6:24 – Erin's new AI agent, Muse8:10 – TikTok vs. Instagram: what works on each10:35 – Why TikTok SEO content, like dry socket videos, keeps earning12:53 – What it takes to be a multi-platform creator13:44 – Brand deals, discount codes and why companies won't pay14:25 – Using AI to build better, cheaper tools for dental practices15:13 – Dental supply catalogs vs. shopping on Amazon17:47 – Ambassador asks and protecting your credibility21:05 – TMJ consults and night guards25:14 – Wedding planning26:55 – Buying a house, and a Hamptons investment property30:41 – Transition: why your first job may not be your forever job35:51 – Lessons from the first job, and finding a better-fit practice38:17 – Erin's contract advice: give yourself an "in" and an "out," and watch non-competes40:07 – Thursdays working with Dr. Amrita Patel42:34 – Bosses who bring out your talents vs. bosses who want control44:05 – Cliffhanger: "Have you ever been told you were replaceable?"Key takeawaysDon't plan your life around a first job. Be hopeful, but pay attention to what's happening behind the scenes.Negotiate both a path in and a way out in your contract.Doctors on social media can reach people who need real information. Don't expect it to make you rich.A good boss works with you instead of trying to control you.Mentioned: Dr. Amrita Patel, the Muse AI agent, Brendan's oral boards web appNext: Part 2 drops next week.Links for you!Instagram:@restingstitchfacepodcast@drerinsheffield@avocadodontist@thedoctorisallin@drgallagherYouTube:@doctorgallagher@therestingstitchfacepodcastTikTok:@doctorgallagher_LinkedIn:Brendan Gallagher, DDS
Why do so many doctors dread tax season? In this eye-opening episode, co-hosts Dr. Sarah Harding and Dr. Erin Sheffield uncover the surprising truth about financial management in medical practices. Join them as they welcome Tomer and Erez, the innovative brothers behind Lucid, who are reshaping how healthcare professionals handle their finances with cutting-edge AI solutions. You'll discover the critical role of visibility in managing your practice's finances and why traditional methods leave many practitioners feeling overwhelmed and uninformed. Tomer and Erez reveal how their AI-driven approach not only streamlines bookkeeping but also enhances communication between doctors and their financial partners, eliminating the last-minute panic when tax deadlines loom. We dive deep into essential topics such as: The common pitfalls that lead to financial uncertainty for medical professionals Strategies to gain control over your practice’s finances Insights on integrating revenue cycle management with patient management systems for seamless operations The importance of having a dedicated partner who understands the unique challenges faced by medical practitioners How adopting AI can free up your time to focus on what truly matters—your patients. This episode is a must-listen for any medical professional feeling the weight of financial management on their shoulders. Don’t let tax season catch you off guard—tune in to learn how to take charge of your finances and ensure your practice thrives. Perfect for doctors juggling multiple responsibilities, this conversation will equip you with the knowledge and tools to transform your financial approach and alleviate the stress of tax season. Hit play and take the first step towards financial clarity!In this episode, Erez and Tomer from Lucid discuss how AI is transforming financial management for medical practices, emphasizing real-time insights, proactive strategies, and the importance of specialized knowledge to avoid costly mistakes.KeywordsAI, medical practice finance, real-time financials, bookkeeping, tax credits, practice management, AI adoption, financial forecasting, CPA, practice growthKey TopicsAI integration in medical practice financeReal-time financial reporting and forecastingCommon financial mistakes and how to avoid themThe importance of specialized knowledge in practice managementStrategies for proactive financial control and planningSound Bites"Control your finances before they control you""Real-time financials transform practice management"• "Proactive planning saves practice owners thousands"Find out how Lucid can accelerate you and your practice. Growth becomes much easier with 24/7 real-time CPA support on your side.Click here to Learn More!Follow Along with UsInstagram:@restingstitchfacepodcast@drerinsheffield@avocadodontist@thedoctorisallin
In this episode, Nate Palmer shares his journey of simplifying his life, focusing on what truly matters, and embracing new ventures like stand-up comedy and podcasting. We explore the importance of authenticity, strategic content creation, and the power of doing what feels right. Nate shares insights on effective fitness strategies, supplement use, and overcoming common barriers to exercise, especially for busy professionals and women. Discover practical tips on workout routines, supplement benefits, and mental approaches to building confidence in the gym.Key TopicsNate Palmer's life transition from online coaching to in-person training and comedyThe importance of scaling back to focus on quality over quantityThe role of authenticity and ethics in supplement businessOvercoming fear of leaving established routines and identitiesThe value of relationship-building over metrics in coachingLessons on content creation, including launching podcasts without perfectionThe significance of doing what feels good and alignedThe analogy of lifting to failure as a life and growth metaphor Effective workout routines for busy schedulesThe role of supplements like creatine and magnesiumMyths about women getting bulky from liftingProgressive overload and double progression methodThe importance of confidence and social support in fitnessWhat happens when a high-achieving fitness expert realizes success has become its own trap? Nate Palmer opens up about the season where he quit his podcast, stepped away from online coaching, and rebuilt his life around less noise, better work, and actual joy.Sarah Harding and Erin Sheffield dig into the identity crisis so many accomplished people face: when the thing you built no longer fits who you are. Nate shares why he walked away from a thousand-plus podcast episodes, what finally made the sunk cost fallacy feel less convincing than his mental health, and how he knew it was time to stop performing consistency for consistency’s sake.You’ll discover:Why “doing less but better” can be more sustainable than constant grindHow Nate decided which commitments were worth keeping and which were just filling his calendarThe mindset shift that helped him leave social media, online coaching, and business pressure behindWhy relationship-building and in-person work feel more aligned than endless Zoom callsHow he thinks about identity, alignment, and making decisions before you’re fully readyNate also breaks down the fitness principles he still teaches every day, including walking as the highest-ROI habit, training 3 days per week, full-body workouts over split routines, and the mistake even experienced lifters make when they do too much of the same muscle group. He explains why women should not fear “getting bulky,” and what busy people should do when they want results without spending their whole life in the gym.Perfect for anyone feeling overcommitted, burned out, or stuck between the life they built and the life they actually want. If you need permission to simplify, reset, and start training with more intention, this episode delivers it.Guest Credibility:Nate Palmer is the host of Get Leaner and Live Longer and recently Unqualified Caddy, a longtime coach, trainer, and supplement founder known for blending practical fitness strategy with honest, no-BS self-experimentation.Find Nate:www.milliondollarbodylabs.comInstagram : @_milliondollarbodyAnd your hosts: @restingstitchfacepodcast@drerinsheffield@avocadodontist@thedoctorisallin
What if you are more successful than you think? In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Erin Sheffield and Dr. Sarah Harding discuss the often hidden metrics of success that many entrepreneurs overlook. Join us as Erin reveals her surprising recognition from Kajabi as one of their top success stories, despite her feelings of doubt and struggle. If you’ve ever felt like a flailing business owner, this conversation is for you.Erin shares her journey of self-discovery, navigating the ups and downs of running a coaching business, and how comparing oneself to others can distort our perception of success. You’ll discover practical insights such as how to redefine your success metrics, the importance of having a supportive network, and the concept of competing with yourself rather than against others. We break down the pitfalls of social media comparisons, the pressure to achieve visible success, and why it’s crucial to understand your unique journey. Erin and Sarah delve into the idea of metrics in business—what to focus on and how to avoid the trap of measuring yourself against the highlight reels of others. This episode matters because without a clear understanding of your own achievements, you risk undervaluing your progress and potential. The conversation offers not just encouragement but a fresh perspective on what it means to be successful in today's fast-paced world. Perfect for entrepreneurs, creatives, and anyone feeling lost in their journey, this episode is essential listening. Tune in to redefine your success story with Erin and Sarah and leave inspired to embrace your unique path to achievement.In this episode, Erin Sheffield and Sarah Harding explore the nuances of success, comparison, and self-confidence. They share personal stories, insights on mental models, and practical tips for maintaining motivation and authenticity in both personal and professional life.Keywordssuccess, comparison, self-confidence, mental models, motivation, authenticity, personal growth, entrepreneurship, mindset, resilienceKey TopicsThe impact of external validation on self-confidenceComparison as a double-edged swordThe role of mental models in personal growthStrategies for maintaining motivation and authenticityThe importance of surrounding yourself with supportive peopleTakeawaysComparison can be helpful when based on measurable data, but harmful when based on social media illusions.Having a mentor or cheer squad can significantly boost confidence and motivation.Success is a journey, not just a destination, and lessons learned along the way are valuable.Cultivating an inner confidence can be achieved through mental training and visualization.Recognizing and celebrating small wins can snowball into greater self-belief.Sound Bites"Comparison can be helpful when based on measurable data.""Success is a journey, not just a destination.""Cultivating inner confidence is possible through mental training."Follow Along with UsInstagram:@restingstitchfacepodcast@drerinsheffield@avocadodontist@thedoctorisallin




