Most dentists don't fail because of a lack of clinical skill — they struggle because their mindset keeps them stuck. In this episode, we uncover the one move that unlocks better leadership, stronger team culture, and the confidence to take real action inside your practice.

 

This week, Dr. Len sits down with leadership expert and former Spear Education faculty member Dr. Martin Mendelson — a coach who helps dentists get out of their own way. After hand issues pushed him out of clinical dentistry, Martin discovered the transformational power of mindset. Today, he empowers dentists and teams to ditch the limiting thoughts that stall progress and replace them with a proven framework that drives results.

Martin reveals his T.E.A.M.™ Framework —
Thoughts ➜ Emotions ➜ Actions ➜ Manifest Results
— and how recognizing what's happening "between stimulus and response" changes everything in leadership, culture, and decision-making.

He also shares insights from his new book, One Move Makes All the Difference, hitting shelves December 2025 — loaded with practical tools to help practice owners lead with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

If you've ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to move your practice forward — this one's for you.

What You'll Learn

• Clinical skill isn't enough — success requires human leadership skills.

• When dentists fail to act, the real cause is mindset, not circumstance.

• Inaction is still an action — and it has a cost.

• Tough conversations are essential to team culture and accountability.

• Freedom in leadership exists between stimulus and response: pause, reflect, choose.

• Sustainable progress requires intentional actions aligned with desired results.

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Key Takeaways

00:37 Welcome, Sponsors & Introducing the Episode

01:37 Meet Dr. Martin Mendelson + His Background Story

04:51 From Losing Clinical Ability to Finding Coaching & Mindset Work

06:36 How Dentists Know They Need Help + Common Roadblocks

08:15 The Book: "One Move Makes All the Difference" & Why He Wrote It

13:55 The T.E.A.M.™ Framework Explained (Thoughts–Emotions–Actions–Results)

17:50 How Mindset Impacts Decisions, Leadership & Practice Culture

23:07 Team Challenges, Accountability & Difficult Conversations

24:50 Emotional Intelligence, Assertiveness & Getting Out of Your Own Way

26:55 Why Coaching Takes Time + The Power of Culture Over Strategy

31:03 What Dentistry Often Gets Wrong Beyond Clinical Skills

32:10 Lightning Round Q&A

36:18 How to Connect with Dr. Martin + Closing Remarks

 

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Connect with Dr. Martin Mendelson

Website: martinmendelson.com

Instagram: @docmartinempowers

LinkedIn: Martin Mendelson

 

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Learn proven dental marketing strategies and online reputation management techniques at DrLenTau.com.

This podcast is sponsored by Dental Intelligence. Learn more here.

This podcast is sponsored by CallRail, call tracking & lead conversion software for dentists. Find out more here.

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