TPO: Should I Invest in Real Estate?

I am once again joined by Dr. Richard Low as we talk about the intersection of dental practice ownership and real estate investment. Should you actually buy the property, or is that a waste of time and resources? I share my journey from dental school to acquiring real estate licenses in two states, while Richard reflects on his own real estate [mis]adventures. He thinks it’s generally a bad idea. I believe real estate investing has real potential for dentists. Who’s right? Maybe neither of us. We’ll lay it all out for you to decide for yourself.

Ask George: Why I Don’t Burnout

George and I talk about burnout. Everyone experiences it; hardly anyone talks about it. And even less doctors actually address it. We talk about the telltale signs of burnout, how to uncover the root causes, and why a vacation might be more than just a quick fix—it could be an actual diagnostic tool. When you step away from work, you can rethink your practice to make it align better with your life goals.

Coaches Corner: I Thought I Was Doing Fine—Until I Saw the Data

Richard and Caitlin tackle one of the biggest challenges dental practices face—retention. They talk about how practices often feel they’re doing well in this area, only to discover a huge gap between perception and reality.

Richard shares a story of a doctor completely overwhelmed by rapid growth, losing patients out the backdoor as quickly as they came in. Caitlin answers with the importance of tracking key metrics, like hygiene and new patient reappointment rates, and how a lack of urgency can sabotage long-term success.

TPO: Evaluating Associate Opportunities

Dr. Richard Low and I talk about evaluating associateship opportunities–the importance of networking, understanding practice dynamics, and making informed decisions based on personal and professional goals.

I also share my own recent experience navigating the job market,.

I Increased My Production by $20K/mo | Coaching Success with Dr. Colleen Bullard

I sit down with the inspiring Dr. Colleen Bullard and her coach Danielle, while she shares her incredible success story. With her trademark modesty, Dr. Bullard reveals how she increased her practice’s production by $20K a month—40% growth. What did our coaching have to do with it? Did Dr. Bullard do it all herself? Can anyone just up and almost double their production in under 6 months? Listen in.

How I Turn Self-Doubt into My Leadership Superpower

My father, Murray Low, is a world-renowned coach to executives. I’m having him on the show today for this special episode talking about how self-doubt can be transformed into a powerful tool for growth. We get into the delicate balance between projecting confidence and showing vulnerability, sharing straight from our own experience, and the critical element in all of it: decisiveness.

TPO: My Journey from Dental School to Real-World Dentistry

Merlin here. I have our very own Dr. Richard Low back on the show. He’s asking me some pointed questions about my transition from dental school SF to practicing dentistry in Charlotte, North Carolina. We’re talking about the excitement of moving across the country, my clinical preparedness, and how much experience I want before owning a practice.

Coaches Corner: Sucktember Prep

I’m sharing how I learned to navigate seasonal slow downs in practices.

Shared Practices Coach Danielle Kramer and I talk about the common issue of slow patient flow in September and October (AKA Sucktember). Danielle talks about using this downtime for crucial office tasks like inventory management and team training.

Shared Practices Law Firm

Richard and George talk about the critical legal needs every dentist faces. Everywhere from acquiring a practice to exiting (and even what we learned forming a DSO). Joined by Hunter Altvater, the lead attorney at Shared Practices, they talk about the importance of clear legal documents, understanding the intricacies of associate agreements, and the value of fixed fee legal services.

TPO: Following Up with Dr. Scott Smith Part 2

Dr. Scott Smith shares his journey from associate to successful practice owner. Our original episode with Dr. Smith aired February 8, 2012. It was Season 6 episode 26. In this follow-up two-parter, Dr. Smith shares his insights on rural dentistry, maximizing profitability, and balancing work with personal life. Learn about the challenges of staffing, managing multiple practices, and the importance of strategic financial planning.