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Dentist to De Novo
Ready to take the leap into dental practice ownership but not sure where to start? From Dentist to De Novo guides you through the journey of starting or acquiring your first practice, with insights from someone who's helped hundreds of dentists in your shoes. Host Jonathan Miller brings almost two decades of experience helping dentists navigate their first practice purchase from how to find the right location and financing to opening the doors and building the dream team to see it grow from the start! .Whether you're dreaming of building from the ground up or buying an existing practice, this podcast cuts through the noise to deliver practical, actionable guidance. Jonathan focuses on real strategies over empty motivation, helping you minimize risk and confidently tackle the unknowns of practice ownership. Join him as he shares how to grow your practice, build your brand, and preserve the private practice model—one doctor at a time.
Dentist to De Novo
Why Most Young Dentists Are Easily Fooled (And How to Avoid It)
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Jonathan Miller
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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This episode of the podcast features Dr. David Rice, founder of IgniteDDS and author of Is Everyone Smiling But You? discussing the transition from dental associate to practice owner. The conversation centers on moving from a "redline" state of overthinking and burnout to a "greenline" of professional control and fulfillment.
Key Takeaways for Young Dentists
- The Danger of Overthinking: Dr. Rice emphasizes that many young dentists suffer from "analysis paralysis," worrying about production and bills instead of trusting the skills they earned in dental school.
- The "Patient Promise": Rather than focusing on "selling" treatment, Dr. Rice suggests adopting a "patient promise"—treating every patient like a favorite family member and helping them understand why a treatment is in their best interest.
- Mastering Delegation: Success in ownership requires letting go of the need to have all the answers; Dr. Rice shares how a veteran hygienist taught him the importance of letting experts do their jobs so the practice could "sprint".
- Building an Inner Circle: Dr. Rice advises keeping a tight circle of trusted advisors—including specialized attorneys and CPAs—and "unplugging" those who don’t offer 100% transparency or high-level expertise.
- Associate to Owner Strategy: For those in associate roles, he recommends negotiating access to "day sheets" early on to track personal progress and production, which is vital when eventually applying for bank loans.
- The Reality of Ownership: Dr. Rice highlights that "no one is ever totally ready" for ownership or parenthood, and the key is to jump out of the plane and trust the parachute will open.