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The Lifestyle Practice Podcast was created to help dentists obtain their desired life by creating uncommonly successful dental practices.
Ready to work with us? Visit thelifestylepractice.com for more information
The Lifestyle Practice Podcast was created to help dentists obtain their desired life by creating uncommonly successful dental practices.
Ready to work with us? Visit thelifestylepractice.com for more information
Episodes

5 days ago
5 days ago
What does it actually take to go from dental associate to successful practice owner — fast?
In this episode of The Lifestyle Practice Podcast, Dr. Steve Van De Graaff shares the real story of a new dental practice owner who bought his practice, rebuilt the team culture from scratch, and matched his entire previous year's associate income in just 2 months of ownership.
If you're a dental associate wondering whether buying a dental practice is worth it — or a new dental practice owner struggling to grow — this episode is exactly what you need to hear.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:
→ How this dentist evaluated dental practices during due diligence and found the right one after 1.5 years of searching
→ The specific leadership moves he made in his first weeks as a new practice owner that transformed team culture
→ Why he went from working 5 days a week with an empty schedule to owning a thriving, fully booked dental practice
→ The mindset shift that separates dentists who take ownership of their career from those who stay stuck
→ Dr. Steve's personal story of dropping a bad dental insurance plan — and how working fewer days actually increased his income
→ The single most important lesson for any dentist feeling stuck: nobody is coming to save you
Connect with us:
- Take our FREE lifestyle and practice assessment: https://thelifestylepractice.com/practice-assesment/
- Learn more about 1-on-1 coaching: https://thelifestylepractice.com/coaching-services/
- Get access to TLP Academy: https://thelifestylepractice.com/coaching-services/
- Subscribe to The Lifestyle Practice Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tlp-podcast-for-dentists/id1476544801
- Email Derek at derek@thelifestylepractice.com
- Email Matt at matt@thelifestylepractice.com
- Email Steve at steve@thelifestylepractice.com

Monday Mar 23, 2026
301. From Multi-7 Figure Practice to the US Open Stage
Monday Mar 23, 2026
Monday Mar 23, 2026
Are you a dentist or entrepreneur looking to build a lifestyle practice without burnout?
In this episode of The Lifestyle Practice Podcast, Dr. Matt Vogt sits down with Matt Brown and Dr. Andrew Vallow to break down how to build a high-income dental practice that creates freedom, flexibility, and true work-life balance.
Dr. Matt Vogt shares his journey from early startup struggles to building a multi-seven-figure dental practice while still pursuing elite-level golf and qualifying for the US Open Championship.
We discuss key strategies for dental startups, practice ownership, scaling a dental business, avoiding burnout, and designing a life-first business model. Whether you are a new dentist, practice owner, or entrepreneur, this episode provides valuable insights into time freedom, productivity, leadership, and intentional growth.
Connect with us:
- Take our FREE lifestyle and practice assessment: https://thelifestylepractice.com/practice-assesment/
- Learn more about 1-on-1 coaching: https://thelifestylepractice.com/coaching-services/
- Get access to TLP Academy: https://thelifestylepractice.com/coaching-services/
- Subscribe to The Lifestyle Practice Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tlp-podcast-for-dentists/id1476544801
- Email Derek at derek@thelifestylepractice.com
- Email Matt at matt@thelifestylepractice.com
- Email Steve at steve@thelifestylepractice.com

Monday Mar 16, 2026
300. The Fastest Path to $500K a Year in Dentistry
Monday Mar 16, 2026
Monday Mar 16, 2026
Want to know the fastest way to earn $500,000+ as a dental practice owner without working more hours?
In this episode, Dr. Derek Williams from The Lifestyle Practice breaks down the exact math and strategy behind building a high-profit dental practice. Most dentists believe they need more patients, more marketing, or more technology to grow their income—but the truth is that the biggest breakthroughs come from fixing the core bottlenecks in your dental business.
Learn how case acceptance, schedule productivity, dental practice leadership, and efficient overhead management can dramatically increase your production and profit. Dr. Williams explains how a practice collecting $1.25M annually with 60% overhead can generate $500K in income, and why ownership leverage is the key to financial freedom in dentistry.
Connect with us:
- Take our FREE lifestyle and practice assessment: https://thelifestylepractice.com/practice-assesment/
- Learn more about 1-on-1 coaching: https://thelifestylepractice.com/coaching-services/
- Get access to TLP Academy: https://thelifestylepractice.com/coaching-services/
- Subscribe to The Lifestyle Practice Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tlp-podcast-for-dentists/id1476544801
- Email Derek at derek@thelifestylepractice.com
- Email Matt at matt@thelifestylepractice.com
- Email Steve at steve@thelifestylepractice.com

Monday Mar 09, 2026
299. 3 Traits That Turn Average Dentists Into High Earners
Monday Mar 09, 2026
Monday Mar 09, 2026
High-income dentist mindset, dental practice growth strategies, and dentist business success are not about luck—they come from specific habits and skills that top dentists develop.
In this episode, we break down the three traits of high-income dentists that separate average dental practices from highly profitable ones. If you're a dentist who wants to increase dental production, grow a dental practice, improve case acceptance, and build a profitable dental business, this episode will show you what elite dentists consistently do differently.
Dr. Steve Van De Graaff shares insights from 10+ years in dentistry and coaching high-performing dentists, revealing the behaviors, leadership skills, and production mindset that help dentists dramatically increase their income and impact.
Connect with us:
- Take our FREE lifestyle and practice assessment: https://thelifestylepractice.com/practice-assesment/
- Learn more about 1-on-1 coaching: https://thelifestylepractice.com/coaching-services/
- Get access to TLP Academy: https://thelifestylepractice.com/coaching-services/
- Subscribe to The Lifestyle Practice Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tlp-podcast-for-dentists/id1476544801
- Email Derek at derek@thelifestylepractice.com
- Email Matt at matt@thelifestylepractice.com
- Email Steve at steve@thelifestylepractice.com

Monday Mar 02, 2026
298. Dental Marketing Not Working? Here’s Why
Monday Mar 02, 2026
Monday Mar 02, 2026
Why is your dental marketing not working, even though you're running ads, sending mailers, and spending money every month?
In this episode of the Lifestyle Practice Podcast, Dr. Matt Vogt breaks down the real reasons dentists aren't getting new patients, why your dental practice isn't growing, and how internal systems—not just ads—determine your success.
Most dentists think dental marketing means Facebook ads, Google Ads, or direct mail. But the truth is, your dental phone call conversion process, front desk training, scheduling systems, case presentation skills, and treatment acceptance strategy determine whether your marketing works or fails.
If you’ve ever asked:
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Why are my dental ads not working?
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Why is my dental practice not growing?
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How do I get more new patients in my dental clinic?
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Why are patients not accepting treatment?
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How do I improve dental case acceptance?
This episode gives you the answers.
Connect with us:
- Take our FREE lifestyle and practice assessment: https://thelifestylepractice.com/practice-assesment/
- Learn more about 1-on-1 coaching: https://thelifestylepractice.com/coaching-services/
- Get access to TLP Academy: https://thelifestylepractice.com/coaching-services/
- Subscribe to The Lifestyle Practice Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tlp-podcast-for-dentists/id1476544801
- Email Derek at derek@thelifestylepractice.com
- Email Matt at matt@thelifestylepractice.com
- Email Steve at steve@thelifestylepractice.com

Monday Feb 23, 2026
297. How To Make First $1 Million as a Dentist
Monday Feb 23, 2026
Monday Feb 23, 2026
How does a dentist go from student debt to earning their first million in just 18 months?
In this episode, Dr. Derek Williams breaks down the exact strategies, mindset shifts, leadership skills, and business systems that helped him scale his dental practice fast — without burnout, gimmicks, or chasing trends.
This episode dives deep into dental practice management, case acceptance strategies, leadership in dentistry, dental marketing systems, scheduling efficiency, and building a profitable dental business. Instead of focusing on flashy procedures or expensive courses, Derek explains why proper diagnosis, communication skills, team leadership, and focused execution were the real drivers behind his success.
If you’re a dentist, practice owner, or aspiring dental entrepreneur looking to improve dental practice profitability, patient communication, leadership mindset, and work-life balance, this episode is packed with actionable insights.
You’ll learn:
- How buying a dental practice early changed his financial trajectory
- The role of coaching in dental business growth
- Why systems matter more than marketing alone
- Leadership strategies that transformed team performance
- How to avoid burnout while scaling a dental career
Whether you’re a new dentist, dental student, or experienced practice owner, this episode provides a clear blueprint for dentistry success, financial independence, and lifestyle design.
Connect with us:
- Take our FREE lifestyle and practice assessment: https://thelifestylepractice.com/practice-assesment/
- Learn more about 1-on-1 coaching: https://thelifestylepractice.com/coaching-services/
- Get access to TLP Academy: https://thelifestylepractice.com/coaching-services/
- Subscribe to The Lifestyle Practice Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tlp-podcast-for-dentists/id1476544801
- Email Derek at derek@thelifestylepractice.com
- Email Matt at matt@thelifestylepractice.com
- Email Steve at steve@thelifestylepractice.com

Monday Feb 16, 2026
296. The #1 Mistake That’s Killing Your Practice Revenue
Monday Feb 16, 2026
Monday Feb 16, 2026
Are you a general dentist wondering how to increase production, improve clinical skills, and grow your dental practice without working longer hours?
In this episode of the Lifestyle Practice Podcast, Dr. Steve Van de Graaff shares powerful insights on specialty procedures for general dentists, including dental implants, endodontics, oral surgery, and advanced treatment planning.
Many dentists struggle with referring high-value cases out of their practice—from root canals and wisdom teeth extractions to implant dentistry. But what if bringing more procedures in-house could increase profitability, reduce burnout, and create more freedom in your schedule?
You’ll learn how continuing education (CE), live-patient mentorship, and incremental skill development can help dentists expand their clinical skill set responsibly while delivering better patient outcomes. Whether you’re a practice owner, associate dentist, or someone looking to grow your dental career, this episode is packed with actionable strategies for dental practice growth, increased production, and clinical efficiency.
In this episode, we discuss:
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How specialty dentistry increases dental practice revenue
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Why dental implants and endo are high-profit procedures
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How dentists can improve productivity without more new patients
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The best CE strategy for dentists who want real clinical confidence
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Practical steps to expand your dental skill set safely
If you want to work smarter, avoid burnout, and build a more profitable dental practice, this podcast is for you.
Connect with us:
- Take our FREE lifestyle and practice assessment: https://thelifestylepractice.com/practice-assesment/
- Learn more about 1-on-1 coaching: https://thelifestylepractice.com/coaching-services/
- Get access to TLP Academy: https://thelifestylepractice.com/coaching-services/
- Subscribe to The Lifestyle Practice Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tlp-podcast-for-dentists/id1476544801
- Email Derek at derek@thelifestylepractice.com
- Email Matt at matt@thelifestylepractice.com
- Email Steve at steve@thelifestylepractice.com

Monday Feb 09, 2026
295. The Future of Dentistry in 2026
Monday Feb 09, 2026
Monday Feb 09, 2026
Is dentistry still worth it in 2026?
With rising interest rates, staffing shortages, shrinking insurance reimbursements, and the polarizing narratives on social media, this question is louder than ever. In this episode, Dr. Derek Williams breaks down the real state of the dental industry today—no fear-mongering, just clarity on the math and the mindset required to win.
We dive deep into the specific challenges modern dentists face, from "complexity inflation" to the realities of overhead costs. Whether you are a dental student questioning your debt, an associate looking for a career path, or a practice owner trying to protect your margins, this video covers what has changed in the business of dentistry and what hasn't.
Connect with us:
- Take our FREE lifestyle and practice assessment: https://thelifestylepractice.com/practice-assesment/
- Learn more about 1-on-1 coaching: https://thelifestylepractice.com/coaching-services/
- Get access to TLP Academy: https://thelifestylepractice.com/coaching-services/
- Subscribe to The Lifestyle Practice Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tlp-podcast-for-dentists/id1476544801
- Email Derek at derek@thelifestylepractice.com
- Email Matt at matt@thelifestylepractice.com
- Email Steve at steve@thelifestylepractice.com

Monday Feb 02, 2026
294. How He Took a Practice From $840K to $1.6M in One Year
Monday Feb 02, 2026
Monday Feb 02, 2026
How Dr. Cody Santora Doubled His Dental Practice Revenue in 1 Year.
Are you debating whether to buy a dental practice or start one from scratch? In this episode of The Lifestyle Practice Podcast, Dr. Matt Vogt sits down with Dr. Cody Santora to reveal the exact blueprint he used to acquire a practice and nearly double its collections—from $840k to $1.6M—in just 12 months.
If you are looking for dental practice growth strategies that work, this episode is a masterclass in execution. We break down the fears of dental practice ownership, how to optimize your fee schedules, and the specific staffing changes that fueled this explosive growth.
Connect with us:
- Take our FREE lifestyle and practice assessment: https://thelifestylepractice.com/practice-assesment/
- Learn more about 1-on-1 coaching: https://thelifestylepractice.com/coaching-services/
- Get access to TLP Academy: https://thelifestylepractice.com/coaching-services/
- Subscribe to The Lifestyle Practice Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tlp-podcast-for-dentists/id1476544801
- Email Derek at derek@thelifestylepractice.com
- Email Matt at matt@thelifestylepractice.com
- Email Steve at steve@thelifestylepractice.com

Monday Jan 26, 2026
293. What to Do When Your Best Employee Quits
Monday Jan 26, 2026
Monday Jan 26, 2026
When a key team member resigns, it can be one of the most stressful moments in managing a dental practice. Most owners feel blindsided, and if handled poorly, a single resignation can damage your dental office culture and trigger a wave of dental staff turnover.
In this episode, Dr Steve Van De Graaff breaks down exactly how to handle employee resignations with professionalism and strategy. This is not just about filling a role; it's about leadership in dental practice and maintaining stability when things get rocky.
Whether you are new to ownership or an experienced clinician, this guide to dental practice leadership will help you respond better, grow as a leader, and protect the business you’ve built.
Connect with us:
- Take our FREE lifestyle and practice assessment: https://thelifestylepractice.com/practice-assesment/
- Learn more about 1-on-1 coaching: https://thelifestylepractice.com/coaching-services/
- Get access to TLP Academy: https://thelifestylepractice.com/coaching-services/
- Subscribe to The Lifestyle Practice Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tlp-podcast-for-dentists/id1476544801
- Email Derek at derek@thelifestylepractice.com
- Email Matt at matt@thelifestylepractice.com
- Email Steve at steve@thelifestylepractice.com