The Lifestyle Practice Podcast For Dentists

299. 3 Traits That Turn Average Dentists Into High Earners

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 

298. Dental Marketing Not Working? Here’s Why

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:

• Why are my dental ads not working?

• Why is my dental practice not growing?

• How do I get more new patients in my dental clinic?

• Why are patients not accepting treatment?

• 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 

 

297. How To Make First $1 Million as a Dentist

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 

 

296. The #1 Mistake That’s Killing Your Practice Revenue

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:

• How specialty dentistry increases dental practice revenue

• Why dental implants and endo are high-profit procedures

• How dentists can improve productivity without more new patients

• The best CE strategy for dentists who want real clinical confidence

• 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 

295. The Future of Dentistry in 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 

294. How He Took a Practice From $840K to $1.6M in One Year

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 

293. What to Do When Your Best Employee Quits

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

292. Passive Income Strategies Every Dentist Should Know in 2026

In this episode of The Lifestyle Practice Podcast, host Matt Vogt is joined once again by Zach Lemaster, founder of Rent To Retirement, to explore how dentists and other healthcare professionals can build long-term wealth through turnkey real estate investing—without the stress of being a landlord or losing focus on their practice.

You’ll learn exactly how to start or scale a real estate portfolio using passive strategies, new construction rentals, and tax-saving techniques such as bonus depreciation and cost segregation. Zach shares real numbers, strategic insights, and projections for the 2026 real estate market that every dentist investor should hear.

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 

291. The Side of Dentistry No One Talks About

In this episode of the Lifestyle Practice Podcast, Dr. Steve Van De Graaff shares a powerful and personal story about designing a dental career that supports freedom, family, and meaningful experiences outside the dental office.

Dr. Steve reflects on a recent dental humanitarian trip to the Galápagos Islands, where he and his family provided essential dental care to underserved communities in Ecuador. This episode highlights how building a well-run dental practice allows practice owners to step away from daily chairside dentistry and pursue purpose-driven work, travel, and family time.

If you’re a dentist, dental practice owner, or dental student who feels chained to your office, this conversation will inspire you to rethink success, prioritize memories over production numbers, and intentionally build a lifestyle dental practice that aligns with your values.

This episode is a reminder that dentistry is not just about production—it’s about impact, service, and living well.

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

290. How Top 1% Dentists Manage Their Money

Dentists are taught to equate success with production, income, and constant growth. But many high-achieving practice owners still feel stressed, restless, or burned out. In this episode of The Lifestyle Practice Podcast, Dr. Derek Williams sits down with repeat guest Dr. Talon Davis to explore a better framework for wealth, ambition, and fulfillment through the lens of Morgan Housel’s book The Art of Spending Money.

They discuss how dentists often use money as a status scoreboard, why lifestyle inflation happens even when income rises, and how contentment can be engineered through intentional choices. You’ll hear practical insights about financial mindset, goal-setting, and designing a dental career you don’t need to escape. This episode is especially relevant for dental practice owners, associates considering ownership, and anyone looking for sustainable dental business growth without sacrificing mental health or family time.

If you’re questioning whether your next milestone will actually make you happier, this conversation will help you reframe success and build a lifestyle-driven dental practice with clarity.

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