In this episode of "Just a Couple of Dentists," Eric and Alex dive into the traits that contribute to success in the field. We kick off the conversation with a light-hearted exchange about Eric's recent haircut, which leads to a discussion about the hair care industry and the inspiring story of John Paul DeJoria, co-founder of Paul Mitchell. His journey from living in his car to building a billion-dollar brand serves as a backdrop for our exploration of the qualities that make certain dentists thrive.

We welcome Brian Hanks, an expert in dental practice transitions, who shares his insights on the essential traits that successful dentists possess. Brian emphasizes the importance of having a robust personal network of dental professionals who know, like, and trust you. He encourages listeners to engage with their peers, whether through social media or in-person interactions, to build these valuable connections.

As the conversation progresses, we discuss the significance of thinking critically and learning for oneself rather than simply accepting popular opinions in the dental community. Brian highlights the need for dentists to be skeptical in a healthy way, questioning the advice they receive and seeking out diverse perspectives.

We also touch on the topic of comparison, noting that while it can be detrimental if used negatively, it can also serve as a powerful motivator for improvement. Brian shares a compelling story about a dentist who successfully negotiated a better loan rate by leveraging comparisons with other banks, illustrating how healthy competition can lead to better outcomes.

Finally, we address the common fears associated with practice ownership, emphasizing that feeling nervous is a normal part of the process. Brian reassures listeners with data showing that dental practice loans are among the safest investments, encouraging them to embrace their fears and take action despite them.

If  you still aren't sick of us and want more, make sure to subscribe to Alex's newsletter, Just Two Minutes, at coupleofdentists.com