Ready to fuel your dental journey? This week on Dental Fuel, we sit down with Dr. David Rice, the passionate founder of Ignite DDS! Discover how his love for teaching and mentoring transformed him from a young dentist in Buffalo to a leader in dental education. Hear his candid stories about early career struggles, the power of continuing education, and the birth of Ignite DDS.  Don’t miss this inspiring episode packed with wisdom and practical advice for every dental professional!

About the Guest:

David Rice is the founder and CEO of Ignite DDS, an organization dedicated to helping dental students and young dentists navigate their careers with confidence and expertise. He is also a seasoned clinician with extensive experience in restorative and cosmetic dentistry. David practices part-time at East Amherst Dental Center in Buffalo, NY, where he initially started as an associate, then became an owner, and now returns occasionally. Apart from his clinical and teaching roles, David is a prominent educator, frequently collaborating with top dental education institutes like Pankey, Dawson, and Speer.

Episode Summary:

David shares his journey toward mastering clinical skills, underscoring the importance of comprehensive care and the role of continuing education (CE) in shaping his career. The conversation touches upon practical fears young dentists face, like over-diagnosing and the public perception of their recommendations. David offers candid reflections on his early career mistakes, the evolution of his practice in East Amherst, and pivotal moments that steered him towards becoming an educator and a mentor. He also highlights transformative CE seminars and courses, illustrating their profound impact on his professional growth.

Key Takeaways:

• Overcoming Early Career Challenges: David discusses the hesitancy he faced early in his career in delivering complete care, worrying about over-diagnosing and patient perceptions.
• The Power of Continuing Education: David emphasizes the immense benefits of hands-on CE courses, mentioning influential educators and institutions such as David Hornbrook, Pankey, and Dawson.
• Building Ignite DDS: The inception of Ignite DDS stemmed from David’s passion for teaching and mentoring, driven by a life-changing personal event involving his associate.
• Educational Influence: David’s commitment to education extends beyond local schools, sharing insights into how guest speaking and collaborations with dental institutes expanded his impact.
• Community and Support: Reflecting on partnerships with organizations like Asda, David highlights the collaborative and supportive nature of the dental community, crucial for professional development.

Connect with Ignitedds and Dr. David Rice: @ignitedds

Connect with Tanya Sue Maestas: @tsmaestas.dds

Learn more about 90 Day JumpStart : https://ignitedds.com