Welcome to "Just Say YES to Private Practice." In this episode, host Eric Chatterley sits down with Dr. Bob Utberg, an experienced practice owner, to dive deep into the journey of buying your first dental practice. Together, they explore the excitement—and overwhelm—that comes with transitioning from associate to owner, sharing hard-earned lessons on due diligence, evaluating practice opportunities, and building trust with team and patients. You’ll hear real stories about the search for the "perfect" practice, why it’s okay if your first purchase isn’t your forever home, and practical advice for creating a culture of empowerment and communication as a new leader. Whether you’re a recent graduate or a seasoned associate considering practice ownership, this conversation is packed with wisdom to help you navigate the buying process, avoid common pitfalls, and build a fulfilling career in private practice.

Welcome to another episode of Just Say YES To Private Practice. I’m your host, Eric Chatterley, founder of CTC Pathways, where I help dental practice owners find more freedom and fulfillment in their journey. Today, we’re diving into the real-world experience of buying your own private practice—a move that’s exciting, sometimes overwhelming, but full of potential.
Joining us is Marie Chatterley, a practice transition specialist from CTC Associates. Together, we’ll explore what it takes to successfully transition from an associate to an owner, what to look for in potential practices, how to assess risk, and why building the right relationships—from brokers to lenders—matters. Whether you’re only just considering ownership or actively looking for the perfect opportunity, this episode will give you practical insights, cautionary tales, and encouragement to confidently say YES to private practice.

Dr. David Bryant’s journey into dentistry began with a desire to find a career that could stimulate both his mind and his hands. Unsure of his exact path after dental school, he decided to pursue a residency at Valley Wide Health Services in the San Luis Valley, where he gained valuable experience in public health and grew in clinical confidence. Following his residency, Dr. Bryant worked for several years at a dental service organization (DSO), an experience that ultimately motivated him to start his own practice.

For the past seven years, Dr. Bryant has owned and operated a dental office in the Slums Lake area of Denver, a startup he built from the ground up. His career has taken him from dental school through residency, corporate dentistry, and finally, to the fulfilling yet challenging world of private practice—a journey shaped by curiosity, growth, and a constant search for balance and purpose in his profession.

Welcome to Say Yes To Private Practice with Eric Chatterley, DDS.

This trailer will explain what to expect from the upcoming episodes.