Is the 9-year itch hitting hard? In this energising conversation, Rana and Bav are joined by dental business strategist Andy Acton to explore why so many clinicians lose their spark — and how to fall back in love with your career again. From owner fatigue and identity shifts to mindset, values and planning your future, Andy breaks down the inner and outer work that keeps you aligned, energised and excited about dentistry. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s time to stay, grow or go… this episode will give you clarity, confidence and a fresh sense of possibility.
In this high-energy episode, Dr Rana and Bav sit down with dental broker, podcaster and all-round legend Andy Acton to talk about a topic most principals quietly struggle with but rarely admit out loud: owner fatigue.If you’ve ever felt like one more question about TP brushes might tip you overthe edge, this one’s for you.
Andy kicks things off with his favourite Henry Ford quote – “Whether yout hink you can or you think you can’t, you’re right” – and together we dive into mindset, self-talk and the difference between “true” and “truth”. From there, the conversation flies into joy, beds and business (yes, really). Rana shares her “bed theory” – why it’s worth investing in where you spend a third of your life – and links it beautifully to investing in yourself, your growth and your practice.
We then get into the reality behind the glossy “practice owner” label.Andy breaks down the journey from ignition and expansion to optimisation and, eventually, owner fatigue – with its five tell-tale signs: emotional load, lifestyle misalignment, decision fatigue, role creep and exit anxiety.Rana opens up about her own burnout moment as a specialist practice owner, and how coaching, planning and an intentional exit helped her redefine what leadership looked like for her.
If you’ve ever wondered when and how to plan your exit,Andy gets wonderfully practical. He explains why the ideal time horizon is 3–5years, how small tweaks in profit can add six figures to your sale value, and why planning your exit doesn’t mean you have to sell any time soon – it just gives you options and headspace. Think of it like writing a will: good sense, not doom and gloom.
We also explore the rise of the “practice within a practice” associate, social media-driven patient lists, and new models where clinicians simply rent clinical space. Andy shares how principals and associates can have grown-up conversations about who owns patients, how revenue is shared, and how everyone can win when expectations and contracts are clear.
If you’re a practice owner, aspiring principal, ambitious associate or just someone who wants to build a business and a life you actually enjoy, this episode will leave you feeling seen, supported and seriously better equipped.
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Andy Acton is a serial entrepreneur developing the FTA group of companies, a full range of business services for the dental profession. Andy has been involved in the business of dentistry for over 25 years and is the director and co-owner of Frank Taylor & Associates, FTA Media, FTA Finance, FTA Financial & Wealth Management and in 2023 exited FTA Law. He also co-hosts the Dentology podcast. Andy is a sought after public speaker covering topics including leadership, management, marketing and the future value of dental practices.
www.ft-associates.com
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