Alan welcomes frequent guest and co-host Dr. Matt Standridge back to Very Dental. They dive into the evolving landscape of dental practice ownership, comparing traditional solo practices with the increasing prevalence of DSOs. The conversation explores the current incentives and hurdles for new dentists, the impact of rising dental school debt, and the practical aspects of introducing advanced procedures like aligner therapy and all-on-X implants into general practices.  They also touch on the phenomenon of influencer culture in dentistry and its implications. Mostly they just laugh about our absurd profession and how it continues to change.  

Key Takeaways:

• Private practice ownership is becoming increasingly challenging due to factors like rising costs, insurance reimbursements, and patient expectations.
• The "one doctor, one owner" model may become less common, with more practices incorporating associates or transitioning to alternative models.
• Many young dentists are less driven by ownership and more interested in alternative career paths, including becoming a dental influencer.
• Overuse of all-on-X procedures is a concern, with potential for complications and ethical considerations.
• Orthodontic training, particularly with aligners, offers a high ROI and can improve overall dental skills.
• "Bread and butter" dentistry still has value and shouldn't be dismissed.
• Beware of "style over substance" in dentistry, particularly when it comes to advanced procedures.
• Mentorship (or "coaching") can be valuable, but find trusted sources.

  Some links from the show:

• Matt's Instagram
• Matt's 3D Dentists bio/info
• 3D Dentists
• American Orthodontic Society
• CandidPro Aligners

Episode Index:

• 01:24 Tom Hanks: The Yelling Actor

• 04:25 The Reality of Multiple Practices

• 09:53 The Future of Dental Practice Ownership

• 18:13 The Rise of Dental Influencers

• 22:25 Patient Preferences and Overuse of Procedures

• 30:38 Orthodontics as a Gateway to Advanced Dentistry

• 33:28 The Evolution of Dental Training and Technology

• 36:45 The Financial and Professional Pressures in Dentistry

• 38:49 The Role of Mentorship and Coaching in Dentistry

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