Dr. Martin Mendelson and Dr. Kyle Stanley explore the fading of passion in dentistry, linking it to burnout, cynicism, and compassion fatigue. They discuss the emotional toll of working with people, the root causes of stress in the profession, and the importance of identifying and addressing those stressors. The conversation highlights strategies for reigniting purpose, cultivating work-life balance, and finding identity beyond the operatory. At the heart of it all is a powerful reminder: mindset matters.

Burnout is no longer a buzzword in dentistry—it’s a reality for the majority of clinicians. In this episode, Dr. Kyle Stanley and Dr. Martin Mendelson have an honest conversation about the mental health crisis in dentistry and why so many dentists silently struggle under the pressure of perfectionism, financial demands, and the emotional weight of patient care.

They explore how leadership, boundaries, and communication—or the lack of them—contribute to daily stress, and why simply “escaping” the practice isn’t a sustainable solution. Drawing from personal experience, research, and years of coaching dentists around the world, they outline clear steps for transforming how we work, lead, and live in this profession.

You’ll also get a preview of their upcoming in-person course in Irvine, California, designed to help dental professionals build a career that doesn’t just survive—but truly thrives. Whether you’re early in your journey or years into practice, this episode offers perspective, practical tools, and a reminder that fulfillment in dentistry is possible.

For more info or to join their live CE course, go to www.wellnessindentistry.com

In this episode, Dr. Martin Mendelson and Dr. Kyle Stanley explore how gratitude isn’t just a feel-good concept, it’s a clinical tool for transforming your dental practice. They unpack the science and strategy behind expressing timely, specific appreciation, and how this simple habit can reshape how you lead, how your team performs, and how you feel at the end of the day. You’ll also learn how to navigate difficult patient interactions, take ownership of your emotional responses, and train your brain to see more of what’s working. Gratitude is more than a mindset—it’s medicine for burnout. For more info or to join their live CE course, go to www.wellnessindentistry.com

In this episode, Dr. Kyle Stanley and Dr. Martin Mendelson dive into the power of looking beyond dentistry to grow within it. They explore how consultants, mental health professionals, and even industries outside of healthcare can help transform dental practices from the inside out.

The conversation highlights the value of diverse perspectives, proper change management, and the mindset shifts needed to implement new materials, technologies, and systems successfully. Kyle and Martin also unpack the role of clear objectives, accountability, and aligned responsibilities when hiring consultants or coaches..

In this powerful episode, Dr. Martin Mendelson and Dr. Kyle Stanley explore the long-overdue shift toward prioritizing mental wellness in dentistry. With California now recognizing mental health education as part of core CE requirements, the profession is taking a bold step forward. The doctors discuss what this means for dental professionals, the significance of boundaries, physical wellness, and having someone to talk to when things get heavy. They also unpack the idea of “enough,” the value of self-reflection, and why this cultural shift is just the beginning. Whether you’re feeling great or running on empty, this episode is a reminder: your mental health matters.

The face of dentistry is changing, and in this episode, Dr. Kyle Stanley and Dr. Martin Mendelson dive into gender dynamics, leadership, and the evolving role of women in dentistry. Martin shares eye-opening insights from the Women in DSO event in Las Vegas, where over a thousand attendees highlighted women's powerful impact—from clinical roles to leadership positions.

They also chat about emotional intelligence, communication skills, and why creating supportive spaces in dentistry is more important than ever. Plus, a sneak peek into Light Side Live in Irvine, California—an event designed to help dental professionals level up their careers.

🔥 If this episode resonates with you, do us a favor—leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review and share it with a friend in dentistry! The more we talk about these topics, the more we can push the profession forward! 🚀

In this episode, Dr. Kyle Stanley and Dr. Martin Mendelson dive into the power of clear and consistent communication in dentistry. 🦷💬 They discuss common pitfalls of verbal communication, the importance of documentation, and practical strategies like checklists and patient education platforms to enhance clarity. From improving teamwork with specialists and labs to setting patient expectations, they share real-world examples to help you reduce stress and elevate your practice.

👉 Loved this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review, and share with your fellow dental pros! Your support helps us keep bringing you valuable insights. Let’s spread the word and make dentistry better—together! 🎙️🦷✨

In this episode, Dr. Kyle Stanley and Dr. Martin Mendelson dive into the pressing challenges facing dental professionals today, from political polarity and financial uncertainty to the growing influence of DSOs. They explore how viewing these challenges through a historical lens can empower dentists to adapt, grow, and seize new opportunities. The conversation also touches on the impact of social media on mental health, the power of self-awareness, and the importance of emotional control in professional and personal success. Don’t miss this insightful discussion on turning adversity into advantage in modern dentistry!

In this milestone episode, Dr. Martin Mendelssohn and Dr. Kyle Stanley reflect on the biggest lessons learned from the past 49 episodes of the Wellness and Dentistry podcast. They share personal experiences, advice for their younger selves, and key takeaways that have helped thousands of dental professionals prioritize wellness in their careers.

They discuss:

✅ The power of boundaries in maintaining mental and emotional well-being.

✅ Why detaching from patient expectations leads to better outcomes.

✅ The dangers of tying identity too closely to dentistry—and how to prevent burnout.

✅ Strategies for improving work-life balance and managing busy practices.

✅ The mindset shift of being “unattached to the result” for long-term success.

🎙️ Plus, they announce their upcoming two-day 12 CE course in Irvine, CA—a live event designed to help dental professionals take control of their mental wellness, leadership, and career satisfaction.

Most importantly, they share their gratitude for the Wellness and Dentistry community and reflect on how this journey has allowed them to give back, support their colleagues, and shape the future of dentistry together.

💬 What’s been your biggest takeaway from the podcast so far? DM us on Instagram or leave a review—we’d love to hear from you!

🚀 Here’s to 50 episodes—and many more to come! 🎉

In this episode, Dr. Kyle Stanley and Dr. Martin Mendelson explore the rapid shifts in dentistry, from mindset changes to the evolution of continuing education, sales, and corporate influence.

They discuss:

✅ How dentistry is shifting beyond clinical training, with more focus on leadership, communication, and mental wellness.

✅ Why dental conferences and corporate events are changing, including the rise of in-person learning post-pandemic and the decline of massive corporate booths.

✅ The growing demand for non-clinical education, including sales, emotional intelligence, and self-improvement.

✅ Why mental health training is becoming just as critical as clinical skills for long-term success.

With first-hand experience speaking at global dental events, Kyle and Martin bring a unique perspective on the future of the industry and how dentists can stay ahead.

🎙️ They also invite you to Light Side Live on May 9-10 in Irvine, CA—a game-changing event for dental professionals ready to take control of their mental wellness, leadership, and communication skills.

If you’re curious about where dentistry is heading and how you can thrive in this new era, this episode is for you!

💬 What are your thoughts on these changes in dentistry? Let’s continue the conversation—DM us on Instagram or leave a review!