In this episode of Wellness in Dentistry, Dr. Kyle Stanley and Dr. Martin Mendelson dive into one of the most common but overlooked struggles in dental practice: overthinking. They explore how the absence of clear standards and structure can fuel decision paralysis in both clinical and non-clinical situations, creating unnecessary stress for dental professionals. The conversation unpacks how assumptions and judgmental thinking patterns interfere with progress, and why clear communication, thorough documentation, and consistently high standards are essential for reducing stress and avoiding analysis fatigue. Drawing inspiration from stoic principles, they share strategies for managing emotions, maintaining perspective, and building mental resilience, tools that apply not only to dentistry but to life as a whole.

Get Kyle’s founder’s discount for Pearl AI by scheduling a demo here: https://discover.hellopearl.com/referral/kyle-stanley/

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

In this episode of Wellness in Dentistry, Dr. Kyle Stanley and Dr. Martin mendelson unpack a new U.S. government bill proposing to cap GradPLUS loans for dental students at $250,000. They reflect on how the rising cost of dental education and mounting debt burdens compare to historical tuition levels, and what these financial pressures mean for today’s students and the profession at large. The conversation explores how debt caps could shape the future of dental school applications, practice ownership opportunities, and the composition of the dental workforce. They also examine possible solutions from corporate involvement in financial incentives to broader policy reforms and consider the downstream effects on healthcare access and delivery.

Get Kyle’s founder’s discount for Pearl AI by scheduling a demo here: https://discover.hellopearl.com/referral/kyle-stanley/

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 share career advice for dental professionals by exploring both clinical and non-clinical paths. Drawing on their diverse experiences in technology, speaking, coaching, and tech, they highlight strategies for clinical dentists to grow sustainably through efficiency, delegation, and self-awareness. The conversation also touches on career transitions, emphasizing the importance of diversifying skills beyond clinical practice and the role of self-reflection in shaping a fulfilling career in dentistry.

Get Kyle’s founder’s discount for Pearl AI by scheduling a demo here: https://discover.hellopearl.com/referral/kyle-stanley/

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 mix fun with serious conversation, starting with Halloween traditions in dentistry and updates on their upcoming book releases. The discussion moves into the challenges of practicing alone and why professional support networks are essential for career sustainability. They highlight the decline in association participation and study club engagement, offering strategies to strengthen these communities through better leadership, structure, and communication of value. The episode closes with a candid conversation about mental health in dentistry, drawing from clinical experiences to stress the importance of emotional support and having professional backup when navigating stress and complex cases.

Get Kyle’s founder’s discount for Pearl AI by scheduling a demo here: https://discover.hellopearl.com/referral/kyle-stanley/

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

In this episode, we dive into the complex role of social media in dentistry, both its opportunities and its pitfalls. We explore how platforms can be powerful tools for practice growth and professional visibility, but also how they create pressure around authenticity, transparency, and comparison. Our conversation unpacks the importance of setting clear intentions for social media use, defining your audience, and aligning your online presence with your values. We also examine the dangers of unrealistic expectations fueled by curated feeds and how that stress impacts the mental health of dentists. The episode closes on a hopeful note, emphasizing the potential of social media to foster genuine connections, build supportive communities, and strengthen relationships across the profession, while underscoring the need for better systems to support dentists’ well-being in the digital age.

Get Kyle’s founder’s discount for Pearl AI by scheduling a demo here: https://discover.hellopearl.com/referral/kyle-stanley/

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

Dr. Martin Mendelson and Dr. Kyle Stanley shared their experiences with culture through dental practice management, including leadership coaching and addressing team conflicts. They explored the importance of psychological safety, culture, and accountability in dental practices, emphasizing the need for open communication and effective conflict resolution. The conversation concluded with discussions about technology in dentistry and the role of soft skills in professional success.

Get Kyle’s founder’s discount for Pearl AI by scheduling a demo here: https://discover.hellopearl.com/referral/kyle-stanley/

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 challenges dental associates face when trying to take ownership of their careers inside someone else’s practice. The discussion highlights strategies for regaining control through clear communication and data-driven decision-making.

Listeners will learn how associates can influence key aspects of their work, including material selection, scheduling, and production metrics, while maintaining a collaborative relationship with practice owners. Kyle and Martin also explore how structured treatment planning can enhance patient communication and improve clinical decisions. The episode wraps up with practical suggestions on technology tools that support efficiency, transparency, and professional growth for associates navigating today’s dental landscape.

Get Kyle’s founder’s discount for Pearl AI by scheduling a demo here: https://discover.hellopearl.com/referral/kyle-stanley/

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

Dr. Martin Mendelson and Dr. Kyle Stanley discuss the importance of recognizing exhaustion rather than laziness in dental professionals and emphasize the need for self-care to maintain high performance. They explored strategies for managing energy levels, setting realistic expectations, and optimizing scheduling to enhance efficiency in dental practices. The discussion also covered the importance of effective communication, delegation, and utilizing project management tools to reduce stress and improve overall practice performance.

Get Kyle’s founder’s discount for Pearl AI by scheduling a demo here: https://discover.hellopearl.com/referral/kyle-stanley/

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 one of the most overlooked stressors in dentistry: digital overwhelm. From constant notifications and the pressure of online reviews to the nonstop ping of messages, today’s digital tools can leave dental professionals distracted and drained.

Kyle and Martin share personal stories of navigating this challenge, while offering practical strategies to reclaim focus and productivity. They highlight the power of asynchronous communication, setting boundaries with digital platforms, and reducing decision fatigue by creating healthier workflows.

The episode concludes with a roadmap for dentists to improve mental well-being, efficiency, and peace of mind in the face of digital chaos.

In this episode, Dr. Kyle Stanley and Dr. Martin Mendelson reflect on the success of their recent Lightside Live course, where dentists from diverse backgrounds came together to share experiences and foster authentic connections. The conversation highlights the critical role of soft skills and communication in dentistry, emphasizing how live events create powerful opportunities for human connection and emotional engagement that online learning often cannot match.

The doctors also dive into the importance of intentional planning and scheduling in both personal and professional life, offering insights that help dentists manage stress and achieve balance. With their vision of guiding the profession toward the “light side of dentistry,” they share their commitment to providing resources and future events designed to support dentists in building sustainable, fulfilling careers.

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