The Future of Dentistry

From Busy to Valuable: How Independent Practices Increase Exit Value and Owner Freedom, Featuring Dr. Victoria Peterson

The next era of dentistry is about more than numbers; it’s about the legacy you build every day. In this episode of The Future of Dentistry, Anne Duffy sits down with Dr. Victoria Peterson, co-founder of Productive Dentist Academy, to unravel what actually makes a dental practice “investible” in today’s evolving landscape. With decades of experience guiding owners through the Investment Grade Practice framework, Dr. Peterson shares hard-won wisdom rooted in culture, leadership, and genuine team alignment, not just numbers on a spreadsheet. Their conversation journeys from the emotional impact of PDA co-founder Dr. Bruce Baird’s recent passing to the practical realities of succession planning, ESOPs, and fostering a resilient practice culture. Dr. Peterson offers real-world advice for owners navigating a crowded, sometimes overwhelming market, shedding light on the dangers of fragmented DIY guidance and “buyer beware” pitfalls. From the hidden downside of high insurance write-offs to the arrival of AI and dentistry’s potential to drive holistic health, this episode is a masterclass for dentists who want their practice to stand out over the next decade! WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE: * Why culture, team, and leadership alignment are the real drivers of practice value * The untold importance of succession planning and practice continuity * Common pitfalls independent dentists face when buying or selling a practice today * How to use the “Investment Grade Practice” framework to make your practice worth owning and selling * The impact of poorly managed insurance write-offs on your bottom line (and how to fix it) * Signs of owner stress and burnout (and how to prioritize center-court leadership) * The future role of dentists as holistic “oral physicians” supporting whole-body health * How AI could change the game for clinical documentation and team efficiency * What “DIY dentistry” mistakes to avoid as a clinically-strong dentist * Tips to create genuine, patient-centered systems that last far into the future Press play now to future-proof your dental practice with actionable insights that empower you, your team, and your patients!  You Can Learn More About Dr. Victoria Peterson Here: * Website: https://productivedentist.com/ [https://productivedentist.com/] * Website: https://investmentgradepractice.com/ [https://investmentgradepractice.com/] * Email: growthteam@productivedentist.com [growthteam@productivedentist.com] Want to get more involved? Join our membership and community below for exclusive perks! Join the Dental Entrepreneur movement by becoming a member using this link. [https://dentalentrepreneur.com/join/] Join the DeW Life movement by becoming a member using this link. [https://dew.life/join-movement/] Read the most recent edition of DeW Life Magazine here [https://dew.life/dewlife-digital-magazines/]. [https://dew.life/dewlife-digital-magazines/] The Future of Dentistry Podcast is the official podcast of Dental Entrepreneur (De), founded by Anne Duffy, RDH. Dental Entrepreneur is the informational hub that provides the insight, knowledge, and data to empower you to make informed decisions about your professional future. To join the movement or to learn more, please visit http://dentalentrepreneur.com [http://dentalentrepreneur.com/] .  Mentions and Links:  People: * Dr. Bruce Baird [https://drbrucebbaird.com/] * Robyn Damaris [https://productivedentist.com/about-us/our-team/] * Gary Takacs [https://www.thrivingdentist.com/about-gary/] * Dr. Hazel Glasper [https://drglasper.com/] * Kari Miller [https://productivedentist.com/about-us/our-team/] * Dr. Jackson Beam [https://www.completedentalcare.com/about-us/doctors] * Dr. Wade Kifer [https://productivedentist.com/about-us/our-team/] * Dr. Braden Baird [https://productivedentist.com/podcasts/the-productive-dentist-podcast/episode-224-the-fast-track-to-success/] Companies & Resources: * HR for Health (Ali Orochian) [https://hrforhealth.com/blog/author/ali-oromchian] * Amen Brain Clinic [https://www.amenclinics.com/] * Dentaltown [https://www.dentaltown.com/] * AACD [https://aacd.com/] * Dental Nachos [https://www.dentalnachos.com/] Books and Publications: * "7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey [https://www.franklincovey.com/courses/the-7-habits/] * DeW Life Magazine - Winter 2026 [https://issuu.com/dentalentrepreneur/docs/dental_entrepreneur_woman_-_winter2026]

How the CDS Midwinter Meeting Is Innovating Dental Networking and Learning, featuring Dr. Philip Schefke

What if the future of dentistry was shaped not just by innovation, but by the way we gather, grow, and build community? That’s exactly what’s in store as Anne Duffy welcomes Dr. Philip Schefke, incoming president of the Chicago Dental Society, to discuss what’s next for the 2026 CDS Midwinter Meeting. Dr. Schefke shares visionary changes, starting with a revamped, attendee-friendly website designed to make participation seamless for everyone in the dental field. As the conversation unfolds, we get an insider’s look at how the CDS Midwinter Meeting is evolving into a must-attend experience for dentists, hygienists, office managers, and assistants alike. With over 140 lectures, specialized workshops, and networking lounges (including tailored spaces for early-career dentists, students, and international guests) the event aims to spark collaboration and joy throughout entire office teams. Special highlights like a keynote from hockey great Chris Chelios and interactive puppy petting stations promise a blend of education, community, and memorable fun. Dr. Schefke also reflects on the enduring power of dental community, urging us to honor the personal connections and mutual support that fuel success in modern dentistry. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE: * How attendee feedback transformed the CDS Midwinter Meeting website experience * The vital role the event plays in uplifting the whole dental community * What goes into curating 140+ lectures and 250+ engagement opportunities * Tips for energizing your entire team and maximizing take-home value * Highlighted special event features, from celebrity keynotes to puppy therapy stations * The importance of professional spaces for networking and relaxation for subgroups * Strategies for maintaining the doctor-patient relationship amidst rising bureaucracy * Dr. Schefke’s journey and insights into building a collaborative dental community Hit play to discover how you and your entire dental team can thrive at the reimagined CDS Midwinter Meeting!  You Can Learn More About Dr. Philip Schefke Here: Website: http://cds.org/mwm [http://cds.org/mwm] https://www.pattersondental.com/Want to get more involved? Join our membership and community below for exclusive perks! Join the Dental Entrepreneur movement by becoming a member using this link. [https://dentalentrepreneur.com/join/] Join the DeW Life movement by becoming a member using this link. [https://dew.life/join-movement/] Read the most recent edition of DeW Life Magazine here [https://dew.life/dewlife-digital-magazines/]. [https://dew.life/dewlife-digital-magazines/] The Future of Dentistry Podcast is the official podcast of Dental Entrepreneur (De), founded by Anne Duffy, RDH. Dental Entrepreneur is the informational hub that provides the insight, knowledge, and data to empower you to make informed decisions about your professional future. To join the movement or to learn more, please visit http://dentalentrepreneur.com [http://dentalentrepreneur.com/] .  Mentions and Links:  Organizations: Chicago Dental Society [https://www.cds.org/] Midwestern University [https://www.midwestern.edu/academics/degrees-programs/doctor-dental-medicine-program/college-dental-medicine-illinois] ADA [https://www.ada.org/] ISDS [https://www.isds.org/] Illinois Masonic Hospital [https://www.advocatehealth.com/immc]  People: Dr. Bill Simon [https://drbillsimon.com/about/] Karen Davis [https://www.dentallearning.net/instructor/Karen_Davis/196] Marissa Gora [https://midwintermeeting.eventscribe.net/ajaxcalls/presenterInfo.asp?PresenterId=2218224] Katrina Sanders [https://katrinasanders.com/] Amanda Hill [https://www.amandahillrdh.com/] Lora Hooper [https://engage.ada.org/b/sp/lora-hooper-398] Chris Chelois [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Chelios] Sports: Chicago Blackhawks [https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/] Detroit Red Wings [https://www.nhl.com/redwings/]

Lessons from CrossFit and Coaching for Women Leaders in Dentistry, featuring Ken Kilday

Today we're discovering how the principles of CrossFit and expert coaching can empower women practice owners to become bold, effective leaders in dentistry! Ken Kilday, CEO of Leader's Cut, sits down with Anne Duffy on today's episode to unpack leadership challenges and share his journey from financial services to becoming a renowned executive leadership coach. Ken focuses on the unique obstacles faced by female practice owners and offers compelling insights into balancing clinical duties with running a successful business. His coaching approach involves personalized leadership coaching that begins with the dentist and expands to include the entire team, creating a cohesive environment where strengths are recognized and leveraged for growth. Ken's conversation with Anne goes beyond theory, drawing fascinating parallels between the methodical discipline of CrossFit and effective business management. The episode is rich with practical advice on achieving work-life balance, honing time management skills, and the transformative power of incremental changes. Highlighting real-world examples, Ken demonstrates how small, intentional processes can yield significant advances. For anyone feeling stationary in their career trajectory, this episode serves as an inspiring call to action—embracing the value of external coaching to propel your professional growth! WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE: * The unique challenges female dental practice owners face in balancing roles. * How personal strengths can be leveraged for practice growth and success. * Practical time management tactics derived from the discipline of CrossFit. * The impact of small, intentional changes leading to significant practice improvements. * The advantages of having a coach for objective insights and continuous growth. * Real-life success stories of dentists thriving with Ken's coaching. Tune in now to transform your practice's potential through insightful leadership coaching! (This episode originally aired on November 06, 2024) You Can Learn More About Ken Kilday Here: Website: https://kenkilday.com/ [https://kenkilday.com/] Reach Out to Ken About the White Paper Course: https://kenkilday.com/contact/ [https://kenkilday.com/contact/] https://www.pattersondental.com/Want to get more involved? Join our membership and community below for exclusive perks! Join the Dental Entrepreneur movement by becoming a member using this link. [https://dentalentrepreneur.com/join/] Join the DeW Life movement by becoming a member using this link. [https://dew.life/join-movement/] Read the most recent edition of DeW Life Magazine here [https://dew.life/dewlife-digital-magazines/]. [https://dew.life/dewlife-digital-magazines/] The Future of Dentistry Podcast is the official podcast of Dental Entrepreneur (De), founded by Anne Duffy, RDH. Dental Entrepreneur is the informational hub that provides the insight, knowledge, and data to empower you to make informed decisions about your professional future. To join the movement or to learn more, please visit http://dentalentrepreneur.com [http://dentalentrepreneur.com/] .  Mentions and Links:  TV: Kitchen Nightmares [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kitchen_Nightmares] Tabitha Takes Over [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tabatha_Takes_Over] Books: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change [https://a.co/d/cDaHCNP] People: Stephen Covey [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Covey]

Silencing Your Inner Critic: How to Move Past Self-Doubt and Embrace Leadership, featuring Thomas Passalacqua

Is your inner critic holding you back from becoming the leader you were meant to be? On this episode of The Future of Dentistry podcast, Anne Duffy sits down with executive coach Thomas Passalacqua to unravel the power of clarity and human connection in entrepreneurial success. Drawing from his rich background in education and sales, Thomas shares his path to discovering his passion for empowering others and introduces his signature Ascend Clarity Process. Together, they explore the concrete steps leaders can take to set goals, overcome obstacles, and reflect on growth, all while navigating the persistent undercurrent of self-doubt, especially among women in dentistry. Throughout their candid conversation, Anne and Thomas dive deep into the role of authenticity and the soft skills that drive entrepreneurial excellence. Thomas’s insights into mentorship, coaching, and accountability shine a light on what it truly means to thrive on your own terms. Learn why staying true to what makes you feel genuinely alive (and listening to the positive feedback you receive) can become your ultimate advantage. If you’ve ever struggled to cut through your inner critic, this discussion promises actionable strategies and inspiring perspectives to fuel both your personal and career growth. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE: * The four-step Ascend Clarity Process for reaching your goals * Techniques to overcome self-doubt and develop unstoppable confidence * Why accountability and human connection matter in achieving success * How to embrace authenticity and identify your unique strengths * The value of mentorship and coaching for lasting career growth * Soft skills that set dental entrepreneurs apart in sales and business * Ways to tune into your internal calling and pursue what energizes you * The critical role of objective support when facing challenges Press play now to find the clarity, confidence, and support you need to elevate your career and your life! Learn More About Thomas Passalacqua Here: Website: https://ascendpropathways.com/ [https://ascendpropathways.com/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomaspassalacqua/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomaspassalacqua/] Dental Entrepreneur Fall 2025: https://issuu.com/dentalentrepreneur/docs/dental_entrepreneur_-_fall_2025 [https://issuu.com/dentalentrepreneur/docs/dental_entrepreneur_-_fall_2025] Love the podcast? Please leave us a review! [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/just-dew-it/id1550137342] It will help us help more entrepreneurs just like you ❤️ Want to get more involved? Join our membership and community below for exclusive perks! Join the Dental Entrepreneur movement by becoming a member using this link. [https://dentalentrepreneur.com/join/] Join the DeW Life movement by becoming a member using this link. [https://dew.life/join-movement/] Read the most recent edition of DeW Life Magazine here [https://dew.life/dewlife-digital-magazines/]. [https://dew.life/dewlife-digital-magazines/] The Future of Dentistry Podcast is the official podcast of Dental Entrepreneur (De), founded by Anne Duffy, RDH. Dental Entrepreneur is the informational hub that provides the insight, knowledge, and data to empower you to make informed decisions about your professional future. To join the movement or to learn more, please visit http://dentalentrepreneur.com [http://dentalentrepreneur.com/] .  Mentions and Links: Events: The DeW Life Retreat 2026 [https://dew.life/retreat/]

How Family and Community Spark Purpose-Driven Growth in Dentistry, featuring Dr. Amy Wenninghoff & Sara Hansen

Could authentic connections with family and community be the ultimate catalysts for your practice’s lasting success? In this popular rerun episode from The Future of Dentistry, we dive into the inspiring journeys of Dr. Amy Wenninghoff and Sara Hansen, as they reflect on the paths that led them to professional success and personal fulfillment. Dr. Amy unfolds her story from dental school in Minnesota to founding "Roots Dental" in Lincoln, Nebraska. She shares how her sister's foray into dentistry influenced her, the significance behind her practice's unique name, and the pivotal role of keeping her practice close to home and heart. Sara Hansen shares her transition from dental assistant to a marketing consultant, shedding light on the power of authentic marketing and patient-centric experiences in creating a loyal patient base. Together, Amy and Sara discuss how they navigate the often challenging balance between their professional demands and personal lives. Emphasizing the crucial role of family support, Amy reveals her deliberate strategies for prioritizing family time while managing an efficient practice, and Sara shares her drive to inspire her daughters and elevate dentists through effective marketing. This episode focuses on affirmations, authenticity, and community's vital role within the dentistry, urging you to embrace your true self and recognize the strength in collaboration and support. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE: * The inspiring journey of Dr. Amy Wenninghoff from dental school to founding "Roots Dental." * How personal motivations and familial influences shaped Dr. Amy’s career. * The importance and impact of authentic marketing in the dental industry. * Insights into how patient stories can serve as powerful marketing tools. * Strategies for balancing professional responsibilities with personal and family life. * The role of internal marketing starting from patient experience. * How working closely with a community can enhance a dental practice. * Ways to maintain work-life balance for long-term professional success. * The significance of support systems in achieving professional goals. Tune in now to discover the secrets behind building a flourishing dental practice anchored in authenticity and community! (This episode originally aired on July 17, 2024) Learn More About Dr. Amy Wenninghoff and Sara Hansen Here: Productive Dentist Academy: https://productivedentist.com/ [https://productivedentist.com/] Roots Dental: https://www.rootsdentalne.com/ [https://www.rootsdentalne.com/] Love the podcast? Please leave us a review! [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/just-dew-it/id1550137342] It will help us help more entrepreneurs just like you ❤️ Want to get more involved? Join our membership and community below for exclusive perks! Join the Dental Entrepreneur movement by becoming a member using this link. [https://dentalentrepreneur.com/join/] Join the DeW Life movement by becoming a member using this link. [https://dew.life/join-movement/] Read the most recent edition of DeW Life Magazine here [https://dew.life/dewlife-digital-magazines/]. [https://dew.life/dewlife-digital-magazines/] The Future of Dentistry Podcast is the official podcast of Dental Entrepreneur (De), founded by Anne Duffy, RDH. Dental Entrepreneur is the informational hub that provides the insight, knowledge, and data to empower you to make informed decisions about your professional future. To join the movement or to learn more, please visit http://dentalentrepreneur.com [http://dentalentrepreneur.com/] .  Mentions and Links: Events: The DeW Life Retreat 2026 [https://dew.life/retreat/] Publications: DeW Life Magazine [https://dew.life/dewlife-digital-magazines/] Dental Entrepreneur Magazine [https://dentalentrepreneur.com/magazine/] Education: University of Minnesota School of Dentistry [https://dentistry.umn.edu/] University of Nebraska Medical Center [https://www.unmc.edu/] Tools: Google Ads [https://ads.google.com/home/]