44. Red Flags vs. Growing Pains: How to Spot, Support, and Scale Your Dental Team

If you’ve ever felt like your practice is running you instead of the other way around, this episode’s going to hit home. We’re diving into a real and raw conversation about the messy middle of growth—when the numbers look good on paper, but behind the scenes, the pressure is relentless.
In this episode, we open up about the hard realities of scaling multiple practices, the mental toll it can take, and the key lessons we’ve learned about sustainable growth. From understanding what your team really needs from you as a leader, to getting honest about where your own blind spots are, we’re talking about the stuff they don’t teach you in dental school.
We also share the role personal accountability plays in business success, how to recognize when you’re in over your head, and why sometimes the smartest move is slowing down to move forward faster. If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re doing this whole dentistry/ownership/life thing “right,” you’re not alone—and you’ll leave this episode with permission to rethink your own path.
This is an episode for dentists who want more than just a profitable practice—they want a fulfilling career and a life they actually enjoy living.
LINKS:
https://www.thedentistsshow.com
Episode Minute By Minute:
- 00:00 – Intro and why this conversation matters for dentists right now
- 02:12 – The reality check moment when the growth felt overwhelming
- 05:28 – Why chasing numbers can put you in the wrong headspace
- 08:40 – Recognizing blind spots in leadership and ownership
- 12:15 – How to know if your team is thriving—or silently struggling
- 15:33 – The mental shift from “more, more, more” to “better, not bigger”
- 18:50 – Why slowing down can actually speed up your growth
- 22:17 – Final thoughts and encouragement for practice owners