The Dentists Show | Advice for Dentists

Chase Davis and Ryan Bushman: The Dentists Show
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Are you frustrated with dentistry and feel like you made the wrong career choice? We are 2 dentists that grew 1 dental office into 7 dental offices doing over 23 million. We share how we did it, crazy stories, and things we wish we knew as we have been on our journey Listen in to The Dentists Show to be entertained, learn new practice-building techniques, and let us help you love dentistry!

  1. 09/15/2025

    49. Dental Students: Don't Buy the Hype (Or the Shiny New Tech)

    Stepping out of dental school and into real-world dentistry can feel overwhelming. Shiny technology, leadership pressures, debt, and the weight of patient care — it's a lot to handle. In this episode of The Dentists Show, Chase and Ryan get real about what matters most for dental students and new grads. Chase shares insights from speaking to a room of over 200 dental students, answering their burning questions about affording tech, buying equipment, and stepping into leadership roles. The takeaway? Don't get caught chasing every shiny new tool. Being a step behind the bleeding edge is often smarter — and cheaper. Instead, the guys emphasize what really matters: putting in reps with bread-and-butter dentistry, investing in quality CE (even if it costs you), and surrounding yourself with strong mentors and teammates. They get into the importance of reflection, the role of personality and hobbies in interviews, and why being intentional with your growth early in your career pays off forever. Whether you're still in dental school, a fresh grad, or mentoring young dentists yourself, this episode will leave you with practical, honest advice you won't get from a textbook. LINKS: https://www.thedentistsshow.com Episode Minute By Minute: 00:00 – Recording filters, background noise & real-life interruptions 02:30 – Chase speaks at Smiles event: 230 dental students 04:30 – Students' biggest questions: tech & equipment costs 06:00 – Why new grads shouldn't chase shiny new technology 08:00 – Being a step behind the bleeding edge (car & boat analogy) 09:30 – Focus on patient experience and team leadership first 11:00 – Put in reps: bread-and-butter dentistry is your foundation 12:30 – CE courses: why even expensive ones are worth it 15:00 – Live-patient CE and safe ways to build advanced skills 17:00 – Ryan's story: working with Chase was like a "mini residency" 19:00 – The role of mentorship (finding mentors & mentoring others) 21:00 – How they evaluate new dentists in interviews 22:30 – Why reflection and personality matter as much as skills 25:00 – Students: reach out, invite us for pizza + Q&A 27:00 – Closing laughs & reminders to like, share, and subscribe

    22 min

  2. 09/08/2025

    48. What Dentists Can Learn From "Mid Months" (And Why They Matter)

    Not every month is a record-breaker. Not every month is a disaster. Some months just… are. In this episode of The Dentists Show, Chase and Ryan talk honestly about what they call the "mid months" — those stretches where production is okay, collections are fine, but nothing feels exciting. Instead of brushing past them, they argue that mid months are where true leadership shows up. These are the moments to sharpen your tools, reset your team, and create momentum for the future. They share stories of navigating disappointing numbers, redirecting staff energy, and how reflection (even on failures) can drastically reduce repeat mistakes. They also cover why September can be a make-or-break month, the power of same-day treatment, and why frustration is often the best signal that change is coming. Add in some laughs about heat waves, new slang, and losing a patient over podcast banter, and you've got a mix of humor and hard-hitting leadership advice. Whether you're running one practice or managing multiple offices, this episode will challenge you to see mid months not as wasted time, but as opportunities to lead better and build stronger teams. LINKS: https://www.thedentistsshow.com Episode Minute By Minute:  00:00 – Back together (sort of), weather talk & podcast fallout 03:00 – August recap: why it felt "mid" 05:30 – Teen slang, new words & feeling old 07:00 – What a mid month looks like in dental numbers 08:30 – Team mindset: turning $85k into $170k 09:45 – The danger of being passive about mid months 10:30 – Sharpening the ax: why reflection matters 12:00 – Slow months: chatter, bonding, and missed opportunities 13:00 – Using downtime for training and leadership growth 15:00 – How to explain profitability vs. production to your team 16:30 – Leadership test: handling average months well 18:00 – Why reflecting on failures prevents repeat mistakes 20:00 – Culture of mistakes: turning errors into opportunities 21:30 – Rallying after mid months vs. bad months 23:00 – Spring energy, fall motivation & hitting September goals 24:00 – Team giveaways, incentives & patient experiences 25:00 – Wrapping up: guests, growth, and avoiding foot-in-mouth moments

    27 min

  3. 09/01/2025

    47. Work-Life Balance Is a Lie: What Dentists Should Focus on Instead

    If you've ever felt guilty about not having the "perfect" balance between work, family, and life, this episode will hit home. Chase and Ryan dig into the myth of work-life balance and why chasing it is a guaranteed way to stay frustrated. They talk about the real grind of dentistry, the constant tug-of-war between clinic life and family life, and how the idea of "balance" sets up unrealistic expectations. Instead, they introduce a different framework — thinking in seasons. Sometimes it's a season of long hours and late nights, and other times it's a season of family trips, slower schedules, or health. From letting go of shame to learning how to actually be present (yes, that means putting down your phone), this conversation is equal parts honest, funny, and practical. Chase and Ryan even share their own hacks — like muting phones at night, scheduling "rock priorities" first, and empowering their teams to take ownership so they can step back when needed. At the end of the day, they remind us: you don't need balance. You need presence, intentionality, and the freedom to embrace whatever season you're in.   LINKS: https://www.thedentistsshow.com   Episode Minute By Minute:  00:00 – Welcome back & Chase's move 02:00 – Work-life balance: the myth we all bought into 04:00 – Why balance doesn't actually exist 06:00 – The "pursuit of happiness" trap 07:00 – What dentistry really looks like after 5 PM 08:00 – Seasons vs. balance: a healthier way to think about life 09:30 – How seasons play out in dentistry, family, and career 11:00 – The danger of extremes: all work vs. all family 12:30 – What Ryan hopes his kids say at his funeral 13:30 – The key: being present where you are 15:00 – Phones, distractions, and learning to disconnect 17:00 – BBQ talk: Chase's new grill & Ryan's steak routine 18:00 – Dan Sullivan's free day concept & planning immersion days 19:00 – Letting go of control and empowering your team 21:00 – Health, growth, family: shifting focus by season 22:00 – Rocks, gravel, and sand: how to plan your year 23:00 – Family travel commitments and making memories 26:00 – Why guilt around "balance" isn't worth it 27:00 – Social media hacks to stay present 28:00 – Final thoughts: forget balance, focus on what matters most

    29 min

  4. 08/25/2025

    46. Patients Say the Wildest Things: Tales From the Chair

    If you've ever wondered what dentists really want to say to patients, this episode is your backstage pass. Chase and Ryan spill on the bizarre, hilarious, and downright unbelievable stories that happen in the operatory. From late arrivals to wisdom tooth meltdowns to the patient who… well… didn't make it to the bathroom — this one's a rollercoaster. This isn't clinical. This is real life in dentistry — the stuff you only talk about behind closed doors. What You'll Hear in This Episode The breakfast problem: Fruity Pebbles, football, and the power of carbs + fat 🍩🏈 Patient drama: Screaming during injections, moaning louder than an action movie, and what's really going through your dentist's head Denture reality checks: Why lower dentures will never behave like real teeth (and how Chase explains it using… missing arms 🤷‍♂️) Wisdom tooth chaos: A sedation story featuring a sobbing 19-year-old, helicopter parents, and gauze in all the wrong places The poop incident: Yes, it happened. Yes, they powered through. Yes, they still cleaned her teeth 😅 Why dentists sometimes love Mondays: A rare confession from Chase about his "favorite" day of the week Through all the laughs, Chase and Ryan keep it real about the challenges and absurdities dentists face every single day. Why You'll Love This Episode Whether you're in the dental field or just someone curious about what really happens behind the scenes, this one's part therapy, part comedy hour. You'll leave with a fresh appreciation for what dentists deal with — and maybe some hilarious new stories to share at your next cleaning. LINKS: https://www.thedentistsshow.com   Episode Minute By Minute:  00:00 – Kicking off with football, Fruity Pebbles, and the breakfast debate 04:30 – Sugar overload: why donuts make Ryan dizzy 07:00 – Patients who scream louder than horror movie stars 09:15 – Chase's confession: why Mondays at 5 PM are his favorite 10:45 – "Please stop tapping your tooth" — dentist frustrations 101 12:30 – Extractions explained: "We basically removed a bone from your face" 16:00 – Lower dentures, unrealistic expectations, and the missing-arm analogy 18:15 – The 20-minutes-late patient who left angry (and left a bad review) 23:00 – Sedation chaos: sobbing teens, helicopter parents, and gauze fails 27:15 – Why pediatric dentistry isn't about the kids… it's about the moms 31:00 – The unforgettable poop incident and why Chase almost quit on the spot 32:30 – Wrapping up with laughs, Buckeyes football, and listener shoutouts

    34 min

  5. 08/18/2025

    45. Celebrating Wins, Managing Dips, and Building Bigger Peaks

    In this episode of The Dentist Show, Ryan and Chase dive into the realities of running dental practices through highs and lows. Fresh off one of their best Julys ever, they reflect on why great months can sometimes be followed by challenging ones—and what leaders can do to soften the blow. The conversation explores: Why summer months aren't always "slow season" anymore How fear of failure can be both a motivator and a trap The psychology of loss vs. gain (why patients accept treatment when framed as risk) Practical ways to keep momentum after a record-breaking month The importance of gratitude, celebrating wins, and building long-term resilience Chase and Ryan also share candid stories—from short-shorts and barrel jeans to team incentives and P&L transparency—that reveal the mix of humor, strategy, and honesty it takes to run practices at scale. If you've ever wondered how to handle the ebb and flow of business without burning out—or how to turn fear into productive energy—this episode is packed with insights you can use right away. LINKS: https://www.thedentistsshow.com

    29 min

  6. 08/11/2025

    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

    40 min

  7. 08/04/2025

    43. Burnout, Boundaries, and Building a Better Practice: Ryan Gets Real

    Let's be honest—if you've ever built a business, you've likely felt the pull of just one more thing. Just one more late night. One more patient. One more office. In this solo episode, I'm laying it all out: what led me to the edge of burnout, what I've learned about healthy limits, and why I'm drawing a line in the sand when it comes to how I lead and live from now on. This episode isn't about whining. It's about waking up. I've been running at 100 miles an hour, trying to be everything to everyone, and convincing myself I could do it all. But even dentists who "look like they have it together" hit a wall. And when you do, it doesn't mean you failed—it means it's time to build differently. I talk about the cost of ignoring boundaries, what true partnership looks like (in marriage and business), and how to own your "average" seasons without shame. You'll also hear why I'm not afraid to change direction, even if it means disappointing a few people in the process. This one's real. This one's raw. And if you've ever felt the tension between ambition and actual life, I think it'll hit home. LINKS: https://www.thedentistsshow.com   Episode Minute By Minute:  00:00 – Why Ryan is doing this solo episode 01:40 – When you hit your capacity and keep going anyway 04:25 – The personal cost of saying yes too much 06:32 – Burnout isn't about being weak—it's about not resting 08:55 – How Ryan learned to redefine success in this season 11:30 – The hardest part about slowing down 13:44 – What real growth looks like after the hustle 16:05 – Boundaries, bottlenecks, and the blessing of simplicity 19:21 – Final thoughts for any dentist trying to do it all

    24 min

  8. 07/29/2025

    42. Startup Reality Check: Chase Grills Ryan on What Really Happened in the First 90 Days

    In this episode, Chase puts Ryan in the hot seat to break down the emotional rollercoaster of launching their latest dental startup. From unpredictable days to unexpected wins, this is the raw debrief most practice owners never share out loud. Starting a new dental office is rarely what you think it's going to be. Chase takes on the role of interviewer in this week's episode, asking Ryan to reflect honestly on the chaos, confusion, and surprises of their newest startup. Ryan opens up about how disjointed the first few weeks felt—even with strong hiring and good systems in place. The hardest part? Leading through the fog. When your team is looking to you for direction and you don't yet have clarity yourself, it's a gut-check moment. They discuss team dynamics, emotional stress, communication breakdowns, and the temptation to avoid hard conversations. Ryan shares how "looking like you have it together" isn't the same as actually leading, and what it takes to find your rhythm mid-mess. If you're planning a startup or recovering from one, this conversation is both validating and eye-opening. 💡 Key Takeaways: Chase's opening question: "What surprised you most about this startup?" The emotional tension of unclear direction during the first month How a few misaligned hires can create ripple effects across the office Ryan's honest take: "I didn't show up the way I needed to" The danger of avoiding hard conversations when things feel fragile Learning how to lead when you don't have all the answers yet 👉 Want the real story behind the startup glow-up? Hit play to hear Chase and Ryan pull back the curtain on what those first 90 days really looked like. Episode Minute By Minute:  0:00 – Intro: This startup hit different 2:10 – Chase: "What did we think would happen... and what actually happened?" 4:05 – The first two weeks: chaos, burnout, and doubt 6:50 – "I wasn't the leader I wanted to be" 9:15 – When your team feels the tension, but no one says anything 12:00 – Missed expectations, no-shows, and schedule gaps 14:35 – "We built the house while living in it—and lit it on fire" 16:45 – Learning to give grace while still setting standards 19:30 – What we're changing for the next startup 22:00 – Final thoughts: You're not alone in the mess

    43 min
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Are you frustrated with dentistry and feel like you made the wrong career choice? We are 2 dentists that grew 1 dental office into 7 dental offices doing over 23 million. We share how we did it, crazy stories, and things we wish we knew as we have been on our journey Listen in to The Dentists Show to be entertained, learn new practice-building techniques, and let us help you love dentistry!

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