Oral Wealth: Prosperity in Practice

Brian Swilling

Welcome to Oral Wealth Prosperity in Practice, where dentistry meets financial and personal wellness! Hosted by Dr. Jackson Sadler and Brian Swilling, Registered Investment Advisor and founder of NaviPath Financial, this podcast is your roadmap to thriving as a dental professional and beyond. This show tackles the unique challenges faced by today’s dental professionals. Here, you’ll find practical advice on everything from student loan debt and retirement planning to stress management and achieving work-life balance. With each episode, Brian and Jackson dive into the unique challenges and financial strategies tailored just for you, the dedicated dental professional, to help you move beyond the day-to-day grind and truly thrive. Whether you’re looking to streamline your practice, invest wisely, or just feel more fulfilled personally and professionally, this podcast has you covered. It’s entertaining, educational, and, most importantly, tailored to you.

  1. Jan 8

    Tax Planning for High Earners: Smart Tax Strategies and Deductions (Ep. 13)

    Taxes don’t have to feel like a burden. In this episode of Oral Wealth: Prosperity in Practice, host Brian Swilling shifts the conversation from tax stress to tax strategy, showing dentists how to turn obligations into opportunities. He walks through retirement savings foundations, smart entity choices, and practice-specific deductions that can lower your tax bill. Brian also highlights creative strategies like family employment, Roth savings for kids, and the Augusta Rule. Along the way, he explains why collaboration between your CPA and financial planner is key to long-term financial planning success. Brian discusses: Foundational retirement savings strategies like 401(k)s, profit sharing, and defined benefit plans Choosing the right business entity and tax filing status for practice owners How to maximize the Qualified Business Income Deduction (QBID) before it phases out  Practice-specific deductions, depreciation, and overlooked write-offs Creative tax strategies, including family employment, Roth savings for kids, tax-loss harvesting, and the Augusta Rule Why collaboration between CPAs and financial planners leads to better long-term outcomes And more Resources: Section 179: How It Helps Your Business Save on Taxes SECURE Act 2.0 Overview Connect with Brian Swilling: NaviPath Wealth LinkedIn: Brian Swilling brian@navipathfinancial.com *Roth IRA earnings grow tax-free, and qualified withdrawals are also tax-free, provided certain conditions are met (e.g., the account has been open for at least 5 years and you are age 59½ or older, or meet another qualifying condition). Eligibility to contribute to a Roth IRA phases out at higher income levels. Non-qualified withdrawals of earnings may be subject to income taxes and a 10% early withdrawal penalty.

  2. 12/11/2025

    Beyond the 401(k): Advanced Retirement Strategies for Dentists (Ep. 11)

    Are you a practice owner facing high taxes in your peak earning years? In this episode of Oral Wealth: Prosperity in Practice, Brian Swilling breaks down advanced retirement strategies that can help dentists and healthcare professionals reduce taxable income while accelerating long-term savings. He explains how defined benefit plans (cash balance pension plans) can be layered with 401(k)s and profit-sharing to maximize contributions, reduce taxable income, and accelerate retirement savings. Brian also shares real-world examples of practice owners saving six figures in taxes and outlines why these strategies work best for high-income earners with younger staff. Brian discusses: What a defined benefit plan (cash balance pension plan) is and how it works How 401(k), profit-sharing, and defined benefit plans can layer together Why these strategies are best suited for high-income practice owners with younger staff Real-world examples of dentists using cash balance plans to save six figures in taxes The importance of working with a CPA and financial planner to determine if this approach is right for you And more Connect with Brian Swilling: Navipath Wealth LinkedIn: Brian Swilling brian@navipathfinancial.com *Roth IRA earnings grow tax-free, and qualified withdrawals are also tax-free, provided certain conditions are met (e.g., the account has been open for at least 5 years and you are age 59½ or older, or meet another qualifying condition). Eligibility to contribute to a Roth IRA phases out at higher income levels. Non-qualified withdrawals of earnings may be subject to income taxes and a 10% early withdrawal penalty.

  3. 12/03/2025

    Know Your Worth: Why an Early Practice Valuation is Your Blueprint for Financial Success (Ep. 10)

    What if your dental practice, your biggest financial and emotional asset, could be the key to unlocking your ideal next chapter instead of a “will get to it later” stressor? In this episode, Brian Swilling sits down with Jeff Rice, Transition Sales Consultant at Henry Schein Dental Practice Transitions, to uncover why knowing your practice’s value now is your blueprint for financial freedom and professional fulfillment. They explore how a proactive strategy transforms a practice from “just a business” into a launchpad for your purpose-driven life. Brian and Jeff discuss: Why most dentists focus on clinical training but miss the business side of dentistry Why an early practice valuation is your hidden advantage and how the numbers reveal green, yellow, and red flags What goes into valuing a practice (financials, team stability, transferability of clinical work), and why waiting too long undermines leverage The emergency exit plan (the other “LOI” – Letter of Instruction) your practice needs for life’s curveballs And more Resources: Good to Great by Jim Collins Complimentary Letter of Instruction Practice Valuation Review Checklist  Connect with Brian Swilling: NaviPath Wealth LinkedIn: Brian Swilling brian@navipathfinancial.com Connect with Guest: Henry Schein Dental Practice Transitions LinkedIn: Jeff Rice Jeff.Rice@henryschein.com About our Guest: Jeff Rice is a seasoned dental industry professional with 25 years of experience and currently serves as a Transitions Sales Consultant for Henry Schein Dental Practice Transitions, covering North and South Carolina. He began his career at Henry Schein as a field sales consultant and shifted into practice analytics and transition consulting, helping dentists understand and optimize the value of their practice.

  4. 11/13/2025

    How Culture and Community Drive Dental Practice Success with Dr. Marsh & Dr. Edmunds (Ep. 9)

    What happens when two dentists take ownership of their careers and communities? In this episode, Brian Swilling sits down with Dr. John Edmunds of Edmunds Dental and Dr. David Marsh of Duren & Marsh Dentistry to discuss the realities of building and growing a dental practice from the ground up and the lessons learned along the way. They share how leadership, risk-taking, and a people-first mindset helped them thrive beyond the operatory. From handshake agreements to community-driven marketing and leadership through change, this conversation offers candid stories, practical takeaways, and timeless strategies every dentist can learn from. You’ll hear: How Dr. Edmunds turned a handshake agreement into a thriving small-town practice How Dr. Marsh cold-called dentists to find the perfect ownership opportunity The power of culture, community involvement, and staff retention in practice growth Real-world challenges around insurance, staffing transitions, and managing space challenges, and how to tackle them Advice for young dentists on building culture, defining success, and staying true to your values And more Resources: NaviPath Financial Carolinas Center for Oral & Facial Surgery Connect with Brian Swilling: NaviPath Financial LinkedIn: Brian Swilling brian@navipathfinancial.com Connect with Dr. John Edmunds: Edmunds Dental LinkedIn: John Edmunds, DDS Connect with Dr. David Marsh: Duren & Marsh Dentistry LinkedIn: Duren & Marsh Dentistry Facebook: Dr. Duren & Dr. Marsh Dentistry Instagram: @durenmarshdentistry About Our Guests: Dr. Edmunds is a native of Clover, SC, and will always call this community home. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Clemson University, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude, and a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from UNC Chapel Hill. As a professional, Dr. Edmunds understands the importance of lifelong learning. He prides himself on taking over 100 hours of continuing education courses each year, including attending the Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education and participating in several study clubs. He is a member of the American Dental Association, South Carolina Dental Association, and Central District Dental Association, of which he currently serves on the board. Dr. Edmunds is an active member in his church, where he currently serves as an Elder, and he sits on the board of the York County Clemson Club and the Clover Main Street Steering Committee. When Dr. Edmunds isn’t in the office, you can probably find him on the golf course, hunting, fishing, or helping his dad out on their family farm in Clover. Dr. David Marsh is a native of Gaston County, graduating from East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine, where he accepted a commission in the United States Air Force. He spent four years serving in the Dental Corps at Eglin AFB, FL, and Sheppard AFB, TX. He is married to Rosa Marsh, and they have two daughters, Lily and Charlotte. Dr. Marsh’s practice philosophy is to give honest and responsible dental care to every patient.

  5. 10/23/2025

    The Dark Side of High Income: How Dentists Can Protect Their Wealth (Ep. 8)

    Ever wondered why a high income might not always equate to true wealth? That’s exactly what Dr. Jackson Sadler and Brian Swilling dive into in this episode of Oral Wealth: Prosperity in Practice. They explore the hidden traps of a high income, from lifestyle creep to financial stressors that many dentists face. Can you break free from the golden handcuffs of finance? Join them as they uncover vital strategies for managing your wealth and well-being. They discuss the common pitfalls facing high-income professionals, including lifestyle inflation and its stealthy threats, offering practical tips to navigate these challenges. You’ll also learn how automating your savings can transform your financial future. And they don’t overlook student loans. There’s valuable guidance on repayment strategies to ease the burden. Finally, they emphasize the importance of prioritizing well-being and avoiding burnout in demanding careers. Dr. Jackson Sadler and Brian Swilling cover: The perils of lifestyle creep and avoiding unconscious spending [00:04:11] Automating savings for financial security [00:08:28] Navigating and managing daunting student loan debt [00:19:52] Prioritizing personal well-being to prevent professional burnout [00:28:35] Resources: National Bureau of Economic Research: The Consumption Response to Income Changes research study 2018 survey by Credit Karma The American Dental Education Association: student loan debt ADA Health Policy Institute: Burnout study 2023 Medscape survey Repayment Plan Signup   Connect with Dr. Jackson Sadler: Carolinas Center For Oral & Facial Surgery LinkedIn: Jackson Saddler DDS   Connect with Brian Swilling: NaviPath Financial LinkedIn: Brian Swilling brian@navipathfinancial.com

  6. 09/18/2025

    The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (O-B-B-B-A) Part 2: Changes to Student Loans (Ep. 6)

    The financial rules for dentists just changed, and if you don’t know the details, you could be leaving money on the table or walking into unexpected debt. In this episode of Oral Wealth: Prosperity in Practice, Dr. Jackson Sadler and Brian Swilling unpack the latest updates to student loans, FAFSA, repayment plans, and 529 savings. These changes impact dentists, students, and parents alike — from applying to dental school, to navigating loan repayment, to planning your kids’ education. Dr. Sadler and Brian discuss: How the new FAFSA rules replace Expected Family Contribution with the Student Aid Index (SAI),  and what it means for families with multiple students in school Key updates to the SAVE repayment plan, including interest forgiveness that prevents balances from ballooning Why Public Service Loan Forgiveness may finally be more realistic for healthcare providers in hospitals and clinics The cap on Graduate PLUS loans and how it pushes more students toward private lending, plus what to watch out for Expanded use of 529 plans for tutoring, testing, and dual enrollment starting in 2026 And more Resources: Federal Student Aid NaviPath Financial Blog The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (O-B-B-B-A): Beneficial Changes for Dental Professionals (Ep. 4) Connect with Dr. Jackson Sadler: Carolinas Center For Oral & Facial Surgery LinkedIn: Jackson Saddler DDS Connect with Brian Swilling: NaviPath Financial LinkedIn: Brian Swilling brian@navipathfinancial.com

About

Welcome to Oral Wealth Prosperity in Practice, where dentistry meets financial and personal wellness! Hosted by Dr. Jackson Sadler and Brian Swilling, Registered Investment Advisor and founder of NaviPath Financial, this podcast is your roadmap to thriving as a dental professional and beyond. This show tackles the unique challenges faced by today’s dental professionals. Here, you’ll find practical advice on everything from student loan debt and retirement planning to stress management and achieving work-life balance. With each episode, Brian and Jackson dive into the unique challenges and financial strategies tailored just for you, the dedicated dental professional, to help you move beyond the day-to-day grind and truly thrive. Whether you’re looking to streamline your practice, invest wisely, or just feel more fulfilled personally and professionally, this podcast has you covered. It’s entertaining, educational, and, most importantly, tailored to you.