Smiles & Cents | The Dental Wealth Partners Show

Dental Wealth Partners
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Investing

Dentistry is one of the best wealth-building professions in America—but only if you make the right financial decisions along the way. Smiles & Cents is built for dentists who want more than just production and collections. Each episode is designed to help you turn income into lasting wealth through smarter decisions, clearer strategy, and a more intentional approach to your financial life. Along the way, we bring in real dental entrepreneurs—practice owners, builders, and industry leaders—to share firsthand insights on what’s working, what’s not, and how they’ve built their success. This is how financial planning actually plays out in the real world. If you’re looking for clarity, control, and a plan that compounds over time, you’re in the right place.

Episodes

  1. 5d ago

    Money Represents Your Time - Are You Spending It Right? | Dr. Richard Low | Smiles and Cents

    Every dollar you spend is a piece of your life you traded for it. Most dentists never think about it that way. In this episode of Smiles and Cents, Ian McGinnis brings Dr. Richard Low back for one of the most honest and wide-ranging conversations the show has had - covering the real relationship between time and money, how to buy back your life without feeling guilty about it, why burnout is really about identity misalignment, and the question every successful dentist eventually has to answer: if you had $10 million tomorrow, would you still show up? This one goes deep. And it gets personal. What You'll Learn:  → Why every dollar you spend is really a unit of time - not just money  → How to calculate your true hourly post-tax earnings and what it changes  → The buy-back-your-time framework: from lawn care to meal prep to private jet  → Why Alex Hormozi's Chipotle budget was actually a genius financial decision  → What Dan Martell's Buy Back Your Time principle looks like for dentists specifically  → Why Dr. Richard Low is personally restructuring his budget around time-buying  → The five daily habits that Next Level Fathers teaches - and why morning is everything  → Why going to bed earlier is one of the most productive decisions a dentist can make  → The Opal app: how to hard-lock your phone at 9:30pm and actually stick to it  → The floor-and-ceiling approach to health habits when life gets chaotic → Why burnout is really a gap between who you are and who you thought you would be  → The $10 million question - Dr. Richard Low's completely honest answer  → How to know when it is time to redirect your career — before it is too late About Dr. Richard Low: Dr. Richard Low is a 2016 dental graduate, Army veteran, and founder of the Shared Practice podcast with over 3.25 million lifetime downloads. He is also the founder of Next Level Fathers, a transformation program helping dentists rebuild their health, marriages, and purpose. About Smiles and Cents: Smiles and Cents is a fee-only, non-commissioned financial planning podcast built specifically for dentists. Hosted by Ian McGinnis, the show explores what it means to build real financial freedom not just a bigger practice. 💬 If someone offered you $10 million tomorrow to never work another day in your life — would you take it? Be honest. Drop it below. Dr. Low's answer was not what Ian expected. Connect with Dr.Richard : Insta: @dr.richard.low FB Group: Next Level Dentist, Rising Beyond Burnout Connect with Smile and Cents:  Host: Ian McGinnis, Website:  Dental Wealth Partners Insta: @ianvmcginnis #dentist #timeandmoney #buybackyourtime #smilesandcents #drrichardlow #ianmcginnis #nextlevelfathers #dentistlife #morningroutine #dentistentrepreneur #financialfreedom #worklifebalance #podcastclip #dentistburnout #dentistproductivity Schedule a free consultation with a dentist-specific financial planner. Get an objective financial assessment and see how your current strategy stacks up when it comes to debt management, practice growth, investing, and tax planning.

  2. Aug 9

    What Your Dental Practice Is Really Worth-From an Orthodontist Who's Been on Both Sides

    Most dentists buy equipment because a rep told them it worked for somebody else. Most dentists sell their practice without understanding what it is actually worth. And most dentists leave hundreds of thousands of dollars on the table when they finally exit. Dr. Keith did things differently. In this episode of Smiles and Cents, Ian McGinnis sits down with Dr. Keith- an orthodontist who built and sold a four-location practice in Louisville, relocated his family across the country, earned an MBA, and now works as a practice broker, valuation expert, and consultant helping dentists grow and exit the right way. This is one of the most comprehensive practice business conversations the show has ever produced. What You'll Learn:  → Why Dr. Keith left a thriving four-location practice-and what made that decision clear  → Why he chose consulting and brokerage over starting a new practice from scratch  → What a data-driven practice really looks like-and how to find your bottleneck  → Why buying a CBCT without running the numbers first is a money pit waiting to happen  → The KPI framework that turns clinical decisions into financial projections  → How to use scanner technology to increase case acceptance before the doctor walks in  → The three income approach valuation methods-and which one favours you as a seller  → Doctor-to-doctor EBITDA multiples: what to expect and how to increase them → DSO vs doctor-to-doctor sale: the difference in multiples and what that means for you  → How to add back expenses and normalise your P&L to maximise your valuation  → Why overpaying loyal staff in your final years quietly destroys your sale price  → The three levers to pull to increase your exit value in the last two to three years  → What documents a buyer will ask for and exactly how to prepare them About Dental Wealth Partners:  Dental Wealth Partners is a fee-only, non-commissioned financial planning firm built specifically for dentists. Founded by Ian McGinnis, the firm helps dentists at every stage of their career build real financial freedom-not just a bigger practice. Executive coach and business strategist Jeff Rutland brings a leadership and legacy lens to every conversation.  💬 What is the one thing you wish you had known about the business side of dentistry before you started? Drop it below — Dr. Keith says most docs leave school without any of this. Let's build the list.  CONNECT WITH Dr.Keith Nicholson Website:keith.nicholson@pmagroup.net CONNECT WITH SMILES AND CENTS Host: Ian McGinnis,  Website: https://dentistfinancialplanning.com/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/ianvmcginnis/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/DentalWealthPartners/ Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/checkpoint/challenge/AgHUSzW4H4zlT Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjMd5CUWkca7P_gmKlCBQ2Q  #dentalpractice #practicevaluation #dentist #smilesandcents #drkeith #ianmcginnis #practicebroker #EBITDA #DSO #dentistentrepreneur #caseacceptance #dentaltechnology #practicesale #dentalconsulting #podcastclip  Schedule a free consultation with a dentist-specific financial planner. Get an objective financial assessment and see how your current strategy stacks up when it comes to debt management, practice growth, investing, and tax planning.

  3. Aug 2

    How to Sell Your Dental Practice for Maximum Value - Before It's Too Late | Dental Wealth Partners

    Most dentists spend 30 years building their practice - and then sell it without ever knowing what it was actually worth. In this episode of Dental Wealth Partners, Ian McGinnis and executive coach Jeff Rutland break down exactly what dentists need to do before selling a practice - from cleaning up the books, to choosing the right valuation method, to why slowing down hygiene in your final years could cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars at closing. Whether you are two years out from retirement or ten, this is the conversation that changes how you think about the most valuable asset you will ever sell. What You'll Learn:  → Why a third-party bookkeeper is the single most important step before selling  → The hidden debt that almost derailed a real practice sale - and how it was found  → The three main valuation methods: market summation, EBITDA multiples, and seller's discretionary earnings  → Why two practices with the same take-home can have completely different sale prices  → How to choose the valuation formula that works in your favour  → Why the last two years of your practice matter more than the previous ten  → What happens to your valuation when you slow down hygiene before selling  → The exact steps to take if you have only two years until retirement  → Why buyers always want to see bank statements - and what happens when they do not match  → The one thing that destroys more dental partnerships than anything else  → Why you need a practice valuation done today - not when you are ready to sell About Dental Wealth Partners:  Dental Wealth Partners is a fee-only, non-commissioned financial planning firm built specifically for dentists. Founded by Ian McGinnis, the firm helps dentists at every stage of their career build real financial freedom-not just a bigger practice. Executive coach and business strategist Jeff Rutland brings a leadership and legacy lens to every conversation. 💬 Have you had your dental practice valued yet? If you are within 10 years of retirement and the answer is no - drop a comment below. Ian says getting that number is the most important wake-up call a dentist can have. CONNECT WITH Jeff Rutland  Website:dentistfinancialplanning.com  LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/orgdevtrainingleader  CONNECT WITH SMILES AND CENTS Host: Ian McGinnis,  Website: https://dentistfinancialplanning.com/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/ianvmcginnis/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/DentalWealthPartners/ Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/checkpoint/challenge/AgHUSzW4H4zlT Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjMd5CUWkca7P_gmKlCBQ2Q #dentalpractice #practicevaluation #sellmypractice #dentist #dentalwealthpartners #ianmcginnis #jeffrutland #dentistretirement #dentalacquisition #sellerdiscretionaryearnings #practiceowner #podcastclip #dentistentrepreneur #dentalfinance #hygienedentist Schedule a free consultation with a dentist-specific financial planner. Get an objective financial assessment and see how your current strategy stacks up when it comes to debt management, practice growth, investing, and tax planning.

  4. Jul 26

    How Much Do Dentists Actually Need to Retire? The Honest Answer | Dental Wealth Partners

    Most dentists in their fifties are either guessing at their retirement number-or they have never calculated it at all. In this episode of Dental Wealth Partners, Ian McGinnis and executive coach Jeff Rutland break down exactly how dentists should think about retirement-not as a finish line, but as the point where you get to choose how you spend every day. From bond ladders to cash balance plans, from the Monte Carlo theory to the real reason DIY investing fails, this is one of the most practical retirement conversations built specifically for dentists. What You'll Learn:  → Why the word "retirement" is working against you-and what to call it instead  → The four biggest fears dentists have about running out of money  → How to calculate your retirement number using simple back-of-napkin math  → Why most dentists underestimate how much they will spend in retirement  → What a bond ladder is and why it is a low-risk alternative to annuities  → The cash balance plan: how to put up to $300,000 a year into retirement on top of your 401k  → Why dentists in their fifties have the best saving window of their entire career  → The Vanguard Advisor Alpha study: why DIY investing leaves 3 to 5.5 percent on the table  → What the Monte Carlo theory tells you about your retirement account- and why it matters  → The real story: a dentist who needed $10M to retire comfortably- and exactly how they got there About Dental Wealth Partners:  Dental Wealth Partners is a fee-only, non-commissioned financial planning firm built specifically for dentists. Founded by Ian McGinnis, the firm helps dentists at every stage of their career build real financial freedom-not just a bigger practice. Executive coach and business strategist Jeff Rutland brings a leadership and legacy lens to every conversation. 💬 Have you ever actually calculated your retirement number? Be honest — drop a yes, no, or "I've been guessing" below. Most dentists guess. Ian says there is a better way. CONNECT WITH Jeff Rutland  Website:dentistfinancialplanning.com  LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/orgdevtrainingleader  CONNECT WITH SMILES AND CENTS Host: Ian McGinnis,  Website: https://dentistfinancialplanning.com/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/ianvmcginnis/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/DentalWealthPartners/ Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/checkpoint/challenge/AgHUSzW4H4zlT Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjMd5CUWkca7P_gmKlCBQ2Q #dentistretirement #retirementplanning #dentist #financialplanning #dentalwealthpartners #ianmcginnis #jeffrutland #retirementnumber #diyinvesting #cashbalanceplan #bondladder #dentistmoney #podcastclip #autonomy #dentistfinance Schedule a free consultation with a dentist-specific financial planner. Get an objective financial assessment and see how your current strategy stacks up when it comes to debt management, practice growth, investing, and tax planning.

  5. Jul 19

    What Most Dentists Get Wrong About Growing Beyond 3 Practices | Dr. Mike Huggins

    Most dentists who try to grow beyond three practices hit a wall. Some burn out. Some blow up their partnerships. Some lose the culture that made them great in the first place. Dr. Mike Huggins did it differently. In this episode of Smiles and Cents, Ian McGinnis sits down with Dr. Mike Huggins - founder and owner of Life Dental in Oxford, Mississippi - to talk about how he went from a 27-year partnership that was going nowhere, to building a 15-practice dental group with a culture strong enough to recruit and retain the best dentists in the region. This is one of the most practical episodes the show has ever produced - from the four-minute patient connection rule, to kissing frogs in hiring, to why the relationship between a dentist and an office manager is the most important one in the building. What You'll Learn: → Why Dr. Huggins stayed in a 50/50 partnership for 27 years and what finally made him leave → The moment he saw consolidation coming and decided to build his own group instead → Why the third practice is where most dentists get stuck and how Life Dental pushed through → The "kissing frogs" hiring philosophy and why it works → How a dental assistant became the COO of a 15-practice group → The four-minute rule that builds patient trust and drives case acceptance → Why patients say it's money but it's actually always about trust → How to go from $150K to $200K a month in production without working more hours → Why promoting from within is almost always the right move → What every young associate should add to their skillset every single year → Why the dentist-office manager relationship is the most critical in the practice → How to grow a multi-practice group without losing the culture that made you great About Dr. Mike Huggins: Dr. Mike Huggins is the founder and owner of Life Dental - a 15-practice dental group operating across Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee. After 27 years as a 50/50 partner in a thriving Oxford practice, he built Life Dental with a business partner and a shared conviction: that dentists deserve a group that takes care of them the way they take care of their patients. At 62, he still produces $180K to $200K a month clinically and hunts as much as possible. About Smiles and Cents: Smiles and Cents is a fee-only, non-commissioned financial planning podcast built specifically for dentists. Hosted by Ian McGinnis, the show explores what it means to build a life worth living not just a practice worth owning. 💬 What is the one skill you wish you had added to your practice earlier in your career? Dr. Huggins says one new procedure a year changes everything. Drop yours below. CONNECT WITH Dr. Mike Huggins Website:https://lifedentalgroup.com/home/dr-mike-huggins-dmd/ Instagram:https:https://www.instagram.com/mikehugginsdmd/ CONNECT WITH SMILES AND CENTS Host: Ian McGinnis,  Website: https://dentistfinancialplanning.com/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/ianvmcginnis/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/DentalWealthPartners/ Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/checkpoint/challenge/AgHUSzW4H4zlT Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjMd5CUWkca7P_gmKlCBQ2Q #dentist #dentalpractice #smilesandcents #drMikeHuggins #lifedental #ianmcginnis #dentalgroup #dentistentrepreneur #caseacceptance #dentalculture #multiPracticeDentist #podcastclip #dentalproduction #youngdentist #dentalpartnership Schedule a free consultation with a dentist-specific financial planner. Get an objective financial assessment and see how your current strategy stacks up when it comes to debt management, practice growth, investing, and tax planning.

  6. Jul 12

    Writing a Book, Running a Practice & Raising 4 Boys - Dr. Joseph Houlik | Smiles and Cents

    What does it actually look like to grow a dental practice, write a book, raise a family, and still show up for your spouse every week? In this episode of Smiles and Cents, Ian McGinnis sits down with Dr. Joseph Houlik - dentist, practice owner, and author of The Wealthy Dentist - for one of the most honest and personal conversations on the show. From high school sweethearts whose father-in-law happened to be his childhood dentist, to four boys and a baby on the way, to a two-year book writing journey nobody warned him about Dr. Houlik gets completely real about what building a dental career costs on the personal side, and how he protects what matters most while still keeping his foot on the pedal. What You'll Learn: → What it really looks like to balance practice growth, content, and family life → Why fitness is always the first thing to go and how to fight back → The weekly date night rule every busy professional should steal → Why simple goals always outperform complex planning systems → What The Wealthy Dentist covers: from associate vs ownership to practice valuation to legacy planning → Why being the "best kept secret" in your market is a business emergency → How Ian built Smiles and Cents from a home office to a regionally endorsed firm → Why hiring your spouse as your assistant is probably a terrible idea → How to use a book as the anchor for all your long-form marketing content → Should dentists pay off debt or invest in a practice first? The honest answer About Dr. Joseph Houlik: Dr. Joseph Houlik is a dentist, practice owner, and author of The Wealthy Dentist a career-spanning financial guide covering everything from associate vs ownership decisions, to practice valuation, marketing, financial strategy, and legacy planning. He is a high school sweetheart husband, father of four boys, and has been growing his practice while writing, speaking, and building a dental sleep medicine clinic. About Smiles and Cents: Smiles and Cents is a fee-only, non-commissioned financial planning podcast built specifically for dentists. Hosted by Ian McGinnis, the show explores what it means to build a life worth living not just a practice worth owning. 💬 What was the last personal goal you set that had nothing to do with your career or your practice? Drop it below. Dr. Houlik is pitching his wife on a month-long national park road trip in an RV with four boys. What is yours? CONNECT WITH DR. JOSEPH  HOULIK Website:  https://houlikfamilydentistry.com/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/drhoulik/ CONNECT WITH SMILES AND CENTS Host: Ian McGinnis, Website: https://dentistfinancialplanning.com/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/ianvmcginnis/ #EntrepreneurMindset #BusinessScaling #PracticeManagement #FinancialStrategy #LeadershipDevelopment #AgencyGrowth #BusinessConsulting #StrategicGrowth #CEOInsights #EntrepreneurLife Schedule a free consultation with a dentist-specific financial planner. Get an objective financial assessment and see how your current strategy stacks up when it comes to debt management, practice growth, investing, and tax planning.

  7. Jul 5

    Born or Built? A Former NFL QB on Leading a Dental Practice That Actually Works | Tyson Lee

    Most dental practices have a vision document nobody reads, core values nobody lives, and a team that doesn't know what winning looks like. Tyson Lee, former Mississippi State quarterback, Rams organisation alumni, school principal, and now Director of Leadership at Bates Orthodontics, joins Ian McGinnis on Smiles and Cents to share the five questions every dental practice must answer to build a team that performs, a culture that holds, and a leader who is not doing everything alone. This is not theory. This is a playbook built from the football field, the principal's office, and the orthodontic chair. Topics covered in this episode: Are great leaders born or built?Why leadership is only as real as the followers behind itThe 5 questions: Who are you, where are you, where are you going, how will you get there, and who will help you?How to build an input-based scoreboard for your dental teamThe difference between character and competence in team evaluationWhy most dentists never give their team clarity and the cost of thatThe 75% rule: how to know when to stop doing everything yourselfHow Bates Orthodontics operationalised core values into daily behavioursIf you are a dental practice owner who feels like the leader but doesn't feel like the team is following this episode is for you. CONNECT WITH: Tyson Lee Website:  theinterdependentleader.com  about tyson lee: @TysonPLee CONNECT WITH SMILES AND CENTS Host: Ian McGinnis, Website: https://dentistfinancialplanning.com/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/ianvmcginnis/   #dentalleadership #dentalpractice #dentist #teambuilding #smilesandcents #tysonlee #ianmcginnis #dentaloffice #businessleadership #corevalues #dentalentrepreneur #podcastclip #clarity #leadershipdevelopment #quarterbackleadership  Schedule a free consultation with a dentist-specific financial planner. Get an objective financial assessment and see how your current strategy stacks up when it comes to debt management, practice growth, investing, and tax planning.

  8. Jun 28

    The Investing Order Every Dentist Needs: Liquidity, Roth IRA & Compound Interest | Dr. Richard Low

    Most dentists know they should be investing. Almost none of them know the right order to do it in. In this episode of Smiles and Cents, Ian McGinnis and Dr. Richard Low lay out the exact sequence every dentist should follow to build real financial freedom, starting with liquidity, moving into Roth accounts, and understanding why compound interest means the best time to start was yesterday. Dr. Richard Low admits openly at 39 he still feels behind. That honesty drives one of the most practical and accessible financial conversations built specifically for dentists. Topics covered in this episode: The three investment buckets: taxable brokerage, traditional, and RothWhy liquidity always comes before tax-advantaged accountsThe exact order of operations for dentist wealth buildingWhy starting with $50 a month beats waiting to invest bigHow the backdoor Roth IRA works step by stepThe compound interest math: starting at 35 vs 50Why dentists need $5M to $10M at retirement depending on lifestyleThe pledge asset line of credit and how to stay invested while accessing cashIf you are a dentist who has been putting off investing until the "right time", this episode is the push you need. Connect with Dr.Richard : Insta: @dr.richard.low FB Group: Next Level Dentist, Rising Beyond Burnout Connect with Smile and Cents:  Host: Ian McGinnis, Website:  Dental Wealth Partners Insta: @ianvmcginnis #dentistfinance #smilesandcents #drrichardlow #ianmcginnis #compoundinterest #investing #backdoorroth #dentistmoney #financialplanning #wealthbuilding #personalfinance #retirementplanning #dentistlife #moneytips #401k #liquidity #highyieldsavings #podcastclip #startinvesting Schedule a free consultation with a dentist-specific financial planner. Get an objective financial assessment and see how your current strategy stacks up when it comes to debt management, practice growth, investing, and tax planning.

  9. Jun 21

    Roth vs Traditional IRA: What Dentists Get Wrong | Dr. Richard Low | Smiles and Cents

    Dr. Richard Low admits it upfront: most dentists never talk about Roth versus traditional accounts. Not once. Not at dental investment group meetings, not with their financial advisor, not even with each other. In this episode of Smiles and Cents, Ian McGinnis breaks down exactly why that silence is costing dentists real money — and walks through the simple framework that makes the Roth versus traditional decision almost a non-issue for most high earners. This is the episode that explains marginal tax brackets in a way that finally makes sense, reveals why today's tax rates are historically low, and shows why "FU money" might be the most underrated retirement goal in dentistry. What You'll Learn: → Why almost no dentist ever discusses Roth vs traditional with their peers → The marginal tax bracket misconception that confused even Dr. Low for years → Why today's 37% top tax rate is historically low compared to the 1950s → The simple rule of thumb: fund your Roth and stop overthinking it → How to stack a Roth 401k, Roth IRA, and profit sharing to hit $70,000 in contributions → Why a $10 million Roth account is untouchable — and why that matters → The real psychology behind tax-free "FU money" → Why spending money in your 30s and 40s often matters more than saving it for your 70s About Dr. Richard Low: Dr. Richard Low is a 2016 dental graduate, Army veteran, and founder of the Shared Practice podcast with over 3.25 million lifetime downloads. He is also the founder of Next Level Fathers, a transformation program helping dentists rebuild their health, marriages, and purpose. About Smiles and Cents: Smiles and Cents is a fee-only, non-commissioned financial planning podcast built specifically for dentists. Hosted by Ian McGinnis, the show explores what it means to build real financial freedom — not just a bigger practice. 💬 Be honest — have you ever actually talked to another dentist about Roth vs traditional? Drop a yes or no below. We want to know if Richard's experience is universal. Connect with Dr.Richard : Insta: @dr.richard.low FB Group: Next Level Dentist — Rising Beyond Burnout Connect with Smile and Cents:  Host: Ian McGinnis, Website:  Dental Wealth Partners Insta: @ianvmcginnis #rothira #dentistfinance #smilesandcents #drrichardlow #ianmcginnis #financialplanning #retirementplanning #rothvstraditional #dentistmoney #fumoney #taxfreeretirement #dentalpodcast #personalfinance #wealthbuilding #moneytips #dentistlife #financialfreedom #401k #taxplanning Schedule a free consultation with a dentist-specific financial planner. Get an objective financial assessment and see how your current strategy stacks up when it comes to debt management, practice growth, investing, and tax planning.

  10. Jun 14

    From 3 Practices to $3M a Month ,The Life Dental Culture Playbook | CEO Jeff Hand

    Jeff Hand joined Life Dental in 2019 when they had three practices. Today they have fifteen, over 210 team members, 29 dentists, and nearly three million dollars a month in collections across Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee. And they did it by refusing to act like a corporation. In this episode of Smiles and Cents, Jeff Hand breaks down the Life Dental playbook how they recruit high achievers, how they scale culture across multiple locations, and why they share their financials with every single team member down to the front desk. He also gets honest about the biggest early challenge: getting clinical and financial teams to actually understand and respect each other. If you are a dentist thinking about growth, a non-dentist leader inside a dental group, or just someone trying to understand what it really takes to build something that lasts this conversation is essential listening. Follow the show so you never miss an episode. Schedule a free consultation with a dentist-specific financial planner. Get an objective financial assessment and see how your current strategy stacks up when it comes to debt management, practice growth, investing, and tax planning.

  11. Jun 7

    Making Money But Still Miserable? The Truth About Dental Burnout | Dr. Richard Low Pt. 2

    @dr.richard.low owned parts of 54 dental offices, hosted one of the most downloaded dental podcasts in history, and still found himself Googling "what is it called when nothing sounds appealing." The answer was anhedonia. The deeper answer was burnout. In Part 2 of this Smiles and Cents conversation, @dr.richard.low picks up from rock bottom and walks through exactly how he climbed out losing 50 pounds, saving his marriage, stepping down as CEO, and launching Next Level Fathers: a men's transformation group that has helped over 50 dentists lose a combined 700 pounds and rebuild their lives from the inside out. This is not a success story. It is an honest one. Topics covered in this episode: Burnout and mental breakdown in dental practice ownership What anhedonia is and why high earners experience it silently The deferred happiness trap: why the next milestone never delivers How perspective and community break the feeling of being trapped Next Level Fathers: what it is and how to join Why confronting hard decisions is the only path forward The role of faith, marriage, and identity in recovery If you are a dentist who looks successful on paper but feels empty inside this episode is for you. CONNECT WITH DR. RICHARD LOW Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.richard.low/ @dr.richard.low   Facebook Group: Next Level Dentist — Rising Beyond Burnout CONNECT WITH SMILES AND CENTS Host: Ian McGinnis, Website: https://dentistfinancialplanning.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianvmcginnis/ @ianvmcginnis  Schedule a free consultation with a dentist-specific financial planner. Get an objective financial assessment and see how your current strategy stacks up when it comes to debt management, practice growth, investing, and tax planning.

  12. May 31

    I Made a Lot of Money And I Was Still Miserable | Dr. Richard Low

    Dr. Richard Low · Dentist, Podcaster & Founder of Next Level Fathers Prepared for Smiles and Cents Podcast Dr. Richard Low owned 54 dental offices, hosted a podcast with over 3 million downloads, and still found himself Googling "what is it called when nothing sounds appealing anymore." The answer was anhedonia. The deeper answer was burnout. In this episode of Smiles and Cents, Dr. Low unpacks what it really means to chase success in dentistry  and what happens when you reach it and still feel empty. He talks candidly about his mental breakdown as CEO of a growing DSO, losing 50 pounds, saving his marriage, and building Next Level Fathers: a transformation group helping dentists rebuild their health, identity, and purpose from the inside out. This is Part 1 of a two-episode conversation. If money, success, and happiness are not lining up the way you expected  this episode is for you. Follow the show so you never miss an episode. CONNECT WITH DR. RICHARD LOW:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.richard.low/ , Facebook Group: Next Level Dentist — Rising Beyond Burnout, Podcast: Next Level Dentist (coming soon) Shared Practice Podcast: (search on all platforms) CONNECT WITH SMILES AND CENTS Host: Ian McGinnis,  Website:  https://dentistfinancialplanning.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianvmcginnis/ Schedule a free consultation with a dentist-specific financial planner. Get an objective financial assessment and see how your current strategy stacks up when it comes to debt management, practice growth, investing, and tax planning.

  • 12 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Dentistry is one of the best wealth-building professions in America—but only if you make the right financial decisions along the way. Smiles & Cents is built for dentists who want more than just production and collections. Each episode is designed to help you turn income into lasting wealth through smarter decisions, clearer strategy, and a more intentional approach to your financial life. Along the way, we bring in real dental entrepreneurs—practice owners, builders, and industry leaders—to share firsthand insights on what’s working, what’s not, and how they’ve built their success. This is how financial planning actually plays out in the real world. If you’re looking for clarity, control, and a plan that compounds over time, you’re in the right place.

Information

  • Creator
    Dental Wealth Partners
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Smiles & Cents | The Dental Wealth Partners Show