Dentistry Inspired

Dr. Sean Robertson

Dentistry Inspired is a podcast that explores the systems, stories, and secrets that contribute to your sustainability, profitability, and fulfilment in dentistry. Each episode provides tangible tools and collegial experience that support a maximum return on energy of your professional journey. Powered by www.PracticeAdvocate.ca

  1. 6d ago

    Brokerage is Broken

    In this episode of Dentistry Inspired, Dr. Sean Robertson takes a closer look at the dental practice brokerage industry in Canada and asks a difficult question: is the current model working as well as it could? Drawing on nearly a decade of experience in practice valuation, ownership transfers, and exit planning, Sean shares his perspective on the lack of transparency, limited buyer representation, and disconnect between practice valuation and true market value. He explores how these structural issues can create misalignment between buyers, sellers, and lenders and the impact that can have on transactions and the profession as a whole. Sean discusses what greater legitimacy could look like, including independent valuations, meaningful buyer representation, accessible transaction data, and stronger standards of practice. Ultimately, this episode is an invitation to have a conversation that dentistry needs to be having. Because meaningful change doesn’t happen simply because we want it to; it happens when the people within the system demand something better. – Dr. Sean Robertson is the Lead Strategist and founder of Practice Advocate (www.practiceadvocate.ca). Practice Advocate provides freelance strategy services for dentists and private practice owners that includes practice valuations, practice sale facilitation, and concierge practice management coaching that focuses on sustainability, profitability, and fulfilment. Sean is also the Director of Integration, Partnerships, & Business Education at The Confident Clinician, a global evidence-based knowledge research base that integrates artificial intelligence capability to save medical practitioners time in the delivery of the highest level of care (www.theconfidentclinicianclub.com). Sean has performed more than $300M in Canadian dental practice valuation work and supported practice ownership transfer since 2018. Sean teaches Practice Management for the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Toronto and has guest lectured for the Faculty of Dentistry at McGill University. He writes regularly for Ontario Dentist, The Journal of the Ontario Dental Association and has authored articles for Oral Health, a national journal for the profession of dentistry in Canada. Dr. Robertson is regularly called upon by the major Canadian banks, dental associations, and dental support organizations to consult on trends, predictions, and perspectives in the Ontario and Canadian dental practice marketplace. He has completed in-person training in communication and the art of negotiation with The Black Swan Group and Chris Voss, former FBI hostage negotiator and author of Never Split The Difference. Sean has lectured at the Ontario Dental Association’s Annual Spring Meeting and the Canadian Dental Association on the topics of practice valuations, acquisitions, sales, and practice management. He contributed to the development of the Career Options Initiative with the Canadian Dental Association. Sean is the author of two books: One, written for dentists is titled From DEBTistry to Dentistry: A buyer’s guide to successful transitions (2016) and the other, written for Integrative and Functional Medical Practitioners is titled, The Profitable Clinician: Why Clinician Fulfilment is Mandatory For Optimal Patient Care (2025). Connect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/practice_advocate/?hl=en – Thank you for listening.

    Brokerage is Broken
  2. Jun 25

    The Impeccable Exit

    In this episode of Dentistry Inspired, Dr. Sean Robertson explores what it takes to create The Impeccable Exit, a thoughtful and intentional transition out of dental practice ownership. Drawing on real-world experience and lessons learned from working with practice owners across the profession, Sean examines the personal, professional, and financial considerations that shape a successful exit. From succession planning and practice value to identity, purpose, and life beyond ownership, he shares a framework for approaching one of the most significant milestones in a dentist’s career. This conversation is about more than selling a practice. It’s about preparing for change, creating clarity around what comes next, and ensuring that years of hard work translate into the future you envision. Whether retirement is around the corner or still years away, this episode is an invitation to think intentionally about your legacy, your goals, and the next chapter of your journey. – Dr. Sean Robertson is the Lead Strategist and founder of Practice Advocate (www.practiceadvocate.ca). Practice Advocate provides freelance strategy services for dentists and private practice owners that includes practice valuations, practice sale facilitation, and concierge practice management coaching that focuses on sustainability, profitability, and fulfilment. Sean is also the Director of Integration, Partnerships, & Business Education at The Confident Clinician, a global evidence-based knowledge research base that integrates artificial intelligence capability to save medical practitioners time in the delivery of the highest level of care (www.theconfidentclinicianclub.com). Sean has performed more than $300M in Canadian dental practice valuation work and supported practice ownership transfer since 2018. Sean teaches Practice Management for the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Toronto and has guest lectured for the Faculty of Dentistry at McGill University. He writes regularly for Ontario Dentist, The Journal of the Ontario Dental Association and has authored articles for Oral Health, a national journal for the profession of dentistry in Canada. Dr. Robertson is regularly called upon by the major Canadian banks, dental associations, and dental support organizations to consult on trends, predictions, and perspectives in the Ontario and Canadian dental practice marketplace. He has completed in-person training in communication and the art of negotiation with The Black Swan Group and Chris Voss, former FBI hostage negotiator and author of Never Split The Difference. Sean has lectured at the Ontario Dental Association’s Annual Spring Meeting and the Canadian Dental Association on the topics of practice valuations, acquisitions, sales, and practice management. He contributed to the development of the Career Options Initiative with the Canadian Dental Association. Sean is the author of two books: One, written for dentists is titled From DEBTistry to Dentistry: A buyer’s guide to successful transitions (2016) and the other, written for Integrative and Functional Medical Practitioners is titled, The Profitable Clinician: Why Clinician Fulfilment is Mandatory For Optimal Patient Care (2025). Connect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/practice_advocate/?hl=en – Thank you for listening.

    The Impeccable Exit
  3. Jun 11

    Wealthcare for Healthcare with Richard Papadina

    In this episode of Dentistry Inspired, Dr. Sean Robertson is joined by Richard Papadina, a financial planning and investment management strategist who has spent decades helping dentists and healthcare professionals build, protect, and transition wealth. Drawing on years of experience working with practice owners at every stage of their careers, Richard shares practical insights on financial planning, wealth creation, and the strategies that often get overlooked. Together, Sean and Richard explore the unique financial realities facing dentists today, from managing debt and building savings early in a career to navigating tax-efficient investing, retirement planning, and wealth transfer later in life. This conversation is about more than money. It’s about creating clarity, making intentional decisions, and building a plan that supports both professional success and personal fulfillment. Whether you're just starting out, growing a practice, or preparing for the next chapter, this episode offers a thoughtful framework for approaching wealth with purpose and confidence. – Dr. Sean Robertson is the Lead Strategist and founder of Practice Advocate (www.practiceadvocate.ca). Practice Advocate provides freelance strategy services for dentists and private practice owners that includes practice valuations, practice sale facilitation, and concierge practice management coaching that focuses on sustainability, profitability, and fulfilment. Sean is also the Director of Integration, Partnerships, & Business Education at The Confident Clinician, a global evidence-based knowledge research base that integrates artificial intelligence capability to save medical practitioners time in the delivery of the highest level of care (www.theconfidentclinicianclub.com). Sean has performed more than $300M in Canadian dental practice valuation work and supported practice ownership transfer since 2018. Sean teaches Practice Management for the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Toronto and has guest lectured for the Faculty of Dentistry at McGill University. He writes regularly for Ontario Dentist, The Journal of the Ontario Dental Association and has authored articles for Oral Health, a national journal for the profession of dentistry in Canada. Dr. Robertson is regularly called upon by the major Canadian banks, dental associations, and dental support organizations to consult on trends, predictions, and perspectives in the Ontario and Canadian dental practice marketplace. He has completed in-person training in communication and the art of negotiation with The Black Swan Group and Chris Voss, former FBI hostage negotiator and author of Never Split The Difference. Sean has lectured at the Ontario Dental Association’s Annual Spring Meeting and the Canadian Dental Association on the topics of practice valuations, acquisitions, sales, and practice management. He contributed to the development of the Career Options Initiative with the Canadian Dental Association. Sean is the author of two books: One, written for dentists is titled From DEBTistry to Dentistry: A buyer’s guide to successful transitions (2016) and the other, written for Integrative and Functional Medical Practitioners is titled, The Profitable Clinician: Why Clinician Fulfilment is Mandatory For Optimal Patient Care (2025). Connect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/practice_advocate/?hl=en – Thank you for listening.

    Wealthcare for Healthcare with Richard Papadina
  4. May 28

    Trust is the Secret Sauce with Jessie Stamp

    In this episode of Dentistry Inspired, Dr. Sean Robertson is joined by Jessie Stamp for a conversation centred on one of the most important and often underestimated foundations of leadership and patient care: trust. Through stories, reflections, and lessons drawn from experience, Jessie explores how trust shapes communication, team dynamics, patient relationships, and long-term success in practice. Together, they discuss the importance of consistency, vulnerability, and genuine human connection in building environments where both patients and teams feel supported. This conversation is about more than business or clinical outcomes. It’s about the role trust plays in creating meaningful relationships, resilient teams, and sustainable growth in dentistry and beyond. Whether you’re leading a practice, supporting a team, or simply looking to strengthen the way you connect with others, this episode is an invitation to reflect on the impact of trust in every part of your work and life. – Dr. Sean Robertson is the Lead Strategist and founder of Practice Advocate (www.practiceadvocate.ca). Practice Advocate provides freelance strategy services for dentists and private practice owners that includes practice valuations, practice sale facilitation, and concierge practice management coaching that focuses on sustainability, profitability, and fulfilment. Sean is also the Director of Integration, Partnerships, & Business Education at The Confident Clinician, a global evidence-based knowledge research base that integrates artificial intelligence capability to save medical practitioners time in the delivery of the highest level of care (www.theconfidentclinicianclub.com). Sean has performed more than $300M in Canadian dental practice valuation work and supported practice ownership transfer since 2018. Sean teaches Practice Management for the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Toronto and has guest lectured for the Faculty of Dentistry at McGill University. He writes regularly for Ontario Dentist, The Journal of the Ontario Dental Association and has authored articles for Oral Health, a national journal for the profession of dentistry in Canada. Dr. Robertson is regularly called upon by the major Canadian banks, dental associations, and dental support organizations to consult on trends, predictions, and perspectives in the Ontario and Canadian dental practice marketplace. He has completed in-person training in communication and the art of negotiation with The Black Swan Group and Chris Voss, former FBI hostage negotiator and author of Never Split The Difference. Sean has lectured at the Ontario Dental Association’s Annual Spring Meeting and the Canadian Dental Association on the topics of practice valuations, acquisitions, sales, and practice management. He contributed to the development of the Career Options Initiative with the Canadian Dental Association. Sean is the author of two books: One, written for dentists is titled From DEBTistry to Dentistry: A buyer’s guide to successful transitions (2016) and the other, written for Integrative and Functional Medical Practitioners is titled, The Profitable Clinician: Why Clinician Fulfilment is Mandatory For Optimal Patient Care (2025). Connect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/practice_advocate/?hl=en – Thank you for listening.

    Trust is the Secret Sauce with Jessie Stamp
  5. May 14

    The Human In The Loop with Dr. Robert Salvati

    In this episode of Dentistry Inspired, Dr. Sean Robertson is joined by Dr. Robert Salvati for a thoughtful conversation on technology, leadership, and the evolving role of the dentist in an increasingly digital profession. Together, they explore the concept of “The Human In The Loop” and what it means to balance innovation with human connection in modern dentistry. Through stories, reflections, and lessons drawn from experience, the conversation examines how dentists can embrace advancements in technology and artificial intelligence without losing the empathy, judgment, and trust that sit at the heart of patient care. This episode is about more than technology. It’s about staying grounded in your values while navigating change, understanding where human insight still matters most, and recognizing the responsibility that comes with leading in a rapidly evolving profession. Whether you’re excited by the future of dentistry or uncertain about where it’s headed, this conversation offers perspective, clarity, and a reminder of the role only humans can play. Be sure to subscribe to Dr. Salvati's publication, 'The Human in the Loop', which explores adopting AI and technology thoughtfully in clinical dentistry while preserving the clinical judgement that is at the heart of dentistry. You can subscribe at AIdentistry.ca. – Dr. Sean Robertson is the Lead Strategist and founder of Practice Advocate (www.practiceadvocate.ca). Practice Advocate provides freelance strategy services for dentists and private practice owners that includes practice valuations, practice sale facilitation, and concierge practice management coaching that focuses on sustainability, profitability, and fulfilment. Sean is also the Director of Integration, Partnerships, & Business Education at The Confident Clinician, a global evidence-based knowledge research base that integrates artificial intelligence capability to save medical practitioners time in the delivery of the highest level of care (www.theconfidentclinicianclub.com). Sean has performed more than $300M in Canadian dental practice valuation work and supported practice ownership transfer since 2018. Sean teaches Practice Management for the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Toronto and has guest lectured for the Faculty of Dentistry at McGill University. He writes regularly for Ontario Dentist, The Journal of the Ontario Dental Association and has authored articles for Oral Health, a national journal for the profession of dentistry in Canada. Dr. Robertson is regularly called upon by the major Canadian banks, dental associations, and dental support organizations to consult on trends, predictions, and perspectives in the Ontario and Canadian dental practice marketplace. He has completed in-person training in communication and the art of negotiation with The Black Swan Group and Chris Voss, former FBI hostage negotiator and author of Never Split The Difference. Sean has lectured at the Ontario Dental Association’s Annual Spring Meeting and the Canadian Dental Association on the topics of practice valuations, acquisitions, sales, and practice management. He contributed to the development of the Career Options Initiative with the Canadian Dental Association. Sean is the author of two books: One, written for dentists is titled From DEBTistry to Dentistry: A buyer’s guide to successful transitions (2016) and the other, written for Integrative and Functional Medical Practitioners is titled, The Profitable Clinician: Why Clinician Fulfilment is Mandatory For Optimal Patient Care (2025). – Thank you for listening.

    The Human In The Loop with Dr. Robert Salvati
  6. Apr 9

    Controlling Your Dental Destiny with Dr. Shahab Tabesh

    In this episode of Dentistry Inspired, Dr. Sean Robertson is joined by Dr. Shahab Tabesh for a thoughtful conversation on growth, reinvention, and what it means to build a career that evolves alongside you. Through personal experiences and lessons drawn from practice, Shahab shares his perspective on navigating change, embracing new opportunities, and stepping beyond traditional paths in dentistry. Together, they explore the mindset required to adapt in a rapidly shifting profession, and the importance of staying open to new directions—even when they challenge your original plans. This conversation is about more than career progression. It’s about curiosity, resilience, and the willingness to redefine what success can look like over time. Whether you’re early in your journey or reconsidering your next step, this episode offers an opportunity to reflect, adapt, and think more broadly about the future you want to create. – Dr. Sean Robertson is the Lead Strategist and founder of Practice Advocate (www.practiceadvocate.ca). Practice Advocate provides freelance strategy services for dentists and private practice owners that includes practice valuations, practice sale facilitation, and concierge practice management coaching that focuses on sustainability, profitability, and fulfilment. Sean is also the Director of Integration, Partnerships, & Business Education at The Confident Clinician, a global evidence-based knowledge research base that integrates artificial intelligence capability to save medical practitioners time in the delivery of the highest level of care (www.theconfidentclinicianclub.com). Sean has performed more than $300M in Canadian dental practice valuation work and supported practice ownership transfer since 2018. Sean teaches Practice Management for the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Toronto and has guest lectured for the Faculty of Dentistry at McGill University. He writes regularly for Ontario Dentist, The Journal of the Ontario Dental Association and has authored articles for Oral Health, a national journal for the profession of dentistry in Canada. Dr. Robertson is regularly called upon by the major Canadian banks, dental associations, and dental support organizations to consult on trends, predictions, and perspectives in the Ontario and Canadian dental practice marketplace. He has completed in-person training in communication and the art of negotiation with The Black Swan Group and Chris Voss, former FBI hostage negotiator and author of Never Split The Difference. Sean has lectured at the Ontario Dental Association’s Annual Spring Meeting and the Canadian Dental Association on the topics of practice valuations, acquisitions, sales, and practice management. He contributed to the development of the Career Options Initiative with the Canadian Dental Association. Sean is the author of two books: One, written for dentists is titled From DEBTistry to Dentistry: A buyer’s guide to successful transitions (2016) and the other, written for Integrative and Functional Medical Practitioners is titled, The Profitable Clinician: Why Clinician Fulfilment is Mandatory For Optimal Patient Care (2025). Connect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/practice_advocate/?hl=en – Thank you for listening.

    Controlling Your Dental Destiny with Dr. Shahab Tabesh
  7. Mar 12

    Retiring with Grace

    In this episode of Dentistry Inspired, Dr. Sean Robertson shares a presentation titled “Retiring with Grace,” exploring one of the most significant and often overlooked transitions in a dentist’s career: moving from practice ownership into the next phase of life. Drawing on real conversations with dentists and years of experience advising practice owners, Sean walks through the practical and psychological realities of selling a dental practice. From financing challenges and lease structures to due diligence and advisory teams, he outlines the five greatest obstacles to a smooth ownership transition and the key factors that can dramatically impact practice value. Sean also explores the deeper questions that many dentists face when leaving ownership behind, questions of identity, purpose, and what life looks like after the practice that once filled so much of your time and energy. Whether you’re years away from selling or beginning to think about your exit strategy, this episode is an invitation to reflect, plan intentionally, and approach one of dentistry’s biggest milestones with clarity and confidence. Discover Succession Compass Here – Dr. Sean Robertson is the Lead Strategist and founder of Practice Advocate (www.practiceadvocate.ca). Practice Advocate provides freelance strategy services for dentists and private practice owners that includes practice valuations, practice sale facilitation, and concierge practice management coaching that focuses on sustainability, profitability, and fulfilment. Sean is also the Director of Integration, Partnerships, & Business Education at The Confident Clinician, a global evidence-based knowledge research base that integrates artificial intelligence capability to save medical practitioners time in the delivery of the highest level of care (www.theconfidentclinicianclub.com). Sean has performed more than $300M in Canadian dental practice valuation work and supported practice ownership transfer since 2018. Sean teaches Practice Management for the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Toronto and has guest lectured for the Faculty of Dentistry at McGill University. He writes regularly for Ontario Dentist, The Journal of the Ontario Dental Association and has authored articles for Oral Health, a national journal for the profession of dentistry in Canada. Dr. Robertson is regularly called upon by the major Canadian banks, dental associations, and dental support organizations to consult on trends, predictions, and perspectives in the Ontario and Canadian dental practice marketplace. He has completed in-person training in communication and the art of negotiation with The Black Swan Group and Chris Voss, former FBI hostage negotiator and author of Never Split The Difference. Sean has lectured at the Ontario Dental Association’s Annual Spring Meeting and the Canadian Dental Association on the topics of practice valuations, acquisitions, sales, and practice management. He contributed to the development of the Career Options Initiative with the Canadian Dental Association. Sean is the author of two books: One, written for dentists is titled From DEBTistry to Dentistry: A buyer’s guide to successful transitions (2016) and the other, written for Integrative and Functional Medical Practitioners is titled, The Profitable Clinician: Why Clinician Fulfilment is Mandatory For Optimal Patient Care (2025). Connect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/practice_advocate/?hl=en

    Retiring with Grace

About

Dentistry Inspired is a podcast that explores the systems, stories, and secrets that contribute to your sustainability, profitability, and fulfilment in dentistry. Each episode provides tangible tools and collegial experience that support a maximum return on energy of your professional journey. Powered by www.PracticeAdvocate.ca