The Prosperous Doc Spaugh Dameron Tenny

Owning a dental practice is hard work. After years of serving the community and dealing with insurance companies, many dentists are ready to sell to the first person who gives them an offer. Kevin Cumbus says to wait.
Kevin is the founder and president of TUSK Partners, a firm that specializes in selling successful dental practices to dental support organizations (DSOs). TUSK has closed $850 million of deals in the past seven years, and Kevin wants every dentist in independent practice to know they have options.
Many dentists have only heard outdated advice from a financial planner about how and when to sell a practice, leading them to bite too early when they receive their first offer from an interested DSO. “I felt like there was too much value being left on the table for dentists and underrepresented groups,” Kevin says. TUSK exists to help hardworking dentists realize the full value of the practices they’ve given their lives to build.
The DSO landscape is ever-evolving, and rising interest rates have directly impacted the deal structures DSOs most commonly offer. To explain what’s happening and what dentists can do about it, Kevin joins the Prosperous Doc® podcast. Host Shane Tenny, CFP® presses into the history of DSOs and what’s changed since the pandemic. Dentists have more options than ever, but they should be careful to choose the right partner.
“Who you partner with really, really matters,” Kevin explains. “You will certainly be rolling equity into their business.” That equity could secure financial independence, but a bad deal could postpone a dentist’s retirement.
💡 Featured Guest 💡Name: Kevin Cumbus
What he does: Kevin is the founder and president of TUSK Partners, an M&A firm that exclusively represents sellers in transactions with DSOs. He has valued and sold over 120 dental practices, managed over $100MM of revenue in a DSO, and is the co-owner of a startup dental practice, Mundo Dentistry.
Company: TUSK Partners
Words of wisdom: “Today, there is more opportunity, more buyers for dental practices than there ever have been. And that's a really good thing if you own a dental practice because you have more options than you've ever had … I would encourage everyone to at least get the information about what their practice would be worth in an exit to a DSO compared to an exit to a dentist so they can make an informed decision.”
Connect: LinkedIn
⚡ Prosperous Insights ⚡[02:14] Family dentistry full circle: Kevin’s father is a pediatric dentist. After Kevin’s own career in finance and investment banking, he found himself back in the dental world, this time with a new perspective. TUSK now helps dentists understand the value of their practice and prepare for an exit.
[07:32] Life before DSOs: Just 15 years ago, there weren’t many options for dentists looking to retire. Unless a dental school graduate came along to buy it, many had no choice but to close up shop and get no value for their practice.
[10:19] Addressing the need: Early DSOs such as Heartland Dental solved two big problems in the industry. Not only did retiring dentists have an exit path, but new associates now had an easier time finding work. Kevin explains how these benefits unfolded.
[13:56] The rise of corporate dentistry: Today, more than 150 DSOs exist in America. Kevin says they vary across culture, operational efficiency, and — most importantly — how they structure equity deals for dentists.
[15:58] The legal fine print: A DSO is a...

Dr. Carlos Moretta’s path into dentistry rather than medicine was, quite literally, an accident. Having decided he wanted to enroll in the radiology tech program at his local community college in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Dr. Moretta went up to an information desk and found he was in the wrong wing. The receptionist, instead, gave him a few brochures about the dental hygienist program, which told Dr. Moretta how much he’d get paid and how much schooling he’d need to complete. When he saw the specs, he was sold.
In this episode of the Prosperous Doc®, our host Shane Tenny, CFP® welcomes Dr. Carlos M. Moretta to discuss his medical missionary work, the way his worldview has changed, what inspires him to continue his work, and why he encourages others to take part in a medical mission.
Tune in to hear some stories from Dr. Moretta’s most memorable missions and what he learned along the way.
💡 Featured Guest 💡Name: Dr. Carlos M. Moretta
What he does: Having been board-certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Dr. Moretta has maintained a faculty position at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry, where he practices in the graduate oral and maxillofacial surgical clinic.
Company: Loma Linda University School of Dentistry
Connect: Website
⚡ Prosperous Insights ⚡[02:32] An odd start: Sometimes, the biggest mistakes yield the greatest outcomes. This is exactly how Dr. Moretta ended up enrolled in a dental hygienist program.
[08:44] Enriching: These medical missions not only add value to your CV but add to your quality of life as well. They enrich your career and your life. 
[16:38] Pure gratitude: When working in remote villages across the world, Dr. Moretta is always appreciative of the pure, genuine gratitude his patients express. Without medical missions, many of his patients would never receive the type of care he provides. 
[24:00] Big realizations: Throughout his travels around the world, Dr. Moretta is constantly reminded of one major thing: we are all more alike than we are different. 
[29:57] Always a lesson: No matter the equipment or medical space available in different parts of the world, there is always a lesson to be learned. Dr. Moretta acknowledges that his Westernized medicine doesn’t make him better than other surgeons he comes across doing their best with what they have. 
[39:45] Getting started: Dr. Moretta shares some ways for others to get started in this type of missionary work, such as ADA Service Projects and Mission of Mercy. 
[40:56] Impactful people: Many people come to mind when Dr. Moretta reflects on all the positive forces that have gotten him to where he is today. He mentions Dr. Stephen Waterbrook, Dr. Ken Pearson, and Dr. Paul D. Huynh, MD. 
Disclaimer: Prosperous Doc podcast by Spaugh Dameron Tenny highlights real-life stories from doctors and dentists to encourage and inspire listeners through discussions of professional successes and failures in addition to personal stories and financial wellness advice. Spaugh Dameron Tenny is a comprehensive financial planning firm serving...

Dr. Harvey Castro is passionate about many things: healthcare and tech being two of them. Luckily, for the medical world, he has found a way to marry those passions and help others succeed in the healthcare and digital health sectors. 
In this episode of the Prosperous Doc®, our host Shane Tenny, CFP®, welcomes Dr. Harvey Castro to discuss the future of AI and Chat GPT in healthcare and medicine. Dr. Castro walks listeners through his own entrepreneurial experience within the healthcare sector and how he foresees AI being used to provide quality healthcare for patients.

💡 Featured Guest 💡Name: Dr. Harvey Castro
What he does: Dr. Castro is a physician, healthcare consultant, former CEO, and serial entrepreneur with extensive experience in the healthcare industry. He is also the author of the "Chat GPT Healthcare” books and creator of multiple healthcare apps. Dr. Castro hopes to improve and increase awareness of digital health and implement positive changes in the healthcare field. 
Connect: Website | LinkedIn | Twitter
⚡ Prosperous Insights ⚡[02:07] Tech differences: Dr. Castro walks listeners through the differences between Chat GPT and Google, with a useful analogy.  
[03:21] Fact check: The term “AI Hallucination” refers to a confident response by an AI that does not seem to be justified by its data, either because it is insufficient, biased or too specialized. Therefore, users should always double check the information they get from Chat GPT.
[04:02] Not so new: Although it has been getting a lot of news coverage in the last few months, AI isn’t entirely new. Dr. Castro gives examples of how AI has been in existence for a long time. 
[08:07] Use it wisely: Dr. Castro discusses how he used Chat GPT and prompt engineering to help outline his books.
[13:39] Bio vs. Chat: While Chat GPT has been fed information on all sorts of different topics, Bio GPT strictly has medical information and should, therefore, be able to provide more accurate answers. 
[22:59] Crossroads ahead: Dr. Castro goes over what he foresees as some ethical challenges or considerations in the crossroads of AI and healthcare — for instance, bias in Chat GPT.
[27:18] The wrap-up: Here are some key takeaways Dr. Castro hopes listeners will walk away with. Interested listeners can head to AI.com to try out Chat GPT.
Disclaimer: Prosperous Doc podcast by Spaugh Dameron Tenny highlights real-life stories from doctors and dentists to encourage and inspire listeners through discussions of professional successes and failures in addition to personal stories and financial wellness advice. Spaugh Dameron Tenny is a comprehensive financial planning firm serving doctors and dentists in Charlotte, NC. To find out more about Spaugh Dameron Tenny, visit our website at www.sdtplanning.com. You can also connect with our host, Shane Tenny, CFP at shane@whitecoatwell.com or on Twitter.
Compliance code: CRN202606-4515487

Creating a positive organizational culture is crucial for the success of a medical or dental practice. 
Tom Loeblein, President and CEO of Healthcare Management Consultants and The Dental CFO, dedicates his career to building a strong culture within practices. He shares his insights on this episode of Prosperous Doc®, including why skills aren’t the only thing to look for when hiring. 
Creating a positive work environment that motivates and engages employees is crucial to delivering world-class care and providing positive patient experiences — investing in your team’s well-being is an investment in your patients (and your practice).
By implementing Tom’s strategies, practice owners can attract and retain top talent and achieve long-term success. 
💡 Featured Guest 💡Name: Thomas (Tom) R. Loeblein, CHBC, CFP®️
What he does: While his official title at The Dental CFO is President and CEO, Tom’s real title is “Visionary.” Tom sets the organization’s vision, creates and maintains the company’s culture, and builds relationships with clients and stakeholders. 
In addition to his work with The Dental CFO, Tom serves as President/CEO of Healthcare Management Consultants, Inc. Tom is a Certified Healthcare Business Consultant, a Charter Member of the National Society of Certified Healthcare Business Consultants, a Kolbe Certified Consultant, and a Certified Financial Planner Professional. He is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.
Companies: Healthcare Management Consultants | The Dental CFO
Connect: LinkedIn
⚡ Prosperous Insights ⚡[00:32] Don’t discount company culture: Tom discusses the importance of company culture in medical and dental practices and how it impacts their success.
[03:58] Smart v. healthy organizations: An unhealthy culture can lead to turnover and a decline in success.
[11:21] Visioning: Shane and Tom discuss the importance of having a vision for your practice and how it can help engage team members and attract top talent.
[14:45] Enabling growth: Putting team members in the right seats and helping them grow professionally keeps them engaged and motivated.
[22:13] The Three Parts of the Mind in Hiring: Tom explains the three parts of the mind that are important to consider when hiring: cognitive, affective, and how the individual goes about working.
[25:54] Know yourself (and your practice): Core values that are unique — and truly represent your organization — make leadership and culture-building easier. 
[28:37] Your team needs a good fight: Organizations need to understand the essence of fighting fair.
[33:22] Learn to fight fair: Tom suggests reading work by a...

As a healthcare attorney and practice consultant at Knowledgeable Aging, Anu Murthy, Esq. is no stranger to contractual language and logistics. Anu previously joined host Shane Tenny to talk about healthcare workers making the most of their employment. 
Anu has expertise in medical employment contracts, partnership agreements, and other practice-related business matters — making her the perfect guest to discuss the FTC and potential changes to healthcare workers’ rights on this episode of Prosperous Doc. 
Earlier this year, the Federal Trade Commission proposed a new rule that would effectively ban employers from using noncompete clauses.
If you're in the health care, dentistry, or medicine sector, you know that these noncompete clauses are part of many employment contracts, often accompanied by negotiated “restrictive covenants.”  
The FTC claims these non-compete clauses suppress wages, hinder innovation, and prevent entrepreneurs from starting new businesses. The ban aims to force wage increases in the industry and expand career opportunities.
Tune in to this episode to hear Shane and Anu talk about all things noncompetes, as well as a ban’s potential impact. 

💡 Featured Guest 💡Name: Anu Murthy, Esq. 
What she does: Anu is a healthcare attorney and practice consultant who exclusively focuses on physician, dentist, and advanced care practitioner employment contracts, partnership agreements, and other practice-related business matters.
Company: Knowledgeable Aging
Words of wisdom: “I am telling my clients to disregard the proposed rule for the time being. It is not going to give you any clout or any power in negotiating at the moment [...] I would recommend that they seek legal counsel just to make sure that the employer is following the rule to the letter.”
Connect: LinkedIn | Website
⚡ Prosperous Insights ⚡[03:27] The proposition: Anu takes listeners through a brief history of the FTC’s proposed ban, with a focus on the impact this has had, and will continue to have, on healthcare providers. 
[05:36] A long way back: Anu discusses how noncompetes came into existence, which dates all the way back to England in 1440. 
[07:26] Independents included: The proposed rule not only includes W2 workers but independent contractors on 1099s, as well. 
[13:41] Different perspectives: Anu discusses the ban from the perspective of several groups — including providers, the American Hospitals Association (AHA) and the American Medical Association (AMA).
[18:47] Advice: Currently, Anu advises an employee negotiating a new contract to ignore the proposed rule and instead seek legal counsel to ensure employers are following all current rules. 
[21:20] The outlook: This new rule proposed by the FTC is something that has never been done before. If it were to pass, it would affect more than 30 million Americans with non-competes clauses in their employment contracts.  
Disclaimer: Prosperous Doc podcast by Spaugh Dameron Tenny highlights real-life stories from doctors and dentists to encourage and inspire listeners through discussions of professional successes and failures in addition to personal stories...

In a 2014 survey, the medical network Doximity found that over 72% of residents had negative feelings about negotiating their compensation, including feeling stressed, concerned, anxious, or lost. 
31% of physicians felt prepared to network, while only 9% felt ready to negotiate. It wasn’t just first-time attending doctors who felt that way — doctors seeking raises were also affected. 
It’s no wonder so many doctors feel anxious when few receive any training in contract negotiations.
But physicians shouldn't settle for less, says Ethan A. Nkana, Principle at the Rocky Mountain Physician Agency (RMPA), which advocates for doctors seeking fair contracts and compensation.
Having an advocate like Ethan helps in certain high-level situations, but you don’t necessarily have to hire an advocate to get what you want. In this episode of Prosperous Doc, Ethan talks with host Shane Tenny about everything you need to know about contract negotiations, whether you’re a graduating resident or an experienced physician. 

💡 Featured Guest 💡Name: Ethan A. Nkana, J.D., MBA
What he does: Ethan began his hospital administration journey as a Human Resources intern later expanding his skill set to hospital finance, physician contracting and compensation, hospital operations, and healthcare strategy. While working in physician contracting, Ethan observed that physicians frequently leave money and value on the table during their contract and salary negotiations.
Company: Rocky Mountain Physician Agency 
Words of wisdom: “If I could give one piece of advice to first-time attendings that would really help give them the best chance for success: get more than one offer.”
Connect: LinkedIn | Instagram
⚡ Prosperous Insights ⚡[02:21] Doctors need an advocate: Most people tend to think of doctors as high earners, but in reality, not all of them are.
[04:14] Get more than one offer: Ethan offers an important piece of advice for first-time attending physicians: getting more than one offer improves your negotiating position by giving you more control.
[09:55] Everything is negotiable: Health insurance packages might not be negotiable, but most other things are. He discusses the three negotiable parts of compensation.
[13:39] Student loan forgiveness: Student loan debt is a top concern for new physicians, some of whom have six figures worth of debt.
[17:34] Get the numbers: It’s important for doctors to understand how salary ranges differ according to region and care setting. Some websites you can find this data are Medscape, Doximity, Physicians Thrive, and Merritt Hawkins. Data can also be purchased through Sullivan Cotter and a...