The Dental CEO Podcast

In this episode of The Dental CEO Podcast, Dr. Scott Leune explores how virtual assistants are reshaping the modern dental practice. He breaks down why overburdened front desks, rising staffing costs, and hiring challenges make the VA-supported model so powerful. From insurance verification and patient recalls to answering missed calls and streamlining workflows, listeners will learn how practices...

In this episode of The Dental CEO Podcast, Scott Leune explores how dentistry is evolving around the world—and why the U.S. remains years ahead when it comes to the business side of practice ownership. From the rise of DSOs in Australia and Canada to untapped opportunities across Europe and beyond, Scott explains what non-U.S. dentists can learn from the American model to accelerate growth and sca...

In this episode of The Dental CEO Podcast, Scott Leune talks with Irene Janku—hygienist, educator, and practice owner in Toronto—about one of the most unconventional but thought-provoking models in dentistry: hygienist-owned practices. Together, they explore how this model works legally and financially, what it means for dentists and hygienists working side by side, and why it could reshape how pr...

In this episode of The Dental CEO Podcast, Scott Leune tackles one of the most important questions in the profession: does dentistry still make sense as a career? With record-high student debt, stagnant associate pay, and rising stress, many young dentists feel stuck in roles that limit income, autonomy, and fulfillment. Scott contrasts the challenges of associateships with the opportunities of pr...

In this episode of The Dental CEO Podcast, Scott sits down with Ophir Tanz, founder and CEO of Pearl, to explore how AI is transforming dental practices—from radiology that detects more disease to automated charting, treatment planning, and real-time claims. These tools reduce inefficiencies, minimize errors, and build greater patient trust. They also look ahead to 3D imaging, ambient note-taking,...

In this episode of The Dental CEO Podcast, Dr. Scott Leune explains why most dental exams are inconsistent and miss valuable treatment opportunities. He introduces a structured assessment protocol for the hygiene chair that standardizes preventive, Perio, Ortho, Implant, Sleep, and Cosmetic evaluations. By following this “recipe” for thorough exams, practices can improve patient care, capture more...

In this episode of The Dental CEO Podcast, Dr. Scott Leune tackles one of the toughest challenges in private practice ownership: building fair and effective associate agreements. Drawing from years of experience, he breaks down the 10 most important elements to include—tiered compensation, lab fee adjustments, guarantees, notice clauses, CE commitments, referral expectations, column load managemen...

In this inspiring episode of The Dental CEO Podcast, Dr. Scott Leune sits down with comedian, author, and motivational speaker Zach Anner to explore how resilience, humor, and community can transform life’s toughest challenges into opportunities. Born with cerebral palsy, Zach shares his journey from winning Oprah’s reality show and creating viral YouTube content to writing for television and beco...

In this episode of The Dental CEO Podcast, Dr. Scott Leune sits down with top motivational speaker Laura Gassner Otting to share how practice owners can reset their goals, strengthen leadership, and retain top talent. Drawing from decades of experience interviewing high-performing executives, Laura explains how to align your “three buckets” of money, freedom, and passion, and create a culture wher...

Scott talks with Rob Bay, co-founder of Dental Intelligence and current chairman of Alta. Ai, about how practices can save time, improve hygiene production, and reduce burnout without adding staff. They explore the systems and strategies that are reshaping clinical efficiency and giving doctors and teams more time to focus on what matters most—patients.

This week on The Dental CEO Podcast, Scott Leune sits down with conflict resolution expert Gabe Karp—TEDx speaker, author of Don’t Get Mad at Penguins, and former trial lawyer—for a powerful conversation about confronting conflict in dental practices. Together, they explore why ignoring issues fuels burnout, how to reframe tough conversations, and the simple weekly meeting that could transform you...

This week on The Dental CEO Podcast, Scott Leune sits down with Erin Stafford—author of The Type A Trap, social psychologist, and former head of marketing for a $11B healthcare company—for a candid conversation about high achievement, burnout, and how to reclaim your life without sacrificing success. Erin shares her own journey from burnout to balance and offers practical tools to help dentists st...

This week on The Dental CEO Podcast, Scott Leune sits down with Dr. Rebecca Heiss—biologist, stress expert, and author of Instinct—to explore why so many dental professionals feel stuck in survival mode. They dive into how our evolutionary wiring impacts decision-making, leadership, and burnout—and what you can do to break the cycle. From fear-based habits to building intentional routines, this ep...

In this episode of The Dental CEO Podcast, Scott Leune talks with Jana Macon, President of Curve Dental, about how AI and cloud-based technology are rapidly transforming the way dental practices operate. From automating insurance verification and scheduling to streamlining clinical notes and claims processing, Jana shares what’s coming—and what’s already here. They also dive into why outdated syst...

In this episode of The Dental CEO Podcast, Scott Leune breaks down the single most effective tool he’s used to retain high-performing associates and team leaders—profits interests. He explains how this strategy allows owners to share in profits without giving up equity or control, all while incentivizing long-term loyalty and performance. Whether you're looking to reward your best people or create...

In this episode of The Dental CEO Podcast, Scott Leune sits down with Ryan Estis—keynote speaker, executive coach, and author of Prepare for Impact—to discuss the shift from command-and-control management to human-centered leadership. They explore how building trust, investing in employee growth, and leading with empathy can help dental practice owners improve team engagement, reduce turnover, and...

In this episode of The Dental CEO Podcast, Scott Leune asks a question most dentists overlook: Are you happy? He explores the disconnect many practice owners feel between outward success and inner fulfillment—and why achieving more isn’t always the answer. If your practice is thriving but something still feels off, this episode is for you.

Seth Mattison joins Dr. Scott Leune to explore how leading with love can transform your dental practice—from patient experience to team culture. They discuss how intentionality and human connection can drive loyalty, retention, and long-term growth. If you're tired of the grind and ready to build something meaningful, this episode offers a bold new perspective.

In this episode of The Dental CEO Podcast, Dr. Scott Leune unveils The Path—a strategic, margin-first approach to scaling your dental practice without sacrificing your freedom, profits, or peace of mind. From dropping low-paying insurance plans and mastering case acceptance to building a low-overhead “micro practice” within your existing operation, Scott shares how to create a business that funds...

In this episode of The Dental CEO Podcast, Dr. Scott Leune sits down with Dr. Jordan Sanders, founder of Knox Mountain Dentistry and Ascend Dental Education, to explore what it really takes to build a thriving dental practice—and an even more fulfilling life. From launching a startup during COVID to hitting $3 million in collections, Dr. Sanders shares how he broke free from burnout by offloading...

In this episode of The Dental CEO Podcast, Dr. Scott Leune breaks down a simple yet powerful framework for becoming a more effective CEO in your dental practice. If you’re overwhelmed, distracted, or constantly putting out fires, this system will help you regain control. Scott shares how to organize your day using a pocket-sized to-do list, delegate tasks with real accountability, protect your per...

This week on The Dental CEO Podcast, Scott Leune welcomes Josh Sundquist—Paralympian, bestselling author, Emmy-winning producer, and viral content creator—for an unforgettable conversation about resilience, humor, and perspective. From losing his leg to cancer at age nine to racing for Team USA and producing his own Apple TV+ show, Josh shares the mindset shifts that helped him turn adversity into...

In this hard-hitting episode of The Dental CEO® Podcast, Dr. Scott Leune exposes a harsh reality many dentists don't realize until it's too late: how thousands have unknowingly given away their practices for free. Scott breaks down the flawed financial models behind DSO deals, explains why staying on after selling can quietly wipe out your true value, and challenges the assumptions that trap owner...

Dr. Scott Leune talks with Dr. Anthony Price about how he built a cosmetic dentistry brand that attracts local celebrities, delivers 40+ virtual consults a month, and aligns completely with his personal passion and lifestyle. They discuss branding, social media, and how to create a practice that supports your life instead of consuming it. This episode is a blueprint for any dentist looking to find...

In this episode of The Dental CEO Podcast, Scott Leune explores a rarely discussed but crucial topic: how to maximize the value of a dental practice group, especially with multiple locations. Using a three-location scenario, he breaks down strategic decisions around growth, structure, operations, and financial management that can significantly impact long-term value—whether you're looking to sell,...