Next Gen DDS

Student loan debt can shape every stage of a dentist's career, but it doesn't have to hinder your future. Join Scott and Mario as they break down repayment strategies, common mistakes, and practical ways to manage dental school loans while building long-term financial security.  _____________________________________________________________ Want to submit a question that Mario and Scott will answer...

Today, Scott and Mario sit down to caution their listeners on acquiring bad debt. Bad debt includes excessive car loans, credit card debt, and more. While bad debt is sometimes necessary, it's best to be cognizant of how much you're acquiring and spending below your means. Listen to learn more! _____________________________________________________________ Want to submit a question that Mario and S...

Mario and Scott take a deeper dive into good debt on this episode. They explain the types of good debt a dentist can take on and what qualifies certain debt as "good." But beware! Just because taking on certain debt may seem like a good investment, that doesn't mean it always is. Scott and Mario share what to be careful of when taking on debt and how to ensure you're taking on debt you can actuall...

Scott and Mario are back for a brand new season of NextGenDDS! This season, Debt Defined, will focus on all the types of debt a dentist may incur over their career. The word "debt" often carries a negative connotation, but not all debt is bad! On this episode, Mario and Scott discuss good and bad debt, what the difference is between the two, and what types of debt fall into both categories. ______...

We've reached the final episode of our "Building Your Team" season! On the season finale, Scott and Mario discuss some dentists' most daunting role as a business owner: the head of HR. They discuss how HR policies have changed over the years and the need for updated, written guidelines to protect your business and ensure all employees understand your expectations. We'll be back shortly with the st...

From your first contract to owning a practice, legal decisions shape your financial future more than most dentists expect. In this episode, we break down exactly when and why dentists need a lawyer across every stage of their career. From choosing the right business entity to reviewing employment agreements, partnership deals, and practice purchase contracts, the legal decisions you make early can...

There are a lot of insurance options out there - so how do you know which insurance you actually need and how much coverage to have? Mario and Scott discuss everything insurance on today's episode! When we hear "insurance" in regards to a dental practice, it can mean one of two things: the dental insurance patients use to cover their visits, or the insurance policies that practice owners purchase...

High income doesn’t automatically mean smart financial decisions! On this episode, Scott and Mario explore why young doctors should consider partnering with a financial advisor sooner rather than later. They discuss practical investment strategies, what fair advisor fees actually look like, and how to avoid costly mistakes so your financial future is as strong as your dental career! ______________...

What's the difference between a CPA, a tax advisor, and a financial advisor? Scott and Mario distinguish between the three and explain the difference in responsibilities and services that each one provides. They hone in on the role of a tax advisor and how they can work alongside your CPA to lower your tax bill as much as possible. If you want to ensure you're keeping the most of your hard-earned...

On this episode, Mario and Scott dive into one of the most overlooked but critical decisions for dentists: selecting the right CPA. Not all accountants understand the unique financial, tax, and growth strategies required in dentistry — and choosing the wrong one can cost you far more than you think. They break down what to look for, what to avoid, and how the right CPA becomes a long-term strategi...

Thinking about buying a dental practice? Don’t do it alone. In this episode, Mario and Scott sit down to break down the critical role a transitions advisor plays when purchasing a dental practice. From valuation and negotiations to due diligence and closing, they explain why having the right advisor in your corner can save you time, money, and costly mistakes. Interested in speaking with Dr. Scott...

In this episode, Mario and Scott sit down to discuss the different career paths dentists can pursue, from associateships to partnerships to full practice ownership. They break down the tradeoffs of each option and share practical tips to help dental students and new graduates find the right opportunities in the field. Episodes will be released every other Friday for the rest of the spring semester...

NextGenDDS is BACK with a new season and host for 2026!✨ Dr. Scott Menaker is joined with new host, Mario Santiago, CPA, CFP, to discuss anything and everything dental students and young dentists need to know to be successful in their careers. In this episode, Mario and Scott sit down to discuss the importance of building a strong team of advisors to lean on during your years in practice. This ep...

In this episode of Next Gen DDS, co-hosts Wes Lyon and Dr. Scott Menaker explore the crucial role of personal branding in dental practices, asserting that successful branding goes beyond mere advertisements and service promotion. Wes argues against the misconception that purchasing a practice guarantees patient referrals, emphasizing that authentic patient care and communication are key to effecti...

On this episode of NextGenDDS, hosts Wes Lyon and Dr. Scott Menaker explore the impact of distractions and disruptions faced by today's dental professionals. Wes opens the dialogue by sharing his enthusiasm for understanding how external factors influence new dentists' career paths. Dr. Menaker reflects on pivotal disruptions he experienced, from the AIDS crisis to COVID-19, and underscores the ne...

On this episode of NextGenDDS, hosts Wes Lyon and Dr. Scott Menaker explore the critical realm of dental insurance and reimbursement, emphasizing its essential role for new practitioners. Wes underscores the necessity of grasping the fundamentals of dental insurance before entering practice, particularly how reimbursement dynamics influence associate contracts and revenue streams. Dr. Menaker offe...

On this episode of NextGenDDS, hosts Wes Lyon and Dr. Scott Menaker discuss the importance of representation in dental practice transactions. Wes voices his concerns over the rise in dual representation during practice sales, which often compromises the interests of young buyers. They stress the importance of having independent representation and share insights from Dr. Menaker’s extensive experie...

On this episode of NextGenDDS, Dr. Scott Menaker and Wes Lyon explore the critical link between dental practices and real estate investments. They discuss how many dentists may overlook the long-term implications of property ownership when purchasing a practice, sharing cautionary tales of financial disruptions caused by unexpected relocations. The hosts highlight the importance of controlling rea...

On this episode of Next Gen DDS, Wes and Scott emphasize the "Three Ps" for long-term success in dentistry: patience, persistence, and perseverance. They explore how these principles guide dental professionals through the challenges of practice ownership, highlighting that success requires time and thoughtful effort. Scott discusses the importance of patience in establishing a solid practice found...

On this episode of Next Gen DDS, co-hosts Wesley Lyon and Dr. Scott Menaker discuss the compelling benefits of dental practice ownership for young dentists, emphasizing the control and autonomy it provides. They address common concerns like student debt and the complexities of buying a practice while highlighting the long-term financial and personal advantages, including tax benefits. The duo iden...

On this episode, Scott and Wes tackle the essential yet challenging topic of goal setting in the dental profession. They discuss the significance of establishing realistic and motivating goals for professional growth. Dr. Menaker shares his transformative journey from skepticism to advocacy for effective goal setting, highlighting the important belief of accountability within teams. They offer pra...

On this episode, Dr. Scott Menaker and Wes Lyon explore the complex role of dentists as both practitioners and CEOs. They discuss the unique challenges dental practice owners face in balancing clinical duties and leadership responsibilities. Dr. Menaker reflects on the necessity of effective time management, delegation, and the importance of making difficult staffing decisions for team harmony and...

On this episode of NextGenDDS, Wes and Scott explore the complex landscape of dental insurance and its historical evolution since the mid-1980s. They discuss how the initial perception of dental insurance as a patient benefit has transformed into a reimbursement-focused model that imposes significant restrictions on fees, impacting both earnings and patient care. The conversation highlights the ch...

In this episode, Wes and Scott discuss the importance of caution when considering enticing investment opportunities. They cover the hidden risks in high-return propositions, such as whole life insurance, annuities and DSO partnerships, emphasizing the need for thorough research and expert advice. By advocating for due diligence and prudent decision-making, Wes and Scott aim to steer listeners away...

Today, Scott and Wes explore the lesson of avoiding snap judgments and embracing empathy through a touching patient story. Stressing the importance of listening, providing options, and showing respect to all, they highlight the lasting impact of our interactions with others. They urge a mindful, graceful approach in all encounters, emphasizing understanding and refraining from quick assessments. W...