The Future of Dentistry

The next era of dentistry is about more than numbers; it’s about the legacy you build every day. In this episode of The Future of Dentistry, Anne Duffy sits down with Dr. Victoria Peterson, co-founder of Productive Dentist Academy, to unravel what actually makes a dental practice “investible” in today’s evolving landscape. With decades of experience guiding owners through the Investment Grade Prac...

What if the future of dentistry was shaped not just by innovation, but by the way we gather, grow, and build community? That’s exactly what’s in store as Anne Duffy welcomes Dr. Philip Schefke, incoming president of the Chicago Dental Society, to discuss what’s next for the 2026 CDS Midwinter Meeting. Dr. Schefke shares visionary changes, starting with a revamped, attendee-friendly website designe...

Today we're discovering how the principles of CrossFit and expert coaching can empower women practice owners to become bold, effective leaders in dentistry! Ken Kilday, CEO of Leader's Cut, sits down with Anne Duffy on today's episode to unpack leadership challenges and share his journey from financial services to becoming a renowned executive leadership coach. Ken focuses on the unique...

Is your inner critic holding you back from becoming the leader you were meant to be? On this episode of The Future of Dentistry podcast, Anne Duffy sits down with executive coach Thomas Passalacqua to unravel the power of clarity and human connection in entrepreneurial success. Drawing from his rich background in education and sales, Thomas shares his path to discovering his passion for...

Could authentic connections with family and community be the ultimate catalysts for your practice’s lasting success? In this popular rerun episode from The Future of Dentistry, we dive into the inspiring journeys of Dr. Amy Wenninghoff and Sara Hansen, as they reflect on the paths that led them to professional success and personal fulfillment. Dr. Amy unfolds her story from dental school in Minnes...

What if your practice management software could help spotlight your team and your patients rather than cause tech headaches? In this episode, Anne Duffy sits down with Mike Huffaker, Chief Revenue Officer of Planet DDS, for a candid conversation that bridges the worlds of retail and dentistry. Mike shares his unexpected journey from high-end fashion sales at Nordstrom and an Italian luxu...

What if every patient had a roadmap to push past red tape and demand better care? In this episode of The Future of Dentistry, Anne Duffy sits down with Dr. Bryan Laskin to unravel the challenges and rewards of innovating within one of healthcare’s most traditional industries. Dr. Laskin, a prolific tech entrepreneur and founder of OperaDDS, Toothapps, and more, shares how his mission to streamline...

Dental teams everywhere are facing burnout from endless administrative tasks. Here’s how forward-thinking practices are reclaiming their time! In this episode of The Future of Dentistry, host Anne Duffy sits down with Cory Pinegar, CEO of Reach, to uncover the inside story of entrepreneurial grit, innovative leadership, and scaling a startup in the competitive dental industry. Cory reveals the piv...

What does running a successful dental practice have in common with coaching elite athletes? In this episode, we explore the winning strategies dentists can use to build vibrant teams and lead with confidence (straight from the playbook of a sports psychologist turned dental leadership coach.) Host Anne Duffy sits down with Dr. Dave Striegel, who shares his fascinating journey from sports psycholog...

What does truly being a "stress-free dental professional" mean, and is it possible? In this candid episode of The Future of Dentistry, host Anne Duffy reconnects with Dr. Eric Block—practicing dentist, author, and advocate for change—for an honest look at the personal side of life behind the dental chair. Dr. Block reveals the ups and downs of his journey, from the life-changing dental procedure t...

Feeling stuck on the hamster wheel of achievement, yet more exhausted than ever? This episode of The Future of Dentistry dives deep into the hidden toll high achievers quietly pay (and how it’s never too late to reclaim your well-being.) Anne Duffy sits down with Dr. Eric Recker, who opens up about his battle with burnout after years of trying to prove himself by taking on too much. From...

How do some dental teams stay resilient while others buckle under the weight of the day-to-day stress? In this heartfelt conversation, Anne Duffy and Amy Morgan peel back the curtain on what’s really happening inside today’s dental teams, and why wellness, strategy, and leadership matter more than ever. Amy Morgan, Vice President of Practice Growth Strategies at Spear Education, shares e...

Are your business bank accounts a maze of confusion rather than a map to your goals? This episode of The Future of Dentistry pulls back the curtain on a transformative system that’s helping dentists reclaim control of their money (and their peace of mind.) Host Anne Duffy sits down with Barb Stackhouse, a dental hygienist-turned-entrepreneur and author of "Profit First for Dentists." Barb sha...

What if your office's brand story was the most powerful marketing tool you had and you’re not even using it to its fullest potential? Imagine connecting with your patients in a way that goes far beyond routine check-ups and cleanings; so deeply that your brand becomes their top-of-mind choice. In this episode of The Future of Dentistry podcast, host Anne Duffy sits down with Joshua Scott...

How can a dentist’s life outside the operatory fuel their success inside it? In this episode, Anne Duffy chats with Dr. Louis Kaufman—a leader in dentistry whose story bridges family legacy, professional growth, and personal fulfillment. From childhood memories following his father to the dental office, to a pivotal career shift from business to dentistry, Dr. Kaufman reveals how purpose and...

This CEO is on a mission to ensure practice owners never have to choose between growth and autonomy. In this episode, Anne Duffy sits down with Ian McNickle, co-founder and CEO of ICON Dental Partners, to explore his remarkable pivot from mechanical engineering and high-tech corporate life to shaping dental entrepreneurship. Ian opens up about his early realization that corporate work wasn’t...

What if your first summer job set the stage for your lifelong passion and purpose? In this episode of The Future of Dentistry, we sit down with Atia Black, Director of Business Development for the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) and the DALE Foundation, to share an inspiring journey that began with helping at a neighbor’s dental practice as a teenager. Atia’s story is one of purpose, g...

Does the next generation of dentists have what it takes to reshape the industry—and what can we learn from their drive? In this episode of The Future of Dentistry, we meet Ryan O’Donnell, a second-year dental student whose passion for both patient care and entrepreneurship puts her ahead of the curve.  Ryan begins by discussing her recent sewing projects, providing a glimpse into he...

What truly drives the rapid wave of mergers and acquisitions sweeping through the dental industry? In this rerun episode of The Future of Dentistry, Anne Duffy sits down with legal titan William S. Barrett, CEO and partner at Mandelbaum Barrett PC, to unpack the forces reshaping dental practices today. Drawing on his pivotal role with the National Dental Law Group, William offers a front-row persp...

Are you using data to its fullest potential in your practice? Today we're discovering how to leverage data in dentistry with Justin Strong, the innovative founder and CEO of Room 118 Inc. In this episode, Justin opens up about his intriguing journey from the tech sector into the dynamic realm of dental marketing. He reveals how Room 118's dental marketing index is set to revolutionize the ind...

It's time to throw out our business cards! Today we're learning how to build meaningful connections that go beyond traditional networking strategies. Join Anne Duffy on today's episode of Dental Entrepreneur, The Future of Dentistry as she sits down with Karan Nijhawan, the mastermind behind The Expansion Project. Karan shares his unique journey from actor to life coach, and how he now helps denti...

What does the future hold for dental entrepreneurship, and how can you be a part of it? In this episode of The Future of Dentistry, host Anne Duffy reunites with her long-time colleague and friend, Mary Fisher-Day, to explore the evolving landscape of dental entrepreneurship. Mary, newly appointed as president of the Dental Entrepreneur Board, shares her vast experience in the dental industry as s...

Imagine a world where dental visits are quick, painless, and remarkably effective for your patients. Thanks to revolutionary technology, we may be closer than you think! Today we're diving into the future of dental care with Nathan Monty, the visionary co-founder and CEO of Enamel Pure. In this episode, Nathan shares how his company is pioneering a new era in oral health through groundbr...

What goes into creating industry-leading technologies in orthodontics? Dive into this captivating episode as Dr. Marc Lemchen, an orthodontist-turned-inventor, shares his journey of innovation in the dental industry. From the genesis of revolutionary imaging software to pioneering robotic assistance in clinics, Dr. Lemchen's zeal for technological advancement has helped transform the fabric o...

What's the key to a smooth transition when buying or selling a dental practice? Today we have Thad Miller, the pioneering founder of DDSmatch, and Samantha Klausner, the dynamic director of marketing on the podcast. Together, they unveil the strategic growth and success of DDSmatch, focusing on their unique approach to linking dentists seeking to buy or sell practices. Thad delves into the es...