In this episode of Practice on Fire, let's dive into three crucial listener questions that tackle some of the biggest challenges in dentistry today: hiring in a tough market, scheduling for efficiency, and making smart financial moves early in your career.
🔥 Finding a Hygienist in a Rural Area – Andrew has been searching for a hygienist for over five months with no luck. With no available hires and a full patient load, he’s struggling to balance productivity. I break down two approaches: creative hiring strategies vs. rethinking the traditional family practice model. Could shifting to an emergency-based, denture & implant, or out-of-network model be the game-changer?
⏳ Fixing an Overloaded Schedule – Gary is running behind despite carefully separating production and non-production tasks. The issue? Underestimating how small tasks add up. I break down why time buffers are essential, how to schedule smarter by spreading out non-productive procedures, and the key adjustments that will help you stop playing catch-up all day.
💰 Investing as a Young Dentist – Amy, a new grad, is wondering: Should she put extra cash toward a home down payment or her 401(k)? My take? Your biggest asset isn’t your savings—it’s your earning potential. I lay out a five-year CE roadmap designed to boost income exponentially, why early investments in skills and practice ownership will always outperform early debt payoff, and the mindset shift that separates high-earning dentists from those stuck in mediocrity.
This episode is packed with actionable insights to help you think bigger about your career. Don’t just work in your practice—start working on your future.

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