Next Gen DDS

Hosted by Wes Lyon

Business Management Entrepreneurship

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Latest episode

Oct 2026

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About the show

Young dentists are faced with some of the most important decisions in their careers right out of school, and yet most of the advice out there is geared towards retiring dentists. We’re here to change that. NextGenDDS focuses on providing clarity and actionable advice to young dentists. Join your hosts, Dr. Scott Menaker and Mario Santiago CPA, CFP®, as they guide young dentists on both the financial and clinical aspects of dentistry. About Us For over 40 years, their team has helped dentists exceed their goals through tax planning, financial planning, financial consulting, practice transitions, wealth management, legal services, and continuing education events, by providing objective and sound advice to doctors in every career stage. The group also publishes The McGill & Lyon Dental Advisory, a dental business publication offering valuable insights for all dentists. The McGill & Lyon Dental Advisory provides strategies and advice to help minimize federal and state income taxes, maximize practice profits, reduce overhead expenses, and create and protect your wealth. Membership includes monthly issues, searchable archives, special reports and bulletins, Q&As, financial calculators, forms, guides, letters, and more! Host Biographies: Scott Menaker, DDS Dr. Scott Menaker enjoyed a successful 38-year career as a practicing dentist, before transitioning to pursue his passion of helping young dentists succeed. Scott now works as a buyer representative, helping young dentists purchase practices and avoid the pitfalls of a failed transition. Mario Santiago, CPA, CFP® Mario Santiago is a tax, business, and financial planning advisor who works exclusively with dentists and dental specialists across the country. He helps doctors reduce taxes, improve practice profitability, and plan confidently for retirement, and is a frequent speaker for local, state, and national dental organizations. Having grown up with two dentist parents, Mario brings a unique perspective and a commitment to honest, objective guidance.

Listen to episodes

45 recent

October 9, 2026Episode 4524 min

The Real Benefits of Ownership I Associateships Unpacked

Mario and Scott sit down for another episode of Associateships Unpacked to discuss the real financial benefits of practice ownership beyond having more control. From maximizing take-home income and tax savings to managing debt and planning for retirement, they break down why ownership can create greater opportunities for building long-term wealth and why dentists shouldn’t wait until they’re debt-free to start planning for their financial future. _____________________________________________________________ Want to submit a question that Mario and Scott will answer on the next episode? Email us at newsletter@mcgillandlyon.com If you're not already, subscribe to The McGill & Lyon Dental Advisory newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things practice management, tax saving, and more! Students and residents- sign up for your FREE membership at mcgillandlyon.com/student Listen to our sister show, Drilling It Down! Listen as our expert advisors break down pertinent business topics for dentists and specialists, including investment commentary, reaching financial independence, and how to run an efficient practice.

September 25, 2026Episode 4423 min

Vetting a Practice Before You Buy I Associateships Unpacked

Mario and Scott sit down on today’s episode to discuss what dentists should look for when vetting a practice purchase. From asking price and profitability to revenue mix, growth potential, location, and goodwill, they break down why the numbers are only part of the decision and why asking the right questions can help determine whether a practice is truly the right fit. _____________________________________________________________ Want to submit a question that Mario and Scott will answer on the next episode? Email us at newsletter@mcgillandlyon.com If you're not already, subscribe to The McGill & Lyon Dental Advisory newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things practice management, tax saving, and more! Students and residents- sign up for your FREE membership at mcgillandlyon.com/student Listen to our sister show, Drilling It Down! Listen as our expert advisors break down pertinent business topics for dentists and specialists, including investment commentary, reaching financial independence, and how to run an efficient practice.

September 11, 2026Episode 4325 min

Numbers Don't Lie, People Lie I Associateships Unpacked

Mario and Scott sit down on today’s episode to discuss what happens when an associateship starts moving toward partnership or ownership. After two or three years in a practice, the numbers need to make sense before taking the next step. From practice value and structuring a buy-in to compensation, taxes, and ownership responsibilities, they discuss why planning ahead protects both sides and how to determine whether an ownership opportunity truly makes sense. _____________________________________________________________ Want to submit a question that Mario and Scott will answer on the next episode? Email us at newsletter@mcgillandlyon.com If you're not already, subscribe to The McGill & Lyon Dental Advisory newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things practice management, tax saving, and more! Students and residents- sign up for your FREE membership at mcgillandlyon.com/student Listen to our sister show, Drilling It Down! Listen as our expert advisors break down pertinent business topics for dentists and specialists, including investment commentary, reaching financial independence, and how to run an efficient practice.

August 28, 2026Episode 4224 min

Act Like a Partner Before You Are One I Associateships Unpacked

Mario and Scott sit down on today's episode to discuss what you can do to show you're partnership material before you even become one! It's a similar idea to the phrase, "Dress for the job you want." To show a senior doctor you'd be a good partner, you need to take steps to show your initiative and drive. Whether it be training other employees or showing an interest in the business side of the practice, a senior doctor will take notice that you go the extra mile. _____________________________________________________________ Want to submit a question that Mario and Scott will answer on the next episode? Email us at newsletter@mcgillandlyon.com If you're not already, subscribe to The McGill & Lyon Dental Advisory newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things practice management, tax saving, and more! Students and residents- sign up for your FREE membership at mcgillandlyon.com/student Listen to our sister show, Drilling It Down! Listen as our expert advisors break down pertinent business topics for dentists and specialists, including investment commentary, reaching financial independence, and how to run an efficient practice.

August 14, 2026Episode 4125 min

Are You Looking for an Opportunity or Experience? I Associateships Unpacked

Mario and Scott are back for another new season of NextGenDDS! This season, entitled Associateships Unpacked, will highlight everything you need to know before becoming an associate, things you can be doing to succeed during your associateship, the legal stipulations of signing an associateship contract, and more. Today's episode focuses on the two overarching goals an associateship can accomplish: gaining clinical experience or possibly leading to a partnership or ownership opportunity. It's important to determine BEFORE signing a contract which goal you're after and whether the practices you're looking at will be able to provide you with experience or opportunity you're after. _____________________________________________________________ Want to submit a question that Mario and Scott will answer on the next episode? Email us at newsletter@mcgillandlyon.com If you're not already, subscribe to The McGill & Lyon Dental Advisory newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things practice management, tax saving, and more! Students and residents- sign up for your FREE membership at mcgillandlyon.com/student Listen to our sister show, Drilling It Down! Listen as our expert advisors break down pertinent business topics for dentists and specialists, including investment commentary, reaching financial independence, and how to run an efficient practice.

July 31, 2026Episode 4023 min

Why Profitable Practices Still Go Broke I Debt Defined

Why do profitable dental practices still struggle financially? In this episode, Mario and Scott break down one of the most misunderstood concepts in dentistry: cash flow. They explain the difference between profit and cash flow, why both matter, and how understanding the movement of money through your practice can help you make smarter financial decisions. Whether you're an associate preparing for ownership or already running a practice, this episode will give you a stronger foundation for long-term success. _____________________________________________________________ Want to submit a question that Mario and Scott will answer on the next episode? Email us at newsletter@mcgillandlyon.com If you're not already, subscribe to The McGill & Lyon Dental Advisory newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things practice management, tax saving, and more! Students and residents- sign up for your FREE membership at mcgillandlyon.com/student Listen to our sister show, Drilling It Down! Listen as our expert advisors break down pertinent business topics for dentists and specialists, including investment commentary, reaching financial independence, and how to run an efficient practice.

July 17, 2026Episode 3925 min

Plan First, Buy Second I Debt Defined

Buying a dental practice is a major milestone, but it shouldn’t be the first step in your journey. In this episode, Mario and Scott explore the idea of “planning first, buying second” and why young dentists should start with a clear vision for their career. From choosing the right first job to understanding what a senior doctor is looking for, they discuss how alignment between your goals and the decisions you make can set you up for long-term success. Whether your goal is to remain an associate or eventually own a practice, the right plan can make all the difference. _____________________________________________________________ Want to submit a question that Mario and Scott will answer on the next episode? Email us at newsletter@mcgillandlyon.com If you're not already, subscribe to The McGill & Lyon Dental Advisory newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things practice management, tax saving, and more! Students and residents- sign up for your FREE membership at mcgillandlyon.com/student Listen to our sister show, Drilling It Down! Listen as our expert advisors break down pertinent business topics for dentists and specialists, including investment commentary, reaching financial independence, and how to run an efficient practice.

July 3, 2026Episode 3824 min

Handling Student Loan Debt I Debt Defined

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 on the next episode? Email us at newsletter@mcgillandlyon.com If you're not already, subscribe to The McGill & Lyon Dental Advisory newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things practice management, tax saving, and more! Students and residents- sign up for your FREE membership at mcgillandlyon.com/student Listen to our sister show, Drilling It Down! Listen as our expert advisors break down pertinent business topics for dentists and specialists, including investment commentary, reaching financial independence, and how to run an efficient practice.

June 19, 2026Episode 3723 min

Be Wary of Bad Debt I Debt Defined

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 Scott will answer on the next episode? Email us at newsletter@mcgillandlyon.com If you're not already, subscribe to The McGill & Lyon Dental Advisory newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things practice management, tax saving, and more! Students and residents- sign up for your FREE membership at mcgillandlyon.com/student Listen to our sister show, Drilling It Down! Listen as our expert advisors break down pertinent business topics for dentists and specialists, including investment commentary, reaching financial independence, and how to run an efficient practice.

June 5, 2026Episode 3623 min

Taking on Good Debt I Debt Defined

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 actually pay off! _____________________________________________________________ Want to submit a question that Mario and Scott will answer on the next episode? Email us at newsletter@mcgillandlyon.com If you're not already, subscribe to The McGill & Lyon Dental Advisory newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things practice management, tax saving, and more! Students and residents- sign up for your FREE membership at mcgillandlyon.com/student Listen to our sister show, Drilling It Down! Listen as our expert advisors break down pertinent business topics for dentists and specialists, including investment commentary, reaching financial independence, and how to run an efficient practice.