The Lifestyle Practice Podcast For Dentists

Hosted by Justin Short, Derek Williams, Steve Van De Graaff, Matt Vogt

Business Entrepreneurship Health Fitness

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Episodes

300

Latest episode

Jul 2026

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About the show

The Lifestyle Practice Podcast was created to help dentists obtain their desired life by creating uncommonly successful dental practices. Ready to work with us? Visit thelifestylepractice.com for more information

Listen to episodes

60 recent

July 6, 2026Episode 31642 min

315. He Bought a Practice in 6 Months — Meet TLP's Newest Partner

We're thrilled to welcome our newest partner to The Lifestyle Practice — Dr. Raheel Haider! In this episode, Derek Williams, Matt Vogt, and Steve Van De Graaff sit down with Raheel to talk dental practice ownership, financial freedom for dentists, and the mindset shifts that took him from a burned-out associate with imposter syndrome to a confident practice owner growing his dental practice 50% in under a year. Raheel shares his journey from growing up in Dallas, Texas, with immigrant parents who pushed dentistry as "the way out," to discovering personal finance and financial literacy in college after a missed car payment wrecked his credit score. He walks through his dental school strategy at UNLV, why he prioritized clinical volume over grades, how he found and negotiated his first dental practice acquisition, and the exact playbook he used to grow collections without adding new procedures — renegotiating insurance, fixing front desk phone answer rates, and pricing corrections. If you're a dental student, associate dentist, or practice owner interested in dental practice ownership, financial independence for dentists, or scaling a dental practice through better systems (not more chairside hours), this episode is packed with practical lessons. Connect with Dr. Raheel Haider: 📘 FREE EBOOK — "How to Achieve Financial Freedom in Seven Years or Less": https://the-lifestyle-practice.com/home-page-page 🔗 Coaching & TLP Academy → https://thelifestylepractice.com 📩 raheel@thelifestylepractice.com 👥 FB Group: Financial Freedom, Retire Early for Dentists → https://www.facebook.com/share/g/18C1jHTJb6/?mibextid=wwXIfr Connect with us: Take our FREE lifestyle and practice assessment: https://thelifestylepractice.com/practice-assesment/ Learn more about 1-on-1 coaching: https://thelifestylepractice.com/coaching-services/ Get access to TLP Academy: https://thelifestylepractice.com/coaching-services/ Get the TLP Student Academy for $20 (lifetime access): https://the-lifestyle-practice.teachable.com/p/studentacademy Subscribe to The Lifestyle Practice Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tlp-podcast-for-dentists/id1476544801 Email Derek at derek@thelifestylepractice.com Email Matt at matt@thelifestylepractice.com Email Steve at steve@thelifestylepractice.com

June 29, 2026Episode 31530 min

314. The Practice Everyone Else Ignored Changed His Life

In just over three months of practice ownership, Dr. Tim Balzen has already produced double the income he made last year as an associate — and he's closing on a second building in a few weeks to keep up with demand. In this episode, Dr. Tim sits down with Steve to walk through the five-year, multi-state journey that led him from a saturated Boise market to a three-op practice in a small Missouri town, and everything that's happened since closing day. He gets candid about the offices he almost bought (and why he didn't), the moment three team members broke down crying in his first month, the insurance call that earned him an instant 20% fee bump, and the neighboring dentist whose letter to patients accidentally sent over 100 new appointments his way. If you're a dentist or dental student weighing ownership, this one is packed with practical, no-fluff lessons on how to actually pull it off — and why the path is rarely a straight line. Learn more about The Lifestyle Practice and the work behind Tim's journey at thelifestylepractice.com. Connect with us: Take our FREE lifestyle and practice assessment: https://thelifestylepractice.com/practice-assesment/ Learn more about 1-on-1 coaching: https://thelifestylepractice.com/coaching-services/ Get access to TLP Academy: https://thelifestylepractice.com/coaching-services/ Get the TLP Student Academy for $20 (lifetime access): https://the-lifestyle-practice.teachable.com/p/studentacademy Subscribe to The Lifestyle Practice Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tlp-podcast-for-dentists/id1476544801 Email Derek at derek@thelifestylepractice.com Email Matt at matt@thelifestylepractice.com Email Steve at steve@thelifestylepractice.com

June 22, 2026Episode 31442 min

313. Dental Practice Startup vs. Acquisition: Which Path Leads to Success?

In this episode of The Lifestyle Practice Podcast, Dr. Matt Vogt and Dr. Derek Williams dive deep into what it really takes to succeed as a dental practice owner—whether you're starting from scratch or acquiring an established practice. Are you thinking about starting a dental practice but unsure if it's the right move? In this dental practice startup guide, Matt shares his honest coaching approach to evaluating potential dental entrepreneurs. Unlike typical "you can do it" motivational advice, Matt takes a neutral, wisdom-based approach to dental business strategy that helps dentists make smarter decisions about practice ownership. What You'll Learn in This Dental Practice Coaching Conversation The key differences between starting a dental practice and acquiring an existing one How successful practice owners think differently about growth Why personality and intuition matter more than you might think in dental entrepreneurship The truth about dental practice challenges that nobody talks about How to evaluate whether starting a dental practice is right for you Real-world practice management insights from someone who has built, scaled, and successfully grown practices Connect with us: Take our FREE lifestyle and practice assessment: https://thelifestylepractice.com/practice-assesment/ Learn more about 1-on-1 coaching: https://thelifestylepractice.com/coaching-services/ Get access to TLP Academy: https://thelifestylepractice.com/coaching-services/ Get the TLP Student Academy for $20 (lifetime access): https://the-lifestyle-practice.teachable.com/p/studentacademy Subscribe to The Lifestyle Practice Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tlp-podcast-for-dentists/id1476544801 Email Derek at derek@thelifestylepractice.com Email Matt at matt@thelifestylepractice.com Email Steve at steve@thelifestylepractice.com

June 15, 2026Episode 3137 min

312. 7 Lessons That Could Change How You Think About Money

In this episode of The Lifestyle Practice, we break down 7 powerful money lessons every dentist and parent should know—covering financial freedom, smart investing, compound interest, and how to teach kids about money the right way. Most people don't learn through advice—they learn through experience and ownership. That single shift changes everything about how you build wealth, raise financially independent kids, and design a life of intentional living. Whether you're a dentist looking to grow and scale your dental practice without burning out, or a parent who wants to teach financial literacy early, this conversation is packed with real, actionable insight. We cover why money is a tool and not the purpose of life, the multiple paths to financial freedom (college isn't the only one), why investing early and understanding compound interest matters, and how to balance saving, investing, and actually enjoying life. Most importantly, we talk about why intentionality plus ownership equals true freedom. Connect with us: Take our FREE lifestyle and practice assessment: https://thelifestylepractice.com/practice-assesment/ Learn more about 1-on-1 coaching: https://thelifestylepractice.com/coaching-services/ Get access to TLP Academy: https://thelifestylepractice.com/coaching-services/ Get the TLP Student Academy for $20 (lifetime access): https://the-lifestyle-practice.teachable.com/p/studentacademy Subscribe to The Lifestyle Practice Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tlp-podcast-for-dentists/id1476544801 Email Derek at derek@thelifestylepractice.com Email Matt at matt@thelifestylepractice.com Email Steve at steve@thelifestylepractice.com

June 8, 2026Episode 31235 min

311. Waiting to Buy a Dental Practice Is Costing You $1.14 Million

Thinking about buying a dental practice but not sure where to start? In this episode of The Lifestyle Practice Podcast, host Steve Van De Graaff sits down with practice acquisition expert Brian Hanks — founder of Dental Buyer Advocates (DBA) and author of "How to Buy a Dental Practice" — to break down everything new and aspiring dentist owners need to know about dental practice acquisition in 2026. Brian shares hard data from the Health Policy Institute showing that 89–90% of dentists eventually become practice owners — but that dentists today are waiting about 5 YEARS longer than they used to. That delay can cost the average dentist $1.14 million in pre-tax income. We dig into WHY dentists are waiting, the truth about student loan debt and practice ownership, and how to find great dental practices for sale that never make it to a broker website. Whether you're a dental student, an associate dentist, or actively searching for a practice to buy, this conversation is packed with actionable advice on dental practice ownership, financing, due diligence, and building the mindset of a business owner who happens to be a dentist. Connect with us: Take our FREE lifestyle and practice assessment: https://thelifestylepractice.com/practice-assesment/ Learn more about 1-on-1 coaching: https://thelifestylepractice.com/coaching-services/ Get access to TLP Academy: https://thelifestylepractice.com/coaching-services/ Get the TLP Student Academy for $20 (lifetime access): https://the-lifestyle-practice.teachable.com/p/studentacademy Subscribe to The Lifestyle Practice Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tlp-podcast-for-dentists/id1476544801 Email Derek at derek@thelifestylepractice.com Email Matt at matt@thelifestylepractice.com Email Steve at steve@thelifestylepractice.com

June 1, 2026Episode 3118 min

310. The Fastest Way to Grow a Dental Practice in 2026

How does a dentist have his best collections month ever — paying $20,000 extra toward debt and taking home $15,000 more — without doing a single big case or expensive CE course? In this episode of The Lifestyle Practice Podcast, Dr Matt Vogt reveals the three lowest-hanging-fruit needle movers that grow a dental practice from the inside out. If you're a dentist or dental practice owner who wants to increase production, improve treatment acceptance, boost collections, and build a more profitable practice without burning out, this dental practice management episode is for you. Real practice growth doesn't come from new equipment or another continuing education weekend — it comes from optimizing what's already inside your four walls. Connect with us: Take our FREE lifestyle and practice assessment: https://thelifestylepractice.com/practice-assesment/ Learn more about 1-on-1 coaching: https://thelifestylepractice.com/coaching-services/ Get access to TLP Academy: https://thelifestylepractice.com/coaching-services/ Get the TLP Student Academy for $20 (lifetime access): https://the-lifestyle-practice.teachable.com/p/studentacademy Subscribe to The Lifestyle Practice Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tlp-podcast-for-dentists/id1476544801 Email Derek at derek@thelifestylepractice.com Email Matt at matt@thelifestylepractice.com Email Steve at steve@thelifestylepractice.com

May 25, 2026Episode 3108 min

309. The #1 Rule That Separates Successful Dentists From Everyone Else

What separates the most successful dentists from average performers? It's not intelligence, strategy, or opportunity — it's the ability to keep going when it's no longer exciting. In this episode of The Lifestyle Practice Podcast, Dr. Derek Williams reveals the #1 rule of long-term success in dentistry, dental practice ownership, and life. Drawing from "The Gap and the Gain" by Dan Sullivan, real coaching conversations with dentists, his own ACL surgery recovery, and Rory McIlroy's Masters comeback, Derek breaks down why most dentists quietly fall off at the plateau — and what high performers do differently. You'll learn the dangerous trap of tying your effort to your emotions, the difference between interest and commitment, and the mindset shift that turns boredom into a signal you're doing things right. If you've ever felt stuck, burned out, or wondered why the strategies you know aren't translating into results, this is the episode that will reset your standard. Because you don't rise to your goals — you fall to your standards. Connect with us: Take our FREE lifestyle and practice assessment: https://thelifestylepractice.com/practice-assesment/ Learn more about 1-on-1 coaching: https://thelifestylepractice.com/coaching-services/ Get access to TLP Academy: https://thelifestylepractice.com/coaching-services/ Get the TLP Student Academy for $20 (lifetime access): https://the-lifestyle-practice.teachable.com/p/studentacademy Subscribe to The Lifestyle Practice Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tlp-podcast-for-dentists/id1476544801 Email Derek at derek@thelifestylepractice.com Email Matt at matt@thelifestylepractice.com Email Steve at steve@thelifestylepractice.com

May 18, 2026Episode 30913 min

308. Is Owning a Dental Practice Actually Worth It in 2026?

Is dental practice ownership worth it in 2026? In this episode of The Lifestyle Practice Podcast, Dr. Derek Williams breaks down the real pros and cons of owning a dental practice — the truth social media gets wrong, the financial risks nobody warns you about, and the mindset shifts every dentist must make before buying a dental practice. Whether you are a new dental school graduate weighing associate dentist vs. practice owner, a dentist exploring dental practice acquisition, or an established owner trying to build a profitable lifestyle dental practice, this dental podcast delivers the framework you need. Dr. Derek Williams shares the four biggest upsides of practice ownership in dentistry, the four most painful downsides, and the key questions that determine whether ownership will give you freedom or feel like golden handcuffs. In this episode, you will learn: ✔️ The four biggest upsides of dental practice ownership — income potential, control, equity, and growth ✔️ The hidden downsides — financial risk, mental load, leadership pressure, and total responsibility ✔️ Why most dentists fail at ownership (hint: it is NOT clinical skill) ✔️ The key questions to ask yourself before buying a dental practice ✔️ How to build a profitable dental practice with intentional systems ✔️ Associate dentist vs. practice owner — which path actually fits your lifestyle ✔️ How to avoid the "golden handcuffs" trap of bad ownership models. Connect with us: Take our FREE lifestyle and practice assessment: https://thelifestylepractice.com/practice-assesment/ Learn more about 1-on-1 coaching: https://thelifestylepractice.com/coaching-services/ Get access to TLP Academy: https://thelifestylepractice.com/coaching-services/ Get the TLP Student Academy for $20 (lifetime access): https://the-lifestyle-practice.teachable.com/p/studentacademy Subscribe to The Lifestyle Practice Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tlp-podcast-for-dentists/id1476544801 Email Derek at derek@thelifestylepractice.com Email Matt at matt@thelifestylepractice.com Email Steve at steve@thelifestylepractice.com

May 11, 2026Episode 30815 min

307. The Dental Hygiene Crisis is Real (And How to Survive)

The dental hygienist shortage is REAL — and it's hitting practices across the country hard. If you're a dentist struggling with hygienist turnover, rising hygiene pay rates, or difficulty hiring dental hygienists, this episode is for you. In this episode of The Lifestyle Practice Podcast, Dr. Matt Vogt breaks down exactly what's driving the dental hygienist shortage, why hygienist pay rates keep climbing, and — most importantly — four practical strategies to combat the hygiene shortage in your dental practice. Whether you're dealing with a hygienist leaving to temp, struggling with dental hygiene staffing, or just trying to figure out how to retain your hygiene team, Matt shares real-world insights from his own practice ownership journey. If you've ever searched "dental hygienist shortage," "hygienist near me," "hygienist dental hiring," or "hygienist visit revenue," this episode answers the questions you've been asking. Connect with us: Take our FREE lifestyle and practice assessment: https://thelifestylepractice.com/practice-assesment/ Learn more about 1-on-1 coaching: https://thelifestylepractice.com/coaching-services/ Get access to TLP Academy: https://thelifestylepractice.com/coaching-services/ Get the TLP Student Academy for $20 (lifetime access): https://the-lifestyle-practice.teachable.com/p/studentacademy Subscribe to The Lifestyle Practice Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tlp-podcast-for-dentists/id1476544801 Email Derek at derek@thelifestylepractice.com Email Matt at matt@thelifestylepractice.com Email Steve at steve@thelifestylepractice.com

May 4, 2026Episode 30733 min

306. Dental School Won't Teach You This — But We Will

Dental students — this episode is for YOU. The Lifestyle Practice team — Steve Van De Graaff, Derek Williams, and Matt Vogt — officially announce the launch of the TLP Student Academy: an online course built specifically for dental students who want to graduate ready to OWN a dental practice, build wealth, and design a lifestyle practice on their own terms — all for just $20 with lifetime access. In this dental podcast episode, three practice-owning dentists who bought practices straight out of dental school break down the business and clinical "crash course" that fills the gaps every dental school leaves wide open. From maximizing clinical experience and shortening your learning curve, to evaluating dental practices for acquisition, dental practice startups, communication and leadership skills, personal finance for dentists, student loan strategy, and the GP vs. specialist decision — this is the dental school survival guide and dental practice ownership roadmap rolled into one. Whether you're a D1 just starting, a D4 prepping for graduation, or a new associate dentist mapping your path to ownership, the Lifestyle Practice Student Academy is your shortcut to financial freedom in dentistry, work-life balance, and early practice ownership. 🦷 Topics covered in this episode: ✔ Why dental school doesn't teach business or personal finance ✔ How to maximize clinical experience in dental school ✔ Networking and mentorship strategies for dental students ✔ Buying a dental practice vs. starting a dental practice from scratch ✔ Practice acquisitions for new dentists ✔ Raising your "belief lid" as a future dental practice owner ✔ Building a lifestyle practice that fits YOUR life ✔ ROI mindset for dental school investment ✔ Implants, oral surgery, and endo experience hustle in school ✔ Path to financial independence as a dentist If you're searching for dental practice coaching, dental student mentorship, dental practice ownership advice, dental school tips, or how to buy a dental practice — this episode is your starting point. Get the TLP Student Academy for $20 (lifetime access): https://the-lifestyle-practice.teachable.com/p/studentacademy Connect with us: Take our FREE lifestyle and practice assessment: https://thelifestylepractice.com/practice-assesment/ Learn more about 1-on-1 coaching: https://thelifestylepractice.com/coaching-services/ Get access to TLP Academy: https://thelifestylepractice.com/coaching-services/ Subscribe to The Lifestyle Practice Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tlp-podcast-for-dentists/id1476544801 Email Derek at derek@thelifestylepractice.com Email Matt at matt@thelifestylepractice.com Email Steve at steve@thelifestylepractice.com