The Dental Head Start Podcast

Dental Business Head Start #1: The Hidden Realities of Running a Dental Business with Dr Jesse Green
Ever wondered if dental practice ownership is your path to success or a potential headache waiting to happen? Join Dr. David Keir and special guest Dr. Jesse Green from The Savvy Dentist Podcast as they dive deep into the realities of dental practice ownership.
In this conversation, you’ll discover:
- The essential mindset and personality traits needed for successful practice ownership
- How to determine if you’re building a lifestyle practice or scalable business
- The real-world challenges of balancing clinical excellence with business demands
- Practical strategies to avoid burnout while growing your practice
- Critical insights on managing risk and setting realistic expectations
This episode pulls back the curtain on what practice ownership truly entails – beyond the Instagram-perfect portrayal. Whether you’re a student contemplating your future or an associate considering the next step, this honest discussion provides the guidance you need to make an informed decision about your career path.
Ready to take control of your dental career? Subscribe to the Dental Head Start podcast and share this episode with a colleague who might benefit from these invaluable insights!
Key moments00:00 – Introduction with Dr. Jesse Green
02:30 – The Journey to Practice Ownership
05:45 – Is Practice Ownership Right for You?
09:15 – Traits of Successful Practice Owners
13:30 – Finding Your Middle Ground
17:45 – Building a Job vs. Building a Business
23:10 – Expectations vs. Reality of Ownership
27:40 – The Perfectionist Dentist in Business
31:15 – Impact on Personal Life and Time Management
35:20 – Managing Your Time as a Practice Owner
39:45 – Avoiding Burnout in Practice Ownership
44:30 – Understanding and Managing Risk
48:20 – Conclusion and Next Episode Preview
Thank you to our sponsors… Dental Protection LimitedDental Protection have proudly been supporting the Dental Head Start podcast since day one! The Dental Protection team understands the ever-changing challenges faced by dental professionals and we take our responsibility to members seriously. Our professional protection package helps you practise with confidence, safe in the knowledge that we are always by your side if things go wrong. With over 40 years protecting Australian dental professionals, we have the global stability and financial resilience to be by you
Dental Advice NetworkThis episode of the Dental Head Start Podcast is proudly supported by Dental Advice Network.
Whether you’re one year out or forty, we all have clinical questions—and it’s OK not to have all the answers. That’s exactly why the Dental Advice Network exists. With leading experts like Dr Omar Ikram (Endodontist), Dr Amanda Phoon Nguyen (Oral Medicine Specialist), Dr Steven Parker (Dental Sedationist), Dr Manu Ayer (Specialist Anaesthetist), Professor Ian Myers (Restorative expert), Dr Kar Mun Chan (Specialist Paediatric Dentist) and Associate Professor Geraldine Moses (Dental Therapeutics and Pharmacology expert), it’s your go-to place for clinical advice, case support, and evidence-based insights.
From medication queries to red flags in oral pathology—or even just a second opinion—Dental Advice Network connects you to trusted voices in dentistry and medicine, including an in-house medical doctor. You’ll also get access to clinical webinars, CPD content, and curated updates to stay ahead in your practice.
It’s peace of mind, peer support, and education—all in one place.