Dr. X graduated two years ago and joined his father's practice with the understanding that one day it would be his. But right now, he's paid a daily rate, produces a fraction of the revenue, and has no formal path to ownership. His dad, a 35-year veteran producing $1.5M a year, loves dentistry and isn't slowing down. Meanwhile, Dr. X is sitting in half-empty chairs, struggling to grow, and watching his vision for the future clash with his father's comfort zone.

In this raw MyStory episode, Craig, Peter, and Ian unpack everything Dr. X is up against: a team that doesn't see him as the leader, a business that's built around one producer, and a mindset that's quietly holding him back. Craig shares his own painful experience navigating the same dynamic with his father and the fights that nearly destroyed their relationship. The conversation goes deep on knowing your numbers, building a vision bigger than yourself, and why the hardest conversation you'll ever have might be the one that changes everything.

CASE STUDY:

Second-generation dentist, two years out of school, working in his father's practice with no equity and no succession plan.

$2.1M practice, dad produces $1.5M, Dr. X produces $400K, hygiene makes up the rest
Paid a daily rate with no production-based compensation
7 to 8 operatories currently, 2 underutilized, only in-network with Delta
4 to 10 new patients per month, net growth is negative
Dad is 68, estimates 6 years left, not looking to invest capital
Dr. X wants 14 ops, associates, and $500K net without producing
Team doesn't know the vision, dad doesn't share it, no alignment
$500K at 20% profit margin = $2.5M collections, doable with current chairs at ~$310K per chair
Biggest barrier isn't capacity, it's one honest conversation with dad about vision, price, and timeline

DESCRIPTION

The Bulletproof Dental Podcast Episode: 434

HOSTS:Dr. Peter Boulden, Dr. Craig Spodak and Ian de Jongh

GUEST: Dr. X

MyStory is a new Bulletproof series where real dentists share their real story: what's working, what's not, and the questions they can't get answered anywhere else. Each episode is a one-hour Master Class. Peter & Craig give practical advice, just like they do inside our Mastermind Program and at the Bulletproof Summit.

The point is simple: you'll hear your own challenges in someone else's story, and leave with clear steps you can use right away to shift your mindset, strengthen your practice, and avoid the mistakes that make growth harder than it needs to be.

Want to be on MyStory? Email MyStory@bulletproofdentalpractice.com If your story is selected, you will join Peter, Craig and Ian on the podcast.

We also launched the Bulletproof Hotline. Call anytime and leave a message to share your story, ask a question, tell a joke, or leave a note for Peter, Craig and Ian. We will listen and respond with real-world feedback. Hotline: (561) 933-5575.

Chapters.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr. X's Practice Challenges 02:21 Dr. X's Practice Overview and Growth Concerns 04:03 Dr. X's Vision and Practice Goals 07:57 Current Practice Metrics and Revenue 12:05 Aligning Vision with Practice Reality 15:49 The Importance of Clear Communication with Family 20:11 Strategies for Practice Expansion and Ownership 24:59 Psychology and Mindset in Practice Growth 29:58 Team Management and Practice Efficiency 34:58 Insurance, Fees, and Practice Economics 40:11 Clarifying Goals and Building a Business Vision 45:00 The Power of Purpose and Core Values 49:54 Taking Action and Next Steps for Growth

REFERENCES

Bulletproof Summit

Bulletproof Mastermind

MyStory #3: The Father-Son Practice Problem