In today's episode, we have a special guest - Dr. Kaitlin Haag, a general dentist and practice owner from rural Nebraska. Dr. Haag shares her remarkable journey from being a student in the Rural Health Opportunities Program to unexpectedly becoming a 50% owner of a dental practice right out of school.

She openly discusses the challenges that came with taking on significant responsibility early in her career, from managing substantial loans to dealing with the departure of senior partners who were expected to provide mentorship. Despite the obstacles, Dr. Haag found ways to keep her work engaging, like expanding into pediatric airway treatment.

However, as a young female dentist, Dr. Haag also struggled with feelings of inadequacy, negative self-talk, and the pressure to balance patient care with the business realities of insurance plans. She shares how learning to recognize and challenge her own limiting thought patterns was a turning point, enabling her to recommend ideal care more confidently and find greater satisfaction in her work.

Dr. Haag's story highlights the unique pressures faced by women in dentistry and the importance of seeking support rather than struggling in isolation. Her insights on managing self-doubt, communicating with patients, and finding work-life harmony will resonate with many listeners.

Stay tuned for an enlightening conversation about navigating the challenges and triumphs of building a rewarding dental practice as a woman. Dr. Haag's journey reminds us that who we are is truly enough.

Highlights from this episode:

Hurdles Dr. Haag faced
Insurance drama and self-doubt
Changing her outlook and tackling negative self-talk
Leveling up her practice and confidence
How coaching helped her personal and work life
Words of wisdom for women dentists
How Dr. Haag's work helps her patients
How self-doubt messed with her work and personal life
Turning to a dental-focused professional coach

Resources and links mentioned:

Watch Laura's podcasts on YouTube: Love Your Practice!

Laura's email: DrLauraMachDDS@gmail.com

Laura's website: LoveYourPractice.net

Laura's podcast: Love Your Practice!

Laura's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlauramachdds/?hl=en

Dr. Haag's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkaitlinhaag/

Laura's Facebook pages:

Love Your Practice with Dr. Laura Mach

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Laura's personal page

Podcast and promotion produced by Blue Dot Digital Marketing.

Thank you so much for tuning in to this podcast! I would love it if you would share it with others and leave a review for others to see!

~ Laura