Resources & Tips For Dentists

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“It’s a very raw story because, like every one of us, I’m imperfect. When I got out of dental school, I really thought that I should have that big house and be driving that Lexus. To add to it, I thought I should be on live radio because I speak well and it was an opportunity to both advertise my practice and become like one of the ‘celebrity big boys.’ Then, all of a sudden, 9/11 hit, and the economy went downhill from there. I was in my mid-fifties and living in this lovely house that’d be worth at least a million dollars today, but my wife and I were living paycheck to paycheck. Unfortunately, I was not following a plan that was appropriate for me—and I’m responsible for those decisions. But when my new financial adviser came along and told me I had to sell the house, it felt like a hit to my pride. I was a 30-year dentist and I’d have to sell my house? Nonetheless, I did it. And, when I did it, I cried for weeks afterward. What was the world going to think? What was my community going to think? What were my colleagues and patients going to think when they found out the great Dr. Stern was living in a townhouse? But we settled in. Thank God I married the right girl; my wife was supportive and we did what we had to do. Soon enough, there was money in my pocket. My debt to income ratio which had been awful was now becoming manageable. I was creating a cash flow. I had money to hire a personal trainer, nutritionist, and even go to Vegas like my wife and I loved to do. Overall, I became liberated. If a patient didn’t accept a case, my life wasn’t depending on it anymore—things got better. The big lesson I learned was not to compare yourself to anyone else. If you live in a beautiful, magnificent home you have earned, I have no idea what price you’ve paid for it. You need to practice according to your happiness; don’t force yourself to work too hard just to impress others… Whatever idea you have about what a dentist should earn, practice gratitude by knowing that, no matter what, you’re doing just fine.”

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Dr. Alice Hoang

Dr. Alice Hoang

“I didn’t come out of the closet until my 3rd year of dental school at the Medical University of South Carolina. Being from the South, with immigrant parents, I learned to internalize homophobia and misogyny. When I got to college, I started to realize how my...

Dr. Sarah Morris

Dr. Sarah Morris

I’ve always been someone who respected and appreciated science. I actually made the decision to enter dentistry through a “what do you want to be when you grow up” project in eighth grade. I guess I was thrown into the field of science early due to my hearing...

Dr. Kate Haag

Dr. Kate Haag

“My husband and I own a farm and ranch where we raise milo, corn, wheat, oats, and several hundred cattle. There are cows that we feed out and sell for meat, but we also have some heifers and their babies who live out in the pasture. We also have three helpers: two...

Dr. Vi Ho

Dr. Vi Ho

“I realized the importance of cooking when I was nine. I had just arrived in America along with my parents (and one younger sibling). My parents had to work twelve-hour shifts—six to seven days a week—just to make ends meet… At that age, you’re old enough to realize...

Dr. Sagar Shah – Part 1

Dr. Sagar Shah – Part 1

“I’ve been a practicing dentist for over eight years. I love my profession, but it’s been quite a ride. I’ve always loved the fact that I’ve been able to continue to learn. Our field has no ceiling; you can always keep things fresh. It’s been an exciting career...

Dr. Sagar Shah – Part 2

Dr. Sagar Shah – Part 2

“This side of me came out during chemotherapy, this urge to overcome my fears and make hurdles. One thing I’ve always wanted to do is put pen to paper; I’ve always wanted to write an article for a dental magazine. Lo and behold, I’ve actually gotten an opinion article...