Running a successful dental practice isn’t just about production numbers and case acceptance, it's also about mastering financial discipline. Kiera Dent sat down with Morgan Hamon of EAG Dental Advisors to unpack the surprising connection between tax strategy, mindset, and leadership.
Why Dentists Feel Blindsided by Taxes
Morgan calls it like it is: taxes are emotional. Many dentists feel that pit-in-your-stomach dread every spring because they’re reacting, not planning. Morgan’s advice? Stop being passive. “There’s no magic. The secret is you have to engage and take action, consistently.”
Dentists are responsible for tracking board meetings, staying organized with deductions, and knowing when to make that S-Corp election. But here's the catch: you can't outsource ownership. You’ve got to do your part.
The Real Cost of Avoiding Discipline
Kiera shared her own journey of dreading tax season, until she decided to turn frustration into strategy. “Every December, I used to cry. So I created a tax vision board. One goal: become a tax expert.”
Her method is simple but powerful:
The result? Peace of mind, no stress during quarterly or year-end payments, and sometimes a "refund" to invest, reward, or grow.
The Tax-Led Leadership Lesson
Leadership in dentistry starts with self-discipline. If you're not managing your money intentionally, it shows up in your culture. Tax planning might not feel sexy, but it teaches you to lead with foresight—and your team will feel the difference.
Morgan emphasizes that even though tax outcomes vary (especially with equipment purchases or practice volatility), the consistent habit of setting aside funds can transform your financial foundation.
Quick Wins to Take Home
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Create tax buckets: SEP IRA, charitable giving, end-of-year bonuses
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Make quarterly payments routine: Avoid surprises and penalties
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Keep documentation tight: Especially for deductions like board meetings or travel
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Think long-term: Zero tax years may sound great but they usually mean your practice suffered
At Dental A Team, we believe success is built on structure and that includes your financials. If you're serious about building a profitable, stress-free practice, it's time to own your numbers! Let’s make your practice work for you with our proven strategies that simplify leadership, finances, and operations. Schedule a call!
Don't forget to check out our podcast for more tips on overcoming patient objections.
Last updated: July 2025
Written by Jacintha Ham, Dental A Team