Podcast Episode #548: The Evolving Dental Industry: The Future of Private Practice - Steve Parker
Episode #548: Dentist Freedom Blueprint Podcast
The Evolving Dental Industry: The Future of Private Practice - Steve Parker
In a rapidly shifting dental landscape, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the rise of DSOs, insurance battles, and mounting student debt. But what if private practice isn’t dying—it’s evolving? In this episode, Steve Parker—editor-in-chief of The Profitable Dentist—joins David to break down the real opportunities emerging in modern dentistry. Together, they explore the new digital-first ecosystem, the decline of the big seminar model, and the rise of high-impact niche events. Most importantly, Steve shares how solo practice owners can still win—by doing what corporate can’t.
Whether you're a fresh dental grad wondering if ownership is worth it, or a seasoned doc questioning your next move, Steve's insights will help you reframe your mindset around profitability, leadership, and long-term sustainability.This isn’t about “grinding harder”—it’s about building smarter, staying profitable, and maintaining clarity on what success truly means. Private practice isn't just surviving—it’s adapting. And it may be stronger than ever.
Minute Markers:
00:00 – Intro
02:20 – The legacy of The Profitable Dentist and Steve’s digital pivot
06:24 – The decline of CDs, DVDs, and the rise of YouTube and digital CE
08:06 – Why in-person events still matter in a digital-first age
13:17 – What we lose when we stop meeting in person
15:25 – The ADA’s slow shift and the power of dentist-owned practices
20:35 – The false DSO takeover narrative
25:09 – Why clinical excellence ? business success
29:03 – Don’t buy the practice… yet
34:06 – Know yourself before chasing the “owner” identity
36:46 – What is “profitable leadership” in dentistry?
39:45 – Why most dentists are financially unprepared for retirement
41:29 – The difference between income and wealth
Featured on the Show:
Steve Parker: Website | LinkedIn
Academy for Private Dental Practice
American Academy for Oral Systemic Health
Freedom Founders Discovery Call
Digital Newsletter Signup
P.S. Whenever you’re ready, here are some other ways I can help fast track you to your Freedom goal (you’re closer than you think) :
In this episode, we finish up the second part of my interview with Rob Swanson and his eight rules of investing. (If you haven’t listened to part 1, be sure to go back and give that a listen before jumping into this one.) Today, we pick up where we left off, covering rules four through eight and talking about everything from decision-making to cash flow and risk reduction.
Listen in as Rob shares his incredible insight and experience in real estate and investing to give us a few rules that help make our decisions and investments more solid. You will hear about the importance of looking at margins before buying and what boxes need to be checked when it comes to predicting a solid income stream. Rob also discusses how to define and mitigate the different risks involved so that you can come out on top.
Alastair MacDonald is a private advisor to established entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners, as well as a TEDx speaker who lectures on economic, social, and financial forecasts. Join me today to hear part two of our conversation at the Freedom Founders Mastermind, where we dive into the concept of certainty, how to hedge against a volatile economy, and why the abdication model is no longer one that works.
Listen in to learn the reasons why Alastair is not worried about consumer price inflation (and what he’s really worried about instead) and why the 401(k) is not always the investment that it is made out to be. You’ll learn why he is most concerned about the issue of division and polarity in the Western world, why your business is your best asset in a volatile economy, and how you can maintain its viability to weather the most intense economic storm.
1. Get Your Free Retirement Scorecard:
Benchmark your retirement and wealth-building against hundreds of other practice professionals, and get personalized feedback on your biggest opportunities and leverage points. Go to www.FreedomFounders.com/Scorecard to take the 3 minute assessment and get your scorecard.
2. Attend A Workshop:
If you’re committed to Freedom, but still building a practice, paying down school debt, or growing investment capital, our hands-on Freedom Blueprint Workshops are your entrance ramp onto the fast track! Visit www.freedomfounders.com/workshop to claim your seat!
3. Apply To Visit The Mastermind:
If you’d like to join dozens of dentists, docs, and practice professionals on the fast track to Freedom (5-7 years max), visit www.freedomfounders.com/step-1 to apply for a seat.
4. Want to Work Directly with Me?
If you’d like to work directly with me and a small group of my closest investment colleagues, with direct access to the dealmakers and asset classes that I invest in, just send a message to my Executive Assistant (Lindsey@FreedomFounders.com), and put “Fast Access” in the subject line. Or, call (972) 203-6960 Ext 144 and leave a brief voicemail for Lindsey. Let her know you’re interested in the Fast Access program – we’ll set up a time with you to talk, find out about your goals, and see if there is a fit.