Why Some Dentists Love Dentistry (and Others Can’t Wait to Leave)
In every industry, there are people who wake up excited to do what they love—and others who are counting down the days until retirement. Dentistry is no exception. Spend enough time around dental professionals, and you’ll quickly notice a divide: some doctors radiate joy and fulfillment, while others feel trapped, overwhelmed, and burnt out.
So what separates the two?
According to consultants Dana Pardue and Sandy Pardue, hosts of the Dental Drill Bits podcast, the difference isn’t about skill—it’s about business understanding and leadership. In their latest episode, Why Some Dentists Love Dentistry (and Others Can’t Wait to Leave), they unpack why mastering the business side of dentistry can completely change how a doctor feels about their work.
The Joyful Dentist vs. the Exhausted Dentist
Many dentists enter the profession with noble intentions. They want to care for patients, create beautiful smiles, and build financial stability. But soon after dental school, reality sets in. Running a practice isn’t just about clinical excellence—it’s about managing people, systems, money, and emotions.
Sandy shares that after consulting with more than 600 dental practices, she’s seen it all. Some dentists light up when they talk about their work, while others openly say they can’t wait to get out. The reason? Those who love what they do have learned the business of dentistry. They understand scheduling, metrics, leadership, and communication. Their practices are predictable, their teams are trained, and their stress is low.
Those who feel stuck often haven’t yet learned how to run their business effectively. The clinical part they’ve mastered—but the rest feels like chaos.
The Power of Systems and Leadership
Freedom in dentistry doesn’t come from working less—it comes from working smarter. Dana and Sandy discuss how strong systems and communication create emotional freedom for both doctors and their teams. When you understand what needs to happen and you have structure in place, the weight of daily decisions disappears.
Sandy emphasizes that leadership is about clarity. It’s about letting your team know what’s needed, being consistent, and showing appreciation. “You don’t need to buy loyalty,” she says. “You build it through gratitude and trust.”
Mindset Shifts That Bring Joy Back
If you’ve ever dreaded Monday mornings, you’re not alone. But the good news is—you can shift that. Here are a few of Sandy and Dana’s favorite mindset resets:
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Start learning the business side. Knowledge is power. Take CE courses, listen to podcasts, and learn your financials.
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Reconnect with your team. Appreciation goes a long way. A simple thank-you note or remembering a detail about their family builds loyalty.
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Let go of control—but keep accountability. Systems replace micromanagement.
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Lead with generosity. The best leaders build people, not just production.
Loving Dentistry Again
Maybe you’ve thought, I hate being a dentist. The truth is, you probably don’t hate dentistry—you hate the stress of an unstructured business. With the right systems, training, and support, dentistry can be the fulfilling career you imagined in dental school.
As Sandy reminds listeners, “Dentistry is a great profession. You can help so many people—and have fun doing it.”