In this episode of the Fearless Dentistry Podcast, host Dr. John Gordon and guest Dr. Natasha Brown, DMD tackle the critical issue of burnout in dentistry. Dr. Gordon shares his insights and personal experiences, emphasizing the importance of addressing burnout openly. Dr. Brown candidly discusses her struggles, including the pressures of owning a practice and her decision to sell it. They highlight the emotional and psychological challenges dentists face, the stigma of leaving the profession, and the need for self-reflection and intentional decision-making. The episode encourages seeking support and finding fulfillment in the dental field.

Show Highlights:

• The issue of burnout in the dental profession.
• Personal experiences and insights related to burnout.
• Emotional and psychological challenges faced by dentists.
• The stigma associated with leaving the dental profession.
• The importance of self-reflection and intentional decision-making.
• Feelings of shame and guilt among dentists contemplating career changes.
• The impact of societal expectations on dentists' careers.
• Strategies for finding joy and fulfillment in dental work.
• The significance of community and support networks for dentists.

Links and Resources:

Dr. Natanya on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/drnatanya

Website - drnatanya.com

Episode Description

In this episode of the Fearless Dentistry Podcast, Dr. John Gordon hosts Laura Nelson, founder of Front Office Rocks and co-founder of Sober Life Rocks. Laura shares her unexpected journey into dentistry and her decision to stop drinking in 2020, leading to the creation of Sober Life Rocks. They discuss the societal pressures around alcohol, especially in professional settings, and the importance of supportive communities for sober individuals. Laura emphasizes the need to change industry culture to be more inclusive and supportive, highlighting her mission to normalize sober choices and provide resources for those questioning their relationship with alcohol.

Show Highlights:

• Laura Nelson's journey in the dental industry
• Her personal experience with alcohol and decision to stop drinking
• Challenges of attending industry conferences and societal pressure to drink
• Vision for Sober Life Rocks and its features
• Importance of creating a supportive and inclusive community
• Stigma, shame, fear, and cultural pressures surrounding alcohol use
• Mission to create a safe and inclusive space through "Sober Life Rocks"
• Efforts to provide support within the medical and dental communities
• Collaboration and support for individuals navigating their relationship with alcohol
• Encouragement for individuals to take steps towards positive change and empowerment

Links & Resources:

Front Office Rocks

Sober Life Rocks

AR Workshops Coronado

CDA (California Dental Association)

ADA (American Dental Association)

TED Talk on Gray Area Drinker

"This Naked Mind" book

"Atomic Habits" book

Laura Nelson on LinkedIn

In this episode of the Fearless Dentistry podcast, Dr. John Gordon hosts David Harris, a dental embezzlement expert. They discuss the high prevalence of embezzlement in the dental industry, with Harris estimating a 70% chance of occurrence during a dentist's career. They explore the motivations behind embezzlement, such as financial need and feelings of undervaluation. Harris emphasizes the importance of oversight and control systems, and suggests practical measures like printing and reviewing practice management reports. The episode also highlights the emotional toll of embezzlement on dentists and the importance of balancing trust with vigilance in managing staff relationships.

Show Highlights:

- Prevalence of embezzlement in the dental industry

- Motivations behind embezzlement

- Methods used by embezzlers

- Efforts made by dental organizations to educate and raise awareness about embezzlement

- Dissemination of information on embezzlement

- Practical tips to help dentists protect themselves from embezzlement

- Emotional impact of embezzlement on dentists

- Dynamics of dental offices and the impact on whistleblowing

- Implementing a whistleblower policy

- Balancing trust with vigilance

Chapters:

The introduction (00:00:03)

Dr. John Gordon welcomes the audience and introduces the guest, David Harris, discussing the objective of the podcast.

Understanding Embezzlement in Dentistry (00:01:56)

David Harris explains the prevalence of embezzlement in the dental industry and its impact on dentists.

Challenges in the Dental Industry (00:03:43)

David Harris discusses the susceptibility of the dental industry to embezzlement and the reasons behind it.

Motivations for Embezzlement (00:05:28)

David Harris explains the motivations behind embezzlement, including financial need and a sense of entitlement.

Statistics and Industry Awareness (00:08:53)

Discussion about the prevalence of embezzlement, the role of dental organizations in educating the community, and the need for awareness.

Methods and Techniques of Embezzlement (00:11:37)

David Harris elaborates on the methods and techniques used by embezzlers to successfully steal from dentists.

Dentists' Perspective and Challenges (00:16:10)

The conversation delves into the challenges faced by dentists, their preoccupations, and the impact on vulnerability to embezzlement.

Educating Dentists and Protective Measures (00:17:41)

David Harris shares his approach to educating dentists about embezzlement and the protective measures offered to safeguard their practices.

Print your own reports (00:19:50)

David advises printing your own practice management reports to avoid selective reporting and loss of control.

Review day end reports (00:20:53)

David emphasizes the importance of reviewing day end reports to detect any discrepancies or irregularities in the practice's financial data.

Financial articulation (00:22:55)

David introduces the concept of financial articulation to ensure that the totals in daily reports align with the month-end report, preventing unauthorized activities.

Emotional impact of embezzlement (00:25:00)

David discusses the emotional toll of embezzlement on dentists, including loss of trust and the potential impact on career and well-being.

Whistleblower policy (00:29:58)

David encourages implementing a whistleblower policy to address staff reluctance to report suspicions and offers a template for this policy.

Offering a financial reward (00:33:20)

David suggests offering a financial reward, such as $2500, to incentivize staff to report embezzlement and overcome...