In this episode of Dentistry Beyond the Numbers, Dr. Marc Liechtung sits down with the one and only Dr. David Rice — Founder of IgniteDDS, Editor-in-Chief of DentistryIQ, and one of dentistry’s most influential mentors.

If you're a dental student, a new dentist, or just a few years out of residency, this conversation is a masterclass in building a successful, fulfilling dental career in today’s changing landscape.

Dr. Rice and Dr. Liechtung dive into the realities young dentists face today:
• navigating massive student debt• choosing between DSO, private practice, or ownership• the impact of social media on expectations• why clinical skills alone aren’t enough• how to build leadership abilities early• finding the right mentors and support system• mapping out your career based on your “self-determined future”

You’ll hear hard truths, practical advice, and the exact steps young dentists can take to avoid burnout and accelerate success.

This episode is an essential listen for:
🦷 dental students🦷 new grads🦷 associates🦷 practice owners mentoring younger doctors🦷 anyone building a dental career in 2025 and beyond

⭐️ ABOUT OUR GUEST — DR. DAVID RICE

• Founder: IgniteDDS• Editor-in-Chief: DentistryIQ• National educator, mentor & clinician• Advisor to early-career dentists across the country• Leading voice in dental leadership, team building, and career development

Follow Dentistry Beyond the Numbers for more episodes on practice growth, leadership, marketing, and the real business of dentistry.

In this episode of Dentistry Beyond the Numbers, host Dr. Marc Liechtung talks with Dr. Tony Stefanou, a former practicing dentist turned mergers & acquisitions expert and founder of Connect the Dents.

They dive deep into the real business side of dentistry — from understanding EBITDA to navigating DSOs, private equity, and how to protect your value as an independent dentist.

Dr. Stefanou shares invaluable insight on:

• What determines a dental practice’s true value

• How to increase your EBITDA (and your exit number)

• The biggest myths about selling a practice

• Where private equity is headed next in dentistry

Whether you’re building your first practice or planning your exit, this episode delivers wisdom you can use today.

Follow for more business insights that every dentist needs to know.

This special episode of Dentistry Beyond the Numbers is all about reflection and what’s next!

Host Dr. Marc Liechtung takes you behind the scenes of a milestone season — from major trade shows and university lectures to legendary guests like Howard Farran, Gordon Christensen, Kim Kutsch, and Chuck Cohen.

Hear about our Denobi Award nomination, audience growth, and what’s coming next: new guests, more travel, and deeper conversations on what truly makes a dental practice valuable — beyond just great dentistry.

👉 Don’t forget to follow and subscribe — more than 90% of our listeners aren’t subscribed yet! Your support helps us reach more dental professionals and keep these conversations going.