The Doctor Avi Show

Dr. AJ Acierno built a 27-location dental group while still practicing four days a week, and he's not sugarcoating what that actually took. In this episode, he breaks down why dentistry is falling from within, what standard of care really means in today's climate, and how AI is reshaping diagnostics and accountability.He also shares the leadership lessons he learned the hard way scaling Decision One Dental before merging with Smile Brands, where he now serves as Chief Dental Officer. If you want to understand where dentistry is headed, and what it takes to lead in it, this one's for you.

Brian Colao has spent 31 years at the intersection of law and dentistry — and in that time, he's watched the DSO industry go from a misunderstood concept to the most powerful force reshaping the profession.In this episode, Brian breaks down why most dentists still don't know how to leverage technology for same-store growth, what the biggest mistake is when selling a practice (hint: it's not the price), and how he went from being turned away at every conference to building the industry's premier event from scratch.If you're a dentist, DSO leader, or anyone navigating the business side of dentistry, this one's worth your full attention. Brian's event, Dykema DSO, is happening July 15–17 in Denver. Use code PODCAST300 at registration for $300 off. Register here: dykemadso.com/conference

Most dentists are great clinicians. Nobody taught them how to run a business.Dr. Avi sits down with Craig Iott, operational consultant to 200+ businesses , to break down why dental practices feel chaotic, and what to do about it.They cover systems, DSO mistakes, shiny object syndrome, and why your personal brand matters more than ever.If you own a practice or plan to, this one is worth your time.Craig Iott: www.allsolutions.consultingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-iott/Dr. Avi: @Doctor.Avi | clearaligneradvisor.coLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dr-avi-patel-clearaligner-advisor

Dr. Avi sits down with Dr. Ellie Bucklin, dentist, podcaster behind Teeth Matter, and NYU faculty, for a candid conversation about what dental school doesn't prepare you for.From mental health and people-pleasing to navigating toxic mentorship and building resilience, Ellie shares the raw reality of early-career dentistry and how she turned her lowest points into a platform that's helping the next generation.If you've ever felt like you weren't enough, moved too fast, or wondered why no one talks about the hard stuff, this episode is for you.

 In this episode, Dr. Avi sits down with a third-generation dentist and founder of Vision Dental Partners, Dr. Brad Hughes, to discuss the mindset shift that transformed his career—from thinking about 5x growth to building a 100x vision. They explore the power of community, personal branding, and social media for young dentists, the reality behind DSOs and mentorship, and why leadership and patient trust are the true drivers of practice growth. This conversation offers practical insights for dentists who want to move beyond the chair and build something bigger.

What does success in modern dentistry really look like?In this episode of The Dr. Avi Show, Dr. Avi sits down with entrepreneur and clinician Dr. Naved Fatmi to discuss scaling without burnout, building strong systems, and redefining ownership in today’s dental landscape.They cover why most dentists get in trouble, the importance of communication and culture, the myth that everyone needs to own a practice, and how to optimize for time, money, and fulfillment — not just production.A must-listen for dentists, associates, and DSO leaders looking to build smarter, not just bigger.

In this insightful episode, Dr. Stephane Reinhardt delves into the importance of aligner education and the surprisingly low adoption rate of aligners among dentists. He underscores the immense potential and profitability of incorporating aligners into dental practices and addresses the common fear of orthodontics, advocating for a focus on improvement rather than perfection. Dr. Reinhardt discusses key aspects such as: Aligner Education: The critical need for better education among dentists regarding the use of aligners. Case Selection: The importance of selecting appropriate cases for aligner treatment. Financial Simplification: Simplifying financial agreements to make aligner treatments more accessible. Personal Journey: His transition from clinical dentistry to becoming an educator and the creation of the Clear Institute. Empowerment through Education: The Clear Institute’s mission is to empower dentists to integrate clear aligners into their practices and provide comprehensive dental care. Dr. Reinhardt also shares his journey into dentistry and his shift towards clear aligners, emphasizing the principles behind their use, the necessity of informed consent, and alternative treatments with clear aligners. He encourages dentists to embrace clear aligners to enhance their practice and better serve their patients.