Project ConfiDents

The associate interview that feels like a simple conversation can quietly shape years of your career, and most dentists walk in completely unprepared for what owners are actually evaluating.This episode breaks down what really matters in a dental associate interview beyond clinical skill, revealing that practice owners are ultimately deciding three things: whether they can trust you with their patients, whether they can work with you every day, and whether hiring you will make their life easier or harder. It dives into common mistakes like trying to sound perfect, giving generic answers, or focusing too much on numbers, and explains why self awareness, communication, and realistic thinking are far more powerful. You will learn how to answer tough questions about weaknesses, production goals, speed, and long term plans in a way that builds trust instead of raising red flags, while also understanding how to ask thoughtful questions that reveal whether a practice will truly support your growth. The conversation also highlights subtle warning signs during interviews such as vague answers, defensiveness, or high turnover, and emphasizes that interviews are not about performing but about finding alignment and building a working relationship that sets you up for long term success.Hang out with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectconfidents/ Email us your feedback: [email protected]#dentistry #dentalstudent #dentallife #dentalcareers #dentalpractice

You made it through dental school, so why does graduation feel more confusing than exciting?This episode breaks down the reality of transitioning from dental student to practicing dentist, especially the emotional shift no one prepares you for. After years of structure, support, and a clear identity, graduation can feel like losing your routine, your community, and your sense of direction all at once. Feeling lost, uncertain, or even a little sad does not mean something is wrong, it means something is changing. Alongside that emotional shift, there are critical practical steps that can either smooth or delay your transition. From gathering references and securing proof of graduation to planning your licensing strategy and financial cushion, small decisions made before graduation can save months of stress. Building a new support system, understanding your contracts, and focusing on growth over perfection in your first job are what truly set you up for success. This phase is not about having everything figured out, it is about learning how to navigate uncertainty while stepping into your role as a professional.Hang out with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectconfidents/ Email us your feedback: [email protected]#Dentistry #DentalSchool #NewDentist #DentalCareer #DentalLife

Toxicity in a dental practice is rarely loud or dramatic. It is subtle, consistent, and often disguised as experience, conservatism, or simply getting through the day. From skipping protocols and softening treatment conversations to questioning systems in front of the team, small behaviors repeated daily quietly erode production, culture, and patient trust. The damage multiplies when temps operate without ownership, when leaders tolerate inconsistency, or when systems are unclear and unenforced. What feels like filling a chair or avoiding conflict can cost thousands in lost case acceptance, weaken team morale, and introduce clinical risk. Protecting your culture requires real time correction, clear non negotiables, and the courage to leave a chair empty rather than lower the standard. Toxic employees do not just create problems, they expose gaps in leadership, structure, and accountability. Ignoring it is never neutral. It is expensive financially, clinically, and culturally.Hang out with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectconfidents/ Email us your feedback: [email protected]#DentalPractice #DentalLeadership #PracticeManagement #DentalTeam

Are DSOs reshaping dentistry or redefining it for better or worse? In this episode of Project ConfiDents, we take on one of the most debated topics in the profession and share what every dental student and new graduate should understand before signing a contract.We explain what Dental Service Organizations actually are and how they grew from rising student debt, private equity investment, and the appeal of economies of scale. We break down how DSOs differ from traditional private practice in structure, payor mix, production expectations, and mentorship. We also uncover what a hidden DSO is and how to recognize when a practice that appears independently owned may actually be part of a larger corporate network. From concerns about production pressure and overtreatment to arguments about improved access to care and operational efficiency, we explore both sides of the controversy. We share our own experiences, including why we chose to complete general practice residencies and how that additional training shaped our clinical confidence, emergency management skills, and long term perspective as dentists. Most importantly, we remind you that your license, your ethics, and your professional reputation are yours alone, and choosing the right practice environment starts with asking thoughtful questions and understanding the structure behind the offer.Hang out with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectconfidents/ Email us your feedback: [email protected]#Dentistry #DentalStudents #DSO #PrivatePractice #DentalCareers

Ask Us Anything: Real Answers to Dentists’ Biggest QuestionsListener questions about dental jobs, specialization, and day to day practice answered honestlyIn this episode, Dr. Diana Nguyen and Dr. Amrita Patel responds to real questions submitted by listeners at different stages of their dental journey. They walk through what to ask during associate interviews to better understand how compensation is structured and what it could realistically look like in practice. They also discuss the decision between going straight into practice or pursuing a specialty, focusing on factors like lifestyle, interests, and long term goals. The episode touches on practical topics such as how to present yourself professionally in the clinic and why consistent documentation matters in your career. Hang out with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectconfidents/ Email us your feedback: [email protected]#dentistry #dentistlife #dentalcareer #dentalstudents #dentalpodcast

Most dental students believe their grades and clinical skills will determine their future. What many dentists later realize is that one overlooked factor often creates the biggest opportunities in their career.In this episode of Project ConfiDents, Dr. Amrita Patel and Dr. Diana Nguyen explore a career advantage that many dentists wish they had understood much earlier. The right connections can lead to mentorship, career opportunities, trusted referrals, better decisions in private practice, and guidance through the most challenging moments in dentistry. For dental students, new graduates, and early career dentists, this conversation highlights why some professionals seem to find the right opportunities at the right time while others struggle to navigate the profession alone. If you are building a career in dentistry, this episode may completely change how you think about your future in dental school, private practice, and the dental community.Hang out with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectconfidents/ Email us your feedback: [email protected] learn more about Teero's administrative and billing support tools and see if they're a fit for your dental practice, visit: https://www.teero.com/eob Check out Teero on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/teerodental/ to see how they can help streamline your revenue cycle management.----------------#dentistry #dentalschool #dentalstudent #dentalcommunity #dentalnetworking

If patients keep saying no to treatment, the problem is usually not your clinical skills. It is how the treatment is explained.In this episode of Project ConfiDents with Dr. Diana Nguyen and Dr. Amrita Patel, the focus is clear case acceptance is a communication skill, not a sales strategy. They address common myths dentists believe, including the idea that trust guarantees acceptance, that patients who decline do not value their health, and that strong hand skills automatically lead to high production. Patients often say no because they do not fully understand the diagnosis, the risk of waiting, or the financial commitment. Dental jargon creates confusion. Rushing through explanations lowers clarity. Presenting too many options at once creates indecision. Avoiding direct conversations about cost increases hesitation. The solution is simple language, clear visuals such as photos and mirrors, confident recommendations, and straightforward discussions about timing and payment. Case acceptance is about reducing untreated disease and improving patient outcomes. When patients clearly understand the condition and the consequences, they are more likely to move forward with treatment.Hang out with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectconfidents/ Email us your feedback: [email protected]#ProjectConfiDents #CaseAcceptance #DentalPractice #DentistLife #DentalLeadership #PracticeGrowth

Finishing dental school or hitting career milestones doesn’t always bring clarity. For many dentists, it brings confusion, burnout, and the question of “now what?”In this episode of Project Confidents, Dr. Diana Nguyen and Dr. Amrita Patel break down how self-assessment, intentional goal-setting, and clearly defined values shape a sustainable and fulfilling dental career. They explore why dentists often feel lost after training, how burnout starts when goals are not aligned with who you are, and practical ways to identify what energizes you versus what drains you. Through real examples from clinical practice, leadership, and education, this conversation offers a framework for practicing dentistry with purpose, confidence, and long-term clarity for dentists at any career stage.Hang out with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectconfidents/ Email us your feedback: [email protected] #Dentistry #DentalCareer  #BurnoutPrevention #DentalLeadership #ProfessionalGrowth

Owning more practices sounds like the ultimate level up until no one tells you what it actually costs to get there.In this episode of Project ConfiDents, Dr. Amrita Patel and Dr. Diana Nguyen pull back the curtain on multi practice ownership and talk honestly about what happens after the excitement wears off. They break down why expansion is so glamorized in dentistry and why income does not automatically multiply just because the number of locations does. Through real experience, they explore how complexity grows faster than revenue, how people problems outweigh spreadsheet planning, and why the emotional weight of leadership often surprises even the most prepared owners. The conversation dives into systems, burnout, identity shifts, and the hidden financial realities that never make it onto social media. They also challenge the idea that growth always equals progress and explain how scaling too fast can turn into expensive self sabotage if it is driven by ego, escape, or pressure instead of capacity and support. This episode is a grounded reality check for anyone considering a second or third practice and a reminder that sustainable success in dentistry often looks quieter, slower, and far more intentional than what gets posted online.Hang out with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectconfidents/ Email us your feedback: [email protected]#ProjectConfiDents #DentalOwnership #PracticeGrowth #DentalLeadership #DentistryLife #BusinessOfDentistry

Benefits Breakdown, Dental Insurance Decoded for New GradsYou finished dental school but no one really explained how insurance affects your paycheck, your schedule, or your stress level. If insurance feels confusing or overwhelming, this episode is for you.Dr. Diana Nguyen and Dr. Amrita Patel break down dental insurance in clear, practical terms for new grads. They explain fee for service versus PPOs and HMOs, why fee for service does not mean insurance free, and how reimbursement actually works behind the scenes. The conversation highlights common misconceptions, real world examples, and the financial realities that shape daily practice and long term career satisfaction.This episode helps new dentists understand what questions to ask before signing a contract, how insurance impacts income and burnout, and why knowledge, not avoidance, is the real power move early in your career.Hang out with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectconfidents/ Email us your feedback: [email protected]#DentalNewGrad #DentalInsurance #DentistryLife #NewDentist #DentalCareer #ProjectConfiDents

Getting paid to speak sounds glamorous, but the reality behind dental speaking careers is far more complex than Instagram makes it look. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on what it really takes to get paid to talk teeth.Dr. Diana Nguyen and Dr. Amrita Patel break down how dental speaking careers actually start, often with unpaid opportunities, volunteer leadership, and years of practice before any real income shows up. They share how finding the right topic means solving real problems, not just telling your story.The episode explores how speakers build credibility, handle sponsorships, and protect their integrity. They also talk about presentation skills, common mistakes new speakers make, and why engaging delivery matters more than flashy slides.Finally, they unpack the realities of travel, burnout, and loneliness that come with speaking, and why knowing your why is essential before chasing the stage.Hang out with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectconfidents/ Email us your feedback: [email protected]#DentalSpeaking #GetPaidToSpeak #DentistryCareers #PublicSpeakingTips #DentalLeadership

What happens when you stop being polite and start being honest about your career?In this episode, we answer listener questions with unfiltered, real-world perspective on dentistry, career growth, and personal boundaries. We talk through where we disagree professionally, especially around being underpaid, overextending yourself, and the difference between being a team player and being taken advantage of. We also unpack why women in dentistry often struggle with self-advocacy and how invisible labor quietly adds up over time.The conversation continues with a candid discussion on common career advice we disagree with, including the idea that going rural is always the best move for new grads. We share personal experiences that highlight the cultural, logistical, and emotional trade-offs that often get overlooked. The episode also covers how to answer the “tell me about a time you failed” interview question in a way that shows judgment, growth, and leadership, along with a few early-career stories that remind us how much learning happens outside the classroom.Hang out with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectconfidents/ Email us your feedback: [email protected]#dentistry #dentalcareers #careerdevelopment #womenindentistry #professionalboundaries #mentorship

Pregnancy is deeply personal but in dentistry it quickly becomes professional.Dr. Amrita Patel and Dr. Diana Nguyen explore how pregnancy affects a dental career across dental school, private practice, ownership, and academia. The conversation addresses why many women dentists delay motherhood, what dental training fails to prepare them for, and how pregnancy can influence income, scheduling, patient care, and career momentum.They also examine maternity leave planning, workplace accommodations, pumping at work, and the realities of returning after childbirth. Differences between private practice and academic dentistry are discussed, along with how leadership culture can either support or complicate the experience of being pregnant in dentistry.This is not medical or legal advice. It is an honest, experience based discussion meant to educate, normalize, and encourage more transparent conversations within the profession.Part two of the conversation is coming soon.Hang out with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectconfidents/ Email us your feedback: [email protected] #Dentistry #WomenInDentistry #PregnancyInDentistry #DentalCareers #WorkingMoms #DentalEducation

What if getting patients to say yes had less to do with persuasion and more to do with connection?In this episode, the conversation goes beyond scripts, sales tactics, and perfect phrasing. It explores what really happens in the room when trust is built, when people feel seen, and when communication finally clicks. Through relatable stories and honest reflections, the hosts unpack why some conversations fall flat while others change everything. If you have ever felt stuck explaining, repeating yourself, or wondering why patients hesitate even when the plan feels obvious, this episode will shift how you think about every interaction. It is less about what you say, and more about how you show up.Please subscribe to our YouTube channel to hear more honest conversations about the dental profession.Hang out with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectconfidents/ Email us your feedback: [email protected] #dentalpodcast #dentistrypodcast #patientcommunication #practicegrowth #dentallife Chapters:01:30 Focusing on patient communication as a dialogue02:40 Using the intra-oral camera to help patients visualize problems04:04 Recognizing that the world is visual and patients learn through images05:54 Establishing that reality equals agreement08:04 Practicing honesty as empathy regarding money and pain10:35 Slowing down to avoid information overload and paralysis12:54 Reframing hygiene as an investment that keeps dental work alive15:05 Paying attention to follow-ups to maintain patient relationships17:17 Recognizing that tone and presence matter more than words19:01 Building trust through consistency and authenticity

Why do so many dental associates burn out, get fired, or feel stuck while others quietly build thriving, long-term careers in the exact same job market?In this episode of Project ConfiDents, we unpack why dental associateships fail and how associate dentists can set themselves up for real, sustainable success. We cover the biggest mistakes new grad dentists and experienced associates make, including unclear dental associate contracts, misunderstandings around production vs collections, poor communication with practice owners, and unrealistic expectations about mentorship. This episode dives into evaluating dental job offers, navigating DSO vs private practice, understanding dental KPIs, managing compensation and lab fees, building strong relationships with staff, and developing the associate dentist mindset owners actually want. If you’re a dental associate, new dentist, or feeling stuck in your current associateship, this conversation delivers honest insight into dental career growth, associate success strategies, and how to thrive in today’s competitive dental job market.Please subscribe to our YouTube channel to hear more honest conversations about the dental profession.Hang out with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectconfidents/ Email us your feedback: [email protected] #DentalAssociate #DentalPodcast #NewGradDentist #DentistryLife #DentalCareer #AssociateDentistChapters:02:10 The #1 Failure: Unclear Expectations & Contracts 04:51 Social Media Advice vs. Professional Advisors 07:46 Financial Literacy & Understanding KPIs 09:39 Mindset Shift: Be an Asset, Not a Student 12:34 Staff Relationships & Office Culture 14:57 Compensation Nuances: Fees, Redos & Collections 17:03 Marketing Duties: Owner vs. Associate 19:23 Navigating Differences in Clinical Philosophy 23:24 Ethics: Never Disparage Other Dentists

Have you ever felt like you’re failing at both work and life no matter how hard you try to “balance” everything? You’re not alone, and the truth might surprise you: balance isn’t the goal at all.In this episode of ConfiDents, Dr. Diana Nguyen and Dr. Amrita Patel challenges the myth of perfect work-life balance and shares what actually works for busy professionals, especially those in demanding, hands-on careers. From setting realistic boundaries and delegating effectively to protecting personal routines, managing travel burnout, and letting go of comparison culture, they explain how focusing on alignment instead of balance creates more peace and sustainability. This conversation is an honest look at giving yourself grace, managing inevitable imbalance, and choosing what truly matters in each season of life.Please subscribe to our YouTube channel to hear more honest conversations about the dental profession.Hang out with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectconfidents/ Email us your feedback: [email protected] #ProjectConfiDents #WorkLifeBalance #AlignmentOverBalance #DentistryLife #DentalPodcast #FemaleEntrepreneurs #BurnoutPrevention #CareerWellness #Boundaries #ProfessionalGrowth #MentalHealthAtWork #LeadershipLifeChapters01:05 Why Work-Life Balance Is a Myth04:18 Setting Realistic Boundaries07:43 Delegation and Avoiding Burnout10:04 The Reality of Work Travel13:18 Protecting Breaks and Mental Reset14:18 Escaping Comparison Culture15:59 Finding Life Outside Work16:42 Choosing Alignment Over Balance18:27 Final Takeaway and Closing

Have you ever cried over a plastic tooth or stayed awake at night worrying about a bad patient review?In this episode of Project Confidence, Dr. Diana Nguyen and Dr. Amrita Patel get real about the times they almost walked away from dentistry. They share intimate stories about the struggles of dental school sim labs, the isolation of practicing in a new state, and the challenges of dealing with unsupportive colleagues and rude patients. This discussion explores why we often confuse hating our circumstances with hating the profession and offers advice on how to push through temporary burnout to find your love for the work again.Please subscribe to our channel to hear more honest conversations about the dental profession.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectconfidents/ #ProjectConfiDents #Dentistry #DentalPodcast #DentalStudent #DentalSchool #DentalBurnout #MentalHealthInDentistry #DentalLife #ImposterSyndrome #DentalResidency #NewDentist #CareerAdvice #DentalCommunityChapters:01:00 Intro01:32 The Struggle With Drilling Plastic Teeth in the Lab05:29 Culture Shock in South Dakota: Dentistry Far From Home11:43 Diana Talks to Her Dad About Choosing a Hard Career20:41 Getting Yelled at While the Manager Ate Popcorn24:43 Don't Let a Bad Workplace Ruin Your Love for the Job

You're hearing all kinds of opinions about NYU Dental, its cost, its reputation, its massive class size, but is it actually worth it? Before you make up your mind, here’s the honest look you won’t find on any brochure.In this episode of Project ConfiDents, Dr. Diana Nguyen and Dr. Amrita Patel dive straight into the question every future dental student eventually faces: Is NYU Dental worth it? Drawing from their own journeys through one of the largest and most debated dental schools in the country, they break down what day-to-day life really felt like, from the pressure of class rank to the nonstop patient flow, from the diversity of faculty mentors to the reality of living and learning in New York City. Through stories that are funny, humbling, and surprisingly relatable, they peel back the layers of a school that sparks strong opinions but is often misunderstood. Whether NYU is your dream program or just one of many options on your list, this episode gives you the perspective you need before deciding if it’s the right fit for you.Chapters:01:24 How Much Does NYU Dental Really Cost04:08 NYU Dental Class Size Explained16:14 How Expensive Is It to Live in New York for Dental School17:35 Is NYU Dental Worth the High Tuition17:53 Does an NYU Dental Degree Improve Your Career Opportunities#Dental #Dentistry #DentalSchool #NYU #ProjectConfiDents

Choosing between dental practice ownership and associateship is one of the most defining career decisions a dentist will ever make. In this episode of Project ConfiDents we cut through recycled advice and explore the real stories behind freedom, fortune, burnout, leadership, and the evolving dental economy.In this conversation Dr. Diana Nguyen and Dr. Amrita Patel dive deep into what it truly means to become a dental practice owner versus building a long term dental associateship career. Using real lived experience rather than generic coaching content, they unpack industry trends, ADA data on changing ownership patterns, and the emotional and financial realities new dentists face. The episode covers clinical autonomy, leadership growth, production pressure, team culture, burnout prevention, and how to align your career with your personal definition of success. Whether you are considering buying a dental practice, navigating early career dentistry, seeking practice management clarity, or wondering how to build confidence as a new dentist, this episode offers grounded insight that goes far beyond typical dental career advice.Chapters:00:00 Introduction01:42 Dental associate vs practice owner pros and cons06:52 The rise of dental influencers using chatgpt 11:00 Can you make good money as a dental associate11:41 Reality of owning a dental practice—-------------------#DentalCareerDecisions #DentistLifeUnfiltered #FuturePracticeOwners #ProjectConfiDents

Ever feel like you’re not good enough, even after years of training and hard work? In this episode of Project ConfiDents, Dr. Amrita Patel and Dr. Diana Nguyen open up about the all-too-common struggle of imposter syndrome in dentistry. That nagging belief that your success is just luck and you’re one step away from being “found out.” Drawing from their own experiences in dental school and beyond, they discuss how self-doubt can quietly persist throughout a dental career. More importantly, they share real strategies to rise above it. This honest and empowering conversation reminds every dental professional that imposter feelings don’t mean you don’t belong, they’re simply proof that you care, you’re growing, and you’ve earned your place.#Dental #Dentistry #DentalPracticeChapters:00:00 The Introduction02:30 What is the definition of imposter syndrome in dentistry?04:30 Does growing up around dentistry prevent imposter syndrome? 08:22 Can you just reject the idea of imposter syndrome? 10:56 Why you need friends outside of dentistry for perspective12:42 Why connection is the best antidote to imposter syndrome

What dental school didn’t teach but every new dentist needs to know.Let’s be honest, dental school gives you the skills, but not the full picture. In this episode, Dr. Amrita Patel and Dr. Diana Nguyen talk about what really happens once you step into the real world as a new dentist.They share what they wish someone told them. How networking early can open doors, how to stop comparing yourself to what you see online, and why success doesn’t look the same for everyone. You’ll also hear about building good relationships at work and finding a job that actually fits you.It’s an easy, honest talk to help you feel more prepared, grounded, and confident about your first years in dentistry.#Dental #Dentistry #DentalPracticeChapters:05:25 Networking Tips Every New Dentist Needs to Hear07:05 The Truth About Social Media in Dentistry08:24 Why You Should Stop Comparing Yourself to Other Dentists11:56 Redefining Success in Dentistry and Life14:58 How to Earn Respect From Your Dental Team16:44  There’s No Perfect Dental Job — Here’s What Matters Instead