

Bulletproof Dental Practice
Dr. Peter Boulden & Dr. Craig Spodak
Dentistry is evolving - Is your practice BULLETPROOF?
Marketing. Systems. Leadership. Proven strategies to grow your practice with co-hosts Dr. Peter Boulden and Dr. Craig Spodak.
Marketing. Systems. Leadership. Proven strategies to grow your practice with co-hosts Dr. Peter Boulden and Dr. Craig Spodak.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 15, 2026 • 1h 1min
5 reasons your associate isn't producing enough
This engaging conversation highlights the key challenges associates face in dental practices. Mentorship plays a crucial role in their development and confidence. Economic factors and money mindset can significantly impact productivity. The hosts advocate for same-day dentistry as a game changer for practice growth. They also stress the importance of effective communication and using visuals to enhance patient understanding. Ultimately, a supportive environment and strategic planning are essential for dental practices to thrive.

4 snips
Jan 8, 2026 • 30min
New Year Reflections and Goals
The hosts reflect on the New Year as a prime opportunity for goal-setting and strategic planning. They explore how daily urgent tasks can overshadow long-term growth, emphasizing that being busy doesn't mean being productive. There's a discussion on the allure of clinical production and the risks of not stepping back from daily operations. They highlight the importance of team consensus for motivation and ownership, and the transformative power of retreats like the Bulletproof Summit in fostering strategic thinking.

Jan 2, 2026 • 56min
5 Things We've Learned in 45 years of Dental Marketing
Discover the evolving landscape of dental marketing and the power of creating joy and hope in patient messaging. Learn why selling benefits rather than procedures can enhance patient engagement. Existing patients are a treasure trove for referrals, and using underpriced attention in marketing will elevate your practice. The discussion also explores the transformative impact of AI in dentistry and the necessity of clear processes for enhancing patient experiences. Finally, the psychology behind success emphasizes the importance of self-worth in achieving business goals.

18 snips
Dec 25, 2025 • 55min
Local Search Ranking Factors report for 2026 with Darren Shaw
Darren Shaw, a local SEO guru and founder of Whitespark, shares valuable insights for dental practices aiming to boost their online presence. He discusses the pivotal role of Google Business Profiles and how selecting the right primary category can dramatically affect local rankings. Shaw emphasizes the importance of recent reviews and their textual content, plus effective strategies like staff incentives for gathering them. He also reveals how behavioral signals impact ranking and the emerging significance of AI search, providing actionable tips for dentists to thrive in the digital landscape.

Dec 18, 2025 • 32min
3 Skills a Dental Entrepreneur Needs
This enlightening discussion dives into the essential skills dental entrepreneurs must master. Confidence is highlighted as key for effective leadership, while understanding business metrics is stressed for success. The speakers emphasize the importance of having clear goals to avoid the 'lost decade' in clarity. They also introduce the concept of becoming a multiplier leader to enhance team performance. Overall, the conversation champions a proactive mindset toward business that goes beyond clinical work.

Dec 11, 2025 • 44min
Would We Want Our Kids to Become Dentists?
The Bulletproof Dental Podcast Episode 418 HOSTS: Dr. Peter Boulden and Dr. Craig Spodak DESCRIPTION In this episode of the Bulletproof Dental Practice Podcast, Dr. Craig Spodak and Peter Boulden discuss the evolving landscape of dentistry, including the implications of AI, the financial realities of dental school, and the rising importance of dental hygiene. They explore the skills necessary for success in dental business ownership, the significance of mentorship, and the challenges faced by new dentists. The conversation emphasizes the need for future dentists to understand the business side of their profession and the importance of leadership and influence in achieving success. TAKEAWAYS Dentistry is an AI-resistant profession. The financial implications of dental school are significant. Dental hygiene is becoming a more lucrative career path. Many dentists are being commoditized in the industry. Future dentists need to be prepared for business ownership. Mentorship is crucial for success in dentistry. Understanding financials is key for dental business owners. Influence and leadership are essential skills for dentists. The narrative around dentistry needs to change for new graduates. It's important to know yourself and your career aspirations. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction and Midlife Crisis Humor 02:38 The Future of Dentistry: A Personal Perspective 06:10 Financial Implications of Dental School 09:52 The Rise of Dental Hygiene 12:23 The Business of Dentistry: A Necessary Skill 17:46 Mentorship and Transitioning Roles in Dentistry 22:09 The Freedom Dilemma in Dentistry 23:48 Architecting Your Life and Career 24:13 The Associate vs. Business Owner Debate 25:39 Essential Skills for Dental Business Owners 29:07 The Importance of Influence and Leadership 33:05 Identifying Your Entrepreneurial Spirit 38:18 Advice for Future Dentists 39:33 The Reality of Dental Business Ownership REFERENCES Bulletproof Summit Bulletproof Mastermind

Dec 4, 2025 • 22min
Getting Out of the Chair
The Bulletproof Dental Podcast Episode 417 HOSTS: Kyle Bergman and Colin Ambler GUEST: Dr. Peter Boulden DESCRIPTION In this episode of The Extraction podcast, Dr. Peter Bolden shares his insights on dental practice growth, focusing on staff engagement, effective systems, and the transition from clinical work to business management. He emphasizes the importance of clarity in career goals, the need for robust systems in practice management, and the value of gamification in team engagement. Dr. Bolden also discusses the significance of delegation and finding one's zone of genius to achieve a successful dental practice. TAKEAWAYS Dr. Peter Bolden emphasizes the importance of staff engagement in practice growth. Identifying the right dental model is crucial for success in a new city. Transitioning from clinical work to business requires effective systems. Clarity in career goals can prevent a 'lost decade' in dentistry. Systems should be dynamic and regularly updated to avoid chaos. Gamification can enhance team engagement and accountability. Delegation is key to freeing up time for business development. Understanding your zone of genius helps in effective delegation. Revenue growth can facilitate the transition away from clinical work. Regular audits of daily activities can help identify bottlenecks. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Dental Practice Growth 02:25 Starting a Dental Practice in a New City 06:50 Transitioning from Clinical to Business 10:31 Building Effective Systems in Dentistry 20:22 Gamification and Team Engagement in Dental Practices 21:16 Hygiene Reactivation Strategies and Metrics REFERENCES Bulletproof Summit Bulletproof Mastermind

Nov 27, 2025 • 48min
The Truth About Dental Entrepreneurship
The Bulletproof Dental Podcast Episode 416 HOSTS: Matthew Brown and Andrew Vallo GUESTS: Dr. Peter Boulden and Dr. Craig Spodak DESCRIPTION In this conversation, the hosts and guests discuss the realities of success in dentistry, the impact of social media on expectations, and the importance of clarity and fulfillment in one's career. They explore the challenges of entrepreneurship, the dangers of comparison, and the significance of finding inspiration rather than envy. The discussion also touches on burnout, the lost decade many dentists experience, and the need for a supportive community. Ultimately, the conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding one's own path and the true meaning of success. TAKEAWAYS Success is about getting what you want and wanting what you get. Many practices are not as successful as they appear on social media. It's important to find inspiration rather than compare yourself to others. The turning point in a dental career often comes from realizing the need for a sustainable business model. Entrepreneurship in dentistry requires a clear vision and commitment. Burnout often stems from a lack of clarity and progress in one's career. The dental community can be isolating, making support systems crucial. Many dentists experience a 'lost decade' by following the wrong narratives. It's essential to focus on what truly makes you happy in your career. Success is not just about financial metrics but also about personal fulfillment. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to the Hustle in Dentistry 03:09 The Reality of Success in Dentistry 06:10 The Impact of Social Media on Expectations 08:51 Finding Inspiration vs. Comparison 11:56 The Turning Point in Dental Careers 15:08 The Entrepreneurial Mindset in Dentistry 18:03 The Cost of Entrepreneurship 20:52 The Importance of Clarity and Fulfillment 24:04 Navigating the Dental Community 27:00 Burnout and Finding Balance 30:12 The Lost Decade in Dentistry 33:13 Final Thoughts on Success and Happiness REFERENCES Bulletproof Summit Bulletproof Mastermind

Nov 20, 2025 • 52min
Don't start planning your exit too late!
The Bulletproof Dental Podcast Episode 415 HOSTS: Dr. Peter Boulden and Dr. Craig Spodak DESCRIPTION In this episode, Peter Boulden and Craig discuss the critical importance of succession planning for dentists, emphasizing that every dentist will eventually need to consider their exit strategy. They explore various pathways for transitioning out of practice, including selling outright, forming partnerships, or selling to private equity. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding practice value, the emotional aspects of selling, and common mistakes to avoid in the planning process. The hosts encourage proactive planning to maximize the value of a dental practice and ensure a smooth transition. TAKEAWAYS Succession planning is essential for all dentists. Timing is crucial in the succession planning process. The value of a practice is often tied to its goodwill and assets. Selling a practice without proper planning can lead to significant losses. Partnerships can provide a smoother transition and better value. Private equity can offer liquidity but comes with risks. Emotional states can cloud decision-making in practice transitions. Clear financial records are vital for successful transitions. Investing in practice growth can enhance future sale value. Planning for succession should start early in a dentist's career. CHAPTERS 00:00 The Importance of Succession Planning 03:39 Understanding Practice Value and Transition Risks 06:31 Exploring Exit Pathways for Dentists 10:21 The Partnership Path: A Long-Term Strategy 14:43 Private Equity: Pros and Cons 20:34 Navigating the Complexities of Selling to PE 27:46 Understanding Liquidity Events and Their Impact 30:18 Optimizing for Different Business Paths 32:52 Investing for Growth and Value Creation 35:24 Avoiding Common Mistakes in Dentistry 37:09 The Importance of Planning for the Future 43:36 Building Successful Partnerships in Dentistry 50:22 Final Thoughts and Future Endeavors REFERENCES Bulletproof Summit Bulletproof Mastermind

Nov 13, 2025 • 39min
Creating A Strategic / Autonomous Team!
Discover how to cultivate a strategic and autonomous team in your organization. The hosts discuss the importance of empowering employees to solve problems instead of relying on leadership for every answer. Emphasizing the role of technology, they advocate for using AI as a research tool. The conversation also touches on effective meeting structures, transforming leadership guilt into gratitude, and the necessity of delegating to reduce burnout. Ultimately, they highlight the impact of scaled operations on community service.


