The Dental CEO Podcast
Scott Leune
Welcome to the Dental CEO® Podcast — where Dr. Scott Leune applies proven business strategies from leading entrepreneurs and CEOs to the complexities of dental practice ownership.
In each episode, Dr. Leune dives into candid conversations with leaders from industries far beyond the operatory, uncovering strategies, struggles, and breakthroughs that align with the challenges dentists face every day.
From scaling operations to maximizing profitability, these discussions reveal the financial frameworks and operational insights that empower dentists to lead with precision, manage with efficiency, and achieve sustainable growth as the CEO of their practice.
In each episode, Dr. Leune dives into candid conversations with leaders from industries far beyond the operatory, uncovering strategies, struggles, and breakthroughs that align with the challenges dentists face every day.
From scaling operations to maximizing profitability, these discussions reveal the financial frameworks and operational insights that empower dentists to lead with precision, manage with efficiency, and achieve sustainable growth as the CEO of their practice.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jul 28, 2025 • 34min
Dental CEO Podcast #22 - Building a Life That Feels as Good as It Looks
Erin Stafford, author of The Type A Trap and social psychologist, dives into her journey from burnout to balance. She shares striking insights on how high achievers can reclaim their joy without sacrificing success. Listeners will discover innovative strategies like 'calendar strip poker' to manage commitments, the importance of intentional breaks, and the value of self-reflection for personal and professional growth. With her experience in marketing for a massive healthcare company, Erin offers practical tools to maintain productivity and fulfillment even under pressure.
Jul 21, 2025 • 41min
Dental CEO Podcast #21 - Wired for Survival, Built for Burnout
This week, Rebecca Heiss, a biologist and stress expert, shares her insights on transforming stress into a performance tool. She discusses how our evolutionary wiring influences decision-making and contributes to burnout in the dental field. The conversation emphasizes reframing stress as a sign of care and encourages listeners to embrace small steps toward personal growth. Heiss provides strategies for maintaining positivity and curiosity in high-pressure situations, highlighting that confronting stress can lead to resilience and professional growth.
Jul 14, 2025 • 45min
Dental CEO Podcast #20 - The AI-Powered Dental Practice
Jana Macon, President of Curve Dental and an expert in practice management software, discusses the revolutionary impact of AI on dental practices. She explores how cloud-based technology is automating insurance verification, scheduling, and claims processing, allowing for more focus on patient care. Jana emphasizes the urgency for practices to adopt modern tech to attract and retain talent, while also addressing the expectations of today's digital-savvy patients. She shares insights on balancing career growth with personal life, highlighting the need for supportive workplace cultures.
Jul 7, 2025 • 17min
Dental CEO Podcast #19 - Retaining Great People
Discover the secret to keeping top dental talent engaged and motivated through innovative profit-sharing strategies. Learn how profits interests can incentivize performance without sacrificing ownership. Explore practical tips for creating a culture of loyalty and commitment that benefits both employees and practice success. Uncover the impact of turnover on your practice and effective methods to foster employee connections that drive long-term loyalty.
Jun 30, 2025 • 35min
Dental CEO Podcast #18 - Human-Centered Leadership: Leading People, Growing Practices
Ryan Estis, a keynote speaker and executive coach, discusses the transformative power of human-centered leadership. He emphasizes the shift from traditional management styles to trust-based approaches that enhance employee engagement and reduce turnover. Estis explores practical strategies for improving workplace culture, highlighting the importance of empathy and personal connections in dental practices. He underscores how investing in team satisfaction directly impacts patient trust and business success, making it essential for dental professionals to lead with a people-first mindset.
Jun 23, 2025 • 21min
Dental CEO Podcast #17 - Are You Happy?
Scott Leune dives into a vital question for dental practice owners: Are you truly happy? He discusses the commonly overlooked divide between success and personal fulfillment. The conversation explores strategies for balancing work-life dynamics while expanding dental practices. Topics include managing growth thoughtfully, ensuring profitability, and maintaining quality care amidst expansion. If you've achieved professional milestones yet feel something's missing, this discussion might be just what you need!
Jun 16, 2025 • 48min
Dental CEO Podcast #16 - Made to Matter: Building Dental Practices That Inspire Loyalty
Seth Mattison, a top keynote speaker and CEO known for his insights on building meaningful relationships, joins Dr. Scott Leune to discuss how love can revolutionize dental practices. They explore how intentionality in leadership enhances patient experiences and team culture. The conversation highlights the balance between technology and human connection, emphasizing that memorable patient interactions breed loyalty. Additionally, they address nurturing talent and empathy in leadership, advocating for personal connections that foster a supportive work environment.
Jun 9, 2025 • 37min
Dental CEO Podcast #15 - The Path: A Smarter Way to Scale Your Practice and Reclaim Your Life
Discover a fresh, margin-first approach to scaling your dental practice without losing your freedom. Learn how to drop low-paying insurance plans and improve case acceptance. Explore the concept of a low-overhead micro practice that integrates smoothly into your existing setup. Get insights on building a profitable business that allows you to grow on your own terms. This discussion challenges traditional growth strategies and prioritizes operational efficiency.
Jun 2, 2025 • 43min
Dental CEO Podcast #14 - Redefining Success: Building a $3M Practice—and a Life—with Dr. Jordan Sanders
Dr. Jordan Sanders, founder of Knox Mountain Dentistry and Ascend Dental Education, shares insights on building a thriving practice worth $3 million amidst the challenges of COVID-19. He discusses his escape from burnout through delegating operations and prioritizing mental health. Sanders emphasizes the importance of leadership, teaching, and 3D printing in modern dentistry. He also explores mentorship dynamics and encourages professionals to redefine what success means in their careers, focusing on passion and patient-centered practices.
May 26, 2025 • 26min
Dental CEO Podcast #13 - Becoming an Effective Dental CEO
Discover a powerful framework for mastering dental practice leadership. The discussion highlights strategies for maximizing productivity through effective task management and delegation. Learn how to use a compact to-do list to regain control of your day and protect your personal time. Personal stories emphasize the importance of accountability and structured systems. Whether leading a single office or a growing team, these insights promise clarity and enhanced work-life balance for every dental CEO.
