The dental hygienist shortage is REAL — and it's hitting practices across the country hard. If you're a dentist struggling with hygienist turnover, rising hygiene pay rates, or difficulty hiring dental hygienists, this episode is for you.

In this episode of The Lifestyle Practice Podcast, Dr. Matt Vogt breaks down exactly what's driving the dental hygienist shortage, why hygienist pay rates keep climbing, and — most importantly — four practical strategies to combat the hygiene shortage in your dental practice.

Whether you're dealing with a hygienist leaving to temp, struggling with dental hygiene staffing, or just trying to figure out how to retain your hygiene team, Matt shares real-world insights from his own practice ownership journey.

If you've ever searched "dental hygienist shortage," "hygienist near me," "hygienist dental hiring," or "hygienist visit revenue," this episode answers the questions you've been asking.

Connect with us:

• Take our FREE lifestyle and practice assessment: https://thelifestylepractice.com/practice-assesment/
• Learn more about 1-on-1 coaching: https://thelifestylepractice.com/coaching-services/
• Get access to TLP Academy: https://thelifestylepractice.com/coaching-services/
• Get the TLP Student Academy for $20 (lifetime access): https://the-lifestyle-practice.teachable.com/p/studentacademy
• Subscribe to The Lifestyle Practice Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tlp-podcast-for-dentists/id1476544801
• Email Derek at derek@thelifestylepractice.com
• Email Matt at matt@thelifestylepractice.com
• Email Steve at steve@thelifestylepractice.com

Dental students — this episode is for YOU. The Lifestyle Practice team — Steve Van De Graaff, Derek Williams, and Matt Vogt — officially announce the launch of the TLP Student Academy: an online course built specifically for dental students who want to graduate ready to OWN a dental practice, build wealth, and design a lifestyle practice on their own terms — all for just $20 with lifetime access.

In this dental podcast episode, three practice-owning dentists who bought practices straight out of dental school break down the business and clinical "crash course" that fills the gaps every dental school leaves wide open. From maximizing clinical experience and shortening your learning curve, to evaluating dental practices for acquisition, dental practice startups, communication and leadership skills, personal finance for dentists, student loan strategy, and the GP vs. specialist decision — this is the dental school survival guide and dental practice ownership roadmap rolled into one.

Whether you're a D1 just starting, a D4 prepping for graduation, or a new associate dentist mapping your path to ownership, the Lifestyle Practice Student Academy is your shortcut to financial freedom in dentistry, work-life balance, and early practice ownership.

🦷 Topics covered in this episode: ✔ Why dental school doesn't teach business or personal finance ✔ How to maximize clinical experience in dental school ✔ Networking and mentorship strategies for dental students ✔ Buying a dental practice vs. starting a dental practice from scratch ✔ Practice acquisitions for new dentists ✔ Raising your "belief lid" as a future dental practice owner ✔ Building a lifestyle practice that fits YOUR life ✔ ROI mindset for dental school investment ✔ Implants, oral surgery, and endo experience hustle in school ✔ Path to financial independence as a dentist

If you're searching for dental practice coaching, dental student mentorship, dental practice ownership advice, dental school tips, or how to buy a dental practice — this episode is your starting point. Get the TLP Student Academy for $20 (lifetime access): https://the-lifestyle-practice.teachable.com/p/studentacademy

Connect with us:

• Take our FREE lifestyle and practice assessment: https://thelifestylepractice.com/practice-assesment/
• Learn more about 1-on-1 coaching: https://thelifestylepractice.com/coaching-services/
• Get access to TLP Academy: https://thelifestylepractice.com/coaching-services/
• Subscribe to The Lifestyle Practice Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tlp-podcast-for-dentists/id1476544801
• Email Derek at derek@thelifestylepractice.com
• Email Matt at matt@thelifestylepractice.com
• Email Steve at steve@thelifestylepractice.com

Are you a dentist or dental practice owner feeling stuck working in your business instead of on it? In this episode of The Lifestyle Practice Podcast, Dr. Steve reveals the 4 powerful daily questions every dentist needs to ask themselves each morning to build a thriving dental practice — without sacrificing family, health, or freedom.

Drawing inspiration from free solo climber Alex Honnold's historic El Capitan ascent and heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder's late-start path to greatness, Dr. Steve breaks down why success in dentistry is never about one big moment — it's about winning ordinary days, consistently, over time.

Whether you're a pre-owner looking to acquire a dental practice, a new practice owner in growth mode, or an established dentist planning your exit strategy, these 4 questions will help you focus on what actually moves the needle: business growth, family connection, physical health, and sharper thinking.

In this dental practice management podcast, you'll learn:

✅ The #1 question to ask yourself every morning to grow your dental practice

✅ Why most dentists confuse "providing for their family" with actually being present

✅ How to protect your physical health (your body IS your livelihood as a dentist) ✅ Daily habits of high-performing practice owners for better thinking and decision-making

✅ Why working ON your business beats working IN your business — every time ✅ How to identify and attack the one thing you've been avoiding in your practice

Connect with us:

• Take our FREE lifestyle and practice assessment: https://thelifestylepractice.com/practice-assesment/
• Learn more about 1-on-1 coaching: https://thelifestylepractice.com/coaching-services/
• Get access to TLP Academy: https://thelifestylepractice.com/coaching-services/
• Subscribe to The Lifestyle Practice Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tlp-podcast-for-dentists/id1476544801
• Email Derek at derek@thelifestylepractice.com
• Email Matt at matt@thelifestylepractice.com
• Email Steve at steve@thelifestylepractice.com