Protrusive Dental Podcast Is Practice Ownership Right For You? ‘BossLady’ on Squat Practices – PDP237
Is Practice Ownership worth the stress?
What’s the most difficult thing you have to do as a practice owner?
Thinking about starting your own squat practice?
How long does it really take before you see profit, and what sacrifices do you need to make along the way?
In this episode, Jaz is joined by Dr. Shabnam Zai to unpack the real highs and lows of running a dental practice. From the loss of control as an associate, to the resilience needed during COVID, to the challenges of leadership and managing a team—nothing is sugar-coated here.
They also tackle the big money question: when does a squat practice finally become profitable, and is it worth the grind in those first few years?
If you’ve ever wondered whether practice ownership is for you—or why it might not be—this episode will give you the clarity (and reality check) you need.
Protrusive Dental Pearl: “DO NOT COMPARE YOUR WORK TO WHAT YOU SEE ON SOCIAL MEDIA”
Most cases shown online are the very best results, done under perfect conditions by clinicians with thousands of hours of experience.
Instead of letting that trigger self-doubt or imposter syndrome, use it as inspiration: respect it, aspire toward it, and occasionally achieve it — but remember that real-world dentistry is different.
Need to Read it? Check out the Full Episode Transcript below!
Key Takeaways
- Engagement in work is crucial for job satisfaction.
- Time management is essential for balancing work and family.
- Marketing and patient relationships are vital for practice growth.
- Quality time with family is more important than quantity.
- Coaching can help surface potential and provide accountability. Delegation is essential for effective practice management.
- Vulnerability can arise unexpectedly in practice ownership.
- Managing people requires empathy and clear communication.
- Being an associate can be fulfilling and offers flexibility.
- It’s important to have projects outside of dentistry.
- Balancing family life with practice ownership is challenging but possible.
- Financial planning is crucial before starting a practice.
- Understanding your priorities helps in making career decisions.
- Documenting staff performance is key to effective management.
- Continuous learning and self-improvement are vital for success.
Highlights of this episode:
- 0000 Teaser
- 00:25 Intro
- 06:10: Guest Introduction – Dr. Shabnam Zai
- 08:38 Journey into Dentistry and Practice Ownership
- 15:08 Practice Philosophy and Security
- 16:33 Decision Making and Growth
- 19:10 Hardest Part of Being a Practice Owner
- 24:30 Balancing Parenthood and Dentistry
- 26:10 Coaching and Supporting Others
- 30:44 Compliance and Personality Types
- 34:15 Compliance and Personality Types
- 35:55 Navigating Career Vulnerability During COVID-19
- 37:06 The Importance of Self-Awareness and Managing People
- 40:07 The Forever Associate Trend
- 43:01 Projects vs Goals
- 48:33 Balancing Parenthood and Professional Growth
- 50:47 Financial Considerations for Starting a Practice
- 59:05 Final Thoughts and Mentorship Opportunities
- 59:42 Outro
Enjoyed this episode? You might also like Treatment Co-Ordinators – Are They Right For Your Practice? – IC043
#PDPMainEpisodes #CareerDevelopment #BeyondDentistry
Connect with Dr. Shabnam:
Website → shabnamzai.com
Instagram → @drshabnamzai
This episode is eligible for 1 CE credit via the quiz on Protrusive Guidance.
This episode meets GDC Outcomes:
B: Effective management of self and working with others in the dental team.
AGD Subject Code: 550 PRACTICE MANAGEMENT AND HUMAN RELATIONS
Aim: To provide dentists with an honest, practical insight into practice ownership—particularly squat practices—covering the challenges, rewards, financial realities, and mindset shifts needed for success.
Dentists will be able to –
- Explain the main motivations for becoming a practice owner versus remaining an associate.
2. Describe the key challenges of practice ownership, including compliance, leadership, and financial planning.
3. Outline the realistic financial commitments involved in setting up a squat practice.