Should You Tell Your Kids to Become Dentists?
In this episode of The Dental CEO Podcast℠, Dr. Scott Leune tackles one of the most personal and professional questions in dentistry: Would you encourage your kids to become dentists? His reflections dig deep into the realities of dentist student debt, the rising dentist schooling cost, and whether practice ownership or associateship is the better long-term path.
Meet the Voice: Dr. Scott Leune
Dr. Scott Leune, founder of The Dental CEO Podcast℠ and an advocate for private dentistry, brings decades of experience helping dentists thrive. Known for his candid approach, Scott doesn’t shy away from the tough topics—from dental schools tuition to the average student loan debt for dentists—and offers grounded advice that dentists can put into action.
Key Highlights
1. Crushing Student Debt
Scott emphasizes that dentist student loan debt has reached record highs. He notes that the average student loan debt for dentists often surpasses that of other professional degrees, making the cost of dental schools tuition one of the most significant barriers for new graduates.
2. The Associate Trap
Scott believes being an associate dentist often feels like living in “worst-case scenario.” After years of expensive associate dentist schooling, many young dentists enter jobs with flat income growth, limited autonomy, and heavy stress. He stresses that this model doesn’t justify the huge dentist schooling cost.
3. Ownership vs Employment
Dr. Leune knows that ownership is where dentists find freedom and fulfillment. He stresses that while dental practice startup costs can be high, the rewards of autonomy, flexibility, and long-term wealth outweigh the risks.
4. The Golden Age of Dental Startups
Scott Leune emphasizes that now is the “golden age” for dental startups. He sees more opportunities than ever for dentists to launch practices successfully, even in competitive markets. Startup practices, when executed well, help dentists escape the limitations of being associates and achieve greater stability.
5. Aligning Career and Life
Scott believes that fulfillment in dentistry comes when practice ownership aligns with life goals—choosing your schedule, your team, and your systems. If dentists pay the high dental schools tuition but remain stuck in jobs that don’t match their vision, then the cost of dentist student debt is never justified.
Conclusion
Dr. Scott Leune’s candid reflections remind us that dentistry is at a crossroads. The heavy burden of dentist student debt and rising dental schools tuition make the traditional path of staying an associate less attractive. But for those willing to take on dental startups or manage dental practice startup costs, ownership can provide both financial security and personal fulfillment. His advice is clear: if what you’re doing in dentistry today isn’t what you’d want for your children, it may be time to change direction.
Read more articles on dental leadership in our blog: https://scottleune.com/blog/