What Dentists Can Learn from Global Markets: Expanding Beyond U.S. Dentistry
In this thought-provoking episode of The Dental CEO Podcast℠, Dr. Scott Leune explores how the business side of dentistry differs across countries — and how those differences create opportunities for exponential growth. He shares firsthand insights from decades of working with dentists and entrepreneurs worldwide, focusing on how practice management for dentists in the U.S. can serve as a model for international expansion.
From Australia’s maturing DSO networks to the growing dental work abroad market in Europe and Canada, Scott reveals what global professionals can learn from American systems. He invites listeners to think bigger, view the U.S. as a living blueprint for success, and apply proven business strategies to their own practices — wherever they are in the world.
About the Podcast – Transforming Dentists into Entrepreneurs
The Dental CEO Podcast℠ is a weekly show where business strategy meets clinical expertise. Hosted by Dr. Scott Leune, it’s designed for dentists ready to step into true ownership — those who want to move beyond the chair and lead thriving, efficient, and profitable organizations.
Each episode delivers practical advice, success frameworks, and honest discussions about the realities of how to grow a dental practice in today’s fast-changing market. Whether it’s scaling operations, leading a team, or navigating the evolving trends in the dental industry, listeners get actionable insights from one of the top voices in dental entrepreneurship.
About the Host – Dr. Scott Leune: From Clinician to Dental Business Visionary
Dr. Scott Leune is a recognized authority in practice management for dentists, founder of multiple successful dental organizations, and one of the most sought-after educators in dental entrepreneurship.
He has trained thousands of professionals on systems design, operational efficiency, and the business models that drive profitability in both single and multi-location practices. Known for bridging the gap between clinical care and business acumen, Scott’s mission is clear — to help dentists achieve financial freedom and build practices that work for them, not the other way around.
As a seasoned dental business consultant, he combines real-world experience with practical frameworks that empower dentists to lead with confidence, purpose, and precision.
About the Episode – A Global Masterclass in Dental Business Expansion
In this special solo episode, Dr. Leune takes listeners on a global tour of the dental industry — from the DSO boom in the U.S. to emerging opportunities in Europe, Canada, and Australia. He explains why the United States remains a decade ahead in business innovation and why now is the time for international dentists to learn from the American model.
Scott dives deep into how economic structures, government regulations, and funding models shape dental markets worldwide. He reveals that the lessons learned from the U.S. system of practice management for dentists can be directly applied to international contexts, helping global practitioners scale faster, serve better, and grow smarter.
1. The U.S. Leads in Dental Business Innovation
Scott Leune emphasizes that the United States is still the benchmark for innovation in dental business systems, technology adoption, and team-based operations. While other countries often excel in clinical techniques, the U.S. dominates the business side — offering lessons on scalability, patient experience, and marketing.
He explains that international dentists who analyze the trends in the dental industry coming from the U.S. can see what’s next for their regions — from the introduction of hygienists in France to multi-location business structures in Australia. By studying the American model, Scott believes foreign practitioners can anticipate industry shifts and gain a competitive advantage years ahead of local competitors.
2. The Global Expansion of DSOs
Scott believes that the dental DSO model — once unique to the U.S. — is now spreading rapidly across Canada, Australia, and Europe. He discusses how consolidation, private equity funding, and large-scale management structures are changing the ownership landscape globally.
Dr. Leune highlights that understanding how DSOs operate offers valuable lessons for solo dentists and group practices alike. Even if you’re not ready to join a DSO, learning from their efficiencies in HR, marketing, and finance can dramatically improve your own practice. According to Scott, the DSO evolution represents both a challenge and an opportunity: adapt the structure to your advantage, or risk falling behind.
3. How to Grow a Dental Practice Using the American Model
Dr. Leune knows that the key to growth lies in borrowing the best parts of the American model. He shares real-life examples of European dentists who attended his seminars, returned home, and transformed their clinics into multi-million-dollar businesses.
By focusing on efficient scheduling, marketing automation, case acceptance strategies, and scalable operations, these dentists achieved 10x revenue growth. Scott emphasizes that how to grow a dental practice is not about luck or geography — it’s about following proven business systems that have already worked elsewhere.
4. Opportunities in Dental Work Abroad
Scott highlights the rise of dental work abroad as both a career and business opportunity. He explains that markets outside the U.S. — from Europe to the Middle East — are ripe for modernization, offering space for ambitious professionals to build brands, expand services, and attract patients seeking quality and trust.
He encourages dentists to look beyond borders, study operational models from other countries, and consider partnerships that combine global expertise with local insight. Scott believes that dentistry abroad will continue to expand as more practitioners adopt scalable systems inspired by U.S. business practices.
5. The Role of the Dental Business Consultant
Scott Leune emphasizes that success in dentistry today requires more than clinical skill — it demands strategic direction. He explains how a dental business consultant can help dentists design sustainable systems, optimize profit margins, and make better leadership decisions.
Drawing from his own experience coaching dentists worldwide, Scott shows that consulting accelerates growth by preventing costly mistakes and offering structured guidance. He urges practitioners to view consulting as an investment in their future, not an expense — one that pays dividends in productivity, staff culture, and long-term profitability.
Conclusion
Dr. Leune concludes that the next era of dentistry belongs to those who think globally and act strategically. Whether you’re a solo dentist or a DSO leader, understanding practice management for dentists is essential to sustainable growth.
He reminds listeners that success isn’t limited by geography — it’s driven by systems, innovation, and mindset. The American approach to how to grow a dental practice can serve as a foundation for success anywhere in the world. For dentists willing to learn, adapt, and implement, the global dental market is not a challenge — it’s an open frontier waiting to be built.
Read more practical articles on dental business and modern dentistry.