Episodes

Mario and Scott sit down for another episode of Associateships Unpacked to discuss the real financial benefits of practice ownership beyond having more control. From maximizing take-home income and tax savings to managing debt and planning for retirement, they break down why ownership can create greater opportunities for building long-term wealth and why dentists shouldn’t wait until they’re debt-free to start planning for their financial future. _________________________________________________...

Mario and Scott sit down on today’s episode to discuss what dentists should look for when vetting a practice purchase. From asking price and profitability to revenue mix, growth potential, location, and goodwill, they break down why the numbers are only part of the decision and why asking the right questions can help determine whether a practice is truly the right fit. _____________________________________________________________ Want to submit a question that Mario and Scott will answer on the...

Mario and Scott sit down on today’s episode to discuss what happens when an associateship starts moving toward partnership or ownership. After two or three years in a practice, the numbers need to make sense before taking the next step. From practice value and structuring a buy-in to compensation, taxes, and ownership responsibilities, they discuss why planning ahead protects both sides and how to determine whether an ownership opportunity truly makes sense. _____________________________________...

Mario and Scott sit down on today's episode to discuss what you can do to show you're partnership material before you even become one! It's a similar idea to the phrase, "Dress for the job you want." To show a senior doctor you'd be a good partner, you need to take steps to show your initiative and drive. Whether it be training other employees or showing an interest in the business side of the practice, a senior doctor will take notice that you go the extra mile. ________________________________...

Mario and Scott are back for another new season of NextGenDDS! This season, entitled Associateships Unpacked, will highlight everything you need to know before becoming an associate, things you can be doing to succeed during your associateship, the legal stipulations of signing an associateship contract, and more. Today's episode focuses on the two overarching goals an associateship can accomplish: gaining clinical experience or possibly leading to a partnership or ownership opportunity. It's i...

Why do profitable dental practices still struggle financially? In this episode, Mario and Scott break down one of the most misunderstood concepts in dentistry: cash flow. They explain the difference between profit and cash flow, why both matter, and how understanding the movement of money through your practice can help you make smarter financial decisions. Whether you're an associate preparing for ownership or already running a practice, this episode will give you a stronger foundation for long-...

Buying a dental practice is a major milestone, but it shouldn’t be the first step in your journey. In this episode, Mario and Scott explore the idea of “planning first, buying second” and why young dentists should start with a clear vision for their career. From choosing the right first job to understanding what a senior doctor is looking for, they discuss how alignment between your goals and the decisions you make can set you up for long-term success. Whether your goal is to remain an associate...

Student loan debt can shape every stage of a dentist's career, but it doesn't have to hinder your future. Join Scott and Mario as they break down repayment strategies, common mistakes, and practical ways to manage dental school loans while building long-term financial security. _____________________________________________________________ Want to submit a question that Mario and Scott will answer on the next episode? Email us at newsletter@mcgillandlyon.com If you're not already, subscribe to ...

Today, Scott and Mario sit down to caution their listeners on acquiring bad debt. Bad debt includes excessive car loans, credit card debt, and more. While bad debt is sometimes necessary, it's best to be cognizant of how much you're acquiring and spending below your means. Listen to learn more! _____________________________________________________________ Want to submit a question that Mario and Scott will answer on the next episode? Email us at newsletter@mcgillandlyon.com If you're not alre...

Mario and Scott take a deeper dive into good debt on this episode. They explain the types of good debt a dentist can take on and what qualifies certain debt as "good." But beware! Just because taking on certain debt may seem like a good investment, that doesn't mean it always is. Scott and Mario share what to be careful of when taking on debt and how to ensure you're taking on debt you can actually pay off! _____________________________________________________________ Want to submit a question...

Scott and Mario are back for a brand new season of NextGenDDS! This season, Debt Defined, will focus on all the types of debt a dentist may incur over their career. The word "debt" often carries a negative connotation, but not all debt is bad! On this episode, Mario and Scott discuss good and bad debt, what the difference is between the two, and what types of debt fall into both categories. _____________________________________________________________ Want to submit a question that Mario and Sc...

We've reached the final episode of our "Building Your Team" season! On the season finale, Scott and Mario discuss some dentists' most daunting role as a business owner: the head of HR. They discuss how HR policies have changed over the years and the need for updated, written guidelines to protect your business and ensure all employees understand your expectations. We'll be back shortly with the start of our next season: Debt Defined. Thanks for tuning in! _______________________________________...

From your first contract to owning a practice, legal decisions shape your financial future more than most dentists expect. In this episode, we break down exactly when and why dentists need a lawyer across every stage of their career. From choosing the right business entity to reviewing employment agreements, partnership deals, and practice purchase contracts, the legal decisions you make early can have long-term financial consequences. __________________________________________________________...

There are a lot of insurance options out there - so how do you know which insurance you actually need and how much coverage to have? Mario and Scott discuss everything insurance on today's episode! When we hear "insurance" in regards to a dental practice, it can mean one of two things: the dental insurance patients use to cover their visits, or the insurance policies that practice owners purchase to protect themselves or to provide to their staff as a benefit. On this episode, we'll be discussin...

High income doesn’t automatically mean smart financial decisions! On this episode, Scott and Mario explore why young doctors should consider partnering with a financial advisor sooner rather than later. They discuss practical investment strategies, what fair advisor fees actually look like, and how to avoid costly mistakes so your financial future is as strong as your dental career! ______________________________________________________________ Want to submit a question that Mario and Scott wi...

What's the difference between a CPA, a tax advisor, and a financial advisor? Scott and Mario distinguish between the three and explain the difference in responsibilities and services that each one provides. They hone in on the role of a tax advisor and how they can work alongside your CPA to lower your tax bill as much as possible. If you want to ensure you're keeping the most of your hard-earned money, a tax advisor is a must! ______________________________________________________________ Wan...

On this episode, Mario and Scott dive into one of the most overlooked but critical decisions for dentists: selecting the right CPA. Not all accountants understand the unique financial, tax, and growth strategies required in dentistry — and choosing the wrong one can cost you far more than you think. They break down what to look for, what to avoid, and how the right CPA becomes a long-term strategic partner — not just a tax preparer. _____________________________________________________________...

Thinking about buying a dental practice? Don’t do it alone. In this episode, Mario and Scott sit down to break down the critical role a transitions advisor plays when purchasing a dental practice. From valuation and negotiations to due diligence and closing, they explain why having the right advisor in your corner can save you time, money, and costly mistakes. Interested in speaking with Dr. Scott regarding possible ownership? Contact us today to schedule a call with him! _____________________...

In this episode, Mario and Scott sit down to discuss the different career paths dentists can pursue, from associateships to partnerships to full practice ownership. They break down the tradeoffs of each option and share practical tips to help dental students and new graduates find the right opportunities in the field. Episodes will be released every other Friday for the rest of the spring semester! We hope you'll stick around to listen to them all. _____________________________________________...

NextGenDDS is BACK with a new season and host for 2026!✨ Dr. Scott Menaker is joined with new host, Mario Santiago, CPA, CFP, to discuss anything and everything dental students and young dentists need to know to be successful in their careers. In this episode, Mario and Scott sit down to discuss the importance of building a strong team of advisors to lean on during your years in practice. This episode sets up the rest of the season, where Mario and Scott will spend each episode deep diving into...

In this episode of Next Gen DDS, co-hosts Wes Lyon and Dr. Scott Menaker explore the crucial role of personal branding in dental practices, asserting that successful branding goes beyond mere advertisements and service promotion. Wes argues against the misconception that purchasing a practice guarantees patient referrals, emphasizing that authentic patient care and communication are key to effective practice management. Drawing from his 38 years of experience, Dr. Menaker recalls how strong bran...

On this episode of NextGenDDS, hosts Wes Lyon and Dr. Scott Menaker explore the impact of distractions and disruptions faced by today's dental professionals. Wes opens the dialogue by sharing his enthusiasm for understanding how external factors influence new dentists' career paths. Dr. Menaker reflects on pivotal disruptions he experienced, from the AIDS crisis to COVID-19, and underscores the necessity of mental and financial preparedness for long-term success amidst unpredictability. The host...

On this episode of NextGenDDS, hosts Wes Lyon and Dr. Scott Menaker explore the critical realm of dental insurance and reimbursement, emphasizing its essential role for new practitioners. Wes underscores the necessity of grasping the fundamentals of dental insurance before entering practice, particularly how reimbursement dynamics influence associate contracts and revenue streams. Dr. Menaker offers a historical lens on the evolution of dental insurance since the 1970s, highlighting a substantia...

On this episode of NextGenDDS, hosts Wes Lyon and Dr. Scott Menaker discuss the importance of representation in dental practice transactions. Wes voices his concerns over the rise in dual representation during practice sales, which often compromises the interests of young buyers. They stress the importance of having independent representation and share insights from Dr. Menaker’s extensive experience in the industry to underscore the need for thorough due diligence. This episode covers essential...