Lessons on Ownership, Mindset & Money For Practice Owners and New Dental Grads – Mike Abernathy: Ep #549

Too many dentists get caught chasing the wrong goals—believing the diplomas mean they’ve “arrived,” or that the next DSO deal will finally set them free. In this candid conversation, Dr. Mike Abernathy shares hard-won wisdom from five decades in dentistry and entrepreneurship, cutting through the noise to reveal what actually creates a fulfilling career and life. From mentoring dental students into ownership to avoiding the “destination trap,” Mike lays out the mindset shifts and strategies to escape being a prisoner of your own success.

You’ll hear why profits follow ownership, not employment, how to balance competence with confidence, and why common sense—not the status quo—should drive your business decisions. Whether you’re fresh out of school or approaching the finish line, this episode is your blueprint for building a practice and life that serves you, not the other way around.

Minute Markers:

00:00 – Intro
01:27 – Mike Abernathy’s background and mission
09:44 – The business reality of dentistry
14:06 – The “secret sauce” for success after graduation
16:05 – You can have anything, but not everything
18:14 – Financial discipline and living below your means
21:27 – Timeless principles that never change
23:41 – The Station: living for today, not someday
25:38 – Risks and realities of DSOs and private equity exits
30:37 – Why DSOs aren’t the answer for everyone
32:26 – Critical career and investment decisions
35:58 – Building replacement income before exiting practice
37:34 – Why diversification outside financial markets is crucial

If you like this episode, here are more episodes we think you’ll enjoy:

Ep #548 – The Evolving Dental Industry: The Future of Private Practice – Steve Parker
Ep #466 – Pursuing Freedom in a Dynamic & Fast-Changing World (Part 1) – Dr. Mike Abernathy

Links Featured on the Show:

#mikeabernathy #dentalownership #dsostrategy #financialfreedomfordentists #practiceexitplanning

Watch full length Interviews on video!

Watch full length interviews on David’s YouTube channel by going to www.DentistFreedomBlueprint.com/YouTube. Don’t forget to subscribe to David’s YouTube Channel for more content on maximizing your business, wealth, and creating a financial blueprint to reach your Freedom faster!

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P.S. Whenever you’re ready, here are some other ways I can help fast track you to your Freedom goal (you’re closer than you think):

1. Schedule a Call with My Team:

If you’d like to replace your active practice income with passive investment income within 2-3 years, and you have at least 1M in available capital (can include residential/practice equity or practice sale), then schedule a call with my team. If it looks like there is a mutual fit, you’ll have the opportunity to attend one of our upcoming member events as a guest.

2. Get Your Dentist Retirement Survival Guide:

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3. Get Your Free Retirement Scorecard:

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