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Show Notes
When dentistry slows down, patients open up and better care becomes possible.
In this episode, Dr. Brett Kessler shares how recovery reshaped his identity, leadership, and approach to dentistry after getting sober in his third year of practice. He opens up about the core values, mindfulness, coaching, and preparation that helped him face fear in every arena, from starting a practice from scratch to completing five Ironman races and stepping into leadership roles with the Colorado Dental Association and the American Dental Association.
He also walks through the relationship-based model that made his de novo practice a destination for comprehensive care. Rather than chasing volume or relying on technology to impress patients, he slowed the process down with a thoughtful discovery session rooted in Pankey philosophy: treat the person attached to the tooth. From patient conversations and handwritten notes to root-cause treatment planning and organized dentistry advocacy, this conversation is a grounded reminder that meaningful dentistry starts with clarity, courage, and connection.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
- How recovery shaped Dr. Kessler’s leadership, values, and personal growth.
- Why fear never fully disappears, and how preparation helps you move through it.
- How a de novo practice became a competitive advantage through relationship-based care.
- Why leading-edge technology matters less than the philosophy behind it.
- How to attract the right patients without building a volume-driven practice.
- What happens during a high-trust, one-hour dental discovery session.
- Questions that help patients connect oral health, function, aesthetics, and overall wellness.
- How simple patient “homework” can lead to deeper awareness and better treatment planning.
- Why organized dentistry can be frustrating, slow, and still deeply important.
- How dentists can find support through coaches, colleagues, advocacy, and community.
Listen now for an honest, practical conversation about building a values-led life, practice, and profession without doing it alone.
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Guest: Dr. Brett Kessler
Check out Brett's Media:
Email: bikodds@gmail.com
Phone: 720-989-7960
Mentions & Links:
Organizations & Institutions
- American Dental Association (ADA)
- Colorado Dental Association (CDA)
- Council on Dental Benefit Programs (ADA)
- The Pankey Institute
- The Dawson Academy
- Delta Dental
- Hispanic Dental Association
- 5280 Magazine
- The Denver Post
People
- Dr. L.D. Pankey — philosophy founder, “a tooth never walked into my office”
- Dr. Bob Frazer — Frazer and Associates, Austin, TX
- Kim Maguire — Fortune Management
- Dr. Pete Dawson — The Dawson Academy
Events / Programs
Host: Michael Arias
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