67: Dr. Alan Mead | Finding Better Coping Mechanisms

Do you have a good way of coping with the pressure of being a dentist? For many dentists, the stress begins in dental school and continues throughout their career.

This week's guest, Dr. Alan Mead, is the host of He's a fellow dentist, owning a medium-sized practice in Saginaw, Michigan.

Alan shares his personal story of his addiction and amazing recovery. He also gives us some excellent advice about life and being a dentist.

This week's episode is jam-packed with insights to dentistry and life in general. You won't want to miss Alan's inspiring story, so tune in and enjoy!

Time-Stamped Show Notes

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• 2:52 My valuable advice to dentists: Market to the right people and focus on a niche within dentistry.
• 3:41 If you're not targeting this group of people, you could be missing out.
• 6:10 Introduction. Alan gives us his background of being a father, husband, dentist, and podcaster. He also discusses being a recovering drug addict and being chairman of the Michigan Dental Association's Care and Wellbeing Committee.
• 9:12 Alan talks about running the practices four days a week and podcasting most nights.
• 14:02 How Dental Hacks began from his love for podcasts.
• 16:05 How he met his podcasting partner, Jason Lipscomb.
• 19:35 Alan talks about his latest podcast, the Alan Mead Experience, and the Dental Hacks Facebook group, Dental Hacks Nation.
• 23:05 He discusses the pay for dentists and why he's satisfied with his job choice.
• 23:40 Why dentists today don't like being dentists.
• 24:48 How his practice still does well, despite him spending most of his mental capacity on podcasting.
• 27:05 How his podcast is popular because they are regular guys.
• 27:20 He loves the basics when it comes to dentistry: Drilling, filling, and billing.
• 29:50 Freedom from debt makes it possible to do fun things.
• 31:41 The one technique that increases profits for him: Dental microscopes and he's obsessed with them.
• 33:37 When you show people their teeth in HD live video, they are blown away. Alan talks about the best microscopes to buy for the task.
• 39:23 Alan discusses the one thing he'd never do again: Use drugs and alcohol to cope with the stress of being a dentist.
• 46:08 His personal story about addiction and how he broke through to the sober life.
• 51:14 Alan discusses two primary coping mechanisms dentists can do instead of drinking and drug use.
• 54:00 Why dentists need to be money-wise with their purchasing.
• 56:12 Alan's $12,000 purchasing mistake.
• 59:20 Consultants and who is coachable when it comes to implementing change.
• 1:02 Why you should seek fulfillment from places other than dentistry.
• 1:04 Alan mentions his favorite podcasts.
• 1:06 Gives information on how to join the Dental Hacks group on Facebook.

3 Main Ideas

Don't Seek Fullfilment

One of Dr. Alan Mead's best pieces of advice was not to seek fulfillment in your career, and that includes dentistry. It's possible to run an excellent dentistry practice and have outside interests at the same time.

He says that careers come and go, and to have another source of fulfillment. That could be your family, a hobby, a fun side-gig, or volunteer work.

It's the expectation that often leads to disappointment. When we don't expect as much from our careers, we can be more satisfied and happier in life.

Find Another Coping Mechanism Other than Drugs and Alcohol

Alan shared very personal details of his drug addiction while practicing dentistry and discussed his road to recovery. He says that his addiction began with alcohol in dental school and that drinking is very prevalent among dentists.

When you face pressure in your career, it's good to seek alternative ways to cope with the stress. Alan suggests exercise and talking to a friend.

Be Careful About Your Purchasing Decisions

You're most likely bombarded with advertising as a dentist. You want the best equipment for your practice, but you feel pressured by sales staff and other factors.

Luckily, the internet makes it possible to see product reviews and other information. Alan suggests doing your research on the web before you buy. Don't be swayed by what a salesperson tells you, and be skeptical of all advertising material.

A very special thanks goes to Dr. Alan Mead. Thank you so much for joining me on the show!

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