The Independent Dental Practice Podcast
DIGRN Presents: The Independent Dental Practice Podcast with Dr. Spera - Guest Dr. Lejla Streets
Episode Title:
Lessons from a Dental Startup: Burnout, Bankruptcy, and a Fresh Start
Description
In this episode of the Independent Dental Practice Podcast, host Dr. Sonny Spira catches up with Dr. Lejla Straits, who made the difficult decision to close her startup practice just three months ago. After transitioning from the military to practice ownership, Dr. Straits faced physical and mental burnout, leading her to reassess her priorities. She shares her candid journey of walking away from ownership, the challenges of closing a practice, and how she's redefining her career while prioritizing her health and family.
Highlights
Dr. Straits' transition from military dentistry to opening her own practice. The financial and logistical realities of starting a dental practice from scratch. The physical toll of dentistry and how chronic pain influenced her decision to close her practice. The process of shutting down a practice, from handling patient records to dealing with leases and equipment sales. Filing for bankruptcy as a strategic business decision. The freedom and flexibility of working as an associate and temping after practice closure.Lessons learned from startup ownership, including hiring practices, financial planning, and work-life balance.
Personal Passions
Dr. Straits' decision to leave ownership was driven not just by health concerns, but by her desire to be present for her family. She has prioritized time with her children, engaging in their sports activities and ensuring a work schedule that supports her well-being. Additionally, she remains passionate about dental sleep medicine and patient care but now seeks a career path that aligns with her personal life and health.
Podcast Vision
This episode reflects the Independent Dental Practice Podcast’s commitment to real, unfiltered conversations about the challenges of dentistry. By sharing stories like Dr. Straits’, the podcast aims to provide valuable insights into career transitions, business ownership, and work-life balance, helping other dentists make informed decisions about their careers.
Key Takeaways
Introspection is Key – If you have doubts about owning a practice, listen to them. Business ownership requires full commitment. Hire Slow, Fire Fast – The right team is crucial. Take the time to hire employees who align with your practice vision. Financial Planning is Everything – From startup costs to debt management, financial preparation can make or break a practice. Your Health Comes First – Chronic pain and stress can derail your career. Pay attention to warning signs before it’s too late. There’s Life After Practice Ownership – Walking away isn’t failure; it’s a redirection towards a more fulfilling and sustainable career.
Connect with Dr. Sonny Spera:
📧 independentdentalpractice@gmail.com
📧 independentdentalpractice@gmail.com ___________________________________________________________________
Dentistry in General is an exclusive online community for dentists and dental students, fostering meaningful conversations, professional support, and collaboration. Visit our website to learn more about: Our Online Community: Engage with fellow dentists and students on Facebook to discuss clinical cases, navigate non-clinical challenges, and build lasting connections. DIG-A-PALOOZA: Our annual live continuing dental education event held every November, featuring top-notch speakers and invaluable networking opportunities. Dentistry in General Radio Network: A curated collection of podcasts focused on delivering valuable, content-first programming tailored for dental professionals. Stay connected, informed, and inspired. Join us today!
Lessons from a Dental Startup: Burnout, Bankruptcy, and a Fresh Start
Description
In this episode of the Independent Dental Practice Podcast, host Dr. Sonny Spira catches up with Dr. Lejla Straits, who made the difficult decision to close her startup practice just three months ago. After transitioning from the military to practice ownership, Dr. Straits faced physical and mental burnout, leading her to reassess her priorities. She shares her candid journey of walking away from ownership, the challenges of closing a practice, and how she's redefining her career while prioritizing her health and family.
Highlights
Dr. Straits' transition from military dentistry to opening her own practice. The financial and logistical realities of starting a dental practice from scratch. The physical toll of dentistry and how chronic pain influenced her decision to close her practice. The process of shutting down a practice, from handling patient records to dealing with leases and equipment sales. Filing for bankruptcy as a strategic business decision. The freedom and flexibility of working as an associate and temping after practice closure.Lessons learned from startup ownership, including hiring practices, financial planning, and work-life balance.
Personal Passions
Dr. Straits' decision to leave ownership was driven not just by health concerns, but by her desire to be present for her family. She has prioritized time with her children, engaging in their sports activities and ensuring a work schedule that supports her well-being. Additionally, she remains passionate about dental sleep medicine and patient care but now seeks a career path that aligns with her personal life and health.
Podcast Vision
This episode reflects the Independent Dental Practice Podcast’s commitment to real, unfiltered conversations about the challenges of dentistry. By sharing stories like Dr. Straits’, the podcast aims to provide valuable insights into career transitions, business ownership, and work-life balance, helping other dentists make informed decisions about their careers.
Key Takeaways
Introspection is Key – If you have doubts about owning a practice, listen to them. Business ownership requires full commitment. Hire Slow, Fire Fast – The right team is crucial. Take the time to hire employees who align with your practice vision. Financial Planning is Everything – From startup costs to debt management, financial preparation can make or break a practice. Your Health Comes First – Chronic pain and stress can derail your career. Pay attention to warning signs before it’s too late. There’s Life After Practice Ownership – Walking away isn’t failure; it’s a redirection towards a more fulfilling and sustainable career.
Connect with Dr. Sonny Spera:
📧 independentdentalpractice@gmail.com
📧 independentdentalpractice@gmail.com ___________________________________________________________________
Dentistry in General is an exclusive online community for dentists and dental students, fostering meaningful conversations, professional support, and collaboration. Visit our website to learn more about: Our Online Community: Engage with fellow dentists and students on Facebook to discuss clinical cases, navigate non-clinical challenges, and build lasting connections. DIG-A-PALOOZA: Our annual live continuing dental education event held every November, featuring top-notch speakers and invaluable networking opportunities. Dentistry in General Radio Network: A curated collection of podcasts focused on delivering valuable, content-first programming tailored for dental professionals. Stay connected, informed, and inspired. Join us today!
- Broadcast on:
- 02 Mar 2025
Episode Title:
Lessons from a Dental Startup: Burnout, Bankruptcy, and a Fresh Start
Description
In this episode of the Independent Dental Practice Podcast, host Dr. Sonny Spira catches up with Dr. Lejla Straits, who made the difficult decision to close her startup practice just three months ago. After transitioning from the military to practice ownership, Dr. Straits faced physical and mental burnout, leading her to reassess her priorities. She shares her candid journey of walking away from ownership, the challenges of closing a practice, and how she's redefining her career while prioritizing her health and family.
Highlights
Dr. Straits' transition from military dentistry to opening her own practice. The financial and logistical realities of starting a dental practice from scratch. The physical toll of dentistry and how chronic pain influenced her decision to close her practice. The process of shutting down a practice, from handling patient records to dealing with leases and equipment sales. Filing for bankruptcy as a strategic business decision. The freedom and flexibility of working as an associate and temping after practice closure.Lessons learned from startup ownership, including hiring practices, financial planning, and work-life balance.
Personal Passions
Dr. Straits' decision to leave ownership was driven not just by health concerns, but by her desire to be present for her family. She has prioritized time with her children, engaging in their sports activities and ensuring a work schedule that supports her well-being. Additionally, she remains passionate about dental sleep medicine and patient care but now seeks a career path that aligns with her personal life and health.
Podcast Vision
This episode reflects the Independent Dental Practice Podcast’s commitment to real, unfiltered conversations about the challenges of dentistry. By sharing stories like Dr. Straits’, the podcast aims to provide valuable insights into career transitions, business ownership, and work-life balance, helping other dentists make informed decisions about their careers.
Key Takeaways
Introspection is Key – If you have doubts about owning a practice, listen to them. Business ownership requires full commitment. Hire Slow, Fire Fast – The right team is crucial. Take the time to hire employees who align with your practice vision. Financial Planning is Everything – From startup costs to debt management, financial preparation can make or break a practice. Your Health Comes First – Chronic pain and stress can derail your career. Pay attention to warning signs before it’s too late. There’s Life After Practice Ownership – Walking away isn’t failure; it’s a redirection towards a more fulfilling and sustainable career.
Connect with Dr. Sonny Spera:
📧 independentdentalpractice@gmail.com
📧 independentdentalpractice@gmail.com ___________________________________________________________________
Dentistry in General is an exclusive online community for dentists and dental students, fostering meaningful conversations, professional support, and collaboration. Visit our website to learn more about: Our Online Community: Engage with fellow dentists and students on Facebook to discuss clinical cases, navigate non-clinical challenges, and build lasting connections. DIG-A-PALOOZA: Our annual live continuing dental education event held every November, featuring top-notch speakers and invaluable networking opportunities. Dentistry in General Radio Network: A curated collection of podcasts focused on delivering valuable, content-first programming tailored for dental professionals. Stay connected, informed, and inspired. Join us today!
Lessons from a Dental Startup: Burnout, Bankruptcy, and a Fresh Start
Description
In this episode of the Independent Dental Practice Podcast, host Dr. Sonny Spira catches up with Dr. Lejla Straits, who made the difficult decision to close her startup practice just three months ago. After transitioning from the military to practice ownership, Dr. Straits faced physical and mental burnout, leading her to reassess her priorities. She shares her candid journey of walking away from ownership, the challenges of closing a practice, and how she's redefining her career while prioritizing her health and family.
Highlights
Dr. Straits' transition from military dentistry to opening her own practice. The financial and logistical realities of starting a dental practice from scratch. The physical toll of dentistry and how chronic pain influenced her decision to close her practice. The process of shutting down a practice, from handling patient records to dealing with leases and equipment sales. Filing for bankruptcy as a strategic business decision. The freedom and flexibility of working as an associate and temping after practice closure.Lessons learned from startup ownership, including hiring practices, financial planning, and work-life balance.
Personal Passions
Dr. Straits' decision to leave ownership was driven not just by health concerns, but by her desire to be present for her family. She has prioritized time with her children, engaging in their sports activities and ensuring a work schedule that supports her well-being. Additionally, she remains passionate about dental sleep medicine and patient care but now seeks a career path that aligns with her personal life and health.
Podcast Vision
This episode reflects the Independent Dental Practice Podcast’s commitment to real, unfiltered conversations about the challenges of dentistry. By sharing stories like Dr. Straits’, the podcast aims to provide valuable insights into career transitions, business ownership, and work-life balance, helping other dentists make informed decisions about their careers.
Key Takeaways
Introspection is Key – If you have doubts about owning a practice, listen to them. Business ownership requires full commitment. Hire Slow, Fire Fast – The right team is crucial. Take the time to hire employees who align with your practice vision. Financial Planning is Everything – From startup costs to debt management, financial preparation can make or break a practice. Your Health Comes First – Chronic pain and stress can derail your career. Pay attention to warning signs before it’s too late. There’s Life After Practice Ownership – Walking away isn’t failure; it’s a redirection towards a more fulfilling and sustainable career.
Connect with Dr. Sonny Spera:
📧 independentdentalpractice@gmail.com
📧 independentdentalpractice@gmail.com ___________________________________________________________________
Dentistry in General is an exclusive online community for dentists and dental students, fostering meaningful conversations, professional support, and collaboration. Visit our website to learn more about: Our Online Community: Engage with fellow dentists and students on Facebook to discuss clinical cases, navigate non-clinical challenges, and build lasting connections. DIG-A-PALOOZA: Our annual live continuing dental education event held every November, featuring top-notch speakers and invaluable networking opportunities. Dentistry in General Radio Network: A curated collection of podcasts focused on delivering valuable, content-first programming tailored for dental professionals. Stay connected, informed, and inspired. Join us today!