Wellness In Dentistry

100 Episodes In: What Dentistry Has Taught Us About Mental Health

18 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this milestone 100th episode of Wellness and Dentistry, Dr. Martin Mendelson and Dr. Kyle Stanley reflect on the journey that brought the podcast t...

Are Big Dental Conferences Still Relevant?

11 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dr. Kyle Stanley and Dr. Martin Mendelson take a thoughtful look at the evolving role of large dental conferences and ask an honest q...

How to Take Time Off Without Your Practice Falling Apart

04 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dr. Martin Mendelson and Dr. Kyle Stanley unpack why taking time off is so difficult for many dentists and why vacations often create...

Do Dentists Really Need Coaches? Separating Myths from Reality

25 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dr. Kyle Stanley and Dr. Martin Mendelson explore the real role of coaching in dentistry and why it remains one of the most misunders...

Why Most New Year’s Resolutions Fail (And What Actually Works)

18 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

As February arrives, many New Year’s resolutions quietly fall apart. In this episode, Dr. Martin Mendelson and Dr. Kyle Stanley unpack why lasting c...

Balancing the Chair and the Home

11 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Kyle and Martin dive into the often-unspoken impact a dental career can have on personal relationships. They explore how long hours, ...

Finding Purpose Beyond Production

04 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Martin Mendelson and Dr. Kyle Stanley explored the importance of finding purpose beyond professional achievements in dentistry, sharing personal e...

Leveling the Playing Field: Controlling Overhead

28 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Kyle and Martin dive into one of the most overlooked drivers of profitability in dentistry: overhead. They break down how controlling...

Why Study Clubs Still Matter

21 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dr. Martin Mendelson and Dr. Kyle Stanley take a thoughtful look at the evolution of study clubs and where they fit in the future of ...

DSOs, Dentistry, and What We Can Actually Control

14 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Kyle and Martin announce their upcoming LightSide Live event for MB2 doctors and Carabelli Club members in Dallas and share what atte...

The 2026 Gameplan for Dentists

07 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

For the first episode of 2026, Dr. Martin Mendelson and Dr. Kyle Stanley break down what dental professionals should be focusing on to build a more pr...

Before the Ball Drops: Lessons from a Year in Dentistry

31 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As the year comes to a close, Kyle and Martin sit down on December 31 to reflect on the personal and professional lessons that shaped the last twelve ...

Turning Off Your Dental Brain

24 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dr. Kyle Stanley and Dr. Martin Mendelson talk about what it really means to “turn off your dental brain” and be present outside ...

What Dental School Didn’t Teach Us

17 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dr. Kyle Stanley and Dr. Martin Mendelson unpack the lessons that dental school never covered. Starting with a story about managing s...

When an Overachiever Stops Achieving

10 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dr. Martin Mendelson and Dr. Kyle Stanley dive into the hidden struggles of high performers who suddenly find themselves achieving le...

One Move Makes All the Difference: Redefining Growth and Happiness with Dr. Martin Mendelson

03 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dr. Kyle Stanley sits down with Dr. Martin Mendelson, a disabled dentist, author, and speaker, to discuss his new book One Move Makes...

How Thankfulness Transforms Dentistry

26 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this special Thanksgiving episode, Dr. Martin Mendelson and Dr. Kyle Stanley dive deep into the power of gratitude, both as a mindset and as a prof...

Breaking Free from Overthinking in Dentistry

19 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Wellness in Dentistry, Dr. Kyle Stanley and Dr. Martin Mendelson dive into one of the most common but overlooked struggles in denta...

How a New Government Bill Could Impact Dentistry’s Future

12 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Wellness in Dentistry, Dr. Kyle Stanley and Dr. Martin mendelson unpack a new U.S. government bill proposing to cap GradPLUS loans ...

Building a Career You Love in Dentistry

05 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dr. Kyle Stanley and Dr. Martin Mendelson share career advice for dental professionals by exploring both clinical and non-clinical pa...

It Is Spooky to Do Dentistry Alone!

29 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dr. Martin Mendelson and Dr. Kyle Stanley mix fun with serious conversation, starting with Halloween traditions in dentistry and upda...

Social Media in Dentistry

22 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we dive into the complex role of social media in dentistry, both its opportunities and its pitfalls. We explore how platforms can be ...

Team Conflict: Is It the Conflict or the Culture?

15 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Martin Mendelson and Dr. Kyle Stanley shared their experiences with culture through dental practice management, including leadership coaching and ...

How Dental Associates Can Take Back Control

08 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dr. Kyle Stanley and Dr. Martin Mendelson dive into the challenges dental associates face when trying to take ownership of their care...

Doctor, You’re Not Lazy, You’re Exhausted

01 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Martin Mendelson and Dr. Kyle Stanley discuss the importance of recognizing exhaustion rather than laziness in dental professionals and emphasize ...

Notifications, Reviews, and Boundaries: Taking Back Control

24 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dr. Kyle Stanley and Dr. Martin Mendelson dive into one of the most overlooked stressors in dentistry: digital overwhelm. From consta...

The Biggest Takeaways from Our 2-Day Mental Health Workshop for Dentists

17 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dr. Kyle Stanley and Dr. Martin Mendelson reflect on the success of their recent Lightside Live course, where dentists from diverse b...

Healing the Dentist-Hygienist Divide

10 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode dives into strengthening the relationship between dentists and dental hygienists by improving communication, empathy, and mutual understa...

Creating Boundaries Without Guilt in Dentistry

03 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we explore the critical role of setting and maintaining boundaries in dentistry with patients, team members, and even family. The con...

The Mental Toll of Perfectionism in Dentistry

27 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Kyle and Martin unpack the hidden toll of perfectionism in dentistry. They explore the difference between excellence and perfection, the value of auth...

Recovery Tools for Stressful Dental Days

20 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Martin Mendelson and Dr. Kyle Stanley explore how dentists can manage high-stress days through adequate preparation, clear expectation-setting, an...

Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable to Grow

13 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The meeting focused on personal growth experiences and skill development, with Dr. Martin sharing his wilderness therapy journey and lessons learned a...

The Hidden Stressors Inside Your Practice and How to Fix Them

06 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Martin Mendelson and Dr. Kyle Stanley discussed hidden stressors in dental practices, focusing on factors like team turnover and financial concern...

Rewriting Your Dental Identity: Who Are You Without the Drill?

30 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Kyle and Martin dive into the dangers of tying your entire identity to your profession, especially in dentistry. They explore how cul...

When You Feel Like Quitting Dentistry: What to Do First

23 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dr. Martin Mendelssohn and Dr. Kyle Stanley dive into the emotional realities of burnout in dentistry and how to navigate them with i...

The Top 2 Mindset Shifts to Beat Burnout in 2025

16 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dr. Martin and Dr. Kyle unpack the mindset shifts that help combat burnout in dentistry. They explore how to break free from limiting...

Listener Questions Answered!

09 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dr. Martin and Dr. Kyle answer powerful listener questions. They break down how to improve communication through open-ended questions...

Why Shorter Work Weeks May Save Your Sanity as a Dentist

02 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we delve into the practical strategies that enable dental professionals to achieve a healthier work-life balance while maintaining et...

How to Get out of Sticky-Note Hell in Dentistry!

25 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Feeling buried under an endless to-do list? You’re not alone. In this episode, Dr. Martin Mendelson and Dr. Kyle Stanley dive into the chaos of dent...

Toxic Team Culture: Are You Part of the Problem?

18 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this powerful episode, we tackle one of the most pressing issues in dental practices today: toxic team culture. From subtle tension to full-blown d...

Lessons Learned from a Live Dental Mental Health CE Course

11 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dr. Martin Mendelssohn and Dr. Kyle Stanley dive into the core of their transformative course, Light Side Live, designed to support d...

Why Overcommunication is the Secret to a Smoother Dental Practice

04 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dr. Kyle Stanley and Dr. Martin Mendelson break down why saying more, clearly, and often isn’t overkill; it’s essential. From man...

When the Passion Fades: Reigniting Purpose in Dentistry

28 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Martin Mendelson and Dr. Kyle Stanley explore the fading of passion in dentistry, linking it to burnout, cynicism, and compassion fatigue. They di...

Burnout Isn’t Inevitable: How Dentists Can Reclaim Their Mental and Professional Health

21 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Burnout is no longer a buzzword in dentistry—it’s a reality for the majority of clinicians. In this episode, Dr. Kyle Stanley and Dr. Martin Mende...

Gratitude Is Clinical: Using Appreciation to Strengthen Teams, Patients, and Mental Health

14 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dr. Martin Mendelson and Dr. Kyle Stanley explore how gratitude isn’t just a feel-good concept, it’s a clinical tool for transfor...

Embracing Outside Wisdom in Dentistry

07 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dr. Kyle Stanley and Dr. Martin Mendelson dive into the power of looking beyond dentistry to grow within it. They explore how consult...

Mental Health Is Now Core: A New Era for Dentistry

30 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this powerful episode, Dr. Martin Mendelson and Dr. Kyle Stanley explore the long-overdue shift toward prioritizing mental wellness in dentistry. W...

Breaking Barriers: Women, Leadership & the Future of Dentistry

23 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The face of dentistry is changing, and in this episode, Dr. Kyle Stanley and Dr. Martin Mendelson dive into gender dynamics, leadership, and the evolv...

Clear and Consistent: Mastering Communication in Dental Practice

16 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dr. Kyle Stanley and Dr. Martin Mendelson dive into the power of clear and consistent communication in dentistry. 🦷💬 They discu...

Thriving in Turbulent Times: Resilience and Opportunity in Dentistry

09 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dr. Kyle Stanley and Dr. Martin Mendelson dive into the pressing challenges facing dental professionals today, from political polarit...

Episode 50: Celebrating 50 Episodes – Lessons, Growth & Giving Back 🎉

02 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this milestone episode, Dr. Martin Mendelssohn and Dr. Kyle Stanley reflect on the biggest lessons learned from the past 49 episodes of the Wellnes...

The Shifting Landscape of Dentistry – Mindset, CE, and the Future of Live Events

26 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dr. Kyle Stanley and Dr. Martin Mendelson explore the rapid shifts in dentistry, from mindset changes to the evolution of continuing ...

How to Wrangle Your Admin Days in a Dental Practice

19 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we dive into the power of administrative days and how effective task management can transform your dental practice. Dr. Kyle Stanley ...

Building a Support Network for Mental Health and Professional Growth

12 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dr. Kyle Stanley and Dr. Martin Mendelson dive into the critical role of support networks in dentistry and how they impact mental hea...

Bonuses & Compensation: What Every Dental Practice Should Know

05 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dr. Martin Mendelson and Dr. Kyle Stanley discuss bonus structures and employee compensation in dental practices, emphasizing the imp...

The Power of Consistency in Leadership and Dentistry

26 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Kyle Stanley and Dr. Martin Mendelson discuss the importance of setting clear boundaries, maintaining consistency, and communicating effectively i...

The Hidden Cost of Tying Your Identity to Your Career

19 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Martin Mendelson and Dr. Kyle Stanley discuss the importance of separating one's identity from one's profession, particularly in dentistry. They s...

Do You Have Success Amnesia

12 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Kyle Stanley and Dr. Martin Mendelson discuss on the concept of 'success amnesia' in dentistry and its impact on personal and professional growth....

The Enduring Dentist: Movement, Mobility, and Longevity

05 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Martin Mendelson and Dr. Kyle Stanley discuss the importance of wellness and sustainability in dentistry, emphasizing dental professionals' physic...

Setting Expectations for Complications

29 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Wellness and Dentistry, hosts Dr. Kyle Stanley and Dr. Martin Mendelson discussed the importance of setting realistic expectations ...

Power of Balance: Reducing Stress in Dentistry

22 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Kyle and Martin discussed the importance of incremental growth, self-awareness, and consistent effort in achieving personal and professional goals. Th...

One is Greater than Zero: Incremental Growth and Consistent Effort

15 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Kyle and Martin discussed the importance of incremental growth, self-awareness, and consistent effort in achieving personal and professional goals. Th...

Start, Stop, or Get Better to be Happier in Dentistry

08 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Martin Mendelson and Dr. Kyle Stanley discussed strategies for improving happiness in dentistry, emphasizing the importance of "start, stop, or ge...

Set, Strategize, Succeed: New Year Goal-Setting

01 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The co-hosts of Wellness and Dentistry, Dr. Kyle Stanley and Dr. Martin Mendelson, discuss the importance of goal setting and strategizing for success...

Creating Boundaries: Why Saying ‘No’ in Dentistry Can Save Your Mental Health

25 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Martin Mendelson and Dr. Kyle Stanley discussed the importance of setting boundaries and being present in the moment to maintain mental health and...

Tackling the Emotional Toll of Patient Anxiety: How to Maintain Your Own Mental Wellness

18 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Kyle Stanley and Dr. Martin Mendelson discussed the emotional toll of patient anxiety on dentists and the importance of considering the dentist's ...

AI and Mental Health: How Emerging Technologies are Reducing Stress in Dental Workflows

11 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Martin Mendelson and Dr. Kyle Stanley discuss their recent travels educating the dental world about personal growth and explore the role of AI in ...

Key Takeaways from a 2-Day Mental Health Workshop for Dentists

04 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Kyle Stanley and Dr. Martin Mendelson discussed the importance of mental health in the dental industry and the positive impact of their recent Lig...

The Surprising Research on Giving Thanks!

27 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Martin Mendelson and Dr. Kyle Stanley discussed the importance of gratitude and its impact on mental health and success, highlighting studies that...

Emotional Resilience in The Dental Profession

20 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Kyle Stanley and Dr. Martin Mendelson discuss the importance of emotional resilience in the dental profession, emphasizing that it is not somethin...

Building a Healthy Practice Culture by Prioritizing Mental Health

17 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Martin Mendelson and Dr. Kyle Stanley emphasized the importance of building a healthy practice culture by prioritizing mental health, creating a p...

Do Dentists Even Care?

06 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Kyle Stanley and Dr. Martin discussed the challenges and importance of communication in dentistry, emphasizing the need for dentists to balance ca...

Dental Employee Equity

30 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Martin Mendelssohn and Dr. Kyle Stanley discussed the importance of equity in dental practices, emphasizing its potential impact on retention and ...

Reducing Stress Through Dental Lab Communication and Consistency

23 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Kyle Stanley and Dr. Martin Mendelson discuss the importance of strong partnerships between dentists and laboratory technicians, emphasizing the n...

Reducing Stress in Dentistry Through Clarity

16 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Martin Mendelson and Dr. Kyle Stanley discussed the importance of reducing stress in dentistry through clarity and the need for focused ambition. ...

When Your Superpower Becomes Your Achilles Heel in Your Dental Career

09 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Kyle Stanley and Dr. Martin Mendelson discussed the concept of superpowers and how they can become both a strength and a weakness, with a focus on...

Prioritizing Values in Dentistry

02 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Martin Mendelson and Dr. Kyle Stanley discussed the importance of setting priorities, creating job descriptions, and maintaining legal compliance ...

Are Big Cases Impacting Your Mental Health?

25 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Kyle Stanley and Dr. Martin Mendelson discuss the importance of prioritizing mental health in dentistry, sharing their personal experiences and of...

Engaging with Other Dental Colleagues; Curiosity vs. Judgement

18 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Kyle Stanley and Dr. Martin Mendelson discuss the nuances of intercollegial relationships in the dental world. From how to inform a patient of a f...

Dental Social Media: Don’t Believe the Hype

11 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Kyle Stanley and Dr. Martin Mendelson discuss the portrayal of dentistry on social media, emphasizing the need to showcase the human side of the p...

The Stress of Referrals in Dentistry

04 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Martin Mendelson and Dr. Kyle Stanley discussed the importance of wellness in dental practice, focusing on improving communication, treatment plan...

What Not To Do As a Dental Professional

28 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Kyle Stanley and Dr. Martin Mendelson discussed the importance of leadership by example, vulnerability, and effective communication in the dental ...

Dentistry is About Relationships

21 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Martin Mendelson and Dr. Kyle Stanley emphasized the importance of relationships in both personal and professional contexts, sharing their own exp...

Addressing Negativity in the Dental Office

14 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Kyle Stanley and Dr. Martin Mendelson discussed strategies to address negativity in the dental office, emphasizing the importance of emotional int...

Are You Addicted to Dentistry?

07 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Martin Mendelson and Dr. Kyle Stanley discussed dental addiction and the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. They shared their ...

Setting Goals to Achieve Sustainable Success in Dentistry

31 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Kyle Stanley and Dr. Martin Mendelson discussed the importance of achieving sustainable success in dentistry, emphasizing the need to maintain a c...

The Importance of Focus and Presence in Dentistry

24 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Martin Mendelssohn and Dr. Kyle Stanley discussed the challenges of managing workload in dental practices and offered strategies for task prioriti...

Setting Expectations for Dentists

17 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Kyle Stanley and Dr. Martin Mendelson discussed the importance of setting clear expectations in various aspects of life, particularly in dental pr...

What is success for a dental professional?

10 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Martin Mendelson and Dr. Kyle Stanley, dentist coaches and speakers, discussed the concept of success in dentistry and beyond, emphasizing the imp...

Media Portrayal of Dentistry

03 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Kyle Stanley and Dr. Martin Mendelson discussed the negative portrayal of dentists in media and its impact on patients' perceptions, emphasizing t...

Being Selfish is Selfless

26 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Drs. Martin Mendelson and Kyle Stanley discussed the importance of selflessness, setting boundaries, and prioritizing personal and professional well-b...

Listening in Dentistry

19 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Kyle Stanley and Dr. Martin Mendelson discussed the art and science of listening, emphasizing the importance of understanding different perspectiv...

Control in Dentistry

12 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Martin Mendelson and Dr. Kyle Stanley emphasized the importance of focusing on controllable factors in dentistry and mental wellness to reduce str...

The Overwhelming Task List

05 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Kyle Stanley and Dr. Martin Mendelssohn discussed the importance of wellness and sustainable dentistry approaches, focusing on self-care, goal set...

Isolation in Dentistry

29 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Kyle Stanley and Dr. Martin Mendelson led a discussion on the topic of isolation in dentistry, highlighting the changing landscape of the professi...

Taking Time Off in Dentistry

22 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Martin Mendelson and Dr. Kyle Stanley emphasized the importance of work-life balance in dentistry, challenging the common misconception that denti...

Burnout Awareness

15 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Drs. Kyle Stanley and Dr. Martin Mendelson discuss the importance of awareness in addressing burnout in dentistry, emphasizing the need for early reco...

Failures in Dentistry

15 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Martin Mendelson and Dr. Kyle Stanley discussed the concept of failure in dentistry, emphasizing the need for a nuanced approach and clear communi...

How problem patients can destroy your practice.

15 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The doctors discuss a range of topics related to dental practice. They emphasized the importance of education, the need to set boundaries with patient...

Why is dentistry ready for mental wellness now?

08 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Kyle Stanley and Dr. Martin Mendelsson discuss their upcoming podcast on mental health and wellness in dentistry. They shared their personal stori...