Episode Title: Dr. Jordan Barnett: Entering the Workforce as a 2020 Graduate

Description In this episode of the Independent Dental Practice Podcast, Dr. Sonny Spera sits down with Dr. Jordan Barnett, a 2020 graduate of the University of the Pacific’s Arthur Dugoni School of Dentistry. Dr. Barnett shares his journey into dentistry, his experiences working in multiple practice settings, and the challenges of starting his career in the middle of a global pandemic. From lessons in accountability to navigating debt and contracts, this episode provides valuable insights for dental students, new graduates, and established dentists alike.

Highlights Dr. Barnett opens up about being inspired at age 14 to pursue dentistry and the pivotal role family challenges played in shaping his determination. He explains how working in a large PPO office before dental school gave him a unique understanding of insurance, CDT codes, and the business side of dentistry. He reflects on the pressure of graduating during COVID-19, building experience in multiple practices, and the lessons he learned about compensation, contracts, and autonomy.

Personal Passions At his core, Dr. Barnett emphasizes gratitude, accountability, and the pursuit of constant growth. His passion for dentistry goes beyond clinical work — he values the patient experience, lifelong learning, and being intentional about the professional and personal choices that shape his career.

Podcast Vision This conversation highlights the purpose of the podcast: to bring forward real stories from dentists who have faced challenges, made tough decisions, and built successful practices. By sharing his journey, Dr. Barnett exemplifies how perseverance, accountability, and adaptability can guide dentists through uncertain times while building a strong professional identity.

Takeaways Listeners will walk away with key lessons about the importance of accountability, the realities of student debt, and the value of understanding insurance systems early in a career. They will also gain perspective on how different practice models — from DSO to PPO to fee-for-service — shape a dentist’s experience, and why contracts, mentorship, and intentional effort are critical for long-term success. 

Connect with Dr. Sonny Spera:
📧 independentdentalpractice@gmail.com

Connect with Dr. Jordan Barnett
📧 drjordanbarnett@gmail.com ___________________________________________________________________

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