Independent Practice vs Corporate Dentistry: A Conversation with Bob Spiel, MBA

Description
In this episode of The Independent Dental Practice Podcast, Dr. Sonny Spera sits down with leadership and practice management expert Bob Spiel, MBA to discuss the heart of independent dentistry and the growing challenges posed by corporate and private equity-backed DSOs. Bob shares his remarkable journey from hospital CEO to dental consultant, revealing how leadership, team culture, and intentional systems can transform a practice from chaos to clarity. Together, they uncover why the DSO model is not the financial dream it’s marketed to be—and how dentists can protect their autonomy, sanity, and purpose.

Highlights
Bob recounts his transition from the business world to dentistry and how his passion for leadership and team development became his calling. He and Dr. Spera explore the “hidden game of dentistry,” emphasizing mentorship, mindset, and the importance of working on your business—not just in it. Bob warns about the real financial traps behind DSO and private equity buyouts, explaining how these deals often strip dentists of ownership under the illusion of future wealth. The discussion also touches on burnout, the myth of busyness, and the emotional cost of losing control of one’s practice.

Personal Passions
Bob’s passion for empowering dentists is rooted in his belief that dentistry is one of the last great independent professions—a space where purpose, leadership, and excellence can truly align. His work centers on helping doctors rediscover joy in practice ownership by building intentional teams, refining systems, and rejecting the narrative that selling to corporate is the only path forward.

Podcast Vision
The Independent Dental Practice Podcast continues to be a platform for authentic conversations that challenge the status quo. Dr. Spera and his guests aim to inspire dentists to take control of their futures, elevate their practices, and protect the independence that defines the profession. Each episode encourages thoughtful reflection, informed decision-making, and community-driven growth.

Takeaways
Independent dentistry is not just about business—it’s about freedom, fulfillment, and legacy. Dentists must be intentional about their systems, leadership, and personal purpose to avoid burnout and predatory deals. With the right mentorship and mindset, private practice can remain both financially and personally rewarding, far beyond the short-term allure of corporate buyouts.

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

Connect with Bob Spiel
📧 bob@spielconsulting.com
🌐http://dentistpartnerpros.com
📞 208-520-6900
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