Alex Sharp, DDS – Breaking the Mold: Building an Insurance-Free Dental Model and Redefining Modern Practice

Dentist, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Shared Practices Group, Dr. Alex Sharp joins Dr. Michael Jerkins to share how his unconventional career path—from high-volume associate to multi-practice owner and CEO—shaped his philosophy on patient care, business, and leadership.

He opens up about the lessons learned early in his career, the pivotal moment that pushed him toward practice ownership in Arkansas, and how those experiences inspired him to co-found Shared Practices Group, an organization focused on delivering full-arch implant care and achieving independence from insurance-driven dentistry.

Dr. Sharp reflects on the realities of running a practice through the COVID-19 pandemic, why differentiation is essential for any insurance-free model, and the balancing act between efficiency, accessibility, and patient advocacy. The conversation also explores how AI and automation are reshaping the field from radiograph analysis to scheduling and why maintaining a personal touch will always be essential in patient care.

What does it take to create a thriving, values-driven practice in an industry dominated by insurance and rising costs? And how can new dentists navigate student debt, business ownership, and a rapidly evolving technological landscape without losing sight of their “why”?

Dr. Sharp offers candid insights into the state of dental education, the future of dental specialties, and why adaptability and a healthy dose of skepticism toward “expert” advice might be the most valuable skills a dentist can have today.