In this episode of The Stress-Free Dentist Podcast, Dr. Eric Block sits down with Jen Kirkham, the COO of airVata, to explore how dental sleep medicine is revolutionizing patient care and transforming dental practices across the country. With over two decades of experience as a hygienist and national trainer, she unpacks the science, psychology, and practical steps that help dentists implement life-changing sleep solutions.

In this episode of The Stress-Free Dentist Show, host Dr. Eric Block sits down with Dr. Mark Davis, founder of Dental Simplified, to explore how dentists can reduce stress, avoid burnout, and build lasting career success. Dr. Davis shares his 37-year journey in dentistry, owning multiple practices, navigating the challenges of practice management, and ultimately finding fulfillment by focusing on time management, clinical efficiency, and responding vs. reacting in the operatory. Together, they discuss the traps of perfectionism in dentistry, strategies to streamline the clinical day, and how dentists can reclaim balance while delivering exceptional patient experiences. Whether you’re a new dentist looking to build confidence, or a seasoned practice owner seeking ways to reduce stress, this episode offers practical tips and inspiration to create a more rewarding career.

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Dr. Eric Block welcomes fellow dentist, coach, and burnout survivor Dr. Eric Recker. They dive into the highs and lows of dentistry, from early career challenges and family practice dynamics to the emotional and physical toll of burnout. Dr. Recker shares how his journey from overcommitment and silent suffering led him to redefine success, reclaim his joy, and ultimately help others do the same through coaching, micro-resilience, and purposeful living.

In this compelling episode, Dr. Eric Block sits down with Bob Spiel, dental consultant, leadership expert, and host of the "Just Say No to the DSO" podcast to unravel the truth behind Dental Service Organizations (DSOs), private equity buyouts, and the illusion of "easy exits" in dentistry. Bob shares his deep experience in leadership development and associate dentist matchmaking, shedding light on how private practitioners can reclaim control, build effective teams, and avoid costly mistakes that jeopardize long-term profitability and fulfillment. If you're contemplating selling your practice or feeling weighed down by management stress, this is your wake-up call.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make patients say yes more often or how to bring out the best in your team, this episode is for you. Dr. Eric Block sits down with Debra Engelhardt-Nash, a well-loved dental coach with decades of real-world experience, for an honest and inspiring talk about the things that really matter in your practice. They explore how simple changes in the way you speak and connect can make a big difference in case acceptance, patient trust, and team morale.

Debra also shares stories from her own journey, what emotional intelligence really looks like in a dental setting, and how to create a practice culture people are excited to be part of. Whether you're just starting out or have been doing this for years, you’ll walk away with practical tips you can use right away and a renewed sense of purpose for why you do what you do.

In this episode of The Stress-Free Dentist Podcast, Dr. Eric Block is joined by Dave Monahan, CEO of Kleer and Membersy, to explore how dental membership plans are helping dentists move away from insurance dependence and take back control of their profitability. From automation and compliance to patient behavior and small business opportunities, Dave lays out why a well-run membership plan is no longer optional, but essential. Whether you're a new practice looking to build loyalty fast or an established office ready to drop PPO plans, this conversation will help you rethink your business model and your revenue stream.

In this episode, Dr. Eric Block is joined by Dr. Mark Murphy, Chief Learning Officer at the International Academy of Sleep. From his beginnings in general dentistry to becoming a leading figure in dental sleep medicine, Dr. Murphy shares a compelling journey marked by transformation, innovation, and a relentless passion for improving patient care through airway-focused solutions. They explore how sleep dentistry is not only clinically impactful but also professionally rewarding, and dive into the hurdles keeping dentists from embracing this field. If you’ve been thinking about adding sleep medicine to your practice or have felt unsure about medical billing, this conversation will give you both the confidence and the tools to move forward.

In this episode, Dr. Eric Block welcomes performance psychologist Dr. Ben Bernstein to explore the intense demands of the dental profession and the subtle, often overlooked indicators of stress and burnout. Drawing from decades of experience working with high-stress professionals,including athletes, surgeons, and test takers, Dr. Bernstein provides practical strategies for dentists to recognize, manage, and recover from stress. You will gain a deeper understanding of the unique psychological pressures in dentistry, the importance of performance-focused support, and how to build a thriving, balanced career.