If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by insurance red tape, staffing headaches, or the pressure to be a “do-it-all” practice—this episode is for you.

In this conversation, I’m joined by Dr. Tejas Patel, a leading cosmetic dentist whose journey from multi-location burnout to solo, specialized success is one every dentist should hear. With over 2 million TikTok followers and a fully cosmetic boutique practice in Austin, Texas, Dr. Patel has redefined what’s possible when you combine smart systems, social media, and staying true to your passion.

We talk about everything from patient acquisition through viral video, to the growing demand for natural-looking veneers, and why he shut down two thriving offices to go all-in on what he loved most. You’ll also learn about the Veneer Blueprint Course, his online CE-accredited training that helps dentists confidently master cosmetic cases—from preparation to marketing.

Whether you're cosmetic-curious or ready to pivot your practice, this episode delivers.

Here are just a few of the important and eye-opening topics we explored:

• The Power of Focus: Why simplifying your procedures and practice model could be the secret to long-term success.

• Social Media as Strategy: How Dr. Patel leverages TikTok and Instagram to attract out-of-state veneer patients—daily.

• From Insurance to Independence: What it really takes to transition away from PPOs and build a fee-for-service model.

• What Patients Want Now: A look into the latest veneer trends—think natural, undetectable, and confidence-boosting.

• Teaching with Transparency: Why Dr. Patel built a step-by-step veneer course (with live procedure footage, checklists, and marketing tips) to help others get the same results.

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00:42 Welcome + Event Reminder

02:37 Meet Dr. Tejas Patel

04:37 The TikTok Journey

12:52 Trends in Cosmetic Dentistry

16:56 From Burnout to Boutique

20:44 Building a Streamlined Practice

22:27 Inside the Veneer Blueprint Course

29:20 Vision for Cosmetic Education

31:12 Lightning Round Q&A

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Instagram (Main): @tejaspateldds

Instagram (Courses): @veneertraining

Veneer Course Info: drtejaspatel.podia.com

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Learn proven dental marketing strategies and online reputation management techniques at DrLenTau.com.

This podcast is sponsored by Dental Intelligence. Learn more here.

This podcast is sponsored by The Doc Sites, the leading provider of websites and online marketing for dentists. Find out more here.

Raving Patients Podcast is your go-to place for the latest and best dental marketing strategies that will help you skyrocket your practice. Follow us for more!

If you’re worried that modern dentistry is trading principles for profit, you’re not alone. But today’s episode might just give you the confidence and clarity to do things differently.

Dentistry is changing—and not always for the better. In this compelling episode, Dr. Len Tau welcomes Dr. Ed Feinberg, a crown-and-bridge expert and educator with over four decades of hands-on clinical experience. Ed was mentored by his father, a pioneer in full-mouth reconstruction, and today he carries on that legacy by helping dental professionals understand why foundational skills still matter in an industry swept up by implants and fast fixes.

Together, they discuss how young dentists are being pulled into production-driven careers without the mentorship or mastery needed to truly thrive. Ed shares how practicing in both New York and Arizona shaped his philosophy—one grounded in long-term results, patient-first ethics, and clinical integrity. You’ll hear his unfiltered take on the overuse of implants, the dangers of piecemeal treatment, and how modern dental education is missing the mark.

More than a critique, this episode is a call to action. Whether you’re a seasoned dentist or just starting your career, you’ll walk away inspired to deepen your craft, lead your team with purpose, and maybe even mentor the next generation of dental professionals. Because as Ed says, success isn’t about being flashy—it’s about making a difference that lasts.

Here are just a few of the important and eye-opening topics we explored:

• Why foundational crown-and-bridge techniques still matter more than ever

• The long-term problems with piecemeal treatment planning

• How mentorship can change the trajectory of a young dentist’s career

• The risks of a production-first mindset in new graduates

• Building a practice through community involvement—not just advertising

• What true leadership in dentistry looks like

• Why implants aren’t the solution to every restorative case

• Ed’s unique insights from 70+ years of documented dental cases

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00:49 Introduction and Event Announcement

03:11 Ed Feinberg's Unique Career Journey

12:10 Comprehensive Treatment Planning in Dentistry

12:49 Disturbing Trends in Modern Dentistry

21:35 Building a Successful Dental Practice

23:56 Leadership in Dentistry and Community Engagement

31:39 Rapid-Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts

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Want to learn more about Ed’s restorative philosophy—or explore his extensive library of online dental courses?

• Visit: https://theonwardprogram.com/

• Check out his books on Amazon:

• • Open Wide

  • The Double Tilt Precision Attachment Case for Natural Teeth and Implants

Whether you're a new grad or a seasoned practitioner, Dr. Ed is passionate about helping dentists elevate their skills and serve their patients with integrity.

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Learn proven dental marketing strategies and online reputation management techniques at DrLenTau.com.

This podcast is sponsored by Dental Intelligence. Learn more here.

This podcast is sponsored by The Doc Sites, the leading provider of websites and online marketing for dentists. Find out more here.

Raving Patients Podcast is your go-to place for the latest and best dental marketing strategies that will help you skyrocket your practice. Follow us for more!

Grief doesn’t wait for the perfect moment—and neither does oral cancer. In this powerful episode of the Raving Patients Podcast, Dr. Len Tau welcomes Dr. Parul Dua-Makkar to share how personal tragedy transformed her career and fueled a mission to save lives.

After losing her brother—also a dentist—to oral cancer at just 34, Parul now advocates for early diagnosis, clinical vigilance, and emotional healing within dentistry. This isn’t just a clinical conversation—it’s a raw, inspiring look at how loss can fuel purpose, and how every provider can be a part of the legacy of prevention.

You’ll also learn how grief doesn’t follow a linear path, the emotional complexity of legacy, and why speaking about difficult topics can be the most powerful way to connect and lead in the dental community. Dr. Parul reminds us all: life is short, but the impact you make can be lasting.

Some of the powerful insights from this episode include:

• Early detection saves lives: Persistent red or white lesions lasting more than two weeks must be evaluated—biopsies are non-negotiable.
  
  

• Technology is a tool, not a replacement: Light-based oral screening aids are helpful, but only biopsies offer definitive answers.
  
  

• Grief is complex—and valid: Whether from personal or professional loss, grief affects every part of your life and practice. Processing it is crucial to continue showing up fully.
  
  

• Legacy is not about length, but impact: What you leave behind—through your words, your work, or how you treat others—matters more than you know.
  
  

• Support and community are essential: Healing doesn't happen alone. Sharing stories helps others feel seen, heard, and less isolated in their struggles.
  
  

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00:45 Introduction to Leaving a Legacy

03:26 The Impact of Oral Cancer

11:45 Grief and Its Many Forms

20:54 Understanding Legacy

24:23 Life Interrupted: A Book of Lessons

27:30 Speaking Out on Oral Cancer Awareness

30:53 Lightning Round Q&A

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Website: www.parulduamakkar.com

Instagram: @duagoodjob

Coaching & Resources: duagoodjob.com

Explore her free grief and cancer support resources, check out her speaking topics, or grab a copy of her book "Life Interrupted: Dr. Dua’s Survival Guide" available on Amazon.

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Learn proven dental marketing strategies and online reputation management techniques at DrLenTau.com.

This podcast is sponsored by Dental Intelligence. Learn more here.

This podcast is sponsored by The Doc Sites, the leading provider of websites and online marketing for dentists. Find out more here.

Raving Patients Podcast is your go-to place for the latest and best dental marketing strategies that will help you skyrocket your practice. Follow us for more!