The Millennial Dentist

Is your dental practice stuck at $3M, $5M, or even $10M in revenue? The growth strategies that worked early on won’t carry you past the next ceiling. In this episode of the Millennial Dentist Podcast, Dr. Sully Sullivan is joined by his longtime friend and business partner, Dr. Tarun "T-Bone" Agarwal—Founder/CEO of 3D Dentists and Raleigh Dental Arts. They share proven strategies to scale your dental business, shift from solo operator to CEO, and build systems that sustain growth without burnout. @00:35 – Recognizing the Signs It’s Time to Change @04:54 – Owner Mindset After $3M @09:05 – Understanding Profitability & “Mailbox Money” @15:00 – Branding & Marketing Beyond the Dentist’s Name @18:00 – Seats on the Bus: Making Tough Team Decisions @25:50 – The Backup Quarterback Problem in Dentistry Who is Dr. Sully Sullivan? Dr. Sully is a fourth-generation dentist from Nashville, Tn. After receiving his doctorate of dental surgery from the University of Tennessee, he moved back to Nashville to practice with his father. By continuing to invest in his education through adult orthodontics, soft tissue grafting, dental implants, third molar extractions, and obstructive sleep apnea, he helped double his practice in just 24 months. As a millennial, he truly believes in working smarter not harder, which has led him to utilize technology to not only deliver better patient care but more efficient care. Dr. Sullivan regularly uses CEREC, 3D imaging with Galileos, 3D printing, and multiple lasers. In addition to his practice, he started the Millennial Dentist Podcast in February of 2017 to help push his fellow colleagues to take their dental careers to the next level. Dr. Sully lectures around the country on cone beam technology, cad/cam dentistry, obstructive sleep apnea, and practice management. He is also an ambassador for the 3D-Dentist teaching facility in Raleigh, NC. As always, thanks so much for listening! If you like the show, we would love for you to review the show on Apple Podcasts as well as spread the word! If you have any questions or want to get in touch, shoot me an email at millennialdentist@gmail.com Links and Resources Email: MillennialDentist@gmail.com The Millennial Dentist Website: http://millennialdentist.com/ Millennial Dentist Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MillennialDentist Millennial Dentist Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/millennialdentist/

In this powerful and impromptu episode of the Millennial Dentist Podcast, Dr. Sully Sullivan takes us behind the scenes immediately following a surgery with Dr. Z, highlighting the immense value of hands-on mentorship and what it truly takes to build surgical confidence. From tooth extractions and flap design to bone grafting and sticky bone application, they walk through the case step-by-step—candidly discussing the mental, emotional, and technical evolution required to level up in dentistry. 00:36 – Welcome & Live Surgery Setup 03:13 – Overcoming Fear in Extractions 04:50 – Flap Design & Visualization 06:47 – Managing Complications & Staying Calm 10:12 – Confidence After One Surgery 12:31 – Teaching vs. Mentoring in Clinical Growth Who is Dr. Sully Sullivan? Dr. Sully is a fourth-generation dentist from Nashville, Tn. After receiving his doctorate of dental surgery from the University of Tennessee, he moved back to Nashville to practice with his father. By continuing to invest in his education through adult orthodontics, soft tissue grafting, dental implants, third molar extractions, and obstructive sleep apnea, he helped double his practice in just 24 months. As a millennial, he truly believes in working smarter not harder, which has led him to utilize technology to not only deliver better patient care but more efficient care. Dr. Sullivan regularly uses CEREC, 3D imaging with Galileos, 3D printing, and multiple lasers. In addition to his practice, he started the Millennial Dentist Podcast in February of 2017 to help push his fellow colleagues to take their dental careers to the next level. Dr. Sully lectures around the country on cone beam technology, cad/cam dentistry, obstructive sleep apnea, and practice management. He is also an ambassador for the 3D-Dentist teaching facility in Raleigh, NC. As always, thanks so much for listening! If you like the show, we would love for you to review the show on Apple Podcasts as well as spread the word! If you have any questions or want to get in touch, shoot me an email at millennialdentist@gmail.com Links and Resources Email: MillennialDentist@gmail.com The Millennial Dentist Website: http://millennialdentist.com/ Millennial Dentist Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MillennialDentist Millennial Dentist Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/millennialdentist/

Are your team metrics too complex to drive real change? Or are you constantly switching hats throughout your day with no time to focus? In this episode, Dr. Sully Sullivan shares two powerful strategies to simplify operations and improve leadership: setting clear, actionable scorecards and reducing the chaos of context switching. Learn how a 40% missed-call rate turned into a game-changing lesson in team communication, systems thinking, and the power of small wins. If you’re looking to streamline your practice, lead more effectively, and protect your time, hit play now. Download the 3D Dentists App Get exclusive content, live surgeries, and access to the Growth Club community. Upcoming Courses You Don’t Want to Miss: July Mastermind – Final spots available Full Arch Express Continuum – Digital full-arch implant training Beginner Implants – September – Perfect for getting started confidently Have questions or want to sign up? Email Meredith: meredith@3d-dentists.com 03:05 – Creating Metrics That Drive Action 06:29 – Realizing the Cost of Missed Calls 08:15 – Focusing on What Really Moves the Needle 10:23 – Building Habits That Deliver Results 13:06 – Leading with Curiosity, Not Control 14:57 – The Hidden Cost of Context Switching Who is Dr. Sully Sullivan? Dr. Sully is a fourth-generation dentist from Nashville, Tn. After receiving his doctorate of dental surgery from the University of Tennessee, he moved back to Nashville to practice with his father. By continuing to invest in his education through adult orthodontics, soft tissue grafting, dental implants, third molar extractions, and obstructive sleep apnea, he helped double his practice in just 24 months. As a millennial, he truly believes in working smarter not harder, which has led him to utilize technology to not only deliver better patient care but more efficient care. Dr. Sullivan regularly uses CEREC, 3D imaging with Galileos, 3D printing, and multiple lasers. In addition to his practice, he started the Millennial Dentist Podcast in February of 2017 to help push his fellow colleagues to take their dental careers to the next level. Dr. Sully lectures around the country on cone beam technology, cad/cam dentistry, obstructive sleep apnea, and practice management. He is also an ambassador for the 3D-Dentist teaching facility in Raleigh, NC. As always, thanks so much for listening! If you like the show, we would love for you to review the show on Apple Podcasts as well as spread the word! If you have any questions or want to get in touch, shoot me an email at millennialdentist@gmail.com Links and Resources Email: MillennialDentist@gmail.com The Millennial Dentist Website:

Do you feel frustrated when patients say no to treatment? Do you wonder if pushing for higher case acceptance is always the right move? In this episode, I’m breaking down why lowering your case acceptance rate might actually be a sign you’re leveling up—and how to turn those "nos" into long-term wins. I’ll share why I’d rather have a 20% acceptance rate on 10K cases than 100 500 fillings, how to spot the real reasons behind patient objections (hint: it’s not always money), and my team’s proven scripts for leaning into "no" without sounding pushy. Plus, I’ll reveal why I lead every case with sedation and flexible payment options—even for patients who don’t "seem" anxious. Timestamp: @07:41 – Case Acceptance Math @08:28 – 4 Reasons for "No" @12:59 – Sedation Secret @14:18 – Financial Menu Hack @16:08 – Patient Booking Truths @17:07 – 3 Types of "No" Who is Dr. Sully Sullivan? Who is Dr. Sully Sullivan? Dr. Sully is a fourth-generation dentist from Nashville, Tn. After receiving his doctorate of dental surgery from the University of Tennessee, he moved back to Nashville to practice with his father. By continuing to invest in his education through adult orthodontics, soft tissue grafting, dental implants, third molar extractions, and obstructive sleep apnea, he helped double his practice in just 24 months. As a millennial, he truly believes in working smarter not harder, which has led him to utilize technology to not only deliver better patient care but more efficient care. Dr. Sullivan regularly uses CEREC, 3D imaging with Galileos, 3D printing, and multiple lasers. In addition to his practice, he started the Millennial Dentist Podcast in February of 2017 to help push his fellow colleagues to take their dental careers to the next level. Dr. Sully lectures around the country on cone beam technology, cad/cam dentistry, obstructive sleep apnea, and practice management. He is also an ambassador for the 3D-Dentist teaching facility in Raleigh, NC. As always, thanks so much for listening! If you like the show, we would love for you to review the show on Apple Podcasts as well as spread the word! If you have any questions or want to get in touch, shoot me an email at millennialdentist@gmail.com Links and Resources Email: MillennialDentist@gmail.com The Millennial Dentist Website: http://millennialdentist.com/ Millennial Dentist Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MillennialDentist Millennial Dentist Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/millennialdentist/

In this episode of the Millennial Dentist Podcast, we dive into the real impact of economic inflation on our dental teams. As costs rise, team members feel the pressure, and as leaders, it's crucial to navigate these challenges while maintaining a strong, motivated workforce. We discuss practical strategies for supporting your team, adapting to financial shifts, and continuing to work smarter, not harder. @02:25 - Challenges of Giving Raises @04:00 - Team Compensation Explained @06:25 - Flexibility vs. Risk Tolerance @08:50 - Asking for a Raise the Right Way @12:05 - Team Members’ Value vs. Cost Who is Dr. Sully Sullivan? Dr. Sully is a fourth-generation dentist from Nashville, Tn. After receiving his doctorate of dental surgery from the University of Tennessee, he moved back to Nashville to practice with his father. By continuing to invest in his education through adult orthodontics, soft tissue grafting, dental implants, third molar extractions, and obstructive sleep apnea, he helped double his practice in just 24 months. As a millennial, he truly believes in working smarter not harder, which has led him to utilize technology to not only deliver better patient care but more efficient care. Dr. Sullivan regularly uses CEREC, 3D imaging with Galileos, 3D printing, and multiple lasers. In addition to his practice, he started the Millennial Dentist Podcast in February of 2017 to help push his fellow colleagues to take their dental careers to the next level. Dr. Sully lectures around the country on cone beam technology, cad/cam dentistry, obstructive sleep apnea, and practice management. He is also an ambassador for the 3D-Dentist teaching facility in Raleigh, NC. As always, thanks so much for listening! If you like the show, we would love for you to review the show on Apple Podcasts as well as spread the word! If you have any questions or want to get in touch, shoot me an email at millennialdentist@gmail.com Links and Resources Email: MillennialDentist@gmail.com The Millennial Dentist Website: http://millennialdentist.com/ Millennial Dentist Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MillennialDentist Millennial Dentist Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/millennialdentist/

Today’s episode is about managing the weight of responsibility in running a practice. Feeling overwhelmed is normal, and I share my experiences handling stress. This past week has been exhausting, juggling work, coaching, and personal challenges. Leadership can feel isolating, and therapy has helped me separate accountability from guilt. Prioritizing tasks and embracing support systems are key to managing stress. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Thanks for tuning in! Next episode will be more upbeat. Until then, work smarter, not harder. @01:42 - Feeling Left Behind @04:12 - Struggling Through a Rough Day @05:01 - Hitting My Bandwidth Limit @07:12 - Personal Growth Through Therapy @09:55 - Learning to Manage the Weight Who is Dr. Sully Sullivan? Dr. Sully is a fourth-generation dentist from Nashville, Tn. After receiving his doctorate of dental surgery from the University of Tennessee, he moved back to Nashville to practice with his father. By continuing to invest in his education through adult orthodontics, soft tissue grafting, dental implants, third molar extractions, and obstructive sleep apnea, he helped double his practice in just 24 months. As a millennial, he truly believes in working smarter not harder, which has led him to utilize technology to not only deliver better patient care but more efficient care. Dr. Sullivan regularly uses CEREC, 3D imaging with Galileos, 3D printing, and multiple lasers. In addition to his practice, he started the Millennial Dentist Podcast in February of 2017 to help push his fellow colleagues to take their dental careers to the next level. Dr. Sully lectures around the country on cone beam technology, cad/cam dentistry, obstructive sleep apnea, and practice management. He is also an ambassador for the 3D-Dentist teaching facility in Raleigh, NC. As always, thanks so much for listening! If you like the show, we would love for you to review the show on Apple Podcasts as well as spread the word! If you have any questions or want to get in touch, shoot me an email at millennialdentist@gmail.com Links and Resources Email: MillennialDentist@gmail.com The Millennial Dentist Website: http://millennialdentist.com/ Millennial Dentist Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MillennialDentist Millennial Dentist Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/millennialdentist/

In this episode, I’m breaking down how to diagnose if you’re over-teamed or under producing and what to do about it. If you’ve got an advanced skill set—whether it’s ortho, implants, grafting, or molar root canals—you should be hitting at least $80,000 a month in production. If not, there are fundamental issues to address, and we’ll start by looking at team compensation, which should fall between 20-30% of collections. I’ll walk you through how to calculate this, including salaries, benefits, and taxes, and explain why focusing on major overhead areas is far more impactful than obsessing over saving a few bucks on supplies. Let’s dig into the metrics that will help you optimize your practice and boost profitability. @01:00 - Understanding Team Compensation @03:18 - Why Goals Are Hit or Miss @07:34 - The Danger of Micro-Optimizing @11:23 - Evaluating Your Practice @18:40 - Taking Action Who is Dr. Sully Sullivan? Dr. Sully is a fourth-generation dentist from Nashville, Tn. After receiving his doctorate of dental surgery from the University of Tennessee, he moved back to Nashville to practice with his father. By continuing to invest in his education through adult orthodontics, soft tissue grafting, dental implants, third molar extractions, and obstructive sleep apnea, he helped double his practice in just 24 months. As a millennial, he truly believes in working smarter not harder, which has led him to utilize technology to not only deliver better patient care but more efficient care. Dr. Sullivan regularly uses CEREC, 3D imaging with Galileos, 3D printing, and multiple lasers. In addition to his practice, he started the Millennial Dentist Podcast in February of 2017 to help push his fellow colleagues to take their dental careers to the next level. Dr. Sully lectures around the country on cone beam technology, cad/cam dentistry, obstructive sleep apnea, and practice management. He is also an ambassador for the 3D-Dentist teaching facility in Raleigh, NC. As always, thanks so much for listening! If you like the show, we would love for you to review the show on Apple Podcasts as well as spread the word! If you have any questions or want to get in touch, shoot me an email at millennialdentist@gmail.com Links and Resources Email: MillennialDentist@gmail.com The Millennial Dentist Website: http://millennialdentist.com/ Millennial Dentist Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MillennialDentist Millennial Dentist Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/millennialdentist/

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the real, less glamorous side of running a dental practice. After taking a brief break, I found myself navigating a challenging week filled with unexpected team drama, which reminded me that not everything in dentistry is as perfect as it seems on social media. Inspired by a candid conversation with a fellow doctor about the inevitable “suck” we all face, I dive into how I handle these tough moments while still striving for balance. I share insights on the importance of being present, managing team dynamics, and embracing the grind, even when it gets tough. This episode serves as a reminder that we’re all human, and that those challenging weeks are just part of the journey toward building a successful practice. @00:52 - The "Suck" @02:25 - Weekly Summary @06:26 - Understanding Daily Challenges @10:22 - Escalating Drama: Staff Shortages @11:59 - Key Takeaways and Realizations Who is Dr. Sully Sullivan? Dr. Sully is a fourth-generation dentist from Nashville, Tn. After receiving his doctorate of dental surgery from the University of Tennessee, he moved back to Nashville to practice with his father. By continuing to invest in his education through adult orthodontics, soft tissue grafting, dental implants, third molar extractions, and obstructive sleep apnea, he helped double his practice in just 24 months. As a millennial, he truly believes in working smarter not harder, which has led him to utilize technology to not only deliver better patient care but more efficient care. Dr. Sullivan regularly uses CEREC, 3D imaging with Galileos, 3D printing, and multiple lasers. In addition to his practice, he started the Millennial Dentist Podcast in February of 2017 to help push his fellow colleagues to take their dental careers to the next level. Dr. Sully lectures around the country on cone beam technology, cad/cam dentistry, obstructive sleep apnea, and practice management. He is also an ambassador for the 3D-Dentist teaching facility in Raleigh, NC. As always, thanks so much for listening! If you like the show, we would love for you to review the show on Apple Podcasts as well as spread the word! If you have any questions or want to get in touch, shoot me an email at millennialdentist@gmail.com Links and Resources Email: MillennialDentist@gmail.com The Millennial Dentist Website: http://millennialdentist.com/ Millennial Dentist Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MillennialDentist Millennial Dentist Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/millennialdentist/