In this episode, Wes Read continues his deep-dive review of The Five Types of Wealth by Sahil Bloom, a book that profoundly influenced his thinking as a financial planner who has spent his career helping dentists build meaningful lives through their practices.

Wes covers the book’s preface and Chapter 2, unpacking the research on money and happiness, the philosophy behind redefining wealth, and Sahil Bloom’s powerful framework: the five types of wealth that truly define a fulfilled life.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Most dentists are hitting their financial goals and still feel like something is missing. In this episode, Wes Read (CPA, CFP, and founder of Practice CFO) steps back from the balance sheet to ask a bigger question: what does wealth actually mean? Kicking off a new multi-episode series, Wes introduces the book The 5 Types of Wealth by Sahil Bloom, a framework that redefines wealth across five dimensions and challenges high-earning, time-poor practice owners to intentionally design the lives they keep deferring.

What You’ll Learn

One of the most persistent tensions in dental practice ownership is deceptively simple: should you reinvest surplus cash back into the practice, or distribute it to yourself? In this executive roundtable, Wes, Michael, and Megan break down the capital allocation framework every dentist-owner needs, from defining “enough” personally and professionally, to tracking ROI on every dollar invested in people, equipment, and marketing.

Key Topics

In this episode, host Wes Read uses an AI-generated summary of the American Dental Association Health Policy Institute's Q1 2026 State of the US Dental Economy report to unpack what's really happening inside your local dental clinic and why it's a surprisingly accurate lens for the entire American economy.

Your local dentist is fighting an invisible war: global supply chain disruptions, international tariffs, a crippling labor shortage, and flatlined insurance reimbursements all while keeping smiles healthy. This episode digs into the data, the contradictions, and the survival blueprint emerging from the Q1 2026 ADA report.

Key Takeaways<...

Most dentists are brilliant clinicians, but somewhere between $1M and $3M in collections, growth stalls. Not because of skill, not because of ambition, but because every decision still runs through the doctor. In this Executive Session, Wes sits down with practice management consultant Megan Shelton (Shelton Solutions) and marketing strategist Michael Anderson (Wondrous) to break down what it actually takes to build a leadership team that lets you scale, whether you’re going from one practice to three, or from $1.5M to $3M under one roof.

What You’ll Learn

The final episode of the cost segregation series. Wes covers the grouping election, the one tax election that determines whether building losses can offset practice income or get suspended indefinitely. Includes the self-rental asymmetry, how to execute the election, five pros, six cons, and when to make it.

Key Topics Covered

1. The Self-Rental Asymmetry

In this episode of the Dental Boardroom Podcast, host Wes Read, CPA and financial advisor at Practice CFO, delves into the advanced mechanics of cost segregation and how dentists can use it strategically to optimize long-term tax outcomes. He explains the key differences between bonus depreciation and Section 179, explores how state tax rules can impact overall savings, and shares what to look for when selecting a qualified cost segregation firm.

Wes also highlights how cost segregation can play a role in building purchase negotiations and why aligning tax strategies with a broader financial plan is critical for...

In Part 3 of the Cost Segregation series, Wes Read shifts from theory to execution. He walks through the five concrete implementation steps every dentist must follow to set up the strategy correctly, runs a detailed numerical example showing exactly how the money flows between the dental S-Corp and the real estate LLC, covers how to determine the right rent amount without triggering IRS scrutiny, and closes with three options dentists should consider when it comes time to retire and decide what to do with the building.

Key Topics Covered

1. The 5 Implementation Steps

Wes...

In Part 2 of this series, Wes Read builds on the cost segregation foundation from Part 1 to cover the critical structural decisions every building-owning dentist must get right. He opens with a firm warning against holding your building inside your S-Corporation, walks through the correct two-entity structure, and then dives into passive activity rules — including the often-asked question about qualifying a spouse as a real estate professional.

Key Topics Covered

1. Critical Warning: Never Hold Your Building in Your S-Corp

Wes outlines four major reasons why placing your building inside your dental S-Corporation is...

In this episode, Wes Read walks dentists through one of the most powerful and underutilized tax strategies available to building-owning dental professionals: cost segregation. With a focus on education and practical application, Wes explains how the two-entity structure (dental S-Corp + real estate LLC), combined with a formal cost segregation study, can generate massive upfront tax deductions that accelerate wealth building. He covers the fundamentals of depreciation, the mechanics of cost segregation, real-world examples, and what to watch out for.

Key Topics Covered

Practice CFO Background & the Wealth Advisor Model

Wes explains...

In this executive session of The Dental Boardroom Podcast, Wes Read is joined by Michael Anderson (Wondrous) and Megan Shelton (Shelton Solutions) to break down one of the most misunderstood drivers of practice growth: marketing offers.

The conversation goes far beyond “$99 new patient specials” and explores what truly makes an offer effective in today’s competitive dental landscape. From identifying when practices should (and shouldn’t) use offers, to understanding how operations and patient experience directly impact ROI, this episode highlights the interconnected roles of marketing, operations, and financial systems.

The team also dives into tracking...

In this Episode of Dental Board Room Podcast, host Wes Read sits down with Brandon and Paul to break down the biggest forces currently shaping the market, from geopolitical tensions with Iran to Federal Reserve policy and overall stock market resilience.

The discussion explores how global conflict, particularly disruptions in energy supply, can ripple through inflation, interest rates, and portfolio performance. The team shares their base-case expectations, potential risks, and how they are actively positioning client portfolios to navigate uncertainty.

Despite short-term volatility, the conversation reinforces a long-term, disciplined investment philosophy focusing on diversification, strategic...

In this episode of the Dental Boardroom Podcast, Wes Read continues his analysis of the ADA Health Policy Institute 2024 study, focusing on one of the biggest shifts in modern dentistry who actually owns the industry today.

This episode dives deep into the rise of Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) and compares them with traditional private practice models. Wes breaks down real data on ownership trends, career stages, and practice sizes, and shares practical insights from years of advising dentists.

Beyond the numbers, he explores the hidden challenges of scaling multi-location practices, the financial trade-offs of choosing...

In this episode of The Dental Boardroom Podcast, host Wes Read, CPA and financial advisor at Practice CFO, breaks down fresh data from the ADA Health Policy Institute (2024–2025) to uncover what’s really happening inside the dental industry. While many dentists are earning less despite working more, rising overhead, stagnant PPO reimbursements, and economic pressure are creating real challenges.

But here’s the truth: not every practice is struggling.

Some dentists are not only surviving but thriving. They’re building highly profitable practices, growing wealth faster than their peers, and creating systems that allow them to win d...

In this episode of The Dental Boardroom Podcast, host Wes Read talks with Matt Coggin about how dental education is evolving in today’s fast-changing healthcare landscape. They explore how dentists can stay competitive through continuous learning, team training, and effective communication, while navigating challenges like staff turnover, AI integration, and the rise of DSOs. The episode highlights practical strategies for improving clinical skills, patient care, and overall practice performance.

Key Topics Covered

In this episode of the Dental Boardroom Podcast, Wes Reed dives into some of the most common and costly business and practice management mistakes dentists make. Drawing from years of experience working with hundreds of dental practices, Wes explains how strong clinical skills alone aren’t enough to build a sustainable, profitable, and stress-free practice.

He breaks these mistakes into six core areas, covering everything from management systems and PPO economics to lease agreements, partnerships, financial planning, and KPIs. Throughout the episode, Wes uses practical examples and real-world analogies (including agile software development) to show how intentional sy...

In this episode of The Dental Boardroom Podcast, host Wes Read is joined by Megan Shelton (Shelton Solutions) and Michael Anderson (co-founder of Wondrous) for an in-depth executive session focused on one of the most challenging stages of practice ownership: scaling without creating chaos.

The conversation explores the concept of “No Man’s Land” the phase where a dental practice is too big to operate informally, yet not structured enough to run like a true organization. The panel breaks down what typically breaks first as practices grow, why culture and clarity often erode before financial performance does, and ho...

In this episode of The Dental Boardroom Podcast, we take a deep dive into the Q4 2025 State of the U.S. Dental Economy Report from the ADA’s Health Policy Institute to understand where dentistry stands heading into 2026.

Using AI-powered analysis, we explore how dental practices are navigating rising costs, staffing shortages, flat insurance reimbursements, and shifting patient behavior. While many dentists are feeling financial pressure, the data reveal a profession that remains resilient, adaptable, and focused on long-term growth.

Despite inflation and operational challenges, patient demand continues to rise, proving that oral healthcare remains a...

In this episode, Wes Read continues his series on common financial mistakes dentists make, focusing on retirement planning and investing. He explains how poor decisions around 401 (k) plans, defined benefit plans, debt management, and private investments can significantly impact long-term financial success.

Wes breaks down how the U.S. tax system works, why retirement accounts are powerful tax-saving tools, and how dentists can use smart financial strategies to accelerate their path toward financial independence. He also shares real-life examples of mistakes he has seen in his practice and offers practical advice to avoid them.

This...

In this episode of The Dental Boardroom Podcast, host Wes Read continues his series on common financial mistakes dentists make, with a deep dive into tax planning gaps that often lead to paying unnecessary taxes.

Wes explains how many dentists rely on reactive tax filing instead of proactive tax planning, causing them to miss powerful deductions and make poor timing decisions. He breaks down practical, real-world strategies such as the Pass-Through Entity (PTE) tax election; overlooked deductions like kids on payroll, home office, vehicles, meals, and travel; and why depreciation must always align with cash flow.

In this episode of the Dental Boardroom Podcast, host Wes Reed introduces a brand-new subseries called The Executive Session. This interdisciplinary series brings together experts in finance, marketing, and practice management to discuss the real business challenges dental practice owners face today.

Joined by co-hosts Megan Shelton (https://www.instagram.com/doctormeganshelton/ (Practice Management & Operations) and Michael from Wondrous Agency (instagram.com/wonderistagency/) (Dental Marketing), this kickoff episode explores how the definition of a “successful” dental practice has evolved over the last decade. The panel breaks down how marketing, operations, and financial strategy must work together to driv...

In this episode of the Dental Boardroom Podcast, host Wes Read, CPA and financial advisor at Practice CFO continues his series on common financial mistakes dentists make, this time focusing on tax planning gaps. Wes explains why many dental practice owners unknowingly overpay taxes and how poor tax planning often results from weak cash flow management, rather than bad intentions.

This episode breaks down complex tax concepts into practical insights, helping dentists understand how smarter planning throughout the year, not just at tax time, can lead to tens of thousands of dollars in savings annually and faster...

In this episode of the Dental Boardroom Podcast, host Wes Read, CPA and financial advisor at Practice CFO, is joined by Brandon Hobson and Paul for their quarterly deep dive into the stock market, global economy, and what dentists and practice owners should prepare for as 2026 approaches.

The episode covers:

In this episode of the Dental Boardroom Podcast, host Wes Read, CPA and financial advisor at Practice CFO, and Chris Marshall break down some of the most important warning signs dentists should watch out for when evaluating a dental practice for purchase. Drawing from real client cases and common deal-flow patterns, they discuss the financial, operational, and clinical red flags that often hide beneath the surface of seemingly attractive listings.

Listeners will learn how to interpret declining numbers, inconsistent hygiene schedules, sudden production increases, PPO manipulations, risky seller behaviors, and gaps in patient flow. By the end...

In this episode of the Dental Boardroom Podcast, host Wes Read, CPA and financial advisor at Practice CFO, and Dr. Howard Farran, Founder of Dentaltown, delve into the evolving landscape of dental ownership from the rise of private equity in dentistry to the challenges and opportunities facing today’s practitioners.

They explore how cheap financing and investor enthusiasm fueled massive consolidation in the dental space over the past decade, and why the focus is now shifting from quantity to quality. As interest rates rise and capital tightens, DSOs and private equity groups are becoming more selective, prioritizing we...

In this episode of the Dental Boardroom Podcast, host Wes Read, CPA and financial advisor at Practice CFO, sits down with Howard Farran, founder of Dentaltown and one of the most influential thought leaders in the dental industry. Together, they explore the evolution of dentistry from emerging AI technology to the rise of DSOs, the challenges new grads face, and the skills needed to thrive in today’s rapidly shifting landscape. This episode delivers raw insights, bold perspectives, and practical lessons for dentists at every stage of their careers.

Key Points

AI & the Future of De...

In this episode of the Dental Boardroom Podcast, host Wes Read, CPA and financial advisor at Practice CFO, kicks off a new multi-episode series focused on the most common financial mistakes dentists make in both their personal and practice finances. After returning from an October break, Wes zeroes in on cash flow discipline, spending habits, tax inefficiencies, depreciation strategy, excess distributions, and the development of automated systems for long-term wealth.

Wes explains how many dentists struggle with lifestyle inflation, unmanaged owner draws, and treating the business account like personal cash, often without understanding tax basis limitations. He...

In this episode of the Dental Boardroom Podcast, host Wes Read, CPA and financial advisor at Practice CFO, and an AI co-host unpack the ADA Health Policy Institute’s Q3 2025 “State of the Dental Economy” report. The data paints a complex picture of a dental sector stuck in an uneasy holding pattern where rising costs, flat reimbursements, and persistent staffing shortages are squeezing practices nationwide.

Despite modest growth in consumer dental spending, many practices report being less busy than before, caught between financial pressure and patient affordability challenges. The discussion dives deep into the fiscal squeeze, workforce strugg...

In this episode of The Dental Boardroom Podcast, host Wes Read, CPA and financial advisor at PracticeCFO, talks with Brandon Hobson (Chief Investment Officer) and Paul Lipcius (investment committee member) about what’s happening in the markets and why it matters for dentists.

They break down the recent Federal Reserve rate cut, explain how bond yields signal what might happen next in the economy, and discuss what the steepening yield curve could mean for growth and inflation. The team also looks at today’s stock market, where high valuations and a heavy focus on just a few big...

In this episode of the Dental Boardroom Podcast, host Wes Read, CPA and financial advisor at Practice CFO, continues the discussion on putting your kids on payroll as a smart tax and wealth-building strategy. This time, he dives deeper into how to maximize the benefits by pairing payroll with 529 education savings accounts and Roth IRAs.

Key Takeaways:

Shifting income for tax savings:

Prac...

In this episode of the Dental Boardroom Podcast, host Wes Read, CPA and financial advisor at Practice CFO, dives into one of the most powerful  yet often overlooked  tax and wealth-building strategies for dentists: putting your kids on payroll and using that earned income to fund retirement and education accounts.

Wes explains how hiring your children in your dental practice (for real, legitimate work) creates not only a tax deduction for the practice but also a springboard for long-term wealth accumulation in the child’s name. He emphasizes the Roth IRA as a uniquely flexible and tax-free acco...

In this episode of the Dental Boardroom Podcast, host Wes Read, CPA and financial advisor at Practice CFO, welcomes attorney Justin Morgan, JD, MBA, founder of Morgan Advisory Group, to share real-life “war stories” from dental practice transitions. Together, they unpack legal and financial pitfalls dentists should avoid—and opportunities that can change the trajectory of a career.

From hidden Botox expenses in med spas to phantom patient credits wiped off the books, and even a “Bitcoin blowout” practice fire sale, Wes and Justin reveal how careful due diligence, smart deal structures, and the right advisory team can protec...

In this episode of the Dental Boardroom Podcast, host Wes Read, CPA and financial advisor at Practice CFO, continues the miniseries on the relationship between money and happiness and what it really means for dental practice owners.

Wes begins by revisiting key lessons from earlier episodes: money can reduce stress up to a point, but beyond a certain level of income, happiness plateaus. True financial peace of mind comes from building reserves, delegating financial complexity, and resisting lifestyle inflation. He also reflects on insights from The Millionaire Next Door, where frugality, discipline, independence, and intentional spending separate...

In this episode of the Dental Boardroom Podcast, host Wes Read, CPA and financial advisor at Practice CFO, explores the mindset shifts and habits that separate high-income dentists who struggle financially from those who build lasting wealth and freedom.

Wes begins by revisiting the connection between money and happiness. He explains that while money can reduce stress, it does not automatically create fulfillment. How you use your money matters more than how much you earn. Many dentists experience stress from debt, high overhead, and lifestyle creep, which erodes both financial stability and mental wellbeing.

He...

In this episode of the Dental Boardroom Podcast, host Wes Read, CPA and financial advisor, explores how money impacts happiness, especially for dental practice owners facing financial stress and responsibility. Drawing on landmark studies by Daniel Kahneman, Angus Deaton, and Matthew Killingsworth, Wes uncovers the surprising truths about income, emotional well-being, and life satisfaction and how dentists can build both wealth and contentment.

He explains that while money does increase happiness, it does so only up to a point, and then its effect plateaus. Beyond that threshold, happiness depends less on income and more on mindset, purpose...

In this episode, Wes Read, CPA and financial advisor, highlights a common mistake among dental practice owners: treating financial planning as a one-time task instead of an ongoing cycle. Just like dental hygiene requires regular checkups, financial hygiene needs consistent monitoring, updating, and adjustment.

Wes explains the fourth phase of financial planning: Implement → Monitor → Revise → Repeat. Following a structured rhythm ensures clarity, accountability, and faster progress toward financial independence.

Seven Key Activities for Dental Practice Owners:

In this episode of The Dental Boardroom Podcast, host Wes Read, CPA CFP®, shares key financial and tax strategies for dental practice owners. He covers retirement plans (401(k), SEP IRA, Simple IRA, defined benefit/cash balance plans) and explains how to maximize contributions while managing employee costs and staying compliant. Roth IRAs and backdoor Roth conversions are also discussed for tax-free growth.

Wes advises a disciplined investment approach, highlights the risks of speculative investments, and explains how to evaluate debt, use tax deductions, and leverage payroll strategies for family members. He also explores fringe benefits, state-level tax b...

121: Dental Financial Planning – Cash Flow Projection & Surplus Allocation

In this episode of the Dental Boardroom Podcast, host Wes Read, CPA, CFP® returns from a break to continue the Turning Chaos into Financial Freedom series for dental practice owners. This installment focuses on one of the most important pieces of financial planning: creating a cash flow projection and determining how to allocate surplus capital.

Wes breaks down:

In this episode of The Dental Boardroom Podcast, host Drew Phillips breaks down how to fully use your dental practice’s provider and facility capacity to drive growth. Building on the last episode, Drew shows how to measure your true capacity, find gaps in your schedule, and use simple strategies to close those gaps.

Running a dental practice is about more than filling appointments—it’s about making every chair, provider, and day count. Drew shares a step-by-step approach to understanding your practice’s numbers, improving scheduling, and creating predictable growth.

Key Points:

In this episode of the Dental Boardroom Podcast, host Drew Phillips breaks down how your dental practice’s calendar is more than just a schedule—it’s your growth engine and valuation tool. This is the first of a two-part deep dive on practice capacity, focusing on how to measure, optimize, and leverage both provider and facility capacity to maximize revenue, improve cash flow, and set your practice up for long-term growth.

Key Points: