How does a multi-talented athlete get drafted for MLB and decide to pursue his passion for dentistry?

In this episode of the Athletes In Dentistry Podcast, Dr. Dave dives into the remarkable journey of Dr. Sonny Spera, a dentist who once thrived on the basketball courts at Syracuse University and nearly took to the baseball diamond as a Milwaukee Brewer. Through captivating stories, Dr. Spera recounts his early athletic pursuits and the tough decision to transition from being drafted by Major League Baseball to following his passion for dentistry. This conversation reveals the lesser-known struggles and triumphs he faced while moving from high school sports to the more intense collegiate level, where the stakes and emotional demands were exponentially greater.

Dr. Spera illustrates how the skills and tenacity developed through sports—leadership, resilience, and a robust work ethic—set the foundation for his dental career. With stories of building a multi-location dental practice, he shares the real-world applications of strategic thinking and teamwork honed on the basketball court. Dr. Spera's narrative is not just about a career change but about melding his two worlds to forge a dynamic and successful professional path. For aspiring dentists and athletes alike, his journey offers a roadmap to overcoming adversities and achieving excellence, both on the field and in the clinic.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The impact of sports on professional and personal development.
• How Dr. Spera transitioned from sports to dentistry.
• The parallels between leading a sports team and managing a dental practice.
• Tips on resilience and adaptability from Dr. Spera's experiences.
• Challenges and strategies when starting and growing a dental practice.
• Insights into the value of lifelong learning in both sports and dentistry.

Let's dive into the incredible journey of Dr. Sonny Spera!

Learn More About Dr. Sonny Spera Here!

Website: progressivedentalny.com

Learn More About Dr. Dave Here!

Website: drdavestriegel.com

Mentions and Links:

Podcast Episodes:
Court to Clinic: A Resilient Journey from Basketball Star to Dentist | Dr. LeeAnne Sera | 1

Education:
Syracuse University

Sports Athletes/Teams:
Milwaukee Brewers
Magic Johnson
Matt Doherty
Ed Pinckney
Fred Brown
Howie Garfinkel
Denny Crum
Scooter McCray
Rodney McCray
Darrell Griffith (Dr. Dunkenstein)
Pearl Washington
Joe Girard III
Jerry McNamara
Keith Smart
Rick Pitino
Michael Jordan

What happens when an extraordinary triathlete steps into the world of dentistry? In this episode of "Athletes in Dentistry," Dr. Dave Striegel unravels the incredible journey of Lisa Copeland, who seamlessly marries her passion for athletics with a thriving career in dental hygiene, education, and coaching. Lisa takes us on a journey from the swimming pools of her childhood to the grueling Ironman competitions that tested her mental grit and strategic foresight. She highlights how mental toughness and meticulous planning were her allies not just in sports but also in her flourishing career with Philips Sonicare.

In an intriguing twist, Lisa shares how her entry into dental hygiene paved the way for a prominent career in corporate education. She passionately discusses the pivotal role of communication within dental teams, sharing her expert strategies for fostering effective interaction, both among team members and with patients. Lisa's philosophy of embracing opportunities shines through, as she draws compelling parallels between athletic training and professional success.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The intersection of athletic endurance and career success.
• Strategic planning and mental toughness across triathlons and professional life.
• Insights into effective communication within dental practices.
• The art of balancing multiple careers through opportunity recognition.
• Lessons from athletics applied to dentistry, using sports analogies.
• Understanding generational dynamics and communication in dental teams.
• Tips for impactful presentations and delivery.

Tune in now to discover how athletic discipline and career excellence set you on the path to success!

Learn More About Lisa Copeland Here!

Website: communicatewithinfluence.org
Lisa's Book—Iron-Out Your Communications: a.co/d/fRvfpxh
Lisa's Generational Wellness Course: dentalzing.com/product/balancing-acts-achieving-practice-wellness-across-generations

Learn More About Dr. Dave Here!

Website: drdavestriegel.com

Mentions and Links:

Terms:
Latchkey kids

Events:
Ironman

Brands/Businesses:
Philips Sonicare
Nobel Biocare

Tools/Resources:
Clifton Strength Finders

People:
Sandra Bullock
Erik Schlopy

Movies:
The Blind Side

How can fitness and wellness get you out of pain as a dental professional? Katrina Klein, a registered dental hygienist turned competitive bodybuilder, shares her incredible journey from gym-shy novice to accomplished athlete. Host Dr. Dave Striegel dives deep into Katrina's transformation, revealing how she overcame fears and embraced the rigorous demands of bodybuilding and Spartan racing. Not just about physical prowess, Katrina's story highlights the significant mental benefits of her fitness journey. She underscores how courage, consistency, and stepping out of one’s comfort zone can lead to remarkable personal growth and triumphs in life’s varied arenas.

This episode also explores a compelling crossover between fitness and professional life in dentistry. Katrina candidly addresses the ergonomic challenges faced by dental professionals, offering essential advice on integrating fitness into daily routines to combat body pain. She passionately advocates for fostering a health-centric culture within dental practices, demonstrating how these initiatives not only boost physical and mental well-being but also elevate the quality of patient care. Closing with insights into her Ergo Fit Life initiative, Katrina leaves you equipped and inspired to pursue a balanced, healthier lifestyle.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Strategies to overcome the fear of starting a fitness journey.
• Mental and physical benefits of bodybuilding and Spartan racing.
• How to address ergonomic challenges faced by dental professionals.
• Practical tips for incorporating fitness into a busy professional life.
• The impact of supportive, health-oriented workplace cultures.
• Insights into avoiding burnout and enhancing job satisfaction.

Tune in to discover Katrina Klein's transformative approach to fitness and wellness in dentistry!

Reach Out to Katrina Klein Here!

Website: ergofitlife.com
Email: ergofitlife@gmail.com
Instagram: instagram.com/ergofitlife_katrina
Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/117952368870736
Facebook: facebook.com/ergofitlife

Learn More About Dr. Dave Here!

Website: drdavestriegel.com

Mentions and Links:

Events:
Zumba
Spartan Race

People:
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Sandra Bullock
Tim McGraw

Brands:
Pantene

Movies:
The Blind Side

What does it take to build a winning team culture and career in dentistry? In this fascinating episode of "Athletes in Dentistry," Dr. Dave Striegel sits down with Dr. Solomon Cantwell, whose success as both a dentist and an accomplished athlete offers rich insights for anyone looking to excel in multiple arenas. Dr. Cantwell takes us on a compelling journey from his soccer-filled childhood and mentorships in various sports to his unconventional path into the world of dentistry. With an initial foray into PhD studies in organic chemistry, Dr. Cantwell shares how his persistence and resilience helped him transition, despite setbacks, to excel in dental school and beyond.

The conversation further explores how the ethos of teamwork, humility, and continuous improvement in sports has fortified Dr. Cantwell’s dental practice. By focusing on the parallels between athletics and dentistry, he elaborates on the importance of taking ownership of one’s role, achieving clinical excellence, and preventing burnout by maintaining a balanced life. With real-life anecdotes and actionable advice, the episode offers a powerful guide for dentists and athletes alike on leveraging their backgrounds and experiences to build a rewarding and sustainable career.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How Dr. Solomon Cantwell's early experiences in sports influenced his career in dentistry
• The challenges and triumphs of transitioning from organic chemistry PhD studies to dental school
• The vital lessons from sports that apply directly to a successful career in dentistry
• How to develop and maintain a winning team culture in your dental practice
• Balancing personal interests with professional responsibilities for preventing burnout
• Gaining confidence in clinical skills through perseverance and continuous improvement
• Real-life stories that depict the importance of resilience, grit, and passion in achieving professional success

Step up your game and hit play on this inspiring episode!

Learn More About Dr. Dave Here!

Website: https://www.drdavestriegel.com/

Mentions and Links:

Education:
Montana State University
UNLV
University of Washington

People:
Wout van Aert
Usain Bolt

Events/Competitions:
Belgian Waffle Ride
Ultra-endurance Racing
Tour de France

Movies:
Rudy

Music:
Rooster - Alice In Chains

How can the skills of discipline and resilience honed in sports translate to the dental practice? In this first ever episode of "Athletes in Dentistry," Dr. Dave Striegel unveils the unique concept behind the podcast: leveraging the shared lessons of sports and dentistry to elevate performance. With his rich background in sports psychology and considerable experience coaching dental teams, Dr. Dave sets the stage for how athletic experiences can provide deep insights for the dental community. This episode features Dr. LeeAnne Sera, who recounts her inspiring journey from an elite athlete to a celebrated dentist, infusing her story with practical wisdom and personal anecdotes.

Dr. LeeAnne Sera reminisces about her formative years in gymnastics and team sports such as volleyball and basketball, which laid the groundwork for her discipline, body awareness, and unwavering resilience. Her athletic prowess peaked during her college years at USC, where she contributed to winning two national basketball championships. Transitioning into dentistry, Dr. LeeAnne opens up about the poignant moment her father's health issues influenced her to join his practice, as well as the indispensable skills from her sports career that have propelled her professional success. She highlights the critical importance of resilience, trust, and the ability to be coached, all of which are crucial for managing a harmonious and high-performing dental team. Dr. LeeAnne's story is a testament to the powerful intersection of sports and dentistry, with the reminder to be present with patients and persistently strive for excellence.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How sports psychology principles can enhance dental practice performance
• The impact of athletic discipline and resilience in professional life
• The importance of trust and coachability in building a successful dental team
• Insights on balancing personal and professional growth
• Dr. LeeAnne Sera's personal journey from college athlete to successful dentist
• The role of family influence in career decisions
• Strategies for creating a supportive and cohesive team environment
• Being present and effectively interacting with patients
• Continuous improvement in both personal and professional spheres

Don't miss this captivating conversation that bridges the worlds of sports and dentistry!

Learn More About Dr. Dave Here!

Website: https://www.drdavestriegel.com/

Mentions and Links:

Education:
Louisiana Tech
UCSF
UC Davis
USC
Music:
Michael Jackson - Thriller
Books:
Eleven Rings: The Soul of Success