In part two, Derek and Dr. Dale Hoffel unpack the whirlwind from deal collapse to dream fit—how walking away from a tight, risky acquisition led to a Laguna Beach practice that aligned with her life vision. Dale shares the inside story: a last-minute listing, a 48-hour offer, and launching into ownership with three ops (quickly four), paper-to-digital conversion, and a summer of broken equipment, staff gaps, and nonstop “first impressions.”

What follows is Dale’s leadership playbook in real time—setting clear patient standards (yes to X-rays, no to “pedicure cleanings”), running on-time through better hygiene workflows, blocking admin and team-meeting time, and distinguishing why she’s a dentist (care and comfort) from why she’s an owner (freedom to be present with her family). She talks hiring for attitude, creating redundancy, inviting staff goals into the practice plan, and finding the line between pushing and listening.

You’ll hear:

How trusting her gut (and the numbers) turned a hard “no” into the right “yes”

Converting chaos into systems: 4th op buildout, digital X-rays, and on-time hygiene

Patient standards without apology—and with kindness

The “why dentist” vs. “why owner” talk that aligned her team

Practical tactics for retention: flexible schedules, goal-setting, and cross-training

A candid, tactical look at early ownership—and how to build a practice that serves the life you actually want.

Reach out to Dale at drdaledentistry@gmail.com

Connect with us: • Learn more about 1-on-1 coaching • Get access to TLP Academy • Suscribe to The Lifestyle Practice Podcast • Email Derek at derek@thelifestylepractice.com • Email Matt at matt@thelifestylepractice.com • Email Steve at steve@thelifestylepractice.com

In this episode, Derek sits down with Dr. Dale Hoffel of Laguna Beach, California, to unpack her remarkable and vulnerable path to ownership.

From battling severe depression and personal trauma to rediscovering purpose and chasing a long-lost dream, Dale’s story is one of courage, self-awareness, and transformation. She opens up about the years she thought dentistry was behind her, how therapy and honest self-reflection changed everything, and what ultimately reignited her drive to lead and create the life she wanted.

This conversation is an honest look at what it takes to rebuild — mentally, emotionally, and professionally — and why being authentic can be the greatest advantage in life and leadership.

Highlights include:

Facing and overcoming mental health struggles in college

The turning point that led her back to dental school

Learning to stop hiding and start sharing her story

Building confidence through vulnerability

Reconnecting with her “why” and choosing ownership with purpose.

Reach out to Dale at drdaledentistry@gmail.com

Connect with us: • Learn more about 1-on-1 coaching • Get access to TLP Academy • Suscribe to The Lifestyle Practice Podcast • Email Derek at derek@thelifestylepractice.com • Email Matt at matt@thelifestylepractice.com • Email Steve at steve@thelifestylepractice.com

In this episode, Matt continues his conversation with attorney Vince Nardone on the legal mistakes dentists make around practice acquisitions.

Building on Part 1, they expand the discussion and continue breaking down areas where dentists get themselves into trouble, often without realizing it until much later. Vince shares additional examples and insight that apply whether you're preparing to buy a practice or already own one and want to avoid costly legal surprises.

Connect with us: • Learn more about 1-on-1 coaching • Get access to TLP Academy • Suscribe to The Lifestyle Practice Podcast • Email Derek at derek@thelifestylepractice.com • Email Matt at matt@thelifestylepractice.com • Email Steve at steve@thelifestylepractice.com