What does it take to forge your own path in dentistry—especially when the traditional blueprint no longer fits?

Dr. Leslie Bonar sits down with oral surgeon, Navy combat veteran, mother, and Resting Stitch Face podcast co-host Dr. Sarah Harding. Sarah shares how one unforgettable experience in oral surgery changed the direction of her career, what it was like performing surgery aboard an aircraft carrier, and the realities of being a woman and mother in a demanding specialty.

They also discuss work-life balance, the growing pressure of production-driven dentistry, declining patient trust, and why the future of the profession must return to communication, education, and truly patient-centered care.

If you’re a dentist, dental student, specialist, or anyone questioning the career path you were handed, this honest conversation will remind you that you’re allowed to create a life—and a career—that works for you.

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Has your career turned out the way you expected—or have you had to create your own path?

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What if your dental practice worked around your life—not the other way around?

Dr. Leslie Bonar sits down with former Navy dentist and holistic practice owner Dr. Tracy Evans for an honest conversation about building a dental career with greater freedom, purpose, and connection.

After eight years of active duty in the U.S. Navy, Dr. Evans transitioned into civilian dentistry and eventually purchased a small practice in Encinitas—one she now operates just three days a week while raising four children.

Dr. Evans shares how losing a front tooth as a child shaped the compassionate way she treats patients with dental trauma and anxiety. She also explains why the mouth can reveal important clues about the rest of the body, how her practice goes beyond “cookie-cutter dentistry,” and how she uses advanced treatments such as lasers and ozone therapy to help save teeth and support healing.

In this episode:

• The camaraderie and clinical experience of Navy dentistry

• What to consider before purchasing a dental practice

• Creating a practice that supports your lifestyle

• Why the person attached to the teeth matters

• The connection between oral health and whole-body health

• Helping patients overcome dental trauma and anxiety

• How lasers and ozone therapy are changing root canal treatment

• Why kindness is one quality you simply cannot teach

Whether you’re a dentist, practice owner, dental student, or patient looking for a more personalized approach to care, this conversation will change how you think about dentistry.

Comment below

If you could design a career that truly fit your life, what would it look like?

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Dr. Michael Allen shares how he built a dental practice from scratch, discovered his passion for cosmetic dentistry, and expanded into education through the Smile Trend Institute. He opens up about the importance of authenticity, collaboration, community, and choosing an abundance mindset over competition. His biggest lesson? Don’t practice dentistry alone—the right community can reduce stress, open unexpected doors, and help make dentistry exciting again.

Comment below:

What has made the biggest difference in keeping dentistry enjoyable for you?

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