Transcript
Speaker: The thing I teach the most about branding is branding is identity. On an island, like what are your thoughts on where we're heading professionally and like as a community?
Speaker: What advice would you have for your younger self? If you're doing it alone, you're going to be miserable ultimately.
Speaker: ADEC's Smart Start program offers first-time practice owners their deepest discounts on equipment and furniture for two years, plus other savings and complimentary services. Ask your ADEC rep for details and start smart with ADEC.
Speaker: Join Drs. Savannah Craig and Renetta Sartor as we navigate life beyond graduation. real conversations about forging our own paths in our early years in our careers.
Speaker: There's a reason it's called practicing dentistry. All right, everyone, welcome back to a very special episode of Beyond Graduation. so i am Savannah Craig and with me as always...
Speaker: Renetta Sartor. So guys, we have been so excited for this. We have a friend, colleague, mentor, just an absolute gem in the world of dentistry, Dr. Tara. We're so excited you're here.
Speaker: Thank you for having me. You guys are so sweet and i love hanging out with you guys outside of podcast world. So this just feels like an extension. So I'm excited to be here. Wonderful. So Tara, I'm sure everyone knows Dentara and the the brand you have created, but tell us a little bit about yourself and and how this whole thing has come to be for you.
Speaker: Yeah. So I... Well, let's start from the beginning, I guess, right? So I started Dentara in dental school as just like something I wanted to do that was going to curate my future and help me develop as a person, make me kind of get out of my box a little bit. I grew up in South Florida, went to school in Boston, and the hustle and bustle of Boston can be a lot. And so the decision was, okay, I can do what I regularly do and I'll join all the clubs and do all the things, or i can start planning for branding for my future and what do i want to do? And so that's kind of how Dentara was born. And then now that I'm out of school and out of all of that, and I've kind of moved on to the next parts of my life, I'm practicing now in Delray beach and I really enjoy it. It's a, it's a great place to be. It's warm, it's cozy, it's sunshiny and it's been wonderful.
Speaker: Awesome. How how was starting the social media page in dental school received by like your classmates and things like that? Because i feel like at that time, that yeah, at that time, like dental influencers, now everybody has a dentist page, but not that. Yeah, it's less, less cliche back then. it was hard because I remember there was a group of seven or eight of us maybe, and we would meet like once a month because we we were the only ones doing it. And we would get so much awkward feedback. Like maybe your classmates will say like, oh, that's so cool. And you're like, you think I'm a loser. And but like and I had a classmate who I was like, it's just so hard. It's so awkward. because you're trying to post and you know that they know. And I went to a really big dental school. So like by I had like 200 students in my class alone. Yeah.
Speaker: And so to go to class and then know you posted this like selfie or this whatever, it felt uncomfortable. And so seven to 10 of us would meet once a month, Luke Shapiro being one of them. And we would record things, we would do things, and sometimes it would pan out, sometimes it would end up in ah in the trash bucket. But I remember one of the the people from the group was like,
Speaker: You know, like you you just got to shut those people out because how are you going to hate from outside of the club when you can't even get it? You know? And it was like, yeah, like I'm doing something that they're unwilling to put themselves on the line for.
Speaker: and maybe it fails, maybe it doesn't. And it didn't. I got lucky and I worked towards it. And i wish I was still more consistent as I've always like felt that way. But it it's worked out really well. And I've had some great opportunities. And I think for anyone who's too scared to start anything, you just have to start and then you figure everything else out, you know? So yeah, it's definitely, it was scary then, but I'm so glad I did it. I would say we have to, while you're here, give you your flowers, right?
Speaker: Because you're one of the Ignite DDS OGs. You helped bring Savannah into the group. And so many of us. So thank you for all that you do and for like helping us be here. This podcast wouldn't be a thing.
Speaker: Yeah. You're giving way too much. I think David's probably the the real person to thank, but. I also think that really special people find their way into the circles that they're supposed to be in. So you guys are both really incredible women. And every time I'm in a room with both of you, it's like, wow, they are spectacular. so I appreciate the credit, but it's it's you guys. like i just You happen to know where to put yourselves to be in the right situation. So this is a perfect pivot. Tell us how you got started with Ignite and all of that. and yeah So I knew David from a pre-dental meeting. I went to University of Florida for undergrad, and he...
Speaker: I think he was living in Florida by then. I think he had just moved his, did his Buffalo transition. And so from there he was at UF and he was teaching a course actually on disc, like the personality test. And which is so funny cause I talk about in my lectures today too.
Speaker: And he, we did the whole thing. It was like a three or four hour thing on a Saturday. it took some pictures after told him I would stay in touch and we kind of like here and there stayed in touch, but nothing crazy. Then when I got to dental school and I started that dental page, Luke Shapiro reached out to me and was like, Hey, you know, we're looking for somebody to help like run the social media page. Would you be interested? And I was like,
Speaker: At the time I was like, I have no idea what I'm doing, but sure, i'm in. And so it it was like a reintroduction again with David. And at that point, this was like 2018 maybe, had like rejoined the Rice cult.
Speaker: teen maybe i had like rejoined the the the david rice colt The following. sphere. the fear And so it was, yeah. And then from there, it was like, I didn't know exactly what I wanted to do, but i i we just kind of all transformed. And then Savannah, I got to meet you because David put me in rooms I would have never been in without him. And and then it was just like the perfect, you know how many people I had like told, like i you were there. I mean, I told massive audiences, like, hey, if you want to get involved, if you want to learn more, like get yourself Like, just give me a call. Let me introduce you to David Rice. And you were like one of the few of the hundreds of people that I've spoken to that like made that effort to get to know David, put yourself in that room. And so, again, it's you guys, not not anything that I've done. and And thank goodness Tara drove to very cold Columbus on that like January day. Yeah.
Speaker: Yeah. Wasn't it like so storming? Yeah, it was awful. Yeah. Yeah. It was a it was a bad weekend, but worked out for the best. It's Ohio. Yeah. It's Ohio. Yeah. And I lived in Ohio for a little bit. So it was it's been.
Speaker: Yeah, it's been an adventure. It has been. So I want to talk about how you know you you said you built this page to create this future brand. How did you even have the forethought? I mean, people are going into dental school and I feel like such survival mode to – I always joked that – I had never thought past 2023.
Speaker: You know, like I knew get into dental school, I'm going to do a residency. And then I had no future plans. So how did you how did you think of, OK, I have to have this plan for the future and into like, again, branding wasn't.
Speaker: I don't know, like in the 20, you know, 2018 in that world, that wasn't a thing. It actually had to do with more of what I was failing at than what I was doing well. So what I mean by that is at the time so in undergrad, I did everything. I did the volunteering. I did the clubs. I was the president of this, did that. And I got to dental school and I was like, I'm going to learn to hone in on a few things.
Speaker: And, and yeah like anyone who's been to dental school, like you can't do everything in dental school. You have to choose, not that you have to, but like for your own sanity, like you choose something you're passionate about, stick to it. Like for example, if you like Asda, stick to Asda, go for that, do that.
Speaker: What i quickly recognized in dental school was like, I'm not doing well just like joining clubs or, and I'd ran for student government, didn't win. And so it was like, i didn't, I kind of lost my identity. And what's funny is the thing I teach the most about branding is branding is identity. Like that is, they're the same word. And I didn't have an identity and I didn't have an identity in dental school. i didn't have an identity in my personal life. And I was, I was just lost.
Speaker: And i remember thinking like, okay, well, I'm not finding my place in these four walls. Yeah. And so what can I do to expand? And at the time figs had started like their whole thing, they had ambassadors and I was like, oh, that's so cool. And I was like, well, how do I get into that world? And what are people who are successful that? Like, how do they all know each other? And so the only way they knew each other was social media. And so I was like, okay, well, I'm going try. I remember I had a a friend who he's brilliant, in Bryson, and he took photos like as a hobby. And we like, du we're doing like a fundraiser, all this stuff, whatever. He and I sat down. He like helped me put, to I would like text him names of like things I wanted to name my Instagram page. And you know, when you're in dental school, you can't technically say like doctor, whatever. It has to be like student doctor or, and our school was very strict about that.
Speaker: So I'm like playing with the letters and all this. And then all of a sudden i was like, Oh, dentara, dentara, dentaria. Okay. That could work. That could work. And then that was it. I just took the leap of faith, but it was because I was failing at so many things in dental school. Like I couldn't find even like, I mean, I had like a small friend group that I was comfortable with, but I just, I, I felt like the years before that high school, middle school, college, like, My social circles were easier to find myself in my ability to adapt to courses. And it I mean, dental school, like you move away, you don't really know what you're doing. You're like, to your point, you're like, I know I've planned my whole life. Now I'm in dental school. Like now i just need to survive.
Speaker: But then what's next? And so really it just had to do with the fact that I wasn't doing well. in school. And so I was like, I got to go find something that's going to give me my identity. And that was, that was branding and branding myself online. That's a very important point, important point. And Savannah and I talk about this a whole bunch. So your story seems similar to when I was in residency, how like I probably had the record for going on the most interviews, but from it. She's still a legend in that program to this day. But it was more so through that experience. I wasn't sure what I was looking for, but going on those interviews told me what I didn't want.
Speaker: Yes. And so I think you bring up a very important point. Like sometimes it's okay to not know, but you know, you used it as a way to fuel knowing and like knowing yourself, which is awesome.
Speaker: Right. And I feel like, too, and in in dental school, it's almost like a reset button. Like you get this like ability to become the next chapter of yourself, the next version of yourself. And it's, you know, hopefully some dental student listens to this. And like you really should like put you don't need to be like everybody else. Like you don't need to keep doing the same thing. And now, I mean, dental students are like paying off their student loans. doing social media. like i mean, I met a student the other day who like, I'm like talking to her about social media thinking like so cool, which like, I think I'm fading out a little bit too, but and I just like, I, then I like go to her page and I'm looking at, I'm like, she is like killing, she's doing way better than I ever did. and like, as she should be, like, you should be expanding yourself. And if it's not on social media, like you need to be creating the identity
Speaker: To your point, Savannah, I've always said that too. Like I knew my whole life plan until grad May, 2021. And then I was like, I don't know what I'm doing after that. yeah And so it's really important that you think ahead and you value yourself as a person, as an identity and not just like dentistry is everything or that, you know, there's just, there's, there's more you need to expand on.
Speaker: Yeah. And I think to your credit and the credit to to everybody in this room room, being open to those opportunities and like taking those leaps of faith and those jumps, because had you not jumped into social media and it puts you in Luke's path,
Speaker: into Ignite, you know, and then if I had not gone to that ASDA event and stayed for happy hour, you know, and Renetta joined study clubs in COVID and then texted this random girl from Ohio who was moving to South Carolina, like, you know, but you have to like put, be open to those opportunities.
Speaker: Absolutely. Yeah. And there, and what's actually really amazing I know that a lot of dentists now have a lot of bad things to say about dentistry and the waves and insurance and all the stressful things that are going on. But there's also this amazing opportunity to do dentistry differently now.
Speaker: Do you like candlelit dinners? Do you like late night walks on the beach? Do you want to watch the sunrise over your own lakefront property? Do you want slow mornings?
Speaker: Do you want afternoon yoga classes whenever you want? Do you want peace of mind? If you answered yes to any of these questions, help us build the self-determined future you're looking for.
Speaker: Check out Ignite DDS Coaching. Mention Beyond Graduation Podcast for a free consultation with Ignite DDS Coaching. and to do things that we weren't doing before to have opportunities of like, you don't just have to be clinical or you can be clinical and teach or, you know, like there's just so many different opportunities that we didn't, that previous generations of dentists didn't have. And I'm sure as they're phasing out, they're like, wow, it would have been cool to be able to do a podcast and talk about the woes and the difficulties or the great things that come from dentistry and, and stuff like that. So we are in a very unique time.
Speaker: And I'm sure maybe the next generation will feel the same way, but it's it's good to see the good sides and value that above insurance, like, you know, yeah whatever, let's move on.
Speaker: Yes. So you have worked in bigger groups and and dentists. We are a special breed of person. And Renan and I have talked a little bit about this competitiveness in dentistry and how, you know, is that bred in dental school? Is it our type A personality? But I think we are a testament to this change that I'm hoping dentistry continues to like have these groups of people to – lift each other up and and and build more community. What have you seen over your career with the changes?
Speaker: Do you think it's a generational thing that we are creating these groups and more camaraderie in dentistry versus maybe past generations of like private practice owners on an island? like What are your thoughts on where we're heading professionally and like as a community?
Speaker: I think it's a psychology thing, right? Like I think that in the beginning, everyone thought it was like so cool to have your own thing. So cool to be on your own. And then as people were like going to meetings more, because the one thing that is kind of dying, which I hope comes back is the organized dentistry. Like there has been a bit of a dip on that, but I think because of organized dentistry, people realize like, wait, why are we doing this alone?
Speaker: Yeah. And then they started joining groups and joining groups. And then everyone looked around. It's like, okay, look around. Like there's like a person every 10 feet. So like there should be a dentist every 50 feet or whatever, you know, whatever the ratio needs to be. So I think that the shift happened because, you know, not necessarily, oh, there's enough food for everyone, but it's like a mindset shift of if we don't do this together, then we both lose. Yeah. Yeah.
Speaker: And so – and there is something comforting about, like, just having someone to call and just be like, Renata, holy crap, this was a tough day. Like, I don't – I don't need – I just – I don't know what drugs or alcohol I need to get there today. But I do know I need this conversation. So it's like – that reality is never going to change. And maybe that's in any industry, but especially in dentistry where people, i mean, Bernetta, you could probably speak to this more than anybody. Like when you're the business owner and then you're also this, you're also that, you're wearing all these hats, you have a family, like you want to build a future. There's like so many different things. And then you're, you're doing podcasts and it's like, if you're doing it alone,
Speaker: you're going to be miserable ultimately. So you might as well find someone or a community of people that are going to get together and do all these things. I also think social media has changed things, right? You see people online, you're more comfortable to reach out to them, which may be good or bad, but then it makes it more fun when you see them at a conference and you're like, Hey, let's take a photo together. Hey, let's do a podcast together. hey Let's talk business and talk shop. So it's opened this door. I think part of it is the psychology of us as a ah community understanding that we don't have to do this alone. And then the second part of it is, okay, now the the terms have changed. Like now we're battling things that we weren't battling before. And so we might as well team up and get things moving. Yeah. I think that's the, I mean, you, you said so many great things. Yeah. But it's true. i think it's part of like, i mean, we just were talking about like our Ignite DDS team, right?
Speaker: Is why like we meet like once a month. And then when we meet for retreat, like we don't really care what retreat's about, but it's like we're getting together. time. Yeah. And the magic just happens when we're in the same room. So, yeah I mean, it that that's like every everything too, because I'm the only dentist in my office. But if it's not for things like podcasting, you know, Ignite, you know, south Carolina Dental Association, ADA stuff, and just like going to those community events and stuff like that, i would probably be lost and like really depressed, you know, because it's almost like you could be on an island by yourself. So I think you you hit the nail on the head with that.
Speaker: Yeah. And that part's really tough. Like we don't, I don't think dentists get enough credit for how isolating it can be if you're not in the right headspace and in the right rooms and communities and also talking to the right people. Cause you can find a group of dentists, but they could totally make your life worse. Like they could totally be like you'd be like, yeah, you're right. I do hate my life. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.
Speaker: you Yeah, you have to have the right group. Yeah, you definitely Someone and to laugh about it with, you know, like I said, like, oh, today really sucked. It was your day. me too. Yes. So it's it's good to have that camaraderie. Yes. No, and yeah, we we take on a lot as dentists. Like we're getting, you know, how many times a day does in any other job where people are like, i hate your guts and, you know, I'm going to scream and cry. And you're like, sorry.
Speaker: sweet. like So glad you're here. You know what else? My friend who's in medicine, in surgery actually, she was talking about it and and we were like kind of like talking about the differences and like what the dynamics are and whatever. We're also the only that I can think of, the only profession where you're like elbows deep in the middle of something You have to stop that to go do an exam versus like surgeons. They have consultations, but like someone referred them there, right? Like that person is there in that room for a reason, whatever. They do the consultation. They go do the surgery, gloves on, stay on, finish what they're doing one patient at a time. and then they move on. I mean, the other day, i like, I literally saw eight patients in one hour and I was like, was that when your, your aura ring was like, yes, stress is 98%. Yes. My average stress is like two, two hours and 45 minutes a day or something like that.
Speaker: It was seven hours, seven hours of straight stress. And I was like, I don't know if stress is the right word, but for sure my heart was like going because I'm like, I gotta be in this room. Gotta be in that room. Gotta be da da. And like, you feel the tension of people waiting for you. So you're like, and our team's pretty good. i mean, we have like slips and stuff, so they're not like waiting by the door necessarily, but you do feel the mental pressure of them waiting for you. So yeah. yeah And I remember they were like, Oh, there's an emergency. Oh, it's, you know, that it's like Friday or I guess at the ah that it was Monday. They waited over the weekend. Like, could you please see them? and you're like, no, I can't, but okay, I will. yeah No, and to be yeah able to like mentally switch ah in a second, I was trying to explain to Adam, and i I would love your take on this because your wonderful husband is in the dental world in a different vibe, but, you know, Adam doesn't know what I do all day.
Speaker: And I was trying to explain to him because I had – a really crazy day and i was like, okay, imagine you have eight one-hour meetings in the same hour. Every person needs a deliverable. Like you can't say, I don't know. You have to give a yes something to every single person.
Speaker: and you're also like physically doing things with your hands. like And he was like, i was like, and in the background, it's just going, read And you have to comfort them and treat them how they want to be treated. Yes. And he was like, oh that sounds like a lot. I like, yeah.
Speaker: It is a lot. And then look in one millimeter little increments. Yeah. And people, like you're dealing with people and people are – Wonderful, but they're also difficult and they're also like you don't get to be a person. You are, don't even know what the right word is. yeah You're a lot of things, yeah but you don't get to be human. you have to be human for the patient. And that can be a lot too. Like difficult conversation. How is it we're not more crazy? Like we go from one room with one personality. Like we have personality disorder. We walk in, we're one person. We're like yeah playing the game here. And then we go to the next room and we're like calm, quiet, mirroring, softer movements. And now I'm a soft girl dentist. And yeah I walk into the other room, like dapping someone like, hey, what's up? Look, yes love those short ends. Like it's It's a lot. It's a lot.
Speaker: Renata and I were talking about this. Do you feel like you're playing a character? or like Because I think it's hard. You can be authentically yourself in all of those rooms, but you're a different version of yourself in all of those rooms. A hundred percent. mean, you have to meet people where they are and that's like in any business, you have to do that. But I do think there's because of the fear, like you said, in in like the, you know, I hate to be here. I don't want to be here. When they you have that dynamic playing against you, i don't know if you guys agree with me, but like the the, for me, the greatest compliment in the world is like, when someone's like, oh, I'm so relaxed or, oh, I almost fell asleep. i'm like Yes.
Speaker: Yes. Yes. thank God, someone is like kind of relaxed in my chair. And so, yeah, I mean, that's sort that you are playing 12 different characters. We're a cartoon character. We're just changing our facial expressions and our body language in every single room. And it's kind of fun.
Speaker: The other thing I just thought about, i think for the first time, like actively is I feel like I'm also always just anticipating something weird happening. Like,
Speaker: Oh my God, they're going to swallow or their tongue's going to move. Like, not only am I like doing the thing, but I'm also anticipating like, when are they going to swallow? Are we really numb? Are they going to jump? Like, that's probably not good for your, your body either. Yeah.
Speaker: yeah Before we got on, I was telling Savannah about a book that I'm reading is called beyond high performance. And in a book, it talks about meta performers. And I feel like as dentists, that's what we are. Tell us more about this. Yeah, I want to hear more too. So pretty much is pretty much saying that meta performers are individuals who go beyond high performance through continuous evolution, self-innovation and redefinition of their capabilities. And I think in every room, every day, we have to do this. And then maybe we're super meta performers because in our own right, outside of clinical dentistry, all the things that we do.
Speaker: Yeah. Maybe that's our name. Yeah. Yeah. Meta performs. I like that. I got to get this book. Yeah. I'll send you the link. It is. It is a, it is a wild job. So Tara going back to the,
Speaker: Seroosh, we're big fans. How do you guys balance work and dentistry? And do you talk about work at home? Do you, because I talk, I try not to talk about work at home, but when I do like Adam's just like, he doesn't get it. Yeah. My car ride is 15 By the time I get home, it's gotta be done. Of you thinking you're like talking to yourself about it or on the phone.
Speaker: Yeah, on the phone. I can't. Once, once the rule is once I'm in the house, dentistry has to, it's got to be done. Okay. yeah I think we naturally have that rule. It's not like a said rule. I'm really glad you said that because I told my husband, I'm like, is it weird? Search my husband for anyone who didn't know. i I told my husband, I was like, he's a board certified oral maxillofacial surgeon. nevermind. We know. I'm like, maybe I want to retire early. i don't know. No, anyway, but I'm kidding. the The real thing is, is we do the same thing. So we, I'm like, I don't know if it's normal. I have a 45 minute commute. I'm like, I don't know if it's normal that I call my husband when I'm literally driving home to hang out with him. But I talked to him on my drive home and I'm like, we kind of like talk about all the work things. And then yeah I guess naturally by the time we get home, we're like work is off.
Speaker: It does help though, to be fair, that he has a specific specialty. makes it easier on our relationship for sure. and we don't, I like, I don't, I, I truly don't understand how in any industry, like wives and husbands and, you know, spouses, like I don't get how they work together and live happily ever after. i think a lot of people have asked us like, Oh, why didn't you guys join forces? Like, you know, he does the surgeries, you do the prosthesis. And it's like, because we're both like very driven and we both would step on each other's toes on our way to where we want to be and not on each other, but like definitely like we would get on each other's nerves. Yeah. So yeah.
Speaker: I would say that we have ah really, we have a lot of respect for each other, a lot of respect for each individual person. i'm very lucky that I married someone who, even though he specialized in, you know, he's much more trained in his specialty than necessarily, you know, like,
Speaker: Yeah, he definitely doesn't know how to do a crown prep anymore, but you know, but like he respects that I do. So it's like, you know, it's nice that I can call him and send him a photo of something and say like, hey, pathology wise, what do you think? Or TMJ wise, like, what can I do? But I get the same respect back and the fact that he'll call me and be like, hey, I saw this like prosthesis wise, like, you know, or like implant wise, like where would you rather me place the implant? Yeah. You know, it's like stuff like that. i think there's a mutual respect. We have, we're, we're very respectful to each other and that's like the core of it. yeah And then everything else, like, you know, talking about dentistry all day is not sexy. And like, if you want things with your spouse to be sexy. So.
Speaker: I would say we do kind of what Renetta does. Like we, we, we talk about it and then it's done. And usually, i don't know. i mean, I, you guys really feel the same. Like usually I'm not talking about the dentistry. I'm talking about like what happened around the dentistry. Yes. So it's like, maybe, maybe you don't get this as much Savannah, who but like, I feel like when, when I talk to Saroosh, like, yeah, I can, I can be like, yeah. And I was holding this burr, whatever, like whatever this story needs. Like, oh, I was taking a Sarek scan and this happened.
Speaker: But like that, the scanner is not the main part of the story. so it doesn't even matter. Yeah. Ultimately, you just kind of, yeah. it But, Yeah. I think of the respect thing, you got to respect your spouse's like life. you know What are they doing? What are they? And that's, mean, you got to make it fun. So I don't know if I answered your question, but- No, you definitely did. Yeah. and And you guys are so fun. I third wheeled with Tara on occasion in Cincinnati and they make the best dinners. They're the cutest. It's great. Yeah. Pad Thai nights. Yes. Yes. Savannah would be like, I'm going to pick up dinner. I'm like, well, I'm still making you dinner. so you can eat on the way over if you want, or you can eat with us. Yes. Yes. That was perfect.
Speaker: What advice would you have for your younger self? Probably the same advice I'd have for me right now is to keep, this is a hard one because there's probably a lot, but i would, I would say to keep pushing the envelope and to, I've always been a people pleaser my whole life.
Speaker: and Welcome to the club yes but yeah and a lot of people are yet and it's it's it's wonderful because you can feel a lot of wonderful things from being a people pleaser.
Speaker: but it's very self-sabotaging because what it doesn't allow you to do is i tend to want to fit myself into like i did in dental school those four boxes or four walls, and those four walls are not going to get you to that next level. they're not going to They're not going to put you in rooms that you would have never been in otherwise. They're not going to allow you to, like you can sit at a table or or do you want to just make your own table and be able to sit with the people you want to sit with and allow them to feel like they also were part of putting this table together. So the the advice I would give myself is like, you got to just start the thing that scares you the most. Like you just got to do it. There's just so many ideas I've had in the last four years, like a lot of changes, especially like when we moved from Cincinnati, I was like, you know, this is my opportunity to hit another reset button. And yes, it's scary and all the things, but like now I'm like, this is a very unique opportunity to,
Speaker: recreate a new version of myself that I would be proud of. And it's scary to start, but you got to push, you got to like, you got to be okay with not doing what everybody else is doing. Like when you, when I see something online, like I can't help but feel that sense of envy of like, like, why didn't I think of that? Why didn't I do that? Why didn't I blah, blah, blah. But it's like, yeah, but I could still do that or i could still do my version of that and be successful. So what are you so scared of? Like what,
Speaker: okay, so what? Someone's like, oh, she thinks she's so cool. It's like, how are you going hate from outside of the club when you can't even get in? You know, it's like, it just doesn't serve you to be stagnant or rather it doesn't serve you to make decisions based off of what other people will or will not benefit from. And that's really hard to do when you're a people pleaser. So that's probably the advice I would give myself.
Speaker: That was so beautifully said. There's so many pieces of that. Yeah. I think just putting, putting yourself out there is huge to, to. It's hard. right Yeah. It's hard to do. It's so hard to do. It's like, and people are mean generally, like they're like, they'll be like, no one's judging you. Like, yeah, you are. I know because I do it, you know? And then you got to step back and be like, am I the real loser for not like taking a chance on myself? Like, Yeah, that's way worse than being the person who took the chance. And then maybe it worked out, maybe it didn't. But it's like, yeah, I mean, I could have listened to everybody who was making fun of me when I was in dental school behind closed doors and telling me like, oh, that's so cool. But then like them being like, oh this girl thinks she's somebody, you know, so.
Speaker: That's such a – it's so interesting to think about because, i mean, obviously, i knew you when Dentara was a thing and and it was so fun to to become your friend. You know what i mean? From someone I saw literally on ah on a stage, not really, but like, you know, speaking in front of a room and i have a a current friend who's trying to get into podcasting and stuff and we were talking a lot about like being a content creator and all of these things and – I mean, I had a patient the other day that was like, I saw you do a podcast.
Speaker: And like initially I was like, you know, and then I was like, yeah, i just like hang out with my friend and we like do a podcast. So I think there's always going to be those external forces, but just like, I don't know, I'm just having fun. like Yeah. You just got lock in and and you made a decision that you thought was going to be great for you. And it is amazing. You guys are doing amazing interviews. Like you get to talk to, it's, it's fun. You're like, to profound this is like such a great opportunity to talk to people you would have never otherwise had great conversations with. And like, like, okay.
Speaker: And like, what do you, what you're not doing a podcast. So why do you, why, why are you hating so hard? Yeah. You know? Yeah. so We laugh about it, but I had a patient say the same thing I was telling Savannah.
Speaker: She, you know, I'm like putting numbing jelly in and I'm like, yeah, you know, how you doing? i saw I saw on Apple, you do a podcast. And I was like, i was a little bit nervous. I was hesitant. I was like, yeah.
Speaker: i mean, she already saw it, so I couldn't lie. i was like, yeah. That was a mean. Yeah. And she was like- I guess we should have been like, wow, Apple's pushing our podcast. That should have been the thought we had. But we kind of both, like our initial response was, gee.
Speaker: Yeah. But after that, she she was like, oh yeah, that's cool. I think that's cool. So like when she said it was cool, I was like, yeah, we this is why we do it. And she was like, oh, yeah, I think that's really cool. So like now my team knows, too. Yeah.
Speaker: You said it legitimately legitimizes us. Yeah, totally. i mean, like to patients for sure. For sure. Like a podcast. Who's doing but like, yeah, everyone does podcasts, but not really. Not really. I don't do podcasts. You know? Yeah. Or the other one I always think about, Tara, was the day we did like content at my office and we were just like being total goobers. But my one. Yeah, which we were. it was a whole thing. Tara had everything smashed in her car. She was a champ, but she was ill. You were so sick.
Speaker: oh yeah forgot But my hygienist was like, i know her from social media. And i was like – Oh no, that's just Tara. like what's What's funny about all of that too is that it's like, you feel like you know somebody on social media too, which is actually why I think it's so great. yeah But the thing I always, Renata, you made me think of this as well. And the same thing with like your, the team member who knew me, it's like, you wonder like what, which piece of content did they see that like now they associate you with that? Like I had a patient come in the other day and like, you know, you asked like how, how did you hear about us? And it says like TikTok. And like my TikTok is totally different than my Instagram. My TikTok is like way more casual, mostly because like I don't really know what I'm doing on there. So I'm just like talking on my phone, you know. So and I was like, oh, God, I wonder which one she saw. Like what what did she see that made her want to come in and like still talk to me? Because most of my TikToks are like.
Speaker: You know, like the last one I did was like, oh, like if you think you don't need a floss, like smell your floss the next time. Like, you know, it was just a weird, a weird TikTok. It's true. That is a true fact though.
Speaker: Yeah. And so i'm like, yeah. So yeah, Renetta, I hope she listened to an episode that you are particularly excited about. Hopefully. She seemed to be okay with it so She was there. We'll see. The jury's out. The jury's out. That is a funny thing to think about, though. Yeah, like which one did they see? i don't know.
Speaker: yeah it was like... Because, I mean, even speaking to that point, like, Tara, we had talked, like, on our Ignite meetings for, like, two years to where when we finally met in person, like, we were just like, yeah, we met before. Yeah. But totally, not in real life. Yeah, that part that part is great and weird at all at the same time. Yeah. Yeah, yeah totally.
Speaker: Yeah. Tara, can you speak to like how you, none of us are balancing it all, but you know, like what things bring you peace and fill your cup and all of those things and how has that journey changed? I'm sure from dental school and, you know, I'm sure your, your sunshine in Florida is much different than how it was in Cincinnati. And what has that journey looked like for you of finding yourself and your own inner peace, despite the crazy, crazy jobs we all have?
Speaker: To your point, I mean, it's like what you said, it's not really all balance. It's a lot of bumps and curveballs and all the things and no one's like really fully balanced. But I have always prided myself in making my home my sanctuary. So like, I think Saroosh and I both agree that like our home is our safe place. And we've always anywhere we've lived. And even before I was, you know, living with him and all the things like My home has to be my safe place. So when I get home, I am fully and authentically however I want to be. And my dog Luna is waiting for me. And we're just having, i just, I just get to shut down and be the person I want to be at home. And so we've, we, and you know, when you live with somebody there, there has to be an agreeance of that. So
Speaker: You know, things might not always be tidy in the house. They might not always be perfect in the house, but we've always chosen places that make us thoroughly comfortable, happy and fulfilled. Feng shui. But mean, I'm not an interior designer any means, but I do enjoy having like softness in the house and not too much chaos and not just inner peace when I'm home. So that's like the major part of finding that balance is is finding a place where I can be, know, just quiet. The car is a great place too. I'm always like, I need to get my windows tinted a little bit darker because there's a lot of things that happen in my head, a lot of emotions on my face. I'm like, I probably shouldn't be publicly feeling what I'm feeling in a car. But yeah, I mean, I just it's i think it's just about finding quiet moments to yourself or, you know, quiet moments.
Speaker: internal reflection and reflecting on like, you know, lot of conversations, like meaningful conversations that I have are about like reflecting on where am I in my life and am I happy with where I am? And if I'm not, it's it's up to me to make that change and I can't blame other people. And there's, that's where you find your balance is like, you got to equilibrate your, your mental space so that everything else around you feels less like you need to be put in a psych ward, you know? So, and I know that's like a very general answer, but I think because life changes so much all the time that like the, the, the methods I use to get to those places are going to be completely different depending on the stage I'm at. But
Speaker: The self-reflection, finding an oasis, whether it's your home or like a hobby or something that you have that gets your mind somewhere else is like, like this weekend is the first weekend I've had off in a really long time. And like, I have to do my taxes and like all this other adult stuff I don't want to do. But it was, it was, it's just like a weekend where I'm like, I can't wait to sit in my house for like five straight hours and just be in my house and not have like an alarm that's going to go off that I have to go, go somewhere. And I, we, we built that and I'm very proud to, to have that and lucky, grateful. The best thing in the world is having a warm bed to get into at night.
Speaker: It's like the greatest gift in the world. Absolutely. Absolutely. That was more namaste than he probably wanted. No, it was perfect. I like it. It was perfect. So we want to be respectful your time. Thanks so much for spending so much time with us already today. So let our folks know where they can find you.
Speaker: You know, what's new? What do you have up and coming? And just where they can connect with you. Yeah, I would love that. So i'm it's easiest to find me on Instagram, dentara.com. D-E-N-T-A-R-A. ah d e n t a r a And honestly, i'm I'm just a lover of talking to people and getting to know people. And I teach a lot of courses on communication skills, branding, finding your identity, some oral systemic stuff. But it's really just connecting with people, something i'm super, super passionate about, the human connection. And and so, you know, if if we're ever in a room together, if we're ever...
Speaker: in a circle or in a, even a chat room, please say hello, please reach out. I i love nothing more than to connect with people and just having the opportunity to chat with you guys. Like what you guys are doing is so freaking cool. Like I could never do a podcast and you guys are killing it. Like every single episode you're rocking it.
Speaker: So please keep doing what you're doing because you motivate me all the time. And I'm just so grateful for for both of you. Truly, it's it's been really. Did I just go out? No. You're there. You're good. I heard it. weird thing Okay. It's been a really awesome adventure to be a part of watching the amazing things you guys are doing.
Speaker: The feeling is very, very mutual. friend Thanks for being here. Yeah. All right. Listeners catch us back next time and give dr Tara a follow. Yeah.
Speaker: right, Tara, we're going to hit stop and we'll all just Thank you for joining us for this episode of Beyond Graduation. If you enjoyed this week's episode, be sure to share it with a friend. Connect with us on social media at Savannah Craig DBS and at Dr. Sartor.
Speaker: And remember, you are not alone on this journey. ADEC certified pre-owned equipment is a sustainable, affordable choice that makes genuine ADEC equipment available to every doctor. Each package is sold on a first-come, first-served basis. So if you see one you like, contact your dealer. For more information, go to www.adec.com backslash findadealer. Thank you for listening to Beyond Graduation, brought to you by Ignite DDS and Future Dentists. This episode was sponsored by Ignite DDS Coaching.
Speaker: We build self-determined futures. For more information, please reach out to the Ignite DDS team.
