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Show Notes

What happens when the practice you built is forced to stand without you?

In this powerful reunion episode, Michael reconnects with Dr. Ashley Joves nearly 10 years after her startup journey began with Smile & Co still in the dream stage. Ashley reflects on how her definition of success has changed from building a standout dental brand, hosting events, creating unforgettable patient experiences, and growing a loyal community, to recognizing the person she has become through the hard seasons of business, marriage, motherhood, and leadership.

Ashley also opens up about the health crisis that reshaped everything: discovering an oral cancer lesion on her husband, Brian, after what first seemed like a simple tongue irritation. She shares how self-advocacy, a second biopsy, and trusting her instincts made all the difference, then explains how her team, systems, and culture kept the practice running when she had to step away. This conversation is a deeply honest look at ambition, resilience, leadership, and building a dental practice that supports your life instead of consuming it.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why Ashley’s definition of success has shifted after nearly a decade in practice ownership.
• How a missed oral cancer diagnosis reinforced the importance of screenings and patient advocacy.
• What practice owners can learn from building systems before a crisis hits.
• How strong team leads, associates, and clear roles can protect the patient experience.
• Why culture is built through hiring, boundaries, and difficult conversations.
• The “low-cost” loyalty driver that matters more than decor or amenities.
• How to rethink growth when bigger no longer feels better.
• Why dentistry should fund your life, not become your entire life.
• How to create a backup plan that gives you more freedom and flexibility.
• Why finding a supportive dental community can make ownership feel less isolating.

Listen now for an honest, grounding conversation on building a practice, protecting your people, and redefining success on your own terms.

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Sponsors:‍

Net32: Founded by a dentist, for dentists. Net32 is the leading online marketplace for dental supplies, helping dental and medical professionals save on high-quality products for over 25 years. Start saving today at: https://www.net32.com/dentalmarketer

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Guest: Dr. Ashley Joves

Check out Ashley’s Media:

• Ashley’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleyjovesdds/
• Smile & Co. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smileandcompany/
• The Making Of Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themaking.of/
• Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/themakingof
• Podcast “The Making of a Dental Startup”: https://pod.link/1474094399
• Practice “Smile & Co. (locations in Folsom, CA and Roseville, CA)”: https://www.smileandcompany.com/

Mentions & Links:

People:

• Alex Hormozi (entrepreneur/podcaster referenced for insights on success and reps)

Organizations, Products & Tools

• Net32 (dental supply ordering platform)
• Patterson (dental supply company)
• Henry Schein (dental supply company)
• Studio 8E8
• Disney

Host: Michael Arias

Join my newsletter: https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/newsletter/‍

Join this podcast’s Facebook Group: The Dental Marketer Society

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