2026 3D Summit Recap: Small Steps, Big Future
The Dental Podcast Directory is Proudly Made Possible By
Show Notes
The 2026 3D Summit was more than a continuing education event—it was a reminder that the right community, education, and small decisions can create a much bigger future.
In this episode, T-Bone and Meredith look back at the 2026 3D Summit, which took place in Orlando this past March. From standout speakers and clinical insights to team-building moments at Universal and late-night karaoke, they recap the education, connection, and culture that made this year’s event one of 3D’s strongest yet.
They share the lessons attendees can apply inside their own practices, including how to lead through difficult change, empower team members, create a modern patient experience, and build a practice that can grow beyond one doctor. From social media and technology to culture, case acceptance, clinical excellence, and leadership, this episode captures what it means to be serious about winning—without taking yourself too seriously.
Main Topics:
A recap of the 2026 3D Summit, held in Orlando this past March
Why the 2026 summit delivered its strongest education yet
The “small steps, big future” mindset for practice growth
How team support gives leaders confidence to make difficult changes
Building a culture where team members feel included and invested
Using technology and social media to build trust with patients
Avoiding the race to the bottom on pricing
Creating a multi-provider, team-driven practice
Why great events should balance elite education with real connection
What’s ahead for the 2027 3D Summit in Jamaica
In This Episode:
Why small steps taken to solve today’s problems can lead to a much bigger future
How T-Bone’s early decisions to expand his clinical capabilities shaped his career
Why leaders need people around them who will support difficult decisions and transitions
How team members can build trust by telling their leaders, “I’m on your team”
Why practices lose momentum when communication breaks down during transitions
How Dr. Diana used authenticity, technology, and staged treatment planning to inspire attendees
Why showing patients what is possible can help improve case acceptance
How Dr. Craig Bodak built a large, multi-provider practice without remaining the primary clinical provider
Why doctors must create the time and space to lead instead of trying to do everything themselves
How Dr. Grant Olsen uses YouTube and social media to attract patients from outside his market
Why trust, expertise, and reputation matter more than competing on price
How Dr. Payman uses facially generated treatment planning and an in-house lab to improve full-arch workflows
What Dr. Daval Patel’s step-by-step approach to single central incisors teaches about predictability
How Dr. Matt Nad approaches smile design, preparation techniques, and cosmetic dentistry
Why attendees said they felt more included at the summit than at other large CE events
How the 3D community combines high-level education, fun, connection, and accountability
Why the 2027 3D Summit will take place April 15–17 at Sandals Dunn’s River in Jamaica
Timestamps:
00:00 – Recapping the 2026 3D Summit, held in Orlando this past March
02:16 – Why this was 3D’s best year of education yet
03:17 – Sully brings the energy—and suffers an early injury
05:37 – T-Bone’s opening message: Small steps, big future
08:44 – The power of team members stepping up
10:03 – Leading through difficult changes and transitions
11:45 – Dr. Diana’s authentic approach to leadership and full-mouth cases
14:01 – Dr. Craig Bodak on building a multi-provider practice
16:16 – Universal Studios, team connection, and work hard/play harder
20:13 – The VIP Mastermind day: culture, vision, marketing, and leadership
22:17 – Day two begins with Dr. Grant Olsen
23:36 – Using YouTube and social media to attract ideal patients
24:18 – How to avoid competing on price in dentistry
26:10 – Dr. Payman on full-arch treatment planning and practice labs
27:32 – Dr. Daval Patel’s formula for predictable esthetic dentistry
28:52 – Dr. Matt Nad on smile design and cosmetic dentistry
31:16 – Why attendees felt included at the 3D Summit
32:30 – Building a family of people serious about winning
33:19 – Announcing the 2027 3D Summit in Jamaica
Resources & Links:
3D Dentists: https://www.3d-dentists.com/
Connect with T-Bone:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tbonespeaks/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbonespeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tbonespeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tbonespeaks/reels/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tbonespeaks
The Bottom Line:
The best practices are not built by one person alone. They are built through small, intentional steps; leaders willing to keep moving forward; team members who are committed to the vision; and a culture that makes people feel supported, included, and motivated to grow.
Subscribe to The Dental Podcast Directory Newsletter for Incredible Convenience
There are so many dental podcasts that publish great content, but it’s impossible to subscribe to all of them. Three days a week, we send an email newsletter with links to all of the recent podcast episodes published by dental-specific podcasts. To get this newsletter, type your email below and click subscribe.
Audio Disclaimer:
The audio available here uses the podcast creator’s RSS feed to pull the audio file. We do not download or host any of the audio files on our website. If the audio player is broken or the audio is no longer available, it may be that the podcast is no longer live or that the content was moved to another podcast host. If you find an error or need to make a change, please contact us by opening a support ticket. Click Here to Open a Support Ticket