Dr. Paul Goodman is a dentist, multiple-practice owner, transitions broker, and the founder of both Dental Nachos and Dentist Job Connect. Dental Nachos is a community of over 65,000 dentisting humans who come together to network, share resources, and engage in live and on demand CE. Dentist Job Connect is a platform and service for dentists looking for associateships and practice owners and group practices looking to hire. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 2002, Dr. Goodman pursued additional training at Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia. Dr. Goodman lives in Center City, Philadelphia with his wife and two daughters and golden doodle.
The moment you embrace your difference is the moment you discover your direction.
In the latest episode of The Shawn Zajas Show, dental innovation pioneer Dr. Paul Goodman shares his remarkable transformation journey from clinical dentist to the founder of Dental Nachos – one of dentistry’s most influential communities. His story reveals how authentic leadership and the courage to create something unique can transform not just a career, but an entire industry.
For many dental professionals, the path seems predetermined – excel in dental school, master clinical skills, build a successful practice. But what happens when your authentic brilliance calls you to something more?
“I didn’t love dental school at all,” Dr. Goodman admits. His journey began not with a childhood dream of dentistry but with practical advice from his father, who encouraged him to find a career where he could be his own boss. This perspective shift – seeing dentistry as a vehicle rather than a destination – planted the seeds for his later innovations.
After completing a general practice residency that ignited his passion for dental implants, Paul joined his father’s practice. But unlike many who find their ultimate fulfillment in clinical excellence, Paul discovered his zone of genius lay elsewhere – in communication, connection, and community building.
In a profession where technical skills often take center stage, Dr. Goodman makes a bold claim: “Communication skills are more important than clinical skills, because without them, you can’t do your clinical skills. Without them, the patient doesn’t say yes.”
His approach to patient interactions exemplifies the heart-centered dental leadership that defines his brand:
This deceptively simple framework creates remarkable patient experiences by prioritizing emotional connection over clinical interrogation. As Paul explains, “What they say next is gold. They say, ‘I’m embarrassed to smile in front of my grandchildren’ or ‘I think this infection is going to cause a problem with my body.’”
By creating this safe space for vulnerability, Dr. Goodman demonstrates how dental professionals can leverage their unique position to transform lives – not just teeth.
In 2017, feeling constrained by existing dental Facebook groups, Paul created his own space where he could share his unique voice. His wife suggested a name that captured both his love of Mexican food and his vision for community: Dental Nachos.
“Nachos are messy, but they’re also meant to be shared amongst friends,” Paul explains. What began as a simple online space evolved into one of dentistry’s most vibrant communities, supporting thousands of dental professionals through education, connection, and authentic engagement.
The transformation wasn’t without risk. Paul recalls the guidance of business coach Aldona Ambler who recognized his larger mission: “You are trying to save a whole industry.” With remarkable financial risk tolerance despite being “physically risk averse,” Paul invested in building a team before Dental Nachos could fully support them.
Today, that bold bet has created jobs for 15 full-time team members and built a community that helps thousands of dental professionals overcome the isolation that often accompanies practice ownership.
For dental professionals feeling called to something beyond traditional practice, Dr. Goodman offers practical wisdom: “Hire an associate dentist for a year, give them part of your schedule, open up two days a week and see what happens.”
This advice reflects the alignment of personal values with professional development – creating space to explore one’s authentic brilliance without abandoning the security of clinical practice.
Dr. Goodman emphasizes that “happiness in dentistry is dose dependent.” Some practitioners thrive in full-time clinical roles, while others find their sweet spot at just two days per week, leaving space to develop other aspects of their authentic brilliance.
Throughout the interview, Dr. Goodman returns to a central theme – the emotional reality of dental practice. “You’re sitting 16 inches away from someone who doesn’t want to be there, doesn’t want to pay for it, and likely thinks you’re scamming them,” he acknowledges candidly.
This vulnerability – naming the uncomfortable truths about dentistry – creates space for genuine connection. Paul compares conflict in dentistry to fire, and being a dentist to being a firefighter: “If you don’t know how to manage conflict as a dentist, it will just be a crushing career.”
But rather than becoming cynical, Dr. Goodman transforms these challenges into opportunities for authentic connection. By approaching patients with curiosity and compassion, dental professionals can create remarkable experiences that transcend clinical excellence.
When asked what advice he would give his 18-year-old self, Dr. Goodman doesn’t mention clinical skills or practice strategies. Instead, he offers wisdom about releasing perfectionism: “Don’t put so much pressure on yourself about academics… Focus more on people skills, focus more on emotional skills.”
This perspective illuminates the dental entrepreneur mindset shifts necessary for those considering ventures beyond clinical practice. Success isn’t merely about technical excellence but about authentic expression and human connection.
For dental professionals contemplating their own innovative paths, Dr. Goodman’s journey offers powerful inspiration. His story demonstrates that your authentic brilliance emerges not by conforming to industry expectations but by courageously embracing what makes you different.
Looking ahead, Dr. Goodman continues expanding his vision through Dentist Job Connect and Super Dentist Boost Camp – innovations designed to address pain points in the profession while building genuine community.
His approach to evaluating new ventures offers wisdom for all dental entrepreneurs: consider “team bandwidth” before expanding. “Even if you’re delivering awesomeness, you can stress your team out,” he notes.
This perspective – balancing visionary leadership with practical execution – exemplifies the wholehearted approach to dental leadership that defines Dr. Goodman’s brand.
Dr. Paul Goodman’s transformation journey offers powerful inspiration for dental professionals at every stage. Whether you’re a new graduate establishing your clinical foundation, a mid-career practitioner feeling called to something more, or a seasoned clinician contemplating your legacy, his message resonates:
Your authentic brilliance emerges where your unique gifts, personal story, and deepest passions converge. By courageously embracing what makes you different, you discover not just your direction but your destiny.
As Dr. Goodman puts it, “Nobody wins when you play small.” The dental profession – and the patients it serves – needs your authentic brilliance now more than ever.
Listen to the full episode with Dr. Paul Goodman on The Shawn Zajas Show, available on all major podcast platforms. Learn more about Dental Nachos and connect with the community at dentalnachos.com.
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