Embracing Growth Through Mistakes: Lessons from Dr. David Rice

dental fuel

Host: Dr. Tanya Sue Maestas
Guest: Dr. David Rice
Edited By: Candy Velez CRDH

In the world of dentistry, where striving for precision and perfection is common, acknowledging mistakes can feel uncomfortable. Yet, these moments often hold the most significant potential for growth and improvement.

Dr. David Rice, founder of igniteDDS, joined Dr. Tanya Sue Maestas on the Dental Fuel Podcast to share his transformative journey—one shaped by challenges and lessons learned and ultimately leading to success.

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From Buffalo Beginnings to Tampa Living

Dr. David Rice began his career in Buffalo, New York, where he built a thriving fee-for-service practice specializing in comprehensive and cosmetic care. With a passion for teaching, Dr. Rice’s journey expanded beyond the operatory into educating and mentoring dental professionals.

Today, Dr. Rice resides in Tampa, Florida, with his wife, Anastasia, and their Husky, Gibbs. While he still practices part-time, most of his energy is devoted to his passion for mentorship and education through igniteDDS, a platform that connects dental students and dental professionals to resources and guidance.

Mistakes as Catalysts for Growth

By learning from the mistakes of others, we can sidestep the emotional and physical toll that often accompanies firsthand errors, allowing us to harness growth opportunities and drive improvement.

One pivotal insight from the podcast was Dr. Rice’s candid reflection on a clinical mistake: hesitating to present patients with comprehensive treatment plans.

“I was afraid of being perceived as too aggressive.” -Dr. David Rice

In the beginning, fear ultimately held his team back from helping patients achieve their optimal health. Dr. Rice admits that in the first four years of practice, by failing to offer complete care, the practice missed opportunities to provide patients with the optimal care they deserved.

The turning point came through mentorship and continuing education (CE). Dr. Rice recognized that transparency is essential for patient care. Instead of holding back, he leaned into honest conversations about what patients truly needed and why.

This lesson transformed his practice and empowered his team to confidently share the full scope of care they could provide.

The Lifelong Power of Continuing Education

Dr. Rice emphasizes that continuing education is the foundation for growth no matter where you are in your career.

Early in his career, he invested heavily in hands-on CE courses, where he learned from pioneers like David Hornbrook, the Pankey Institute, and the Dawson Academy.

“CE allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and learn from the best.” -Dr. David Rice 

These immersive programs didn’t just improve his clinical skills—they also built his confidence and deepened his understanding of comprehensive dentistry. Dr. Rice recommends prioritizing in-person learning whenever possible.

Being mentored by experts in real time can provide clarity and help you make immediate improvements in your practice.

igniteDDS: Building a Community of Mentorship

Dr. Rice’s transition from student to dental mentor began with a simple two-hour CE course. Over time, his love for teaching grew into igniteDDS—a national platform dedicated to empowering dentists and dental professionals.

What makes igniteDDS special is its mission: to connect dental students, new graduates, and seasoned practitioners, creating a community where everyone can grow and thrive.

“igniteDDS isn’t about me. It’s about lifting each other up and making dentistry better for everyone.” -Dr. David Rice

This sense of shared purpose highlights a core truth: success in dentistry isn’t a solo journey. It’s built on relationships, collaboration, and a willingness to share knowledge with the next generation.

Final Thoughts

Dr. David Rice’s journey is a testament to the power of embracing mistakes, seeking mentorship, and continually investing in yourself. His story serves as a reminder that growth isn’t about avoiding failure—it’s about using each misstep as an opportunity to learn and improve.

So, whether you’re a new graduate or a seasoned practitioner, take a moment to reflect on your own journey. What steps can you take today to build trust, expand your skills, and leave a lasting impact on your patients and colleagues?

As Dr. Rice said,

“Success in dentistry is never a solo effort. It’s about the people you surround yourself with and the lessons you’re willing to learn.”

Reflective Questions for Your Practice

  • Are you confidently presenting comprehensive care to your patients, or are fears holding you back?
  • How can you prioritize continuing education to sharpen your clinical and communication skills?

Actionable Advice for Dentists

Here are the top takeaways from Dr. Rice’s episode to help dentists elevate their practice:

1. Overcome Fear in Case Presentation

  • Be transparent with patients about their needs and focus on building trust.
  • Shift your mindset from “selling” to “serving.” Patients deserve to know their full treatment options.

2. Invest in Continuing Education

  • Hands-on CE is the fastest way to gain confidence and new skills.
  • Dedicate time each year to focus on courses that help you implement better patient care.

3. Focus on Mentorship

  • Find a mentor or a community that supports growth and accountability.
  • Lean into collaboration to create a more cohesive and successful team.

4. Empower Your Team

  • Train your team to confidently present comprehensive care alongside you.

Take the Next Step with Dr. David Rice

Ready to grow your practice? Connect with Dr. David Rice to learn how igniteDDS Coaching can help you and your team succeed. His insights can transform your career, no matter your experience level. Schedule a time today.

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Testimonials

Rosie, RDH
★★★★★

Rosie, RDH

I had the pleasure of working with Candy as a dental hygiene consultant over the course of several months, and her...
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★★★★★

Rosie, RDH

I had the pleasure of working with Candy as a dental hygiene consultant over the course of several months, and her impact on both our hygiene department and overall practice was exceptional. Candy is highly knowledgeable, approachable, and genuinely invested in the success of the team. She is an excellent listener who takes the time to understand challenges and provide practical, effective solutions. One of the qualities I appreciated most was her accessibility, she was always available to answer questions, offer guidance, or return a call when needed. Her hands-on approach and commitment to helping our team succeed were evident in every interaction. Candy’s focus extends beyond productivity and practice growth; she truly cares about the people within the practice and works to create a supportive, collaborative environment. As a fellow dental hygienist, it was especially refreshing to work alongside someone who shares a similar philosophy and approach to patient care, team development, and practice success. We view many aspects of dentistry and hygiene through the same lens, which made collaboration seamless and productive. Having the opportunity to work with another hygienist who understands the challenges, opportunities, and importance of our role was invaluable. The hygiene modules she developed were incredibly valuable. They were well organized, easy to follow, and provided clear, actionable guidance. The accompanying handouts and resources gave our team the tools and confidence needed to implement new concepts successfully. Her training materials were practical, relevant, and tailored to the real-world needs of a busy dental practice. Candy’s expertise and dedication to excellence have made a lasting impact on our team. I would highly recommend her to any dental practice looking to strengthen its hygiene department, improve systems, and support the growth and success of its team. She is a true asset to any practice fortunate enough to work with her.
Rosie, RDH
Dr. Justin Elikofer
★★★★★

Dr. Justin Elikofer

Our story with IgniteDDS began almost five years ago when my wife and I purchased an established fee-for-service practice. At...

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★★★★★

Dr. Justin Elikofer

Our story with IgniteDDS began almost five years ago when my wife and I purchased an established fee-for-service practice. At the time, we promised the team that everything would stay the same. The practice was thriving, and from the outside it seemed clear they had found a successful recipe for success. Our goal wasn't to change it—we simply didn't want to mess it up.

What we discovered was that while everyone wanted the outcome of success, there wasn't alignment around how we achieved it or measured it. Success in room 1 wasn't the same as Room 2. It took us nearly four years to fully understand that because we were doing well. During that time, we also realized we weren't leading as effectively as we could have been. We weren't communicating a clear vision, establishing consistent standards, or implementing clear protocols. Instead, we allowed people to continue doing things their own way. Some team members appreciated that freedom, while others felt frustrated by the lack of consistency and direction.

After four years, we found ourselves at a crossroads. We felt stuck. Morale was low and we weren't sure we could get the practice where we wanted it to go on our own.

As owners who value relationships as much as results, David immediately stood out to us. His personality was authentic, approachable, and trustworthy. He was someone we could see ourselves learning from and building a genuine relationship with. Being local was a bonus, but what really resonated with us was that his vision for practice growth, demonstrated through his own private practice, closely mirrored our own. He had already built the type of practice we wanted to create.

This stood in contrast to many other consultants we spoke with, whose focus seemed to be on PPO models and increasing volume. David's experience aligned with the type of practice we wanted to build: a high-touch, high-end patient experience centered on quality rather than quantity.

The IgniteDDS team—David, Dawn, and Candy—started by helping us understand where we truly stood. Through discovery, data gathering, and DISC assessments, they helped us identify opportunities for improvement and build a foundation for long-term growth. Rather than jumping straight to solutions, they gave us clarity.

Candy's coaching was instrumental in aligning our hygiene department and our office as a whole with the hygiene department. With her help, we were able to improve the patient experience and new patient process.

We also tackled practical issues that had become major challenges, including an accounts receivable system that was largely out of control. IgniteDDS didn't just point out problems—they provided systems and processes to solve them.

One of the most valuable aspects of the relationship was having experienced coaches to help us navigate team conflict and leadership challenges. As practice owners, those situations can feel isolating. Having a trusted team to walk through difficult conversations and decisions was invaluable.

Another large impact came through our office managers' work with Dawn. Rather than relying on the doctors to drive every initiative, IgniteDDS empowered our office managers to take ownership of the process and lead from within the organization. They embraced that responsibility wholeheartedly. No challenge was too large or too small. Dawn consistently met them where they were and helped them develop the confidence and skills to lead. The answer was rarely, if ever, "no." Instead, it was, "Let's figure out how."

Today, our practice is more aligned, more accountable, and better equipped to deliver the experience we've always envisioned. We have clearly defined protocols, team agreements, and expectations that simply didn't exist before. Our collections have improved significantly, particularly through implementing systems that helped us address and recover outstanding balances.

If we could offer one piece of advice to another practice owner considering IgniteDDS, it would be to identify the team members who are willing to take ownership and invest in their growth. Share your vision with the IgniteDDS team, trust the process, and allow them to help shape your team into the organization you want to become.

Working with IgniteDDS has been one of the most impactful investments we've made in our practice, our team, and our own growth as leaders. Are things perfect? No. Are we closer? Absolutely, yes!

Dr. Justin Elikofer
Dr. Sanjie Jackson
★★★★★

Dr. Sanjie Jackson

I was running on empty, and honestly, everyday I thinking of my exit strategy when I met Dr David Rice. ...
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★★★★★

Dr. Sanjie Jackson

I was running on empty, and honestly, everyday I thinking of my exit strategy when I met Dr David Rice. As the sole owner of two dental practices, I knew I couldn't continue trying to do everything on my own. Not if I wanted to grow and lead at a higher level. Partnering with IgniteDDS has been, hands down, one of the best investments I've made for both my practices and my team. Just halfway through my first year with IgniteDDS, the impact has already been remarkable. The knowledge, systems, accountability, and leadership development they have provided have transformed the way we operate. Not only have I gained valuable tools and insights as an owner, but my entire team is getting empowered with skills and confidence that are helping us elevate every aspect of our patient experience and practice performance. What sets IgniteDDS apart is the genuine commitment they have to their clients' success. Their guidance is practical, actionable, and tailored to the everyday realities of me running two dental practices. I am incredibly grateful for Dr. David Rice, Dawn, Candy, and the entire IgniteDDS team. Their expertise, continuous encouragement, and unwavering support have made me feel like I am not alone on this journey. If you're a practice owner looking to strengthen your leadership, improve your systems, and create sustainable growth, I cannot recommend IgniteDDS highly enough. The value they provide is truly exceptional, and I am excited to see what the rest of this journey brings.
Dr. Sanjie Jackson
Alyse Berta
★★★★★

Alyse Berta

Dawn, thank you for the great advice and guidance you’ve shared as we work on improving our practice's efficiency. I...
Read More
★★★★★

Alyse Berta

Dawn, thank you for the great advice and guidance you’ve shared as we work on improving our practice's efficiency. I truly appreciate your support and the time you’ve taken to help us move forward in a more streamlined and effective way. Your insight has been incredibly valuable and is helping us make meaningful progress.
Alyse Berta
Dani S.
★★★★★

Dani S.

IGNITEDDS has made a real difference in our practice and in my role as office manager. The support I’ve received has...
Read More
★★★★★

Dani S.

IGNITEDDS has made a real difference in our practice and in my role as office manager. The support I’ve received has helped me grow with more confidence and clarity, and our systems and leadership have improved because of it. Dawn has been an incredible support to me personally, always present, approachable, and truly invested in our success. I never feel alone when challenges come up, and that level of guidance and encouragement has been invaluable. IGNITEDDS doesn’t just support practices; they support the people behind them.
Dani S.
Eva B.
★★★★★

Eva B.

Working with IGNITEDDS Coaching has been such a great experience! Having David as a dentist makes a huge difference. He truly...
Read More
★★★★★

Eva B.

Working with IGNITEDDS Coaching has been such a great experience! Having David as a dentist makes a huge difference. He truly understands the day-to-day challenges we face in practice. His insight makes their guidance practical, relevant, and easy to implement. Working alongside Dawn has been such a gift! She’s always available to answer questions, talk through ideas, and help us find the right solutions. Her advice is thoughtful, effective, and supportive. It hasn’t just helped me, it’s positively impacted our entire team and elevated our patient experience. I’m incredibly grateful to partner with Ignite as we continue to grow, strengthen our team, and serve our patients at a higher level.
Eva B.
Kylinn Tucker, RDH
★★★★★

Kylinn Tucker, RDH

I had an amazing experience with the IGNITEDDS Coaching program. Especially since I am a new hygienist, everything...
Read More
★★★★★

Kylinn Tucker, RDH

I had an amazing experience with the IGNITEDDS Coaching program. Especially since I am a new hygienist, everything you guys shared was so helpful. It’s evident that you guys prioritize each individual team member of a dental office and do everything you can to make the environment and schedule run as smoothly and efficiently as possible. I learned so much about treatment planning, Dentrix, scheduling, teamwork, and overall ways to continue improving as a new grad. I wish every dental office had the opportunity to complete this program.
Kylinn Tucker, RDH
Dr Ben Truong
★★★★★

Dr. Ben Truong

It was great working with a team to help bring out the best in each of us. Our team is ...
Read More
★★★★★

Dr. Ben Truong

It was great working with a team to help bring out the best in each of us. Our team is small, but we work closely together to provide a great patient experience, while having fun at work as well! Your team was able to help us learn to work together, with each person having a vital role in providing care to the patient! Helping us all become streamlined and on the same page will help us become an even more successful practice!
Dr Ben Truong
Dr. Ronnetta Sartor
★★★★★

Dr. Ronnetta Sartor

The 90-Day Jump Start has been transformative for our office. Dawn and Dr. Rice guided us through implementing essential systems ...
Read More
★★★★★

Dr. Ronnetta Sartor

The 90-Day Jump Start has been transformative for our office. Dawn and Dr. Rice guided us through implementing essential systems and processes, from new patient calls to treatment planning and case acceptance. Their focus on patient care and team accountability has helped us create better structure, improve work/life balance, and stay aligned with our goals. In a short time, our practice has grown tremendously.
Dr. Ronnetta Sartor
Dr. Chandler Oldenburg
★★★★★

Dr. Chandler Oldenburg

IGNITEDDS has been truly transformative for our practice. Within just a few months, our accounts receivable collections increased by $30K, ...
Read More
★★★★★

Dr. Chandler Oldenburg

IGNITEDDS has been truly transformative for our practice. Within just a few months, our accounts receivable collections increased by $30K, and our operations became far more streamlined. Their clear procedures and policies gave our team structure and confidence, while their step-by-step ownership guidance addressed our specific challenges. Thanks to David and Dawn, we feel more organized, empowered, and aligned than ever before. I highly recommend IGNITEDDS to any practice ready to grow and strengthen its foundation.
Dr. Chandler Oldenburg

Tanya Sue Maestas, DDS

Dr. Tanya Sue Maestas graduated from The University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston in 2018. During her dental school career, she served as the national American Student Dental Association President and became involved in organized dentistry. After graduating, she completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency in 2019. Upon completion of her residency, she returned to the El Paso Borderland community where she serves as a Dental Director at La Clinica de Familia in Chaparral, New Mexico. She also serves as a faculty member at the Woody L Hunt School of Dental Medicine in El Paso, Texas. She remains involved in organized dentistry and holds various leadership roles in organizations including the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, Texas Academy of General Dentistry, Hispanic Dental Association, and others. She currently serves on the ADA Council on Communications and previously completed the ADA Institute for Diversity in Leadership Program. She was recognized as an ADA 10 under 10 winner, Incisal Edge 40 under 40, and previously nominated as one of Texas New Dentists of the Year. She currently hosts New Dentists on the Block where she helps showcase the New Dentist story and build connections with new dentists around her and Dental Fuel a podcast dedicated to sharing and learning from industry leaders’ mistakes. She has a commitment to providing dental care to the Borderland community and hopes to encourage the next generation of dentists to give back to the community.

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