At The Profitable Dentist, we’re proud to spotlight dentist-practice owners who are not only shaping the future of dentistry—but also reshaping what success looks like outside the operatory.

In our “Outside the Op” series, we share real stories of real dentists navigating the weight of ownership, the demands of leadership, and the pursuit of personal well-being. It’s a place to break silence around burnout, normalize conversations about emotional health, and celebrate the unique lives dentists lead beyond the chair.

This month, I’m honored to feature Dr. Kyle Stanley.

You may recognize Kyle as a world-renowned educator, innovator, and mental health advocate. But in this refreshingly candid Q&A, he opens up about the personal burnout that nearly ended his clinical career—and the radical changes he made to restore balance, health, and purpose.

Kyle’s story is one of self-awareness, reinvention, and impact. From his work founding Light Side Academy to transforming his daily habits and identity beyond the title of “dentist,” Kyle reminds us that taking care of ourselves is not optional—it’s essential.

Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed or just need a fresh perspective, I hope Kyle’s journey inspires you to find your own version of balance… and maybe even rethink what success looks like outside the op.

In wellness,
Paula Parker
Wellness Editor, The Profitable Dentist

Q: Tell us a little about yourself—both as a dentist and personally.
Dr. Kyle Stanley: I’m a lifelong fan of dentistry and believe it’s one of the greatest professions. I’m a dentist, tech entrepreneur, speaker, and researcher with a deep commitment to pushing the profession forward. I’ve worked in clinical practice, education, AI development, and mental health advocacy. Outside the profession, I’m driven by a love of family and a desire to help others.

Q: Where did you go to school, and how did your educational path shape your career?
I went to dental school at USC in Los Angeles, where Dr. Pascal Magne was an early mentor and inspired my love for aesthetics and biomimetic dentistry. With his help, I earned a highly sought-after implant residency in Florianopolis, Brazil, and later trained in Germany. That international experience really shaped my global perspective on dentistry.

Q: How did you decide to become a dentist?
I originally wanted to be a plastic surgeon because I’ve always been fascinated by aesthetics and the human body. But after shadowing a friend of my dad’s—a well-respected oral surgeon—I fell in love with the artistic and scientific balance of dentistry. That experience shifted my path from medicine to dental school.

Q: What are your biggest challenges right now as a practice owner?

Balance and presence. Like many dentists, I’ve struggled with being fully present at work and then fully present again at home. It’s a constant challenge. Team management is another hurdle. Most of us focus so much on clinical excellence that we neglect the leadership, communication, and boundary-setting skills necessary to run a healthy practice.

Q: What changes have you made to address those challenges in your life?
After I experienced burnout, I revamped nearly everything—my schedule, habits, and mindset. I improved my sleep, nutrition, exercise, and began meditating. I reduced my clinical hours and learned to let go of the idea that every patient or outcome has to be perfect. I also became a better communicator and leader, which helped my team and myself.

Q: How have those changes impacted your ability to find balance and decompress?
I had to separate my identity from my profession. Dentistry is something I love, but it’s not who I am. That distinction allows me to face challenges with more grace. I also show up more fully—rested, focused, and grounded—because I’ve learned that taking care of myself first isn’t selfish. It’s what makes me a better dentist and leader.

BONUS Q&A

Q: What’s something most of your dental peers don’t know about you?
I lived a pretty unconventional life before and during dental school. I was a professional dancer and runway model, and I played in the rock band Atreyu, which still tours globally. That creative background still influences how I connect with people and present ideas.

Q: What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever done?
Helping bring mental health and wellness into mainstream dental conversations. What used to be taboo is now a topic dentists can talk about openly, and I’m proud to have played a role in making that shift happen – I believe it will be a lasting part of my legacy.  Q: Favorite quote?

“The things we own end up owning us.”

That really hit home during my burnout. I thought I owned my practice, but it owned me—dictating my schedule, mindset, and identity. Now I remind myself regularly that I am not what I do.

Q: Biggest regret?
Not starting my personal development journey sooner. If I had focused on mental health and emotional growth in my twenties instead of my thirties, I think my relationships, career, and peace of mind would have been much stronger much earlier.

Q: Dumbest thing you’ve ever done?
Surfing 17-foot waves in Baja with two friends. I nearly drowned. Not my finest decision—but it makes a good story.

Q: Who do you admire outside of dentistry?
My father. He’s been married over 50 years, is in great health in his 70s, and is loved and respected by everyone who knows him. That’s the legacy I want to live up to.

Q: Dream dinner guests?
My two grandfathers. They passed 15–20 years ago, and I’d love to talk with them now that I’m older, with a family of my own. I’d want them to see who I’ve become and share their wisdom with me.

Kyle – please share your final thoughts…

Burnout doesn’t mean you’re weak—it means you’ve been strong for too long without support. You can build a thriving dental career and a healthy life—but it takes courage, honesty, and help from others. You don’t have to figure it out alone.