Dr. Steven Lu @dentistrywithsteven - Dr. Gallagher's Podcast x Dose of Dental Podcast #148

Top 4 Topics:

- From Layoff to Leadership: How Dr. Lu Grew To 6-Figures At This Medicaid Pediatric Practice in Just 1 Year

- Pediatric Dentistry Without a Residency? How Dr. Steven Earned This Spot & Is Thriving

- Exposing the Truth: Dentist Pay, Production vs. Collections, and What Medicaid Really Pays!

- Burned Out to Fulfilled: Finding Ikigai, Building Wealth, and Loving Dentistry Again

Quotes & Wisdom:

1. “Being an average dentist is not worth it now... It takes more grit and creativity to put yourself in good situations.” – Dr. Steven Lu

2. “You have to see things not as obstacles but as opportunities. That’s how I got my own location.” – Dr. Steven Lu

3. “Every time you talk to a kid, it’s a performance. You’re putting energy into it.” – Dr. Steven Lu

4. “It’s not about how much you make—it’s how much you keep.” – Brendan Gallagher

5. “If I passed away tomorrow, I’d be happy, because I feel like I’ve fulfilled my Ikigai.” – Dr. Steven Lu

6. “You just have to be a nice person. Shake people’s hands, say hi, and be human.” – Dr. Steven Lu

7. “This is the real-world dentistry you don’t learn in dental school.” – Brendan Gallagher

8. “Protect your funds. It’s not how much you make; it’s how much you keep.” – Brendan Gallagher

9. “Sometimes less hours make you more productive because you’re not as tired.” – Dr. Steven Lu

10. “When all of what you’re good at, what you get paid for, and what the world needs align—that’s Ikigai.” – Dr. Steven Lu

Questions:

01:08 - What made you change your mind about treating kids?

01:57 - Did you do a pediatric residency?

03:05 - Did you buy your own location or was it provided within the organization?

05:22 - Would you go back for pediatric residency?

06:23 - Do you have loans you’re paying off?

19:09 - How many patients do you see per day? Could you see more?

21:23 - Do you see yourself opening your own practice one day?

29:10 - What are your weekly hours? Do you feel you're in a sweet spot?

33:06 - Do you know how your practice manages labor laws for assistants?

35:52 - How long is your commute? What do you do during the drive?

36:44 - What’s your top motivational YouTube channel?

40:30 - Was it an employment attorney or dental attorney that helped with your S-corp?

44:21 - Are you in a relationship?

47:44 - Do you use ChatGPT too?

Now available on:

- Dr. Gallagher’s Podcast & YouTube Channel

- Dose of Dental Podcast #148

My watch in this episode = Tag Heuer Aquaracer Calibre 16 Chrono

- 6.2025

#podcast #dentalpodcast #doctorgallagherpodcast #doctorgallagherspodcast #doctor #dentist #dentistry #oralsurgery #dental #dentalschool #dentalstudent #doctorlife #dentistlife #oralsurgeon #doctorgallagher