Ep. 725 - Start Before You’re Ready: Dr. Cohn’s Bold Path in Pediatric Dentistry

Are you limiting your potential by waiting until you feel "ready" to take the next step in your career? What if the key to success is starting before you think you're prepared?

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Carla Cohn, a University of Manitoba graduate with over 30 years of experience who has revolutionized her approach to pediatric dentistry. Dr. Cohn completed a post-graduate internship in Pediatric Dentistry and serves as a clinical instructor at the University of Manitoba while maintaining her role as partner at a private surgical clinic. She is an active member of numerous professional organizations including the American Academy of Paediatric Dentistry and lectures internationally on prevention and pediatric dentistry for general practitioners.

This episode explores Dr. Cohn's remarkable journey from traditional associateship to building a groundbreaking 100% referral-based operating room practice. Four years ago, she made the bold decision to leave conventional practice and focus exclusively on treating children under general anesthesia in surgery centers, creating a virtual practice model that has transformed both her clinical work and personal satisfaction.

Episode Highlights:

• Dr. Cohn transitioned from decades of associateship to practice ownership at age 50, demonstrating that it's never too late to pursue entrepreneurial ventures in dentistry. She built a successful virtual practice model where staff work remotely except during clinical procedures, utilizing mobile dental units across four operating rooms in a multi-specialty surgery center.
• The evolution from treating both conscious and sedated pediatric patients to focusing exclusively on general anesthesia cases has allowed for more efficient scheduling and specialized care delivery. This model eliminates traditional overhead costs while maintaining high-quality patient care through digital radiography systems and portable equipment.
• Her Lit Smile Academy provides continuing education specifically focused on pediatric dentistry for general practitioners, addressing a significant gap in available training programs. The academy offers both hands-on workshops and comprehensive week-long continuing education events covering clinical procedures, materials, and proper case selection.
• Early career mentorship played a crucial role when a pediatric dentistry instructor recognized her potential and encouraged her to pursue specialized training. This demonstrates the importance of being open to opportunities and saying yes to professional development pathways, even when feeling unprepared.
• Modern pediatric dental techniques and materials discussed can be successfully incorporated into general practice settings, not just specialized surgery center environments. The key is understanding proper procedure selection, timing, and case management for different patient populations and clinical scenarios.

Perfect for: General dentists interested in expanding pediatric services, recent graduates considering specialized training pathways, practice owners exploring virtual or mobile practice models, and any dental professional seeking inspiration for mid-career transitions.

Discover why Dr. Cohn believes you should start before you think you're ready and learn how passion-driven decision-making can transform your dental career at any stage.