Episode Title
Dr. Sonia Chopra: Aligning Personal Values with Business and Ownership
Description
In this episode, Dr. Sonia Chopra sits down with Dr. Bob Spera to discuss her personal and professional transformation in dentistry. From her early days of burnout and overwork to building a thriving fee-for-service endodontic practice, Dr. Chopra shares how she redefined success on her own terms. She talks about the importance of understanding your worth, setting boundaries, and creating a work schedule that supports—not drains—your life. With transparency and wisdom, she outlines how letting go of insurance plans, trusting her team, and scaling back clinical time ultimately led to greater fulfillment and profitability. Listeners will gain insights into what it truly means to align your practice with your personal values and why doing so can be the most liberating decision of your career.
Highlights
Dr. Chopra opens up about how she transitioned from being in-network with six insurance plans to running a fully fee-for-service practice. She discusses how she grew in revenue even while working only five to six clinical days a month. She emphasizes the importance of knowing your value as a clinician, setting appropriate fees, and letting go of the fear that often keeps dentists stuck in unsustainable models.
Personal Passions
Dr. Sonia Chopra is deeply passionate about educating and empowering other dentists, especially when it comes to designing practices that reflect their values and support a healthy lifestyle. She advocates for redefining work-life balance and embracing intentional living within the dental profession. Podcast Vision This podcast episode continues the broader mission of Dentistry in General: to showcase real stories from dentists who are pushing boundaries and building careers with purpose. Through conversations like this one, the podcast aims to inspire professionals to think differently about ownership, leadership, and life inside and outside the operatory.
Takeaways
Dentists don’t need to have all the answers before taking the first step into ownership. Burnout is often a sign that something needs to change—and it can be the start of a better path. Delegating effectively and trusting your team are key to creating a scalable, enjoyable practice. Personal values should always guide business decisions, especially when it comes to insurance participation and fee structures. Reinvention isn’t just possible—it’s vital for longevity and satisfaction in dentistry. And perhaps most importantly, success doesn’t have to come at the cost of your time, energy, or identity.
Connect with Dr. Sonny Spera:
📧 independentdentalpractice@gmail.com
📧 independentdentalpractice@gmail.com ___________________________________________________________________
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