Episode 924

924: From Educator to Entrepreneur: Dr. Jeff Henneberg’s Journey to Dental Practice Ownership – Dr. Jeff Henneberg

Published on: 1st August, 2025

Being a dentist isn't easy, and neither is being an entrepreneur. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings in Dr. Jeff Henneberg, co-founder of Smile Source Spokane, to share his path from being an educator to entrepreneurship and offer his words of wisdom and encouragement for current and future practice owners. To learn the essential tools and skills of entrepreneurship, listen to Episode 924 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Dr. Henneberg:

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

Episode Resources:

Main Takeaways:

  • Entrepreneurship is a learnable skill, not something innate.
  • Whether it’s Smile Source or not, find a community to be a part of.
  • Balance your time and your life. It will make you a better human being.
  • Keep on giving. It’s when you're giving that you’ll feel like you're truly living.
  • Figure out who you are and what is important to you about the role of dentistry.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

1:40 Dr. Henneberg’s background and what pulled him into dentistry.

11:12 Can entrepreneurship be taught?

12:42 Bumps in the road and lessons learned.

19:26 The community of Smile Source.

22:08 The dark side of entrepreneurship.

25:08 The importance of finding a community.

27:50 Figure out who you are.

30:11 More bumps in the road and lessons learned.

34:03 The future for Dr. Henneberg.

36:04 The importance of controlling your time.

40:57 Final thoughts.

Dr. Jeff Henneberg Bio:

Dr. Jeff Henneberg is the co-founder of Smile Source Spokane. Smile Source Spokane helps people from all over the state and Inland Empire achieve oral health and feel confident about their smiles. For over 15 years, more than 3,000 people from over five states in the West and Canada have trusted their care to Smile Source Ellingsen-Henneberg Dental.

Dr. Henneberg has been an educator for dental students through the University of Washington Dental School and has hosted educational events in various subjects regarding oral care. He is a charter member of the Inland Empire Perio Study Club, which is one of the longest running educational clubs in the country. He provides implant, surgical, and consultation care for the Benewah Medical Clinic and the Coeur d’Alene Tribe. He is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, the ADA®, WSDA, SDDS, and serves on the dental advisory board of Smile Source.

In his spare time, Dr. Henneberg enjoys spending time outdoors golfing, skiing, and hiking with his family. He is married with two children.

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About the Podcast

The Best Practices Show with Kirk Behrendt
Elevate Your Dental Practice: Insights & Strategies from Industry Leaders
Welcome to The Best Practices Show, hosted by Kirk Behrendt, founder of ACT Dental (https://www.actdental.com/) and a leader in dental practice coaching. This podcast is your gateway to discovering the hidden gems and tactics used by the most successful dental practices worldwide.

At ACT Dental, we have meticulously curated strategies that have consistently proven effective in elevating dental practices. Our podcast, The Best Practices Show, extends our commitment to sharing this wealth of knowledge. Each episode features interviews with renowned dental professionals and industry leaders who have made significant strides in their practices. They share their experiences, insights, and the challenges they've overcome, offering a unique perspective that you won't find anywhere else.

Why should you listen to The Best Practices Show? Whether you're a seasoned dentist, a new practice owner, or somewhere in between, this podcast is tailored to inspire and educate. Our goal is not just to provide you with information but to transform the way you think about and run your dental practice. We delve into topics ranging from advanced clinical techniques and practice management to leadership skills and personal growth.

Kirk Behrendt, a respected figure in the dental community, brings his vast experience and infectious enthusiasm to each episode, making complex topics both understandable and engaging. As the CEO of ACT Dental, Kirk has helped countless dental practices thrive by focusing on holistic development - professionally, personally, and within their community.

Our commitment to authenticity and practical advice sets The Best Practices Show apart. We don't just talk about theories; we dive into real-life applications you can implement immediately in your practice. Our community-centric approach means we're always listening to our audience and constantly evolving our content to meet your needs.

In addition to the invaluable insights from our guests, we also provide access to exclusive resources available through ACT Dental. These resources complement the podcast topics and give you a more comprehensive understanding and practical tools to apply in your practice.

By subscribing to The Best Practices Show, you're not just gaining access to a podcast; you're joining a community of like-minded professionals committed to excellence in dentistry.

So, are you ready to transform your practice and be the best version of yourself? Join us on this journey, and let's grow together. Hit subscribe and never miss an episode of The Best Practices Show – where we uncover the secrets to the success of the world's best dental practices, one episode at a time.

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Kirk Behrendt