944: From Burger King to Dental School: Dr. Louis Kaufman’s Unconventional Path to Success – Dr. Louis Kaufman

Dentistry is a difficult and demanding profession. But with the right people and the right resources, you can make it rewarding and worthwhile. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings in Dr. Louis Kaufman from Smile Source Chicago to share his journey from his time at Burger King to becoming a successful practice owner. To hear about his incredible path and the lessons he’s learned, listen to Episode 944 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Dr. Kaufman:

• Follow Dr. Kaufman on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaufmanlouis
• Register for the 2025 Smile Source Exchange: https://sstheexchange25.eventscribe.net

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

• Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listen
• Join The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
• Download ACT’s BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360
• Download ACT’s BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_US
• Join ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/ttt
• Get The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazine
• Please leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218

Episode Resources:

• Watch the video version of Episode 944: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
• Read Never Die Easy by Walter Payton and Don Yaeger: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/128589/never-die-easy-by-walter-payton-with-don-yaeger

Main Takeaways:

• Attend the Smile Source Exchange, not just for the CE but to find your community.
• Take continuing education. It will play a big role in your life and your practice.
• Always look ahead to the next year. Be intentional in planning your life.
• Don't let your current financial burden define your next ten years.
• Be around and listen to other experienced entrepreneurs.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

0:43 From Burger King to dental school.

7:23 After dental school and taking CE.

11:18 Purchasing the practice and helping it evolve.

15:33 The best business decisions Dr. Kaufman has made.

16:59 A week in Dr. Kaufman’s life.

19:58 The biggest challenges for young dentists today.

22:28 Dr. Kaufman’s history with Smile Source.

28:58 GPO, explained.

31:47 The importance of being around other entrepreneurs.

34:23 Why you should attend Smile Source Exchange.

37:26 The next chapter for Dr. Kaufman.

39:16 Final thoughts.

Dr. Louis Kaufman Bio:

Dr. Louis Kaufman is a nationally recognized educator, author, and practicing clinician. Born into a dental family, Dr. Kaufman is a graduate of the University of Illinois School of Dentistry. In 1995, he joined his father’s well-established, 50-year-old general dentistry practice treating third and fourth generation patients.

Dr. Kaufman is a member of the Chicago Dental Society, the Illinois State Dental Society, Academy of General Dentistry, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the American Dental Association. He also serves on the advisory board of numerous dental manufacturers, consults on product development, and educates clinicians around the globe. He lectures at approximately 20 continuing education programs annually and has published numerous articles focused on restorative and cosmetic dentistry.