Episode 971

971: The Impact of Negative Self-Talk as a Dentist – Dr. Charlie Ward & Dr. Rachel Ward

Published on: 19th November, 2025

Do you ever feel behind, inadequate, or unworthy of praise? In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Charlie Ward and Dr. Rachel Ward, faculty members at The Pankey Institute, to share how to overcome the comparison trap in dentistry that is sabotaging your practice. If you're constantly questioning yourself, this episode is for you! To learn how to reframe your thinking and focus on the positives, listen to Episode 971 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Dr. Charlie Ward & Dr. Rachel Ward:

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

Episode Resources:

Main Takeaways:

  • No one comes out of the womb being good at dentistry. It requires hard work.
  • Stop “living in the gap”. If you're 95% to your goal, don't focus on the 5%.
  • Different friend groups are important but find your tribe of dentists.
  • Don't let negative self-talk and negative thoughts define you.
  • One bad day at the office doesn't make you a bad dentist.
  • Perfection is poison. It’s impossible, so don't chase it.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

1:53 Dr. Rachel Ward’s background.

4:03 Impostor syndrome and feeling worthy.

10:49 The origin of their group chat.

15:57 Social media pressure for dentists.

23:16 Don't fall into the comparison trap.

29:54 Going to Pankey will change your life.

36:06 Final thoughts.

Dr. Charlie Ward Bio:

After graduating from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Science degree in 2004, Dr. Charlie Ward went straight into the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. He earned his DDS degree in 2008, and since then he has completed the Essentials courses and many others at the esteemed Pankey Institute, where he now serves as visiting faculty. He is currently a member of the Maryland State Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry.

When Dr. Ward isn’t spending time with Dr. Melody Ward and their two young boys, Cyrus and Lucas, he can often be found golfing or fishing. He also enjoys playing the guitar. While in dental school, he was actually in an all-dentist band called Incisal Edge! He even has his own guitar collection and has turned his basement into a music room.

Dr. Rachel Ward Bio:

Dr. Rachel Ward received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri. She then continued her education, receiving a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She began her private practice career in St. Louis, Missouri, followed by time in San Antonio, Texas, and Omaha, Nebraska, due to her husband’s career in the United Staes Air Force. After 10 years in the service, her husband separated from the Air Force and their family decided to make Omaha their home.

In 2019, Dr. Ward became a Fellow with the Academy of General Dentistry and subsequently received the distinction of Master with the Academy of General Dentistry in 2022 by accumulating over 1,100 hours of continuing education. Less than 2% of dentists have earned this distinction. She stays active with the Academy as a board member for the Nebraska AGD.

In addition to the AGD, Dr. Ward is a member of the American Dental Association, American Equilibration Society, American Association of Women Dentists, and American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. She also spends time as a Faculty Assistant at the prestigious Pankey Institute in Key Biscayne, Florida. She also serves as an advisor to The Institute.

Dr. Ward and her husband, Daniel Chartrand, have five children together and stay busy transporting kids to and from activities. When she finds some free time, she enjoys running, lifting, biking, and swimming. 

Do you ever feel behind, inadequate, or unworthy of praise? In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Charlie Ward and Dr. Rachel Ward, faculty members at The Pankey Institute, to share how to overcome the comparison trap in dentistry that is sabotaging your practice. If you're constantly questioning yourself, this episode is for you! To learn how to reframe your thinking and focus on the positives, listen to Episode 971 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Dr. Charlie Ward & Dr. Rachel Ward:

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

Episode Resources:

Main Takeaways:

  • No one comes out of the womb being good at dentistry. It requires hard work.
  • Stop “living in the gap”. If you're 95% to your goal, don't focus on the 5%.
  • Different friend groups are important but find your tribe of dentists.
  • Don't let negative self-talk and negative thoughts define you.
  • One bad day at the office doesn't make you a bad dentist.
  • Perfection is poison. It’s impossible, so don't chase it.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

1:53 Dr. Rachel Ward’s background.

4:03 Impostor syndrome and feeling worthy.

10:49 The origin of their group chat.

15:57 Social media pressure for dentists.

23:16 Don't fall into the comparison trap.

29:54 Going to Pankey will change your life.

36:06 Final thoughts.

Dr. Charlie Ward Bio:

After graduating from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Science degree in 2004, Dr. Charlie Ward went straight into the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. He earned his DDS degree in 2008, and since then he has completed the Essentials courses and many others at the esteemed Pankey Institute, where he now serves as visiting faculty. He is currently a member of the Maryland State Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry.

When Dr. Ward isn’t spending time with Dr. Melody Ward and their two young boys, Cyrus and Lucas, he can often be found golfing or fishing. He also enjoys playing the guitar. While in dental school, he was actually in an all-dentist band called Incisal Edge! He even has his own guitar collection and has turned his basement into a music room.

Dr. Rachel Ward Bio:

Dr. Rachel Ward received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri. She then continued her education, receiving a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She began her private practice career in St. Louis, Missouri, followed by time in San Antonio, Texas, and Omaha, Nebraska, due to her husband’s career in the United Staes Air Force. After 10 years in the service, her husband separated from the Air Force and their family decided to make Omaha their home.

In 2019, Dr. Ward became a Fellow with the Academy of General Dentistry and subsequently received the distinction of Master with the Academy of General Dentistry in 2022 by accumulating over 1,100 hours of continuing education. Less than 2% of dentists have earned this distinction. She stays active with the Academy as a board member for the Nebraska AGD.

In addition to the AGD, Dr. Ward is a member of the American Dental Association, American Equilibration Society, American Association of Women Dentists, and American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. She also spends time as a Faculty Assistant at the prestigious Pankey Institute in Key Biscayne, Florida. She also serves as an advisor to The Institute.

Dr. Ward and her husband, Daniel Chartrand, have five children together and stay busy transporting kids to and from activities. When she finds some free time, she enjoys running, lifting, biking, and swimming. 

All Episodes Previous Episode
Show artwork for The Best Practices Show with Kirk Behrendt

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.

Subscribe to The Best Practices Show on Apple Podcasts

Join our community and start your journey towards a more innovative, more successful dental practice today!

About your host

Profile picture for Kirk Behrendt

Kirk Behrendt