Let’s face it. Most dentists don’t make it 40 years in the chair.
Some burn out.
Some lose interest.
Some just get stuck in the grind.
But not Dr Ed Feinberg.
In a recent episode of Practice Growth HQ, I sat down with Ed to unpack what has kept him not just going but thriving in dentistry for over four decades.
He’s not special in the superhero sense. But he has made a few key choices that most don’t.
Here’s what we can all learn from his journey.
Learning from a Legend
Ed’s dad wasn’t your average dentist.
He was a pioneer in crown and bridge work. A true master. And he trained Ed from the ground up.
That old-school training gave Ed a unique perspective. He saw dentistry not just as a job, but as a craft. Something to care about deeply.
And that changed everything.
Curiosity Is the Cure for Burnout
While some people clock-watch their way through the week, Ed stays curious.
He keeps learning. He teaches others. He writes. He creates.
Even after all these years, he’s still writing books, running a teaching website and diving into new ideas.
“If you’re doing what truly interests you, you won’t burn out.”
If you want longevity in your dental career, get interested again.
Marketing Without the Hype
Ed never bought into flashy ads or gimmicks.
Sure, he placed one ad in a health newspaper — but only because it let him write articles to educate the public.
His real marketing came from connections.
He joined BNI and Rotary. He met with local physios, acupuncturists and chiropractors. He built a network that referred patients and built trust.
And most surprisingly
“Some of my best patients came from chatting with strangers at the diner.”
Sometimes the best growth comes from doing what others don’t.
Mentorship Is Missing
This hit a nerve.
Ed shared that younger dentists don’t seem to want mentors anymore.
And that’s a problem.
“I want to be a mentor like my dad was to me. But I can’t find anyone who wants one.”
If you want to grow faster and avoid the usual mistakes, find someone who’s been there.
Ask questions. Be teachable. It’ll take you further than you think.
Retirement Is Not the Goal
Ed isn’t interested in slowing down and switching off.
He’s practising less now, sure. But he’s still teaching, writing, speaking and contributing to the profession.
“Retirement is for cows. I want to make a difference.”
He’s proof that longevity isn’t about dragging yourself to the finish line.
It’s about designing a career that works for you over time. One that keeps you energised and fulfilled.
Longevity in dentistry isn’t about luck or genetics.
It’s about mindset. Curiosity. Purpose.
It’s about building a career you want to keep showing up for.
So, if you’re feeling a bit flat or just going through the motions, take a note from Ed Feinberg.
Stay interested.
Do things your way.
Keep showing up.
Because the power of longevity isn’t just in how long you last.
It’s in how well you live and work along the way.