Gary Takacs — Thriving Dentist

Gary Takacs is one of dentistry's most experienced and sought-after practice management coaches, with over 42 years of experience and more than 2,200 practices coached across all 50 states. He is the founder of the Thriving Dentist Show — the #1 dental podcast on iTunes and Google Play with over 740 episodes and listeners in 188 countries. Gary began his career in the 1980s working at two large dental consulting firms, then launched his own consulting firm in 1989. He specializes in helping dentists reduce PPO insurance dependency, control overhead below 60%, and build self-sustaining practices with financial independence. As co-owner of LifeSmiles, he personally led the practice through resignation from all 34 PPO plans while retaining 80% of patients and raising profit margin by 36% — every system he teaches has been battle-tested in a real practice. He has published more than 400 articles in major dental journals including Dental Economics, Dentistry Today, Dental Management, and AGD Impact. He is an Instructor at Midwestern University School of Dental Medicine and a Guest Instructor at The Pankey Institute. He has spoken at major dental conferences across the US and internationally in Canada, England, Scotland, Germany, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and China.