Category: Education
Tax Planning for High Earners: Smart Tax Strategies and Deductions (Ep. 13)

Tax Planning for High Earners: Smart Tax Strategies and Deductions (Ep. 13)

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Taxes don’t have to feel like a burden.

In this episode of Oral Wealth: Prosperity in Practice, host Brian Swilling shifts the conversation from tax stress to tax strategy, showing dentists how to turn obligations into opportunities. He walks through retirement savings foundations, smart entity choices, and practice-specific deductions that can lower your tax bill. Brian also highlights creative strategies like family employment, Roth savings for kids, and the Augusta Rule. Along the way, he explains why collaboration between your CPA and financial planner is key to long-term financial planning success.

Brian discusses:

  • Foundational retirement savings strategies like 401(k)s, profit sharing, and defined benefit plans
  • Choosing the right business entity and tax filing status for practice owners
  • How to maximize the Qualified Business Income Deduction (QBID) before it phases out 
  • Practice-specific deductions, depreciation, and overlooked write-offs
  • Creative tax strategies, including family employment, Roth savings for kids, tax-loss harvesting, and the Augusta Rule
  • Why collaboration between CPAs and financial planners leads to better long-term outcomes
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Brian Swilling:

*Roth IRA earnings grow tax-free, and qualified withdrawals are also tax-free, provided certain conditions are met (e.g., the account has been open for at least 5 years and you are age 59½ or older, or meet another qualifying condition). Eligibility to contribute to a Roth IRA phases out at higher income levels. Non-qualified withdrawals of earnings may be subject to income taxes and a 10% early withdrawal penalty.

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The Financial Dream Team Every Dentist Needs (And Mistakes to Avoid Without One) (Ep. 12)

The Financial Dream Team Every Dentist Needs (And Mistakes to Avoid Without One) (Ep. 12)

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Building a thriving dental career takes more than clinical expertise. It requires a well-rounded financial team.

In this episode of Oral Wealth: Prosperity In Practice, Dr. Jackson Sadler and financial advisor Brian Swilling break down the five essential professionals every dentist should have on their side to protect their time, money, and peace of mind. They cover everything from the difference between fiduciary and non-fiduciary advisors, why so many dentists make preventable tax and legal mistakes, and smart strategies to avoid burnout by outsourcing wisely.

Whether you’re just starting out or managing a growing team, you’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of who should be in your corner and why.

What to expect:

  • A plain-language breakdown of fiduciary vs. non-fiduciary advisors
  • Real examples of costly tax and legal missteps
  • How to avoid burnout by outsourcing wisely
  • Tips for building a team that protects your time, assets, and peace of mind

Discover more financial insights at www.navipathwealth.com and follow along wherever you listen to podcasts.

Connect with Dr. Jackson Sadler:

Connect with Brian Swilling:

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Beyond the 401(k): Advanced Retirement Strategies for Dentists (Ep. 11)

Beyond the 401(k): Advanced Retirement Strategies for Dentists (Ep. 11)

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Are you a practice owner facing high taxes in your peak earning years?

In this episode of Oral Wealth: Prosperity in Practice, Brian Swilling breaks down advanced retirement strategies that can help dentists and healthcare professionals reduce taxable income while accelerating long-term savings. He explains how defined benefit plans (cash balance pension plans) can be layered with 401(k)s and profit-sharing to maximize contributions, reduce taxable income, and accelerate retirement savings. Brian also shares real-world examples of practice owners saving six figures in taxes and outlines why these strategies work best for high-income earners with younger staff.

Brian discusses:

  • What a defined benefit plan (cash balance pension plan) is and how it works
  • How 401(k), profit-sharing, and defined benefit plans can layer together
  • Why these strategies are best suited for high-income practice owners with younger staff
  • Real-world examples of dentists using cash balance plans to save six figures in taxes
  • The importance of working with a CPA and financial planner to determine if this approach is right for you
  • And more

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*Roth IRA earnings grow tax-free, and qualified withdrawals are also tax-free, provided certain conditions are met (e.g., the account has been open for at least 5 years and you are age 59½ or older, or meet another qualifying condition). Eligibility to contribute to a Roth IRA phases out at higher income levels. Non-qualified withdrawals of earnings may be subject to income taxes and a 10% early withdrawal penalty.

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Know Your Worth: Why an Early Practice Valuation is Your Blueprint for Financial Success (Ep. 10)

Know Your Worth: Why an Early Practice Valuation is Your Blueprint for Financial Success (Ep. 10)

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What if your dental practice, your biggest financial and emotional asset, could be the key to unlocking your ideal next chapter instead of a “will get to it later” stressor?

In this episode, Brian Swilling sits down with Jeff Rice, Transition Sales Consultant at Henry Schein Dental Practice Transitions, to uncover why knowing your practice’s value now is your blueprint for financial freedom and professional fulfillment. They explore how a proactive strategy transforms a practice from “just a business” into a launchpad for your purpose-driven life.

Brian and Jeff discuss:

  • Why most dentists focus on clinical training but miss the business side of dentistry
  • Why an early practice valuation is your hidden advantage and how the numbers reveal green, yellow, and red flags
  • What goes into valuing a practice (financials, team stability, transferability of clinical work), and why waiting too long undermines leverage
  • The emergency exit plan (the other “LOI” – Letter of Instruction) your practice needs for life’s curveballs
  • And more

Resources:

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Connect with Guest:

About our Guest:

Jeff Rice is a seasoned dental industry professional with 25 years of experience and currently serves as a Transitions Sales Consultant for Henry Schein Dental Practice Transitions, covering North and South Carolina. He began his career at Henry Schein as a field sales consultant and shifted into practice analytics and transition consulting, helping dentists understand and optimize the value of their practice.

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How Culture and Community Drive Dental Practice Success with Dr. Marsh & Dr. Edmunds (Ep. 9)

How Culture and Community Drive Dental Practice Success with Dr. Marsh & Dr. Edmunds (Ep. 9)

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What happens when two dentists take ownership of their careers and communities?

In this episode, Brian Swilling sits down with Dr. John Edmunds of Edmunds Dental and Dr. David Marsh of Duren & Marsh Dentistry to discuss the realities of building and growing a dental practice from the ground up and the lessons learned along the way. They share how leadership, risk-taking, and a people-first mindset helped them thrive beyond the operatory. From handshake agreements to community-driven marketing and leadership through change, this conversation offers candid stories, practical takeaways, and timeless strategies every dentist can learn from.

You’ll hear:

  • How Dr. Edmunds turned a handshake agreement into a thriving small-town practice
  • How Dr. Marsh cold-called dentists to find the perfect ownership opportunity
  • The power of culture, community involvement, and staff retention in practice growth
  • Real-world challenges around insurance, staffing transitions, and managing space challenges, and how to tackle them
  • Advice for young dentists on building culture, defining success, and staying true to your values
  • And more

Resources:

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Connect with Dr. John Edmunds:

Connect with Dr. David Marsh:

About Our Guests:

Dr. Edmunds is a native of Clover, SC, and will always call this community home. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Clemson University, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude, and a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from UNC Chapel Hill. As a professional, Dr. Edmunds understands the importance of lifelong learning. He prides himself on taking over 100 hours of continuing education courses each year, including attending the Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education and participating in several study clubs. He is a member of the American Dental Association, South Carolina Dental Association, and Central District Dental Association, of which he currently serves on the board. Dr. Edmunds is an active member in his church, where he currently serves as an Elder, and he sits on the board of the York County Clemson Club and the Clover Main Street Steering Committee. When Dr. Edmunds isn’t in the office, you can probably find him on the golf course, hunting, fishing, or helping his dad out on their family farm in Clover.

Dr. David Marsh is a native of Gaston County, graduating from East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine, where he accepted a commission in the United States Air Force. He spent four years serving in the Dental Corps at Eglin AFB, FL, and Sheppard AFB, TX. He is married to Rosa Marsh, and they have two daughters, Lily and Charlotte. Dr. Marsh’s practice philosophy is to give honest and responsible dental care to every patient.

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The Dark Side of High Income: How Dentists Can Protect Their Wealth (Ep. 8)

The Dark Side of High Income: How Dentists Can Protect Their Wealth (Ep. 8)

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Ever wondered why a high income might not always equate to true wealth? That’s exactly what Dr. Jackson Sadler and Brian Swilling dive into in this episode of Oral Wealth: Prosperity in Practice. They explore the hidden traps of a high income, from lifestyle creep to financial stressors that many dentists face. Can you break free from the golden handcuffs of finance?

Join them as they uncover vital strategies for managing your wealth and well-being. They discuss the common pitfalls facing high-income professionals, including lifestyle inflation and its stealthy threats, offering practical tips to navigate these challenges. You’ll also learn how automating your savings can transform your financial future. And they don’t overlook student loans. There’s valuable guidance on repayment strategies to ease the burden. Finally, they emphasize the importance of prioritizing well-being and avoiding burnout in demanding careers.

Dr. Jackson Sadler and Brian Swilling cover:

  • The perils of lifestyle creep and avoiding unconscious spending [00:04:11]
  • Automating savings for financial security [00:08:28]
  • Navigating and managing daunting student loan debt [00:19:52]
  • Prioritizing personal well-being to prevent professional burnout [00:28:35]

Resources:

 

Connect with Dr. Jackson Sadler:

 

Connect with Brian Swilling:

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The Drill Down on Dental Contracts: What to Know Before You Sign (Ep. 7)

The Drill Down on Dental Contracts: What to Know Before You Sign (Ep. 7)

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What should you look for in a dental contract before signing on the dotted line? 

Discover the essential knowledge needed to protect your interests and avoid common mistakes in dental employment agreements. Dr. Jackson Sadler and Brian Swilling dive into the crucial aspects of dental contracts, revealing the red flags and must-know terms that could affect your career.

Join Dr. Sadler and Swilling as they explore:

  • (2:00) The necessity of contracts and when to go beyond a handshake  
  • (15:00) How advisors can empower you in negotiation  
  • (25:00) Understanding the nuts and bolts of salary structures  
  • (35:00) Importance of performance metrics and their impact on your contract  
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Dr. Jackson Sadler:

Connect with Brian Swilling:

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The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (O-B-B-B-A) Part 2: Changes to Student Loans (Ep. 6)

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (O-B-B-B-A) Part 2: Changes to Student Loans (Ep. 6)

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The financial rules for dentists just changed, and if you don’t know the details, you could be leaving money on the table or walking into unexpected debt.

In this episode of Oral Wealth: Prosperity in Practice, Dr. Jackson Sadler and Brian Swilling unpack the latest updates to student loans, FAFSA, repayment plans, and 529 savings. These changes impact dentists, students, and parents alike — from applying to dental school, to navigating loan repayment, to planning your kids’ education.

Dr. Sadler and Brian discuss:

  • How the new FAFSA rules replace Expected Family Contribution with the Student Aid Index (SAI),  and what it means for families with multiple students in school
  • Key updates to the SAVE repayment plan, including interest forgiveness that prevents balances from ballooning
  • Why Public Service Loan Forgiveness may finally be more realistic for healthcare providers in hospitals and clinics
  • The cap on Graduate PLUS loans and how it pushes more students toward private lending, plus what to watch out for
  • Expanded use of 529 plans for tutoring, testing, and dual enrollment starting in 2026
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Dr. Jackson Sadler:

Connect with Brian Swilling:

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Avoiding Pitfalls in Your First Dental Contract (Ep. 5)

Avoiding Pitfalls in Your First Dental Contract (Ep. 5)

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Think you know what’s in your dental employment contract? Think again!

Join Dr. Jackson Sadler, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, and Brian Swilling from NaviPath Financial as they break down the ins and outs of dental employment agreements. Whether you’re signing your first contract or navigating the options for your next role, their discussion could be the difference between a successful career move and unexpected pitfalls.

Dr. Sadler and Mr. Swilling tackle everything from understanding bonus structures to the implications of non-compete clauses. With practical advice and real-life examples, this episode empowers dental professionals to negotiate their contracts with confidence and foresight.

Discover some of the key insights shared:

  • (00:04:35) Understanding bonus types: Signing bonuses vs. Retention bonuses 
  • (00:21:50) Demystifying non-compete clauses and their impact 
  • (00:28:15) The importance of clear compensation models 
  • (00:32:40) Real-life anecdotes of common pitfalls and how to avoid them

Resources:

Connect with Dr. Jackson Sadler:

Connect with Brian Swilling:

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The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (O-B-B-B-A): Beneficial Changes for Dental Professionals (Ep. 4)

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (O-B-B-B-A): Beneficial Changes for Dental Professionals (Ep. 4)

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What does the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” mean for dentists? 

In this episode of Oral Wealth: Prosperity and Practice, Brian Swilling breaks down the sweeping tax legislation passed on July 4, 2025, explaining what’s changed, what’s permanent, and what dentists need to do now to take advantage.

Brian dives into the key provisions that matter most for high-earning healthcare professionals, including long-term tax planning clarity, new deductions, estate exemptions, business incentives, and powerful ways to fund your future with precision and flexibility.

Brian discusses:

  • Permanent tax brackets and higher standard deductions
  • Gift and estate tax exemption increases for wealth transfer
  • State and local tax (SALT) cap expansion for high-tax states
  • Deductions for seniors, charitable giving, child tax credits, and 529 plan updates
  • New business incentives and individual deductions for dentists and associates
  • How to maximize tax-deferred strategies like 401(k), profit sharing, and cash balance plans
  • And more.

Resources:

Connect with Brian Swilling:

Roth IRA earnings grow tax-free, and qualified withdrawals are also tax-free, provided certain conditions are met (e.g., the account has been open for at least 5 years and you are age 59½ or older, or meet another qualifying condition). Eligibility to contribute to a Roth IRA phases out at higher income levels. Non-qualified withdrawals of earnings may be subject to income taxes and a 10% early withdrawal penalty.

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