DENTIST
UNLOCKED
Unlocking a Life of Abundance in Dentistry
THE MENTORSHIP
I WISH I HAD
My Story​​ | Mark Nakhla, DDS
I remember exactly what it felt like to be a young dentist—unsure, intimidated, and constantly second-guessing myself. One day, I was a dental student under supervision, and the next, I was the provider, the authority in the room. Suddenly, an entire team was looking to me for direction, patients were placing their trust in me, and I felt the weight of expectations pressing down. What made it even harder? I didn’t always have the answers.
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Like many new dentists, I struggled with the transition from school to real-world practice. I found myself in situations where I needed unbiased guidance, someone to help me navigate the gray areas—both clinically and professionally. But often, when I needed advice the most, I was on my own.
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I worked as an associate, wanting to prove my worth and secure my place in the practice. I felt pressure to appear confident, capable, and independent—even when I wasn’t sure how to handle certain cases or workplace dynamics. I worried that honesty about my struggles would come at a cost – pride, opportunity, respect, livelihood. And like so many young professionals, I was juggling the financial realities of student loans, career growth, and the hope of building a life beyond dentistry—maybe even starting a family.
What I wanted more than anything was a safe space to express my thoughts, struggles, and insecurities. A place where I could admit my deficiencies, ask what might seem like a ‘stupid’ question, not fear judgment, and be SHOWN ways to grow.
Beyond the clinical challenges, I also had to manage how I was perceived. I looked young, and patients made sure I knew it. I faced skepticism about my ability to treat them, perform procedures, and manage their health. No one had prepared me for how to handle those doubts—both theirs and my own.
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Mistakes? I made them. But I didn’t always know how to manage or communicate them properly. I struggled to set expectations with patients, staff, and even myself. More than once, I unintentionally set myself up for failure simply because I lacked the right guidance.
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And here’s the thing—I have family and friends in dentistry, and I still felt lost. That’s when I realized: what I needed wasn’t just a class or business coach or colleague. I needed an unbiased, third party with no vested interest in my career decisions. Someone I could be completely honest with, who would guide me without judgment, pressure, or personal agenda—like a father of confession for my professional life. I needed a mentor specific to me.​ That realization led me to create Dentist Unlocked.
This is the MENTORSHIP I wish I had.
A space where young dentists can be heard, supported, and equipped to confidently navigate their careers without fear or uncertainty. A place where no question is too small, no struggle is dismissed, and growth isn’t just encouraged—it’s unlocked.
