Episode #421
2026 3D Summit Recap: Small Steps, Big Future
The 2026 3D Summit was more than a continuing education event—it was a reminder that the right community, education, and small decisions can create a much bigger future. In this episode, T-Bone and Meredith look back at the 2026 3D Summit, which took place in Orlando this past March. From standout speakers and clinical insights to team-building moments at Universal and late-night karaoke, they recap the education, connection, and culture that made this year’s event one of 3D’s strongest yet. They share the lessons attendees can apply inside their own practices, including how to lead through difficult change, empower team members, create a modern patient experience, and build a practice that can grow beyond one doctor. From social media and technology to culture, case acceptance, clinical excellence, and leadership, this episode captures what it means to be serious about winning—without taking yourself too seriously. Main Topics: A recap of the 2026 3D Summit, held in Orlando this past March Why the 2026 summit delivered its strongest education yet The “small steps, big future” mindset for practice growth How team support gives leaders confidence to make difficult changes Building a culture where team members feel included and invested Using technology and social media to build trust with patients Avoiding the race to the bottom on pricing Creating a multi-provider, team-driven practice Why great events should balance elite education with real connection What’s ahead for the 2027 3D Summit in Jamaica In This Episode: Why small steps taken to solve today’s problems can lead to a much bigger future How T-Bone’s early decisions to expand his clinical capabilities shaped his career Why leaders need people around them who will support difficult decisions and transitions How team members can build trust by telling their leaders, “I’m on your team” Why practices lose momentum when communication breaks down during transitions How Dr. Diana used authenticity, technology, and staged treatment planning to inspire attendees Why showing patients what is possible can help improve case acceptance How Dr. Craig Bodak built a large, multi-provider practice without remaining the primary clinical provider Why doctors must create the time and space to lead instead of trying to do everything themselves How Dr. Grant Olsen uses YouTube and social media to attract patients from outside his market Why trust, expertise, and reputation matter more than competing on price How Dr. Payman uses facially generated treatment planning and an in-house lab to improve full-arch workflows What Dr. Daval Patel’s step-by-step approach to single central incisors teaches about predictability How Dr. Matt Nad approaches smile design, preparation techniques, and cosmetic dentistry Why attendees said they felt more included at the summit than at other large CE events How the 3D community combines high-level education, fun, connection, and accountability Why the 2027 3D Summit will take place April 15–17 at Sandals Dunn’s River in Jamaica Timestamps: 00:00 - Recapping the 2026 3D Summit, held in Orlando this past March 02:16 - Why this was 3D’s best year of education yet 03:17 - Sully brings the energy—and suffers an early injury 05:37 - T-Bone’s opening message: Small steps, big future 08:44 - The power of team members stepping up 10:03 - Leading through difficult changes and transitions 11:45 - Dr. Diana’s authentic approach to leadership and full-mouth cases 14:01 - Dr. Craig Bodak on building a multi-provider practice 16:16 - Universal Studios, team connection, and work hard/play harder 20:13 - The VIP Mastermind day: culture, vision, marketing, and leadership 22:17 - Day two begins with Dr. Grant Olsen 23:36 - Using YouTube and social media to attract ideal patients 24:18 - How to avoid competing on price in dentistry 26:10 - Dr. Payman on full-arch treatment planning and practice labs 27:32 - Dr. Daval Patel’s formula for predictable esthetic dentistry 28:52 - Dr. Matt Nad on smile design and cosmetic dentistry 31:16 - Why attendees felt included at the 3D Summit 32:30 - Building a family of people serious about winning 33:19 - Announcing the 2027 3D Summit in Jamaica Resources & Links: 3D Dentists: https://www.3d-dentists.com/ Connect with T-Bone: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tbonespeaks/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbonespeaks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tbonespeaks/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tbonespeaks/reels/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tbonespeaks The Bottom Line: The best practices are not built by one person alone. They are built through small, intentional steps; leaders willing to keep moving forward; team members who are committed to the vision; and a culture that makes people feel supported, included, and motivated to grow.
