71 ::: Dr. Christian Coachman › Breaking the Mold: His Journey from Dental Tech to Global Innovator

Shawn Zajas Show

In this compelling episode, we dive deep into the journey of Dr. Christian Coachman, a sixth-generation dentist who transformed modern dentistry through an unconventional career path and innovative thinking. Coming from a family with a 174-year legacy in dentistry (recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records), Coachman chose to challenge traditional career paths by continuing to work as a dental technician even after obtaining his dental degree.

This pivotal decision, while questioned by many at the time, proved to be the foundation for his future innovations. His unique position as both dentist and technician gave him unprecedented insights into the field, ultimately leading to the creation of Digital Smile Design (DSD), a revolutionary approach to dental treatment planning and execution.

Key Highlights:

- The power of differentiation in career development

- The evolution from technical expertise to emotional dentistry

- The concept of "humble confidence" in leadership

- The importance of embracing struggle for personal growth

- Building and maintaining ethical standards while scaling innovation

Throughout the interview, Coachman shares deeply personal insights about his professional philosophy, emphasizing the importance of balancing tradition with innovation. He introduces his concept of "humble confidence" - a leadership approach that combines assertiveness with humility - and discusses how this mindset has shaped his success.

The conversation explores several transformative ideas:

1. The value of being different rather than just being better

2. The role of struggle and challenge in personal development

3. The importance of playing the long game in building reputation

4. The balance between bold vision and pragmatic execution

5. The critical role of ethical decision-making in business growth

Coachman also reveals how his technical innovation evolved into a comprehensive business approach, incorporating emotional dentistry, team leadership, and effective communication. He discusses how DSD grew from a technical concept into a full-service marketing agency and educational platform.

Perhaps most notably, Coachman shares his perspective on success, emphasizing that it's not about being the best at everything, but rather about becoming the best version of yourself while maintaining ethical standards. His story serves as an inspiring example of how embracing one's unique path, while respecting tradition, can lead to meaningful innovation and lasting impact.

The episode concludes with Coachman's powerful message to his younger self: "Believe in you," encapsulating his philosophy that authentic self-belief, combined with ethical practice and persistent innovation, forms the foundation for transformative success.

This conversation offers valuable insights for professionals in any field about innovation, leadership, and the courage to forge unconventional paths while maintaining integrity and respect for tradition.

This episode is particularly valuable for:

- Healthcare professionals seeking to innovate

- Entrepreneurs balancing tradition with innovation

- Leaders working to maintain ethical standards while scaling

- Professionals looking to differentiate themselves in their field

- Anyone interested in the intersection of technology and healthcare