She Couldn’t Practice Dentistry Anymore. Here's What Happened Next.


A diagnosis changed everything—but it also opened the door to an entirely new career in dentistry.

She Couldn’t Practice Dentistry Anymore. Here's What Happened Next.

Most dentists enter the profession with a clear vision.

Help patients. Build a successful practice. Create financial freedom. Enjoy the career they've worked so hard to achieve.

But sometimes, life has other plans.

After being diagnosed with arthritis, Dr. Mariz Tanious was forced to step away from clinical dentistry. What could have been the end of her career instead became the beginning of an entirely new one—one that led her to become Chief Dental Officer at Affinity Dental.

In the latest episode of The Dr. Avi Show, we discuss how one unexpected challenge completely changed the trajectory of her career—and the lessons every dentist can take from her journey.

In this episode, we discuss:

  • The realities of dentistry that no one prepares you for.
  • Student loans, burnout, and the pressure many dentists quietly carry.
  • How mentorship shaped Dr. Mariz's career beyond clinical dentistry.
  • What Chief Dental Officers actually do—and why there isn't a traditional path to becoming one.
  • Why transparency and collaboration are essential to improving dentistry.
  • How AI is reshaping dentistry—and why successful implementation matters more than the technology itself.

One of my favorite moments came when Dr. Mariz shared:

"Figure out what's bothering you... then go fix it."

That simple mindset helped her turn one of the biggest obstacles of her career into an opportunity to make an even greater impact on the profession.

Whether you're an associate, practice owner, or dental leader, this conversation is a reminder that your career doesn't have to follow the path you originally imagined—and sometimes the unexpected turns lead to the greatest opportunities.

I'd love to hear what part of the conversation resonated with you the most.

– Dr. Avi Patel

🎧 Watch the full episode here

video preview

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