Slowing down in dentistry might feel counterintuitive, but it could be the very thing that saves your career. In this episode of Dental Confidential, Dr. Jessica Emery sits down with Dr. Tarryn MacCarthy to explore how embracing rest, self-awareness and a slower pace helped her not only reclaim her joy, but build the most successful ortho practice in her state.
From Burnout to Breakthrough: The Hidden Cost of Hustle
Dr. Tarryn MacCarthy built a thriving orthodontic practice early in her career, but behind the success was a woman on the edge of collapse. Like many high-achieving dental professionals, she pushed herself to the brink trying to be everything for everyone. She believed happiness was on the other side of the next milestone: the degree, the business, the motherhood journey.
But the truth? None of those external markers delivered lasting joy.
Instead, Dr. MacCarthy found herself completely depleted, disconnected from her own identity, and running on autopilot. That’s when she did the unthinkable – she walked away.
The Case for Slowing Down in Dentistry
Her story is one many dentists will recognize. From insurance headaches to non-stop patient care and unrealistic productivity expectations, the pressure is real. But Dr. MacCarthy shares a radical truth:
“Anytime I’ve ever felt myself say, ‘Well, I’m left without a choice. I have this or this,’ I always use that as an indicator that there’s something more that I’m not able to see in this moment, that there are always possibilities.”
Slowing down in dentistry isn’t about giving up, it’s about reclaiming your energy so you can lead, practice, and live from a place of alignment.
Breathwork, Boundaries & Redefining Success
One of the tools that helped Dr. MacCarthy heal was breathwork. A simple yet powerful way to regulate the nervous system and reconnect with the body.
She also began rewriting the beliefs that were holding her back, including:
- Success requires struggle.
- Taking care of myself is selfish.
- I have to say yes to everything.
By healing those patterns, she returned to dentistry on her own terms, eventually building the most successful Invisalign practice in her state while working less and living more.
What This Means for You
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or like you’ve lost yourself in the hustle of practice ownership or clinical life, you are not alone.
This episode is your invitation to:
- Slow down
- Reconnect to your values
- Explore the mindset shifts and support systems that will help you create a career that nourishes you
You don’t have to burn everything down, you don’t have to leave dentistry. You can evolve your practice and life to better serve the person you’re becoming.
Listen to the Full Episode
Don’t miss this deeply inspiring conversation between two women who know what it’s like to hit burnout and rebuild something even better.
Follow Dr. Tarryn
🩷 https://thebizofhappiness.com/radicalhappiness/
🩷 IG: https://www.instagram.com/thebizofhappiness/
More from Dental Soiree
We help dentists show up online with confidence and style, whether you want to DIY your content or have it all done for you.
We’ve got options:
Content Club – Monthly, ready-to-post graphics + captions for dental practices.
Dental Reset – Full-service social media management (yes, we do it all for you).
Photoshoots – Luxe brand photography to elevate your visuals and stand out online.
leave a comment