Practice Before the Game: What Dentistry Can Learn from Athletes

In this episode of The Story Project, Joanna sits down with Trish Constantine — a dental revenue cycle and credentialing specialist, former practice co-owner, and someone whose path into dentistry was anything but linear. From being a competitive swimmer from ages 6 to 24 to starting out in nursing and eventually building and selling a practice with her husband, Trish shares how those early experiences shaped the way she approaches challenges, leadership, and growth today.

This conversation goes beyond operations and into the mindset behind it all. Trish talks about what swimming taught her about failure (and why she sees it as a gift), what actually breaks inside a practice when systems aren’t in place, and why so many teams feel stuck in survival mode. She also opens up about taking risks, learning as you go, and the idea that if something keeps pulling at you — whether in business or life — it’s probably worth pursuing. This episode reveals what it takes to build something meaningful, even when you might not have it all figured out yet.

Key Takeaways

• Failure isn’t the end, it’s feedback. Learning to get back in the “pool” is where real growth happens.
• Most practices don’t have a people problem, they have a clarity and training problem that shows up as chaos.
• If something keeps pulling at you, waiting won’t make it clearer — taking action will.
  

Guest Information
Trish Constantine is a dental revenue cycle and credentialing specialist who helps practices build stronger systems and healthier businesses. A former dental practice co-owner and proud Enneagram 8, she’s wired to tackle problems head-on and advocate fiercely for dental teams. When she’s not improving practice operations, she’s usually hiking or horseback riding outdoors.

How to Connect with Trish Constantine

• Email: ​​trish.constantine1@gmail.com
• Website: https://icondentalpartners.com/
• Instagram: @trish_constantine

Connect With Joanna

• Website: https://www.joannascott.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joannafscott/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joannafscott
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanna-scott-052a0812/

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

• The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It by Michael Gerber

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Welcome to The Story Project—a video-driven podcast spotlighting the voices of high-achieving women in dentistry. These are the educators, innovators, and leading voices shaping the future of the profession.

Each episode offers an intimate look at the stories behind their leadership—why they chose dentistry, what drives them forward, and how they’re navigating the complex intersection of purpose, business, and personal growth. We celebrate the courage it takes to lead, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the legacies they’re building—not just in their practices, but across the industry.

This is a space for fearless, thoughtful conversation with the women redefining what’s possible in dentistry.

To connect or inquire about being a guest, reach out to @joannafscott or visit www.joannascott.com