746: Dr. Aisha Akpabio: How to Blend Care, Culture & Community Revitalization

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In this episode of the Healthy, Wealthy and Smart podcast, Dr. Karen Litzy interviews Dr. Aisha Akpabio D.D.S., a Detroit-based dentist and entrepreneur. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of being a female healthcare provider while running a business. Dr. Akpabio shares her journey from employee to owner of her own dental practice, the importance of design in healthcare, and the significance of representation in the field. They also address the balance between delivering high-quality care and managing business aspects, as well as the importance of self-care for longevity in the profession.

Takeaways

It takes courage to bring people together in healthcare.
Transitioning from employee to entrepreneur requires a mindset shift.
Business education in dental school is minimal.
Delivering exceptional care justifies pricing.
Patients appreciate a personal touch over corporate practices.
Design can significantly impact patient experience.
Representation in healthcare matters for community trust.
Self-care is essential for longevity in the profession.
Balancing work and personal life is crucial.
Living in the moment is important for personal growth.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Female Healthcare Entrepreneurship
02:58 Dr. Aisha Akpabio’s Journey and Practice
05:51 Transitioning from Dentist to Entrepreneur
08:41 Navigating Healthcare Pricing and Value
12:05 Competing with Corporate Dental Practices
12:57 The Importance of Design in Healthcare
16:49 Legacy and Representation in Dentistry
20:02 Self-Care and Longevity in Dentistry

More About Dr. Akpabio:

Dr. Aisha Akpabio D.D.S. is a Detroit-based dentist, entrepreneur, and community advocate dedicated to smiles and systems of care. As the founder of Diamond Smiles Dentistry, she is redefining what it means to build a thriving dental practice rooted in wellness, accessibility, and neighborhood revitalization. A graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business program, she leads with vision and heart, creating opportunities for growth in underserved communities while mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals. Beyond dentistry, she is passionate about wellness, motherhood, and empowering others to build healthy, wealthy, and purpose-driven lives.