Why This Dentist Chose the Military Over Private Practice | Oral Surgery, Leadership & Life Balance

In this episode of The Truth Behind Dentistry, Dr. Matthew Norton speaks with Dr. Prabh Grewal, a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon whose path to dentistry included military service, deployment to Afghanistan, and now, leadership in group practice. Dr. Grewal opens up about how he avoided hundreds of thousands in student loan debt, why the military provided unmatched surgical and life experiences, and how it shaped his personal and professional identity. From serving as a young Army captain in Germany to running large clinics and eventually transitioning into private practice and a DSO model — this is a journey few dentists take, but many should consider. In this episode, we cover: ✔️ The financial and experiential advantages of military dentistry ✔️ What it's like to deploy and serve in a war zone as a dentist ✔️ Building leadership skills and resilience through service ✔️ Why Dr. Grewal joined a DSO and what it means for work-life balance ✔️ Honest reflections on the changing future of private practice Whether you're in dental school, early in your career, or exploring new opportunities, Dr. Grewal’s story is full of perspective, wisdom, and practical advice. 🔔 Subscribe for more real conversations about dentistry, purpose, and the paths less traveled.