Paying Yourself What You Deserve!
Feb 28, 2026
Stop Being the Last to Get Paid
Too many dentists tell me, “I make a good living… but I never seem to take any home.”
That’s because most owners pay everyone else first and hope something is left for themselves.
“You are both the producer and the leader.”
“You deserve to be paid for both roles.”
The Owner’s Pay Account is how you make that happen.
What It Is and Why It Matters
The Owner’s Pay Account ensures that you receive consistent, fair compensation for the work you do in your practice.
This isn’t profit — this is your salary, the income you earn for your labor and leadership.
Every week, a portion of your revenue flows here, based on your Target Allocation Percentages.
That percentage might start small, but as you strengthen your system, it grows.
“When you honor your own pay, you lead from stability instead of scarcity.”
What Happens When You Don’t Pay Yourself First
When owners neglect their own compensation, burnout follows.
You start resenting the business, working harder and harder but never feeling rewarded.
Your practice might look successful on the outside, but it’s draining you on the inside.
By establishing your Owner’s Pay Account, you flip that dynamic — you start leading with confidence and clarity.
How to Use the Account
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Allocate weekly: Move your set percentage from the Income Account into Owner’s Pay every week.
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Use it exclusively for your pay: Avoid dipping into it for business expenses.
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Adjust gradually: As your practice strengthens, raise your percentage until you reach your TAP goal.
“When your pay is consistent, your leadership is stronger,” I remind dentists in my book. “Financial stress makes it hard to lead well.”
Final Thought
Paying yourself first isn’t selfish — it’s sustainable.
It ensures your practice supports your life, not the other way around.
Start by opening an Owner’s Pay Account and commit to weekly transfers.
You’ll feel a powerful shift the first time you pay yourself on purpose.
Learn more in Chapter 7 of Profit First for Dentists or at ProfitFirstDentist.com.
