Meet Kyle Stanley | Dentist – Tech Founder – Speaker – Researcher – Advisor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kyle Stanley and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Kyle, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
For most of my early career, I thought work-life balance was about dividing hours, how many I spent in the operatory versus how many I had at home. But over time, especially through personal burnout and mental health struggles, I learned that balance isn’t about hours, it’s about alignment.
That realization is what inspired me to create some of my businesses. I now believe that real sustainability comes from mastering our mental and relational health. Balance, for me, means feeling connected to purpose, being present with my family, protecting time for recovery, and leading with intention both inside and outside of the practice.
It’s why I speak so often on stage about identity, gratitude, and boundaries. And it’s also why my online courses and in-person workshops aren’t just about technique, they’re about teaching other dentists how to build lives they don’t want to escape from. Because when you build a life in alignment with your values, balance isn’t something you chase. It’s something you live.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I’ve been fortunate to build a career that bridges dentistry, technology, education, and mental health advocacy—and it all started with a desire to be a great dentist.
I’m a co-founder of Pearl, an AI company transforming dentistry into the future. It’s a venture-backed business that has been adopted globally and recognized for its innovation, including receiving multiple FDA clearances for disease detection on radiographs—one of the first in the field. Pearl has raised significant capital and continues to grow quickly, which I take as a sign that the profession is ready for intelligent tools that elevate patient care.
While I no longer practice clinically at Helm Nejad Stanley Dentistry, I remain a partner and continue to support our commitment to high-level, comprehensive care in Beverly Hills with Dr. Matt nejad and Dr. Mark Helm.
But what I’m most proud of is founding Light Side Academy—an educational platform designed to help dental professionals master their mental and relational health. Burnout in our field is real, and most of us weren’t trained in the skills that matter most when things go wrong: how to communicate under pressure, how to talk about money, and how to care for ourselves in a demanding profession. Light Side Academy offers online courses, in-person workshops, and ongoing support through mastermind programs, such as the Light Side Club. We’ve served over 2,000 dentists in more than 50 countries.
Beyond that, I speak regularly at conferences and events around the world, and I advise some of the most exciting startups in dental tech. It’s an honor to help shape the future of dentistry not just through clinical work, but through innovation and leadership.
The journey wasn’t always easy. Earlier in my career, I hit a breaking point where I seriously considered walking away from dentistry. On the outside, things looked great. But on the inside, I was overwhelmed. What changed everything was realizing that success without fulfillment is not sustainable. That realization led me to study psychology, leadership, and wellness, and eventually build the kind of support system I wish I had.
If there’s one thing I hope people take away from my story, it’s that dentistry is about more than teeth. It’s about trust, communication, purpose, and sustainability. When we invest in our well-being, we show up better for our patients, our teams, and ourselves.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting Los Angeles for a week, I’d want to give them the full experience: a mix of world-class food, art and nature, local flavor, and the kind of soul-filling beauty only LA can offer.
We’d start with sunrise at the Griffith Observatory. There’s something grounding about watching the city wake up from above. Then we’d grab breakfast at Republique for something a little indulgent (and the architecture alone is worth the stop).
A classic Sunday at the Rose Bowl Flea Market is a must. We’d hunt for vintage treasures, weird art, and the perfect broken-in denim. After that, we’d head to Sqirl or Gjusta for lunch and some laid-back people-watching.
At some point, we’d head up the coast to Malibu just to walk barefoot on the sand, grab seafood from Malibu Seafood or Broad Street Oyster Co., and let the ocean do its magic. If the weather’s right, I’d take out one of the old Porsches and cruise PCH with the windows down, 80s pop on the speakers. Think Tears for Fears, Prince, Whitney, and Phil Collins. That drive is therapy.
For food, we’d splurge one night at Sushi Ginza Onodera. It’s not just a meal, it’s performance art. Another night we might keep it gritty with tacos at Leo’s Taco Truck on La Brea or Korean BBQ in K-town. At least one night would be spent at Jones Hollywood. Great food, great energy, and that throwback rock and roll vibe that somehow still feels modern.
During the day, we’d hit the Petersen Automotive Museum to geek out over design and horsepower, then cross the street to LACMA for a little art, light, and sculpture. That walk between the two is one of my favorite juxtapositions in the city.
For street photography, we’d wander through Highland Park, the Arts District, and Venice. We’d also head to the hills and the Palm Springs-style pockets of LA to capture some of the city’s best mid-century modern homes, especially the Case Study Houses. There’s something magical about catching the play of light on those lines and shapes. LA is full of stories if you slow down and look for them.
For drinks, we’d hit Bar Caló in Echo Park and they could get mezcal cocktails, Tower Bar at sunset for that old-Hollywood elegance, and Thunderbolt for something offbeat and bold.
And honestly, one of my favorite things to do is just sit on a porch or a rooftop with friends, talking about life, music, memories, and what’s next. I’d make sure we had one of those nights too.
That’s the kind of week that leaves you tired in the best way. Sun-soaked, well-fed, inspired, and feeling a little more human.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
That’s such an important question, and I really appreciate the opportunity to reflect on it. There’s no way I’d be where I am today without the people who believed in me and supported me at different stages of my life and career.
First, I’d have to shout out my wife. Her unwavering support, love, and grounding presence have kept me balanced through the chaos of building businesses, practicing dentistry, and chasing big ideas. She’s always been my sounding board and safe place. She also puts me in check if my ego gets out of control.
I also want to recognize the many mentors who poured into me over the years, especially those who challenged me to think differently, not just about clinical dentistry, but about life, leadership, and mental health. Too many to name, but their voices echo in everything I do in business and life. My mentors have molded me into the person I am today and I have taken small or big parts from each of them.
Lastly, I want to give credit to the dentists around the world who’ve shown vulnerability, taken our courses, joined our events, and been willing to do the deeper work. You all have inspired me with your honesty, your courage, and your commitment to changing this profession from the inside out.
This journey is not about being the smartest or the most talented; it’s about being connected, supported, and willing to grow. I’m grateful every day that I don’t have to do it alone.
Website: https://drkylestanley.com
Instagram: @drkylestanley
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-stanley-72807b50/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drkylestanley
Other: My linktree: https://linktr.ee/Drkylestanley