From Coma to Comeback: Dr. Marq Sams’ Journey of Resilience and Grit

By Dr. Reza Ardalan, Host of the Dental Slang Podcast

From a life-changing accident to building one of the top peri-implant practices, Dr. Marq Sams shares the lessons in resilience and leadership every dentist can apply.

In this inspiring episode of the Dental Slang Podcast, Dr. Marq Sams shares his extraordinary journey from a life-changing car accident to completing a residency unlike any other and ultimately building one of Kansas’ most successful perio-implant practices.

Inside this Episode:

Dr. Sams opens up about the challenges he faced during his residency, the grit and determination it took to overcome them, and the leadership, trust, and mentorship lessons that shaped his career. He also discusses the culture he’s built in his practice, emphasizing the importance of empowering a high-performing team, cultivating positivity, and giving back through mentorship.

Whether you’re a dental professional navigating your early career, a practice owner aiming to scale, or simply looking for a story of resilience and motivation, this episode offers practical insights and a powerful reminder that overcoming obstacles is possible when determination, compassion, and leadership guide the way.

• How facing major setbacks, like a life-threatening accident or an intense residency, can teach you to adapt, prioritize and persevere in your own practice.

• The lessons you can take from high-trust teams about motivating staff, fostering accountability, and creating an environment where everyone can excel.

• The way that modeling attitude, consistency, and integrity directly shapes your team’s performance and sets the standard for what’s possible within your practice.

• That the cycle of mentorship, both receiving and giving, drives professional development and fosters a stronger, more connected dental community.

Head over to the Dental Slang Podcast hear Dr. Sams’ story and discover how embracing challenges can lead to extraordinary success.