Gary Hartman, DDS is a periodontist with over 18 years of experience in implant and periodontal surgery, where he specialized in complex surgical cases, full-arch restorations, and regenerative procedures. Throughout his career, he worked in a high-performance clinical environment that demanded precision, resilience, and constant decision-making under pressure.
Behind that professional success, Gary experienced the very real challenges that many healthcare professionals face but rarely talk about: chronic stress, burnout, and ultimately addiction. Following a shoulder injury, he developed a dependence on opioids that led to significant personal and professional consequences, including incarceration and the loss of his clinical career.
Today, Gary is in sustained recovery and uses his experience to help others better understand the intersection of stress, identity, and addiction, particularly in high-achieving professions like dentistry and medicine. He speaks openly about the hidden pressures within healthcare, the warning signs that often go unnoticed, and the importance of addressing root causes rather than just symptoms.
Through his story, Gary offers a message of accountability, resilience, and hope. He is passionate about helping others navigate burnout, recognize vulnerability earlier, and rebuild with purpose. His work now focuses on education, connection, and creating space for conversations that are long overdue in the healthcare community.