You’ll learn how to use two key metrics, production per day (PPD) and production per visit (PPV), to spot schedule problems, reduce day-to-day production swings, and build more stable, higher-value days without the frantic pace. Listen to Episode 1030 of The Best Practices Show!

Main Takeaways:

• Busyness and productivity are not the same thing, and a busy schedule can still produce inconsistent results.
• PPD and PPV reveal whether your schedule is intentionally designed for value or simply filled to stay busy.
• When PPD is off, production fluctuates sharply, large cases are “hoped for,” and one cancellation can derail the day.
• When PPV is off, the schedule is packed with small appointments, relies on same-day treatment or emergencies, and creates wasted time.
• Getting PPD right means working backward from annual goals to daily targets and intentionally placing larger cases to stabilize the day.
• Getting PPV right means fewer visits at higher value, with appointment lengths matched to procedure value and complexity.
• Reviewing past schedules and rating day “busyness” helps identify bottlenecks and what needs to change.

Snippets:

00:00 Metric Monday Kickoff

01:33 Meet Coach Robin

02:21 Busy Versus Productive

03:38 Key Metrics PPD PPV

03:53 When Metrics Go Wrong

06:35 When You Get It Right

08:29 Less Busy More Productive

09:43 Action Steps Today

11:02 Final Takeaways

12:00 Wrap Up And Resources

Guest Bio/Guest Resources:

Robyn Theisen brings an entire life and legacy of dental experience to the team and every team with which she works as the daughter and sister of dentists. With almost 20 years of experience in dentistry, her roles ranged from practice management to operations at Patterson Dental to coaching teams. Robyn’s passion is empowering teams to realize that they can dramatically impact the lives of the people they serve by implementing skills and systems to remove barriers to life-changing dental treatment. She has done it for decades and does it every day with dental teams.

Outside of coaching, she enjoys time with her husband, Rob, and two daughters, Emerson and Ruby. She loves traveling, music, fitness, and cheering on the Michigan State Spartans.

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/

Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa

Upcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/

Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com

Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com

You’ll learn how to work backwards from annual goals to daily targets, use block scheduling without losing flexibility, protect emergency time, and stop letting patients dictate your day. Listen to Episode 1029 of The Best Practices Show!

Main Takeaways:

• Chaos in the schedule is a design problem, not a people problem.
• Predictability in the schedule reduces stress for the doctor, the team, and the patient experience.
• A proactive schedule shifts the practice from being busy to being productive and consistently hitting goals.
• Build the schedule by working backwards from annual production goals to determine daily production targets.
• Use block scheduling across the entire week and protect block integrity by shifting blocks instead of overriding them.
• Reserve true emergency time and use separate urgency time for patients who need to get in but can’t come immediately.
• Assign a single owner of the schedule and reinforce their decisions so the system stays consistent.

Snippets:

00:00 Intro

01:45 Why a reactive schedule increases stress for the team and patients.

03:05 Predictability as a major driver of dentist and team happiness.

04:45 Why schedule chaos is a design problem, not a people problem.

05:50 What a schedule without intention looks like.

08:05 How to work backwards from annual goals to daily production targets.

10:35 Using the production-per-day feature in practice management software.

12:10 Build the schedule for the doctor’s wants first, then patient needs.

17:10 How blocks protect flow, profit, and patient access.

18:55 Why you need block scheduling across the whole week.

20:05 New patient and hygiene/perio scheduling must be intentional.

21:40 Emergency time vs. urgency time and how each should be used.

24:05 Confirming key appointments earlier and setting scheduling agreements.

25:05 One person must own the schedule and the dentist must support that role.

26:05 “Show me your schedule and I can tell you how you’ll feel at day’s end.”

27:10 Rating the day to identify what made it a 10 or a 5.

29:05 BPA resource mentioned: Ideal Day Scheduling Guide.

Guest Bio/Guest Resources:

Robyn Theisen brings an entire life and legacy of dental experience to the team and every team with which she works as the daughter and sister of dentists. With almost 20 years of experience in dentistry, her roles ranged from practice management to operations at Patterson Dental to coaching teams. Robyn’s passion is empowering teams to realize that they can dramatically impact the lives of the people they serve by implementing skills and systems to remove barriers to life-changing dental treatment. She has done it for decades and does it every day with dental teams.

Outside of coaching, she enjoys time with her husband, Rob, and two daughters, Emerson and Ruby. She loves traveling, music, fitness, and cheering on the Michigan State Spartans.

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

• The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/
• Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
• Upcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/
• Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com
• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com

You’ll learn how belief systems and “wallet biopsies” derail care, how to position assistants as clinical endorsers (not counterpoints), and how to train communication so patients hear one consistent message. Listen to Episode 1028 of The Best Practices Show!

Main Takeaways:

• Team members can unintentionally undermine treatment when they assume patients can’t afford or won’t value ideal care.
• A simple reset is asking the assistant, “If this were your mouth, what would you rather have?” and aligning the recommendation accordingly.
• The assistant’s role is to create a “perception of quality” even when the doctor is not present.
• Standing physically with (not across from) the doctor signals unity and increases patient confidence in the plan.
• Too many treatment options create confusion, and a confused mind often defaults to “no.”
• Doctors should delegate parts of the explanation intentionally so assistants can reinforce the why, answer questions, and help the patient process fees.
• Communication must be trained and rehearsed; it won’t improve by osmosis after a course, study club, or podcast.

Snippets:

00:00 Intro

01:11 Meet Debra Nash

02:10 Rural Practice Dilemma

04:41 If It Were Your Mouth

06:24 Wallet Biopsies

06:32 Dermatology Delegation Story

10:09 Moment of Truth After Doctor Leaves

10:36 Standing With The Doctor

12:03 Jargon And Too Many Choices

15:53 Training Without Scripts

17:43 Team as Patient Advocates

18:10 Veneers Parade of Shades

18:46 Investing in Staff Smiles

20:08 Retention and Loyalty Boost

20:41 Empathy vs Sympathy

23:57 Stop Apologizing for Care

25:37 Recall Value and Exams

26:23 Quality Without Doctor

27:53 Train Communication Skills

28:55 Programs and Contact Info

30:47 Final Takeaways and Wrap

Guest Bio/Guest Resources:

Debra Engelhardt-Nash has been in dentistry since 1985 as a consultant, trainer, author and speaker. She has presented workshops nationally and internationally for numerous associations and study clubs. She is a repeat presenter for organizations including Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting, the Yankee Dental Meeting, The Swedish Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the Greater New York Dental Meeting. Debra has also appeared on several podcasts and webinars and authored several articles for dental publications.

Debra served three terms as the President of the Academy of Dental Management Consultants who presented her their Lifetime Achievement Award as well as the Charles Kidd Meritorious Service Award. She is the Immediate Past President of the Academy for Private Practice Dentistry. She has been repeatedly recognized as a Leader in Consulting and Education by Dentistry Today and has been listed as top 25 Women in Dentistry. Debra is also the recipient of the Gordon Christensen Lecturer Recognition Award.

Together with her husband, Dr. Ross Nash, Debra is the co-founder of the Nash Institute for Dental Learning – a post graduate training center in cosmetic and esthetic techniques and dental business administration training.

Guest resources mentioned:

• Nash Institute for Dental Learning: https://www.thenashinstitute.com/
• Debra Engelhardt-Nash: https://debraengelhardtnash.com/
• Text Debra: 704-904-3459

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

• The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/
• Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
• Upcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/
• Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com
• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com

You’ll learn what it looks like when practices get case acceptance wrong, what “right” looks like in real conversations, and the specific behaviors and tools that move patients from “let me think about it” to scheduling before they leave. Listen to Episode 1027 of The Best Practices Show!

Main Takeaways:

1. Low case acceptance is rarely about price alone and is often rooted in missing trust and value creation.
2. Patient acceptance percentage can look strong even when dollar amount acceptance shows weak commitment to comprehensive care.
3. When practices miss trust-building, patients leave without scheduling, say “let me think about it,” and large plans sit in unscheduled treatment reports.
4. Inconsistent case acceptance between providers often reflects differences in how clearly outcomes, value, and trust are communicated.
5. When teams build trust well, patients ask curious questions, prioritize recommended care, and accept comprehensive plans at higher rates.
6. Co-discovery and co-diagnosis help patients participate in understanding their condition and choosing solutions, which increases trust and commitment.
7. Visuals like intraoral photos and properly oriented radiographs help patients see what you see and reduce confusion during treatment discussions.

Snippets:

00:00 Metric Monday Kickoff

01:55 Why Trust Drives Acceptance

04:19 Signs Youre Getting It Wrong

05:48 Patient vs Dollar Acceptance

07:39 Accountability and Assistants

10:05 What It Looks Like Right

13:13 How to Improve Today

15:01 Tools Visuals and Language

16:37 Resources and Wrap Up

Guest Bio/Guest Resources:

Miranda Beeson has over 25 years of clinical dental hygiene, front office, practice administration, and speaking experience. She is enthusiastic about communication and loves helping others find the power that words can bring to their patient interactions and practice dynamics. As a Lead Practice Coach, she is driven to create opportunities to find value in experiences and cultivate new approaches.

Miranda graduated from Old Dominion University, and enjoys spending time with her husband, Chuck, and her children, Trent, Mallory, and Cassidy. Family time is the best time, and is often spent on a golf course, a volleyball court, or spending the day boating at the beach.

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/

Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa

Upcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/

Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com

Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com

You’ll learn how to calculate your collection percentage, what numbers to watch every month, where missing money usually hides, and which daily workflows keep claims moving and prevent write-offs that shouldn’t happen. Listen to Episode 1026 of The Best Practices Show!

Main Takeaways:

1. Track your collection percentage monthly by dividing total collections by net production (after adjustments) and multiplying by 100, aiming for 98% or higher.
2. When collection percentage is below 98%, the missing money is typically found in adjustments, patient accounts receivable, or insurance accounts receivable.
3. Relying on one “hero” biller is risky; practices need repeatable systems that don’t collapse when turnover happens.
4. Most denied claims are tied to office administrative errors, often due to missing or incomplete documentation and attachments.
5. Posting insurance payments accurately is critical because incorrect write-offs and misposted EOBs can trigger audits and slow payment timelines.
6. Rejected claims can sit unseen in the clearinghouse and never reach insurance unless someone works rejections daily.
7. Claims should be followed up every 14 days with complete claim notes (date, rep, outcome, action taken, reference number, initials) until paid.

Snippets:

00:00 Welcome and Revenue Leak

01:17 Meet Ashley Bond

02:26 Ashley Origin Story

03:59 Why She Built Wisdom

05:26 Insurance Keeps Changing

06:42 Production vs Collections Reality

08:17 Calculate Collection Percentage

09:37 Find the Missing Money

15:45 Systems Not a Hero

17:13 Insurance Verification Time Sink

18:42 Insurance Breakdown Reality

19:18 What Outsourced Billing Means

20:24 Why Teams Lose Money

22:16 Core Systems And Cadence

26:18 Clean Claims And Notes

28:08 How Long To Get Paid

30:52 EOB Audits And Risk

34:07 Final Metrics To Track

35:00 Wisdom Services And Contact

36:40 Wrap Up And Next Steps

Guest Bio/Guest Resources:

Ashley Bond, Co-Founder & Chief Dental Billing Officer at Wisdom, leads our billing team, focusing on innovative solutions and training for enhanced service quality and efficiency. Previously, Ashley founded Bond Dental Billing, where she developed a nationwide billing service from her initial experience in her father's dental practice. Ashley is a proud member of the ASCA, SCN, demonstrating her commitment to professional development and excellence in the dental billing community. Ashley is passionate about continuing education in the dental community, and contributes in both editorial, and speaking capacities.

Guest Resources:

https://www.withwisdom.com/

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/

Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa

Upcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/

Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com

Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com

You’ll learn what the data says, what “respect from leadership” really looks like in day-to-day practice, and how core values and humility shape the culture that determines who you can hire. Listen to Episode 1025 of The Best Practices Show!

Main Takeaways:

1. The hygienist shortage is tied to training pipeline shifts: dental school graduations rising while hygiene graduations decline, creating a sustainability gap for practices staffed with multiple hygienists per doctor.
2. Many hygienists cite leaving for reasons that practices can influence directly: limited growth opportunities, toxic work environments, inflexible scheduling, and lack of respect from leadership.
3. Creating “oral preventive assistant” roles can further devalue hygienists and distract from fixing the actual causes of turnover.
4. Leaders who feel threatened by clinical pushback often create cultures that repel proactive hygienists and attract clinicians who won’t challenge outdated protocols.
5. A sustainable hygiene model requires clarity on expectations and systems that support diagnosis support, perio protocols, utilization, and production—not just filling chairs.
6. Practices that retain top talent invest in development, collaboration, and shared learning rather than relying on ego or “this is the way we’ve always done it.”
7. The future of independent dentistry requires intentional choices about culture, values, and team development rather than letting external forces dictate direction.

Snippets:

00:00 Podcast cold open

01:20 Meet Katrina Sanders

03:25 Panel story setup

05:48 Hygienist shortage data

10:19 OPA debate and applause

12:02 Would you hire her

16:36 Ego and leadership respect

24:47 Silver tsunami and workforce trends

28:04 Building growth and flexibility

30:17 Ego Versus Growth

31:03 Core Values Alignment

32:53 Prophy Princess Problem

33:51 Hygiene Metrics Math

37:38 You Attract Your Team

39:11 Building Values Nucleus

40:09 Why She Stays

42:40 Pick Your Direction

45:08 Max Bet Contrarian

48:49 Curiosity Over Ego

50:55 Would You Hire Her

51:27 Hire Thought Leaders

53:42 Where To Find Katrina

54:11 Exchange Perio Workshop

56:26 Team Learning Together

59:45 Final Sendoff

Guest Bio/Guest Resources:

In the ever-changing world of dental science where research, technology, and techniques for patient care are constantly evolving, dental professionals look to continuing education to provide insight, deliver actionable steps, empower, and create a dramatic impact within their clinical practice.

With wit, charm, and a dash of humor, Katrina Sanders enchants dental professionals with her course deliverables, insightful content, and delightful inspiration. Her message of empowerment rings mighty throughout her lectures and stirs a deep sense of motivation amongst course participants.

Katrina is the Clinical Liaison for AZPerio, the country's largest periodontal practice. She performs clinically, working alongside Diplomates to the American Board of Periodontology in the surgical operatory. Katrina perfected techniques during L.A.N.A.P. surgery, suture placement, IV therapy, and blood draws. She instructs on collaborative professionalism and standard-of-care protocols while delivering education through hygiene boot camps and study clubs.

Resources mentioned:

1. Website: www.katrinasanders.com
2. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedentalwinegenist/
3. Program: https://katrinasanders.com/speaking/
4. https://smilesource.com/exchange

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/

Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa

Upcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/

Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com

Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com

Listen to Episode 1024 of The Best Practices Show!

Main Takeaways:

1. Overhead should be evaluated through two lenses: spending and collections.
2. Cutting costs reactively can create team frustration and does not fix the root cause of high overhead.
3. If collections are below 100%, the practice is chasing money, accounts receivable grows, and overhead percentage rises.
4. High overhead is often tied to inconsistent expense review and emotional purchasing decisions instead of systematic ones.
5. Strong overhead performance includes consistent review of overhead buckets and budgeting supplies and lab as a percent of collections.
6. Same-day financial closure and clearer ownership of accounts receivable improve collection performance.
7. Assigning an ordering and inventory “champion” with a defined budget helps prevent overspending and product waste.

Snippets:

00:00 Metric Mondays Intro

01:30 Overhead Problem Framing

02:33 Two Lenses Overview

04:37 Common Overhead Mistakes

07:59 What Good Looks Like

10:57 Fix Collections Today

12:51 Control Spending Systems

14:20 Supply Budget Benchmarks

16:15 Labs And Invoice Checks

17:26 Wrap Up And Next Steps

Guest Bio/Guest Resources:

Miranda Beeson has over 25 years of clinical dental hygiene, front office, practice administration, and speaking experience. She is enthusiastic about communication and loves helping others find the power that words can bring to their patient interactions and practice dynamics. As a Lead Practice Coach, she is driven to create opportunities to find value in experiences and cultivate new approaches.

Miranda graduated from Old Dominion University, and enjoys spending time with her husband, Chuck, and her children, Trent, Mallory, and Cassidy. Family time is the best time, and is often spent on a golf course, a volleyball court, or spending the day boating at the beach.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

1. Smile Source Marketplace: https://smilesource.com/
2. Smile Source Transform membership: https://smilesource.com/membership-benefits-for-private-dental-practice-growth-and-success

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/

Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa

Upcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/

Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com

Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com

You’ll learn when to schedule it, what to cover, how to use KPIs to course-correct quickly, and how consistent meetings build an aligned, smarter, healthier team over time — listen to Episode 1023 of The Best Practices Show!

Main Takeaways:

1. The daily morning huddle is for patient care, and the weekly team meeting is for practice care.
2. Weekly meetings prevent misalignment by giving the team a consistent space to communicate, prioritize, and solve problems together.
3. “As-needed” meetings don’t work because issues pile up, side conversations grow, and small problems become big ones.
4. The best weekly meeting time is typically Tuesday or Wednesday morning, not Monday, not Thursday, and not over lunch.
5. Reviewing KPIs weekly turns data into decisions and allows faster course corrections when systems aren’t working.
6. A healthy culture isn’t conflict-free; weekly meetings create structured time for healthy conflict, recognition, and connection.
7. Progress comes from consistency over time, especially by breaking annual goals into quarterly priorities and working them weekly.

Snippets:

00:00 Intro

01:24 Meet Carlie Einarson

02:45 Why Weekly Meetings

05:45 Team First Mindset

06:36 Weekly Beats Monthly

09:04 Best Time To Meet

12:31 Alignment Through Vision

15:57 KPIs Make Teams Smarter

20:08 Healthy Culture And Conflict

24:51 Airplane Maintenance Wrap

27:02 Resources And Next Steps

28:35 Final Thanks And Signoff

Guest Bio/Guest Resources:

Carlie Einarson is a lead practice coach who has a passion for helping others succeed in the dental field. She loves helping to create a stable foundation for practices so both professionals and patients have a great experience every time they walk in the door!

Carlie graduated from Utah College of Dental Hygiene. She has ten years of experience in the dental field, including clinical dental hygiene, front office, and leading teams.

In her free time, she enjoys spending quality time with loved ones, traveling, skiing, playing volleyball, and golfing.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

1. Best Practices Association (BPA) resources and guides:https://www.actdental.com/free-resources/

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

1. The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/
2. Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
3. Upcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/
4. Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/
5. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com
6. Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com

Listen to Episode 1022 of The Best Practices Show!

Main Takeaways:

1. Taking care of people is different than making people feel cared for, and patients primarily feel listened to, communicated with, and given clarity.
2. Private equity has accelerated aggregation in dentistry, and tighter margins can increase the risk of decisions that ignore how patients experience care.
3. Patients may still trust their own dentist, but broader trust in dentists is eroding, making transparency and clarity more important than ever.
4. Building “care more, make more” requires systems that create connection, reinforce clarity, and build confidence to improve recall and referrals.
5. Treatment plans are often accepted at the kitchen table, so practices need to share information that patients can review after leaving the office.
6. Removing human variability by automating “robotic” tasks frees the team to do what humans do best: welcome, connect, and care.
7. When evaluating technology, the first question should be how it makes people feel, because patient experience drives growth.

Snippets:

00:00 Huge difference between taking care of people and making people feel cared for.

00:03 Bryan’s background: practice ownership, CAD/CAM training, scaling a patient engagement solution, and standards work.

00:05 “Care more, make more” and the clarity, confidence, connection framework.

00:06 Why dentistry’s recurring hygiene model attracted private equity and accelerated DSO growth.

00:09 What spreadsheets miss: the patient experience and the “silent killer” of lost confidence.

00:10 “Patients still trust their dentist, but patients don’t trust dentists.”

00:14 The biggest problem: patients are confused, and confusion destroys confidence.

00:16 Transparency as the flip side of trust and why everyone “Googles” their care.

00:22 New patient intake as a systems problem and how automation improves the human welcome.

00:25 The pathway to trust: connection, clarity, then confidence.

00:31 The technology question: “How does it make people feel?”

00:32 Where to learn more: cair.net, toothapps.com, and Bryan’s books.

Guest Bio/Guest Resources:

Dr. Bryan Laskin has spent over two decades at the intersection of healthcare, technology, and patient advocacy. As a practicing dentist, he witnessed firsthand the artificial barriers separating dental and medical care despite their profound connections. As a healthcare technology entrepreneur, he's developed innovative solutions to improve care coordination, enhance patient communication, and increase healthcare transparency.

Resources mentioned:

1. Cair (patient-facing): https://cair.net/
2. ToothApps (practice side): https://www.toothapps.com/
3. Brian’s website: https://bryanlaskin.com/
4. Books: The Patient First Manifesto https://bryanlaskin.com/patient-first-manifesto

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

1. The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/
2. Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
3. Upcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/
4. Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/
5. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com
6. Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com

Listen to Episode 1021 of The Best Practices Show!

Main Takeaways

1. Hygiene production is a lagging indicator that is built three to six months before the appointment through daily behaviors and tracking.
2. Reviewing last week or last month’s numbers shows where you were, but it doesn’t give you a chance to change those results now.
3. Reappointment rate, perio diagnosis, and perio acceptance are leading indicators that drive future hygiene production.
4. When hygiene is built poorly, teams scramble to rebuild schedules, cancellations feel disruptive, and there is little depth in future hygiene.
5. Perio diagnosis will vary by provider when the department lacks alignment, consistent protocols, and consistent verbal skills.
6. Tracking real reappointment data (patients seen vs. patients scheduled) immediately increases awareness and improves performance.
7. Focusing on one KPI for 30 days creates clarity for the team and compounds into stronger, more predictable hygiene production.

Snippets:

00:00 Hygiene production problems are built months before today.

02:16 Hygiene production is a lagging indicator driven by leading indicators.

04:22 What it looks like when hygiene is built wrong: scrambling, inconsistency, and a weak schedule.

06:33 What it looks like when you build hygiene right: stable, predictable hygiene three to six months out.

09:23 Engineer hygiene production by tracking reappointment, perio diagnosis, and perio acceptance.

11:16 The actionable first step: track patients seen vs. patients reappointed.

13:08 Use perio diagnosis by provider to find alignment gaps and improve consistency.

15:49 Pick one KPI at a time to create focus and compounding improvement.

17:13 Data removes emotion and lets the team solve the problem together.

18:35 New BPA resources added for hygiene systems and metrics.

Guest Bio/Guest Resources:

Ariel has a master’s in healthcare administration and several years of dental experience in all aspects of the administrative roles within the dental office. Her passion is to work with dental teams to empower team members to realize their full potential in order to better serve patients, improve office systems to ensure a well-functioning team/office, and to help everyone have fun in the process!

Resources mentioned in the episode:

1. Best Practices Association (BPA) resources: https://www.actdental.com/free-resources/

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

1. The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/
2. Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
3. Upcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/
4. Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/
5. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com
6. Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com

You’ll learn how thieves think, where they tend to steal (revenue vs. expense), why comparing collections to deposits matters, and how to reduce risk by trusting systems—not people. listen to Episode 1020 of The Best Practices Show!

Main Takeaways:

1. Cash is still a thief’s first choice, but declining cash payments force thieves to adapt to other methods of stealing.
2. If you don’t compare collections in your practice management software against bank deposits, even an unsophisticated thief can steal undetected.
3. Checks are easier to monetize than many dentists assume because banks scrutinize them less than they used to.
4. Electronic funds transfers can be redirected by a fraudster, and staff often post EFTs “blind” without confirming the money actually hit the account.
5. Virtual credit cards from insurers create added fees and theft risk because they function like prepaid card numbers that can be monetized.
6. Thieves are typically driven by either need (financial pressure) or greed (entitlement), and their behavior often changes as they steal.
7. Background checks, credit checks, and drug testing should be standardized for roles with access to money and sensitive systems.

Snippets:

00:00 Cash isn’t the only thing dental thieves steal.

05:00 “I don’t take much cash” is not a theft prevention plan.

06:40 Why thieves have adapted as cash collections decline.

08:10 How check processing changes made theft easier.

11:20 Why it’s “way easier” to steal now than 20–40 years ago.

12:30 EFTs aren’t bulletproof—and how redirecting deposits happens.

15:00 A safer EFT setup: separate account + monthly sweep + read-only access.

18:20 Virtual credit cards: why they’re bad and what to do about them.

21:40 Thieves are driven by need or greed.

24:00 Why access determines whether theft happens on revenue or expense.

25:10 “Compare collections against deposits” as a non-negotiable control.

28:00 Why “nice,” religious, long-tenured, or small-town staff can still steal.

29:20 Red flags: working alone early/late, weekend “catch-up,” and avoiding vacation.

31:00 How an absence exposed a $600,000 theft.

32:10 Why consultants can trigger sudden resignations.

34:40 Background checks, credit checks, drug testing, and driving records.

37:20 A real example: “Trust systems, not people.”

40:10 Why audits should be stealthy—and why telegraphing concerns is risky.

42:50 How to contact Prosperident.

Guest Bio/Guest Resources:

David Harris is a dental-exclusive forensic investigator who has spent more than three decades investigating employee theft and embezzlement in dental practices. He works with a team that conducts forensic audits and investigations focused exclusively on dentistry, helping practice owners identify risk and implement systems to reduce opportunity for theft.

Resources mentioned:

1. Prosperident: www.prosperident.com
2. Phone: 888-398-2327
3. Episode 1013: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/1013-the-6-divisions-of-duties-to-prevent/id1223838218?i=1000751483020

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

1. The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/
2. Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
3. Upcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/
4. Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/
5. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com
6. Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com

You’ll learn how to give patients clearer choices, document risk the right way, talk through outcomes without creating fear, and spot red flags before they become bigger problems—listen to Episode 1019 of The Best Practices Show!

Main Takeaways:

1. Give patients two options to simplify decisions and prevent overwhelm.
2. Explain material choices in simple terms (composite as “plastic,” porcelain as “glass”) and connect each to tradeoffs.
3. Set yourself up for success by having the key conversations before you start treatment, especially on higher-risk cases.
4. Sell the benefits of the recommended treatment before you explain what can go wrong.
5. Use photos and brief chart notes (like “reviewed photograph of crack with patient”) to document the condition and the conversation.
6. Watch for red flags like patients who fight you on treatment, arrive with multiple splints, or evaluate dentistry with magnification.
7. Manage expectations for single-tooth esthetics by defining “social distance” success and planning for follow-up adjustments.

Snippets:

00:00 Why communication before treatment matters.

01:00 Meet Dr. Dennis Hartlieb and what he teaches.

02:10 Dennis explains his practice focus and Dental Online Training.

04:10 Dennis shares his connection to Buddy Mopper and composite dentistry.

06:10 The two-option framework for a chipped anterior tooth.

07:20 “Plastic vs. glass”: how to explain composite vs. porcelain in patient language.

09:35 What Dennis says when patients ask, “What would you do, doc?”

12:45 Managing cracked teeth: using pre-op photos to document unpredictability.

16:25 Sell the benefits first, then discuss the risks.

18:05 Missing tooth conversations: step-by-step options without overwhelming patients.

20:35 Why Dennis limits choices to two options at a time.

25:10 Red flags: patients who resist treatment or “know dentistry too well.”

28:05 Splints, magnifying mirrors, and when to step back from treatment.

31:20 Setting expectations for single-tooth matching in the esthetic zone.

34:45 Fee levels based on esthetic difficulty and patient expectations.

36:20 Why Dennis prefers composite veneers for control and predictable revisions.

39:00 Final lesson: ask questions, truly listen, and pull on the thread.

41:15 Where to find Dennis: Dental Online Training and YouTube.

Guest Bio/Guest Resources:

Dr. Dennis Hartlieb is a graduate of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. He maintains a full-time practice, Chicago Beautiful Smiles, in the Chicago suburb of Glenview, Illinois. Dr. Hartlieb is an instructor at the Center for Esthetic Excellence in Chicago and is an Adjunct Associate Professor at the Marquette University School of Dentistry in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He lectures extensively to dentists throughout the U.S. on the art and science of anterior and posterior direct resin techniques.

Dr. Hartlieb is an Accredited Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He is also a member of the prestigious American Academy of Restorative Dentistry, and the American Dental Association. He is the president of the Chicago Academy of Interdisciplinary Dentofacial Therapy, and officer for the Chicago Academy of Dental Research study club. His dentistry has been seen in many dental publications and he has contributed articles on his techniques in restorative dentistry.

1. Dental Online Training: https://www.dothandson.com/
2. Dr. Hartlieb’s email: hartliebdds@dothandson.com
3. Dr. Hartlieb’s Facebook: / dennishartliebdds
4. Dr. Hartlieb’s social media: @hartliebdds

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

1. The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/
2. Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
3. Upcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/
4. Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/
5. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com
6. Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com

Listen to Episode 1018 of The Best Practices Show!

Main Takeaways:

1. Gross production can look successful while net production reveals whether the practice is actually healthy.
2. The “effort gap” is the difference between what you produce and what you will realistically collect after adjustments and write-offs.
3. When the effort gap is high, the team isn’t lacking effort—it’s performing dentistry that won’t be collected, which creates the feeling of heaviness.
4. You don’t get paid on gross production, but you still pay overhead on gross production, which makes the gap more damaging as the practice grows.
5. Converting the effort gap into “days worked for free” helps quantify how much time and energy is being donated to adjustments.
6. Tracking both gross and net production allows you to see the effort being spent and the money actually retained, so you can make informed decisions.
7. Breaking adjustments into categories (membership, elective discounts, and insurance by plan) creates transparency and shows exactly where to start improving.

Snippets:

00:00 Intro

01:15 Why “numbers look good” can still feel heavy.

02:15 The effort gap: gross production vs. net production.

03:15 Why gross production is a false proxy in today’s dentistry.

04:20 You don’t get paid on gross production, but you pay out on it.

07:05 Bigger isn’t always better: adjusted EBITDA and what a large practice is really worth.

08:10 Turning the effort gap into an “energy quotient.”

10:55 Track both gross and net production to manage effort and collections.

12:10 How to calculate your effort gap using the last 12 months.

13:20 Break adjustments into categories to find the biggest drivers.

15:00 Clean reporting: track insurance adjustments by plan, not one bucket.

16:40 The first step is finding where the heaviness is coming from.

Guest Bio/Guest Resources:

Ariel has a master’s in healthcare administration and several years of dental experience in all aspects of the administrative roles within the dental office. Her passion is to work with dental teams to empower team members to realize their full potential in order to better serve patients, improve office systems to ensure a well-functioning team/office, and to help everyone have fun in the process!

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

1. The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/
2. Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
3. Upcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/
4. Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/
5. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com
6. Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com

You’ll learn how to redefine occlusion beyond tooth contacts, how disc displacement changes the bite, why many “malocclusions” should be considered joint-driven until proven otherwise, and how better diagnosis can create a restorative diagnostic practice model that attracts the right patients. listen to Episode 1017 of The Best Practices Show!

Main Takeaways

1. Occlusion must be defined as both how the teeth fit together and how the joints fit together, because joint position drives tooth position.
2. Many cases that stall in treatment planning stall because the dentist doesn’t know how to manage occlusion and TMD variables.
3. Clicking and popping joints are most often ligament tears that create a disc displacement, not “stretching” that resolves on its own.
4. Instead of asking how to remove a posterior interference, the better question is why the interference exists in the first place.
5. Class II malocclusions are often related to joint conditions, and the disc-condyle relationship can explain why the mandible isn’t forward enough.
6. If you wait for TMJ pain to appear, you are often late, because many adult TMD presentations started during growth years.
7. Diagnosis requires appropriate imaging, and evaluating only hard tissue can miss the disc-condyle interface that drives growth and occlusal change.

Snippets:

00:00 Podcast Welcome

01:10 Meet Dr Jim McKee

02:25 Young Dentist Challenges

04:17 Why Occlusion Stalls Cases

07:02 Redefining Occlusion

08:26 Class Two Joint Clues

11:34 Disc Displacement Basics

13:25 Injury Causes Clicking

14:47 Gasket Analogy Explained

17:39 Posterior Interference Rethink

21:00 Reading Patient Red Flags

22:53 Growth Airway MRI Debate

26:16 Supporting Orthodontists Better

27:21 Malocclusion Is Joint Driven

28:02 Prevalence And Planting Seeds

30:29 Diagnostic Records Practice Model

31:50 Fees And Low Stress Workflow

33:15 Rethinking Orofacial Pain

36:40 Bruxism And Sympathetic Drive

38:50 Patients Are Not Crazy

40:01 Imaging Before Appliances

41:37 TMD As Practice Growth Engine

43:19 Referrals And Study Clubs

44:33 Chicago Study Club And Courses

47:52 Wrap Up And Resources

Guest Bio/Guest Resource:

Dr. Jim McKee is a restorative dentist and educator focused on occlusion, TMD, and restorative diagnosis. He is a member of the Spear Resident Faculty. He has maintained a private practice since 1984 in Downers Grove, Illinois, where he treats a wide variety of cases with a focus on predictable restorative dentistry. He is a member of the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry and former president of the American Equilibration Society. He has lectured both nationally and internationally for over 25 years and directs several study clubs. Dr. McKee graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1980 and earned his dental degree from the University of Illinois College of Dentistry in 1984.

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

1. The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/
2. Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
3. Upcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/
4. Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/
5. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com
6. Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com

You’ll learn how to evaluate your patient mix, identify low-hanging fruit plans to drop first, communicate changes without blaming insurance, and redesign systems so your team can focus on people work instead of paperwork—listen to Episode 1016 of The Best Practices Show!

Main Takeaways

1. A survey of dental marketers’ client data reported that 29% of participating practices stopped taking insurance in 2025.
2. Leaving insurance rarely fails when doctors do due diligence on patient concentration, capacity, and fee schedules before making changes.
3. Doctors should prioritize dropping low-reimbursement plans and plans with low patient volume instead of quitting all plans at once.
4. If a practice is booked out for months with in-network patients while losing money on those visits, reducing PPO participation can open capacity for higher-fee care.
5. Successful transitions require team alignment, consistent messaging, and avoiding language that blames insurers or frames the decision as “about the money.”
6. Practices should reframe insurance as an employer-provided allowance that helps offset care rather than something that determines the standard of care.
7. Outsourcing insurance and billing work can help teams focus on patients, keep up with code changes, and improve claim outcomes.

Snippets:

00:00 Intro

02:20 The survey source and the 29% statistic from 2025.

03:15 Why some in-network hygiene visits can lose money.

05:20 The “40% cut” example to explain PPO economics to teams.

06:25 Why dentists don’t go back once they leave insurance.

07:10 The Anchorage example: when a single employer dominates the patient base.

08:10 If you’re booked out for months, cutting low-fee volume can create room.

09:15 How umbrella plans expanded participation without doctors realizing it.

10:10 Start with low-hanging fruit plans and lowest reimbursement fee schedules.

12:05 The reminder: about 50% of Americans don’t have dental insurance.

13:20 How many active patients a solo doctor with two hygienists actually needs.

15:15 Why the patient conversation should focus on quality of care, not fees.

17:05 What callers ask first—and how to answer the insurance question.

18:05 Predicting the future: hybrid models based on practice profile.

20:10 “Roleplay” reframed as upskilling the team.

23:05 Outsourcing insurance to specialists so teams do people work.

24:00 72 insurance code changes in 2025 and why that matters.

25:15 The biggest fear: upsetting the team, not the patients.

30:55 The transition checklist: due diligence, team prep, timelines, and letters.

33:00 Where to find Deborah and request the insurance letter template.

Guest Bio/Guest Resources

Debra Engelhardt-Nash has been in dentistry since 1985 as a consultant, trainer, author and speaker. She has presented workshops nationally and internationally for numerous associations and study clubs. She is a repeat presenter for organizations including Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting, the Yankee Dental Meeting, The Swedish Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the Greater New York Dental Meeting. Debra has also appeared on several podcasts and webinars and authored several articles for dental publications.

Debra served three terms as the President of the Academy of Dental Management Consultants who presented her their Lifetime Achievement Award as well as the Charles Kidd Meritorious Service Award. She is the Immediate Past President of the Academy for Private Practice Dentistry. She has been repeatedly recognized as a Leader in Consulting and Education by Dentistry Today and has been listed as top 25 Women in Dentistry. Debra is also the recipient of the Gordon Christensen Lecturer Recognition Award.

Guest Resources:

1. Deborah Engelhart Nash website: https://debraengelhardtnash.com/
2. Text: 704-904-3459

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

1. The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/
2. Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
3. Upcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/
4. Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/
5. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com
6. Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com

You’ll learn what low versus high APV typically looks like in day-to-day operations, what changes when you start improving it, and the first step to take this week to decide whether your current model matches your vision—listen to Episode 1015 of The Best Practices Show!

Main Takeaways

1. APV is calculated by dividing the last 12 months of collections by your active patient count.
2. APV is not just a number; it reflects the business model your practice is operating within.
3. A low APV often correlates with a high-volume, low-margin practice that feels constantly busy and stressed.
4. A higher APV allows a practice to rely on fewer patient visits while improving collections and protecting time.
5. Write-offs and insurance contractual adjustments are major drivers of a lower APV and can limit profitability.
6. Improving APV typically requires greater consistency in diagnosis, a strong periodontal protocol, and intentional scheduling strategy.
7. The first step is awareness: calculate your APV and decide if it aligns with the type of practice you want to build.

Snippets

00:00 Metric Mondays Intro

01:24 Meet Miranda and The Big Question

02:58 What Annual Patient Value Means

05:11 How to Calculate APV

06:51 Low APV Warning Signs

09:01 High APV Benefits and Mindset Shift

13:38 Real World Results and Freedom

15:23 What to Do This Week

17:27 Resources and Final Wrap Up

Guest Bio/Guest Resources

Miranda Beeson has over 25 years of clinical dental hygiene, front office, practice administration, and speaking experience. She is enthusiastic about communication and loves helping others find the power that words can bring to their patient interactions and practice dynamics. As a Lead Practice Coach, she is driven to create opportunities to find value in experiences and cultivate new approaches.

Miranda graduated from Old Dominion University, and enjoys spending time with her husband, Chuck, and her children, Trent, Mallory, and Cassidy. Family time is the best time, and is often spent on a golf course, a volleyball court, or spending the day boating at the beach.

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

1. The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/
2. Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
3. Upcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/
4. Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/
5. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com
6. Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com

To learn how to find the sweet spot on the conflict continuum and create healthier conversations in your practice, listen to Episode 1014 of The Best Practices Show!

Main Takeaways

1. Artificial harmony looks peaceful on the surface, but unresolved issues build underneath and erode trust over time.
2. Conflict is not the same as confrontation; it is differing perceptions or approaches that can be discussed respectfully.
3. Avoiding conflict often leads to intensity later, which triggers defensiveness and makes resolution harder.
4. Productive conflict strengthens decisions by stress-testing ideas and increasing team buy-in, even when not everyone “wins.”
5. Leaders must be intentional about creating psychological safety and trust before a team can debate issues constructively.
6. Structured meeting tools and regular check-ins reduce emotional flooding and prevent small issues from becoming crises.
7. Leaders should resist the “writing reflex” and allow space for discussion before jumping to correction or closing the loop.

Snippets

00:00 Artificial Harmony Intro

01:25 Meet Miranda Beason

04:50 Defining Artificial Harmony

09:52 Conflict Continuum Framework

12:10 Toxic Positivity Signs

18:43 Miranda Meeting Story

22:25 Building Productive Conflict

25:44 Control Your Response

27:06 24 Hour Rule

27:48 Phones Kill The Pause

29:11 Healthy Team Conflict

32:18 Styles And Trust

34:09 Check In Case Study

37:20 Leaders Build Frameworks

39:50 User Manuals For Teams

41:03 Final Takeaways

45:28 Tools And Resources

47:42 Closing Encouragement

Guest Bio/Guest Resources

Miranda Beeson has over 25 years of clinical dental hygiene, front office, practice administration, and speaking experience. She is enthusiastic about communication and loves helping others find the power that words can bring to their patient interactions and practice dynamics. As a Lead Practice Coach, she is driven to create opportunities to find value in experiences and cultivate new approaches.

Miranda graduated from Old Dominion University, and enjoys spending time with her husband, Chuck, and her children, Trent, Mallory, and Cassidy. Family time is the best time, and is often spent on a golf course, a volleyball court, or spending the day boating at the beach.

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

1. The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/
2. Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
3. Upcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/
4. Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/
5. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com
6. Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com

In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back David Harris, dental-exclusive forensic investigator and embezzlement expert, to break down the division of duties in a dental practice and explain how to apply it in real workflows. You’ll learn the six-step revenue cycle, the three rules that reduce opportunity for theft, and practical ways to create checks and balances in both large and small practices. Listen to Episode 1013 of The Best Practices Show!

Main Takeaways

1. Embezzlement requires both theft and concealment, and separating duties makes concealment harder.
2. Enter treatment in the operatory by the clinician present so patient balances exist before payments are taken.
3. Start by entering the full fee and use adjustments to document intentional discounts.
4. In the revenue cycle, limit any one person to no more than two financial tasks.
5. Do not allow the same person to perform consecutive steps in the financial workflow.
6. Balancing must occur daily, even though it is more complex now due to multiple payment methods and timing delays.
7. Practice owners should reconcile monthly by comparing collections in software to bank deposits and tracking variances over time.

Snippets

00:00 Welcome

01:49 Meet David Harris

03:33 How Common Embezzlement Is

06:58 Why Division Matters

11:03 Revenue Cycle Breakdown

12:27 Rule One Enter Treatment

17:22 Rule Two Limit Roles

19:53 Small Practice Workarounds

21:18 Mail Check Oversight

23:11 Balancing Gets Complex

25:59 Monthly Reconciliation Method

28:35 Spotting Theft Patterns

31:01 Trust Systems Not People

33:59 Discreet Audit Options

35:20 Risk Assessment Tools

37:33 How to Contact Them

38:47 Closing Takeaways

Guest Bio/Guest Resources

David Harris is a dental-exclusive forensic investigator who has spent more than three decades investigating employee theft and embezzlement in dental practices. He works with a team that conducts forensic audits and investigations focused exclusively on dentistry, helping practice owners identify risk and implement systems to reduce opportunity for theft.

Resources mentioned:

1. Prosperident: https://www.prosperident.com

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

1. The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/
2. Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
3. Upcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/
4. Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/
5. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com
6. Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com

Main Takeaways

1. More data does not create clarity unless the practice has clear priorities and a defined direction.
2. Annual planning works best when it’s translated into quarterly priorities that connect to day-to-day execution.
3. When focus is missing, leadership often reacts to what feels urgent or “loud” instead of following a strategy.
4. Practices build momentum when they choose two to four priorities for a 12-week quarter and measure progress consistently.
5. Tracking fewer, quarter-specific metrics is more effective than maintaining a constant list of 30–40 KPIs.
6. Weekly reporting improves a team’s ability to make timely changes compared to waiting until the end of the month.
7. Metrics gain traction when leaders clearly communicate the purpose, the team’s role, and how the focus supports the patient experience.

Snippets

00:00 Metric Monday Kickoff: Data Doesn’t Fix Everything

01:57 Meet Miranda: Most Practices Have a Focus Problem

02:40 Why Data Creates Alignment (and Removes Emotion)

04:52 When You Get It Wrong: Chaos, Fires, and Moving Targets

08:11 Real-World ‘Loud’ Moments: Snow Days, Short Months & Panic

09:44 When You Get It Right: Annual Goals → Quarterly Priorities

13:06 Leading vs. Lagging Indicators: Staying Calm Under Pressure

14:27 What You Can Do Today: Pick a Focus + Track the Right KPIs

16:28 Report Weekly, Celebrate Wins, and Tie Metrics to Patient Experience

17:47 Wrap-Up: Get Help, Stay Focused, and Build a Better Practice

Guest Bio/Guest Resources

Miranda Beeson has over 25 years of clinical dental hygiene, front office, practice administration, and speaking experience. She is enthusiastic about communication and loves helping others find the power that words can bring to their patient interactions and practice dynamics. As a Lead Practice Coach, she is driven to create opportunities to find value in experiences and cultivate new approaches.

Miranda graduated from Old Dominion University, and enjoys spending time with her husband, Chuck, and her children, Trent, Mallory, and Cassidy. Family time is the best time, and is often spent on a golf course, a volleyball court, or spending the day boating at the beach.

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

1. The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/
2. Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
3. Upcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/
4. Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/
5. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com
6. Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com

Main Takeaways

1. Private practice protects the dentist’s freedom to make key decisions that support quality and patient-first care.
2. Motivation, attention to detail, and passion can decline when a practice is sold and clinical decisions are influenced by outside ownership.
3. Quality in dentistry is not scalable, and it typically drops as practices grow beyond a size that can be closely managed.
4. The temptation to scale often hits when a dentist reaches a ceiling on fees but demand continues to grow.
5. Independent dentists can gain many advantages of large organizations by joining a real community that offers support and shared resources.
6. The increasing demands of technology, marketing, leadership, and management are pressuring private practitioners and fueling DSO interest.
7. Many dentists who sell are financially relieved but still want their freedom back once non-compete periods end.

Snippets

00:00 Intro – Protecting Independent Private Practice

01:12 Why Private Practice Matters

02:45 Introducing Dr. Christian Coachman

04:10 Celebrating the Freedom of Ownership

06:30 The Current Challenges Facing Private Dentists

08:55 The Mindset Shift Required to Stay Independent

11:20 Why Community and Collaboration Matter

13:40 Innovation in Modern Private Practice

16:05 The Future of Independent Dentistry

18:30 Why Events Like The Exchange Matter

20:10 Final Thoughts – Choosing Freedom Intentionally21:32 Outro

Guest Bio/Guest Resources

Dr. Christian Coachman is a dentist and dental technician known internationally for his work in dental communication, treatment planning, and interdisciplinary collaboration. He is the founder of Digital Smile Design and has spent decades working inside dental practices, observing patient interactions, and teaching clinicians how to communicate more effectively with patients and teams. He lectures globally and consults with dentists seeking to improve trust, case acceptance, and long-term patient relationships.

Guest resources mentioned in the episode:

1. Digital Smile Design: https://digitalsmiledesign.com
2. Dr. Christian Coachman on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chriscoachman

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/

Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa

Upcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/

Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com

Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com

In this episode, Kirk Behrendt interviews Dr. Bob Margeas, founder of Iowa Dental Group in Des Moines, Iowa, about how he evaluated multiple DSO offers, broke down EBITDA and earn-outs, and ultimately chose a different transition strategy. They discuss adjusted EBITDA, recap risk, associate buy-ins, creative ownership structures, and why equity matters more than a headline purchase price. If you’re considering selling your practice — or simply want to understand your options — listen to Episode 1010 of The Best Practices Show!

Main Takeaways

1. EBITDA is calculated differently than a dentist’s net income and often includes add-backs that significantly change a practice’s valuation.
2. Most DSOs evaluate practices on an accrual basis rather than cash basis accounting, which affects perceived profitability.
3. Earn-outs and recapitalization payouts are tied to performance and market conditions and are not guaranteed.
4. Selling to a DSO typically requires the dentist to stay for several years, effectively replacing future EBITDA with the sale proceeds.
5. Structuring an associate buy-in based on trailing three-year profits can allow debt to be serviced without increasing production.
6. Ownership equity creates long-term wealth potential that an associate-only model does not provide.
7. Dentists who are financially independent have more flexibility and leverage when evaluating transition options.

Snippets

1. 00:00 Intro
2. 03:00 The difference between a DSO and a DPO.
3. 05:00 Understanding EBITDA and common add-backs.
4. 08:00 Why DSOs prefer accrual accounting over cash basis.
5. 10:00 How earn-outs and clawbacks work.
6. 13:30 Hiring an associate based on personality and communication skills.
7. 15:00 Structuring a 20% buy-in using trailing three-year profits.
8. 17:00 Reducing clinical days while maintaining profitability.
9. 21:00 Merging practices into a holding company model.
10. 24:00 Why saving early creates flexibility at transition.
11. 30:00 “I’m just a referee” — communicating treatment without pressure.
12. 34:00 Why equity ownership is essential for long-term wealth.

Guest Bio/Guest Resources

Dr. Bob Margeas is the founder of Iowa Dental Group in Des Moines, Iowa. He is a nationally recognized clinician and educator known for his expertise in restorative dentistry, financial management, and practice efficiency. Dr. Margeas lectures to study clubs and professional groups across the country and mentors dentists on both clinical and business systems. Dr. Margeas welcomes dentists to observe him in practice by contacting his office directly.

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

1. The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/
2. Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
3. Upcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/
4. Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/
5. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com
6. Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com

Main Takeaways

1. Lagging indicators show what has already happened in a practice and cannot be changed once reported.
2. Leading indicators help predict future outcomes and guide daily and weekly behavior.
3. Practices that focus only on lagging indicators often feel blindsided and become reactive under pressure.
4. Tracking leading indicators weekly allows leaders to correct course before the end of the month.
5. Hygiene reappointment, diagnostic percentage, and case acceptance are examples of leading indicators that influence production.
6. Teams engage more effectively when they understand which daily actions influence practice results.

Snippets

1. 00:52 Leading indicators versus lagging indicators and why both matter.
2. 02:28 Why lagging indicators create reactive leadership and team stress.
3. 03:50 Using hygiene metrics to predict future production.
4. 06:11 Planning ahead for known schedule disruptions like holidays.
5. 07:38 What it looks like when practices rely only on lagging indicators.
6. 09:42 How leadership changes when leading indicators are used correctly.
7. 11:39 Tracking diagnostic percentage and case acceptance week over week.
8. 14:47 A simple first step to start using leading indicators today.

Guest Bio/Guest Resources

Miranda Beeson has over 25 years of clinical dental hygiene, front office, practice administration, and speaking experience. She is enthusiastic about communication and loves helping others find the power that words can bring to their patient interactions and practice dynamics. As a Lead Practice Coach, she is driven to create opportunities to find value in experiences and cultivate new approaches.

Miranda graduated from Old Dominion University and enjoys spending time with her husband, Chuck, and her children, Trent, Mallory, and Cassidy. Family time is the best time, and is often spent on a golf course, a volleyball court, or spending the day boating at the beach.

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

1. The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/
2. Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
3. Upcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/
4. Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/
5. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com
6. Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com

In this episode, Kirk Behrendt interviews Dr. Adamo Notarantonio, educator, clinician, and faculty member at the Kois Center, about the critical differences between online and in-person learning. They discuss why hands-on training, mentorship, and layered learning are essential for developing technical skill, clinical judgment, and the ability to think under pressure.

You’ll learn how to adopt CE with patience, how to avoid the social media comparison trap, and why real growth requires more than watching a video. If you want to elevate your thinking and your results, listen to Episode 1008 of The Best Practices Show!

Main Takeaways

1. In-person, hands-on education is essential for mastering clinical techniques that cannot be fully learned through online videos.
2. True clinical growth requires repetition, deliberate practice, and mentorship over time.
3. Social media often presents highlight reels that do not reflect the full clinical reality behind cases.
4. The ability to think outside the box during unexpected clinical situations separates good clinicians from great clinicians.
5. Layered learning—lecture, hands-on application, mentorship, and case review—deepens understanding and improves implementation.
6. Dentists should focus on competing with themselves rather than comparing their work to others.
7. Adopting CE effectively requires patience and a long-term mindset rather than seeking rapid results.

Snippets

1. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome
2. 00:18 Meet Adamo: A Special Guest
3. 01:20 The Importance of Continuing Education
4. 02:48 Adamo's Journey and Career Changes
5. 04:15 Hands-On Learning vs. Online Education
6. 07:43 The Value of In-Person Training
7. 09:48 Thinking Outside the Box in Dentistry
8. 12:22 Mindset and Continuous Learning
9. 14:47 The Reality of Social Media in Dentistry
10. 16:29 The Reality of Before and After
11. 16:41 The Trust Factor with Instagram
12. 16:58 AI in Dentistry Presentations
13. 17:29 The Importance of Clinical Tips
14. 18:20 The Role of Educators in Dentistry
15. 20:27 Understanding Constricted Chewing Patterns
16. 21:53 The Value of Layered Learning
17. 23:48 The Future of Continuing Education (CE)
18. 24:50 Shadowing and Mentorship in Dentistry
19. 27:42 Final Thoughts on Adopting CE
20. 29:25 Where to Learn More About Adamo
21. 31:01 Conclusion and Podcast Wrap-Up

Guest Bio/Guest Resources

Dr. Adamo Notarantonio is a practicing dentist, speaker, and educator who serves as faculty at the Kois Center. He is a past president of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and has earned accreditation status within the organization. Dr. Notarantonio lectures nationally and teaches hands-on composite and restorative courses. He previously owned a private practice in Long Island, New York, and now practices as an associate while focusing extensively on education and mentorship.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adamoelvis/

Course website: https://www.imprescourses.com/

Kois Center: https://www.koiscenter.com/

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

1. The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/
2. Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
3. Upcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/
4. Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/
5. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com
6. Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com

Main Takeaways:

1. Most recurring daily problems in a dental practice are caused by missing or unclear systems rather than individual team performance.
2. Systems create predictability, which leads to less stress, better patient experiences, and more consistent outcomes for doctors and teams.
3. Practices should aim to be systems-driven instead of people-dependent to avoid burnout and constant staff additions.
4. Effective systems start with a clearly defined “why” that connects directly to patient experience and team success.
5. The best systems are created collaboratively during dedicated team meeting time, not by the doctor alone or outside of work hours.
6. Systems should be specific, step-by-step, and written clearly so anyone in the practice can follow them when needed.
7. Systems must be treated as living tools that are reviewed, updated, and improved as the practice grows and changes.

Snippets:

1. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome
2. 00:08 The Importance of Systems in Dentistry
3. 01:28 Meet Christina Burn: Director of Operations
4. 02:30 Common Issues in Dental Practices
5. 03:23 Creating Effective Systems
6. 05:52 The Why Behind Systems
7. 09:58 Implementing and Refining Systems
8. 13:22 The 80% Approach to System Development
9. 16:02 Specificity in Systems
10. 20:32 Living Systems: Continuous Improvement
11. 25:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Guest Bio/Guest Resources:

Christina Byrne is the Director of Operations at ACT Dental, where she oversees coaching alignment, system development, and operational consistency across practices nationwide. She works closely with dental teams to help them build scalable systems that improve predictability, accountability, and long-term practice performance. In this episode, Christina references ACT Dental resources including the Analyzing Existing Systems document, the master systems checklist, and the systems and checklist support guide available through the Best Practices Association.

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

1. The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/
2. Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
3. Upcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/
4. Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/
5. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com
6. Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com

Main Takeaways

1. Leading from feelings creates reactive decision-making and inconsistency for the team.
2. Metrics reveal patterns over time and provide an objective truth that removes emotion from leadership conversations.
3. Data-driven leadership allows teams to align around priorities and solve problems instead of chasing anxiety.
4. Reviewing metrics consistently helps leaders respond thoughtfully rather than react emotionally.
5. Sharing data weekly builds accountability and ownership across the entire team.
6. Measuring and reporting on a focus area regularly accelerates improvement.
7. Verifying emotional reactions with data builds trust and credibility as a leader.

Snippets

1. 01:43 Why today’s Metric Monday focuses on feelings versus data.
2. 02:18 How leading with data creates smarter leadership decisions.
3. 03:20 How personal bias disappears when data is introduced.
4. 04:38 What reactive leadership looks like in a dental practice.
5. 06:05 Why leading with feelings creates inconsistency for teams.
6. 07:42 How teams unify when data is shared consistently.
7. 08:45 Using weekly reporting to drive improvement.
8. 10:18 Pausing emotional reactions and verifying them with data.
9. 13:25 Asking which KPI confirms or challenges a feeling.
10. 14:50 Using capacity data to validate schedule concerns.
11. 15:45 Why coaches help remove emotional stories from leadership decisions.

Guest Bio/Guest Resources

Miranda Beeson has over 25 years of clinical dental hygiene, front office, practice administration, and speaking experience. She is enthusiastic about communication and loves helping others find the power that words can bring to their patient interactions and practice dynamics. As a Lead Practice Coach, she is driven to create opportunities to find value in experiences and cultivate new approaches.

Miranda graduated from Old Dominion University and enjoys spending time with her husband, Chuck, and her children, Trent, Mallory, and Cassidy. Family time is the best time, and is often spent on a golf course, a volleyball court, or spending the day boating at the beach.

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

1. The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/
2. Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
3. Upcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/
4. Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/
5. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com
6. Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com

Main Takeaways

1. Seven hours is the minimum sleep needed for most adults to avoid ongoing sleep deprivation.
2. “Catching up” on sleep over the weekend does not fully reverse the effects of several nights of poor sleep.
3. Morning outdoor light exposure helps reset circadian rhythm and supports falling asleep more easily at night.
4. Daily physical activity builds physiological sleep drive beyond mental fatigue from a long clinical day.
5. Alcohol can make you feel sedated but reduces deep sleep quality and interferes with memory consolidation and emotional regulation.
6. Eating within three hours of bedtime can reduce sleep quality because the body is focused on digestion.
7. Evening light control, including avoiding bright overhead LED lighting and late-night scrolling, supports melatonin and sleep depth.

Snippets

1. 01:56 Seven hours as the minimum, and how being awake too long affects performance.
2. 03:44 Why “sleep debt” can’t be repaid on weekends.
3. 06:23 Morning sunlight and outdoor exposure to reset circadian rhythm.
4. 09:35 Why sedentary days reduce true sleep drive, even when you feel mentally exhausted.
5. 11:28 Alcohol as sedation vs. sleep, and what it does to deep sleep and retention.
6. 17:35 Eating close to bedtime and the impact on sleep quality.
7. 18:45 Managing evening light by avoiding overhead LEDs after sunset.
8. 20:35 Doomscrolling, dopamine hits, and how small amounts of light disrupt physiology.
9. 24:10 “Become a sleep master” before chasing other wellness tools.

Guest Bio/Guest Resources

Dr. Uche Odiatu has a DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine). He is a professional member of the ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine), a Certified Personal Trainer NSCA (National Strength & Conditioning Association), and the Canadian Association of Fitness Professionals (canfitpro). He is the co-author of The Miracle of Health and has lectured in Canada, the USA, the Caribbean, the UK, and Europe. He is an invited guest on over 400 TV and radio shows, from ABC 20/20, Canada CTV AM, Breakfast TV, to Magic Sunday Drum FM in Texas. This high-energy healthcare professional has done over 450 lectures in seven countries over the last 15 years.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fitspeakers/

Website: https://www.druche.com/

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

1. The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/
2. Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
3. Upcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/
4. Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/
5. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com
6. Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com

Main Takeaways

1. A leave of absence typically applies when an employee will be out for more than one week and may trigger state or federal protections.
2. The reason for the leave determines which laws apply, so employers must clearly document whether the leave is due to pregnancy, medical conditions, mental health, or family care.
3. Mental health conditions are medical conditions and may qualify for protected leave under disability laws.
4. Every leave of absence should have a documented start date and an estimated return date to prevent confusion and legal risk.
5. Medical certifications and job descriptions are essential tools for determining work restrictions and accommodations.
6. Most leaves of absence are unpaid, but accrued PTO is usually used at the beginning of the leave as wage replacement.
7. Employees on protected leave generally must be reinstated to the same role, pay, and hours unless the position is legitimately eliminated.

Snippets

1. 00:39 What qualifies as a leave of absence versus regular sick time.
2. 02:06 Why state and federal leave laws vary by location and practice size.
3. 04:18 Mental health as a protected medical condition.
4. 07:38 Pregnancy and disability protections explained.
5. 10:40 Why every leave needs a defined return date.
6. 13:27 Risks of replacing an employee on protected leave.
7. 14:21 Medical certification and job descriptions.
8. 17:38 Accommodations and undue hardship.
9. 19:29 Health insurance and benefits during leave.
10. 20:55 Using accrued PTO during a leave of absence.
11. 24:27 Medical release and return-to-work requirements.
12. 27:33 When a leave of absence is not legally protected.
13. 30:40 Documentation tips to protect the practice.

Guest Bio/Guest Resources

Alan Twigg is an HR specialist with Ben Erickson Administrative Services, where he advises dental practices on employment law, compliance, and human resources best practices. He works closely with dentists to help them navigate complex issues such as leaves of absence, accommodations, documentation, and employee relations.

Guest resource mentioned:

https://bentericksen.com/alan-twigg/

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

1. The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/
2. Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
3. Upcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/
4. Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/
5. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com
6. Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com

Main Takeaways

1. Marketing percentage measures the total percentage of revenue spent on both internal and external marketing efforts.
2. The general benchmark for marketing spend is around 3%, depending on whether a practice is in growth or maintenance mode.
3. Effective marketing fuels new patient growth while also strengthening the practice brand.
4. Internal marketing systems and patient experience must align with external marketing efforts.
5. Tracking return on investment requires comparing marketing spend to new patient numbers and resulting production.
6. High marketing spend without strong systems can result in poor conversions and wasted dollars.

Snippets

00:56 What marketing percentage measures

01:44 The 3% benchmark and why it varies

03:07 How marketing impacts new patient growth and branding

04:22 Why more new patients is not always better

06:52 Using ROI to evaluate marketing effectiveness

08:12 How to respond when marketing percentage is too high

10:03 Using call and conversion data to diagnose marketing performance

11:34 Final Thoughts on Marketing Strategies

Guest Bio/Guest Resources

Ariel has a master’s in healthcare administration and several years of dental experience in all aspects of the administrative roles within the dental office. Her passion is to work with dental teams to empower team members to realize their full potential in order to better serve patients, improve office systems to ensure a well-functioning team/office, and to help everyone have fun in the process!

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

1. The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/
2. Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
3. Upcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/
4. Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/
5. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com
6. Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com

Main Takeaways:

1. Communication skills have a greater impact on patient trust and case acceptance than clinical outcomes alone.
2. Failing to give proper context is one of the most common communication mistakes dentists make with patients and teams.
3. Asking better, more complete questions leads to better answers and more efficient collaboration.
4. Confidence without humility sounds arrogant, while humility without confidence sounds weak; effective communication requires both.
5. Dentists rarely practice communication skills, which leads to repeated mistakes over long careers.
6. Explaining dentistry by “thinking out loud” or using jargon confuses patients and erodes trust.
7. Showing patients visual information builds trust more effectively than selling or persuading verbally.

Snippets:

1. 07:35 Why communication determines how far you go in dentistry.
2. 08:18 The problem with not giving patients enough context.
3. 13:27 Why poorly formed questions waste time and limit answers.
4. 20:44 Confidence versus humility in patient communication.
5. 26:46 Why dentists need to practice communication like a clinical skill.
6. 33:49 How selling dentistry destroys trust while showing builds it.
7. 38:09 Why love and trust come from communication, not clinical work alone.

Dr. Christian Coachman Bio:

Dr. Christian Coachman is a dentist and dental technician known internationally for his work in dental communication, treatment planning, and interdisciplinary collaboration. He is the founder of Digital Smile Design and has spent decades working inside dental practices, observing patient interactions, and teaching clinicians how to communicate more effectively with patients and teams. He lectures globally and consults with dentists seeking to improve trust, case acceptance, and long-term patient relationships.

1. Digital Smile Design: https://digitalsmiledesign.com
2. Dr. Christian Coachman on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chriscoachman
3. 
   

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

1. The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/
2. Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
3. Upcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/
4. Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/
5. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com
6. Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com

Main Takeaways:

1. Dental photography helps clinicians get out of their own way by letting patients see conditions instead of hearing long explanations.
2. What dentists find impressive in photos is often different from what patients want to see, which is typically full-face smiles and relatable transformations.
3. Consistent photography strengthens a practice’s brand and helps patients recognize what services are possible.
4. Treating camera equipment as an investment requires daily use; unused equipment produces no return.
5. Reviewing clinical photos allows dentists to self-critique and continuously improve their restorative outcomes.
6. Photography improves communication with labs and specialists by providing clearer information and better collaboration.

Snippets:

1. 02:20 Who Dr. Zach Sisler is and how his practice evolved.
2. 05:00 Why dental photography is a non-negotiable for modern practices.
3. 07:47 How photography helped Zach get out of his own way with patient communication.
4. 12:05 The difference between what dentists want to see and what patients want to see.
5. 18:14 Why branding matters and how photography supports it.
6. 19:16 Treating camera equipment like gym equipment to get a return on investment.
7. 23:26 How photography improves clinical self-critique and growth.
8. 29:23 How photos improve lab and specialist relationships.
9. 34:23 Addressing time concerns and when to invest in photography.
10. 36:29 How much of the photography should be delegated to the team.

Dr. Zach Sisler Bio:

Dr. Zach Sisler is a cosmetic dentist and educator practicing in rural central Pennsylvania. He transitioned a traditionally focused practice into an aesthetics-driven practice by integrating comprehensive dental photography, advanced restorative techniques, and consistent branding. Dr. Sisler teaches hands-on photography and over-the-shoulder restorative courses, both in his office and on-site for dental teams across the country. He is known for his focus on predictable systems, clinical growth, and practical implementation that supports both patient care and practice sustainability.

1. Dr. Zach Sisler Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_zachsisler/
2. Zach Sisler Courses & In-Office Training:https://www.drsisler.com/
3. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_zachsisler/
4. Website (Courses & Education): https://www.drsisler.com/

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

1. The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/
2. Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
3. Upcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/

Learn More About Ariel:

1. Send Ariel an email: ariel@actdental.com
2. Follow Ariel on ACT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actdental
3. Send Courtney an email to learn more about ACT: courtney@actdental.com

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

1. Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listen
2. Join The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
3. Download ACT’s BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360
4. Download ACT’s BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_US
5. Join ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/ttt
6. Get The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazine
7. Please leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218

Episode Resources:

1. Watch the video version of Episode 1000: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
2. Learn more about Smile Source: https://smilesource.com

Main Takeaways:

1. Your ideal supplies percentage is 5% to 6%.
2. Categorize your supplies correctly to track them appropriately.
3. If your supplies percentage is high, don't panic. It can be fixed very easily.
4. Don't buy cheaper supplies. Create systems to cut waste and overspending.
5. A team member — never the doctor — should be the one to manage inventory.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

0:52 Supplies percentage, explained.

3:56 How supplies percentage impacts the practice.

6:44 Manage your inventory.

8:25 Keep your systems simple.

9:32 What you can do today to impact your metrics.

12:03 Last thoughts.

Ariel Juday Bio:

Ariel has a master’s in healthcare administration and several years of dental experience in all aspects of the administrative roles within the dental office. Her passion is to work with dental teams to empower team members to realize their full potential in order to better serve patients, improve office systems to ensure a well-functioning team/office, and to help everyone have fun in the process!

Learn More About Dr. Seay & Dr. Sisler:

1. Join Dr. Seay on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrAmandaSeay
2. Follow Dr. Seay on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dramandaseay
3. Join Dr. Sisler on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmilesBySisler
4. Follow Dr. Sisler on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_zachsisler
5. Register for the AACD Scientific Session (April 16-18, 2026): https://www.aacdconference.com/event/1a1b9fe4-2097-4006-b107-822d4da3654b/main-menu

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

1. Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listen
2. Join The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
3. Download ACT’s BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360
4. Download ACT’s BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_US
5. Join ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/ttt
6. Get The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazine
7. Please leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218

Episode Resources:

1. Watch the video version of Episode 999: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
2. Read Atomic Habits by James Clear: https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits
3. Read Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell: https://www.buybackyourtime.com

Main Takeaways:

1. Being content does not mean being complacent. Find contentment with where you’re at.
2. Accreditation is not about the medal. It’s about the process, learning, and your journey.
3. Find your people. They will inspire and challenge you beyond what you imagine.
4. You're capable of much more than you think. Always invest in yourself.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

1:01 Dr. Seay’s and Dr. Sisler’s backgrounds.

6:16 Dr. Seay’s and Dr. Sisler’s journeys.

13:11 Contentment, explained.

15:45 It’s not just about the medal.

22:35 The importance of finding your people.

34:57 Dr. Seay’s and Dr. Sisler’s DiSC styles.

36:33 Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell.

38:22 Last thoughts.

41:47 More about the AACD.

Dr. Amanda Seay DDS, FAGD, FAACD Bio:

Dr. Amanda Seay is the award-winning Founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Clinical Director of Expertise Dental in Charleston, South Carolina. Her expertise ranges from complex restorative treatment planning to comprehensive preventative and reconstructive dentistry.

Dr. Seay is a recognized leader in the dental industry and has been featured in various dental publications for her influence and dedication to the profession. She was named the 11th Most Influential Person in Dentistry by Incisal Edge Magazine. She is the 85th dentist in the world who has earned the honor of Fellow Accredited Member status with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

Dr. Seay is the Director of Outreach and Engagement for the Seattle Study Club, an international and preeminent continuing education organization for dentists. She is also the co-creator of imPRES Dental Courses, an internationally recognized dental esthetics continuum. She holds a clinical instructor position at the Kois Center, one of the most prestigious dental institutes in the country, and has published over 70 articles covering the art and techniques of esthetic dentistry. She also serves as the Restorative Section Editor for Inside Dentistry.

In addition to operating a thriving full-time dental practice, Dr. Seay is a dedicated wife and the mother of four children.

Dr. Zachary Sisler Bio:

Dr. Zachary Sisler is a native of Kingwood, West Virginia. He attended West Virginia University, where he received an undergraduate degree in chemistry in three years. He continued his education at the West Virginia University School of Dentistry, earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. During his time at dental school, he explored the field of dentistry by completing externships and honor programs in oral surgery and endodontics. As a further testament to his dedication, he was honored with the following awards: Simon P. Hullihen Scholarship Award for Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, American Association of Endodontics Student Achievement Award, American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Student Award, Whip Mix 2010 Hanau Prosthodontic Award, Delta Dental Student Leadership Award, and the Quintessence Book Award for Restorative Dentistry.

Since graduation, Dr. Sisler has...]]>Success isn't just about the medals. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Amanda Seay, president of the AACD, and Dr. Zach Sisler, board chair of the AACD, to share their journeys and lessons of the accreditation process and the importance of investing in yourself for your future. To learn what success could look like for you, listen to Episode 999 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Dr. Seay & Dr. Sisler:

1. Join Dr. Seay on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrAmandaSeay
2. Follow Dr. Seay on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dramandaseay
3. Join Dr. Sisler on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmilesBySisler
4. Follow Dr. Sisler on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_zachsisler
5. Register for the AACD Scientific Session (April 16-18, 2026): https://www.aacdconference.com/event/1a1b9fe4-2097-4006-b107-822d4da3654b/main-menu

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

1. Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listen
2. Join The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
3. Download ACT’s BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360
4. Download ACT’s BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_US
5. Join ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/ttt
6. Get The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazine
7. Please leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218

Episode Resources:

1. Watch the video version of Episode 999: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
2. Read Atomic Habits by James Clear: https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits
3. Read Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell: https://www.buybackyourtime.com

Main Takeaways:

1. Being content does not mean being complacent. Find contentment with where you’re at.
2. Accreditation is not about the medal. It’s about the process, learning, and your journey.
3. Find your people. They will inspire and challenge you beyond what you imagine.
4. You're capable of much more than you think. Always invest in yourself.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

1:01 Dr. Seay’s and Dr. Sisler’s backgrounds.

6:16 Dr. Seay’s and Dr. Sisler’s journeys.

13:11 Contentment, explained.

15:45 It’s not just about the medal.

22:35 The importance of finding your people.

34:57 Dr. Seay’s and Dr. Sisler’s DiSC styles.

36:33 Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell.

38:22 Last thoughts.

41:47 More about the AACD.

Dr. Amanda Seay DDS, FAGD, FAACD Bio:

Dr. Amanda Seay is the award-winning Founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Clinical Director of Expertise Dental in Charleston, South Carolina. Her expertise ranges from complex restorative treatment planning to comprehensive preventative and reconstructive dentistry.

Dr. Seay is a recognized leader in the dental industry and has been featured in various dental publications for her influence and dedication to the profession. She was named the 11th Most Influential Person in Dentistry by Incisal Edge Magazine. She is the 85th dentist in the world who has earned the honor of Fellow Accredited Member status with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

Dr. Seay is the Director of Outreach and Engagement for the Seattle Study Club, an international and preeminent continuing education organization for dentists. She is also the co-creator of imPRES Dental Courses, an internationally recognized dental esthetics continuum. She holds a clinical instructor position at the Kois Center, one of the most prestigious dental institutes in the country, and has published over 70 articles covering the art and techniques of esthetic dentistry. She also serves as the Restorative Section Editor for Inside Dentistry.

In addition to operating a thriving full-time dental practice, Dr. Seay is a dedicated wife and the mother of four children.

Dr. Zachary Sisler Bio:

Dr. Zachary Sisler is a native of Kingwood, West Virginia. He attended West Virginia University, where he received an undergraduate degree in chemistry in three years. He continued his education at the West Virginia University School of Dentistry, earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. During his time at dental school, he explored the field of dentistry by completing externships and honor programs in oral surgery and endodontics. As a further testament to his dedication, he was honored with the following awards: Simon P. Hullihen Scholarship Award for Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, American Association of Endodontics Student Achievement Award, American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Student Award, Whip Mix 2010 Hanau Prosthodontic Award, Delta Dental Student Leadership Award, and the Quintessence Book Award for Restorative Dentistry.

Since graduation, Dr. Sisler has immersed himself in countless hours of continuing education. Dr. Sisler has attended lectures and hands-on courses at the prestigious Dawson Academy, where he has learned how to properly and predictably restore complex cases, not only from a functional standpoint but cosmetic as well. Dr. Sisler was asked to become an associate faculty member of The Dawson Academy, and while continuing his own continuing education pursuits, dedicates time to teaching dental professionals the concepts of complete dentistry.

Dr. Sisler has earned the Accredited Member credential in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), joining an elite group of dental professionals who have successfully completed the accreditation process in The Academy. He is one of 417 to achieve this status of cosmetic dentistry in the world.

Dr. Sisler has a strong passion for dentistry and the pursuit of excellence in all aspects, particularly cosmetic dentistry. He holds memberships with the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, Pennsylvania Academy of General Dentistry, Pennsylvania Dental Association, Harrisburg Area Dental Society, American Equilibration Society, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

Learn More About Miranda:

1. Send Miranda an email: miranda@actdental.com
2. Follow Miranda on ACT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actdental
3. Send Gina an email to learn more about ACT: gina@actdental.com

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

1. Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listen
2. Join The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
3. Download ACT’s BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360
4. Download ACT’s BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_US
5. Join ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/ttt
6. Get The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazine
7. Please leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218

Episode Resources:

1. Watch the video version of Episode 998: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
2. Smile Source: https://smilesource.com
3. Join ACT’s BPA for their Financial GAPs Calculator: https://join.actdental.com/users/sign_in?post_login_redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fjoin.actdental.com%2Fc%2Fannouncements-9fc6ae%2Ffinancial-gaps-calculator#email
4. Join ACT’s BPA for their Fee Balancing Tool: https://join.actdental.com/c/practice-coaching-tools/fee-balancing-part-1
5. Join ACT’s BPA for their PPO Roadmap: https://join.actdental.com/c/practice-coaching-tools/bpa-ppo-roadmap-2-0

Main Takeaways:

1. Start with a fee analysis so you know where you stand.
2. Assess your office fees relative to your region and insurance contracts.
3. When fees are low, it means more patients, more stress, and more burnout.
4. Review your fees annually. It’s how you can match your fees to rising expenses.
5. Believe in the value you provide so you can charge appropriately without pushback.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

3:08 Why this is an important topic.

7:23 Fee analysis, explained.

10:15 Master fee schedule, explained.

14:02 How to conduct a fee analysis.

20:29 Restorative procedures, new patient procedures, and hygiene fees.

22:51 Flexible and inflexible fees, explained.

24:52 Two tips for making gradual fee changes.

26:33 Confidence is the most important element behind your fee increases.

30:42 Why dentists should never be the ones to present fees.

36:17 Final takeaways.

39:31 ACT’s BPA and Smile Source.

Miranda Beeson, MS, BSDH Bio:

Miranda Beeson has over 25 years of clinical dental hygiene, front office, practice administration, and speaking experience. She is enthusiastic about communication and loves helping others find the power that words can bring to their patient interactions and practice dynamics. As a Lead Practice Coach, she is driven to create opportunities to find value in experiences and cultivate new approaches.

Miranda graduated from Old Dominion University, and enjoys spending time with her husband, Chuck, and her children, Trent, Mallory, and Cassidy. Family time is the best time, and is often spent on a golf course, a volleyball court, or spending the day boating at the beach.

Learn More About Miranda:

1. Send Miranda an email: miranda@actdental.com
2. Follow Miranda on ACT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actdental
3. Send Courtney an email to learn more about ACT: courtney@actdental.com

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

1. Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listen
2. Join The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
3. Download ACT’s BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360
4. Download ACT’s BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_US
5. Join ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/ttt
6. Get The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazine
7. Please leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218

Episode Resources:

1. Watch the video version of Episode 997: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos

Main Takeaways:

1. When your cash flow gap is wide, it creates more work without creating more wealth.
2. A widening cash flow gap affects decision-making around investing in your practice.
3. Your P&L doesn't tell the whole story. Be sure to review your cash flow statement.
4. Track draws, distributions, and other activities to monitor practice health.
5. Plan and budget for your taxes so that you're not panicking last-minute.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

1:09 The cash flow gap, explained.

3:12 The gap between gross profit and true profit.

6:00 How the cash flow gap impacts your practice.

13:52 What you can do to impact your metrics.

18:00 Last thoughts.

Miranda Beeson, MS, BSDH Bio:

Miranda Beeson has over 25 years of clinical dental hygiene, front office, practice administration, and speaking experience. She is enthusiastic about communication and loves helping others find the power that words can bring to their patient interactions and practice dynamics. As a Lead Practice Coach, she is driven to create opportunities to find value in experiences and cultivate new approaches.

Miranda graduated from Old Dominion University, and enjoys spending time with her husband, Chuck, and her children, Trent, Mallory, and Cassidy. Family time is the best time, and is often spent on a golf course, a volleyball court, or spending the day boating at the beach.

Learn More About Dr. Odiatu:

1. Send Dr. Odiatu an email: odiatudmd@gmail.com
2. Follow Dr. Odiatu on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fitspeakers
3. Learn more on Dr. Odiatu’s website: http://www.druche.com

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

1. Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listen
2. Join The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
3. Download ACT’s BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360
4. Download ACT’s BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_US
5. Join ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/ttt
6. Get The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazine
7. Please leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218

Episode Resources:

1. Watch the video version of Episode 996: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
2. Watch Don't Die by Bryan Johnson: https://www.netflix.com/title/81757532
3. Read Authentic Happiness by Martin E. P. Seligman: https://bookshop.org/p/books/authentic-happiness-using-the-new-positive-psychology-to-realize-your-potential-for-lasting-fulfillment-martin-e-p-seligman/e20d433aad6a6258?ean=9780743222983&next=t
4. Read Molecules of Emotion by Dr. Candace B. Pert: https://bookshop.org/p/books/molecules-of-emotion-the-science-behind-mind-body-medicine-candace-b-pert-ph-d/72da14861c8ec2df?ean=9780684846347&next=t
5. Read Freakonomics by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner: https://bookshop.org/p/books/freakonomics-twentieth-anniversary-edition-a-rogue-economist-explores-the-hidden-side-of-everything-stephen-j-dubner/2681224f2373cb1f?ean=9780063494558&next=t
6. Watch Biographics on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Biographics

Main Takeaways:

1. Learn to find joy and happiness in the small things.
2. Don't overthink. Enjoy the process of becoming healthier.
3. Your mind is always eavesdropping, so use positive language.
4. Consistently eat well, sleep well, rest well, and exercise to age gracefully.
5. Continue learning — about anything — to keep your mind young and active.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

2:25 Act on what you know.

3:38 Why taking action is so difficult.

6:43 Consistency, explained.

9:57 Stop overthinking.

12:55 Four things to be consistent with every day.

15:01 Get enough choline for neuroplasticity.

20:18 The importance of enjoyment.

22:43 Find beauty in the small things.

26:25 How to age gracefully.

29:38 Book recommendations.

34:05 Final thoughts.

35:32 How to get in touch with Dr. Odiatu.

Dr. Uche Odiatu Bio:

Dr. Uche Odiatu has a DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine). He is a professional member of the ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine), a Certified Personal Trainer (National Strength & Conditioning Association) NSCA, and the Canadian Association of Fitness Professionals (canfitpro). He is the co-author of The Miracle of Health (c) 2009 John Wiley (hardcover) & (c) 2015 Harper Collins, and has lectured in Canada, the USA, the Caribbean, the UK, and Europe. He is an invited guest on over 400 TV and radio shows, from ABC 20/20, Canada CTV AM, Breakfast TV, to Magic Sunday Drum FM in Texas. This high-energy healthcare professional has done over 450 lectures in seven countries over the last 15 years.

Learn More About Paul:

1. Give Paul a call: (303) 699-0990
2. Send Paul an email: paul@lifetransitions.com
3. Learn more about The Sletten Group: https://theslettengroup.com

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

1. Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listen
2. Join The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
3. Download ACT’s BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360
4. Download ACT’s BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_US
5. Join ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/ttt
6. Get The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazine
7. Please leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218

Episode Resources:

1. Watch the video version of Episode 995: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos

Main Takeaways:

1. Between 5% and 10% of dentists will have some type of career-interrupting event.
2. Every dentist needs to have two plans: an ideal transition plan and a crisis plan.
3. Choose 9 colleagues to be part of a crisis coverage group for up to 90 days.
4. Meet with your coverage group practices frequently to keep things fresh.
5. Each practice should appoint a crisis coordinator as a point person.
6. Be sure to select the right people for your crisis coverage group.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

0:55 Paul’s background and The Sletten Group.

2:42 Why this is an important topic.

3:26 Two plans every dentist should have.

5:43 The crisis coverage group, explained.

10:08 Rules of the pledge agreement.

11:25 Have practice valuations done at the beginning.

12:51 What to know about overhead and disability insurance.

14:38 General dentists versus specialists.

15:59 Appoint a crisis coordinator.

16:58 Have periodic meetings.

17:57 What dentists get wrong about crisis coverage groups.

19:12 More about The Sletten Group.

21:19 Last thoughts.

Paul Sletten Bio:

Paul D. Sletten founded The Sletten Group, Inc. in 1975 in Denver, Colorado. They are in their 51st year of business and have developed an international clientele, having assisted and completed transitions in all 50 states, six provinces in Canada, and two states in Australia. They continue to exclusively work with fee-for-service dentists and their teams around the country.

Paul has spoken at more than 285 dental meetings around the country. This includes almost all of the major dental meetings and numerous study clubs. The topics focus on all aspects of practice transitions, including buying a dental practice, selling a dental practice, and much more, as well as personal growth and development for dentists and team members.

Learn More About Miranda:

1. Send Miranda an email: miranda@actdental.com
2. Follow Miranda on ACT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actdental
3. Send Gina an email to learn more about ACT: gina@actdental.com

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

1. Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listen
2. Join The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
3. Download ACT’s BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360
4. Download ACT’s BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_US
5. Join ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/ttt
6. Get The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazine
7. Please leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218

Episode Resources:

1. Watch the video version of Episode 994: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
2. Learn more about Smile Source: https://smilesource.com

Main Takeaways:

1. Profitability determines your ability to invest in your team, technology, and your practice.
2. Know and understand your profit margin, not just your production and collections.
3. When profitability is low, you will feel super busy yet not have any money.
4. Don't wait for your accountant to tell you how your practice is doing.
5. If you don't know, find out what your current true profit is.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

0:48 Profitability, explained.

4:18 How profitability impacts your practice.

9:11 What you can do to impact this metric.

11:00 More about Smile Source.

15:15 Last thoughts.

Miranda Beeson, MS, BSDH Bio:

Miranda Beeson has over 25 years of clinical dental hygiene, front office, practice administration, and speaking experience. She is enthusiastic about communication and loves helping others find the power that words can bring to their patient interactions and practice dynamics. As a Lead Practice Coach, she is driven to create opportunities to find value in experiences and cultivate new approaches.

Miranda graduated from Old Dominion University, and enjoys spending time with her husband, Chuck, and her children, Trent, Mallory, and Cassidy. Family time is the best time, and is often spent on a golf course, a volleyball court, or spending the day boating at the beach.

Learn More About Michelle:

1. Send Michelle an email: michelle@actdental.com
2. Follow Michelle on ACT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actdental
3. Send Gina an email to learn more about ACT: gina@actdental.com

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

1. Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listen
2. Join The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
3. Download ACT’s BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360
4. Download ACT’s BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_US
5. Join ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/ttt
6. Get The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazine
7. Please leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218

Episode Resources:

1. Watch the video version of Episode 993: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
2. Join ACT’s BPA for their Awareness Wheel resource: https://join.actdental.com/users/sign_in?post_login_redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fjoin.actdental.com%2Fc%2Fpractice-coaching-tools%2Fthe-awareness-wheel#email
3. Join ACT’s BPA for their Guide to Building Trust: https://join.actdental.com/users/sign_in?post_login_redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fjoin.actdental.com%2Fc%2Fpractice-coaching-tools%2Fa-team-playbook-to-maximize-performance-handout#email
4. Join ACT’s BPA for their How Trustworthy Are You? resource: https://join.actdental.com/users/sign_in?post_login_redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fjoin.actdental.com%2Fc%2Fpractice-coaching-tools%2Fhow-trustworthy-are-you#email
5. Read books by Patrick Lencioni: https://www.tablegroup.com/books
6. Learn more about the EOS system https://www.eosworldwide.com

Main Takeaways:

1. When you avoid, ignore, or mishandle conflict, it always leads to crisis.
2. Have healthy conflict, not artificial harmony or destructive fighting.
3. Healthy conflict can only exist when you’ve developed trust.
4. Give grace, assume good intentions, and be curious.
5. Address conflict early. Never let them fester.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

1:41 Why this is an important topic.

4:24 Patrick Lencioni's conflict continuum, explained.

8:46 Healthy conflict is built on a foundation of trust.

13:20 How to address conflict in a healthy way.

19:17 Final thoughts.

21:39 ACT’s BPA and resources.

Michelle Wakeman, BSDH, Bio:

Michelle Wakeman, BSDH, brings nearly 20 years of clinical dental hygiene, administrative, managerial, and sales experience to the table. She has a passion for people and a natural aptitude for communication that has led her to develop meaningful relationships throughout her career in dentistry. As a coach, she seeks to help dental practices develop systems that enable them to enhance their patient experience, leading to better relationships among owners, team members, and patients, along with profitable outcomes.

In her off time, Michelle can usually be found at the ice rink supporting her son, Hunter, in hockey, the ball field cheering on her son, Carter, or the gym, reliving her days as a gymnast with her daughter, Leighton.

Learn More About Sandi:

1. Join Sandi on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UnlockThePPO
2. Follow Sandi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unlocktheppo
3. Learn more about Unlock the PPO: https://unlocktheppo.com

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

1. Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listen
2. Join The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
3. Download ACT’s BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360
4. Download ACT’s BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_US
5. Join ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/ttt
6. Get The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazine
7. Please leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218

Episode Resources:

1. Watch the video version of Episode 992: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos

Main Takeaways:

1. Understand how shared network agreements work to avoid misunderstandings.
2. One contract does not equal being in-network with one insurance company.
3. Opt out of agreements proactively. Don't leave things to chance.
4. Regularly audit your EOBs to stay on top of any changes.
5. Review your contracts. Don't keep this on autopilot.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

1:19 Sandi’s background.

2:38 Shared network agreements, explained.

3:54 Common misunderstandings to be aware of.

5:22 Pay attention, do what you're supposed to, and follow up.

7:55 Regularly audit EOBs.

9:22 What to look for on an EOB.

10:32 Regrouping, explained.

13:21 The state of negotiating power in shared network agreements.

16:14 Narrow down your procedure codes.

17:45 Trends in revenue and expenses.

19:46 The value of doing a retention analysis.

23:40 The trend of corporations purchasing dental practices.

25:54 Final thoughts.

27:22 More about Unlock the PPO.

Sandi Hudson Bio:

Sandi Hudson, founder of Unlock the PPO, has a degree in Business Administration from the University of Iowa. After several years in healthcare and fundraising management, she transitioned into dental office management and spent a decade overseeing dental insurance participation and negotiations. Her experience comes from hands-on experience rather than concepts that just sound good on paper. She has worked with offices across the country and has a broad perspective on how to tailor insurance decisions to various regions and demographics. Her goal is to help dentists take a common-sense approach to managing insurance participation in a way that best fits their goals. By keeping abreast of industry trends, she is well-positioned to help dentists prepare for how insurance will best fit into their practices, both now and in the future. Sandi focuses on the analysis side of the business by crunching numbers and making recommendations about participation levels.

Sandi is married to a dentist and has a unique perspective of both consultant and dental practice owner, uncommon to the industry.

Learn More About Robyn:

1. Send Robyn an email: robyn@actdental.com
2. Follow Robyn on ACT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actdental
3. Send Courtney an email to learn more about ACT: courtney@actdental.com

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

1. Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listen
2. Join The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
3. Download ACT’s BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360
4. Download ACT’s BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_US
5. Join ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/ttt
6. Get The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazine
7. Please leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218

Episode Resources:

1. Watch the video version of Episode 991: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
2. Learn more about Smile Source: https://smilesource.com

Main Takeaways:

1. For a healthy lab percentage, have efficient clinical systems and a balanced case mix.
2. Find the right lab partner. It’s one of the best relationships you're ever going to find.
3. Evaluate and strengthen your clinical protocols to reduce lab and error costs.
4. Track your remakes to know how it’s impacting your practice.
5. A healthy lab overhead percentage is eight percent.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

1:22 Lab percentage, explained.

2:32 How lab percentage impacts the practice.

4:07 Combine dental supply costs and lab costs.

6:48 Make smart decisions around lab costs.

8:10 What you can do to impact this metric.

8:57 How Smile Source can help your practice.

9:54 ACT’s BPA.

Robyn Theisen Bio:

Robyn Theisen brings an entire life and legacy of dental experience to the team and every team with which she works as the daughter and sister of dentists. With almost 20 years of experience in dentistry, her roles ranged from practice management to operations at Patterson Dental to coaching teams. Robyn’s passion is empowering teams to realize that they can dramatically impact the lives of the people they serve by implementing skills and systems to remove barriers to life-changing dental treatment. She has done it for decades and does it every day with dental teams.

Outside of coaching, she enjoys time with her husband, Rob, and two daughters, Emerson and Ruby. She loves traveling, music, fitness, and cheering on the Michigan State Spartans.

Learn More About Carlie:

1. Send Carlie an email: carlie@actdental.com
2. Follow Carlie on ACT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actdental
3. Send Courtney an email to learn more about ACT: courtney@actdental.com

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

1. Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listen
2. Join The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
3. Download ACT’s BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360
4. Download ACT’s BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_US
5. Join ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/ttt
6. Get The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazine
7. Please leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218

Episode Resources:

1. Watch the video version of Episode 990: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
2. Join ACT’s BPA for Bent Ericksen’s Hiring FAQs resource: https://join.actdental.com/users/sign_in?post_login_redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fjoin.actdental.com%2Fc%2Fpractice-coaching-tools%2Fbent-ericksen-hiring-faq#email

Main Takeaways:

1. If you ask the right questions, it will reveal who someone is, not just what they can do.
2. Ask questions that are credential, technical, experience, and behavior-based.
3. When you hire the wrong people, your practice culture will always suffer.
4. Develop and document a hiring system — and then stick to it.
5. Always hire people who fit your core values.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

0:57 Why this is an important topic.

3:03 Four key types of interview questions: Credential-based questions.

4:14 Four key types of interview questions: Technical-based questions.

6:06 Four key types of interview questions: Experience-based questions.

8:09 Four key types of interview questions: Behavior-based questions.

14:20 Hire people for a core values fit.

15:50 Build a hiring process that protects your culture.

19:46 Final takeaways.

22:58 Bent Ericksen & Associates.

Carlie Einarson Bio:

Carlie Einarson is a lead practice coach who has a passion for helping others succeed in the dental field. She loves helping to create a stable foundation for practices so both professionals and patients have a great experience every time they walk in the door!

Carlie graduated from Utah College of Dental Hygiene. She has ten years of experience in the dental field, including clinical dental hygiene, front office, and leading teams.

In her free time, Carlie enjoys spending quality time with loved ones, traveling, skiing, playing volleyball, and golfing.