#dentaleconomist #dsoleadership #executivehiring

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00:00 Introduction & Meeting Jon Fidler

02:13 The Current Hiring Environment for DSO Executives

03:54 Outside Executives Coming Into Dental: Pros and Cons

07:35 How to Do Real Due Diligence Before Accepting a Role

10:29 The Fidler Executive Transition Lab Explained

12:44 Knowing Yourself: Turnaround vs. Growth Mindset

16:35 Scaling Down: The Risk of Overqualified Executives

19:14 Hot Roles & Functions in Dental Right Now

23:10 AI's Impact on Executive Hiring and DSO Operations

27:22 What Really Makes or Breaks a C-Suite Hire

29:46 When a Placement Just Feels Like Magic

32:15 Navigating Misalignment Between DSOs and Candidates

35:52 Interview Processes by Level: What Candidates Should Expect

40:13 Why Jon Is Still Bullish on Dentistry After 20 Years

43:12 Closing Thoughts & Rapid-Fire Wrap-Up

👉 Mike Huffaker on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/huffaker/

👉 Jon Fidler on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jonfidler/

👉 Fidler and Associates Website: https://fidlerassociates.com/

👉 Planet DDS Website: https://planetdds.com/

👉 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3SeeOfY

👉 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3tMmaO7

👉 Fame Host: https://bit.ly/4aQNQ51

Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show?

If you're a growth-focused leader in the dental business world or someone shaping its future through technology, consulting, or innovation—we want to hear from you.

Submit your interest here: https://forms.gle/BjAmyYLsFgNJBf8f8

Whether you're leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy!

The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Tune in to hear how Matt and his team have grown to 35 practices while staying true to their founding mission, why the first 90 days post-partnership change as little as possible, and how Elevate is thinking about AI and technology as tools for freeing up doctors not controlling them. This episode is a masterclass in building a values-driven DSO that doesn't trade culture for scale.

#dentaleconomist #dsoleadership #dentalgrowth

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00:00 Introduction & Meeting Matt Hendrick

01:36 From Goldman Sachs to Building a DSO

04:31 Growing Up Entrepreneurial & The Leap to Build

06:10 What 'Support, Not Control' Actually Means at Elevate

10:49 Balancing Standardization With Doctor Autonomy

16:39 The Ideal Practice Profile & Growth Strategy

21:39 Building Credibility as a First-Time DSO Founder

29:16 The First 90 Days Post-Partnership

36:35 Culture, Values & What Keeps Elevate Together

43:00 AI, Technology & What's Next for Elevate

👉 Mike Huffaker on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/huffaker/

👉 Matt Hendrick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-hendrick1/

👉 Elevate Dental Partners Website: https://elevatedentalpartners.com/

👉 Planet DDS Website: https://planetdds.com/

👉 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3SeeOfY

👉 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3tMmaO7

👉 Fame Host: https://bit.ly/4aQNQ51

If you're a growth-focused leader in the dental business world or someone shaping its future through technology, consulting, or innovation we want to hear from you.

Submit your interest here: https://forms.gle/BjAmyYLsFgNJBf8f8

Whether you're leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy!

The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Dr. Harris makes a compelling case that the biggest bottleneck in dentistry today isn't technology or marketing it's clinical confidence. Tune in as he shares how geographic necessity in rural Queensland sparked a global mission, why investing in dentist training can drive a 10x revenue return, and how Ripe Global's live, hands-on virtual model is transforming outcomes for DSOs across the country.

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00:00 Introduction & Meeting Dr. Lincoln Harris

02:34 From Rural Queensland to Global Dental Education

06:31 The Lightbulb Moment: Investing in Clinical Skills

09:13 Why Dental Quality Isn't What You'd Expect in Big Cities

12:45 Launching Ripe Global Five Days Into COVID Lockdown

17:28 How Live Virtual Training Changes Clinical Outcomes

23:42 Why DSOs Struggle With Clinical Training (And How to Fix It)

29:00 The Revenue Multiplier: Training Dentists Who Can Generate 10x

34:24 Ripe Global's Entry Into the US Market

41:12 Staying Bullish on Dentistry's Future

👉 Mike Huffaker on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/huffaker/

👉 Dr. Lincoln Harris on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/lincolnharris/

👉 Ripe Global Website: https://ripeglobal.com/

👉 Planet DDS Website: https://planetdds.com/

👉 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3SeeOfY

👉 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3tMmaO7

👉 Fame Host: https://bit.ly/4aQNQ51

Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show?

If you're a growth-focused leader in the dental business world or someone shaping its future through technology, consulting, or innovation we want to hear from you.

Submit your interest here: https://forms.gle/BjAmyYLsFgNJBf8f8

Whether you're leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy!

The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, like, and comment📱

00:00 Introduction & Meeting Dr. Scott Asnis

02:26 From Private Practice to Building Dental 365

05:42 The Patient Moment That Sparked a Movement

10:22 Why Dental Gets the Patient Experience Wrong
14:06 The Standard of Care as a Competitive Advantage

20:09 Geographic Strategy & Staying in Your Lane

23:00 Doctor Alignment, Profit Sharing & Transparency

32:42 Periodontal Disease & the Oral-Systemic Connection

39:52 The Golden Age of Dentistry & Emerging Technology

46:22 Private Equity, Culture & What's Next for Dental 365

👉 Mike Huffaker on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/huffaker/

👉 Dr. Scott Asnis on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-scott-asnis/

👉 Dental 365 Website: https://dental365.com/

👉 Planet DDS Website: https://planetdds.com/

👉 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3SeeOfY

👉 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3tMmaO7

👉 Fame Host: https://bit.ly/4aQNQ51

Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show?

If you're a growth-focused leader in the dental business world or someone shaping its future through technology, consulting, or innovation we want to hear from you.

Submit your interest here: https://forms.gle/BjAmyYLsFgNJBf8f8

Whether you're leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy!

The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Tune in to hear how Elite Dental Partners is flipping the script on traditional DSO models through innovative ownership structures, deep investment in clinical education, and a people-first culture that starts before the first interview question is even asked. This episode is a masterclass in leading with purpose, building trust at scale, and why the best time to be in dentistry is right now.

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00:00 Introduction & Meeting Dr. Victoria Yu

03:16 From De Novo Practice Owner to DSO CEO

06:05 Balancing Clinical Autonomy with Business Accountability

10:00 Lessons from Walmart Dental & Large-Scale Integration

16:50 The First 90 Days: Leading with a People-First Lens

22:09 Elite Dental Partners' Unique Ownership & Partnership Model

27:57 Redefining What DSO Support Really Means

32:32 Growth Strategy: Acquisition, De Novo & Partnership

37:42 Patient Experience as a Competitive Advantage

40:55 Why Now Is the Best Time to Be in Dentistry

👉 Mike Huffaker on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/huffaker/

👉 Dr. Victoria Yu on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vsyu/

👉 Elite Dental Partners Website: https://elitedentalpartners.com/

👉 Planet DDS Website: https://planetdds.com/

👉 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3SeeOfY

👉 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3tMmaO7

👉 Fame Host: https://bit.ly/4aQNQ51

Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show?

If you're a growth-focused leader in the dental business world or someone shaping its future through technology, consulting, or innovation — we want to hear from you.

Submit your interest here: https://forms.gle/BjAmyYLsFgNJBf8f8

Whether you're leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy!

The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

From radiographic AI and chairside 3D printing to wisdom tooth ablation and the untapped potential of dental-medical integration, this episode is packed with insight from a leader who has seen it all and isn't done pushing the industry forward.

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00:00 Introduction & Meeting Dr. Cindy Roark

01:46 From Tennessee to Nantucket: The Making of a Clinician

03:28 Why She Went Back to Harvard Mid-Career

05:15 What the CCO Role at Sage Dental Actually Looks Like

08:00 Balancing Clinical Autonomy With Operational Consistency

14:00 AI Radiographs: Then, Now, and the Tipping Point Ahead

19:50 Chairside 3D Printing and the Keurig Crown Revolution

26:51 Innovations Worth Watching: Ablation, Braces & Beyond

32:36 Separating Real Innovation From Social Media Snake Oil

36:26 The Dental-Medical Integration Opportunity We're Missing

👉 Mike Huffaker on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/huffaker/

👉 Dr. Cindy Roark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindy-roark-dmd

👉 Sage Dental Website: https://sagedental.com/

👉 Planet DDS Website: https://planetdds.com/

👉 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3SeeOfY

👉 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3tMmaO7

👉 Fame Host: https://bit.ly/4aQNQ51

If you're a growth-focused leader in the dental business world or someone shaping its future through technology, consulting, or innovation—we want to hear from you.

Submit your interest here: https://forms.gle/BjAmyYLsFgNJBf8f8

Whether you're leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy!

The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

#dentaleconomist #dsoleadership #specialtydentistry

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00:00 Introduction & Meeting Todd Cruse and Alayna Brent

02:12 Joining Chord: The Three-Month Road Show Strategy

06:04 Culture Building: From Siloed Practices to Unified Teams

08:46 Major Change Initiatives: Software Conversions & Same-Day Treatment

11:48 Leading with Data: How to Handle Difficult Conversations

14:13 Looking Ahead: AI, Automation, and the 60-Day Integration Playbook

19:26 Adding Specialty Service Lines & Building the Complete Flywheel

24:03 Open Book Management: Financial Transparency at the Practice Level

27:19 M&A Red Flags: Chart Audits, Deferred Maintenance & Cultural Fit

31:27 The 60-Day Integration Playbook: Payroll, Presence, and Quick Wins

36:16 Why Dentistry's Future Is Bright: Access, Evolution, and Impact

👉 Mike Huffaker on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/huffaker/

👉 Todd Cruse on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/todd-r-cruse-944a2155/ 

👉 Alayna Brent on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/alayna-brent-36ab1b171/ 

👉 Chord Specialty Dental Partners Website: https://chordsdp.com/ 

👉 Planet DDS Website: https://planetdds.com/

👉 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3SeeOfY

👉 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3tMmaO7

👉 Fame Host: https://bit.ly/4aQNQ51

If you're a growth-focused leader in the dental business world or someone shaping its future through technology, consulting, or innovation—we want to hear from you.

Submit your interest here: https://forms.gle/BjAmyYLsFgNJBf8f8

Whether you're leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy!

The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

#dentaleconomist #dsooperations #dentaltechnology

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00:00 Introduction & Meeting Clayton Russell
 02:26 From Sales to Strategy: Clayton's Career Path
 05:50 What Does a VP of Operational Strategy Actually Do?
 08:14 From Abstract Strategy to Practice Reality
 11:00 Separating Signal from Noise in Dental Technology
 14:00 Navigating Organizational Change at Scale
 19:59 The Art of Vendor Partnerships
 23:34 Evaluating Startup Partners vs. Established Vendors
 31:23 Addressing Underperforming Practices
 37:30 The Bell Institute Leadership Experience
 38:00 What's Ahead for 2026

👉 Mike Huffaker on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/huffaker/

👉 Clayton Russell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claytonfrussell/ 

👉 Dental Care Alliance Website: https://dentalcarealliance.com/

👉 Planet DDS Website: https://planetdds.com/

👉 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3SeeOfY

👉 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3tMmaO7

👉 Fame Host: https://bit.ly/4aQNQ51

If you're a growth-focused leader in the dental business world or someone shaping its future through technology, consulting, or innovation---we want to hear from you.

Submit your interest here: https://forms.gle/BjAmyYLsFgNJBf8f8

Whether you're leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy!

The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

#dentaleconomist #dentaltechnology #AIinhealthcare

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00:00 Introduction & Hiring the Right Talent

01:51 David's Journey from SaaS to Healthcare Technology

04:00 The Future of SaaS and AI's Impact

09:00 M&A Lessons and Cultural Integration

14:00 Hiring Strategy: Domain Expertise vs. Sales Skills

18:00 The Predictable Revenue Playbook at Scale

23:00 Modern Outbound Sales in a Noisy Market

26:00 Weaving Technology into Front Office Operations

34:00 Measuring Success and Adoption Challenges

👉 Mike Huffaker on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/huffaker/

👉 David McNeil on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/davidmcneil1

👉 Weave Website: https://getweave.com

👉 Planet DDS Website: https://planetdds.com

👉 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3SeeOfY

👉 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3tMmaO7

👉 Fame Host: https://bit.ly/4aQNQ51

If you're a growth-focused leader in the dental business world or someone shaping its future through technology, consulting, or innovation---we want to hear from you.

Submit your interest here: https://forms.gle/BjAmyYLsFgNJBf8f8

Whether you're leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy!

The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Tune in for a timely reminder that ignoring the hype and focusing on the long game is what separates the winners from the losers. 

Wardah developed Overjet's roadmap back in 2019-2020 with a vision she calls the "Practice OS" - a comprehensive operating system for dental practices that extends far beyond a single diagnostic tool. This long-term thinking allowed her to anticipate how AI could evolve from clinical decision support into administrative automation, revenue cycle management, and voice transcription, even before large language models existed. For dental entrepreneurs and DSO leaders, this insight emphasizes that sustainable competitive advantage comes from articulating where the industry is heading, not just solving today's pain point. Rather than chasing quarterly metrics, Wardah aligned her entire company roadmap around a multi-year thesis: reduce costs by automating variation in diagnosis and administration while improving care quality. 

The dental industry lacks interoperability standards (unlike healthcare's FHIR standard), forcing companies like Overjet to invest enormous resources building custom integrations with dozens of different practice management systems. Wardah points out that this fragmentation consumes engineering energy that could go toward innovation, creating a competitive disadvantage for everyone. For dental business leaders, this is a critical insight: the systems you choose today (your PMS, imaging software, RCM tools) should be evaluated not just on features, but on their openness and API maturity. Rather than waiting for perfect industry standards, start demanding better API documentation and interoperability from your vendors now. 

Wardah describes her CEO journey as constantly calibrating between two extremes: enough process to hire and scale beyond rock stars, but not so much process that you lose the magic and velocity of your founding team. For dental entrepreneurs scaling beyond 20-30 people, this is the critical inflection point where you need documented processes, onboarding systems and clear expectations (but not so much that every decision requires committee approval). A practical framework: identify which decisions are truly important versus those that just have to happen and spend your energy unblocking bottlenecks and setting culture, not micromanaging. 

Wardah emphasizes that Overjet's entire product philosophy centers on two levers - giving practitioners more time by automating documentation and administrative work and helping them use that time more effectively on high-value clinical decisions. Before adopting any software, ask: How much time does this save my team per day, and what higher-value work will they do with that time? When you frame technology adoption as time reclamation rather than "digital transformation" you get faster buy-in from clinicians and you can measure ROI clearly. This shifts the conversation from "cool tech" to "practical relief," which is what busy dental teams are actually looking for. 

 

The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Tune in for a conversation that traces all that’s happened and all that’s coming our way. 

Dr Sameer Puri explains why most dental education fails to produce lasting change inside practices. Drawing from his experience building CDOCS and now leading education at Imagen Dental Partners, he argues that education only creates value when it changes behavior in the operatory. He breaks down how Imagen designs its internal workshops with one goal in mind, implementation that leads to better patient care and measurable growth. Courses are tied to specific procedures, tracked through data, and evaluated over time. If a workshop does not result in increased adoption, improved outcomes, or real patient benefit, it is removed. This approach shifts education from a feel good activity into a disciplined operating lever that directly impacts how a dental business performs.

When practices underperform inside group models, Dr Puri does not blame systems, branding, or structure. He points to leadership. He explains that some partners mistakenly assume growth becomes the organization’s responsibility once they affiliate, then reduce chairside hours or disengage from daily leadership. That mindset creates stagnation. High performing practices continue to have an active leader who sets standards, shows up consistently, and owns outcomes. Tools and support help, but they do not replace leadership. Dr Puri emphasizes that partnership works best when doctors maintain an owner mindset and treat the organization as an amplifier, not a substitute for accountability.

Dr Puri draws a clear and practical distinction between clinical autonomy and business autonomy. Clinical autonomy covers how care is delivered, procedures chosen, and treatment philosophy. That remains with the doctor. Business autonomy covers systems that allow the organization to function at scale, including technology platforms, reporting, and operational processes. Confusing the two creates friction. He explains why some decisions, like standardizing practice management systems, must be nonnegotiable, while others, like lab choice or clinical approach, remain flexible. By keeping this boundary clear, Imagen avoids micromanagement while still building an efficient, scalable dental business.

Dr Puri challenges the idea that growth comes from chasing niche services or trendy add ons. He shares examples of practices that harmed performance by focusing too heavily on narrow offerings while neglecting core dentistry. His perspective is simple. Sustainable growth comes from strong exams, clear patient conversations, comprehensive treatment planning, and efficiency in everyday procedures like crowns, endo, and implants. For associates, this means building a solid foundation before expanding scope. For partners, it means resisting distractions that pull attention away from what consistently drives patient care and revenue. Mastery of fundamentals, not constant reinvention, remains the most reliable growth strategy.

 

The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Most importantly, this conversation highlights what we all know and cannot afford to ignore: strong people-focused culture is a non-negotiable in today’s day and age. 

Jeff's strategy of visiting 100+ clinics in his first six months reveals a critical leadership principle: understanding operations requires boots-on-the-ground observation before deploying spreadsheet solutions. Many leaders default to analyzing P&Ls and data dashboards, missing the real friction points that slow clinicians down and block growth. By engaging directly with frontline teams and simply asking what's working, what's getting in the way, and what training gaps exist, you uncover bottlenecks that data alone never surfaces. For anyone building a DSO or scaling a dental practice, this approach transforms strategy from top-down mandates into collaborative problem-solving that clinicians actually adopt and sustain.

Jeff's solution to balancing clinical independence with organizational standards is elegant: establish regional doctor mentors and a dental advisory council rather than imposing clinical protocols from headquarters. This peer-to-peer model - where experienced clinicians coach newer practitioners on standards and best practices - removes the perception of corporate control while elevating care quality across the network. By involving academics and regulatory experts alongside practicing dentists, you create a credible, independent body that sets standards, not a DSO mandate. The outcome is clinicians who feel supported and validated rather than restricted. This structure protects both autonomy and excellence, giving clinicians the mentorship early-career practitioners desperately need while preserving their independence to make patient decisions.

Instead of importing operational playbooks from outside consultants, Jeff shares that the majority of scalable best practices already exist within high-performing clinics. You just need to identify them, understand why they work, and amplify them across the network. This flips the traditional "central office knows best" approach on its head and positions frontline operators as the real innovators. When you spot a clinic running efficient scheduling, nailing treatment acceptance through patient education, or retaining staff better than peers, reverse-engineer that model rather than defaulting to external solutions. The speed and adoption improve dramatically because clinicians see the proof in a peer's results, not in a corporate directive. 

Jeff defines culture as how your organization treats colleagues, patients, and clinicians. And it matters because strong culture allows teams to navigate uncertain periods and rally behind purpose when execution gets tough. During rapid acquisition-driven growth, culture becomes your invisible safeguard. Without it, each new clinic acquisition dilutes your values and creates friction. Jeff protects 123 Dentist's culture by being visible, approachable, and transparent. Examples: doing 30-50 town halls annually as a CEO, visiting 100 clinics in six months, and explaining the "why" behind every major change. This consistent demonstration of values (caring, operational excellence, continuous learning) sends a message to new team members: "This is how we actually operate here, not what's written in the manual." 

The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Tune in for a conversation that traces all that’s happened and all that’s coming our way. 

Andrew explains that when he joined ADSO in 2021, DSOs still carried the "new kid on the block" mentality despite representing a significant market force, but this perception has fundamentally shifted as DSOs now comprise 30% of the dental marketplace with 40%+ of new dental graduates entering the space. This transition matters because it signals that DSOs are no longer fighting for legitimacy - they're reshaping how dentistry is practiced across America. The challenge many DSO leaders face is understanding when and how to shift from defensive positioning to confident market leadership. A key step is recognizing that even the largest DSOs represent only 2% of the total oral health market, meaning there's substantial white space for growth and diverse practice models.

Andrew points out that DSOs which grew primarily through acquisition volume without building integrated operating systems and standardized best practices struggled to realize expected efficiencies, while companies like Heartland, PDS and Smile Brands succeeded because they developed "phenomenal internal operating systems" that function as "very well oiled machines." This distinction is critical because many mid-market DSOs pursuing growth are tempted to chase acquisition targets without first establishing the operational infrastructure needed to integrate them successfully. A practical approach is to focus on 12-24 months of same-store growth optimization while simultaneously documenting and scaling best practices across existing locations. This disciplined foundation positions DSOs for sustainable consolidation and higher valuation multiples when market conditions allow for strategic M&A.

Andrew predicts that healthcare affordability will dominate public policy discourse for the foreseeable future, driven by political focus (Trump's reelection, gubernatorial races across states) and real consumer pain around insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs and DSOs must proactively demonstrate how they expand access and lower costs rather than limit them like some private equity-backed medical providers. This matters because DSOs are increasingly scrutinized under the same private equity lens that damaged healthcare systems in hospital consolidations, creating regulatory risk and reputational vulnerability for the entire sector. The challenge is that many DSO leaders have not developed clear messaging about their cost-reduction and access-expansion strategies, leaving them vulnerable to legislation designed to prevent predatory private equity behavior. A key step is to quantify and articulate how your DSO improves affordability: reduced treatment costs through scale, flexible payment options, expanded clinical capacity, and geographic access improvements. 

Andrew describes ADSO's multi-year focus on breaking down state licensing barriers (licensure reciprocity) and reforming dental insurance benefit utilization as core regulatory priorities that directly improve DSO operational efficiency and access metrics. These regulatory wins matter because they remove artificial friction - dentists licensed in one state can practice across state lines more easily, and patients can access more of their insurance benefits, which increases revenue per patient and care utilization. Many DSO operators underestimate how much state-by-state licensing complexity limits their ability to deploy talent flexibly across multi-state platforms or how insurance benefit caps limit revenue potential. A concrete step is to actively track licensure reciprocity progress in states where your DSO operates and allocate resources to support ADSO's advocacy on dental insurance reform. 

 

The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Tune in for actionable strategies to position your organization for the growth that 2026 promises to bring.

Brian emphasizes that the unprecedented nature of 2025's tariff announcements (fluctuating between 50%, 100%, then canceled, then restarted) forced CFOs to abandon traditional forecasting and budget with massive margin-of-error buffers, instead. In a normal environment, CFOs forecast quarterly expenses with 1-3% variance; in 2025, they had to allow 15-25% swings just to account for tariff uncertainty. For DSO leadership teams making capital investment and M&A decisions, this unpredictability created a paralyzing effect because you cannot justify acquiring another practice or upgrading technology when your cost structure is a moving target. One practical step to help solve this: until policy stabilizes, focus M&A only on deals where synergies are so strong that tariff swings won't break the economic model, meaning high integration potential, immediate overhead reductions or specialty revenue that offsets supply costs. This is why 2025 saw far fewer deals than 2021-2024, and why deal quality matters more than deal velocity going forward.

Brian reveals that most DSO groups attempting to drive same-store growth fail because they skip critical steps in the implementation journey. Only about 30-40% of organizations successfully navigate the full cycle of educating staff, integrating tools with their PMS system, rolling out implementations across multiple locations and achieving lasting adaptation. For DSO leaders focused on operational excellence and sustainable growth, this framework is essential because skipping even one step, like proper staff education or PMS integration, causes initiatives to stall mid-execution. The key is treating this like an obstacle course where you must pass each gate sequentially; falter at education and your dentists won't use the tool, falter at integration and your staff faces friction, falter at implementation planning and adoption across dozens of offices becomes impossible. 

Brian draws from years of consulting experience to reveal that 75% of struggling DSO organizations share two primary problems: bloated overhead and broken revenue cycle management (RCM). Most leaders focus on blaming same-store growth tools or market conditions, but the real issues are internal - too many managers, too many administrators, and too much money sitting in accounts receivable. For DSO executives tasked with turning around underperforming groups, this insight cuts through the noise and gives you a diagnostic starting point: before investing in new technology or chasing every growth opportunity, audit your overhead and RCM processes ruthlessly. The key action is to stop chasing ten different improvements at once; instead, laser-focus on cutting overhead by 10-15% and improving collections velocity by 5-10 days. 

Brian reveals that the organizations pulling ahead in 2025 were willing to accept short-term EBITDA dips to invest in systems, training, and technology - even when the market was uncertain and everyone else was freezing. This "one step back, two steps forward" mentality is counterintuitive; most groups stayed paralyzed, afraid that spending money during downturns would worsen their position. For DSO leaders navigating margin pressure and uncertainty, this distinction is critical: fear-driven organizations avoid all investment and drift sideways, while confident organizations invest selectively and come out stronger. 

The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Join us in saying “goodbye” to 2025 and “bring it on” to 2026! 

Eric Pastan emphasizes that AI's real superpower isn't replacing dentists - it's cleaning up messy data that's currently scattered across spreadsheets and disconnected systems. For growth-minded dental leaders, this matters because systematic data pulls unlock insights that directly improve both clinical outcomes and operational efficiency. The worst thing that can happen is information overload without actionable intelligence. If you find yourself in this position, Eric suggests that you start by auditing your current data sources (practice management systems, clinical notes, patient records) to identify gaps and inconsistencies you're managing manually. When you turn "dirty data" into clean intelligence, you gain a competitive edge that drives better decisions at every level of your business.

Mariz Tanious reveals that game-changing automation tools like 32 Health (AI-powered credentialing) and The Dental App (PMS with built-in CRM and AI consultant) are eliminating the resource gap between solo practices and large DSOs. This is valuable because solo practitioners and small groups no longer need a full leadership team to compete on marketing, operations, and compliance. Previously, solo dentists couldn't afford dedicated marketing managers, compliance officers, or business development specialists - they were simply outgunned. Now, cloud-based platforms with embedded AI consultants handle routine tasks and provide guidance, allowing a two-person office to operate with the sophistication of a twenty-person team. This democratization of tools means your competitive advantage now comes from execution and culture, not just size.

Tobi Bosede identifies that as private practice continues to decline, the DSO that wins is the one delivering a private practice experience - not just operational efficiency. For dental leaders managing growth, this insight shifts the entire conversation from "How do we extract more EBITDA?" to "How do we attract and retain great dentists and team members?". The challenge is that most DSOs chase standardization and cost-cutting, which alienates the independent-minded practitioners they're trying to recruit. Instead, Tobi recommends positioning your group as a practice with autonomy, peer relationships and shared mission - not a corporate machine. By prioritizing culture and autonomy within a scalable structure, you build loyalty that outlasts margin optimization.

Eric Pastan shifts the conversation away from chasing EBITDA in isolation to building what he calls a “beautiful business” - one with unified systems, enterprise-wide KPIs and a clear growth plan. This matters because modern buyers (both financial and strategic) are sophisticated enough to recognize that disconnected practices simply mashed together aren't a scalable platform. The mistake many operators make is assuming acquisition readiness equals profitability, when buyers are actually looking for infrastructure and management systems that enable continued growth post-deal. Your action step: conduct an integration audit - map your technology stack, financials tracking and KPI visibility across all locations to identify what needs unification before you're acquisition-ready. When you think like an acquirer about your own business, you build something genuinely scalable - and that attracts better capital partners.

Tobi Bosede shares a hard-won lesson: rolling out clinical AI tools without explaining the "why" to your team guarantees resistance - not because the tech is bad, but because it feels like more work. For dental leaders implementing innovations, this is critical because adoption failure isn't usually a technology problem; it's a communication and trust problem. The trap is launching shiny tools and expecting teams to figure out the benefit on their own. Instead, Tobi recommends starting small and consistently reinforcing how each change makes their jobs easier, not harder. This approach teaches us that technology adoption is fundamentally about change management and your investment in communication and training often matters more than the tool itself.

Mariz Tanious lays out a multi-threaded learning approach - vendor education, dental journals, peer environments and non-dental leadership books like “Surrounded by Idiots” - that keeps leaders ahead of the curve. This is important because dental excellence is necessary but not sufficient; competitive advantage comes from understanding behavioral psychology, people management and business strategy alongside clinical knowledge. The gap most practitioners have is they optimize their clinical skills while treating business acumen as secondary. Your move: build a structured learning routine that spans four areas: clinical (journals), operational (vendor training), interpersonal (psychology/leadership books) and peer learning (network conversations). When you compound learning across disciplines, you develop judgment and adaptability that no single credential can provide. That's what separates operators from leaders.

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Tune in for the perfect snapshot of the year gone by (in dentistry) to head into 2026 with. 

Tom Barberio explains how the dental industry has shifted its perspective on technology from a necessary expense to a competitive advantage that drives patient acquisition and operational efficiency. This mindset change is critical for practice leaders because it directly impacts how you allocate resources and prioritize innovation investments in your business. The key step is to build IT infrastructure and expertise around clinical tools - practice management systems, digital radiography, and automation - rather than just fixing hardware problems. By adopting this enabler mindset, you're positioning your practice to compete effectively in an increasingly tech-driven dental landscape.

Greg White notes that people consistently invest in appearance and dental aesthetics can serve as the entry point for comprehensive health improvements with 40-50% projected spending growth over the next decade. This is strategically important because aesthetics-driven demand creates both revenue opportunity and a genuine pathway to improve overall patient health outcomes simultaneously. The practical step is to reframe your cosmetic services not as "luxury" but as integrated health solutions that improve oral function, periodontal health, and patient confidence. Essentially, embracing aesthetics as a legitimate business and clinical lever, allows you to tap into genuine patient demand while improving their long-term health outcomes.

Jill Nesbitt identifies various areas in which AI is transforming dated dental management practices - revenue cycle automation, insurance coverage, scheduling and more. This matters to your bottom line because team burnout from manual collection work directly correlates with higher turnover and lower productivity. The immediate step is to implement "set and forget" automated communication systems that send statements, payment reminders, and follow-ups without manual intervention. By leveraging automation in the revenue cycle, you're not just improving cash flow, you're protecting your team's morale and creating bandwidth for higher-value clinical work.

Ryan Mingus shares a foundational principle: structure your practice operations as if you're preparing to sell it, whether or not you ever intend to. This framework matters because the systems and habits you build today directly impact both your current profitability and your future valuation, creating a win-win scenario for present and future gains. Many practice owners optimize for short-term cash extraction, which ironically undermines long-term value creation and makes their businesses harder to scale or sell. The actionable step is to focus on three high-leverage areas: implementing AI-driven clinical tools for better case acceptance, adding higher-margin service lines like implants or orthodontics, and automating processes that don't require your direct involvement. 

Greg White defines great culture as a shared commitment to accountability, zero blame, zero complaining and zero procrastination - where every team member holds themselves to high standards. This cultural framework is essential because it directly impacts staff retention, clinical quality and your ability to implement new systems without resistance or burnout. The key step is to establish clear goals, communicate expectations transparently and create safe spaces for conflict resolution that don't leave "residue" or resentment. When your team operates from internal accountability rather than external punishment, they become self-motivated problem-solvers who drive business growth without constant supervision.

Mike explains how working directly for your practice, rather than a software vendor, creates undivided allegiance and the bandwidth to bridge gaps between leadership goals and vendor capabilities that vendors alone can't fill. This matters because software implementation success depends on advocacy from someone inside your organization who understands your challenges and can push back constructively with vendors. The key step is to hire or contract with implementation specialists who are directly accountable to you, giving them skin in your success while maintaining collaborative relationships with software partners. By securing direct advocacy for your implementation journey, you dramatically increase adoption rates, reduce staff friction and maximize ROI on your technology investments.

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Tune in for decades of proven insights on creating remarkable patient experiences and the bold mindset shifts that separate thriving practices from the rest.

Fred reveals that people experience as much anxiety about finding and choosing a dentist as they do about the actual visit itself. This insight matters because practitioners often focus solely on clinical excellence while overlooking the emotional barrier preventing patients from booking appointments in the first place. So, the key, as Fred suggests, is to train your entire team (especially front-desk staff) to be a "sympathetic voice" that reassures patients they're making the right choice, just as 1-800 Dentists did with live operators. When a patient feels genuinely cared for during their first contact, case acceptance naturally increases because they've already decided to trust you before sitting in the chair. By solving the "finding a dentist" problem, you unlock exponential growth in new patient acquisition and treatment acceptance.

Fred emphasizes that trustworthiness and the patient's perception of dentistry's value are the two pillars of practice success - not information, blogs, or extensive patient education. This matters because many practitioners default to over-educating patients, believing that more information equals better case acceptance, when the opposite is often true. The solution is to stop worrying about being the most knowledgeable and start focusing on being the most trustworthy - show genuine care, consistency, and alignment between what you say and do. 

Fred suggests that boldness is a learnable skill, not an innate trait, and it builds exactly like a physical muscle - through progressive, daily discomfort that stays within your tolerance level. This insight matters because many practitioners feel stuck by self-doubt or fear of rejection, whether it's asking for referrals, networking or even having difficult conversations with team members. Fred's tiered approach starts simple: smile at five people daily, then talk to five strangers daily, then ask deeper questions in conversations. A real-world application for a practice owner is to deliberately do one uncomfortable thing each day related to business growth. When you build this muscle consistently, the bigger opportunities that require boldness become manageable because you've already trained your nervous system to handle discomfort.

Fred's core philosophy is that trying and failing feels infinitely better than not trying at all, because regret, the classic "I should have done that", is the real failure that compounds over time. This matters because most practitioners have brilliant ideas for practice growth, but never execute them due to fear of failure or perfectionism. The challenge is that inaction feels safer in the moment but creates deep regret later, whereas bold attempts, even failed ones, provide information and keep you moving forward. The practical tool is to ask yourself before making a decision: "Which will I regret more - trying and failing, or never trying?" This framework transforms hesitation into action and ensures you're building a practice and career by your design, not by default.

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Tune in for candid, unfiltered insights on building a professional and personal brand like no other. 

Dr. Manrina Rhode started posting on Instagram in 2011, years before opening DRMR Clinic, sharing glimpses of her life, work, and aesthetic passion organically. What initially seemed like personal content eventually became the foundation for attracting global patients and building trust before they ever walked through her clinic doors. For dental practitioners looking to scale, this insight flips the traditional business timeline: your personal brand becomes your most powerful marketing asset when built authentically over time. So, by the time you're ready to launch a practice or expand your services, you'll have an engaged community that already believes in your expertise. Remember, social media shouldn’t be a reactive marketing tool, but a proactive patient acquisition engine. 

Dr. Manrina worked three days a week for a decade - traveling monthly, lecturing globally, and maintaining a life outside the clinic - before opening DRMR at age 40, despite friends repeatedly warning her about the reality of business ownership. When she finally opened her clinic, she worked seven days a week for the first six months, sleeping only when absolutely necessary and even lucid-dreaming about problems that needed solving. The hidden cost of entrepreneurship isn't just financial; it's the complete restructuring of your lifestyle and mental bandwidth that no clinical training prepares you for. So, she urges anyone with a dream - before pursuing business ownership, honestly evaluate whether the trade-offs align with your definition of success, because the initial launch phase demands a level of sacrifice that traditional associate positions never require. 

Dr. Manrina's Instagram following of 44,000+ and patient referrals from ChatGPT recommendations didn't happen overnight; they're the result of posting consistently since 2011, long before she had a business model or clinic to promote. Every ten posts sharing her clinical work generated five new patient inquiries, proving that organic consistency eventually attracts the right audience and positions you as an authority. For dental practices struggling to see ROI from social media, the issue isn't the platform, it's the expectation of immediate returns rather than compound growth. She encourages practitioners to commit to posting three to five times weekly with genuine, behind-the-scenes content that educates your audience about your clinical process, not polished marketing speak.

Dr. Manrina's clinic culture thrives because she explicitly hires for a service-oriented mindset and includes camera-ready expectations in employment contracts, ensuring team members share her commitment to exceptional patient experiences. She prioritizes work-life balance and trust over rigid control, treating team members like partners who understand the brand vision and only ask for time off when it truly matters. The difference between a high-performing clinic and a struggling one often comes down to whether leadership can align team members around shared values rather than managing through policies and procedures. When building your team, invest time in identifying people who innately want to serve clients at the highest level and who genuinely believe in your vision, because those individuals require less management and inspire better patient outcomes. 

Dr. Manrina identifies a critical divide in the dental industry: the vast majority of practitioners either consume social media passively without posting, or they post without paying attention to broader trends and what competitors are doing. This "poster-only" mindset protects her mental health and allows her to stay focused on her message rather than getting distracted by comparison or algorithm anxiety. For dental practitioners, the lesson is that consistency and focus matter more than optimization anxiety. So, pick a posting schedule you can sustain, commit to it and don't let scrolling through other practices' content derail your own content strategy. Start with one platform, master it, and expand only after you've built a sustainable system that doesn't consume your time. The practitioners winning at social media are those who understand their brand message clearly and communicate it repeatedly, rather than those constantly chasing the latest trends or comparing themselves to others. If social media is affecting your mental health, you're probably watching too much and posting too little—flip that ratio.

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As it turns out, being "nice" might be the most powerful business strategy of all.

Pat shares that every job requires mastering three key elements: technical skills, commitment/work ethic, and leadership personality. For dental organizations, understanding these pillars helps identify areas where team members need development and support. While many professionals focus solely on technical abilities, neglecting the equally crucial aspects of work ethic and leadership capabilities, the key lies in creating systems to develop all three areas simultaneously through mentorship, feedback, and structured growth opportunities. At Heartland Dental, this framework guides their approach to professional development at all levels, from new hires to seasoned leaders.

Pat emphasizes that successful dental organizations must prioritize doctor autonomy while providing robust support systems. Rather than dictating clinical decisions, leaders should ask questions and truly listen to understand doctors' goals and treatment philosophies. This approach allows organizations to maintain high standards while respecting each doctor's individual approach to patient care, helping doctors achieve their stated objectives rather than imposing standardized protocols. Pat suggests that organizations that master this balance create an environment where both doctors and patients thrive.

Patrick shares Heartland's foundational rule that "if you're not nice, you can't work here" - but clarifies that being "nice" means being honest and giving direct feedback respectfully. This principle helps create psychological safety while maintaining high standards of behavior and performance, while acknowledging that toxic behavior, even from top producers, ultimately damages culture and results. Leaders must model this balance of kindness and candor, showing it's possible to have difficult conversations while treating people with dignity.

Pat details his disciplined morning routine combining physical exercise, spiritual reflection and leadership development work. He starts at 5:15 AM with an hour of exercise, followed by an hour of prayer and leadership homework where he analyzes good versus poor leadership behaviors. This structured approach ensures consistent focus on personal growth and maintaining the energy needed for executive leadership, demonstrating how disciplined habits compound over time to build stronger leaders. For growing organizations, having leaders who prioritize their own development creates a culture of continuous improvement.

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This episode is a play-by-play of understanding and leveraging your dental business’ true competitive advantage. 

Stephenie shares how Glidewell scaled from 1,000 to 5,000 employees while automating away Bunsen burners, proving that AI and technology create opportunity rather than eliminate jobs when communicated strategically. For business leaders navigating digital transformation, this insight directly addresses the anxiety many team members feel about automation threatening their roles. The challenge most organizations face is announcing tech changes without a plan to reskill and redeploy people into higher-value work. Stephenie's approach includes tier-based leadership development programs, free LinkedIn Learning access for skill-building, and clear messaging showing how each technology transition historically created new roles. 

Stephenie emphasizes that career growth isn't always about the next promotion. Sometimes taking a strategic step sideways exposes you to new business functions and builds the holistic understanding needed for true leadership. In the dental business, leaders often get stuck in silos (clinical, operational, financial), missing the cross-functional perspective that drives smarter decisions at scale. This approach transforms your organization's succession pipeline from title-focused to capability-focused, producing leaders who can actually navigate the complexity of modern dental enterprises.

Stephenie clarifies a critical distinction: company values on mugs and walls mean nothing if your actions contradict them every single day. For dental practice owners and lab leaders, culture is your competitive moat in a commoditizing market, yet most organizations treat it as a one-time initiative rather than a living practice. The real work happens in how you handle tough employee conversations, whether you admit gaps in your own knowledge, and how you treat someone who's shown up late 30 days in a row (curiosity about what's happening in their life, not immediate discipline). 

Stephenie confronts the title-inflation problem head-on: the past seven years created unrealistic expectations for promotion velocity, and most leaders now lack the organizational structure to meet those demands, so they avoid the conversation entirely. In dental practices and labs facing this tension, retention suffers because good people feel invisible despite doing solid work. Stephenie's solution moves recognition away from titles alone toward personalized rewards: sending high-performers to transformational leadership conferences (Center for Creative Leadership), AWS training for AI enthusiasts, spot bonuses, gift certificates to nice restaurants, or simply offering a half-day off with genuine appreciation. The key is understanding individual motivation - some crave public recognition, others are mortified by it; some respond to money, others to development opportunities or time. By having explicit conversations about career paths and demonstrating multiple ways to feel valued and progressing, you retain talented people who might otherwise leave for a fancier title elsewhere. This approach costs far less than replacing good people and builds loyalty that titles alone never will.

Stephenie explains that Glidewell published the first peer-reviewed paper on AI producing a physical product (a crown) and for dentists and practice leaders evaluating AI-powered lab systems, this clarity matters. The innovation isn't about looking flashy, it's about increasing the likelihood your restoration fits perfectly on the first delivery, reducing rework and patient frustration. When you understand AI's real job in dentistry - raising the floor on consistency rather than replacing the art - you can confidently recommend advanced labs to your team and confidently trust their output. This shifts the conversation from "fancy technology" to "how do we deliver better patient outcomes consistently?"

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This episode is sure to inject some much-needed curiosity and vigor into your approach to dental to tech.

Nathan James emphasizes that adopting AI tools requires two distinct phases: discovery-and-exploration first, then adoption-and-scale, and rushing between them is where most practices stumble. During the exploration phase, you should experiment with everything available (ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot, Perplexity) to understand what's possible without committing long-term contracts. The critical mistake dental leaders make is signing three-year deals with exciting new tools before validating whether they actually solve your practice's pain points or integrate with your existing tech stack. Start by identifying early wins through experimentation, then only after proving ROI should you begin iterative rollouts into your core systems. 

While commercial LLMs like ChatGPT can hallucinate because they're trained on massive, unfiltered datasets, AI agents built for dental practices work entirely differently. They access only your practice's specific patient data and business rules through APIs. Nathan's scheduling agent example illustrates this perfectly: you tell it your constraints (hygiene appointments only on Mondays, crowns clustered Thursday afternoons), and it analyzes your actual patient database, not the internet, to rank and contact the most likely-to-show patients via voice, text, and email. This data partitioning approach delivers accuracy because the system has zero access to irrelevant information; it's solving one specific problem with one specific dataset. 

Just as hackers once exploited SQL injection vulnerabilities in databases, they can now manipulate AI agents through "prompt injection"- cleverly phrased responses designed to trick the system into revealing patient PHI or violating HIPAA compliance. Nathan stresses that legitimate AI vendors build multiple layers of data partitioning: the agent never has access to sensitive patient details until the caller proves their identity through configurable verification (date of birth, name, insurance number). When evaluating an AI company, don't just ask "Is this cool?"—investigate their management team, financial backing, and ten-year burn rate like you would a practice acquisition.

Nathan's approach to product strategy is radically customer-centric: Planet DDS launched seven customer advisory boards populated by "mavens" - early adopters who evangelize solutions to peers - meeting quarterly to review roadmaps and monthly for iterative progress on features. The genius is that instead of product teams guessing which feature matters most (Feature A versus Feature B), they ask the customers directly: "Will this actually deliver the value we think it will, or are we solving the wrong problem?" These boards surface the consistent pain point across all DSOs - revenue squeeze and EBITDA pressure - which becomes the North Star for prioritization. By embedding customers into the product development process rather than just collecting surveys, you gain business context that no internal team can replicate, ensuring every release directly addresses real financial or operational pain rather than shiny features nobody needs.

When Nathan evaluates competing features or initiatives, the deciding factor is always the same: which one saves clinicians or RCM staff the most time? This ruthless impact-per-hour-saved lens cuts through nice-to-have ideas and focuses engineering effort on margin-expanding wins that directly reduce headcount costs or revenue leakage. He's discovered that even the most efficient DSOs spend one RCM FTE for every $12 million in processed revenue - still expensive - and Planet DDS's vision is to get that to one FTE per $15-20 million through RCM automation inspired by the payments industry. By always asking "How much time does this save?" instead of "How innovative is this?," you stay aligned with DSO profitability rather than chasing buzzwords, and your team understands the business logic behind every sprint.

Nathan believes product managers are "connective tissue" across organizations, and that means attending real sales conversations, implementation calls, and account reviews - not via summary email, but in real-time. He even required his entire product team to read sales books so they'd understand pipeline, lead qualification, and champion dynamics, ensuring product decisions reflect what customers actually need versus what internal teams assume they need. When a sales rep struggles during a demo or a customer expresses frustration, product managers sitting in that conversation gain context no survey can provide and spot the next priority before it becomes a churn risk. This philosophy breaks down the classic product-sales wall that plagues growing organizations, ensuring your team ships solutions to the exact problems your market is experiencing today, not yesterday's assumptions.

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We all need a reminder of what really matters; this is the reminder every dental professional needs.

Chris shares how MB2's success stems from prioritizing authenticity and honest relationships over traditional business metrics. Rather than following a rigid investment thesis, they focus on creating an environment where dentists can practice without compromise while maintaining their autonomy. The approach has led to remarkable success, with only 3% of potential practices becoming partners, ensuring strong cultural alignment. Their transparent communication style and commitment to collective growth has resulted in high partner satisfaction and retention. 

Chris emphasizes the importance of maintaining a flat organizational structure where team members feel safe to contribute without office politics. The weekly executive meetings mirror the morning huddles of dental practices, focusing on open communication and collaborative problem-solving. This approach creates an environment where people can focus their energy on productive pursuits rather than navigating corporate bureaucracy. By protecting the team from unnecessary complexity and providing psychological safety, MB2 enables innovation even in areas where team members lack prior experience. Their success with initiatives like AI implementation demonstrates how empowered teams can tackle new challenges effectively.

Chris explains why he chooses not to have an executive assistant, prioritizing direct accessibility to partners and team members. He believes that personal relationships and quick response times are crucial for maintaining strong partnerships in a joint venture model. This approach allows him to address challenges before they become emergencies while demonstrating respect through responsiveness. The philosophy extends throughout the organization with the mantra "everyone gets their own coffee," emphasizing that no task is beneath anyone. 

Chris describes his approach to continuous learning, emphasizing the importance of seeking knowledge through various mediums rather than following traditional paths. He actively avoids the echo chamber effect that can develop when leaders only study their immediate industry. Instead, he draws insights from podcasts, documentaries, and businesses outside dentistry to develop unique solutions. This openness to different perspectives has helped MB2 develop innovative approaches to dental practice management. 

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This conversation is a masterclass in dental sales ethics, patient acceptance strategies and the future of dental hygiene departments. 

Janet advocates for implementing assisted hygiene programs where dedicated assistants support hygienists with room turnover and instrumentation. This model allows hygienists to focus solely on patient care while increasing productivity and reducing physical strain. And, while some hygienists initially resist sharing patient relationships, proper training and introduction of assistants to patients helps overcome these concerns. When implemented correctly with staggered scheduling and clear role definition, assisted hygiene creates a more efficient and sustainable care delivery system. 

Janet reveals that selling dentistry ethically means focusing on clinically documented needs rather than unnecessary treatments. The industry's current case acceptance rate of 30-50% indicates that half of diagnosed patients aren't receiving needed treatment, creating a significant opportunity for improvement. Treatment presentations should be tailored to each patient's core values - typically centered around time, money, or pain concerns. A personalized approach such as this transforms "selling" into value-aligned care recommendations that resonate with patients' priorities and concerns, resulting in higher case acceptance rates and better health outcomes, as patients better understand how treatment aligns with what matters most to them.

Janet emphasizes that growing dental organizations need clear clinical leadership and standardized protocols rather than complete provider autonomy. Monthly hygiene-doctor meetings where teams review cases together help create philosophical alignment and consistent care standards. Organizations should implement new clinical protocols through a structured process - beta testing, documented procedures, and ongoing reinforcement. For groups with 20-25 practices, having dedicated supervisors who can visit locations regularly helps maintain standards, ensuring quality care while allowing appropriate clinical judgment.

Janet reframes performance metrics from pure numbers into powerful coaching opportunities that drive improvement. When significant variances appear between providers' metrics, it opens the door for collaborative exploration rather than criticism. Through private conversations and open-ended questions, leaders can help team members self-discover areas for growth. The goal is helping providers recognize opportunities independently rather than forcing change through mandates, which in turn transform KPIs from threatening quotas into valuable insights that enhance patient care and practice success.

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In this episode of The Dental Economist Show, host Mike sits down with Chrissy Bridgeman, CEO and Founder of MODPractice, who describes herself as both a “revenue cycle janitor” and an “engineer.” With years of hands-on experience cleaning up accounts receivable and designing scalable billing operations, Chrissy shares how true RCM excellence lies at the intersection of automation and human expertise.

She unpacks the real causes of revenue leakage, the dangers of fragmented processes across multiple practices, and why the best DSOs centralize operations only when they hit the right scale. From achieving 90% first-time claims success to transforming $1.7M in aged AR into a clean ledger, her insights reveal what it really takes to build a high-performing, transparent revenue cycle that supports both profitability and patient experience.

Whether you’re managing a single practice or overseeing a growing DSO, this episode is packed with practical strategies on centralization, data-driven accountability, and the balance between technology and human touch.

Chrissy Bridgeman reveals that practices should centralize their billing operations once they reach three locations. This strategic move allows practices to aggregate call centers and billing teams while enabling in-office staff to focus entirely on patient experience. The centralization threshold addresses the common challenge of balancing administrative efficiency with quality patient care. To implement effectively, practices should start by consolidating insurance-related tasks and documentation processes into a dedicated team. When executed properly, this approach leads to improved patient satisfaction and stronger referral networks, ultimately driving practice growth.

A best-practice goal for dental practices is achieving a 90-95% first-time claim acceptance rate, according to Chrissy. The key to reaching this benchmark lies in thorough insurance verification and proper documentation submission upfront. Many practices struggle with repeated claim submissions and denials, which creates unnecessary administrative burden and delays revenue collection. Implementation requires establishing robust systems and processes for gathering and submitting supporting documentation with initial claims. This proactive approach significantly reduces denial rates and accelerates payment cycles, improving overall practice cash flow.

Chrissy emphasizes the importance of upfront communication and transparency when handling unexpected patient balances. Effective patient financial communication begins with accurate treatment estimates and proper documentation of potential insurance downgrades. When surprises do occur, the key is to break down the situation clearly, explaining insurance decisions and policy limitations in straightforward terms. This approach helps maintain patient trust and increases likelihood of payment, while reducing the perception of "bait and switch" tactics that can damage practice reputation.

Chrissy advocates for matching team members with roles that align with their strengths and preferences in revenue cycle management. This specialized approach recognizes that different team members excel at different aspects of the billing process, from insurance verification to payment posting. Implementation involves conducting personality assessments and having direct conversations about role preferences and learning interests. When properly executed, this strategy leads to higher team satisfaction, reduced turnover, and improved overall revenue cycle performance.

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In this episode of The Dental Economist Show, host Mike dives deep with Dr. Alex Giannini,  who brings over three decades of experience in building and advising successful DSOs. From his accidental start as a solo practitioner managing payroll with a $16,000 mistake, to leading one of the first large-scale dental groups in the U.S., Dr. Giannini’s story is both inspiring and brutally honest.

He breaks down the evolution of dental group practice - from early operator-led DSOs to today’s private equity-driven landscape and explains why most groups stall after a few acquisitions. Through lessons learned in capital strategy, leadership alignment, and operational discipline, he offers a practical blueprint for creating sustainable growth rooted in shared values.

If you’re navigating expansion, courting investors, or simply rethinking your DSO’s foundation, this conversation will change the way you think about growth, partnerships, and long-term success in dentistry.

Dr. Alex shares how a challenging patient financial discussion led him to develop systematic treatment planning and case presentation skills. Financial conversations are often the most uncomfortable part of healthcare practice management, yet they're crucial for business sustainability. He discovered that many clinicians struggle with discussing costs, leading to missed opportunities and patient confusion. The solution involves creating clear protocols for when and how financial discussions happen during the patient journey. His experience training his partner became the foundation for coaching hundreds of practices on effective financial communications, demonstrating how systematic approaches can transform challenging conversations into practice growth opportunities.

Dr. Alex emphasizes the critical importance of establishing proper legal and organizational structures before scaling a healthcare practice. Many entrepreneurial practitioners face major challenges when expanding beyond 3-4 locations due to inconsistent legal and financial frameworks. He advises creating standardized legal and accounting structures from the beginning to maintain operational leverage and scalability. The solution involves working with experienced advisors to build proper HR, accounting, and banking systems that can support growth. This foundational approach helps practices avoid the common pitfall of becoming a "mishmash of entities" that limits future expansion potential.

Dr. Alex outlines a strategic approach to practice funding, explaining the spectrum from self-funding to private equity. Healthcare entrepreneurs often struggle with timing their capital needs, leading to missed opportunities or unfavorable partnerships. The key is understanding when to progress through each funding stage - from personal capital to friends and family, then bank financing, and finally outside investment. He emphasizes choosing partners based on aligned values rather than just financial terms. This methodical approach to capital helps practitioners maintain control while accessing the resources needed for sustainable growth.

Dr. Alex warns against the common pitfall of building systems around exceptions rather than standards. Many healthcare practitioners become attached to certain employees, vendors, or processes that may actually hinder growth potential. He advocates for creating scalable systems based on best practices rather than individual preferences or relationships. This requires maintaining an open mindset and willingness to change when better solutions emerge. The ability to evolve beyond comfortable but limiting practices ultimately determines long-term success in scaling a healthcare organization.

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The conversation proves that unsurprisingly, even in an era of tech dominance, dentistry can’t afford to lose its personal touch. 

Jeremy emphasizes that dental practice transitions are fundamentally about people and legacy, not just paperwork and processes and leaders must recognize that practices represent decades of personal investment from doctors, staff, and patients, making emotional considerations crucial during transitions. The key is introducing operational and clinical changes gradually while acknowledging the emotional attachment of all stakeholders - an approach that helps to preserve the practice's community connections while implementing necessary modernizations.

When implementing new practice management systems, Jeremy emphasizes the power of upfront transparency and comprehensive support. He opines that clear communication about what will and won't transfer during system migrations, coupled with immediate solutions for critical gaps, are key. The strategy includes providing extensive training support and maintaining constant communication throughout the transition process. Success comes from treating technology changes as a collaborative journey rather than a mandate, resulting in progressively smoother implementations across their network.

Jeremy shares insights on avoiding the common pitfall of accumulating disconnected dental technologies. The focus should be on creating seamless integrations between systems, rather than adding isolated solutions. Technology adoption improves dramatically when systems work together cohesively, feeling like one unified solution rather than separate tools. This approach reduces team frustration and increases the likelihood of consistent, long-term utilization.

The key to successful technology implementation lies in clearly communicating its purpose and benefits to the team. Jeremy suggests that starting small with manageable goals, such as one doctor performing one procedure daily, creates sustainable adoption patterns. This is because teams need to understand how new tools make their lives easier rather than just adding complexity to their workflow - a measured approach to innovation that ensures better buy-in and long-term success with new technologies.

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This conversation offers actionable strategies for navigating the evolving healthcare landscape.

Dan reveals that successful business integration must either relieve provider headaches or reduce operational costs - ideally both. This dual-focus approach helps healthcare organizations avoid implementing changes that don't deliver tangible value. When evaluating potential integrations, leaders should first identify specific pain points for providers and quantifiable cost-saving opportunities. Organizations that apply this strategic filter can better prioritize initiatives and achieve measurable improvements in both provider satisfaction and financial performance.

Breaking down business operations into discrete processes is essential for successful AI integration in healthcare organizations. Dan emphasizes the importance of identifying specific steps within each process that technology could enhance or automate. Rather than attempting comprehensive AI transformation, focus on measurable improvements in targeted areas like revenue cycle management or patient intake. This methodical approach allows practices to evaluate ROI clearly and scale successful implementations.

The key to maintaining strong referral relationships is establishing systematic outreach processes that continue even when practice volumes increase. Dan shares how his company demonstrates this by having dedicated marketing specialists conduct 7-10 referral source visits daily, coordinating educational events, and maintaining consistent communication channels. Many practices make the mistake of reducing outreach efforts when they get busy, disrupting their referral pipeline. Creating a dedicated role for referral management ensures sustainable growth through both busy and slower periods.

Dan shares their successful approach to surgeon recruitment through educational residency dinners, focusing on providing genuine value rather than sales pitches. The approach demonstrates how focusing on authentic education and relationship-building yields better recruitment results than traditional promotional efforts. By leading with value and education, organizations can build stronger connections with potential recruits while establishing themselves as trusted partners in career development.

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This conversation proves that putting people first takes your business to first place. 

Saam shares his journey from practicing dentist to CEO, highlighting key transition points at different stages of growth. In his opinion, at 2-6 locations, leaders must begin wearing an operations hat, while at 10-15 locations, stepping back from clinical work becomes necessary. The challenge lies in learning to empower teams rather than "jumping on grenades" as the organization grows. With leaders looking for signals when they need to step back and allow their teams to solve problems independently. For growing dental organizations, this framework provides a clear roadmap for leadership evolution while maintaining quality care.

By identifying wait times as their primary patient complaint, Saam explains how his business launched a systematic initiative to improve patient experience. The team conducted office-by-office analysis, identifying five common themes affecting wait times across locations. Through focused training and process improvements, they achieved a 20% reduction in wait times system-wide. This patient-centric approach demonstrates how systematic operational improvements can directly impact patient satisfaction and practice growth.

Rather than one-time training sessions, successful change management at scale requires systematic follow-up and reinforcement. Daily 15-minute check-ins with small groups of offices (3-5 at a time) ensure consistent implementation and problem-solving. Regular KPI reviews and celebrations of wins maintain momentum and engagement across the organization. This approach has proven effective in managing change across 50 locations while maintaining quality and culture.

Saam outlines how emerging technologies will transform different aspects of the patient journey, from automated appointment confirmation to AI-powered insurance verification. While current solutions may be clunky, significant improvements are expected within 12-18 months. The focus should be on automating tactical administrative tasks while allowing staff to focus on patient interaction and care. This strategic approach to technology adoption will enhance both operational efficiency and patient experience.

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Dr. Peter Theurer reveals how maintaining clinical autonomy drives rapid DSO growth by allowing doctors to feel ownership over their practices. This approach particularly resonates with younger practitioners who want the benefits of group partnership without sacrificing control. The challenge many DSOs face is balancing standardization with individual practice identity. Bridge Dental Group addresses this by providing support and resources while letting doctors maintain their leadership role. Their success story includes growing to 26 locations in just two years by prioritizing doctor autonomy. This model demonstrates how respecting clinical independence while providing growth resources creates sustainable partnerships.

Dr. Peter Theurer shares the critical sequence of building a DSO leadership team, starting with financial expertise before operations. Many healthcare organizations struggle with scaling because they lack the right support infrastructure. The first key hire should be a financial analyst who can properly evaluate and structure partnerships. Following that, bringing in a COO allows the founder to focus on growth while ensuring existing practices receive proper support. This approach enables sustainable scaling while maintaining quality of care and practice satisfaction.

Dr. Peter Theurer illustrates how successful DSO partnerships must align with each doctor's unique definition of success. A powerful example shows how one partner grew practice revenue by 40% while reducing clinical hours to accommodate family needs. The key challenge is balancing practice growth with personal goals and lifestyle preferences. Their approach focuses on expanding services and capabilities while respecting the doctor's desired work-life balance. This strategy demonstrates how flexible partnership models can create win-win scenarios for both practitioners and DSOs.

Dr. Peter Theurer outlines their ideal practice profile of $2M in collections and $500K in EBITDA, while sharing insights on current market dynamics. Rising practice valuations are creating both opportunities and challenges in the acquisition landscape. DSOs must get creative with deal structures to make partnerships work in the current high-interest-rate environment. Their approach involves focusing on healthy practices with strong fundamentals rather than chasing quick deals. This strategy has proven successful even as market conditions evolve, showing the importance of sustainable valuation models.

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This episode offers valuable perspectives on balancing growth with stability while keeping patient care at the forefront.

Leslie emphasizes that stable growth comes from maximizing existing patient relationships rather than pursuing rapid expansion. The key to organic growth lies in delivering quality services efficiently while maintaining high standards of patient care. Essentially, she suggests that dental organizations must focus on what they currently have and optimize their operations before seeking new opportunities. 

Managing multiple dental specialties requires distinct operational approaches tailored to each specialty's unique needs. Leslie reveals how their organization successfully manages a mix of 45% oral surgery, 45% orthodontics, and additional GP and endodontic services through specialized leadership strategies. Leaders must develop high emotional intelligence to navigate different specialty cultures while maintaining organizational cohesion by finding the right balance between standardization and specialty-specific adaptations. 

Leslie shares their approach to revenue cycle management, maintaining personal patient interactions while centralizing insurance processes. This hybrid model keeps the human touch in patient-facing activities while streamlining back-office operations, removing administrative burden from clinical teams. The strategy improves both operational efficiency and patient satisfaction. 

Leslie reveals that creating lasting organizational culture requires surrounding yourself with people who share and can spread your vision. Strong cultures emerge when leaders empower team members to become culture carriers across multiple locations. This strategy proves particularly effective in large organizations where direct leadership presence isn't always possible, enabling a self-perpetuating culture that maintains consistency while allowing for organic growth.

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As dental professionals and DSOs brace for turbulence, this episode offers a hopeful reminder of the potential of dentistry - today and in the future. 

Mike Friguletto reveals how his organization maintains strong referral relationships through a layered approach combining marketing staff coordination and strategic events. Large dental organizations often struggle to maintain personal connections across multiple locations, but Beacon's formula includes tactical activities like staff visits, continuing education sessions, and social gatherings. Their approach focuses on bringing value to referral partners while creating opportunities for meaningful relationship building. 

Another interesting reveal is that utilizing AI-powered pattern recognition to analyze insurance reimbursements and practice performance data across one’s network is largely beneficial. This technology helps identify both insurance carrier changes and internal operational opportunities, allowing for proactive problem-solving and staff education. The AI system compares practices to surface insights that drive meaningful conversations with doctors about potential improvements.

Friguletto emphasizes that patient experience hinges on the first five minutes of interaction - three minutes on the phone and two minutes at check-in. While clinical excellence is consistently high, patient satisfaction often correlates most strongly with these initial touchpoints and final billing experience. Your strategy should focus on using technology to optimize these critical moments while maintaining the human touch needed for anxious patients. 

To implement new technologies and processes across multiple locations, Friguletto reveals the need for "luminaries" who can pilot changes and demonstrate success. Rather than forcing widespread adoption, they focus on winning over early adopters and building momentum gradually. This approach recognizes that newer practitioners are often more open to change while respecting the experience of established surgeons. For practice leaders implementing change, this strategic approach reduces resistance and allows for natural evolution as practices grow. 

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As dental professionals and DSOs brace for turbulence, this episode offers a hopeful reminder of the potential of dentistry - today and in the future. 

Steve emphasizes that during challenging times, the key to success is identifying core strengths and doubling down on them. While dentistry offers numerous opportunities, trying to pursue too many initiatives simultaneously can dilute effectiveness and resources. He recommends taking your existing list of initiatives and cutting it in half, then cutting it in half again to focus on just 2-3 key priorities that can truly make a difference. This disciplined approach provides a clear framework for strategic decision-making.

Steve shares a crucial insight about building sustainable dental businesses by focusing on long-term value creation rather than quick exits. He explains that trying to time the market for a sale is dangerous and likens it to gambling, where you need to be right about both direction and timing. The key is to build a business with strong fundamentals that you theoretically would never need to sell, which paradoxically creates the best opportunities for favorable exits when the timing is right. 

Steve highlights a critical market opportunity in dentistry, noting that 50% of Americans still lack regular dental care access, representing a business opportunity as well as a significant healthcare challenge that DSO models are uniquely positioned to address through increased efficiency and accessibility. He emphasizes that this isn't about disrupting successful private practices but rather about expanding the market to serve previously unreached populations.

Steve offers a pragmatic perspective on AI adoption in dentistry, comparing it to the early internet boom where direction was right but timing and hype were misaligned, highlighting specific high-impact areas for AI implementation, including voice agents for patient communication and revenue cycle management automation. He suggests that the focus should be on finding measurable impact points that make teams more efficient and improve patient experience rather than adopting AI for its own sake. 

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Dr. Greg White is the President and CEO of PepperPointe Partnerships, a unique doctor-owned dental service organization focused on preserving local practices through a cooperative model. With over 30 years of experience in orthodontics and entrepreneurship, Dr. White transformed his 20-location orthodontic practice into an innovative DSO that now supports over 130 locations while maintaining doctor ownership and community integration. His vision for preserving dentist autonomy while building multi-generational practices has led to remarkable results, including 50% profitability increases across member practices in challenging market conditions.

Tune in for a guide of actionable strategies on taking dental technology and your practice’s security to the next level!

PepperPointe Partnerships was built to protect the legacy of dentistry by keeping ownership in the hands of dentists, not private equity. Instead of competing, practices came together under one innovative structure that safeguards true ownership, ensures retiring doctors can maintain their lifestyle, and opens affordable pathways for new graduates. The lesson? Stop seeing each other as competitors and start building together.

When you stop chasing quick exits and start building for the long term, everything changes. Dr. White’s model shows that by aligning doctors around shared ownership, accountability, and reinvestment, you can increase profitability even through crises like COVID, supply chain shortages, and high interest rates. Instead of squeezing value for three to five years, his groups focus on creating enduring businesses that last for generations, attract new talent, and share profits directly with doctors. This creates stronger cultures, better patient care, and a 50% rise in profitability in just six years.

Running a group with dozens of equal partners isn’t easy. Different voices, perspectives, and effort levels make alignment tough. But that’s also what creates resilience and opportunity. Success in this model comes down to the only three things you can truly control: your attitude, your choices, and your effort. When partners lean into those, they unlock growth far beyond what they could achieve alone. When they don’t, results vary.

The future of dentistry is powered by two forces: patient demand for aesthetics and the smart use of technology. Patients will continue to spend more on looking good, driving growth in dental care. For practices, success isn’t about chasing every new tool but about building a strong culture, clear strategy, and then using technology to amplify that vision. Focus on culture, accountability, respect, and digital-first workflows, and you’ll not only attract new patients but also the next generation of dental talent.

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Tune in for a guide of actionable strategies on taking dental technology and your practice’s security to the next level! 

Tom reveals how dental practices have transformed from viewing technology as a basic necessity to leveraging it as a strategic business driver. This shift, particularly accelerated post-COVID, shows practices now actively seeking ways to use technology to enhance patient experience and drive revenue growth. He suggests that modern dental organizations recognize that staying competitive requires viewing IT as an enabler rather than just a cost center. Strategic technology implementation helps practices improve operational efficiency while meeting rising patient expectations for digital experiences. 

Tom introduces the concept of "technical debt" and its impact on dental practice operations. He explains - practices often prioritize purchasing new clinical equipment while neglecting core infrastructure updates, creating a compounding technology deficit. He recommends implementing a quarterly budget approach for consistent technology updates rather than facing large, unexpected costs. By compartmentalizing IT investments into manageable portions, practices can maintain modern infrastructure while still investing in revenue-generating equipment.

Tom emphasizes the importance of looking beyond AI buzzwords to identify specific operational needs and solutions. Rather than seeking a one-size-fits-all AI solution, practices should prioritize their specific needs across clinical, administrative, and patient engagement areas. The key to successful AI implementation lies in understanding exactly how each solution will address concrete business challenges. By carefully evaluating vendors against prioritized needs, practices can avoid wasting resources on unnecessary features. This focused approach helps practices select AI solutions that deliver measurable improvements in efficiency and patient care.

Tom emphasizes that successful technology rollouts require thorough planning and buy-in from all stakeholders. Many implementations fail because organizations rush deployment without proper vetting from front office, back office, and clinical perspectives. Organizations should prioritize proper communication and training to ensure staff adoption and prevent negative perception of new technologies, which significantly increases the likelihood of successful technology adoption and positive ROI.

Tom addresses the common problem of "product sprawl" where practices accumulate redundant software solutions. Many organizations unknowingly pay for multiple products with overlapping features, particularly as they grow through acquisitions. Conducting regular audits of technology solutions can identify opportunities to consolidate vendors and reduce costs. Streamlining IT services across multiple locations can achieve significant economies of scale. This optimization strategy often reveals thousands in potential savings per location while improving operational efficiency.

Cyber threats in dental are on the rise. Tom Barberio shares practical ways to protect your practice and stay ahead—listen now! 

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As every DSO tries to scale and grow, empathetic leadership and mental health advocacy are critical to professional, patient and business health. Tune in to be the leader everyone needs today. 

Tim reveals how accepting help from others is often misinterpreted as weakness, when it actually demonstrates strength and emotional intelligence. Healthcare leaders who model vulnerability automatically create psychologically safer workplaces where team members feel comfortable seeking support. By intentionally practicing acceptance of help, leaders can build stronger connections and demonstrate that it's safe for others to do the same, enabling a culture of trust in the organization.  

Tim shares his powerful "Vision Playlist" technique for using music to tap into specific emotional states and reinforce personal and professional goals. For healthcare leaders struggling with burnout or motivation, creating a curated playlist of songs that evoke desired emotional states can be a powerful tool for maintaining focus and energy. He suggests that each song should connect to a specific aspect of your vision - whether that's confidence, compassion, or other leadership qualities. This framework provides a practical way to intentionally shape your mindset and emotional state during challenging times. 

Tim emphasizes that men often "heal shoulder to shoulder" rather than face-to-face, highlighting the importance of leaders who openly discuss their challenges. In healthcare environments where emotional strain is common, having visible role models who normalize discussing mental health creates psychological safety, meaning that leaders must "go first" in showing vulnerability and seeking support through coaching or other resources. As Time suggests, breaking down stigma is critical and shows team members that seeking help is a sign of strength rather than weakness. 

Tim reframes "surrender", from a sign of giving up to releasing the need to control everything through fear and stress. For healthcare leaders dealing with constant pressure, this mindset shift allows better decision-making from a place of clarity rather than anxiety. It doesn't mean accepting poor outcomes, but rather maintaining a calm presence while addressing challenges. Healthcare professionals who learn to "surrender" often find they perform better while experiencing less burnout.

Listen now for a story about resilience, vulnerability, and taking the first step. 

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Tune in for an all-you-need-to-know guide to dental’s most iconic DSO conference.

Brian emphasizes that Dykema's unprecedented 2,400-person attendance creates unique networking opportunities that require strategic engagement throughout the entire event. He explains that even seemingly optional events, like early breakfast sessions, frequently result in unexpected yet valuable business connections, offering ways in which attendees can maximize value. Brian recommends attending every scheduled event, including the Women in DSO gathering, opening reception, and dinner reception. For dental industry professionals looking to expand their network, this "always present" approach ensures they don't miss crucial connection opportunities.

Brian reveals his passionate commitment to maintaining high standards for both vendors and content at Dykema. The conference faces the challenge of balancing commercial interests with genuine educational value, requiring careful curation of presentations and exhibitors. Brian personally oversees stage content, rejecting purely promotional presentations even from major sponsors, while ensuring vendors receive genuine value through direct access to decision-makers. He implements strict quality control by screening potential participants and maintaining a selective approach to sponsorship opportunities. This commitment to quality has resulted in unprecedented attendance numbers and consistently positive feedback from both DSO representatives and vendors.

Brian highlights how Dykema serves as a one-stop educational platform for exploring every major dental technology solution, from AI to practice management systems. Many dental organizations struggle with evaluating and selecting technology solutions in isolation, often missing opportunities for integration and optimization. The conference addresses this by bringing together verified, value-adding vendors across every major technology category, allowing attendees to efficiently compare solutions. Attendees can transform from having zero knowledge about a particular technology to understanding all available options in just three days, enabling dental organizations to make informed technology decisions while saving months of independent research time.

Brian shares how the conference has developed specific support systems for first-time attendees, addressing the common challenge of feeling overwhelmed at large industry events. Through initiatives like Sarah Ruberg's pre-event webinars and DVIN's orientation sessions, new attendees receive guidance on maximizing their conference experience. These support systems provide structured introductions to the event format, helping newcomers navigate the extensive networking and learning opportunities. First-time attendees gain confidence through these preparatory sessions, enabling them to take full advantage of the conference from day one. This structured support system has become a crucial element in ensuring positive experiences for the growing number of new attendees.

Discover what sets Dykema apart in the dental space—insights, connections, and real value. If you enjoy the episode, follow and share! 

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Tune in to discover how you can scale your dental practice in today’s day and age, without compromising on excellence

Dr. Sharp reveals how focusing deeply on a niche - implants and dentures - has enabled exponential growth versus “trying to be everything to everyone”. This specialized approach allows practices to develop mastery and deliver consistently excellent outcomes that patients can visibly appreciate, addressing a growing market need while avoiding the increasingly pressured middle ground of general dentistry. By consciously narrowing their scope, practitioners can achieve higher proficiency and create more meaningful patient impact. This focused model has helped Shared Practices Group expand to 38 locations across 23 states while maintaining clinical excellence.

Sharp emphasizes the critical importance of screening for the humility and ownership mindset during the hiring process through targeted open-ended questions. Leaders should look beyond technical skills to assess how candidates handle challenges, learn from mistakes, and collaborate with teams, while the interview process should evaluate a candidate's self-awareness, coachability, and ability to contribute to a culture of continuous improvement. This approach helps build cohesive teams aligned with core values while avoiding the "god complex" that can derail healthcare organizations.

Rather than enforcing rigid standardization, Sharp advocates for balancing consistent core standards with flexibility in day-to-day operations. This approach allows individual locations to develop their unique "microculture" while maintaining alignment with the organization's mission and values. He suggests that the focus should be on achieving consistent patient outcomes across locations while empowering doctors and staff to put their stamp on practice operations, which further helps maintain quality while boosting employee engagement and retention.

Sharp outlines a comprehensive countdown approach starting six months before opening a new location, treating it like a NASA mission launch. The process involves careful market analysis, team building, marketing preparation, and operational setup coordinated across multiple workstreams. Success depends heavily on selecting the right market, as even excellent teams cannot overcome poor location choice. This systematic approach helps organizations minimize risks and maximize the chances of success when expanding to new markets.

Follow the show for more conversations like this, and feel free to share the episode with someone who’d enjoy Alex’s insights. 

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Tune in to discover why dentistry is uniquely positioned to lead healthcare innovation and how practices can balance profitability with purpose. 

Len shares his perspective on the “basics” of practice growth and why it’s so important to get them right. At the centre of this, lies culture and a practice’s core values. He emphasizes that DSOs can only help practices to a certain extent, but true growth lies in getting culture right, focussing on it with intention and consistency, and why articulating one’s practice values at the very beginning is a non-negotiable. His revelation of CORDENTAL’s philosophy and the unique way they keep values at the forefront of their business highlights the strategic advantage of being culture-focussed in today’s day and age. 

Len shares how CORDENTAL uses historical data and statistical analysis to predict patient behavior patterns and optimize scheduling. Practice leaders struggling with no-shows and schedule gaps can leverage predictive analytics to identify high-risk time slots and strategically overbook accordingly, moving beyond rigid cancellation policies to instead use data-driven insights that maintain both practice efficiency and positive patient relationships. For dental organizations looking to maximize chair time while minimizing disruption, this systematic approach offers a practical solution that has proven successful in both dental and medical settings.

Len emphasizes how AI-enhanced imaging serves primarily as a powerful patient education and trust-building tool. The technology transforms complex dental images into clear visual explanations by highlighting key areas with colored indicators that patients can easily understand. This visual clarity helps bridge the communication gap between clinical findings and patient comprehension, leading to better treatment plan acceptance. CORDENTAL has found that patients, especially younger demographics, view practices using AI technology as more modern and trustworthy. 

Len outlines CORDENTAL's three-phase approach to evaluating and implementing new technology solutions: addressing current pain points, planning for near-term needs, and maintaining flexibility for future innovations. This structured framework helps practices avoid getting overwhelmed by the constant stream of new technology options in dentistry. Rather than chasing every new solution, the approach focuses on identifying specific operational challenges and piloting targeted solutions, providing a practical way to evaluate options and prioritize implementations that will have the most impact.

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Tune in for actionable insights on how to solve for trust erosion and friction in the world of dental insurance claims.

Ben shares how dental care is becoming a critical window into overall wellness, representing 5-6% of US healthcare spending with expectations for growth. The integration allows dentists to conduct broader health screenings and coordinate care across the healthcare ecosystem, creating more value for patients - a shift driven by increasing patient interest in dental care and growing recognition of oral health's connection to overall wellness. This is further enabled by technology that provides better access to patient histories and health data at providers' fingertips, offering dental practices the opportunity to become central players in patients' complete healthcare journeys. 

Ben emphasizes how the historical "black box" approach to dental benefits has eroded trust throughout the ecosystem. The complexity of benefits verification creates friction between providers, payers, and patients, often leading to unexpected costs and damaged relationships. Modern technology solutions are emerging to help normalize and structure benefits data, making it more accessible and understandable. Payers are increasingly recognizing the need to help members better understand their coverage before treatment, representing a significant opportunity to rebuild trust and improve the patient experience.

Ben discusses how private equity firms evaluate dental technology investments based on scalability, security, and data capabilities. The assessment looks at whether systems can handle doubling or tripling in size while maintaining performance and security standards. Technology debt is evaluated not in terms of if it exists, but rather how much exists and its impact on growth potential. Modern architecture and clean data become key value drivers for practices looking to scale or attract investment, creating opportunities for practices to strategically modernize their technology stack for future growth.

Ben reveals how AI has quietly been present in dentistry for years through fraud detection and radiographic imaging, though broader awareness is only now emerging. The dental industry shows increasing appetite for AI applications, particularly in areas like call centers and claims processing. Data standardization and cleanliness remain critical challenges for implementing AI solutions effectively. Healthcare organizations are approaching AI adoption cautiously but with growing interest, particularly in low-hanging fruit use cases. This measured approach to AI adoption allows practices to start small while preparing for bigger opportunities ahead.

Ready to rethink what’s possible? Listen now and subscribe for more dental business insights! 

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Tune in for a reminder on why it’s vital to set the tone early on and start building the foundation of trust from Day 1, in dentistry and in life. 

Mark shares how Target's "fast, fun, and friendly" mantra translates into dental practice management through his concept of "clearing the runway" for team success. The foundation of successful dental organizations rests on creating an environment where clinical teams can focus entirely on patient care while business operations run smoothly in the background. Leaders must actively remove obstacles and provide resources that enable their teams to deliver exceptional patient experiences, allowing them to grow sustainably while maintaining high standards of care across their practices.

Mark emphasizes the critical importance of transparency and setting clear expectations at the very beginning of any partnership or hiring process. Rather than promising perfection, Snickers and slushies, successful dental organizations should openly discuss both opportunities and challenges, creating an environment where team members feel comfortable raising concerns early, helping build authentic relationships based on mutual understanding. Regular check-ins and open dialogue help maintain alignment between organizational goals and individual expectations, fostering long-term success.

Mark discusses how dental practices must evolve beyond traditional service models to thrive in today's changing marketplace. With household savings at historic lows and shifting demographics affecting patient volumes, successful practices are exploring creative ways to expand services and leverage technology. The key is identifying opportunities that align with existing capabilities while meeting emerging patient needs - whether through expanded treatment options, teledentistry, or AI-enabled care delivery. Organizations that embrace innovation while maintaining focus on sustainable growth position themselves for long-term success.

Mark shares his excitement about the dental industry's growth potential, particularly in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics where DSO consolidation remains under 15%. This fragmentation creates opportunities for organizations that can help independent practices access advanced technology and operational expertise while maintaining clinical autonomy. Forward-thinking groups are using their scale to accelerate adoption of new technologies and best practices across multiple locations. This collaborative approach benefits both providers and patients by combining clinical excellence with business efficiency.

Tune in to The Dental Economist Show wherever you get your podcasts! Don't forget to like, leave a review, and subscribe to the episode. 

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Tune in for the critical reminder that slowing down is the key to moving forward in your dental journey.

Dr. Emily shares how giving back can even be a strategic advantage in the world of dentistry, where something like implementing a free dentistry day creates ripple effects throughout the entire practice culture. The strategy addresses the common challenge of creating meaningful impact while building a sustainable business model. She recommends starting with just one dedicated day per year, making it a regular workday where the team provides free services to those in need. The results extend beyond community goodwill, as staff voluntarily participate and become more invested in the practice's mission. 

Dr. Emily reveals how lack of clarity in goals and priorities is often the root cause of professional burnout. This insight helps professionals understand why they might feel stressed even when seemingly successful. She recommends identifying no more than three core priorities and ensuring all activities align with these goals -  practical framework for making decisions and maintaining focus in a complex business environment.

Dr. Emily discusses how resistance to change, particularly around automation and AI, often stems from an inability to let go of traditional methods. This mindset shift is crucial for practice growth and adaptation to modern healthcare delivery, highlighting that letting go doesn't mean losing control, but rather evolving how control is maintained. The solution involves starting with small changes, like implementing hybrid automation systems, and gradually expanding comfort zones. 

Dr. Emily introduces a powerful exercise where practitioners list daily activities, mark those that generate revenue, and circle tasks only they can perform. This practical tool helps identify areas where leaders might be creating bottlenecks in their organization's growth. The goal is to have no circles, indicating that all revenue-generating activities can be performed by multiple team members. She explains how this exercise reveals opportunities for delegation and system improvement, making it easier to scale operations. 

Success in dentistry starts with clarity—and the courage to let go. Hear Dr. Emily’s powerful story now. 

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Tune in for actionable insights on making the right moves at the right time, with the right people! 

Frank shares his proven approach to evaluating and prioritizing initiatives when joining a dental organization, starting with taking a comprehensive 10,000-foot view of the business. Understanding the founding partners' short and long-term goals through detailed one-on-one conversations creates alignment and builds trust from day one. By focusing first on centralizing core business processes and evaluating the technology stack, leaders can establish a strong foundation for sustainable growth. 

Frank challenges the common belief that practices primarily need more new patients, instead emphasizing the optimization of existing patient relationships. The key focus should be on perfecting every touchpoint in the patient journey, from answering calls to scheduling follow-up care. By implementing robust systems for patient communication and reactivation, practices can maximize the value of their existing patient base. Strong communication skills and building trust are essential for helping patients understand and accept recommended treatment.

Frank reveals his strategy for implementing significant operational changes by maintaining an active leadership presence and clearly communicating the "why" behind every initiative. The approach focuses on helping team members see how changes will improve their daily work experience, rather than just driving efficiency metrics. Leaders must acknowledge potential challenges while painting a clear picture of the positive outcomes ahead. This transparent communication style helps overcome initial resistance and builds lasting buy-in from the team.

Frank introduces an innovative perspective on practice operations, where a quiet, empty waiting room and minimal incoming calls are actually signs of excellence. This model focuses on removing administrative burden through strategic outsourcing and automation, allowing staff to focus on patient care. The approach prioritizes outbound patient communication over reactive responses, creating a more controlled and pleasant environment. This operational model leads to reduced stress, improved patient experience, and better staff retention.

Listen now for real-world strategies on growing your dental business with purpose. 

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Consistency may be the key that takes businesses to the finish line but it’s going back to the basics that helps you unlock the first door that every DSO needs to walk through. 

Mick offers a crucial reminder that dental practice transitions are deeply personal decisions for doctors, requiring a nuanced understanding of both emotional and business factors, emphasizing that for practice leaders, recognizing this personal element is critical in building trust and creating successful partnerships. The challenge lies in balancing the professional aspects of a transition while honoring the emotional investment doctors have made in their practices. A key strategy is approaching each transition with empathy and taking time to understand the unique journey of each doctor. 

Mick shares that the simple yet important act of hitting a 95% phone answer rate is a non-negotiable benchmark for practice success and patient satisfaction. Understanding and consistently tracking key performance indicators like re-care rates and unscheduled treatment creates significant growth opportunities. So, before practice leaders chase new initiatives or technologies, they should first focus on optimizing these fundamental metrics. Implementing regular monitoring and coaching around these core metrics helps identify areas for improvement and drives better patient outcomes - an approach that enables consistent growth even during challenging economic periods.

Mick lets listeners in on the secret to Oakpoint’s strategic and sustained growth, highlighting that they seek out facilities with expansion potential, looking for spaces that can accommodate additional operatories without major construction. This strategic approach to practice selection creates opportunities for organic growth without the complexity of new acquisitions. Identifying practices with untapped physical capacity allows for predictable revenue increases through operational optimization. This facility-focused growth strategy demonstrates how thoughtful practice selection can drive sustainable expansion.

In order to maximize efficiency with regards to payment-processing, Mick suggests a consolidated approach to technology adoption - one that focuses on solutions that solve multiple problems while remaining user-friendly for both staff and patients. By selecting versatile technologies like text-to-pay features, practices can improve efficiency while meeting patient expectations for convenience. This strategic approach to technology implementation shows how careful platform selection can drive both operational improvements and patient satisfaction.

 Unlock dental growth strategies with Mick Janness. Tune in now! 

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How many dentists remember why they got into this profession in the first place? Note enough; and that has to change. 

Kyle shares the essential principle that while businesses should strive to make a positive impact, they must maintain financial sustainability to continue their mission. And, the key lies in finding the right balance between profitability and purpose, integrating giving into the core business model rather than treating it as an optional or nice-to-have. Kyle suggests starting with initiatives that align with your culture and brand, emphasizing that when CSR becomes ingrained in company culture, it can withstand economic challenges while continuing to serve the community. 

In the road to making CSR a cultural driver within the organization, Kyle emphasizes the importance of identifying causes that genuinely resonate with leadership and team members, creating authentic connections that drive lasting engagement. Building a culture of giving requires consistent commitment over time, not jumping between different causes each month. The impact grows naturally as the program becomes an integral part of the organization's identity rather than just another corporate initiative.

The positive effects of CSR stretch far beyond practice growth; Kyle discusses how younger generations actively seek employers whose values align with their own, making CSR programs powerful recruiting tools. Purpose-driven organizations attract candidates looking for meaning beyond just a paycheck, creating stronger cultural alignment from the start. This translates into improved employee engagement and retention as people feel connected to something larger than themselves. 

Kyle highlights the massive opportunity in dentistry, with roughly 50% of people still not regularly seeing a dentist. Modern diagnostic technologies enable dental professionals to identify systemic health issues early, positioning them as crucial healthcare partners. As preventive care and whole-body health become priorities, dentistry's role in healthcare will only grow more vital, presenting opportunities for practices to expand their impact while improving patient outcomes.

Inspired by Kyle’s story? Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of purpose and practice.

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Building a sustainable and successful dental team is about listening to your team, moving quickly to hire, and creating a culture of open communication. This episode is a reminder that, in the end, it’s not about the party, it’s about feeling supported on the hard days and having a team you can trust.

Priyanki reveals that rural practices can offer doctors and specialists up to three to four times the earning potential of urban practices, yet they remain difficult to staff. She explains how younger dentists prioritize lifestyle, preferring city life and flexibility over the financial gain of moving to rural areas. This generational shift in priorities means that even great financial incentives aren’t enough to move talent away from urban areas.

Priyanki explains how DSOs often miss out on top candidates because of their slow, layered decision-making processes. Unlike private practices that can move quickly and hire in a single meeting, DSOs require multiple approvals that delay offers. Priyanki breaks down how these internal challenges prevent them from moving fast enough in a competitive hiring environment, costing them the best talent.

Priyanki explains that dental culture isn’t about big parties or perks, it’s about open communication and feeling heard, especially on tough days. She shares how dental professionals today want to know they have someone to talk to, and why this support matters more than superficial perks. Priyanki emphasizes that a genuine culture of respect and honesty is what keeps dental professionals engaged long-term.

Priyanki shares a revealing story of a candidate who repeatedly criticized their current practice and leadership during the interview process. She highlights why negativity and a lack of respect for colleagues are immediate red flags, no matter how qualified someone might be. Priyanki explains that these attitudes don’t just stay in the interview, they find their way into patient interactions and daily work, damaging morale and culture. She shares how these red flags are part of why she will always prioritize finding the right cultural fit over filling a seat quickly. For Priyanki, it’s better to keep a practice dark than bring in a toxic personality who can ruin the environment for everyone else. This segment shows that even in the competitive world of dental recruitment, character always matters more than credentials.

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The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Building a sustainable and profitable dentistry empire is all about getting the basics right - a strategy that is often traded in for its flashier alternatives. This episode reminds us of the importance of going back to the start! 

Emmett Scott reveals that transitioning from entrepreneur to executive requires mastering three fundamental skills: financial literacy, project management, and people leadership. On the financial front, he states that understanding financials must go beyond basic P&L statements is key. To ace project management, he shares the IDOPE framework (Ideas, Document, Organize, Prioritize, Execute), providing a structured approach to managing initiatives and preventing team burnout. And finally, successful implementation requires moving from constant idea generation to disciplined execution focused on the highest-impact activities. By adopting these skills, practice owners can shift from reactive problem-solving to strategic growth.

Emmett offers a paradigm-shifting concept: adding associates to an existing location often generates more profit than opening new locations. He explains that each additional doctor typically adds 50% to the bottom line while leveraging existing fixed costs and infrastructure. Rather than rushing to expand locations, practices should focus first on optimizing their current operations and team structure. This approach reduces risk while maximizing profitability and operational efficiency, so long as one’s systems support clinical autonomy while maintaining consistent quality standards. 

Reflecting on the post-COVID state of affairs, Emmet admits that the dental industry faces new challenges as fixed insurance reimbursements collide with rising costs, especially in labor and supplies. This brings an interesting dilemma to the forefront: dentistry may be recession-proof, but it is not inflation-proof. Practice owners must now focus on metrics, margins and management skills rather than relying solely on clinical excellence. The solution lies in treating practices as sophisticated businesses with proper financial controls and leadership systems.

Despite consolidation trends, the dental industry continues to offer tremendous opportunity for entrepreneurial practitioners who focus on creating value. The key to success lies in delivering superior patient experiences and clinical outcomes that create a meaningful impact in the local markets, first. By focusing on fundamentals like team development, systems creation, and patient satisfaction, practices can build sustainable competitive advantages. The industry's essential role in healthcare ensures ongoing demand, while its complexity creates barriers to entry that benefit well-run operations.

Tune in now to learn what it really takes to lead in dentistry!

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Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy!

The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Tune in for a masterclass in keeping one’s DSO financial house in order - a foundational business priority that can make or break your practice.  

Mike White emphasizes that treating bookkeeping as an afterthought is costing dental practices millions in unrealized value. Financial fundamentals are crucial for driving performance, requiring integration of analytics and software tools to provide actionable insights. Many practice owners limit themselves by only engaging with their CPA annually for tax returns, missing opportunities for strategic guidance throughout the year. Implementing robust financial tracking and regular professional oversight can help identify efficiency gaps and negotiate better vendor contracts. For multi-location groups, proper financial management becomes even more critical as you scale, directly impacting practice valuation and operational success.

Mike suggests that a systematic approach to financial organization can dramatically increase practice value, as demonstrated by a case where proper bookkeeping added $35 million to a practice's valuation. Practice owners often incorrectly categorize expenses and miss opportunities to capitalize assets, leading to understated EBITDA calculations. Simple improvements like negotiating supply costs down from 8% to 5% and optimizing payment processing fees can significantly impact profitability. Strategic financial management includes proper allocation of expenses across locations and understanding how to present financials for maximum value. 

Business owners must clearly define their vision before pursuing growth, as the path to 100 locations versus maintaining a profitable smaller operation requires very different strategies. Building the right team of advisors and partners early is crucial for executing your chosen strategy effectively. The key is aligning your growth plans with your personal goals and lifestyle preferences rather than following industry trends blindly. Successful practices come in many sizes, from the two-day-a-week solo practitioner earning $2M to the hundred-location DSO.

Investors look for practices with clearly defined, replicable operating models that can scale efficiently. Having standardized systems across practice management, accounting, and operations makes your organization significantly more attractive to potential partners or buyers. Technology integration and data analytics capabilities are now essential components of practice value creation. Documentation of successful processes and proof of consistent execution across locations demonstrates scalability potential. 

Mike White shares the financial fundamentals every dental leader needs to know—whether you’re scaling, selling, or staying independent. Listen now and follow the show for more expert insights.

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Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy!

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Tune in for actionable insights on the critical intersection between quality patient care and increased practice profitability, driven by data. 

Elliot reveals that there's a 98% correlation between doctor retention and same-store revenue/EBITDA growth in dental practices. He found that focusing on creating a collaborative environment where providers could grow professionally while maintaining ownership stakes,  led to 96% doctor retention, which cascaded into 90% hygienist retention and 92% patient retention. This retention-first approach eliminated the need for heavy marketing spend since patient retention became their primary growth driver. 

Elliot shares how measuring and improving hygiene standards can dramatically impact practice profitability, noting that while 50% of Americans over 30 have periodontal disease, most practices only have 15-20% of adult patients in perio programs due to inconsistent probing and diagnosis. By implementing clear standards around FMX frequency, perio probing, and fluoride application, practices can identify millions in untapped revenue. The key is using data to track these metrics at both the provider and practice level. 

Instead of overwhelming teams with countless metrics, Elliot recommends focusing on just 1-3 key initiatives at a time. His company's initiative tracker forces prioritization by limiting projects and requiring clear ownership, goals, and timelines. They evaluate opportunities based on effort versus EBITDA impact to identify quick wins that build momentum. This focused approach prevents analysis paralysis and drives actual behavior change. 

Elliot explains how AI and automation are transforming dental practice operations beyond just clinical applications. He sees opportunities to automate routine tasks in revenue cycle management, finance, HR, and treatment planning follow-up. The key is identifying processes that can be standardized and automated while maintaining quality care standards. For forward-thinking practice leaders, this suggests focusing first on automating administrative workflows to free up staff time for patient care. Understanding and experimenting with AI capabilities will be crucial for practices looking to gain operational efficiency.

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Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy!

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Tune in to discover the hidden ROI of AI adoption in dental businesses and how the right implementation of technology can be a competitive advantage and growth driver for your practice. 

Ophir explains how AI is transforming dental practice operations through automated data input and intelligent workflow management. He emphasizes that, rather than replacing humans, this technology aims to eliminate tedious manual data entry tasks while maintaining the PMS as the central system of record, allowing practice staff to focus more on patient care and value-adding activities rather than administrative work. Implementation of AI automation can lead to more accurate records, better clinical outcomes, and significant time savings across the organization. 

Ophir highlights Pearl's approach which focuses on deeply embedding AI capabilities within existing practice management workflows rather than creating separate systems. This strategy addresses one of healthcare's biggest challenges - getting staff to consistently utilize new technology tools in their daily work. By integrating directly into the systems teams already use, the technology becomes nearly invisible while delivering significant value. Ophir reminds us that even the best technology will fail to drive results if it requires users to change their established workflows.

Ophir shares how practices often focus too narrowly on minimizing technology costs rather than maximizing production potential. Analysis of millions of patient records shows significant underdiagnosis and untapped treatment opportunities within existing patient bases. By implementing the right technology tools, practices can consistently generate $30-100K in additional monthly revenue through better diagnosis and case acceptance. The key is viewing technology investments through the lens of growth potential rather than cost reduction. 

Ophir shares his perspective on the sales strategies that should be adopted, suggesting that rather than pushing features, successful technology implementation requires understanding each practice's unique challenges and opportunities. The focus should be on helping practices identify and solve their most pressing problems, not simply selling software. This consultative approach leads to better outcomes as solutions are tailored to actual needs rather than presumed wants. The key is asking questions and truly listening to understand the practice's goals and pain points. This builds trust and ensures technology serves as a genuine catalyst for practice growth rather than just another expense.

Want more conversations with leaders shaping the dental industry? Rate, review, and share this episode to help us reach more listeners! 

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Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy!

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Tune in for an invigorating conversation on the strategic advantages social media offers, how it's revolutionizing the world of dental content and how you can become a master at it. 

Dr. Ben Winters reveals that social media followers are now just a vanity metric, with content quality being the true driver of success. Modern algorithms, especially on platforms like TikTok, prioritize engaging content regardless of the creator's following size. This shift means dental practices don't need massive followings to achieve significant impact in their local markets. The key is creating content that resonates with viewers and maintains their attention, which the algorithm then rewards with broader distribution. Practices should focus on producing genuine, educational content that adds value rather than chasing follower numbers. Even small practices can compete effectively by consistently creating quality content that speaks to their local community's needs.

Traditional dental marketing methods like direct mail and local advertising are becoming increasingly ineffective as consumer behavior shifts dramatically toward digital channels. Dr. Winters notes that 80-90% of new patients now come through organic social media content rather than traditional referral networks. Modern patients, particularly younger generations, actively seek out practices that demonstrate their expertise and personality through social content. Dental practices can achieve significant growth through consistent, authentic social media presence without the high costs associated with traditional marketing. This approach allows practices to build relationships with potential patients before they ever step foot in the office.

Dental practices can transform their social media presence by leveraging their staff's natural understanding of digital platforms. Front office staff and dental assistants often innately understand social media trends and can become valuable content creators for the practice. This approach not only improves the practice's online presence but also provides staff with valuable professional development opportunities. The enthusiasm for creating content often spreads throughout the office, leading to improved team morale and patient engagement. 

Dr. Winters introduces his "N+1" framework for product and service innovation in dentistry, focusing on making meaningful improvements to existing solutions. This approach emphasizes adding one significant innovation to current products or services rather than attempting complete reinvention. The framework helps practices identify opportunities for differentiation while maintaining practical, science-backed solutions. 

Listen to this episode for proven tactics and expert insights. Subscribe to stay updated and share to spread the word!

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to make dental care more consumer-friendly

Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation about the joys of intersectionality and diversity, and the exciting opportunities they bring to modern dentistry today. 

Tobi shares how her experience building AI solutions at Capital One inspired her to tackle inefficiencies in dental care access. She highlights the vision behind DentalFynd - creating an “Amazon.com for dental services,” and how transparent pricing and streamlined booking reduces unnecessary friction for patients seeking care. This approach disrupts the modes of patient acquisition and opportunities for practice growth. 

The dental industry shows a clear generational divide in embracing new technology and patient acquisition methods. Tobi underscores a shift that is changing the technology adoption game in dental practices. While established practices often rely on traditional insurance and referral networks, younger dentists are actively seeking innovative solutions to attract fee-for-service patients. This approach can not only act as competitive advantage, but also provide a gateway to success in this evolving landscape which requires understanding both traditional relationship-building and new digital engagement strategies.

Speaking of her organization - People of Color in Dental, Tobi reveals a gap in professional networking opportunities for people of color in the dental industry, particularly for non-clinical roles. The organization provides both free and premium membership options to ensure accessibility while offering valuable benefits like conference discounts and expert-led educational sessions. 

The dental industry is evolving toward a more consumer-focused model that prioritizes convenience and transparency. Emerging technologies are enabling real-time appointment matching, streamlined scheduling, and clearer pricing structures. These innovations help remove traditional barriers to accessing dental care while creating new opportunities for practice growth. 

 AI meets dentistry in this convo with Tobi Bosede. Don’t miss her story—hit follow and subscribe for more episodes like this! 

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Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on why quality assurance is something your practice or DSO needs to prioritize today.

Episode Highlights:

From clinical excellence to quality expertise, Dr. T traces her journey of being a practitioner to enabling a culture and environment of excellence for other clinicians. She spotlights the emergence of quality assurance in DSOs and their relevance in today’s day and age. 

Dr. T explains that quality assurance involves creating comprehensive policies and procedures to ensure doctors provide above-standard care with predictable outcomes, becoming a must-have once a dental organization reaches 10+ offices. The role helps practices manage risk, handle grievances, and maintain compliance across multiple regulatory bodies, protecting both patients and providers.

Dr. T emphasizes looking at documentation quality, medical history acknowledgment, and treatment outcomes through a systematic review process. When issues are identified, focused assessments of specific procedures help determine if problems are isolated or systematic. The review process creates opportunities for mentorship and continuing education rather than punishment. This collaborative approach helps practices maintain high standards while supporting professional growth.

Dr. T shares how AI technology like Overjet helps streamline diagnosis and treatment planning, especially for newer practitioners, serving as an unbiased second opinion that helps doctors assess their work more objectively. However, Dr. T emphasizes that AI should complement, not replace, clinical judgment and patient examination. This technology empowers both providers and patients while maintaining the essential human element of dental care.

Dr. T advocates for a multi-faceted approach to professional development that includes learning from team members, vendors, dental journals, and leadership books. She emphasizes the importance of understanding different personality types and communication styles to lead effectively. Regular observation allows leaders to identify both areas for improvement and successful practices to highlight, creating a culture of continuous improvement while maintaining approachability.

Tune in and be inspired by purpose-driven leadership—listen now! 

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Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy!

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Tune in to discover what it will take for up and coming dental businesses to thrive in the new climate of dentistry.  

Adam reveals that recognizing the unique skills and mindset of healthcare providers is crucial for organizational success. The significant gap between providers and support staff requires thoughtful leadership approaches that acknowledge these differences. He further highlights the criticality of embracing a multi-generational workforce - a culture approach that he believes sets businesses up for ultimate success. 

Adam introduces a paradigm shift from traditional work-life balance to work-life integration in modern dental practices. Instead of viewing work and personal life as competing forces, successful professionals are finding ways to blend both seamlessly. The key is creating organizational systems that support this integration rather than enforcing rigid boundaries. 

Adam shares a disciplined framework that emphasizes the art of identifying and honing in on a mutually beneficial dental partnership. Rather than pursuing rapid growth, successful dental organizations should focus on finding practices that align culturally and operationally with their existing network. The evaluation process should include assessing both the potential practice's strengths and areas for improvement. 

Adam emphasizes the importance of identifying and actively maintaining organizational culture during growth. Leaders must not only protect existing culture but also actively work to propagate it across new locations and team members. The key is creating systems that reinforce cultural values while allowing for natural evolution. 

Adam discusses the evolution of dental technology from basic digital tools to advanced AI and automation solutions. The goal should be implementing tools that reduce mundane tasks and improve team member satisfaction. Leaders should evaluate technology based on its ability to solve real problems rather than chasing buzzwords. 

This episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss! Tune in now and subscribe for more conversations like this. 

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Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy!

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Listen in for fresh perspectives on the opportunities, challenges and way forward for dentistry today. 

 

Scotte shares his journey into the dental industry and how an accidental encounter put him on the path to dental leadership. Taking from his rich experiences of scaling organizations, he highlights the critical role of culture in successful growth and why it should be preserved at all costs. 

Reflecting on the approaches that help protect culture in a practice’s growth phase, Scotte reveals the magic ratio of 80-15-5 - a thumb rule that has always worked for him and his team. He also traces his journey from Smile Doctors to Specialized Dental Care and how COVID brought him out of retirement, back in the game. 

Reflecting on the potential of integrated healthcare, value of private equity investment in dentistry and the transformational role of technology, Scotte highlights some of the major shifts taking place in the industry today. 

From team building to business models that work, Scotte emphasizes the ways in which one can foster a growth culture and the importance of striking a balance between business specialists and dental professionals. 

A CEO should know what they’re doing - not just from a business point of view, but from an operational standpoint as well. Scotte emphasizes the importance of the right hire for the CEO position. He also makes predictions on AI and technological developments in dentistry - saliva testing, process management, and more. 

Want to scale smarter in dentistry? Learn from industry leader Scotte Hudsmith—listen now and subscribe! 

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Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy!

The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Tune in for the strategic handbook on growth in every area - patient care, business expansion and profitability. 

Geoff shares his journey into dentistry and shines a light on the similarities between traditional healthcare and dentistry, detailing some of the unique challenges the dental landscape faces. He draws from his experience in medical leadership, emphasizing the importance of robust leadership strategies for organizational growth. He also shares a unique AI-podcasting exercise he implemented within his organization and how it lends itself to culture building and internal communication. 

Geoff reveals eye-opening takeaways on patient engagement and management strategies, examining how challenging assumptions about patient behavior led to valuable insights about their business. He emphasizes the importance of data-driven decision-making in building long-term relationships with patients, eventually elevating patient care.

Geoff reveals that phone calls remain the most effective way of establishing a connection with patients and, therefore, a useful tool in patient reactivation. Challenging modern-day forms of communication, this practice highlights the importance of maintaining personal connections while balancing efficiency with effectiveness. He further highlights technology adoption in dentistry and the real story behind technology use in the industry. 

Geoff Jeff shares his approach to organizational leadership, emphasizing the importance of having 3-5 key goals that guide all significant activities. He highlights how giving teams "permission" to say no to projects that don't align with these goals can be liberating and more productive. 

Geoff outlines a unique strategy of focusing on excellent execution of fundamentals while strategically testing new initiatives. This balanced approach combines maintaining high standards in core operations while exploring innovations like AI implementation and specialty service expansion. 

Follow the show to stay updated on future episodes! If you enjoy the conversation, be sure to subscribe and share with fellow dental professionals. 

Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show?

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Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy!

The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Tune in for the secrets behind scalability, using data to create value and building a robust dental empire. 

02:37 - 11:11 Learning the Business from the Ground Up  

Eric shares his journey into dentistry - the opportunities and challenges in scaling his own business from 1 to 45. He highlights the importance of knowing one’s business from the inside out, emphasizing the importance of engaging with every aspect of day-to-day operations in order to build and scale an organization.

11:12 - 18:18 Prioritizing Clinical Excellence as the Core Business Driver 

Eric stresses that exceptional clinical outcomes must be the driving principle of any successful dental organization, underscoring the importance of all business operations and systems, ultimately supporting and enhancing the ability to deliver quality patient care. Doing so naturally drives better patient acceptance, revenue growth, and long-term success. 

18:20 - 31:36 Data-Driven Decision Making Without Analysis Paralysis 

Eric advocates for leveraging data while keeping metrics and tracking systems simple and actionable. Starting with clean, reliable data inputs allows businesses to provide teams clear visibility into performance while avoiding information overload that paralyzes decision-making. 

31:37 - 36:46 Building Value Through Integration and Scalability 

Eric reflects on the integration vs. expansion approach, highlighting that a focus on the former enables greater success for DSOs. He further shines a light on what buyers are looking for  - whether systems, processes, and management structures can scale efficiently to support continued growth. The key is having standardized yet flexible approaches that can be replicated across locations while maintaining quality and profitability. 

Discover the strategies to scale your dental practice, maximize profitability, and stay ahead in the industry. Listen now and take your business to the next level! 

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Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy!

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This conversation shines a light on the reasons why dental remains an attractive investment sector despite market challenges, so join in to explore it all! 

Ryan Mingus traces his journey into the M&A ways of the dental business - what intrigued him the most, the opportunities that remain untapped, the state of affairs today and how dental practices can set themselves up for successful acquisition. 

Expanding on the current state of affairs, Ryan shines a light on the ideal operating procedure for practices of all kinds, how one can decide between private equity funding and the M&A route to success, and whether businesses should aim for acquisition or expansion. 

What’s driving the slowdown in M&As today? Ryan explores the biggest reasons for this slowdown in dentistry, the strategies that businesses can employ to be acquired successfully. 

Focusing on the future, Ryan details the opportunities that the M&A strategy presents for both buyers and sellers, the red flags that practices and interested parties should watch out for and the unique ways in which he stays on the path of “forever learning”. 

Learn the insider strategies for dental M&A, practice growth, and maximizing valuations. Don't miss these expert insights—tune in now! 

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Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy!

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If you’re looking for ways to create a robust ecosystem that prioritizes the growth of both your practice and the individuals that make it, this is a conversation you need to tune into!

Episode Highlights:

Vince Dilley describes the dynamic journey of moving from patient reactivation to applying innovative acquisition and financing strategies to grow Platinum Dental Care Services into a 41-practice brand. 

The right growth strategies are critical to forming and maintaining successful acquisitions. Vince Dilley shares his experience in identifying these strategies, knowing what to look for and his learnings from initial acquisitions. 

Using technology efficiently to facilitate an ecosystem of standardization within and across practices ranks high on Vince’s to-do list. He shines a light on this criticality and the pitfalls of not paying close attention to it. 

Vince shares the strategies that led the company to a successful private equity partnership, the importance of defining clear roles prior to the partnership and the right formula to cracking organization structure. 

Referring to himself as a “student of leadership,” Vince shines a light on his biggest sources of learning, mentorship, and knowledge. He also emphasizes the importance of prioritizing meaningful impact through Platinum’s free dentistry initiatives. 

Don’t miss this insightful episode—follow the show and start transforming your practice today! 

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Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy!

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If you thought technological application had hit its peak in the world of dentistry, think again. Tune in for valuable takeaways and stay ahead of the curve! 

Jill Nesbitt discusses her unique journey from pursuing a major in Spanish to finding joy in maximizing operational efficiency at dental practices and the vast experience it gave her in the field of operational management. She further traces the path to software implementation as a niche, emphasizing the need for strategic, process-driven technology implementation in dental practices. 

From transparent conversations with leadership and stakeholders to change management content, the ace consultant underscores the steps in taking an implementation project to fruition. She also reveals some of the biggest missteps made in the introduction of software to a dental practice. 

Getting an accurate ROI on software investment can be difficult but it’s a worthy attempt at strengthening a dental business’ capabilities. Jill reflects on why the consultancy approach is perfect for guiding software implementation and making the best of this unique intersection. 

While Jill remains most optimistic about the change that automation continues to bring to the table, she also spotlights some key reasons for why dental businesses should move into the future with a tech-first approach and how the can stay agile to make the most of the moment. 

Tune in to discover how to make data-driven decisions that drive growth. Don't forget to follow, rate, and review the show! 

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Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy!

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If you’re looking for fresh perspectives and actionable ways to challenge the traditional DSO model and reimagine the future for dentists and patients alike, tune into this episode!

Mike Baird discusses how his tech background played into his choice of venturing out into the dentistry industry, why the space is “simple but not easy” and the importance of creating partnerships with a dentist-first approach. 

Rethinking partnerships in the dental business requires fresh perspective and a radical approach. According to Mike Baird, that approach is giving dentists complete autonomy, changing majority stakes in DSOs, and implementing the ‘Perpetual Model’. 

Crafting a culture to encourage leadership can elevate the day-to-day operations, enhancing patient care and the dentistry experience overall. There are certain culture codes, backed by strategy that must be followed in order to create long-standing partnerships that are beneficial for all parties. 

Technology is here to revolutionize dental businesses in the near future - from billing to patient care, dentists have the opportunity to take their practices to the next level. 

 The future of dentistry is changing—are you ready? Tune in as Mike Baird shares expert strategies for success in the industry. Don’t forget to subscribe and join the conversation! 

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Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy!

The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

If you’re looking for ways to leave a mark on your business, be your authentic self while doing it, and heart-warming insights on learning from personal failures, this is the episode for you! 

Steve Bilt underscores the importance of adopting the right mental models for success, applying them effectively and recognizing when things need to change, and changing them the right way. 

Knowing your role and playing it well can make all the difference. Steve Bilt unpacks how to craft the perfect vision and mission and the ways in which effective leadership can help bring organizational culture to life.

Reflecting on the mindsets he encourages in his children, Steve Bilt talks about the importance of setting teams and individuals up for success - making space for mistakes, socializing the “why” behind organizational priorities and more. 

The right questions can lead to the right mindsets in life and business. Steve Bilt emphasizes the importance of considering one’s purpose and bringing it to life. 

If you haven’t yet, hit subscribe for more inspiring stories from dental leaders.

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Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy!

The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

If you’re looking for ways to elevate your practice, tap into out-of-the-box thinking, and keep up with the world of dentistry today, don’t miss this episode!

Episode Highlights:

2:12 - 12:20 - The Ins and Outs of Integrated Healthcare - Dr. Maryam Beyramian unpacks the entire value spectrum a unique model like integrated healthcare can bring to the dental world - for dentists and patients.

12:20 - 15:28 - All Things Mouth-Body Connection - From oral microbiome panels to salivary testing, Dr. Maryam Beyramian shines a light on how these tests must interact with the larger medical network to provide holistic healthcare insights for patients.

15:38 - 20:11 - The Road to Impactful Dentistry  - Dr. Maryam Beyramian’s journey to dentistry began at 12 years old, and shows no signs of stopping, as she continues to grow a sprawling legacy while keeping the community at the center of it all.

20:12 - 27:02 - Foster Positivity, Foster Growth - Dr. Maryam Beyramian explains how one can create an environment of positivity that drives growth, ensuring that everyone - patients and dentists, alike - “Love the day for the day .”

27:02 - 31:30 - Opportunities in Dentistry and Enhancing Patient Care - AI is changing the world but its full potential in dentistry is yet to be realized. Here’s why dentistry is at “ground zero,” making it the best time to be a part of this world, today. 

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify📱

Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show?

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Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy!

The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Tune in for an eye-opening conversation on the importance of a 360-degree approach to building a business, effectively applying valuable personal lessons at work, committing yourself to excellence, and encouraging personal growth, with insights from Dr. Gaglani and Dr. Nagaraj.

Episode Highlights:

2:10 - 6:12 - Turning Differences into the Strength of a Business - Dr. Gaglani and Dr. Nagaraj shine a light on taking their differences and turning them into strengths to grow their business and the importance of complementary skills in building a thriving dental practice.

6:37 - 12:20 - Core Values as the Heartbeat of Business - The power couple talks about the significance of identifying core values and living by them, across locations, every step of the way.

12:49 - 20:05 - Meticulous Mentorship - The ace dentists and business owners discuss their detailed and structured mentorship program and creating million-dollar dentists.

21:12 - 27:03 - Prioritizing Personal Growth - “We’re big on personal growth.” Dr. Gaglani and Dr. Nagaraj discuss the innovative ways they set dentists up for success and the roadmap to being the best dentist one can be. 

27:24 - 36:55 - The Future of Dentistry and Elevating Patient Care - The field of dentistry is changing rapidly, with unique technologies making their way into everyday practice. This will elevate both the dentist's and patients’ experience. 

 If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify📱

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Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy!

The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Joshua shares practical strategies and personal anecdotes, leaving listeners with a roadmap to achieve sustained growth and impact in the dental industry.

Episode Highlights:

02:06 - 08:23 - Building Resilience Through Adversity - Joshua reflects on his early life and how overcoming challenges shaped his leadership style.

12:35 - 14:44 - Pushing Past Negativity - Joshua shares how to stay focused on your goals despite naysayers and external challenges.

22:08 - 26:18 - The Power of Culture - “Who you are and what you believe, how you behave, that’s culture.” Joshua discusses why authenticity in leadership matters.

38:15 - 43:44 - Asking for Help as a Leadership Strength - The value of vulnerability and seeking support in building successful teams.

 If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify📱

Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show?

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Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy!

The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Dr. Hughes shares candid stories and actionable advice for dental entrepreneurs looking to align their teams, embrace feedback, and drive value through a culture-first approach.

Episode Highlights:

03:47 - 05:56 "Entrepreneurial Passion"

06:22 - 08:36 "Scaling with a Foundation" 

13:29 - 15:16 "Hard Work and Purpose"

25:28 - 28:12 "Mindset is Everything"

Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show?

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Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy!

The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Randa Seif brings her extensive experience in managing multi-location dental practices to share practical insights about growth, technology adoption, and creating patient-centered dental organizations while maintaining operational excellence.

Episode Highlights:

03:43 - 06:14 - Specialty Service Integration

13:27 - 15:50 - Technology and Automation

32:19 - 35:58 - Employee Retention and Culture

Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show?

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Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy!

The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Episode Highlights:

02:51 - 05:35 - Building Effective Compensation Structures

06:53 - 09:01 - Revenue Cycle Management Fundamentals

10:01 - 11:12 - Creating a Positive Culture

12:02 - 13:12 - Patient-Centric Business Model

22:53 - 24:15 - Success in Pediatric Dentistry

25:53 - 27:53 - Future of Dentistry

Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show?

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Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy!

The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Craig Abramowitz brings his extensive experience as a former CEO and current board member of several prominent DSOs to share candid insights about the industry's past, present, and future. His approach focuses on building lasting partnerships with dentists and creating sustainable organizational growth through proper culture and leadership.

Episode Highlights:

02:42 - 04:51 - Journey from Dentist to DSO Leader

16:19 - 17:01 - Key Acquisition Lessons

23:46 - 26:19 - Private Equity's Impact on Dentistry

27:13 - 28:57 - Future of DSO Markets

Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show?

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Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy!

The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Neal Foard is a seasoned advertising executive with over 30 years of experience shaping narratives for global brands such as Budweiser, Lexus, and Sony. As Principal at StoryFire, he focuses on empowering leaders to utilize storytelling as a powerful tool to engage and motivate teams effectively. His marketing philosophy transcends mere storytelling, involving building genuine relationships and fostering an environment of generosity.

Episode Highlights:

07:01 - 15:33 - Human Connection in B2B Marketing

12:07 - 14:15 - The Foundation of Trust in Business

27:01 - 29:52- The Power of Highlighting Others' Stories

45:02 - 50:36 - The Art of Business Storytelling

Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show?

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Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy!

The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Rezwan Manji serves as the CEO of Imagen Dental Partners, where he leads the organization's strategic growth and operational excellence initiatives. His approach focuses on building sustainable, patient-centered dental organizations that prioritize long-term value creation over short-term gains. Under his leadership, Imagen Dental Partners has developed a reputation for making strategic investments that benefit both partners and patients while fostering a collaborative culture within the industry.

Episode Highlights:

07:38 - 09:45 - Strategic Talent Acquisition and Culture Building

11:05 - 13:00 - Organizational Communication and Alignment

21:38 - 22:07 - Long-Term Investment Philosophy

27:56 - 29:00 - Industry Collaboration and Growth

Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show?

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Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy!

The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Brian Colao has transformed Dykema's DSO group into one of North America's most respected leaders in DSO transactions and compliance. With over 25 years of experience, he's been instrumental in shaping the legal framework governing DSOs, particularly through his pioneering work on corporate practice and compliance standards. He also founded Dykema's award-winning Definitive Conference for dental service organizations.

Episode Highlights:

03:08 - 06:24 - Legal Framework and DSO Support Services

14:18 - 16:40 - Market Conditions and Interest Rate Impact

35:24 - 37:54 - Technology Integration and Implementation

40:52 - 44:39 - Artificial Intelligence and Future Trends

Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show?

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Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy!

The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Dustin Netral brings a unique perspective to dental practice management, with a rich background spanning healthcare, retail, and digital transformation. As President and CEO of Vista Verde Dental Partners and Vice President of ADSO, he has been instrumental in reshaping dental practice support through innovative strategies. Under his leadership, Vista Verde has expanded its operations across 5 states, focusing on specialized denture and implant solutions.

Episode Highlights:

05:54 - 08:14 - Business Evolution and Strategic Focus

12:39 - 15:16 - Patient Experience and Performance Tracking

15:32 - 16:59 - Managing Patient Feedback and Accountability

17:28 - 19:52 - Industry Challenges and Solutions

Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show?

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Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy!

The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Lane Theriault is the CEO and founder of Independence Dental Services, which has grown to over 50 affiliated practices since its inception in 2020. Prior to launching Independence, Lane was a founder and director of 123 Dentist, which grew from 13 clinics in 2017 to become the second-largest DSO in Canada. His background in finance at Citigroup, where he worked in M&A, provided him with valuable insights into industry consolidation strategies that he has successfully applied to the dental sector.

Episode Highlights:

02:02 - 03:28 - From Banking to Dental: A Strategic Decision

07:09 - 08:02 - Differentiation Through Doctor Partnership

24:22 - 26:31 - Post-COVID M&A Landscape

27:02 - 28:00 - Strategic Market Selection

Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show?

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Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy!

The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Geoff Woods is a visionary leader who teaches how to blend artificial intelligence with strategic leadership to reshape how businesses grow and operate. As the author of the #1 bestselling book "The AI-Driven Leader" and founder of AI Leadership, he empowers leaders to harness AI, escape operational overwhelm, and think strategically to accelerate growth. His approach focuses on using AI as a strategic tool rather than just a technological advancement.

Episode Highlights:

07:20 - 12:13 - Strategic Problem-Solving with AI

15:50 - 20:57 - The Three Pillars of AI Value

28:08 - 30:32 - Strategic Approach to AI Adoption

30:50 - 34:38 - Advanced AI Integration Examples 

Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show?

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Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy!

The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Eric Giesecke is the CEO of Planet DDS, a prominent provider of cloud-based dental software solutions; he has been leading the company since 2015. Before joining Planet DDS, he co-founded District Line Partners, a private investment fund, and led One Source Water, a bottleless water cooler firm.

Episode Highlights:

11:03 - 13:22 - Scaling and Gaining Confidence Through Client Success

16:28 - 18:23 - Fostering a Culture of Humility, Collaboration, and Passion

26:05 - 27:15 - Hybrid Work and Company Culture

29:04 - 31:39 - Future of the Dental Industry and Market Trends

Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show?

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Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy!

The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Demias Pegues serves as the CEO of Key Dental Management Solutions, which manages, develops and acquires community orthodontic practices. His role involves overseeing operations and strategic initiatives within the company, which focuses on managing dental practices and enhancing their operational efficiency. Before this, Demias worked as COO at Key Dental Management Solutions, and Chief Operating Officer at Great Lakes Dental Partners.

Episode Highlights:

10:32 - 13:30 -  Optimizing the Patient Funnel to Drive Growth

23:41 - 25:12 - Implementing the EOS System for Goal Tracking and Alignment

27:18 - 29:00 - Prioritizing Key Leadership Roles to Support Frontline Staff

34:16 - 36:00 - Leveraging Technology to Streamline Operations and Enhance Patient Autonomy

Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show?

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Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy!

The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Dar Radfar has been a key figure in the dental industry since 2002, owning and operating leading dental practices such as 805 Dentistry and Oxnard Gentle Dentistry. He has also been involved in various dental seminars and coaching programs through Rad Seminar and Coaching, where, since March 2014, he educates and mentors other dental professionals. Dar is the CEO of Rad Health Inc., where he focuses on sleep apnea solutions.

Episode Highlights:

06:57 - 09:55 - Key Indicators and Treatments for Sleep Apnea

11:46 - 13:56 - Dentistry’s Role in Diagnosing Sleep Apnea

18:41 - 22:27 - The Business and Health Impact of Incorporating Sleep Apnea Treatment in DSOs

23:37 - 26:03 - Overcoming Resistance to Change: Becoming an Advocate by Personal Experience

Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show?

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Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy!

The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Jeremy Krell is a general dentist and venture capitalist with a background in both dentistry and business. He is the Managing Partner of Revere Partners, the first independent Venture Capital fund focused on oral health and RISE Health. Jeremy has also held roles in various startups, including as the Head of Marketing at Simplifeye and Chief Marketing Officer at Verena Solutions. His previous experience includes overseeing provider and clinical growth initiatives at Quip, a subscription-based oral health company, and strategic provider innovation at Oscar Health, which went public in 2021. In addition to his venture capital activities, Jeremy practices general dentistry part-time and has been involved in angel investing.

Episode Highlights:

10:10 - 14:28 - Innovation Evaluation in Dental Technology

18:44 - 20:21 - Investment Stage Focus

21:22 -25:47 - Breakthrough Technology Rarity

27:01 - 30:49 - Staffing Challenges in Dental Practices

Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show?

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Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy!

The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Brian Harris is a leading cosmetic dentist and the creator of Smile Virtual, a service that connects people looking to improve their smile with a cosmetic dentist or orthodontic specialist. He is a renowned figure in the dental community, serving as a distinguished faculty member at the University Pacific School of Dentistry, and is recognized as ‘The Virtual Dentist’. Brian is also the creator of Klen Products, a natural oral care products line.

Episode Highlights:

06:33 - 10:39 - Integrating New Technology

13:00 - 18:04 - Tacking Low Case Acceptance Rates

19:55 - 27:37 - Smile Improvement Path

28:26 - 37:18 - AI and Dentistry

Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show?

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Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy!

The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Bryan Laskin is CEO and co-Founder of Toothapps, a provider of administrative technology solutions for dental practices. Toothapps offers Connected Dentistry® which helps dental practices include fully integrated websites, calendars, secure messaging, teledentistry, paperless forms, secure instant messaging, and business intel. Bryan  is also a founder of Upgrade Dental and a co-Founder of Talentship.

Episode Highlights:

05:24 - 07:37 - Data Accessibility and Interoperability

12:04 - 15:23 - Dentistry 3.0

23:16 - 25:02 - Promoting Patient-Centric Technologies

28:28 - 31:07 - Artificial Intelligence

Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show?

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Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy!

The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Episode Highlights:

02:12 - 04:56 - Centralizing Non-Patient Care Functions

05:22 - 09:10 - Technological Developments

09:35 - 11:46 - Learning When To Give Feedback

13:09 - 16:13 - The Importance of a Robust Tech Stack

17:43 - 18:51 -  Asking the Right Question

Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show?

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Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy!

The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Saam Zarrabi is the co-founder of Rodeo Dental, a multidisciplinary large group practice known for its pediatric-friendly approach and significant expansion. Under his guidance, Rodeo Dental has successfully launched over forty large group dental practice locations. Saam is actively involved in multiple professional organizations, including the CAMBRA Coalition, Young Presidents Organization (YPO), and the Crown Council, which recently inducted him into their Inaugural class in the Dental Hall of Fame. He was named an Entrepreneur of Excellence WINNER in 2019 by Fort Worth INC magazine.

Episode Highlights: 

08:54 - 11.36 - Rodeo Dental's Unique Branding and Experience

11:41 - 13:32 - The Role of Culture in Scaling the Business

19:21 - 21:59 - The Benefits and Challenges of Scaling a Business with a Financial Partner

22:51 - 24:26 - Transitioning to a Board-Governed Leadership Model

Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show?

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Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy!

The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Matt Ornstein brings a wealth of knowledge from his extensive experience managing around 70 dental offices and navigating the complexities of dental practice management. His company, Dental Pitch Brokerage, is dedicated to improving the dental brokerage process, ensuring more efficient and successful practice transactions.

Don’t miss this insightful conversation on the latest trends and strategies in dental practice management and investment. Tune in to learn how to optimize your practice’s value and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.

Episode Highlights:

07:49 - 10:26 - Impact of Interest Rates on Dental Practice Valuation

14:32 - 18:36 - Challenges in the Dental Workforce and Impact on Practice Management

19:32 - 23:29 - Adoption of AI and Technology in Dental Practices

23:20 - 29:11 - Innovative Approach to Dental Practice Brokerage

Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show?

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Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy!

The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Dee Fischer is the CEO of Fischer's Professional Group, a dental consulting firm based in Orlando, Florida. She has decades of experience helping dental practices and DSOs grow and succeed. Fischer's Professional Group provides a range of services, including strategic planning, business development, team building, and consulting. Dee Fischer is also recognized as a leader and mentor in the DSO industry. In 2023 she won the Women in DSO Leadership Award for Business Excellence.

Episode Highlights:

04:35 - 05:52 - Inefficiencies vs PNL

10:45 - 12:28 - System Standardization

17:47 - 19:57 - Optimizing Schedules

28:18 - 30:03 - Navigating Challenges

Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show?

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Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy!

The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Daniel is a Managing Partner at DuneGlass Capital, a private equity investment firm that specializes in providing growth capital to lower-middle-market healthcare companies. At DuneGlass Capital, he is a co-lead and Chair of the Investment Committee responsible for driving the vision of the firm’s thematic investments. Daniel is also the Chief Executive Officer of Allied OMS, a doctor-led, doctor-owned medical private equity firm (Jul 2020 - Present).

Episode Highlights:

03:31 - 04:21 - The Importance of Doctor Leadership and Ownership

08:15 - 10:12 - Considerations for New Partners

19:18 - 20:56 - Plans for the Future

23:10 - 25:27 - Pathways for New Oral Surgeons

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If you’re a growth-focused leader in the dental business world or someone shaping its future through technology, consulting, or innovation—we want to hear from you.

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Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy!

The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Douglas Brown is the co-founder and managing partner at Dental Innovation Alliance (DIA), a strategic investment firm focused on supporting early-stage dental and health technology companies. In the 1990s, Douglas organized several dental industry leaders into a group practice study group, which led to the formation of the Association of Dental Support Organizations (ADSO). He has held leadership positions within ADSO, including President and Chair of the Government Affairs Committee. He currently serves on ADSO's Executive Committee and other key committees.

Kentucky Morrow is the Principal of Investments at DIA. He is also a board member of several organizations and companies, including Alta Smiles, Cloud Dentistry, and Milk & Bull.  Kentucky is also the co-founder of Ralli, a CPG company focused on alcohol health and wellness (2022 - Present).

Episode Highlights:

09:38 - 10:25 - Areas of Dental Investment

10:31 - 12:01 - AI and Dental Technology

14:26 - 15:21 - The Investment “Sweet Spot”

24:01 - 25:24 - Revenue Cycle Management Technologies

Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show?

If you’re a growth-focused leader in the dental business world or someone shaping its future through technology, consulting, or innovation—we want to hear from you.

Submit your interest here: https://forms.gle/BjAmyYLsFgNJBf8f8

Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy!

The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Emily Vanney is the Chief Operating and Clinical Officer at United Dental Partners, a dental support organization providing dental services across Illinois and Indiana, and has over a decade of clinical experience. After joining United Dental Partners in 2017, she worked as Quality Officer, Director of Clinical Development, and Senior Vice President of Clinical Affairs. Emily is also a General Dentist at All Family Dental and Braces Oak Lawn.

Episode Highlights:

04:03 - 05:27 - Key Components to Pediatric Dentistry Success

05:43 - 07:14 - Hiring Practices

12:11 - 13:56 - Patient Care and Business Growth

30:27 - 32:05 - Looking Towards the Future

Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show?

If you’re a growth-focused leader in the dental business world or someone shaping its future through technology, consulting, or innovation—we want to hear from you.

Submit your interest here: https://forms.gle/BjAmyYLsFgNJBf8f8

Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy!

The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Paul Kaiser is CEO and a board member of DentalXChange, a dental revenue cycle management platform. DentalXChange’s aim is to simplify the dental RCM ecosystem and to help providers, payers and partners grow their business. Before working at DentalXChange, Paul was President and Chief Commercial Officer of Transaction Data Systems, and Chief Executive Officer and Board Member at MedeAnalytics. He is currently a Board Member for the Alumni Foundation of University of Central Missouri.

Episode Highlights:

03:43 - 06:06 - DentalXChange Cyber Attack

14:31 - 17:14 - Leveraging AI

22:12 - 24:02 - Credentialing

28:55 - 30:05 - Real-Time Claim Adjudication

Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show?

If you’re a growth-focused leader in the dental business world or someone shaping its future through technology, consulting, or innovation—we want to hear from you.

Submit your interest here: https://forms.gle/BjAmyYLsFgNJBf8f8

Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy!

The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Emma Cifuentes is Chief Operating Officer at Progressive Dental Management, who provide patients with restorative and cosmetic dental services. Progressive Dental Management also incorporates Smileland Pediatric Dentistry and Braces, Atlantic Dental Arts, Perfect Dental, Royal Dental Centre, and Pediatric Dental Care Waltham. She started working for Progressive Dental Management over thirteen years ago as a dental assistant.

Episode Highlights:

10:44 - 11:56 - Transparency and Clear Communication

12:28 - 14:03 - Growing Without Outside Private Equity Sponsorship

15:43 - 16:57 - Streamlining Operations and Reducing Labor Costs

24:32 - 26:12 - Consistency Across Practices

Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show?

If you’re a growth-focused leader in the dental business world or someone shaping its future through technology, consulting, or innovation—we want to hear from you.

Submit your interest here: https://forms.gle/BjAmyYLsFgNJBf8f8

Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy!

The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

A. J. Peak is a CEO with ten years experience in building teams, managing operations, and raising capital. He is the Founder and CEO of Peak Dental Services in Colorado Springs (since 2008), a dental support organization that provides business and administrative support to a network of general and specialty dental offices.

Episode Highlights:

06:34 - 09:47 - Pros and Cons of DSOs

17:17 - 20:32 - Technological Advancements

36:54 - 38:20 - Looking Forward to the Future

39:10 - 41:35 - Multi-Specialty Practices

Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show?

If you’re a growth-focused leader in the dental business world or someone shaping its future through technology, consulting, or innovation—we want to hear from you.

Submit your interest here: https://forms.gle/BjAmyYLsFgNJBf8f8

Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy!

The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Scott Leune is the founder and CEO of scottleune.com, which simplifies the process of growing a dental business and brings an increasing level of profitability through seminars and de novo consulting programs. He also offers three seminars via his own Scott Leune website, including Startup and Design, Practice Management Mastery, and Multi-Practice.

Episode Highlights:

17:02 - 19:53 - Advice for Those Considering Coaching

20:13 - 24:56 - Scott’s Profit Maximisation Framework

35:30 - 36:49 - Dentistry and AI

38:30 - 40:27 - Looking Ahead to the Future

Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show?

If you’re a growth-focused leader in the dental business world or someone shaping its future through technology, consulting, or innovation—we want to hear from you.

Submit your interest here: https://forms.gle/BjAmyYLsFgNJBf8f8

Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy!

The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Teresa Duncan is the owner and President of Odyssey Management, who provides courses and workshops to help doctors and managers to recover revenue by streamlining billing, accounts receivable, and insurance systems. They also provide beginner-to-advanced management courses. Teresa also hosts the Nobody Told Me That! Podcast and Chew On This! A Dental Podcast.

Episode Highlights:

10:37 - 14:05 - Additional Education in the Dental Industry

17:33 - 22:05 - Being a “Benefits Whisperer”

31:35 - 33:10 - The Use of AI in Dental Practices

36:32 - 38:14 - Financial Challenges Faced by Dentists

Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show?

If you’re a growth-focused leader in the dental business world or someone shaping its future through technology, consulting, or innovation—we want to hear from you.

Submit your interest here: https://forms.gle/BjAmyYLsFgNJBf8f8

Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy!

The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Jen Buck is an acclaimed keynote speaker and leadership trainer. She is also COO of the One Hundred Angels Foundation, who aim to bring comfort and dignity to rural communities in need. Jen has been a Business Development Consultant for Synergistic Development since 1998 and is the author of several books, including Resilient Women in Life and Business: 18 Successful Business Women Share Their Best Thinking and Strategies to Build an Inspiring Life and Business, and The Art of Being Assertive: Become Positive, Effective and Successful The Assertive Way.

Episode Highlights:

02:37 - 03:51 - Great Leaders Are Made, Not Born

06:33 - 10:35 - Assertive Vs. Aggressive

11:33 - 14:28 - Crossing the Generational Divide

31:55 - 34:16 - Development as a Cornerstone of Leadership

Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show?

If you’re a growth-focused leader in the dental business world or someone shaping its future through technology, consulting, or innovation—we want to hear from you.

Submit your interest here: https://forms.gle/BjAmyYLsFgNJBf8f8

Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy!

The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Eric Tobler has worked at Mortenson Dental Partners for nearly seventeen years and is currently their National Director of Clinical Affairs. Mortenson Dental Partners is one of the largest groups of employee-owned dental practices in the United States and has grown to include over 140 practices across nine states, welcoming nearly one million patient visits each year. He is also a Director of the AADGP (American Academy of Dental Group Practice).

Episode Highlights: 

16:59 - 17:38 - The Power of Praise

18:13 - 21:27 - Technological Advancements

25:12 - 27:01 - Getting Buy-In For New Technology

31:39 - 34.41 - Optimizing Business Operations

Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show?

If you’re a growth-focused leader in the dental business world or someone shaping its future through technology, consulting, or innovation—we want to hear from you.

Submit your interest here: https://forms.gle/BjAmyYLsFgNJBf8f8

Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy!

The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Vilas Sastry has over twenty years experience in the dental industry and is the CEO of teledentistry.com, a comprehensive dental provider who offer everything from virtual checkups to emergency care. He is former owner of the Health Networks of America (2008 - 2017) and served as CEO of Aces Dental between 2006 - 2021.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.

Episode Highlights:

02:40 - 03:32 - What is Tele-Dentistry?

12:43 - 13:22 - Essential Leadership Qualities

14:10 - 16:12 - Preventative Care

20:48 - 22:21 - Looking to the Future

25:19 - 26:08 - Psychological Benefits of Teledentistry

Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show?

If you’re a growth-focused leader in the dental business world or someone shaping its future through technology, consulting, or innovation—we want to hear from you.

Submit your interest here: https://forms.gle/BjAmyYLsFgNJBf8f8

Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy!

The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Gary Bird is the founder of SMC National, a dental marketing company that aims to deliver new patient growth for dental groups. SMC National’s focus is to give partners a complete growth pipeline that doesn’t just generate leads, but turns more of them into happy, long-term patients for a higher ROI. Through SMC, Gary launched the Dental Marketing Manager Bootcamp, a two-day training program designed to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to excel in their roles.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.

Episode Highlights:

07:31 - 08:45 - Call Response Misconceptions

14:31 - 17:29 - The ‘Four Key Questions’ and Self-Scheduling

23:55 - 25:19 - Drawbacks of Implementing a Call Centre

32:33 - 33:43 - Ideal Patient Profile

Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show?

If you’re a growth-focused leader in the dental business world or someone shaping its future through technology, consulting, or innovation—we want to hear from you.

Submit your interest here: https://forms.gle/BjAmyYLsFgNJBf8f8

Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy!

The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Allison Hale is an award-winning orthodontist and COO of Parks Orthodontics, who provides guided solutions and clinical customized care in Yorktown, Virginia. Parks Orthodontics won Coastal Virginia Magazine’s Best Of Readers’ Choice Awards in 2023, 2022, 2021 and 2020.

Emma Cifuentes is COO of Progressive Dental Management, a DSO based in seventeen locations that builds partnerships with local organizations and promotes oral health awareness.

Tom Barberio is CIO of Thinc Forward, who deliver technology solutions that produce meaningful business outcomes. The Silicon Review listed Thinc Forward as one of the “50 Fastest Growing Companies of the Year 2023”.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.

Episode Highlights:

03:48 - 08:17 - Transitioning From Old Technology to New

14:20 - 26:33 - New Technologies On The Rise

27:07 - 35:18 - Key Metrics for Success

35:30 - 44:14 - The Importance of Buy-In

Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show?

If you’re a growth-focused leader in the dental business world or someone shaping its future through technology, consulting, or innovation—we want to hear from you.

Submit your interest here: https://forms.gle/BjAmyYLsFgNJBf8f8

Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy!

The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Dr. Tarek Aly is an experienced periodontist, a DSO builder, a Partner and COO at Guardian Dental Partners, and a Partner at Modern Smiles Dental Group and Community Dental Partners. As well as specializing in DSO platform development, M&As, business valuation, and dental organizations management, Dr Aly has authored three publications and is working on a book focusing on the management of dental practices and DSOs.

Episode Highlights:

03:17 - 05:10 - Unserved Markets

08:54 - 10:27 - Managing Multiple Projects at Once

11:06 - 13:10 - The Value of KPIs

30:35 - 32:26 - Technological Developments

Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show?

If you’re a growth-focused leader in the dental business world or someone shaping its future through technology, consulting, or innovation—we want to hear from you.

Submit your interest here: https://forms.gle/BjAmyYLsFgNJBf8f8

Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy!

The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Dr Kaur is the founder and president of Women in DSO, an organization that serves as a platform to advance and promote women leaders across the DSO space. She was CEO of AiM Dental Alliance, before it was sold, and worked as Chief Operating Officer at Lone Peak Dental Group between 2018 - 2020. A dental industry veteran, Dr Kaur currently holds multiple board roles, while working as the operating partner with PE groups and consultant for their DSO portfolio companies.

Episode Highlights:

03:55 - 05:58 - Initiatives to Advance Equality

06:50 - 07:59 - Optimizing Organizations for Advancing Women’s Careers

14:21 - 15:09 - Gender Equality Trends in Dentistry

18:25 - 19:44 - Addressing the Gender Roles Imbalance

Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show?

If you’re a growth-focused leader in the dental business world or someone shaping its future through technology, consulting, or innovation—we want to hear from you.

Submit your interest here: https://forms.gle/BjAmyYLsFgNJBf8f8

Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy!

The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Chelsea Myers is the Founder and CEO of Dental Life Coach, a group of experienced coaches and professionals that work with DSOs and group practice dentists. An emotional intelligence expert that specializes in the dental industry, Chelsea has coached hundreds of clients to enable personal and professional growth. She is also the host of the Dental Brain Crops podcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.

Episode Highlights:

03:59 - 05:29 - Embracing Honest Conversations

21:27 - 23:06 - Improving Mental Health and Avoiding Burnout

23:36 - 24:49 - Coaches versus Managers

28:51 - 30:03 - The Value of Self-Awareness

Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show?

If you’re a growth-focused leader in the dental business world or someone shaping its future through technology, consulting, or innovation—we want to hear from you.

Submit your interest here: https://forms.gle/BjAmyYLsFgNJBf8f8

Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy!