Ash is joined by Kelly Majdan, VP at One Digital and founder of Power Through Wellness. Kelly brings a rare perspective to the conversation, combining retirement planning expertise with wellness coaching experience. The discussion centers on why balancing wealth and health is critical for dental practice owners, both for themselves and their teams.Ash and Kelly talk through common misconceptions about 401k plans, especially among dental practice owners. They share practical information about the real costs of starting a retirement plan, available tax credits, and how offering benefits like a 401k can help practices stay competitive in today’s job market. The episode also covers how employee wellness connects to financial performance and how stress can impact long-term outcomes for dental teams. Finally, Kelly gives advice on preparing for retirement, outlining steps for dentists who are 10 to 15 years from transitioning out of their practice, including involving the right financial and health professionals.To find out more and connect with Kelly, visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellymajdan/Key Topics Discussed:Connecting health and financial wellness for long-term successMisconceptions about starting a 401k in dental practicesCosts, tax credits, and plan design flexibility for retirement plansEmployee benefits as tools for recruitment and retentionThe increased awareness and value of 401k plans among Millennial and Gen Z employeesIntegrating wellness initiatives into dental practicesAddressing burnout and chronic stress in dentistryThe importance of team strategy and involving experts in planning retirement

Ash welcomes Michelle Griffin, CEO of Griffin Resources, to talk about the critical role of HR in dental practices and small healthcare businesses. Michelle shares her experiences working across multiple industries, emphasizing the unique HR needs and compliance challenges facing dental offices and other medical providers. She explains how proper HR processes, such as onboarding, documentation, and compliance with local and federal employment laws, can help mitigate risks and support practice growth.They discuss common pitfalls like employee misclassification and the risks of manual payroll and onboarding processes. Michelle also addresses the importance of HR audits, especially during transitions and mergers, and provides examples of fraud discovered through poor internal controls. When it comes to attracting and retaining top talent, Michelle recommends leveraging culture, competitive advantages, and strong leadership traits focused on valuing team members. The episode wraps up with practical advice for dental practice owners considering a sale, and how to get support from experienced HR professionals.To find out more or connect with Michelle, visit: https://griffin-resources.com/Key Topics Discussed:HR’s role in dental and healthcare practicesCompliance and employment law in HRCommon HR mistakes in onboarding and employee classificationThe importance of internal controls and HR auditsTalent acquisition and retention strategies for small practicesHighlighting workplace culture to attract staffLeadership qualities for practice ownersPreparing for practice transitions and sales

Ash welcomes Antoinette Bone, an estate planning attorney and founder of the Law Office of Antoinette Bone, PLLC. Antoinette shares her experience from a background in the Air Force JAG Corps to working with business owners and dentists on estate and trust planning. She breaks down the importance of having a comprehensive plan for dental practice owners, discussing why a trust is often more beneficial than just a will, especially for those looking to protect their practice, family, and legacy.The conversation covers the basics of different types of trusts, how business structure ties into estate planning, and pitfalls like failing to have the right documents or mixing personal and business assets. Antoinette highlights the need for operating agreements, proper disability planning, and naming the right people to manage both personal and business affairs. She emphasizes that estate planning is an ongoing process, especially as life and business circumstances change. Additional resources for learning more about her work and estate planning are mentioned at the end of the episode.To find out more or connect with Antoinette, visit: https://abonelaw.com/Key Topics Discussed:Antoinette Bone’s career background and military serviceWhy dental practice owners need estate and trust planningTypes of trusts: revocable living trusts, irrevocable trusts, asset protection trustsIntegrating your business structure with your estate planCommon red flags and mistakes in estate planningThe role and importance of operating agreementsRisks of using online legal templates versus working with professionalsDisability and incapacity planning for practice ownersKey estate planning documents required in TexasHandling blended families and unique family dynamics in estate planningResources for further education on estate and trust planning

Ash welcomes Jennifer Christensen, co-founder and CMO of Beacon Media and Marketing, to discuss the role of artificial intelligence in modern marketing for dental professionals. Jennifer shares her journey as an early adopter of AI, highlighting how new technologies have reshaped client search behaviors and what this rapid shift means for dental practices that want to maintain and grow their online presence. She explains how practices can benefit from AI-powered insights, especially by personalizing content, building credibility, and targeting AI-driven search overviews.Jennifer discusses practical strategies dental offices can use to become more visible in AI searches, such as focusing on author-driven, expert content and being transparent with information like pricing and service details. She also explores the changing landscape of consumer trust and how dental practices need to adapt to remain relevant, noting that small businesses now have a unique window of opportunity to compete with larger competitors. The episode wraps up with a conversation about AI's broader role in operational efficiency and the importance of businesses understanding and implementing these tools sooner rather than later.To find out more and connect with Jennifer, visit: https://www.beaconmm.com/Key Topics Discussed:• Jennifer’s introduction and experience as an early adopter of AI• The evolution from information age marketing to the age of intelligence• How AI impacts SEO, search habits, and website visibility• Importance of author-driven, expert, and personalized content• Strategies to get dental practices featured in AI overviews• The significance of transparency in pricing and service details• Increasing consumer trust through detailed, credible information• Using AI for operational efficiencies in practice management• Adapting to changing consumer behavior and search trends• The window of opportunity for small businesses in AI-driven marketing

In this episode, Ash welcomes David Herman, founder of Web Marketing for Dentists, who draws on over 20 years of dental marketing experience to explain how specialized marketing helps dental practices achieve real returns on investment. David discusses the unique challenges of dental marketing and how his agency uses data-driven strategies, including tracking PMS data and return on investment, to provide transparency and results for clients.David shares examples of quick and significant marketing turnarounds, noting that dentists can expect to see a return on their investment in as little as 30 days. He emphasizes the importance of individualized marketing plans—understanding the dentist’s preferred procedures and leveraging patient reviews and targeted content for better SEO. The conversation also covers actionable tips for startups with limited budgets, such as optimizing websites for speed, building out procedure-specific content, and prioritizing Google reviews. David concludes with strategies for balancing pay-per-click and long-term SEO, ensuring dental practices can continue to grow despite rising digital marketing costs.To find out more and connect with David, visit: WebMarketingForDentists.comKey Topics Discussed:Why dental-specific marketing expertise mattersThe challenge of educating dental consumersEnsuring HIPAA compliance in marketing effortsUsing PMS data to track ROI accuratelyHow quickly can dental practices expect results from digital marketingThe agency’s unique 30-day contract and trial offerThe importance of individualized marketing by dental procedureValue of video and audio for patient connectionWhat dental procedures are easiest and most profitable to marketWebsite optimization tips for startupsStrategies for getting more Google reviewsDifferences between pay-per-click advertising and SEOLong-term digital marketing considerations for dental practices

Ash sits down with Mandy Madeline from Pay Proudly, a payment processing company with a unique understanding of dental practices. Drawing from her 18 years of experience in the dental field—from dental assisting to leadership and operations—Mandy shares how Pay Proudly is helping dental offices streamline payment systems, launch in-house membership programs, and ultimately improve patient experiences and practice profitability.Ash and Mandy discuss the benefits of integrating payment processing with practice management software, ways to minimize manual entry errors, and solutions for managing recurring payments. They also explore the rising trend of surcharging fees, what it means for dental practices, and why transparency and compliance are key when implementing new payment models. Whether you’re an established practice or just starting out, you’ll hear practical tips on optimizing payment systems, retaining patients, and boosting your bottom line.To find out more or connect with Mandy, visit: https://www.payproudly.com/.Key Topics Discussed:Mandy Madeline’s career in dental practice operationsPay Proudly’s integration with practice management systemsCard vaulting and recurring paymentsSimplified in-house membership program setupCost savings through surcharging and compliance considerationsDetailed and simplified end-of-day reconciliation and reportingTransparent analysis of payment processing feesImportance of customer support and relationship buildingMigration timeline and training for switching systems

In this episode, Ash discusses the evolving landscape of dental practice ownership, particularly whether it’s still worth buying or starting a dental practice. Ash explains that the decision is much more nuanced than it was a decade ago. Factors such as market saturation, shrinking reimbursement rates, and increased competition from DSOs and PE-backed practices mean that buying or starting a practice requires extensive research and self-reflection. The conversation covers challenges unique to both startups and acquiring existing practices, including location selection, identifying business models, and coping with the demands of being both a clinician and a business owner.He also addresses the realities of working with DSOs, selling a practice, and the trade-offs of joining larger organizations versus independent ownership. He also talks about why it's important to understand your career goals, personality fit, and risk tolerance amidst a shifting generational mindset and increasing concern about burnout.Key Topics Discussed:The current viability of buying or starting a dental practiceThe impact of urban saturation and DSOs/PEs on dental ownershipKey factors and research required for successful startupsStartup vs. acquiring an existing practice: pros and consBusiness acumen and the challenge for cliniciansEffects of market demographics, location, and business modelsLender requirements for practice acquisitionThe importance of team dynamics in transitionsDifferences between selling to DSOs vs. individual buyersAlternative equity opportunities for associatesGenerational differences in ownership goalsBurnout and realistic career considerationsPlanning for exit strategies and financial obligations

In this episode, Ash welcomes Kevin Henry from Kevin Speaks Dental, a seasoned advocate for dental assistants with over twenty years of experience in the field. Kevin shares his insights about the evolving roles of dental assistants and the challenges they face, including compensation concerns, feelings of undervaluation, and workplace culture. They discuss the importance of communication, team accountability, and culture in retaining and supporting dental assistants, explaining how these factors often outweigh pay in promoting job satisfaction.The conversation covers practical ways practice owners can support their assistants, from regular check-ins about career goals to fostering a sense of empowerment and belonging within the team. Kevin also discusses how technology and generational shifts are impacting dental practices, stressing that open dialogue and targeted training help ease the adoption of new tools and responsibilities. They also talk about why it's so important for practice owners to stay updated on state regulations and to invest in knowing their numbers, ensuring both patient care and a profitable, harmonious workplace.Key Topics Discussed:Common challenges for dental assistants: pay, respect, and team cultureWays to add value for assistants beyond compensationImportance of regular check-ins and career goal discussionsTeam accountability and the role of leadership throughout the practiceImproving the hiring process and assessing team fitThe impact of technology on dental practice workflowManaging generational differences and communication stylesEnsuring compliance with state regulations for assistant dutiesBalancing business profitability with patient care and staff satisfactionTo learn more about or connect with Kevin, you can find him at: https://www.kevinspeaksdental.com/

In this special episode of Beyond Bitewings we're sharing our favorite conversations with a few experts who discuss how dental practice owners can create generational wealth by thinking beyond their day-to-day income. Ash is joined by former guests like Paul Montelongo, Eric Miller, and Nathan Turner as they share practice advice and non-traditional options when it comes to investing your hard-earned income. In this episode, they unpack traditional and alternative investment strategies designed specifically for dental practice owners. From stocks and bonds to multifamily syndicates and mortgage note buying, this episode covers what you need to know to make your money work for you beyond the dental chair.Discover how to evaluate different investment options, set up multiple revenue streams for your household, and ensure you're properly compensating yourself as a business owner. The episode also features a practical look at passive investing, how to navigate business plans for real estate syndications, and the ins and outs of buying mortgage notes.Key Topics Discussed:Approach to investing for dental practice ownersHow multifamily syndications work for passive investorsTypical hold periods, returns, and distributions in real estate syndicatesDefining the role of limited partners (LPs) and their rightsStructuring practice owner compensation and ensuring proper paymentThe importance of generating additional revenue streams beyond practice incomeOverview of investment options: stocks, bonds, real estate, and insurance productsMortgage note investing: process, returns, and investor protectionReporting and payout timelines for investors

In this episode of Beyond Bitewings, we're focusing on helping dental practice owners stand out in what may feel like a very overcrowded space. Ash shares some of his favorite insights from several different interviews he has done with marketing experts Erin Gregor, Darren Tesatori, and Brandon Hubbard. The conversation starts with Erin explaining the importance of creating engaging content and effectively using social media to connect with potential patients. She suggests starting by answering common patient questions and advises against generic posts, emphasizing the value of authenticity in differentiating a dental practice in a crowded market.Darren sheds light on the critical role that Google Business Profiles play in attracting new patients. He highlights the importance of optimizing these profiles and accumulating positive reviews to secure a spot in the coveted Google three-pack. Brandon expands on the concept of marketing investment, advising that a proper budget and consistent branding efforts can significantly impact a practice's growth. Together, they discuss the idea that marketing shouldn't be passive and should reflect the unique style and story of the dentist to build a strong connection with potential patients.You can find the full episodes of each of these interviews here:Darren: https://eandassociates.com/secrets-to-growing-your-dental-practice-with-google-reviews-and-local-seo/Brandon: https://eandassociates.com/dental-marketing-demystified-how-to-drive-growth-and-stand-out-in-the-industry/Erin: https://eandassociates.com/how-to-use-social-media-to-grow-your-dental-practice/Key Topics Discussed:Creating engaging content for social mediaChoosing the right social media platformsTime and resource allocation for social media effortsSetting and managing marketing budgetsUnderstanding costs related to acquiring new patientsBuilding and maintaining trust with marketing teamsImportance of content in current marketing strategiesTransition from traditional to content-driven marketingOptimizing Google Business ProfilesLeveraging online reviews for better visibility