Stepping into dental practice leadership can be overwhelming, especially when you don't see yourself as a born leader. Come along as Dr. Eric Block recounts his journey from struggling with leadership and practice management to becoming an efficient leader, all by developing comprehensive standard operating procedures. By documenting every process, from clinical setups to insurance claims, Dr. Block reduced his practice's stress levels, improved training efforts, and even crafted his own productivity software for dental offices, Flomo. Immerse yourself in Dr. Block’s story to pick up practical strategies that can turn even self-doubting dentists into proficient leaders. If you're living in fear of losing key staff or feeling stuck in your growth as a practice owner, let this episode guide your way forward!‍‍Listen to Eric's Other Episodes Here:345: Dr. Eric Block | Acton Dental Associates & Deals for Dentists – The Dental Marketer Podcast‍Host: Michael AriasJoin my newsletter: https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/newsletter/‍Join this podcast's Facebook Group: The Dental Marketer Society‍Love the Podcast? Follow on Your Favorite App! https://lnkfi.re/TDMPod

Who you hire in your first year will shape your dental startup for years to come. Are you choosing team members that truly click?In this episode, Dr. Kelsi Lewis of Glow Dental Co. opens up about the real challenges and rewards of founding an intentional, community-focused dental practice while balancing dentistry, business ownership, and motherhood. She shares honest insights on her current stress points, switching marketing companies, hiring for fit over resume, and doing it all without an office manager. Dr. Lewis dives into why every new team hire matters, how she maintains a supportive culture, and what it takes to build a staff that doesn’t need micromanaging. You’ll hear specific examples, from the roles her hygienist and front desk play in patient care to the systems she uses for onboarding and maintaining high standards.As the conversation unfolds, Dr. Lewis also reveals her journey through the marketing maze. She details what prompted her to pause ads, how she chose new partners based on research and guarantees, and the practical steps she’s taking to double new patient numbers, all with an eye on expanding services and elevating the patient experience. You’ll walk away with actionable strategies for handling team growth, improving workflow and patient conversions, and staying true to your vision no matter how many spinning plates you’re managing behind the scenes.What You'll Learn in This Episode:How to identify and hire team members who elevate your practice cultureEffective onboarding and performance management strategies for dental teamsCreative ways to ensure alignment and communication among staff across rolesHow consistent language and teamwork improve patient experiences and case acceptanceWhen and why to switch marketing partners, and what metrics to trackApproaches to scaling new patient numbers with and without paid adsTools and tactics to streamline in-office workflow and finances, including offering patient financingEssential operational lessons from starting a practice from scratchProtecting your team and brand by confidently dismissing disrespectful patientsVision casting for long-term growth into aesthetics and full-mouth rehabilitationReady to upgrade your practice’s culture, patient flow, and growth? Hit play to learn exactly how Dr. Lewis is making it work, one intentional decision at a time.‍Sponsors:‍Net32: Founded by a dentist, for dentists. Net32 is the leading online marketplace for dental supplies, helping dental and medical professionals save on high-quality products for over 25 years. Start saving today at: https://www.net32.com/dentalmarketer‍Click here for a special offer!Oryx: All-In-One Cloud-Based Dental Software Created by Dentists for Dentists. Patient engagement, clinical, and practice management software that helps your dental practice grow without compromise. Click or copy and paste the link here for a special offer! https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/oryx/Click here for a special offer!Guest: Dr. Kelsi LewisPractice Name: Glow Dental Co.Check out Kelsi's Media:Practice: https://glowdentalco.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelsilewisdds/‍Host: Michael AriasJoin my newsletter: https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/newsletter/‍Join this podcast's Facebook Group: The Dental Marketer Society‍Love the Podcast? Follow on Your Favorite App! https://lnkfi.re/TDMPod

Have you ever felt devastated when someone beat you to a brilliant idea? In this episode of Fail Forward, David Jenyns talks about his venture of the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) wood sale and how it got hijacked by a stranger who went on to become a close friend. While you unwind the twist and turns in his story, you'll realize how acting quickly on your ideas can prevent others from beating you to the punch. This episode provides concrete proof that it's not about who came up with the idea first; it's about who took the initiative and executed it effectively. Dive in to learn about turning disappointments into wins and even long-term friendships!‍‍Listen to David's Other Episodes Here:302: David Jenyns | SYSTEMology: Create Time, Reduce Errors and Scale Your Profits with Proven Business Systems – The Dental Marketer PodcastConquer Resistance: Empower Your Team with Effective System Strategies | David Jenyns | MME – The Dental Marketer Podcast‍Host: Michael AriasJoin my newsletter: https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/newsletter/‍Join this podcast's Facebook Group: The Dental Marketer Society‍Love the Podcast? Follow on Your Favorite App! https://lnkfi.re/TDMPod‍

Can you still win patient loyalty when you walk away from insurance contracts?Dr. Parth Kansagra did just that, launching a premium-priced, insurance-free dental practice in Orange County against all conventional wisdom. Dr. Kansagra shares why he walked away from burnout and chose the hard road of building a practice on his own terms, leaning on his MBA skills, strong patient communication, and a vision for comprehensive patient care.He unpacks the pivotal moment that inspired him to drop insurances cold turkey, then takes us behind the scenes of his high-touch transition: spending months meeting every patient face-to-face to personally explain the new model. Dr. Kansagra gets real about the financial and emotional stress of entrepreneurship, how losing insurance-driven patients opened doors for true cosmetic-focused care, and the steps he took to make premium pricing feel trustworthy with transparent menus, longer exams, and even a six-year warranty. Listen in for honest lessons on patient relationships, marketing that actually works, and how building real trust became his not-so-secret advantage.What You'll Learn in This Episode:How dropping insurance transformed patient relationships and practice cultureStrategies for communicating change and building trust with existing patientsThe financial realities and risks of going insurance-free from day oneWhy personalized attention became the cornerstone of Dr. Kansagra’s approachTips for converting bargain-seekers into loyal, high-value patientsUnexpected growth tactics: Groupon whitening offers, memberships, and “social media scholarships”Building a transparent fee structure including warranties and easy refund policiesThe importance of direct doctor access (and giving out his Google number!)How “banked” membership plans and referral networks can drive real growthPress play to learn how Dr. Kansagra builds real trust in his practice!‍Sponsors:‍Oryx: All-In-One Cloud-Based Dental Software Created by Dentists for Dentists. Patient engagement, clinical, and practice management software that helps your dental practice grow without compromise. Click or copy and paste the link here for a special offer! https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/oryx/Click here for a special offer!Guest: Dr. Parth KansagraPractice Name: Bespoke Dental StudiosCheck out Parth's Media:Practice: https://bespokedentalstudios.com/Juma (Heathcare Wallet for Patients): https://getjuma.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.parthk/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drparthkansagra/‍Host: Michael AriasJoin my newsletter: https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/newsletter/‍Join this podcast's Facebook Group: The Dental Marketer Society‍Love the Podcast? Follow on Your Favorite App! https://lnkfi.re/TDMPod

What would you do if your high-performing practice was flooded and couldn't operate?Dr. Sonny Spera faced exactly this in 2006 when a disastrous flood wiped out one of his three dental offices. Amid the chaos, Dr. Spera showed exemplary leadership by ensuring no team member lost hours and every patient received their care. The key? Pioneering solutions, resilience, and a shared commitment to their dental family. Dive into this episode to discover how, even when catastrophe strikes your practice, you can roll up your sleeves and pave your own path forward. Gain insights on turning disaster into a strengthening growth experience. Listen now to learn how to handle unexpected setbacks while preserving your team's stability and commitment.‍‍Listen to Sonny's Other Episodes Here:340: Dr. Sonny Spera | Progressive Dental – The Dental Marketer PodcastMMM [Insurance] If You Want To Cut Out Your Worst Paying Insurances, Do This! – The Dental Marketer Podcast‍Host: Michael AriasJoin my newsletter: https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/newsletter/‍Join this podcast's Facebook Group: The Dental Marketer Society‍Love the Podcast? Follow on Your Favorite App! https://lnkfi.re/TDMPod

Can you protect both your marriage and your margins while building a dental practice from scratch?In this episode, Eva Baughman of Clearwater Dentistry in Greeley, Colorado, shares the behind-the-scenes story of launching a practice with her husband just before the pandemic hit and how she transitioned from a non-dental background to becoming the financial strategist their office needed. Eva unpacks the path her husband took from serving as a military dentist in Germany to stepping into ownership for the freedom to care for patients on his own terms. This journey demanded Eva step in, shoulder-to-shoulder, to shape the practice into a sustainable, patient-focused team.Central to this conversation is Eva’s candid look at managing insurance-heavy operations in a brand-new community. She walks us through her step-by-step approach to mastering local demographics, mapping employer insurance plans, and using those insights to negotiate stronger PPO contracts, sidestepping third-party headaches wherever possible. Eva also details her hands-on methods for tracking expenses, building airtight claims systems, and empowering her team (all while protecting work-life boundaries as both a spouse and business partner.) Whether you’re a dental entrepreneur, office manager, or anyone seeking better insurance and cash flow management, Eva’s real-life experiences offer practical takeaways for turning your practice from stressful to sustainable.What You'll Learn in This Episode:How to objectively assess your local market and maximize insurance contracting power.Ways to prevent insurance from controlling the patient conversation and keep care patient-centered.Smart strategies for tracking practice expenses and improving cash flow predictability.How to build a claims system that minimizes rejections and supports faster payments.The benefits of negotiating direct PPO contracts and periodically reassessing terms.Why understanding insurer requirements leads to better documentation and estimates.Tips for hiring and team-building in a startup practice.Navigating the unique dynamics of running a spouse-owned office.Setting boundaries to protect your family time while still growing your practice.Tune in now to hear Eva's story on building a practice from scratch with her husband and the ins and outs of everyday operations!‍Sponsors:‍Net32: Founded by a dentist, for dentists. Net32 is the leading online marketplace for dental supplies, helping dental and medical professionals save on high-quality products for over 25 years. Start saving today at: https://www.net32.com/dentalmarketer‍Click here for a special offer!Guest: Eva BaughmanPractice Name: Clearwater DentistryCheck out Eva's Media:Practice: https://clearwaterdentistry.net/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eva_baughman14/Email: [email protected] Spouses in Business Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17Tw64FJiu/‍Host: Michael AriasJoin my newsletter: https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/newsletter/‍Join this podcast's Facebook Group: The Dental Marketer Society‍Love the Podcast? Follow on Your Favorite App! https://lnkfi.re/TDMPod

Could you be mistaking tolerance for compassion as a practice owner? In this Fail Forward episode, Dr. Adrian Cummins from Cummins Dental Group shares a critical setback he experienced in his practice due to a lack of firm boundaries and leadership clarity. Listen as he illuminates how tolerating substandard performances led to not just revenue loss, but a depletion of peace and time, which act as the backbone of every flourishing practice. He shows how he turned confrontations into clarity, creating firm boundaries, making standards concrete, and utilizing leadership meetings effectively to foster accountability. If you're looking to grow your practice and your team without compromising your peace of mind, this episode is a must-listen!‍‍Listen to Adrian's Other Episodes Here:328: Dr. Adrian Cummins | Cummins Dental Group – The Dental Marketer Podcast"What is 1 thing You Wish You Knew Before You Opened Your Start-up/ Acquisition?" – The Dental Marketer Podcast‍Host: Michael AriasJoin my newsletter: https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/newsletter/‍Join this podcast's Facebook Group: The Dental Marketer Society‍Love the Podcast? Follow on Your Favorite App! https://lnkfi.re/TDMPod‍

How are patients really finding their next dentist? It’s not through endless Googling anymore.This episode uncovers a dramatic shift: instead of comparing offices online, more people are now simply asking ChatGPT, Perplexity, or Gemini, "Who should I call for dental implants or a toothache?" The AI returns just a couple of names, and with zero hesitation, patients make the call (often within a minute.)Michael breaks down real data from CallRail, revealing how these AI-fueled phone calls, though still a small percentage, represent a wave of ultra-high-intent patients who skip traditional browsing and choose the first AI-recommended office. You'll discover which tools are actually driving these calls (hint: ChatGPT is leading by a landslide), why this trend mirrors the early rise of smartphone searches, and why it pays to make your practice information clear, consistent, and ready for action. If you want your phone to ring next time someone asks AI to help find them a dentist, this episode is your essential guide.What You'll Learn in This Episode:How AI chat tools are redesigning the path patients take to choose a dentistThe latest CallRail data showing real-world AI-generated business callsWhich AI tools (like ChatGPT and Perplexity) are influencing dental patient decisionsWhy AI-referred calls are more likely to be high-intent (and how that matters)How this shift compares to the early days of mobile searchPractical steps to make your dental practice more "AI-ready"The importance of consistent business listings and clear service descriptionsWhy answering your phone quickly matters more than everHow tracking calls can help you see which marketing sources are workingWhat other industries are doing as AI changes the referral landscapeDon’t get left behind! Hit play now to make sure your dental practice is ready for the new era of AI-driven patient calls.‍Sponsors:‍CallRail: Call tracking + AI that turns calls into campaigns that convert, quality patients, and cost savings. Click our link to start a free trial today! https://sta.mx/vz69Click here for a special offer!Check Out the Article From This Episode (Updated with More Data):Article: https://www.callrail.com/blog/20m-calls-reveal-future-of-customer-discovery‍Host: Michael AriasJoin my newsletter: https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/newsletter/‍Join this podcast's Facebook Group: The Dental Marketer Society‍Love the Podcast? Subscribe on Your Favorite App! https://lnkfi.re/TDMPod‍

Have you considered selling your practice to your associate? Listen to this episode before you do!This episode of the "Fail Forward" series takes you on a journey with Dr. David Phelps, as he shares a significant setback he faced in selling his practice, where due to his hurried decision, he ended up selling to an associate with excellent clinical skills, but lacking business knowledge. This lack of insight led to volatility and loss of staff and patients; forcing him to retake control. But the silver lining? This was a transformational moment that pressured him to take a different approach in recruitment and empowering associates while gradually transitioning into ownership, resulting in the sale he aimed at. Listening to this episode will teach you how to navigate associate transitions more effectively while avoiding common pitfalls.‍‍Listen to David's Other Episodes Here:361: Dr. David Phelps | The Best & Worst Things You Can Do as a Practice Owner Who's Trying to Accumulate Wealth – The Dental Marketer Podcast‍Host: Michael AriasJoin my newsletter: https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/newsletter/‍Join this podcast's Facebook Group: The Dental Marketer Society‍Love the Podcast? Follow on Your Favorite App! https://lnkfi.re/TDMPod

What does it really take to turn a neighborhood dental practice into a must-visit brand no matter the competition next door?In this episode, Dr. Chaz Vittitow shares the real story of launching and growing The Local Dentist in a market packed with competitors all while balancing family life with four kids and navigating today’s unique challenges for dentists. Chaz explains the origin of his practice’s name and how it shaped everything from branding to partnering with local businesses. He also digs into the seldom-discussed realities: intense staffing pressures, skyrocketing expenses, and the myth that owning a practice guarantees financial success.Chaz reveals how he grew by aggressively marketing, earning patient referrals, and, most notably, breaking free from PPO insurance networks, once facing $500–$600K annual write-offs on $1.1M collected. He delivers a practical guide for dropping insurance: scripting patient conversations, offering membership alternatives, and controlling the story to retain quality care (and your best patients). Through powerful communication tweaks and lessons learned on team-building, leadership, and profitability, Chaz equips us with a blueprint to build not just a profitable practice, but a truly resilient one.What You'll Learn in This Episode:How to craft a dental brand that resonates in your community and stands outThe key differences (and new complexities) of dental ownership today versus prior generationsCreative growth strategies for practices in saturated markets, from ground-level marketing to referral systemsWhy and how to drop insurance networks without losing your patient base (or your mind)The real financial impact of insurance write-offs (and how to regain control)Step-by-step tactics for transitioning patients off PPO plans, minimizing attrition and complaintsTransformative language and communication shifts that boost case acceptance and patient loyaltyOperational insights: hiring, team training, profitability strategies, and smart tech adoptionTune in to learn how Dr. Chaz builds an unstoppable brand that resonates with his local community!‍Sponsors:‍Net32: Founded by a dentist, for dentists. Net32 is the leading online marketplace for dental supplies, helping dental and medical professionals save on high-quality products for over 25 years. Start saving today at: https://www.net32.com/dentalmarketer‍Click here for a special offer!Oryx: All-In-One Cloud-Based Dental Software Created by Dentists for Dentists. Patient engagement, clinical, and practice management software that helps your dental practice grow without compromise. Click or copy and paste the link here for a special offer! https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/oryx/Click here for a special offer!Guest: Dr. Chaz VittitowPractice Name: The Local DentistCheck out Chaz's Media:Practice: https://localdentistbellingham.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/localdentist_bham/The Dental Jumpstart YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJvqs2_HMAkGq2ki__Gv-jQ‍Host: Michael AriasJoin my newsletter: https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/newsletter/‍Join this podcast's Facebook Group: The Dental Marketer Society‍Love the Podcast? Follow on Your Favorite App! https://lnkfi.re/TDMPod‍