The Millennial Dentist

In this episode of the Millennial Dentist Podcast, Dr. Sully Sullivan dives deep into the common yet challenging experience of downtime in dental practices. Instead of reacting with anxiety or fear, Dr. Sully offers a proactive framework to turn slow periods into opportunities for growth, system improvement, and long-term success.   We explore how to assess internal issues, optimize follow-up protocols, improve patient communications, and leverage technology and team coordination—even when you're not holding a handpiece. It’s all about embracing the calm, analyzing the root causes, and refining the fundamentals.   Timestamp: 02:13 – Auditing Systems During Downtime 05:01 – Staffing Shortages & Schedule Gaps 08:38 – Fixing Missed Calls & Front Desk Flow 11:48 – Brand Building & Virtual Consults 14:54 – Closing the Financing Gap 17:36 – Leading Through Observation Who is Dr. Sully Sullivan?   Dr. Sully is a fourth-generation dentist from Nashville, Tn. After receiving his doctorate of dental surgery from the University of Tennessee, he moved back to Nashville to practice with his father. By continuing to invest in his education through adult orthodontics, soft tissue grafting, dental implants, third molar extractions, and obstructive sleep apnea, he helped double his practice in just 24 months.   As a millennial, he truly believes in working smarter not harder, which has led him to utilize technology to not only deliver better patient care but more efficient care. Dr. Sullivan regularly uses CEREC, 3D imaging with Galileos, 3D printing, and multiple lasers. In addition to his practice, he started the Millennial Dentist Podcast in February of 2017 to help push his fellow colleagues to take their dental careers to the next level. Dr. Sully lectures around the country on cone beam technology, cad/cam dentistry, obstructive sleep apnea, and practice management. He is also an ambassador for the 3D-Dentist teaching facility in Raleigh, NC.   As always, thanks so much for listening! If you like the show, we would love for you to review the show on Apple Podcasts as well as spread the word! If you have any questions or want to get in touch, shoot me an email at [email protected]    Links and Resources Email: [email protected]  The Millennial Dentist Website: http://millennialdentist.com/  Millennial Dentist Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MillennialDentist  Millennial Dentist Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/millennialdentist/

Do you feel frustrated when patients say no to treatment? Do you wonder if pushing for higher case acceptance is always the right move? In this episode, I’m breaking down why lowering your case acceptance rate might actually be a sign you’re leveling up—and how to turn those "nos" into long-term wins.   I’ll share why I’d rather have a 20% acceptance rate on 10K cases than 100 500 fillings, how to spot the real reasons behind patient objections (hint: it’s not always money), and my team’s proven scripts for leaning into "no" without sounding pushy. Plus, I’ll reveal why I lead every case with sedation and flexible payment options—even for patients who don’t "seem" anxious.   Timestamp:   @07:41 – Case Acceptance Math @08:28 – 4 Reasons for "No" @12:59 – Sedation Secret @14:18 – Financial Menu Hack @16:08 – Patient Booking Truths @17:07 – 3 Types of "No"   Who is Dr. Sully Sullivan? Who is Dr. Sully Sullivan?   Dr. Sully is a fourth-generation dentist from Nashville, Tn. After receiving his doctorate of dental surgery from the University of Tennessee, he moved back to Nashville to practice with his father. By continuing to invest in his education through adult orthodontics, soft tissue grafting, dental implants, third molar extractions, and obstructive sleep apnea, he helped double his practice in just 24 months.   As a millennial, he truly believes in working smarter not harder, which has led him to utilize technology to not only deliver better patient care but more efficient care. Dr. Sullivan regularly uses CEREC, 3D imaging with Galileos, 3D printing, and multiple lasers. In addition to his practice, he started the Millennial Dentist Podcast in February of 2017 to help push his fellow colleagues to take their dental careers to the next level. Dr. Sully lectures around the country on cone beam technology, cad/cam dentistry, obstructive sleep apnea, and practice management. He is also an ambassador for the 3D-Dentist teaching facility in Raleigh, NC.   As always, thanks so much for listening! If you like the show, we would love for you to review the show on Apple Podcasts as well as spread the word! If you have any questions or want to get in touch, shoot me an email at [email protected]    Links and Resources Email: [email protected]  The Millennial Dentist Website: http://millennialdentist.com/  Millennial Dentist Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MillennialDentist  Millennial Dentist Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/millennialdentist/

In this episode of the Millennial Dentist Podcast, I’m talking about something that I think trips up a lot of dentists—the difference between procedural profitability and overall business profitability. Early on in my career, I got obsessed with the per-procedure margins, but I’ve since learned that running a profitable practice is about so much more than that.   Sharing how placing implants completely changed my trajectory as a dentist—not just clinically, but from a business perspective too. I dig into how practices can grow more profitably by understanding fixed vs. variable costs, and why it’s okay (and even smart) to do procedures that aren’t super profitable on their own.   @01:17 – Why dentists should learn to place implants @02:27 – Shifting from procedural to business profitability @03:37 – The grocery store analogy: how low-margin services fit in @05:22 – The value of being a one-stop shop for patients @07:33 – High-cost vs. high-margin procedures: why the difference matters @10:07 – Fixed vs. variable costs: the real key to profitability Who is Dr. Sully Sullivan?   Dr. Sully is a fourth-generation dentist from Nashville, Tn. After receiving his doctorate of dental surgery from the University of Tennessee, he moved back to Nashville to practice with his father. By continuing to invest in his education through adult orthodontics, soft tissue grafting, dental implants, third molar extractions, and obstructive sleep apnea, he helped double his practice in just 24 months.   As a millennial, he truly believes in working smarter not harder, which has led him to utilize technology to not only deliver better patient care but more efficient care. Dr. Sullivan regularly uses CEREC, 3D imaging with Galileos, 3D printing, and multiple lasers. In addition to his practice, he started the Millennial Dentist Podcast in February of 2017 to help push his fellow colleagues to take their dental careers to the next level. Dr. Sully lectures around the country on cone beam technology, cad/cam dentistry, obstructive sleep apnea, and practice management. He is also an ambassador for the 3D-Dentist teaching facility in Raleigh, NC.   As always, thanks so much for listening! If you like the show, we would love for you to review the show on Apple Podcasts as well as spread the word! If you have any questions or want to get in touch, shoot me an email at [email protected]    Links and Resources Email: [email protected]  The Millennial Dentist Website: http://millennialdentist.com/  Millennial Dentist Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MillennialDentist  Millennial Dentist Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/millennialdentist/

In this episode of the Millennial Dentist Podcast, we dive into the real impact of economic inflation on our dental teams. As costs rise, team members feel the pressure, and as leaders, it's crucial to navigate these challenges while maintaining a strong, motivated workforce. We discuss practical strategies for supporting your team, adapting to financial shifts, and continuing to work smarter, not harder.   @02:25 - Challenges of Giving Raises @04:00 - Team Compensation Explained @06:25 - Flexibility vs. Risk Tolerance @08:50 - Asking for a Raise the Right Way @12:05 - Team Members’ Value vs. Cost   Who is Dr. Sully Sullivan?   Dr. Sully is a fourth-generation dentist from Nashville, Tn. After receiving his doctorate of dental surgery from the University of Tennessee, he moved back to Nashville to practice with his father. By continuing to invest in his education through adult orthodontics, soft tissue grafting, dental implants, third molar extractions, and obstructive sleep apnea, he helped double his practice in just 24 months.   As a millennial, he truly believes in working smarter not harder, which has led him to utilize technology to not only deliver better patient care but more efficient care. Dr. Sullivan regularly uses CEREC, 3D imaging with Galileos, 3D printing, and multiple lasers. In addition to his practice, he started the Millennial Dentist Podcast in February of 2017 to help push his fellow colleagues to take their dental careers to the next level. Dr. Sully lectures around the country on cone beam technology, cad/cam dentistry, obstructive sleep apnea, and practice management. He is also an ambassador for the 3D-Dentist teaching facility in Raleigh, NC.   As always, thanks so much for listening! If you like the show, we would love for you to review the show on Apple Podcasts as well as spread the word! If you have any questions or want to get in touch, shoot me an email at [email protected]    Links and Resources Email: [email protected]  The Millennial Dentist Website: http://millennialdentist.com/  Millennial Dentist Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MillennialDentist  Millennial Dentist Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/millennialdentist/

In this episode, I’m diving into a topic that every dentist faces—how to manage your menu of services to maximize productivity and efficiency. I’ll share insights on when to expand or cut back on procedures, strategies for avoiding burnout, and the importance of flexibility in your offerings for long-term success. Additionally, I’ll break down how transitioning patients to associates can help free up your schedule for larger cases and explain why setting limits on certain procedures can actually boost your practice.    @1:42 - Expanding & Refining Your Menu of Services   @4:18 - The Impact of Service Selection on Production   @11:05 - Transitioning Patients to Associates   @12:15 - Setting Limits on Procedures to Increase Efficiency   @15:17 - Adjusting in Tough Times   Who is Dr. Sully Sullivan?   Dr. Sully is a fourth-generation dentist from Nashville, Tn. After receiving his doctorate of dental surgery from the University of Tennessee, he moved back to Nashville to practice with his father. By continuing to invest in his education through adult orthodontics, soft tissue grafting, dental implants, third molar extractions, and obstructive sleep apnea, he helped double his practice in just 24 months.   As a millennial, he truly believes in working smarter not harder, which has led him to utilize technology to not only deliver better patient care but more efficient care. Dr. Sullivan regularly uses CEREC, 3D imaging with Galileos, 3D printing, and multiple lasers. In addition to his practice, he started the Millennial Dentist Podcast in February of 2017 to help push his fellow colleagues to take their dental careers to the next level. Dr. Sully lectures around the country on cone beam technology, cad/cam dentistry, obstructive sleep apnea, and practice management. He is also an ambassador for the 3D-Dentist teaching facility in Raleigh, NC.   As always, thanks so much for listening! If you like the show, we would love for you to review the show on Apple Podcasts as well as spread the word! If you have any questions or want to get in touch, shoot me an email at [email protected]    Links and Resources Email: [email protected]  The Millennial Dentist Website: http://millennialdentist.com/  Millennial Dentist Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MillennialDentist  Millennial Dentist Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/millennialdentist/

Today’s episode is about managing the weight of responsibility in running a practice. Feeling overwhelmed is normal, and I share my experiences handling stress. This past week has been exhausting, juggling work, coaching, and personal challenges. Leadership can feel isolating, and therapy has helped me separate accountability from guilt. Prioritizing tasks and embracing support systems are key to managing stress. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Thanks for tuning in! Next episode will be more upbeat. Until then, work smarter, not harder.   @01:42 - Feeling Left Behind @04:12 - Struggling Through a Rough Day @05:01 - Hitting My Bandwidth Limit @07:12 - Personal Growth Through Therapy @09:55 - Learning to Manage the Weight Who is Dr. Sully Sullivan?   Dr. Sully is a fourth-generation dentist from Nashville, Tn. After receiving his doctorate of dental surgery from the University of Tennessee, he moved back to Nashville to practice with his father. By continuing to invest in his education through adult orthodontics, soft tissue grafting, dental implants, third molar extractions, and obstructive sleep apnea, he helped double his practice in just 24 months.   As a millennial, he truly believes in working smarter not harder, which has led him to utilize technology to not only deliver better patient care but more efficient care. Dr. Sullivan regularly uses CEREC, 3D imaging with Galileos, 3D printing, and multiple lasers. In addition to his practice, he started the Millennial Dentist Podcast in February of 2017 to help push his fellow colleagues to take their dental careers to the next level. Dr. Sully lectures around the country on cone beam technology, cad/cam dentistry, obstructive sleep apnea, and practice management. He is also an ambassador for the 3D-Dentist teaching facility in Raleigh, NC.   As always, thanks so much for listening! If you like the show, we would love for you to review the show on Apple Podcasts as well as spread the word! If you have any questions or want to get in touch, shoot me an email at [email protected]    Links and Resources Email: [email protected]  The Millennial Dentist Website: http://millennialdentist.com/  Millennial Dentist Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MillennialDentist  Millennial Dentist Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/millennialdentist/

Welcome back to the Millennial Dentist Podcast! It’s a new year, and I’m kicking off 2025 with some big updates, a new smile, and a fresh focus on making this year the best one yet. In this episode, I talk about why the start of the year is the perfect time to recalibrate, realign, and plan out where you want to be by December. If you’re ready to start 2025 strong and take your practice to the next level, this episode is for you.   @03:27 - The Beginning of the Year Funk @05:21 - The Yearly Reset @07:09 - Team Members’ Personal and Professional Goals @13:55 - Helping My Team Members @17:29 - Consistency   Who is Dr. Sully Sullivan? Dr. Sully is a fourth-generation dentist from Nashville, Tn. After receiving his doctorate of dental surgery from the University of Tennessee, he moved back to Nashville to practice with his father. By continuing to invest in his education through adult orthodontics, soft tissue grafting, dental implants, third molar extractions, and obstructive sleep apnea, he helped double his practice in just 24 months.   As a millennial, he truly believes in working smarter not harder, which has led him to utilize technology to not only deliver better patient care but more efficient care. Dr. Sullivan regularly uses CEREC, 3D imaging with Galileos, 3D printing, and multiple lasers. In addition to his practice, he started the Millennial Dentist Podcast in February of 2017 to help push his fellow colleagues to take their dental careers to the next level. Dr. Sully lectures around the country on cone beam technology, cad/cam dentistry, obstructive sleep apnea, and practice management. He is also an ambassador for the 3D-Dentist teaching facility in Raleigh, NC.   As always, thanks so much for listening! If you like the show, we would love for you to review the show on Apple Podcasts as well as spread the word! If you have any questions or want to get in touch, shoot me an email at [email protected]    Links and Resources Email: [email protected]  The Millennial Dentist Website: http://millennialdentist.com/  Millennial Dentist Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MillennialDentist  Millennial Dentist Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/millennialdentist/

In this episode, I’m breaking down how to diagnose if you’re over-teamed or under producing and what to do about it. If you’ve got an advanced skill set—whether it’s ortho, implants, grafting, or molar root canals—you should be hitting at least $80,000 a month in production. If not, there are fundamental issues to address, and we’ll start by looking at team compensation, which should fall between 20-30% of collections. I’ll walk you through how to calculate this, including salaries, benefits, and taxes, and explain why focusing on major overhead areas is far more impactful than obsessing over saving a few bucks on supplies. Let’s dig into the metrics that will help you optimize your practice and boost profitability. @01:00 - Understanding Team Compensation @03:18 - Why Goals Are Hit or Miss @07:34 - The Danger of Micro-Optimizing @11:23 - Evaluating Your Practice @18:40 - Taking Action   Who is Dr. Sully Sullivan?   Dr. Sully is a fourth-generation dentist from Nashville, Tn. After receiving his doctorate of dental surgery from the University of Tennessee, he moved back to Nashville to practice with his father. By continuing to invest in his education through adult orthodontics, soft tissue grafting, dental implants, third molar extractions, and obstructive sleep apnea, he helped double his practice in just 24 months.   As a millennial, he truly believes in working smarter not harder, which has led him to utilize technology to not only deliver better patient care but more efficient care. Dr. Sullivan regularly uses CEREC, 3D imaging with Galileos, 3D printing, and multiple lasers. In addition to his practice, he started the Millennial Dentist Podcast in February of 2017 to help push his fellow colleagues to take their dental careers to the next level. Dr. Sully lectures around the country on cone beam technology, cad/cam dentistry, obstructive sleep apnea, and practice management. He is also an ambassador for the 3D-Dentist teaching facility in Raleigh, NC.   As always, thanks so much for listening! If you like the show, we would love for you to review the show on Apple Podcasts as well as spread the word! If you have any questions or want to get in touch, shoot me an email at [email protected]    Links and Resources Email: [email protected]  The Millennial Dentist Website: http://millennialdentist.com/  Millennial Dentist Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MillennialDentist  Millennial Dentist Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/millennialdentist/

In this episode of the Millennial Dentist Podcast, I share my personal journey in dentistry and how real-life experiences shape my approach to patient care. I discuss the vital role of numbing and sedation in ensuring our patients are comfortable during their dental procedures. Drawing from my time in a growing practice, I emphasize that achieving profound numbness is key to effective sedation, as insufficient numbing can lead to discomfort and a less efficient process. I also candidly question why some practitioners underutilize anesthetics and encourage a more generous approach to ensure every patient feels at ease.    @00:52 - Essentials of Sedation @03:22 - Pre-Operative Routine @07:22 - Half vs. Full Sedation @09:48 - Sedation Protocols @14:01 - Key Takeaways   Who is Dr. Sully Sullivan? Dr. Sully is a fourth-generation dentist from Nashville, Tn. After receiving his doctorate of dental surgery from the University of Tennessee, he moved back to Nashville to practice with his father. By continuing to invest in his education through adult orthodontics, soft tissue grafting, dental implants, third molar extractions, and obstructive sleep apnea, he helped double his practice in just 24 months.   As a millennial, he truly believes in working smarter not harder, which has led him to utilize technology to not only deliver better patient care but more efficient care. Dr. Sullivan regularly uses CEREC, 3D imaging with Galileos, 3D printing, and multiple lasers. In addition to his practice, he started the Millennial Dentist Podcast in February of 2017 to help push his fellow colleagues to take their dental careers to the next level. Dr. Sully lectures around the country on cone beam technology, cad/cam dentistry, obstructive sleep apnea, and practice management. He is also an ambassador for the 3D-Dentist teaching facility in Raleigh, NC.   As always, thanks so much for listening! If you like the show, we would love for you to review the show on Apple Podcasts as well as spread the word! If you have any questions or want to get in touch, shoot me an email at [email protected]    Links and Resources Email: [email protected]  The Millennial Dentist Website: http://millennialdentist.com/  Millennial Dentist Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MillennialDentist  Millennial Dentist Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/millennialdentist/

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the real, less glamorous side of running a dental practice. After taking a brief break, I found myself navigating a challenging week filled with unexpected team drama, which reminded me that not everything in dentistry is as perfect as it seems on social media. Inspired by a candid conversation with a fellow doctor about the inevitable “suck” we all face, I dive into how I handle these tough moments while still striving for balance.   I share insights on the importance of being present, managing team dynamics, and embracing the grind, even when it gets tough. This episode serves as a reminder that we’re all human, and that those challenging weeks are just part of the journey toward building a successful practice.    @00:52 - The "Suck" @02:25 - Weekly Summary @06:26 - Understanding Daily Challenges @10:22 - Escalating Drama: Staff Shortages @11:59 - Key Takeaways and Realizations   Who is Dr. Sully Sullivan?   Dr. Sully is a fourth-generation dentist from Nashville, Tn. After receiving his doctorate of dental surgery from the University of Tennessee, he moved back to Nashville to practice with his father. By continuing to invest in his education through adult orthodontics, soft tissue grafting, dental implants, third molar extractions, and obstructive sleep apnea, he helped double his practice in just 24 months.   As a millennial, he truly believes in working smarter not harder, which has led him to utilize technology to not only deliver better patient care but more efficient care. Dr. Sullivan regularly uses CEREC, 3D imaging with Galileos, 3D printing, and multiple lasers. In addition to his practice, he started the Millennial Dentist Podcast in February of 2017 to help push his fellow colleagues to take their dental careers to the next level. Dr. Sully lectures around the country on cone beam technology, cad/cam dentistry, obstructive sleep apnea, and practice management. He is also an ambassador for the 3D-Dentist teaching facility in Raleigh, NC.   As always, thanks so much for listening! If you like the show, we would love for you to review the show on Apple Podcasts as well as spread the word! If you have any questions or want to get in touch, shoot me an email at [email protected]    Links and Resources Email: [email protected]  The Millennial Dentist Website: http://millennialdentist.com/  Millennial Dentist Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MillennialDentist  Millennial Dentist Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/millennialdentist/