Just a Couple of Dentists

In this episode, we sit down with our longtime friend Dr. Trent McCord—who didn’t just build a successful practice near Bentonville, Arkansas… he also started a nonprofit arm that now sees 50+ patients a day, giving away hundreds of thousands in dentistry to those who need it most. We talk about everything from bourbon-fueled CE courses (yes, really) to the time Trent was so nervous he threw up before his very first patient. He shares how he pushed through anxiety, built an insanely giving culture at his office, and what it actually takes to start something like this. If you’ve ever wanted to give back through dentistry—this one’s worth a listen. Subscribe and send it to a friend who’d be into it.

What’s harder—building a practice or building a building? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Josh Cochran, a dentist who built and acquired 6 practices in just 8 years—all while developing a 16,000 sq ft medical plaza to house one of them. Today, Josh is involved in over $170 million in real estate development and shares the exact mindset shifts and financial frameworks that helped him scale. Josh breaks down: Why you should either go big or stay solo (no in-between) How he combined practice growth with real estate development The “dentist game” vs. the “real estate game” How to know when you're in growth mode vs. preservation mode If you’ve ever asked, Should I own my building? or Am I playing the right game? — this one’s for you. 📬 Subscribe to Alex’s newsletter, Just Two Minutes → coupleofdentists.com

We’ve been through almost as many dental marketing agencies as hygienists—and that’s saying something. So this week, we brought on Michael from Wonderist to answer the question every dentist asks: “Is my marketing actually working?” We cover: Why dentists keep switching agencies What ROI actually looks like (and how to measure it) The $88 new patient offer trap Why tracking your leads matters more than the ads themselves How your front desk might be sabotaging your marketing The one mindset shift that will change how you approach marketing forever 📩 Subscribe to Just Two Minutes, Alex’s bite-sized newsletter packed with sarcasm and solid tips: https://j2m.beehiiv.com/subscribe 👂Listen in—and maybe fire your 6th marketing agency after.

Last episode, we sat down with Carrie and Tessa from Dental Insurance Services to talk about how insurance saved us when we got hacked. But what actually causes these attacks? And how do you prevent them in the first place? This week, we’re keeping the “we got hacked” theme alive and bringing on Reuben Kamp, founder of Darkhorse Tech and our go-to IT expert, to walk us through exactly how dental practices get hacked—and what you can do right now to avoid it. We cover: How our practice got hacked (and why it spread to 60 others) What our IT company should have done Cloud-based vs. local server: Which is safer? How remote tools like ScreenConnect can be dangerous Why your Keurig might be your cybersecurity weak point What a proper backup actually looks like The role AI plays in phishing attacks (and defense) How a bad IT setup can wipe out your entire practice If you own, run, or work in a dental office—this is required listening. One click could shut you down for months… unless you know what to look for. 🔗 Subscribe and check out more at coupleofdentists.com

What happens when your dental office gets hacked five months into your startup—and you’re staring down a $50,000 ransom? In this episode, Eric and Alex share the real story of how a cyberattack locked Eric's entire practice out of Open Dental, and how he found out the hard way that relying on your IT company isn’t enough. Joined by Carrie and Tessa from DIS, we dive into wild (and very real) stories of cyberattacks, lawsuits, and unexpected claims—and the insurance policies that saved practices from total disaster. If you’ve ever said, “That’ll never happen to me,” this one’s for you.

This was one of the very first episodes we recorded — back when we were still figuring out how to turn the mic on and not talk over each other (still working on that, honestly). We’ve only been doing this podcast thing for 4 months, so naturally, this one’s from... 3 months ago. Basically prehistoric. We look back on our dental school days — what we wish we knew, what we definitely didn’t need to stress about, and what actually matters once you graduate and start practicing. 🎙 In this episode, we talk about: Why you should shadow everyone — not just the dentist The lie that is the Krebs cycle How to build your network early (without being weird) Letting go of what other people think Why "working hard" is better than "playing it cool" And whether we’d actually go to dental school again… Whether you’re pre-dental, in dental school, or just love watching people roast their younger selves, you’re gonna like this one. Hit subscribe to hear more unfiltered advice, stories, and strategies from two dentists who’ve made all the mistakes — so you don’t have to.

In this episode of "Just a Couple of Dentists," Eric and Alex dive deep into the evolving landscape of dental hygiene and practice management, particularly in light of recent legislative changes in Arizona. We kick off the conversation by discussing the newly passed law that allows Oral Prevention Assistants (OPAs) to perform cleanings under the supervision of a dentist or hygienist. This change aims to address the ongoing shortage of hygienists, a problem that has been exacerbated since the COVID-19 pandemic. As we share our personal experiences, we candidly express our frustrations with the current state of dental hygiene staffing. Eric reveals his struggles with retaining hygienists, often facing high turnover rates and the challenges of competing with temp agencies that drive up wages. We explore the financial implications of these staffing issues, particularly for practices that rely heavily on insurance reimbursements, which have not kept pace with rising labor costs. To provide a fresh perspective, we welcome Dr. Graham Dersley, a dentist with a wealth of experience in practice management and a history of navigating the challenges of dental startups. Graham shares his journey from acquiring a small practice to developing multiple startups, emphasizing the importance of adapting marketing strategies to attract patients who need more than just routine cleanings. He advocates for a shift in focus from hygiene-heavy practices to those that prioritize restorative and emergency care, which can lead to more sustainable revenue streams. We also explore the idea of separating hygiene services from clinical care, drawing parallels to other industries like nail salons and medical spas. This model could allow patients to receive cleanings without the pressure of a dental exam, making dental care more accessible and less intimidating. As we wrap up the episode, we reflect on the broader implications of these changes for the dental industry. We discuss the potential for a new model of care that prioritizes patient comfort and convenience while still ensuring high-quality treatment. This episode is packed with insights, strategies, and a healthy dose of humor as we navigate the complexities of modern dentistry. If you enjoyed the episode, make sure to subscribe for more!

In this episode of "Just a Couple of Dentists," Eric and Alex dive into the traits that contribute to success in the field. We kick off the conversation with a light-hearted exchange about Eric's recent haircut, which leads to a discussion about the hair care industry and the inspiring story of John Paul DeJoria, co-founder of Paul Mitchell. His journey from living in his car to building a billion-dollar brand serves as a backdrop for our exploration of the qualities that make certain dentists thrive. We welcome Brian Hanks, an expert in dental practice transitions, who shares his insights on the essential traits that successful dentists possess. Brian emphasizes the importance of having a robust personal network of dental professionals who know, like, and trust you. He encourages listeners to engage with their peers, whether through social media or in-person interactions, to build these valuable connections. As the conversation progresses, we discuss the significance of thinking critically and learning for oneself rather than simply accepting popular opinions in the dental community. Brian highlights the need for dentists to be skeptical in a healthy way, questioning the advice they receive and seeking out diverse perspectives. We also touch on the topic of comparison, noting that while it can be detrimental if used negatively, it can also serve as a powerful motivator for improvement. Brian shares a compelling story about a dentist who successfully negotiated a better loan rate by leveraging comparisons with other banks, illustrating how healthy competition can lead to better outcomes. Finally, we address the common fears associated with practice ownership, emphasizing that feeling nervous is a normal part of the process. Brian reassures listeners with data showing that dental practice loans are among the safest investments, encouraging them to embrace their fears and take action despite them. If  you still aren't sick of us and want more, make sure to subscribe to Alex's newsletter, Just Two Minutes, at coupleofdentists.com

In this episode of "Just a Couple of Dentists," Eric and Alex dive deep into the concept of mediocrity and how to overcome it in both personal and professional life. They kick off the conversation with a motivational mindset, encouraging listeners to seize the day and approach their work with focus and determination rather than just hard work. Eric shares a personal story about a time he experienced burnout and how Alex challenged him to reflect on his mindset. This led to the creation of a list of characteristics of a mediocre dentist, which Eric still keeps as a reminder on his phone. The four traits discussed include doing the minimum required, waiting until the last minute, not learning from mistakes, and making someone else do the work. This reflection sets the stage for a broader discussion on how to shift one's mindset from mediocrity to excellence. The episode features a guest appearance from Dr. Spencer Greer, who brings his insights on reframing thoughts and maximizing productivity in the dental field. The trio discusses the importance of having a positive mindset and how it can influence not only individual performance but also the overall atmosphere of a dental practice. They emphasize the significance of leading by example and fostering a "yes" mindset within the team, which can create a more productive and enjoyable work environment. Throughout the episode, they touch on various strategies for setting goals, maintaining focus, and avoiding distractions, such as turning off notifications during work hours. Spencer shares his personal journey from being an introverted teenager to a successful dentist, highlighting the importance of perseverance and self-reflection in achieving success. The conversation also addresses the pitfalls of perfection paralysis, where individuals become so fixated on achieving perfection that they fail to take action. Eric and Spencer encourage listeners to set specific, measurable goals rather than vague aspirations, allowing for tangible progress and accountability. As the episode wraps up, the hosts reflect on the importance of mindset in achieving success and the value of sharing experiences and insights with others. They remind listeners that everyone has something valuable to contribute, regardless of their level of expertise, and that making a positive impact on others can be incredibly rewarding. Join us for this engaging and thought-provoking episode as we explore how to break free from mediocrity and strive for excellence in our dental practices and beyond!

In this episode of "Just a Couple of Dentists," we dive deep into the complexities of organized dentistry and the ongoing challenges faced by dental professionals in navigating the insurance landscape. Dr. Erik Zundo, who has been practicing in Indiana since 2013, brings a wealth of knowledge about organized dentistry, a topic that many younger dentists seem to overlook. We discuss the American Dental Association (ADA) and its local chapters, reflecting on how membership has waned in popularity compared to previous generations. A significant portion of our conversation centers around the contentious relationship between dentists and insurance companies. We delve into the ongoing lawsuit involving the California Dental Association (CDA) and Delta Dental, examining the implications of antitrust issues and the ADA's role in advocating for fair practices. Dr. Zundo shares insights into how insurance companies often manipulate reimbursement processes, creating administrative burdens for dental practices. As we navigate through the episode, we address the confusion surrounding ADA membership and the perceived lack of transparency regarding what dues contribute to. We highlight the need for clearer communication from the ADA about its initiatives and how they benefit practicing dentists. The discussion also touches on the ADA's investments in technology companies, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest and the organization's direction. Throughout the episode, we emphasize the importance of legislative advocacy at the state level, encouraging dentists to engage with their local dental associations to effect change. We also explore the challenges of credentialing and insurance verification, which often place undue stress on dental practices and their staff. In a thought-provoking segment, we consider what changes we would implement if given the opportunity to reform the dental insurance system. Dr. Zundo proposes practical solutions to streamline processes and improve patient access to care, while also addressing the need for a more equitable reimbursement structure. Join us for this engaging and informative episode as we unpack the intricacies of organized dentistry, the impact of insurance companies on our practices, and the collective responsibility we share in advocating for a better future in dental care.