Just a Couple of Dentists

In this special bonus episode, we’re guests on the Stress-Free Dentist Show podcast with Dr. Eric Block, sharing the wild ride that led us into dentistry and the even wilder one that followed. From literal sewage leaking through the floor five weeks into Alex’s startup, to Eric getting hit with a cybersecurity attack just four months into his, to navigating COVID while running two practices—we don’t sugarcoat anything. We talk about failing partnerships, surviving the chaos, and the kind of perseverance it takes to push through when shit hit the fan (literally). Plus, Alex calls out the whole “work-life balance” myth and drops her take on how it actually works in real life. Subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform!

In this episode of "Just a Couple of Dentists," hosts Eric and Alex dive into the evolving landscape of dental technology and the implications of outsourcing within the field. The episode kicks off with a light-hearted discussion about a recent Facebook ad featuring a robot dentist, prompting a broader conversation about the future of dental procedures and the potential for automation in dentistry. As the hosts reflect on their experiences in the dental industry, they highlight the growing trend of outsourcing tasks to improve efficiency and productivity. They discuss how this trend is particularly relevant in the context of staffing challenges and the need for dentists to focus on their core competencies while leveraging technology and external resources. To further explore this topic, the hosts welcome Nick Greenfield, co-founder of CandidPro, a company specializing in clear aligners. Nick shares insights into how CandidPro is designed to empower general dentists to provide orthodontic care more confidently. He explains that many general dentists lack the training and experience to handle orthodontic cases effectively, which is where CandidPro steps in, offering support from licensed orthodontists to ensure high-quality outcomes. Throughout the conversation, Nick emphasizes the importance of proper diagnostics and the need for orthodontic oversight in treatment planning. He discusses the challenges faced by general dentists in diagnosing malocclusion and the potential pitfalls of direct-to-consumer orthodontic solutions that may overlook critical dental health issues. As the discussion unfolds, Eric and Alex reflect on their own experiences with orthodontics and the barriers they faced in providing such care. They share anecdotes from dental school and their early practices, highlighting the importance of mentorship and ongoing education in building confidence in orthodontic treatment. In the latter part of the episode, the hosts and Nick speculate on the future of dental treatments that could be outsourced or automated, such as robotic surgery and hygiene procedures. They consider the potential for at-home sleep apnea testing kits and other innovations that could further enhance patient care while allowing dentists to focus on their strengths. Overall, this episode provides a thought-provoking exploration of the intersection of technology, outsourcing, and patient care in dentistry, encouraging listeners to consider how they can adapt to the changing landscape of the profession.

In this episode of "Just a Couple of Dentists," Eric and Alex welcome Dr. Cory Ball, a recent dental practice owner who shares his journey of purchasing a practice a few months ago. The conversation dives deep into the challenges and realities of practice ownership. Cory recounts his initial excitement about buying a practice that was only open two days a week, highlighting the potential he saw for growth. However, he quickly learned that the transition was not as smooth as he had hoped. The episode explores the pitfalls of practice ownership, including the importance of understanding the existing systems and staff before making significant changes. Cory candidly discusses the red flags he encountered, such as the lack of organization at the front desk and the challenges of managing insurance claims. Throughout the episode, we touch on the importance of meeting staff before finalizing a purchase, as well as the necessity of rebranding when taking over a practice with a less-than-stellar reputation.  As the conversation unfolds, Cory reflects on the emotional rollercoaster of ownership, from the initial excitement to the daily challenges of running a practice. He discusses the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and focusing on the small victories, even amidst the chaos of ownership. Make sure to like and subscribe to the podcast and check out Alex's weekly newsletter JUST TWO MINUTES at www.coupleofdentists.com!

In this episode of "Just a Couple of Dentists," we dive into a serious and often overlooked issue in the dental industry: embezzlement. Alex and I share a personal experience from one of our practices, where we discovered a case of embezzlement involving a former employee. The episode begins with a discussion about the importance of dentists taking control of their financial reports and not relying solely on staff to filter information. We introduce our guest, David Harris, an expert in dental embezzlement and owner of Prosperident, who provides valuable insights into the common tactics used by thieves in dental practices. David explains that embezzlement often occurs gradually, likening it to a dripping tap rather than a broken pipe. He shares alarming statistics, revealing that the average embezzlement case can exceed $100,000, and that many thieves employ multiple methods to steal funds. As we unpack our specific case, we discuss the red flags that were missed, including suspicious DoorDash transactions that were traced back to the employee's home. David emphasizes the importance of having robust financial controls in place, such as regular reconciliations between practice management software and bank statements. He highlights the dangers of relying on subjective documents and encourages dentists to print their own reports to ensure accuracy. Throughout the episode, we explore the psychological aspects of embezzlement, noting that successful thieves often present themselves as friendly and indispensable team members. David provides practical advice on how to safeguard practices against theft, including the importance of limiting administrative access in practice management software and regularly changing passwords. In a lighter moment, Alex shares a personal story about a scam she fell victim to, which serves as a reminder of the various ways professionals can be targeted. David draws parallels between this experience and the manipulation tactics used by embezzlers, highlighting the need for vigilance in both personal and professional finances. This episode is packed with actionable strategies and insights that every dentist should consider to protect their practice from financial fraud. Whether you're a solo practitioner or part of a larger DSO, the lessons shared here are crucial for maintaining the integrity and security of your dental practice.

In this episode of our podcast, we dive deep into the art of storytelling and its significance in the field of dentistry. Inspired by a recent episode of "My First Million," I reflect on how storytelling can transform the way we communicate with patients. Often, dental professionals focus heavily on technical jargon, explaining procedures like crowns and root canals without considering the emotional journey of the patient. I share my belief that we can enhance patient engagement and understanding by weaving narratives into our communications. To explore this concept further, I invite my longtime friend Mack Rawden, who has extensive experience in the entertainment industry as the editor-in-chief of CinemaBlend. Mack has a natural talent for storytelling and has seen firsthand how effective narratives can captivate audiences. We discuss how storytelling can be applied in various contexts, including dental practices, to better connect with patients. Mack emphasizes the importance of understanding the audience's intent when crafting content. He explains that different patients have varying levels of interest and knowledge, and it's crucial to cater to all of them. We explore how to structure dental websites to include engaging headlines, clear information, and emotional narratives that resonate with potential patients. Mack shares insights on how to effectively use testimonials and visual elements to enhance the storytelling experience. Throughout our conversation, we touch on the significance of first impressions, particularly when patients visit a dental website for the first time. We discuss the importance of professionalism in design and the need for a human touch to make patients feel comfortable. Mack shares his thoughts on the role of reviews in building trust and how to respond to negative feedback in a way that maintains professionalism. As we wrap up the episode, we reflect on the challenges of managing patient expectations and the importance of conveying the benefits of dental procedures rather than just the technical details. We conclude that by embracing storytelling, dental professionals can create a more engaging and relatable experience for their patients, ultimately leading to better outcomes for both parties. Join us for this insightful discussion that not only highlights the power of storytelling but also provides practical tips for enhancing patient communication in the dental field.

In this episode of our podcast, we dive into the evolving landscape of dentistry and the motivations behind the increasing trend of young dentists pursuing side gigs and alternative careers outside of clinical practice. We kick off the conversation by reflecting on our own experiences since graduating in 2013. Both Alex and I share our feelings of burnout and a waning passion for traditional clinical dentistry, which leads us to question why so many of our peers are exploring side hustles. We reminisce about the early days of our careers, where podcasts like Dental Hacks and Thriving Dentist provided us with both clinical insights and a sense of camaraderie during our long commutes. Our guest, Alan Mead, a seasoned podcaster, joins us to provide his perspective on the current state of dental podcasting and the rise of side gigs among younger dentists. Alan shares his journey in the podcasting world, highlighting how the landscape has changed since he first entered it, with a significant increase in the number of dental podcasts available today. We discuss the appeal of side hustles, including the allure of social media influencing and the challenges that come with it. Alan points out that while clinical dentistry offers a stable and lucrative career, many younger dentists are drawn to the flexibility and creativity that side gigs provide. As the conversation progresses, we engage in a fun segment where we play a "Kiss, Marry, Kill" game with various potential side gigs. Each of us shares our preferences and reasoning, leading to some humorous and insightful discussions about the realities of these roles. It was an honor to bring on one of the "OG's" of dental podcasting and hope to have him on future episodes!

In this episode of our podcast, we welcome back an old friend and fellow Canadian, Dr. Dante Carlascio, who was not only our vice president in dental school but also a roommate of Eric's for a year. We kick off the conversation by reminiscing about our time in dental school, particularly the unique tradition Dante started called the "Cuspid Crawl." Dante shares some hilarious anecdotes from our anatomy lab, including a memorable incident where his hair caught fire due to the overhead lights. We then transition into discussing Dante's career path after graduation, where he returned to his hometown of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. He reflects on his journey from being an associate in a dental practice to eventually buying his own practice, highlighting the challenges and rewards of ownership. The conversation shifts to the differences between American and Canadian dentistry, particularly in how periodontal treatments are coded and billed. Dante explains that in Canada, scaling is time-based, with specific units defined by 15-minute increments, contrasting sharply with the American system that categorizes treatments based on the number of teeth involved. We also delve into the structure of dental practices in Canada, discussing the role of restorative hygienists, who have additional training to perform certain procedures typically done by dentists in the U.S. This leads to a discussion about pay structures for hygienists and the current labor market challenges both countries are facing. As we wrap up, we have some fun with a light-hearted segment on pronunciation differences between American and Canadian English. Overall, this episode is a blend of nostalgia, professional insights, and cultural differences, making for an engaging and informative listen for anyone interested in the world of dentistry.

In Part 2 of this episode, we emphasize the significance of having written agreements and clear expectations from the outset. We highlight the common red flags to watch for when considering a partnership, such as having partners with the same skill set or time commitments, which can lead to stagnation and resentment. We also touch on the emotional aspects of partnerships, particularly the stress and anxiety that can arise when expectations are not met. Dr. Richard Low shares their personal journey of stepping down from a leadership role in a DSO due to overwhelming pressure, illustrating the importance of knowing one's limits and the impact of mental health on professional relationships. In a lighter segment, we share a shocking story about a dental assistant who called in sick after committing a serious crime, prompting a discussion about accountability and communication in the workplace. This anecdote serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of human behavior and the importance of maintaining professionalism. As we wrap up the episode, we reflect on the lessons learned from our experiences with partnerships and how they can be applied to both professional and personal relationships. We encourage our listeners to approach partnerships with caution, emphasizing the need for transparency, clear communication, and a solid foundation to ensure success. Join us for this engaging and informative episode as we navigate the ups and downs of partnerships in the dental world, sharing laughter, lessons, and practical advice along the way.

In Part One of this episode, we dive deep into the complexities of partnerships in the dental industry, featuring a special guest, Richard Low, the founder of the Shared Practices Podcast. Richard shares his unique journey of navigating partnerships while serving in the military and the eventual decision to part ways with his partners, Hunter and Will from Guided Practice Solutions (GPS). We kick off the episode with a light-hearted introduction, where we discuss Richard's impressive background, including his military service and the connections we discovered between him and our hosts. Richard's story begins with his time in the Army, where he managed to start a podcast while completing his Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD). He shares how he sought approval from the military to pursue his podcasting and business interests, emphasizing the importance of understanding the risks involved in seeking permission versus simply moving forward. As the conversation unfolds, Richard recounts how he partnered with Hunter and Will to acquire multiple dental practices while still in a non-clinical military role. He candidly discusses the challenges of managing multiple offices, especially during the tumultuous times of COVID-19, and the complexities that arise when dealing with various team members and doctors. The heart of the episode focuses on Richard's realization that the partnership was no longer aligned with his vision. He describes the moment he decided to "break up" with Hunter and Will, highlighting the emotional and logistical challenges of untangling their business relationship. Richard emphasizes the importance of having a clear agreement in place for partnerships, akin to a prenup, to avoid complications during a breakup. Throughout the episode, we explore the dynamics of their partnership, the discussions that led to their amicable separation, and the lessons learned from the experience. Richard shares how they managed to navigate the breakup without resorting to legal battles, maintaining open communication and mutual respect throughout the process. In closing, Richard reflects on the value of good partnerships and the importance of recognizing when a partnership is no longer serving your goals. He leaves listeners with valuable insights on managing partnerships in the dental field and the significance of having a clear plan for potential separations. Join us for this engaging and informative episode as we unpack the realities of dental partnerships, the challenges of managing multiple practices, and the importance of clear communication in business relationships.

In this episode of "Just a Couple of Dentists," Eric and Alex dive deep into the intricacies of delegation within their dental practices and personal lives. Reflecting on their experiences since selling their practices, they discuss the challenges and lessons learned about effectively delegating tasks to team members. The episode begins with a candid acknowledgment of a past mistake: failing to set clear expectations for a newly appointed regional manager. Eric shares how they brought in a consultant to implement the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to help organize their growing practices. However, they quickly realized that while they had the framework in place, they had not adequately defined the role or provided the necessary support for their regional manager to succeed. This lack of clarity led to stress and ultimately contributed to her departure from the role. As the conversation unfolds, Eric and Alex emphasize the importance of mastering a role before delegating it. They reflect on their early days in practice, where they learned every aspect of their operations to create a comprehensive "how-to" manual. This foundational knowledge allowed them to effectively train their team and ensure consistency in patient care and office management. The hosts also discuss the significance of feedback loops in delegation. They stress that clear communication is essential for success, as team members need to understand the nuances of their tasks. Eric highlights the importance of writing down processes to prevent the dilution of quality over time, using the example of patient experience protocols that can become less effective if not documented. Transitioning to personal life, Alex shares how they have delegated household tasks, such as cleaning and meal preparation, to free up time for family and business growth. By outsourcing these responsibilities, they can focus on what truly matters—spending quality time with their children and expanding their business ventures. Throughout the episode, Eric and Alex provide valuable insights into the balance of delegation, emphasizing that while it's essential to trust your team, it's equally important to maintain oversight and clarity. They conclude by discussing the need for a base level of knowledge in areas like marketing and finance to make informed decisions when hiring experts. Join us for this engaging discussion filled with practical advice and personal anecdotes that will resonate with anyone looking to improve their delegation skills, whether in a professional or personal context.