The Thriving Dentist Show

Dr. Wardah Inam, CEO and co-founder of Overjet, is leading the charge in AI-driven dental technology with a remarkable background in engineering and biomedical AI. In the discussion, she reveals how AI analyzes x-rays to improve diagnostics and enhance patient communication. The conversation also covers automating insurance verification to boost case acceptance and simplify workflows. Dr. Inam highlights the importance of reducing administrative burdens, ultimately leading to better patient care and increased profitability for dental practices.

In this powerful episode of The Thriving Dentist Show, Gary Takacs reveals the common traits shared by thriving dental practices. Drawing from over 45 years of coaching and consulting experience, Gary outlines the seven goals of a thriving practice—from achieving financial independence and reducing insurance dependence to strengthening leadership and team satisfaction. You’ll learn how to measure what matters, build a high-performance dental team, and leverage AI-driven marketing to stay ahead in 2025. Whether you’re a solo practitioner or leading a multi-doctor office, this episode offers a proven framework to create your own version of success. Tune in now to discover what it really takes to build a thriving, profitable, and fulfilling dental practice!

In this episode of the Thriving Dentist Show, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah reveal how patients decide within seconds whether your dental office is the right choice for them. Discover why attention spans are shrinking, how website design and trust cues shape first impressions, and which visual elements instantly turn browsers into booked patients. You’ll learn actionable strategies to help your practice stand out - including: • Using authentic team photos and full-face smile transformations • Adding short, friendly welcome videos to build patient trust • Creating a mobile-first website that converts visitors fast • Leveraging Google reviews (10+ “love letter” reviews per month!) to boost credibility and social proof Whether you want to attract more high-quality patients, improve SEO performance, or increase call conversion rates, this episode is packed with insights to help your practice thrive in today’s digital world. Listen now and transform your website into a patient-converting powerhouse!

Running a successful dental practice in 2025 takes more than production numbers. In this episode of the Thriving Dentist Show, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah share the five essential metrics every dentist should track to build a profitable, patient-focused, and stress-free practice. Learn how to shift from production to profitability, reduce PPO dependence, boost patient loyalty, and keep a high-performing dental team you truly enjoy working with. We’ll also cover practical strategies to protect your work-life balance so you can thrive in and out of the office. If you’re ready to grow your dental practice, strengthen patient relationships, and achieve lasting financial freedom, this episode is for you.

In this episode of The Thriving Dentist Show, host Gary Takacs talks with Ian McNickle, CEO of Icon Dental Partners, about the shift from DSOs to Dental Partnership Organizations (DPOs) and how they’re reshaping dentistry. Discover how true clinical autonomy, stronger ownership opportunities, and smart staffing solutions help dentists reduce insurance dependence and build lasting profitability. Whether you’re planning a transition, scaling your practice, or seeking financial freedom, this episode is packed with proven strategies to support your career and lifestyle goals.

Struggling with patients rejecting periodontal therapy? In this episode, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah share proven strategies to increase patient acceptance of conservative periodontal therapy, highlight the oral-systemic health connection, and provide simple verbal skills for hygienists to boost gum disease treatment acceptance and grow hygiene-driven production.

A staggering 31.8% of U.S. dentists plan to opt out of PPO plans due to rising costs and shrinking reimbursements. The discussion explores the widespread participation in PPOs and the hidden costs that come with them, including significant write-offs. Listeners discover a six-step blueprint for reducing insurance dependence while maintaining patient loyalty. Strategies for effective communication and marketing alternatives to replace PPO referrals are also covered, emphasizing a patient-centered approach to building a profitable practice.

Discover hidden profit killers in your dental practice, from mishandled new patient calls to weak treatment follow-ups. Learn why effective call conversions are crucial, aiming for a 70% target to maximize bookings. Explore strategies for following up on unscheduled treatments and how gentle reminders can turn high-value opportunities into profits. Internal marketing techniques like in-office visuals and patient education are discussed to enhance case acceptance. Pro tips on tracking key metrics and reducing reliance on PPO patients round out this insightful discussion.

Pavel Krustev, a New York dentist, shares insights on combining effective marketing with dental practices. He unveils four steps to create a marketing funnel that attracts new patients without relying on PPOs. The discussion covers ranking higher on SEO, leveraging Google reviews for trust-building, and training teams to turn inquiries into appointments. Additionally, Krustev highlights the glide path technique in endodontics, linking procedure success with patient communication and tailored marketing strategies.

Explore the crucial impact of new patient experiences on dental practice success. Learn a 7-step process to enhance trust and boost case acceptance. Discover effective marketing strategies like Google Ads for attracting new patients. Delve into the art of communication during initial calls to convert inquiries into bookings. Find out how to make first visits memorable by creating personal connections and guided tours, while drawing parallels with luxury service standards. Elevate your practice with actionable insights that foster loyalty.