The Thriving Dentist Show

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.

Explore seven transformative goals to elevate your dental practice, focusing on profitability and work-life balance. Discover strategies for effective financial management and the importance of building a strong team. Hear vital clinical tips for handling emergency cases and learn about the roles of marketing and SEO in patient acquisition. Gain insights on achieving financial independence while managing overhead costs. Finally, understand how structured approaches can foster both professional success and personal well-being.

In this episode of the Thriving Dentist Show, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah address a critical financial challenge in dental practices; how to keep team member wages within a sustainable budget. With inflation and wage expectations on the rise, this episode outlines actionable strategies to maintain financial health without compromising team satisfaction. Gary shares a proven wage budget formula (28% or less of collections) and explores the power of increasing production versus cutting costs. Naren provides marketing tips on accurately tracking new patient sources to maximize ROI. Together, they offer expert insights on the importance of reducing PPO dependence, using AI to boost productivity, and implementing performance-based compensation.

Can dental practices raise fees without losing patients? The hosts delve into strategic pricing methods, revealing that many practices overlook significant potential revenue. Transparency and ethical considerations in fee adjustments play a vital role. They advocate for data-driven approaches and stress the importance of SEO for marketing. Practical coaching strategies are discussed to help practices optimize operations. With a focus on quality care, the conversation empowers dentists to confidently communicate value and navigate the complexities of fee structures.