The Thriving Dentist Show

Discover how dentists can embrace a 4-day workweek without losing income. Learn effective strategies for increasing daily production through smarter scheduling and delegation. Explore the importance of high-value services in boosting revenue, and how hygiene can drive practice growth. Plus, hear insights on integrating associate dentists and optimizing clinical workflows. Shift your mindset to think like a leader and achieve a better work-life balance while maintaining a thriving practice.

Discover how dentists can tap into the growing demand for sleep and airway services. Learn about the serious implications of untreated sleep apnea and why dental alternatives to CPAP can help patients. Marketing strategies for these services include effective keyword usage and the power of local SEO. Explore the importance of building lasting relationships with patients by addressing their sleep issues, and how enhancing your skills can lead to a more rewarding and less physically demanding practice.

In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Whitney D. Weiner, a periodontist and multi-location practice owner, shares her journey from clinician to CEO. They dive into her unique perspective on the oral-systemic connection and the importance of nurturing talent within teams. Whitney emphasizes the significance of patient-centered growth, balancing her role as a mother and leader, and how collaboration with general dentists can enhance care. With inspiring stories of team member transformations, this conversation highlights the need for ethical leadership in dentistry.

Naren Arulrajah, a dental marketing expert and founder of Equa, joins to explore the evolving online patient experience. They discuss how first impressions now occur through websites and Google profiles before a patient even calls. Learn the importance of fast-loading, user-friendly sites, and effective online reviews. Naren emphasizes the role of AI in shaping patient decisions and practical tips to enhance trust. Plus, they reveal common website mistakes that drive patients away and the impact of convenience on conversion rates.

Discover how dental teams can not only adapt to change but thrive through it. Gary shares insights on fostering a culture of continuous learning and curiosity among staff. Learn the importance of cross-training to enhance flexibility and reduce vulnerabilities. Find out about the impact of behavioral continuing education on patient relationships, and how to effectively implement change through 90-day plans. Explore motivation strategies with tailored incentives and celebrate small wins to sustain progress.

In this episode of The Thriving Dentist Show, host Gary Takacs sits down with Dr. Chris Phelps, dentist, entrepreneur, and certified trainer at the Cialdini Institute, to explore the science behind ethical persuasion and how it applies to dentistry. Dr. Phelps shares how understanding principles such as reciprocity, scarcity, consistency, liking, and social proof can elevate patient trust, improve case acceptance, and strengthen team communication. He also discusses the difference between persuasion and coercion, the power of creating the right mindset before communication (persuasion), and how to ethically apply these concepts in daily practice. Listeners will gain actionable insights into transforming their practice culture through psychology-driven communication and learn how to access training directly from the Cialdini Institute.

In this episode of The Thriving Dentist Show, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah share how to fast-track your dental team's performance in just 90 days using a focused framework inspired by The 12-Week Year. Discover how short-term goals drive long-term success as Gary explains how to prioritize the right objectives, motivate your team through purpose-driven leadership, and use check-ins to sustain accountability. From improving case acceptance and handling emergencies effectively to measuring KPIs like the Accounts Receivable Ratio, this conversation offers practical, proven steps to help your team work smarter, stay aligned, and achieve measurable growth.

Discover effective strategies to enhance your dental practice's schedule. Learn how reconnecting with overdue hygiene patients can boost your appointments. Explore the importance of following up on unscheduled treatments with timely reminders. Master same-day dentistry techniques and enhance patient trust by fostering connections during exams. Plus, get insights on using marketing tactics like SEO and Google Ads to attract new patients when you're facing slow days.

In this eye-opening episode of The Thriving Dentist Show, host Gary Takacs uncovers a shocking truth about dental insurance that most professionals aren't aware of — only 2.8% of patients with dental insurance use their full annual benefit. Gary explains why this matters, how insurance companies profit from unused benefits, and what steps dentists can take to better educate their patients. He also discusses practical strategies for reducing insurance dependence, improving call conversion rates, and creating stronger patient connections. This episode sheds light on the hidden dynamics of dental insurance and empowers dental professionals to take proactive steps toward greater independence and profitability. If you're ready to understand the real impact of dental insurance on your practice and how to create long-term success, this is an episode you don't want to miss.

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.