The Thriving Dentist Show

Gary Takacs
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Sep 10, 2025 • 44min

31.8% of US Dentists are Planning to Resign from PPO Plans in 2025

By 2025, almost one-third of US dentists are expected to resign from PPO plans. In this episode, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah reveal why rising costs, wage pressures, and shrinking reimbursements are making PPO participation unsustainable—and how many practices are unknowingly losing $500k+ each year in write-offs. You’ll also learn Gary’s proven six-step blueprint to reduce insurance dependence without losing patients. Listen now to discover how to build a profitable, patient-centered practice without being controlled by PPOs.
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Sep 3, 2025 • 47min

Profit Killers in Your Practice You’re Probably Ignoring

Are hidden profit killers draining your dental practice? In this episode, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah reveal 4 overlooked areas — from mishandled new patient calls to weak treatment follow-ups — that could be costing you thousands. Learn simple, proven strategies to boost conversions, improve case acceptance, and strengthen practice profitability.
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Aug 27, 2025 • 58min

How to Build a Marketing Funnel That Actually Brings in New Patients

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.
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Aug 20, 2025 • 58min

Why Your New Patient Experience Could Make or Break Your Practice

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.
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Aug 13, 2025 • 50min

Seven Goals of a Thriving Practice

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.
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Aug 6, 2025 • 50min

Tips To Control Your Team Member Wages Within Budget

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.
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Jul 30, 2025 • 46min

Can You Raise Fees and Retain Patients?

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.
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9 snips
Jul 23, 2025 • 44min

Marketing Lessons Learned from Thriving Practices

Discover essential marketing strategies tailored for dental practices to attract quality patients and drive growth. Learn how to balance immediate and long-term marketing efforts, drawing parallels with iconic entrepreneurs like Elon Musk. Uncover sustainable approaches that focus on personalized marketing and unique value propositions. Additionally, explore strategies to enhance dental production through effective extraction techniques while ensuring patient satisfaction.
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Jul 16, 2025 • 38min

A 21st Century Placement Agency With Trey Tepichin

Struggling to hire quality dental team members? Staffing issues shouldn't hold your practice back. In this episode of the Thriving Dentist Show, Gary Takacs interviews Trey Tepichin, co-founder of Cloud Dentistry, about a smarter, tech-powered way to solve today’s dental staffing crisis. You’ll discover why traditional hiring methods like job boards and agencies are failing—and how Cloud Dentistry helps you fill open positions in minutes, reduce no-shows, and access licensed, background-checked professionals without costly agency fees. Whether you're trying to hire a hygienist, dental assistant, or front office team member, this episode reveals the fastest, most cost-effective way to build a productive dental team. Tune in now and start leading your practice with confidence.
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Jul 9, 2025 • 44min

Four Specific Strategies For Building A Thriving Practice That Provides Lasting Success

Discover four key strategies to build a thriving dental practice that stands the test of time. The discussion emphasizes creating a solid foundation while reducing insurance dependence. Learn about mastering marketing techniques, the importance of workplace culture, and effective patient engagement. Get inspired by real-world case studies and insights from business expert Jim Collins. This guide is perfect for those looking to ensure long-term profitability and create a positive team environment.

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