Dental Unfiltered

Dr. Sausha Toghranegar takes a deep dive into osseodensification and its role in crestal sinus lifts. He breaks down the evolution and design of osseodensification drills, addresses common controversies, and shares practical techniques for improving implant outcomes. Through a detailed case study, Dr. Toghranegar highlights the importance of understanding bone density, healing dynamics, and proper surgical execution. The episode wraps with insight into emerging learning opportunities and what’s next in this advancing area of dental surgery.

Dr. Michael Wollock, a leading Invisalign provider and founder of Diamond Makers, discusses his journey in dentistry and the importance of mentorship. He shares how he scaled his Invisalign cases from 40 to over 350 annually through education and community support. Michael emphasizes treating patients holistically and provides actionable tips like doing scans and offering flexible hours. He explains how to tackle complex cases and highlights his mentorship program, which fosters accountability and growth among dentists.

Discover the nine crucial Key Performance Indicators every dental practice must track for growth. Kirk and Zach dive into strategies for acquiring new patients and recapturing inactive ones. They set ambitious targets for reappointment rates and treatment acceptance, emphasizing team involvement in patient education. Learn how to manage collections effectively and keep supply costs in check. With actionable insights on payroll and budgeting, this discussion is packed with tips to enhance practice performance and streamline operations.

Discover the hidden art of patient follow-up and how it can dramatically impact a dental practice. The hosts break down common misconceptions and emphasize the necessity of a structured approach. Learn about a simple three-step follow-up framework designed to reconnect with no-show patients. They explore the balance between automation and personal touch, and why consistency in follow-up is crucial. Finally, get practical advice on auditing processes to ensure effectiveness and enhance patient retention.

Varisha Parikh discusses managing patient expectations in a world that often demands perfection. She breaks down the pressures clinicians face, why honest communication matters, and how setting realistic expectations can lead to better long-term outcomes. With a candid, patient-focused approach, Dr. Parikh shares strategies for helping patients understand the realities of dental work while keeping their well-being at the center of every decision.

Matt Brown and Dr. Andrew Vallo dive into one of the most debated topics in dentistry today: expanded hours. From the push for weekend availability to what truly drives practice growth, they unpack how patient convenience, scheduling flexibility, and modern consumer expectations are reshaping the dental landscape.They also break down the real-world challenges—staffing, call centers, and the growing demand for online scheduling—and share why having the right systems in place is crucial for capturing every appointment. If you’re looking to future-proof your practice and meet patients where they are, this episode is a must-listen.

Kirk and Zach tackle the vital topic of retaining hygienists in dental practices. They emphasize the importance of clear communication and streamlined workflows to combat turnover. The duo discusses onboarding practices and how to empower hygienists to maximize their roles. Building strong team alignment around diagnosis and treatment is highlighted as a key strategy. Positive reinforcement and continuous education are shown to boost morale, while addressing front-office impacts is crucial for retention. Investing in team-based bonuses and measuring hygiene productivity can lead to a thriving practice.

In this episode, Andrew Vallo and Matt Brown dive into smart, sustainable strategies for growing a dental practice without adding more hours to the schedule. They break down how innovative marketing—especially turning “junk mail” into meaningful patient communication—can drive results, and why clear, concise messaging matters more than ever. Tune in for practical insights designed to help dental professionals elevate their outreach, strengthen patient connections, and succeed efficiently.

In this episode of Management Unfiltered, Kirk Teachout and Zach Shelley unpack how to determine the right time to bring on an additional hygienist. They discuss the operational and clinical indicators to watch for, how patient demand and scheduling bottlenecks factor in, and why proactive hiring can prevent burnout across the team. The conversation also covers how clear systems, strong culture, and team alignment make it easier to onboard new hygiene team members and maintain a smooth, efficient practice as you grow.

Craig Spodak is a dental entrepreneur and practice owner known for his large flagship practice in Delray Beach, while Peter Boulden leads Bulletproof Dental and has extensive real estate experience. They tackle the myths of dental entrepreneurship, revealing the stark contrast between social media portrayals and real-life challenges. The duo emphasizes the importance of personal clarity over comparisons, shares insights on avoiding burnout, and discusses the transition from clinician to business owner. Their candid advice is a must-listen for aspiring dental entrepreneurs.