Dental Unfiltered

Explore the myth of work-life balance and discover the concept of work-life rhythm for a more intentional life. Learn how to set boundaries that boost presence both at work and home. Prioritize what truly matters and resist distractions that hinder focus. Delve into decision-making strategies to maintain your rhythm and increase productivity. Embrace discomfort as you practice being fully present, using strategies like timed work sessions and leveraging support to maximize efficiency.

Laura Nelson, founder of Front Office Rocks and a phone-skills coach in dentistry, emphasizes the importance of the front desk in a dental practice's success. She discusses common pitfalls like poor call management and the need for non-dental hires with strong customer service skills. The conversation highlights using AI to improve patient engagement without losing the human touch, alongside a preview of her upcoming 12-week phone skills training to enhance patient interactions and operational efficiency.

Zach Shelley, a dental practice leader and management expert, joins Kirk Teachout to tackle the pressing issue of burnout among practice leaders. They explore the detrimental effects of poor team culture and the importance of personal responsibility. With practical strategies, they emphasize setting boundaries and the power of strategic quitting for self-care. Zach's glass vs. rubber analogy helps prioritize tasks, while daily encouragement tactics aim to uplift team morale. Tune in for insights on leading with clarity and building sustainable systems!

Matt Brown sits down with Dr. Tom Orent (The Gems Guy) to discuss his journey from PPOs to a successful fee-for-service dental practice. Dr. Orent shares what sparked the transition, how to improve patient flow and case acceptance, and why clear communication and mindset are critical during change. A concise, practical conversation for dentists looking to build a more profitable and fulfilling practice.

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.