The Dental CEO Podcast

In this episode of The Dental CEO Podcast, Dr. Scott Leune explains why most dental exams are inconsistent and miss valuable treatment opportunities. He introduces a structured assessment protocol for the hygiene chair that standardizes preventive, Perio, Ortho, Implant, Sleep, and Cosmetic evaluations. By following this “recipe” for thorough exams, practices can improve patient care, capture more specialty cases, and create a reliable system that boosts both efficiency and profitability.

In this episode of The Dental CEO Podcast, Dr. Scott Leune tackles one of the toughest challenges in private practice ownership: building fair and effective associate agreements. Drawing from years of experience, he breaks down the 10 most important elements to include—tiered compensation, lab fee adjustments, guarantees, notice clauses, CE commitments, referral expectations, column load management, supply and lab agreements, weekly performance reviews, and profit-sharing opportunities. Whether you’ve been burned by a past associate arrangement or you’re preparing to bring on your first one, this conversation will give you a clear framework to protect your practice while keeping agreements ethical, balanced, and attractive to top-performing dentists

In this inspiring episode of The Dental CEO Podcast, Dr. Scott Leune sits down with comedian, author, and motivational speaker Zach Anner to explore how resilience, humor, and community can transform life’s toughest challenges into opportunities. Born with cerebral palsy, Zach shares his journey from winning Oprah’s reality show and creating viral YouTube content to writing for television and becoming an ambassador for the Cerebral Palsy Foundation. Together, Scott and Zach discuss the power of “joyful grit,” the importance of narrating your own story, and why connection and vulnerability are essential for leaders and entrepreneurs alike. Whether in dentistry or everyday life, this conversation is a reminder that challenges don’t define us—they give us the tools to thrive.

Laura Gassner Otting, a top motivational speaker and author, brings years of experience to the convo. She explores the concept of aligning money, freedom, and passion to foster a motivated dental team. Listeners dive into the emotional landscape of success, including the paradox of 'Wonder Hell.' The discussion touches on the importance of redefining success and the need for a supportive work culture. Laura also emphasizes regularly assessing career goals to counter burnout and enhance job satisfaction, offering actionable strategies for practice owners.

In this engaging conversation, Rob Bay, co-founder of Dental Intelligence and chairman of Alta.ai, shares his insights on transforming dental practices through AI. He discusses how artificial intelligence can automate routine tasks, boost hygiene production, and alleviate burnout among staff. The integration of AI tools helps capture clinical information during exams, enhancing both efficiency and patient care. Rob emphasizes the importance of technology in reshaping clinical workflows and improving patient interactions without the need for additional staff.

Gabe Karp, a conflict resolution expert and former trial lawyer, shares his wisdom on managing conflict in dental practices. He emphasizes that ignoring issues can lead to burnout and offers strategies to transform tough conversations into growth opportunities. Listeners learn the value of constructive feedback and open communication, along with the idea that aligning expectations can reduce conflicts. By fostering a supportive culture, dental teams can navigate challenges together, enhancing both performance and team dynamics.

Erin Stafford, author of The Type A Trap and social psychologist, dives into her journey from burnout to balance. She shares striking insights on how high achievers can reclaim their joy without sacrificing success. Listeners will discover innovative strategies like 'calendar strip poker' to manage commitments, the importance of intentional breaks, and the value of self-reflection for personal and professional growth. With her experience in marketing for a massive healthcare company, Erin offers practical tools to maintain productivity and fulfillment even under pressure.

This week, Rebecca Heiss, a biologist and stress expert, shares her insights on transforming stress into a performance tool. She discusses how our evolutionary wiring influences decision-making and contributes to burnout in the dental field. The conversation emphasizes reframing stress as a sign of care and encourages listeners to embrace small steps toward personal growth. Heiss provides strategies for maintaining positivity and curiosity in high-pressure situations, highlighting that confronting stress can lead to resilience and professional growth.

Jana Macon, President of Curve Dental and an expert in practice management software, discusses the revolutionary impact of AI on dental practices. She explores how cloud-based technology is automating insurance verification, scheduling, and claims processing, allowing for more focus on patient care. Jana emphasizes the urgency for practices to adopt modern tech to attract and retain talent, while also addressing the expectations of today's digital-savvy patients. She shares insights on balancing career growth with personal life, highlighting the need for supportive workplace cultures.

Discover the secret to keeping top dental talent engaged and motivated through innovative profit-sharing strategies. Learn how profits interests can incentivize performance without sacrificing ownership. Explore practical tips for creating a culture of loyalty and commitment that benefits both employees and practice success. Uncover the impact of turnover on your practice and effective methods to foster employee connections that drive long-term loyalty.