The Best Practices Show with Kirk Behrendt

Things happen, and your team will be late or absent. But when does it become a problem, and what can you do about it? In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Alan Twigg, president of Bent Ericksen & Associates, to help you navigate and address chronic attendance issues that are happening in your practice. To learn how to get your team to show up for you and your patients, listen to Episode 984 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Alan:Give Alan a call: (800) 679-2760Send Alan an email: alan@bentericksen.com Join Bent Ericksen on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BentEricksenAssociatesLearn more about Bent Ericksen: https://bentericksen.comMore Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listenJoin The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaDownload ACT’s BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360Download ACT’s BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_USJoin ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/tttGet The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazinePlease leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218Episode Resources:Watch the video version of Episode 984: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosMain Takeaways:Understand your state, county, and city rules around attendance, sick leave, and PTO.When you don't address chronic attendance issues, your good employees will leave.Avoid creating policies that are too strict or rigid. They will come back to bite you.Know the requirements, limitations, and nuances around getting doctor's notes.Always document your employees’ reasons for tardies and absences.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:38 Alan’s background.2:26 Why this is an important topic.3:55 Mandatory sick leave, explained.6:16 Document the reason for an absence.9:46 Things to know about requiring doctor’s notes.13:00 Attendance, sick leave, and PTO policies.15:22 Categorize the reasons for absences and tardies.17:52 Let them use their time.20:34 Don't solve your team members’ problems.23:50 Your employee says they're sick, but . . .27:02 Leave of absence, explained.28:02 Being chronically late versus chronically absent.30:22 Final thoughts.31:44 More about Bent Ericksen and how to get in touch.Alan Twigg Bio:Alan Twigg is the president of Bent Ericksen & Associates. For over 10 years, he has guided thousands of clients and consultants through the ever-changing world of HR and employment compliance. He is a speaker, consultant, and author who is passionate about bringing education and peace of mind to such a confusing topic.As a strong proponent of symbiotic employer-employee relations, Alan is passionate about teamwork and positive work cultures, with an emphasis on long-term personnel retention and employment compliance, where his solutions-oriented outlook excels.

Insurance can be frustrating to figure out on your own. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Shelley DeGroff, founder of PPO Advisors, to decode some of the biggest changes in the PPO world and share two things you need to do to improve your reimbursements in the upcoming year. To stay up to date with PPO changes and prevent future revenue loss, listen to Episode 983 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Shelley:Send Shelley an email: shelley@ppoadvisors.com Join PPO Advisors on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PPOAdvisorsLLCLearn more about PPO Advisors: https://ppoadvisors.comMention this episode or visit this link to receive $500 off your analysis fee: https://learn.ppoadvisors.com/promoMore Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listenJoin The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaDownload ACT’s BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360Download ACT’s BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_USJoin ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/tttGet The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazinePlease leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218Episode Resources:Watch the video version of Episode 983: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosWatch Episode 954 with Shelley DeGroff: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjJ6cLq_k50Main Takeaways:Stay on top of your EOBs by auditing them regularly.Evaluate your master fee to ensure you're paid what you're owed.Learn what stacking order means and how it can affect your practice.Opt-outs are not automatic! Be proactive so they are processed correctly.You don't need to be 100% PPO or 100% fee-for-service. Have a healthy mix.Don't get complacent or comfortable. Understand the contracts you're agreeing to.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:16 Shelley’s background.2:10 A refresher on important PPO changes.7:15 Audit your EOBs regularly.10:23 Master fee, explained.17:29 Stacking order, explained.20:55 How PPO Advisors can help your practice.26:10 Final thoughts.28:24 More about PPO Advisors, their discount code, and how to get in touch.Shelley DeGroff Bio: Shelley DeGroff, founder and CEO of PPO Advisors, knows dentistry. After graduating from the University of Nebraska, she began working as a dental receptionist in a nearby dental office. After completing her certification as a dental assistant, Shelley transitioned to become a successful office manager. It was in that role that Shelley began noticing the need for PPO negotiations for her employing doctor. This experience began the business model for PPO Advisors, which has now become a nationwide industry leader.

Running a business is expensive — and a large portion goes to your team. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Miranda Beeson, ACT’s director of education, to kick off a series on overhead with team compensation percentage. They break down what it is, how it impacts your practice, and what you can do to improve your numbers. To learn how to keep team compensation in a healthy range, listen to Episode 982 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Miranda:Send Miranda an email: miranda@actdental.com Follow Miranda on ACT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actdentalSend Gina an email to learn more about ACT: gina@actdental.com More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listenJoin The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaDownload ACT’s BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360Download ACT’s BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_USJoin ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/tttGet The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazinePlease leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218Episode Resources:Watch the video version of Episode 982: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosMain Takeaways:Think of team compensation as an investment, not an expense.Your team compensation percentage should be between 25% and 30%.If team compensation percentage is over 30%, you are too people-dependent.Define accountabilities, processes, and responsibilities to be systems-dependent.Consider profit-sharing models or hourly plus commission so your team can earn more.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:06 Team compensation percentage, explained.3:53 How this metric impacts the practice.10:16 What you can do to impact this metric.16:47 ACT’s BPA.Miranda Beeson, MS, BSDH Bio:Miranda Beeson has over 25 years of clinical dental hygiene, front office, practice administration, and speaking experience. She is enthusiastic about communication and loves helping others find the power that words can bring to their patient interactions and practice dynamics. As a Lead Practice Coach, she is driven to create opportunities to find value in experiences and cultivate new approaches.Miranda graduated from Old Dominion University, and enjoys spending time with her husband, Chuck, and her children, Trent, Mallory, and Cassidy. Family time is the best time, and is often spent on a golf course, a volleyball court, or spending the day boating at the beach. 

Are you truly a great leader? Or are you overestimating how good you are? In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings in Michelle Wakeman, one of ACT’s amazing coaches, to reframe what it means to be a leader, why it’s important, and to share some of the best leadership lessons from thriving practices. To learn how to lead with confidence to build a successful practice, listen to Episode 981 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Michelle:Send Michelle an email: michelle@actdental.com Follow Michelle on ACT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actdentalSend Courtney an email to learn more about ACT: courtney@actdental.com Send Gina an email to learn more about ACT: gina@actdental.com More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listenJoin The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaDownload ACT’s BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360Download ACT’s BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_USJoin ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/tttGet The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazinePlease leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218Episode Resources:Watch the video version of Episode 981: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosRead Traction by Gino Wickman: https://benbellabooks.com/shop/tractionMain Takeaways:Have a clear vision. Your vision is what provides direction for your team.Clearly define your clinical, financial, team culture, and life vision.Communicate your vision and core values to your team.Repeat your vision and core values for alignment.Walk the talk as the leader. Set the example.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.0:58 ACT/Smile Source and BPA.3:29 Why this is an important topic.4:50 How does this show up in your practice?10:22 Three key things that great leaders define.14:02 Vision provides direction.18:44 Four key areas of practice vision: Clinical vision.22:51 Four key areas of practice vision: Financial vision.26:13 Four key areas of practice vision: Team culture vision.28:13 Four key areas of practice vision: Life vision.33:38 Purpose and values build meaning.38:34 Defining core values.40:27 Repetition creates alignment.46:01 Final takeaways.48:59 Q&A: The difference between mission, purpose, and vision and how they tie into values.Michelle Wakeman, BSDH, Bio:Michelle Wakeman, BSDH, brings nearly 20 years of clinical dental hygiene, administrative, managerial, and sales experience to the table. She has a passion for people and a natural aptitude for communication that has led her to develop meaningful relationships throughout her career in dentistry. As a coach, she seeks to help dental practices develop systems that enable them to enhance their patient experience, leading to better relationships among owners, team members, and patients, along with profitable outcomes.In her off time, Michelle can usually be found at the ice rink supporting her son, Hunter, in hockey, the ball field cheering on her son, Carter, or the gym, reliving her days as a gymnast with her daughter, Leighton.

Dentists aren't just clinicians — they're also leaders and entrepreneurs! In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Miranda Beeson, ACT’s director of education, to share how to balance these three circles so you can gain control of your practice and reclaim your life. To start enjoying life in 2026 and beyond, listen to Episode 980 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Miranda:Send Miranda an email: miranda@actdental.com Follow Miranda on ACT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actdentalSend Gina an email to learn more about ACT: gina@actdental.com More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listenJoin The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaDownload ACT’s BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360Download ACT’s BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_USJoin ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/tttGet The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazinePlease leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218Episode Resources:Watch the video version of Episode 980: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosRegister to ACT’s BPA for their Dental Practice Success Triad tool: https://join.actdental.com/users/sign_in?post_login_redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fjoin.actdental.com%2Fc%2Fpractice-coaching-tools%2Fdental-practice-success-triad#emailRead The E-Myth by Michael E. Gerber: https://www.michaelegerbercompanies.com/product/the-e-myth-revisitedLearn more about The Sletten Group: https://theslettengroup.comMain Takeaways:As a practice owner, you need to balance being a clinician, leader, and entrepreneur.Don't just “live in the chair”. If you neglect the other two circles, you can't thrive.Your practice will only grow to the level of your least developed circle.Anyone can improve their leadership and entrepreneurial skills.Set aside time every week to invest in each circle.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:09 Why this is an important topic.3:44 Why most dentists “live in the chair”.6:06 Do you need to give equal time to each circle?9:57 Anyone can develop leadership and entrepreneurial skills.14:23 The three circles: The clinician (the comfort zone).19:01 The three circles: The entrepreneur.31:04 The three circles: The leader.35:16 Final thoughts.38:32 Choose one circle to work on.39:27 ACT’s BPA.Miranda Beeson, MS, BSDH Bio:Miranda Beeson has over 25 years of clinical dental hygiene, front office, practice administration, and speaking experience. She is enthusiastic about communication and loves helping others find the power that words can bring to their patient interactions and practice dynamics. As a Lead Practice Coach, she is driven to create opportunities to find value in experiences and cultivate new approaches.Miranda graduated from Old Dominion University, and enjoys spending time with her husband, Chuck, and her children, Trent, Mallory, and Cassidy. Family time is the best time, and is often spent on a golf course, a volleyball court, or spending the day boating at the beach.

For the month of December, we look back at some favorite episodes of 2025. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Barrett Straub, ACT’s CEO, to break down the one basic equation you need to know to produce more while working less. Stop spending 220 days at the office! To learn how to produce more the right way, listen to Episode 979 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Dr. Straub:Send Dr. Straub an email: barrett@actdental.com Join Dr. Straub on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barrett.d.straubSend Courtney an email to learn more about ACT: courtney@actdental.com Send Gina an email to learn more about ACT: gina@actdental.com More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listenJoin The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaDownload ACT’s BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360Download ACT’s BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_USJoin ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/tttGet The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazinePlease leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218Episode Resources:Watch the video version of Episode 979: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosMain Takeaways:There are two ways to produce more: work more days or produce more per day.Figure out your production per day and gross production target for the year.Set your goals and decisions based on data, not with your emotions.Just working more days is not the answer. You need a plan.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:37 Why this is an important topic.2:48 Why emotion comes into this equation.3:49 The equation for gross production.7:06 Two key numbers to pull.12:35 Time is the new rich.14:21 Final thoughts.16:47 ACT’s BPA.Dr. Barrett Straub Bio:Dr. Barrett Straub practices general and sedation dentistry in Port Washington, Wisconsin. He has worked hard to develop his practice into a top-performing, fee-for-service practice that focuses on improving the lives of patients through dentistry.A graduate of Marquette Dental School, Dr. Straub’s advanced training and CE includes work at the Spear Institute, LVI, DOCS, and as a member of the Milwaukee Study Club. He is a past member of the Wisconsin Dental Association Board of Trustees and was awarded the Marquette Dental School 2017 Young Alumnus of the Year. As a former ACT coaching client that experienced first-hand the transformation that coaching can provide, he is passionate about helping other dentists create the practice they’ve always wanted.Dr. Straub loves to hunt, golf, and spend winter on the ice, curling. He is married to Katie, with two daughters, Abby and Elizabeth.

Healthcare isn't broken — it’s rigged against wellness and patient care! In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings in Dr. Bryan Laskin, author of Unfair Care, to share his “why” behind this book and his mission to empower patients to get the best care possible in dentistry and medicine. To learn how you and your patients can make healthcare work better for you, listen to Episode 978 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Dr. Laskin:Join Dr. Laskin on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrBryanLaskinFollow Dr. Laskin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbryanlaskinLearn more on Dr. Laskin’s website: https://bryanlaskin.comLearn more about Toothapps and Cair: https://www.toothapps.comMore Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listenJoin The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaDownload ACT’s BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360Download ACT’s BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_USJoin ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/tttGet The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazinePlease leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218Episode Resources:Watch the video version of Episode 978: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosRead The Patient First Manifesto by Dr. Bryan Laskin: https://www.amazon.com/Patient-First-Manifesto-Practice-Dreams/dp/1736643711Read Dental Disorder by Dr. Bryan Laskin: https://www.amazon.com/Dental-Disorder-Bryan-Laskin/dp/1736643762Read Unfair Care by Dr. Bryan Laskin: https://www.amazon.com/Unfair-Care-Healthcare-Deserve-Designed/dp/1736643789Learn more about Smile Source Exchange: https://smilesource.com/exchangeMain Takeaways:Even if you have world-class doctors, don't leave your health completely up to them.Be actively involved in your health. It’s the only way to get the best care possible.Healthcare systems are currently optimized for profitability, not for wellness.Our healthcare system is stacked against doctors just as much as patients.Get access to all of your dental and medical records and consolidate it.You have power as a patient. You just need to learn to leverage it.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:13 Dr. Laskin’s background.3:12 Why Dr. Laskin decided to start writing.6:16 An overview of Dr. Laskin’s three books.8:57 A sneak peek at Dr. Laskin’s next book.10:07 The “why” behind Unfair Care.13:11 Optimized for profitability, not for wellness.21:00 Bullet points of Unfair Care.25:59 Be actively involved in your care.28:16 You have power as a patient.32:32 The future of the healthcare system.37:40 More about Dr. Laskin, his books, and how to get in touch.Dr. Bryan Laskin Bio:Dr. Bryan Laskin is a Minnesota dentist and tech entrepreneur on a mission to help dental teams and patients break free of the “Dental Disorder” through innovation, education, and standardization.A practicing dentist and owner of Lake Minnetonka Dental for over 20 years, creator of Upgrade Dental, Digital Nitrous, OperaDDS, and co-founder of Toothapps, as well as author of the Amazon best-selling book, The Patient First Manifesto, and host of “The Patient First Podcast”, Dr. Laskin excels at helping others integrate technology and teamwork into their practices. He serves as CEO and chairman of the board of Dental Standards Institute, which is focused on innovation and patient advocacy, and serves as counsel for the most innovative companies in dentistry.Dr. Laskin is an advisor and investor to many of the most progressive healthcare companies. He is also a frequent keynote speaker.

You feel like your team just doesn't “get it”. But maybe it’s you, the leader, that isn't getting it! In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Jenni Poulos, one of ACT’s amazing coaches, to reveal the two skills you need to build an aligned and committed team. Saying something once isn't communication! To learn how to inspire your team just by being clear, listen to Episode 977 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Jenni:Send Jenni an email: jenni@actdental.com Follow Jenni on ACT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actdentalSend Courtney an email to learn more about ACT: courtney@actdental.com Send Gina an email to learn more about ACT: gina@actdental.com More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listenJoin The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaDownload ACT’s BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360Download ACT’s BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_USJoin ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/tttGet The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazinePlease leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218Episode Resources:Watch the video version of Episode 977: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosRegister to ACT’s BPA for their Strategic Vision Creator tool: https://join.actdental.com/users/sign_in?post_login_redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fjoin.actdental.com%2Fc%2Fpractice-coaching-tools%2Fstrategic-vision-creator-tool#emailRegister to ACT’s BPA for their Chief Reminding Officer tool: https://join.actdental.com/users/sign_in?post_login_redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fjoin.actdental.com%2Fc%2Fpractice-coaching-tools%2Fcro-chief-reminding-officer#emailMain Takeaways:Alignment starts with the leader.Get aligned on what alignment really means.Create consistent communication rhythms to stay aligned.Repeat, repeat, repeat. Repetition builds predictability and trust.Telling your team something once doesn't count as communication.Clear is kind. Focus on being clear — not being nice — with your team.Stories are powerful. Use them, whenever possible, to spread your message.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:08 Why this is an important topic.1:48 Clear is kind.3:31 The importance of alignment.8:32 Repetition builds trust and predictability.10:46 Repetition amplifies influence.13:08 Use stories to spread your message.17:58 Final takeaways.19:10 ACT’s BPA and resources.Jenni Poulos Bio:Jenni brings to dental teams a literal lifetime of experience in dentistry. As the daughter and sister of periodontists and a dental hygienist, she has been working in many facets of the dental world since she first held a summer job turning rooms and pouring models at the age of 12. Now, with over 10 years of experience in managing and leading a large periodontal practice, she has a firm grasp on what it takes to run a thriving business. Her passion for organizational health and culture has been a driving force behind her coaching career. She has witnessed firsthand how creating an aligned and engaged team will take a practice to levels of success that they never believed possible! 

For the month of December, we look back at some favorite episodes of 2025. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Barrett Straub, ACT’s CEO, to break down your production story and explain why you don't need as many patients as you think. Stop the churn-and-burn dentistry that's burning you out! To learn how to rewrite and improve your production story, listen to Episode 976 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Dr. Straub:Send Dr. Straub an email: barrett@actdental.com Join Dr. Straub on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barrett.d.straubMore Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listenJoin The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaDownload ACT’s BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360Download ACT’s BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_USJoin ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/tttGet The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazinePlease leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218Episode Resources:Watch the video version of Episode 976: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosRegister to ACT’s BPA for their Financial GAPs Calculator: https://www.actdental.com/bpaMain Takeaways:There's more to the production story than just how much you produced.Analyze your annual patient value, active patient count, and gross production.Stop filling production gaps with more patients. Do more dentistry on less patients.Do you want to be a dentist that chases 4,000 patients or have fewer, right patients?Figure out your production story now so you can figure out how to write it going forward.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:27 Why we need a production story.2:34 Important KPIs you need to know.6:49 Do more per active patient.11:48 Countermeasures you can start today.15:44 ACT’s BPA and TTT.Dr. Barrett Straub Bio:Dr. Barrett Straub practices general and sedation dentistry in Port Washington, Wisconsin. He has worked hard to develop his practice into a top-performing, fee-for-service practice that focuses on improving the lives of patients through dentistry.A graduate of Marquette Dental School, Dr. Straub’s advanced training and CE includes work at the Spear Institute, LVI, DOCS, and as a member of the Milwaukee Study Club. He is a past member of the Wisconsin Dental Association Board of Trustees and was awarded the Marquette Dental School 2017 Young Alumnus of the Year. As a former ACT coaching client that experienced first-hand the transformation that coaching can provide, he is passionate about helping other dentists create the practice they’ve always wanted.Dr. Straub loves to hunt, golf, and spend winter on the ice, curling. He is married to Katie, with two daughters, Abby and Elizabeth.

Freedom is what drew you to dentistry. But somehow, you're stuck working harder, earning less, and with less control of your time and life. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Miranda Beeson, ACT’s director of education, to share the key to impacting your freedom and profitability: understanding and mastering write-offs. To learn how to lower your write-offs so you can take back your time and money, listen to Episode 975 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Miranda:Send Miranda an email: miranda@actdental.com Follow Miranda on ACT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actdentalSend Courtney an email to learn more about ACT: courtney@actdental.com More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listenJoin The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaDownload ACT’s BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360Download ACT’s BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_USJoin ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/tttGet The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazinePlease leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218Episode Resources:Watch the video version of Episode 975: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosLearn more about Smile Source: https://smilesource.comLearn more about Clerri: https://clerri.comMain Takeaways:Figure out your effort gap, collections gap, overhead gap, and your cash flow gap.Know how many days a month you work, and how many you're working for free.Always put in your full fee. You may have more elective write-offs than you think.Evaluate your membership plan. How much are you charging versus writing off?Determine how much you're writing off by being part of an insurance plan.Eliminate emotional discounting. Learn to charge what you're worth.Start celebrating net production rather than gross production.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.0:57 Smile Source and ACT have merged!3:23 Why understanding write-offs is important.8:15 ACT’s core focus and core purpose.9:34 ACT’s GAPs at a Glance.12:16 A great coach isn't going to turn the dials for you.14:51 Overview of the financial gaps.20:35 The effort gap, explained.22:22 Three important questions to answer.25:44 How production leaves in this gap.29:28 Insurance adjustments.37:08 Membership plan adjustments.40:59 Q&A: Do you recommend anyone who helps facilitate membership plans?43:03 Elective adjustments.49:14 ACT’s energy quotient, explained.51:41 Steps to closing the effort gap.54:40 Final takeaways.56:42 ACT’s new Financial GAPs Calculator.58:46 ACT's BPA.Miranda Beeson, MS, BSDH Bio:Miranda Beeson has over 25 years of clinical dental hygiene, front office, practice administration, and speaking experience. She is enthusiastic about communication and loves helping others find the power that words can bring to their patient interactions and practice dynamics. As a Lead Practice Coach, she is driven to create opportunities to find value in experiences and cultivate new approaches.Miranda graduated from Old Dominion University, and enjoys spending time with her husband, Chuck, and her children, Trent, Mallory, and Cassidy. Family time is the best time, and is often spent on a golf course, a volleyball court, or spending the day boating at the beach.