Over half of your patients have some form of periodontitis — and they don't even know it! How many are you letting walk out of your doors? It’s time to empower patients by helping them to understand and treat their disease. In this final part of her Master Class, Katrina Sanders, The Dental WINEgenist, shares key tools and resources to help you build confidence in diagnosing, treating, and improving the clinical outcomes of your perio patients. To get patients closer to 100% health, listen to Episode 834 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Katrina:Send Katrina an email: info@katrinasanders.com Join Katrina on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheDentalWINEgenistFollow Katrina on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedentalwinegenistLearn more on Katrina’s website: https://katrinasanders.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/bpaJoin ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/tttSee the ACT Dental/BPA Live Event Schedule: https://www.actdental.com/eventGet 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 834: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosTry PDT’s hygiene kits: https://pdtdental.com/collections/hygiene-kitsTry PDT’s gingival inflammation kit: https://pdtdental.com/products/gingival-inflammation-kitTry PDT’s debridement kit: https://pdtdental.com/products/gross-debridement-kitTry the BioGaia Prodentis probiotics: https://www.biogaia.com/collections/all/Dental-healthMain Takeaways:Incorporate the learnings from Part 1 of this lecture!Stop waiting to recommend treatment until later stages of disease.Periodontal disease can present differently from one patient to another.Understand AAP’s staging and grading system to accurately diagnose patients.Learn how to effectively communicate the urgency of your patients’ level of disease.  Empower patients to improve home care by recommending innovative oral health tools.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.4:53 The prevalence of periodontitis.15:33 Don't wait to tell patients about their level of disease.25:25 Katrina’s background and objectives.26:42 Staging and grading is not an exact science.29:14 The framework for staging and grading.40:06 The spectrum of clinical health.43:58 Case example: Intact periodontium.45:43 Case example: Reduced periodontium.50:13 Case example: Reduced periodontium (non-periodontitis).51:16 Case example: Reduced periodontium (successfully treated periodontitis).52:43 Case example: Intact periodontium (incipient gingivitis).56:10 Case example: Stable patient on reduced periodontium (non-periodontitis).59:50 Case example: Stable patient on reduced periodontium (successfully treated perio).1:03:11 Case example: Gingivitis on a reduced periodontium (successfully treated perio).1:06:25 Effectively select the appropriate instruments.1:07:48 PDT kit for hygiene.1:11:39 Dental biofilm-induced gingivitis.1:12:25 Non-dental biofilm-induced gingivitis.1:14:29 Gingivitis, defined.1:16:39 Case example: Moderate to severe gingivitis (intact periodontium).1:18:44 Case example: Gingivitis on reduced periodontium (non-periodontitis).1:20:51 PDT kit for gingival inflammation.1:22:36 Patient empowerment: Stannous Fluoride.1:25:16 Patient empowerment: Oscillating rotating-motion toothbrush.1:28:13 The AAP guidelines for staging patients.1:36:15 PDT kit for debridement.1:37:59 The AAP guidelines for staging patients, continued.1:39:37 The AAP guidelines for grading patients.1:46:50 Patient empowerment: Dental-specific probiotics.1:51:34 Katrina’s free webinar.1:53:17 Q&A: How do we legally deal with patients who refuse periodontal treatment?1:56:07 Q&A: How do you explain the cost difference of a prophy and perio maintenance?1:59:08 Conclusion.Katrina M. Sanders RDH, BSDH, M.Ed, RF Bio:In the ever-changing world of dental science where research, technology, and techniques for patient care are constantly evolving, dental professionals look to continuing education to provide insight, deliver actionable steps, empower, and create a dramatic impact within their clinical practice.With wit, charm, and a dash of humor, Katrina Sanders enchants dental professionals with her course deliverables, insightful content, and delightful inspiration. Her message of empowerment rings mighty throughout her lectures and stirs a deep sense of motivation amongst course participants.Katrina is the Clinical Liaison for AZPerio, the country's largest periodontal practice. She performs clinically, working alongside Diplomates to the American Board of Periodontology in the surgical operatory. Katrina perfected techniques during L.A.N.A.P. surgery, suture placement, IV therapy, and blood draws. She instructs on collaborative professionalism and standard-of-care protocols while delivering education through hygiene boot camps and study clubs.

Data shows some disturbing facts. Over 60% of patients don't trust their dentists’ diagnosis! When the disease in question doesn’t hurt patients, it complicates things even further. So, how do you build trust with skeptical patients who are reluctant to get treatment? In this lecture of a two-part Master Class, Katrina Sanders, The Dental WINEgenist, shares how to incorporate innovative tools, products, and thinking to build trust, maximize production, and improve clinical outcomes. To learn how to get patients closer to 100% health, listen to Episode 833 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Katrina:Send Katrina an email: info@katrinasanders.com Join Katrina on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheDentalWINEgenistFollow Katrina on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedentalwinegenistLearn more on Katrina’s website: https://katrinasanders.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/bpaJoin ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/tttSee the ACT Dental/BPA Live Event Schedule: https://www.actdental.com/eventGet 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 833: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosLearn more about Pearl AI: https://www.hellopearl.comTry Paradise Dental Technologies UNC-12 probe: https://pdtdental.com/products/probe-unc-12Mention Katrina to get 10% off your first lab fee from MicrobeLinkDX: https://microbelinkdx.comTry Perio Protect custom periodontal trays: https://www.perioprotect.comTry free samples of BioGaia Prodentis: https://www.biogaia.comMain Takeaways:Learn how to give patient-centric, customized care plans to meet your patients’ needs.Incorporate advanced diagnostic tools such as AI to increase case acceptance.Integrate objective diagnostics to get a more accurate assessment.Build trust with integrity. Show your patients that you truly care.Support patients to help them control their level of disease.Educate patients about innovations such as probiotics.Recommend Innovative tools such as water flossers.Do the right thing, and production will follow.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:02 Why this is an important topic.8:37 Course overview.9:57 The prevalence of periodontitis.13:59 The challenges of a painless disease.18:44 Don't let this be a drain on your core values.22:13 The number one reason patients decline perio treatment.25:25 Is something better than nothing?34:07 Katrina’s background and free program.35:35 Objectives.39:16 Don't be afraid of innovation and technology.42:04 Three steps to innovation: The assessment phase.46:34 Your average patients don't understand radiographs.48:14 About 60% of patients don't trust their dentists’ diagnosis.49:59 The innovation of AI dental X-rays, explained.55:12 Capture appropriate periodontal charting.59:40 The importance of annual comprehensive periodontal assessments.1:03:41 Integrate objective diagnostics.1:07:22 Case examples.1:12:57 Get customized reports and regimens with MicrobeLinkDX.1:19:21 Integrate true wound care.1:26:11 The benefits of Perio Protect custom trays.1:28:29 Complications when treating periodontal wounds.1:30:36 Probiotic influence on oral health.1:34:09 Is there such a thing as healthy biofilm?1:37:17 Are all probiotics the same?1:40:54 Help support patients with their self-care.1:42:03 Data around the benefits of water flossing with Waterpik.1:45:30 The patient-centric workflow overview.1:51:05 Summary and conclusion.1:54:24 Q&A: Recommended treatment for 20% to 30% BOP patients.1:56:16 Q&A: Thoughts on the recent “backlash” to hydrogen peroxide.Katrina M. Sanders RDH, BSDH, M.Ed, RF Bio:In the ever-changing world of dental science where research, technology, and techniques for patient care are constantly evolving, dental professionals look to continuing education to provide insight, deliver actionable steps, empower, and create a dramatic impact within their clinical practice.With wit, charm, and a dash of humor, Katrina Sanders enchants dental professionals with her course deliverables, insightful content, and delightful inspiration. Her message of empowerment rings mighty throughout her lectures and stirs a deep sense of motivation amongst course participants.Katrina is the Clinical Liaison for AZPerio, the country's largest periodontal practice. She performs clinically, working alongside Diplomates to the American Board of Periodontology in the surgical operatory. Katrina perfected techniques during L.A.N.A.P. surgery, suture placement, IV therapy, and blood draws. She instructs on collaborative professionalism and standard-of-care protocols while delivering education through hygiene boot camps and study clubs.

If you don't know where you're going, how do you know how to get there? Having a clear vision is the first step to success. But how do you find time and energy to plan? To give you some motivation, Miranda Beeson and Heather Crockett, two of ACT’s amazing coaches, share a simple framework for crafting your ideal vision for your practice and your life. If you fail to plan, then you plan to fail! To learn how a little bit of planning will skyrocket your success, listen to Episode 832 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Miranda & Heather:Send Miranda an email: miranda@actdental.com Send Heather an email: heather@actdental.com Follow Miranda & Heather on ACT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actdentalEmail Gina to learn about ACT’s Pro Coaching: gina@actdental.com Email the ACT Team for their free tools and resources: info@actdental.com Register for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (January 17, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-january-17-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1012930712027Register for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (January 24, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-january-24-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1012960511157More 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/bpaJoin ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/tttSee the ACT Dental/BPA Live Event Schedule: https://www.actdental.com/eventGet 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 832: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosWatch Episode 814: 1 Move, Infinite Differentiation Power with Heather: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBD8mzLem88Read What Got You Here Won't Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith: https://bookshop.org/p/books/what-got-you-here-won-t-get-you-there-how-successful-people-become-even-more-successful-marshall-goldsmith/8230849?ean=9781401301309Read The E-Myth by Michael E. Gerber: https://www.michaelegerbercompanies.com/product/the-e-myth-revisitedMain Takeaways:Great practices have strategic plans. Average practices just wing it.A strategic vision will keep you and your team focused and motivated.Having a plan will help you prevent burnout and have a more fulfilling career.Create a vision for clinical, financial, team culture, and better practice/better life.Make time to think and dream — and dream big! You don't have time not to do it.Stop being your own dream-crusher. It’s time to get rid of your self-limiting beliefs!No matter how stuck you feel, there is hope! A coach can help you reach your goals.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.0:35 ACT’s TTT, BPA, and Pro Coaching.4:20 Why this is an important topic.6:20 Great practices have strategic plans.11:13 ACT’s Strategic Vision Creator tool.15:28 The four keys: Clinical vision.19:43 The four keys: Clinical strategy.24:37 The four keys: Financial vision.26:41 The four keys: Financial strategy.31:11 The four keys: Team culture vision.35:17 The four keys: Team culture strategy.38:47 The four keys: Better practice, better life vision.46:25 The four keys: Better practice, better life strategy.46:58 The elevation process of the vision stage.49:16 Examples of successful outcomes and goals.57:06 Final thoughts.58:59 Why you need a coach.1:02:36 Q&A: Do I prioritize clinical dentistry or business of dentistry with a limited CE budget?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.Heather Crockett Bio:Heather Crockett is a Lead Practice Coach who finds joy in not only improving practices but improving the lives of those she coaches as well. With over 20 years of combined experience in assisting, office management, and clinical dental hygiene, her awareness supports many aspects of the practice setting.Heather received her dental hygiene degree from the Utah College of Dental Hygiene in 2008. Networking in the dental community comes easy to her, and she loves to connect with like-minded colleagues on social media. Heather enjoys both attending and presenting continuing education to expand her knowledge and learn from her friends and colleagues.She enjoys hanging out with her husband, three sons, and their dog, Moki, scrolling through social media, watching football, and traveling.

Patients don't know what they need — until you show them! Without talking about comprehensive care, they will never know that they want or need it for better overall health. To help you start the conversation with patients, Kirk Behrendt brings back Miranda Beeson, ACT’s director of education, to explain what it means to be comprehensive, why it’s important, and how it will transform patient care and your practice. To learn how to transition from reactive, single-tooth dentistry to proactive, comprehensive care, listen to Episode 831 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: gina@actdental.com Register for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (January 17, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-january-17-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1012930712027Register for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (January 24, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-january-24-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1012960511157Register for ACT’s BPA: https://www.actdental.com/bpaMore 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/bpaJoin ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/tttSee the ACT Dental/BPA Live Event Schedule: https://www.actdental.com/eventGet 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 831: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosDownload ACT’s Identify Your Core Purpose tool: https://23476641.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23476641/Identify%20Your%20Core%20Purpose%20Tool.pdfMain Takeaways:You can't do it alone. Align with your team on what a comprehensive approach means.Educate patients about your comprehensive philosophy in the new patient exam.Your focus should be on how you can help patients, not on selling dentistry.Share what you see, then let patients decide what to do for themselves.Help patients understand the big picture with a proactive approach.Don't forget about retired patients. They have dental needs too!Stop assuming what treatment patients will or will not accept.Offer financial options for patients with larger cases.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.0:33 Why this is an important topic.4:56 Why dentists default to single-tooth style treatment planning.9:40 Comprehensive treatment planning, explained.15:25 Get rid of self-limiting beliefs and assumptions.17:14 Focus on being helpful, not on selling dentistry.19:44 Give patients control and choice by sharing information.26:55 Elevate your new patient exam.28:30 Explain the why behind your recommendations.30:47 Involve your entire team.32:35 Create value for patients.34:20 Don't forget retired or about-to-retire patients.38:29 Align on what a true emergency patient is.41:22 Have financial options available.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.

830: 3 Steps to Elevate Your Patient’s Experience – Heather CrockettPeople buy things they want — not what they need! So, how do you make patients want your dentistry? One way is with a fantastic patient experience. To help you “wow” your new, existing, and future patients, Kirk Behrendt brings back Heather Crockett, one of ACT’s amazing coaches, with three steps to make your patients feel heard, valued, and understood. To learn how to make your practice the best dental home, listen to Episode 830 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Heather:Send Heather an email: heather@actdental.com Join Heather on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heather.r.crockettFollow Heather on ACT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actdentalSend Gina an email: gina@actdental.com Email the ACT Team for their free tools and resources: info@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/bpaJoin ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/tttSee the ACT Dental/BPA Live Event Schedule: https://www.actdental.com/eventGet 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 830: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosMain Takeaways:You will sell more dentistry with your ears than your mouth. Start listening more!Find out what motivates your patients by asking them open-ended questions.Create a system to identify and document your patients’ goals and values.Be confident in what you do, your verbal skills, and storytelling skills.Learn how to slow down and truly connect with your patients.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:28 Why this is an important topic.3:28 Identify your patients’ goals and values.8:48 Practice your verbal skills.15:21 Practice your storytelling skills.17:15 Learn how to connect.20:24 Talk less, listen more.31:12 Slow things down.36:02 Final takeaways.Heather Crockett Bio:Heather Crockett is a Lead Practice Coach who finds joy in not only improving practices but improving the lives of those she coaches as well. With over 20 years of combined experience in assisting, office management, and clinical dental hygiene, her awareness supports many aspects of the practice setting.Heather received her dental hygiene degree from the Utah College of Dental Hygiene in 2008. Networking in the dental community comes easy to her, and she loves to connect with like-minded colleagues on social media. Heather enjoys both attending and presenting continuing education to expand her knowledge and learn from her friends and colleagues.She enjoys hanging out with her husband, three sons, and their dog, Moki, scrolling through social media, watching football, and traveling.

829: Why Dentists Need to Create an “Experience Economy” in Their Practice – Debra Engelhardt-NashPeople spend thousands on cellphones and handbags. But the same amount for dentistry is “too much money”. How do we change that thinking and get more patients through the door? To help you answer these important questions, Kirk Behrendt brings back Debra Engelhardt-Nash, co-founder of The Nash Institute, to share her expert advice for cultivating trust and loyalty through exceptional, memorable experiences. To learn how to get patients to want to stay, listen to Episode 829 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Debra:Give Debra a call: (704) 904-3459Send Debra an email: debraengelhardtnash@gmail.com Follow Debra on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debraengnashBook Debra for speaking or consulting: https://debraengelhardtnash.comRegister for Debra’s Dental Business School course: https://www.thenashinstitute.com/upcoming-events/dental-business-schoolRegister for Debra’s Team Communication Skills course: https://www.thenashinstitute.com/upcoming-events/team-communication-skillsRegister for the Academy for Private Dental Practice meeting (March 6-8, 2025): https://apdp.regfox.com/apdp-2025More 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/bpaJoin ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/tttSee the ACT Dental/BPA Live Event Schedule: https://www.actdental.com/eventGet 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 829: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosRead Setting the Table by Danny Meyer: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/setting-the-table-danny-meyer?variant=32122420363298Main Takeaways:Understand the “experience economy” so you can create it for your patients.Think of your dental practice as a restaurant. Is it fast-food, or fine dining?Take your team to a fine dining restaurant and learn from the experience.Focus on what you can do for your patients, not what you do to them.Be about relationships. Data shows that it increases patients’ loyalty.Get rid of self-limiting beliefs. Don't let negativity hold you back!Quality is subjective. Clearly define what quality means to you.Slow down and dial it down when you interact with patients.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.0:46 Debra’s background.2:40 Why this is an important topic.7:46 The experience economy, explained.11:41 What paying for an experience looks like.20:50 Is your practice fast-food or fine dining?23:52 Don't get blinded by the transactions.27:09 Don't let negativity hold you back.29:17 What is your level of attention to detail?35:38 Dial it down in patient interactions.39:43 Final thoughts.42:40 Debra’s future courses and The Nash Institute.Debra Engelhardt-Nash Bio:Debra is a trainer, author, presenter, and consultant. Having been in dentistry for over 30 years, she engages organizations and study groups nationally and internationally. She is a continual presenter for the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting. Debra is a founding member of The Nash Institute and past president of the National Academy of Dental Management Consultants. She is an active member of the American Dental Assistants Association, the American Academy of Dental Practice Administration, and the Speakers Consulting Network. She has been repeatedly recognized by Dentistry Today as a leader in continuing dental education and as a leader in dental consulting. She is also a member of the American Dental Association’s Dental Practice Management Advisory Board, and recently became the president of the Academy for Private Dental Practice.Debra is married to cosmetic dentist and dental educator, Dr. Ross Nash, of The Nash Institute for Dental Learning. She continues to work in his busy practice, doing exactly what she preaches.

828: KPI Mastery: Driving Dental Practice Success with Data – Dr. Barrett StraubYou're told to improve your numbers. But what are you improving, and why? If you're feeling lost and overwhelmed, keep listening! Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Barrett Straub, ACT’s CEO, to reveal nine essential KPIs that will help you better understand your practice and achieve the results you want. Working more is not the solution! To learn how to step off the hamster wheel and into the life of your dreams, listen to Episode 828 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.straubEmail the ACT Team for their free resources: info@actdental.com Register for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (January 17, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-january-17-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1012930712027Register for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (January 24, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-january-24-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1012960511157More 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/bpaJoin ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/tttSee the ACT Dental/BPA Live Event Schedule: https://www.actdental.com/eventGet 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 828: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosMain Takeaways:Working more hours is not the way to improve your practice.Don't try to improve your numbers without first understanding why.Understand gross profit to get a clear picture of your financial health.Your most important KPI is the number of days you worked per month.Learn how to calculate true profit. Know what is or isn't reflected in your P&L.Measure your practice health score to gauge the overall health of your practice.Gross production is a useless KPI unless you know how much of that you collect.Figure out why your overhead is too high. It may or may not be due to overspending.Collections percentages under 100% is the silent killer of profit. Always collect 100%.Track and manage write-offs. Bill your full fee all the time, for everything, to everyone.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:12 ACT’s TTT, BPA, and Pro Coaching.4:16 The big picture.9:07 Why having a defined direction and data is important.11:37 Essential targets every practice should know: Days worked per month.14:45 Essential targets every practice should know: Gross production.17:39 Essential targets every practice should know: Write-off percentage.19:35 Essential targets every practice should know: Net production.25:55 Essential targets every practice should know: Collections percentage.28:53 Essential targets every practice should know: Overhead.33:32 Essential targets every practice should know: Gross profit.36:23 Essential targets every practice should know: True profit.42:45 Essential targets every practice should know: Practice health score.46:17 How it works: Case example.54:10 Final takeaways.56:14 Q&A: Who should own these numbers and make sure they are on track?1:00:12 Q&A: How do you view days worked versus hours worked?1:04:58 Q&A: If I'm working less days, how am I going to compensate my team?1:10:39 Q&A: Does the write-off percentage include all adjustments?1:15:18 Q&A: How do you verbalize to patients that you don't work certain days?1:20:40 Final thoughts.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. 

Stress causes headaches. So, let's have less of that in the new year! To help you better manage your brain space, Kirk Behrendt brings back Miranda Beeson, ACT’s director of education, with three strategies that will save you and your team precious time and energy. Start fixing your practice with better thinking! To learn how to create a fresh start for 2025, listen to Episode 827 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: gina@actdental.com Register for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (January 17, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-january-17-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1012930712027Register for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (January 24, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-january-24-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1012960511157Register for ACT’s Best Practices Association: https://join.actdental.com/users/sign_in?post_login_redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fjoin.actdental.com%2F#emailMore 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/bpaJoin ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/tttSee the ACT Dental/BPA Live Event Schedule: https://www.actdental.com/eventGet 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 827: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosTry Magic: https://getmagic.comMain Takeaways:Surround yourself with smart and capable people.Own your time by blocking it out for things that matter.If you don't control your time, then time will control you!Determine what tasks you can delegate to the right people.Start your day ten minutes early so you can mentally prepare.You don't need to do everything. Pick the big three for each day.Be strategic with your time. Do high-focus tasks earlier in the day.Figure out what can be automated to save you and your team time.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:07 Why this is an important topic.5:57 Own your time by blocking it out.17:39 Delegate to elevate and gain more time.27:00 Automate what you can.33:02 Surround yourself with smart people.34:27 Block out time in advance and with intention.38:03 Find your accountability partner.40:07 ACT’s To The Top Study Club and why you need a coach.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.

You have your amazing group of friends and family. But there are things about your profession that they won't understand. So, where do you turn to for advice and wisdom? To help you stay connected, motivated, and inspired, Kirk Behrendt brings back Ariel Juday, one of ACT’s amazing coaches, to talk about the importance of study clubs for professional and personal growth. If you feel alone, don't stay alone! To learn more about how you can find your people, listen to Episode 826 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Ariel:Email Ariel to learn about her study club: ariel@actdental.com Follow Ariel on ACT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actdentalSend Gina an email: 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/bpaJoin ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/tttSee the ACT Dental/BPA Live Event Schedule: https://www.actdental.com/eventGet 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 826: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosMain Takeaways:Exposure to different perspectives and opinions will improve your understanding.Your communication and leadership skills will improve being in a group setting.Being around like-minded peers will keep you motivated and inspired.When you learn with your peers, you are more likely to stay on track.Studying in a supportive group setting will accelerate learning.You will learn more new skills by sharing ideas with a group.Find your people who will help you and build you up.A study club will help you stay connected.Don't try to do it alone!Snippets:0:00 Introduction.0:57 Why this is an important topic.4:08 Learn from your peers.6:47 Learn new skills.8:44 Improve your understanding.10:02 Learn faster in a group.12:05 Improve the group skills you've learned.14:23 Stay motivated and inspired.16:34 Avoid procrastination.18:37 Stay connected.20:53 Find your people.22:52 About Ariel’s Office Manager Study Club.27:39 Last thoughts.Ariel Juday Bio:Ariel has a master’s in healthcare administration and several years of dental experience in all aspects of the administrative roles within the dental office. Her passion is to work with dental teams to empower team members to realize their full potential in order to better serve patients, improve office systems to ensure a well-functioning team/office, and to help everyone have fun in the process! 

825: 5 Ways to Reduce Burnout by Empowering Your Team – Heather CrockettYou can't run a practice on your own. That's why you have a team! But are you letting them help you run your business? If you think you've got to do it all, keep listening! Kirk Behrendt brings back Heather Crockett, one of ACT’s amazing coaches, to share five steps to help you empower your team members, reduce burnout, and transform your practice. To learn how to trust the people who want to help you, listen to Episode 825 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Heather:Send Heather an email: heather@actdental.com Join Heather on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heather.r.crockettFollow Heather on ACT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actdentalSend Gina an email for ACT’s free tools and resources: 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/bpaJoin ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/tttSee the ACT Dental/BPA Live Event Schedule: https://www.actdental.com/eventGet 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 825: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosRead Traction by Gino Wickman: https://benbellabooks.com/shop/tractionDownload EOS’s free Delegate and Elevate tool: https://www.eosworldwide.com/delegate-and-elevate-tool-downloadMain Takeaways:Achieve true alignment with your team. Define your core values and core purpose.Delegate what you don't have to do or don't want to do. Your team wants to help.Clearly define who does what. Create a Function Accountability Chart.Determine whether you have the right people in the right seats.Measure your success so you know what is working or not.Be your team’s coach, not their micromanaging boss.You can't run your business all on your own!Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:50 Why this is an important topic.5:01 Start with alignment.8:38 Delegate what you can.11:29 The Traction delegation system, explained.17:31 Clearly define who does what.21:41 Use the Right People, Right Seat Scorecard.26:21 Measure your success.32:47 Final thoughts.Heather Crockett Bio:Heather Crockett is a Lead Practice Coach who finds joy in not only improving practices but improving the lives of those she coaches as well. With over 20 years of combined experience in assisting, office management, and clinical dental hygiene, her awareness supports many aspects of the practice setting.Heather received her dental hygiene degree from the Utah College of Dental Hygiene in 2008. Networking in the dental community comes easy to her, and she loves to connect with like-minded colleagues on social media. Heather enjoys both attending and presenting continuing education to expand her knowledge and learn from her friends and colleagues.She enjoys hanging out with her husband, three sons, and their dog, Moki, scrolling through social media, watching football, and traveling.