The Best Practices Show with Kirk Behrendt

Working with PPOs is more confusing than ever — and it’s by design! In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Shelley DeGroff, founder and CEO of PPO Advisors, to help decode the complexity around upcoming changes and help you be an active player in the game of insurance. To stay up to date with the new changes and become less insurance dependent, listen to Episode 954 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.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 954: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosMain Takeaways:Think of insurance as a game. Be an active player!Understand the contracts you're agreeing to, long term.Insurance confusion is by design. Don't just set it and forget it!Audit your EOBs daily. Do the math and figure out why fees are different.New associates cannot use the owning doctor's NPI-1 — it is insurance fraud.Success is not determined by the number of insurance you do or don't participate in.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:53 Shelley’s background.2:51 The current state of PPOs.5:22 Why are these changes legal?9:08 Confusion is by design.11:07 Be an active player in the insurance game.12:22 How often should you audit EOBs?14:30 Is any of this negotiable?16:16 Provider-specific credentialing, explained.18:25 How long does it take to credential?20:10 NPI fraud, explained.23:12 Other upcoming changes.27:57 The trend of non-dentists purchasing dental practices.31:12 Lose your dependency on insurance.40:45 About PPO Advisors 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.

Whether you're prepping a crown or driving to your practice, it all requires muscle. But how well are you taking care of them? In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Uche Odiatu, one of ACT’s favorite health and wellness gurus, to demystify muscle health and help you get fit so you can be a better dentist. Your body is the best pharmacy — so give it what it needs! To learn the best way to develop and maintain muscle health, listen to Episode 953 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Dr. Odiatu:Email Dr. Odiatu for his workout: odiatudmd@gmail.com Join Dr. Odiatu on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UcheOdiatuFollow Dr. Odiatu on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fitspeakersLearn more on Dr. Odiatu’s website: http://www.druche.comRegister for Dr. Odiatu’s seminar (November 7, 2025, December 5, 2025, December 12, 2025): https://www.adha.org/events/philips-education-tourMore 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 953: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosEmail Kirk for the 100 days of cards: kirk@actdental.com Read Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari: https://bookshop.org/p/books/sapiens-tenth-anniversary-edition-a-brief-history-of-humankind-yuval-noah-harari/031a784adc6e9de4?ean=9780063422001&next=tRead Spark by John J. Ratey, MD: https://bookshop.org/p/books/spark-the-revolutionary-new-science-of-exercise-and-the-brain-john-j-ratey-md/d7739d4d7fae8b28?ean=9780316113519&next=tMain Takeaways:Sitting is the new smoking! Movement is medicine.Muscles and strength training aren't just for bodybuilders.Without training, you will experience age-related muscle loss.Strength training boosts both physical health and emotional health.With proper exercise and nutrition, your body will be the best pharmacy.Birds of a feather flock together. If you want to be fit, spend time with fit people.Stop thinking you don't have time to exercise. You need less time than you think.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.2:24 The importance of building muscles that last.4:07 Sarcopenia, explained.5:54 Dentistry is a sport.8:35 Muscle bound, explained.11:21 How to avoid being a frail dentist.13:30 Different types of muscle strength, explained.19:14 How much time do you need for exercise?25:20 Do you need to go to the gym to build muscles?27:47 Benefits of using red light during exercise.30:38 The importance of light exposure.32:01 Lower your risk of depression.34:06 Am I too old to start exercising?35:15 You need more protein as you age.39:36 The science on creatine.41:41 Supplements that Dr. Odiatu takes daily.44:06 Testosterone replacement therapy, explained.47:08 Dr. Odiatu’s weekly workout routine.54:34 More about Dr. Odiatu and how to get in touch.Dr. Uche Odiatu Bio:Dr. Uche Odiatu has a DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine). He is a professional member of the ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine), a Certified Personal Trainer (National Strength & Conditioning Association) NSCA, and the Canadian Association of Fitness Professionals (canfitpro). He is the co-author of The Miracle of Health (c) 2009 John Wiley (hardcover) & (c) 2015 Harper Collins, and has lectured in Canada, the USA, the Caribbean, the UK, and Europe. He is an invited guest on over 400 TV and radio shows, from ABC 20/20, Canada CTV AM, Breakfast TV, to Magic Sunday Drum FM in Texas. This high-energy healthcare professional has done over 450 lectures in seven countries over the last 15 years. 

Fluoride is a big deal — for your patients and your practice! But it’s common for this percentage to be lower than it should. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Miranda Beeson, ACT’s director of education, to break down fluoride percentage, how it impacts your practice, and what you can do to improve your numbers. To learn how to successfully recommend fluoride so you can improve patient health and production, listen to Episode 952 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 952: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosRegister for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (October 17, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-october-17-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1218436780209?aff=odcleoeventsincollectionRegister for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (October 24, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-october-24-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1218452908449?aff=odcleoeventsincollectionMain Takeaways:If fluoride percentage is under 10%, patients are missing opportunities for prevention.A low fluoride percentage also indicates missed opportunities for production.High fluoride percentage reflects strong preventative care standards.Create a caries risk assessment process as a team to be aligned.Align your team’s mindset and verbal skills around the “why”.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.3:00 Fluoride percentage, explained.4:55 How this metric impacts the practice.12:15 What you can do to impact this metric.16:36 Final thoughts.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.

Do you ever feel like your practice culture is toxic? In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Adriana Booth, one of ACT’s amazing coaches, to list the seven toxic habits that you might be doing, how they're affecting your culture, and what you can do to create a happier, more committed team. Great culture doesn't happen by accident! To learn how you might be sabotaging your team and what you can do to fix it, listen to Episode 951 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Adriana:Join Adriana on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adriana.boothFollow Adriana on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adrimariebSend 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 951: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosRegister to ACT’s BPA for their Guide to Building Trust: https://join.actdental.com/users/sign_in?post_login_redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fjoin.actdental.com%2Fc%2Fpractice-coaching-tools%2Fa-team-playbook-to-maximize-performance-handout#emailRegister to ACT’s BPA for their How Trustworthy Are You? tool: https://join.actdental.com/users/sign_in?post_login_redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fjoin.actdental.com%2Fc%2Fpractice-coaching-tools%2Fhow-trustworthy-are-you#emailRegister to ACT’s BPA for their Rules of Engagement tool: https://join.actdental.com/users/sign_in?post_login_redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fjoin.actdental.com%2Fc%2Fpractice-coaching-tools%2Fact-dental-meeting-rules-for-engagement#emailRegister to ACT’s To The Top Study Club (October 17, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-october-17-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1218436780209?aff=odcleoeventsincollectionRegister to ACT’s To The Top Study Club (October 24, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-october-24-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1218452908449?aff=odcleoeventsincollectionRead The Advantage by Patrick Lencioni: https://www.tablegroup.com/product/the-advantageRead Traction by Gino Wickman: https://www.eosworldwide.com/traction-bookMain Takeaways:Build trust. An absence of trust leads to miscommunication and a fear-based culture.Have “itchy conversations”. If you avoid conflict, it will eventually become a crisis.Commitment is built by listening. Let your team weigh in so that you get buy-in.Create a culture where your team takes accountability and responsibility.Your team should be results-driven and have a “we over me” mindset.Lead by example. Your behavior is what your team will follow.Give feedback — appreciation, evaluation, and coaching.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:50 Why this is an important topic.3:22 Warning signs that your culture is falling apart.5:57 Toxic habits: Absence of trust.10:36 Toxic habits: Avoiding conflict conversations.16:47 Toxic habits: Lack of commitment.20:00 Toxic habits: Avoiding accountability/responsibility.24:21 Toxic habits: Inattention to results.27:51 Toxic habits: Not leading by example.34:10 Toxic habits: Neglecting feedback.38:36 ACT BPA tools and resources.40:53 Final takeaways.Adriana Booth, BS, RDH Bio:Adriana Booth is a Lead Practice Coach who partners with dentists and their teams to cultivate leadership skills, build practice growth, and streamline business practices. After spending nearly two decades in the dental industry working with top-notch dental teams, Adriana came to ACT to share her passion for professional growth, high-level training, and systems creation with our clients. As a dental hygienist with a love for continuing education and personal growth, helping a practice become successful is at the heart of her passion for dentistry.Adriana has a B.S. in Dental Hygiene from West Liberty University/O’Hehir University. By being involved in several Columbus, Ohio, study clubs, Adriana maintains strong relationships within her local dental community. She enjoys a variety of fitness activities, family time, good books, and at the top of her list, her fur babies.

A full schedule is a great thing. But is it stressing out your team? In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Miranda Beeson, ACT’s director of education, to help you reframe your team’s mindset around having and managing a full schedule. To learn how to fill your schedule the right way and celebrate when it’s full, listen to Episode 950 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 950: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosRegister for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (October 17, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-october-17-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1218436780209?aff=odcleoeventsincollectionRegister for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (October 24, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-october-24-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1218452908449?aff=odcleoeventsincollectionRegister for ACT’s Ideal Day Scheduling Guide: https://join.actdental.com/users/sign_in?post_login_redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fjoin.actdental.com%2Fc%2Fpractice-coaching-tools%2Fcolor-coding-block-scheduling-and-ideal-day-scheduling#emailRegister for ACT’s Ideal Day Scheduling course: https://join.actdental.com/users/sign_inRegister for ACT’s Patient ID System: https://join.actdental.com/users/sign_in?post_login_redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fjoin.actdental.com%2Fc%2Fpractice-coaching-tools%2Fpatient-id-system#emailListen to A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast: https://ataleoftwohygienists.comMain Takeaways:Help your team recognize that a full schedule is good!Reframe the schedule as an opportunity when talking to patients.Use a patient ID system. Prioritize who and what is in your schedule.Strategically fill holes in your schedule with VIP patients, not just anyone.Utilize block scheduling — and most importantly, be sure to honor the blocks!Snippets:0:00 Introduction.0:37 Why this is an important topic.7:46 Shift your mindset.14:13 Customize the interval of care for patients.15:51 The power of a priority list.17:08 Don't schedule from your “mud” list.22:43 Customize your text templates.25:27 Align your team and practice verbal skills.29:14 Utilize block scheduling.33:40 Honor the blocks!38:42 Final thoughts.42:24 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.

Maybe it’s uncomfortable, or maybe you're short on time — but are you ignoring the perio conversation with your patients? In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Miranda Beeson, ACT’s director of education, to break down perio visit percentage, the impact it has on your practice, and what to do to improve your numbers. Are you underdiagnosing or defaulting to prophy? To find out if you are and to learn how to fix it, listen to Episode 949 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 949: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosRegister for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (October 17, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-october-17-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1218436780209?aff=odcleoeventsincollectionRegister for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (October 24, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-october-24-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1218452908449?aff=odcleoeventsincollectionRead Beat the Heart Attack Gene by Dr. Bradley Bale and Dr. Amy Doneen: https://baledoneen.com/bdm-booksMain Takeaways:This metric directly impacts hygiene profitability, patient retention, and patient health.Align your team on what a healthy periodontium looks like and what to do if it isn't.If your practice is healthy, 35% to 45% of hygiene visits will be perio-related.Do calibration exercises with a few cases to find gaps in your learning.Create a basic decision tree to simplify the perio diagnosis process.Ask your patients for their health history to get a fuller picture.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.2:00 Perio visit percentage, explained.4:14 How this metric impacts the practice.8:41 What you can do to impact this metric.14:38 Look at the whole picture.16:59 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.

How do you outshine your competition without the ads and billboards? In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Adriana Booth, one of ACT’s amazing coaches, to share one way to make your practice stand out from the crowd. To learn how to find your unique value proposition to get patients through your doors, listen to Episode 948 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Adriana:Join Adriana on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adriana.boothFollow Adriana on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adrimariebSend 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 948: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosRegister to ACT’s BPA for their Differentiation tool: https://join.actdental.com/users/sign_in?post_login_redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fjoin.actdental.com%2Fc%2Fpractice-coaching-tools%2Fdifferentiation-tool#emailRegister to ACT’s BPA for their Creating a 6-Star Experience tool: https://join.actdental.com/c/practice-coaching-tools/6-star-experienceRegister for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (October 17, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-october-17-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1218436780209?aff=odcleoeventsincollectionRegister for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (October 24, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-october-24-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1218452908449?aff=odcleoeventsincollectionRead Good to Great by Jim Collins: https://bookshop.org/p/books/good-to-great-why-some-companies-make-the-leap-and-other-s-don-t-jim-collins/ec0b317c56aaceb4?ean=9780066620992&next=tMain Takeaways:You truly differentiate by giving patients an experience they can't get elsewhere.Your unique value proposition needs to match the experience you deliver.What experience or benefits do you offer that your competitors don't?Who are your core customers? Identify the patients you want.What do you excel at? Identify your core competencies.Where do you fall short? Identify your weaknesses.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.2:34 Why this is an important topic.4:26 Unique value proposition, explained.5:46 What should your UVP convey?9:28 ACT’s Differentiation tool.10:47 Identify your core customers.13:37 Identify your core competencies.18:37 Identify your weaknesses.22:38 Final takeaways.24:13 ACT’s Creating a 6-Star Experience.25:36 ACT’s BPA.Adriana Booth, BS, RDH Bio:Adriana Booth is a Lead Practice Coach who partners with dentists and their teams to cultivate leadership skills, build practice growth, and streamline business practices. After spending nearly two decades in the dental industry working with top-notch dental teams, Adriana came to ACT to share her passion for professional growth, high-level training, and systems creation with our clients. As a dental hygienist with a love for continuing education and personal growth, helping a practice become successful is at the heart of her passion for dentistry.Adriana has a B.S. in Dental Hygiene from West Liberty University/O’Hehir University. By being involved in several Columbus, Ohio, study clubs, Adriana maintains strong relationships within her local dental community. She enjoys a variety of fitness activities, family time, good books, and at the top of her list, her fur babies. 

You and your team deserve a positive, rewarding work environment. A key piece of that is to optimize the people you currently have. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Alan Twigg, president of Bent Ericksen & Associates, to share how to address underperformance, ways to fix it, and what to do when nothing seems to work. To learn how to navigate these difficult conversations, listen to Episode 947 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.comTry Bent Ericksen’s HR Director package: https://bentericksen.com/product/hr-directorLearn more on Bent Ericksen’s Resource Library: https://bentericksen.com/resource-libraryMore 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 947: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosMain Takeaways:Learn the five steps of the productive feedback model.Outline your expectations and your reason for the conversation.Give a warning of potential consequences if their behaviors don't change.Invite employees to submit comments. It’s a way to document conversations.Set boundaries around communication so that conversations don't get derailed.Consider having a witness signature when employees are not being cooperative.If you see something, say something. Don't let underperformance go on for years.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:18 Why this is an important topic.3:07 The productive feedback model.9:01 Why step four of the model is the most important.11:14 How to ask for commitment.13:00 Two objectives of heavy corrective action.16:02 The anatomy of heavy corrective action.19:25 Tips: How to keep the conversation on the rails.22:09 Tip: Utilize the pause.25:59 Tip: Consider a witness signature.26:51 Tip: Invite written comments.28:37 Set boundaries around communication.29:55 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.

How do you know if you're serving your patients well? In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Miranda Beeson, ACT’s director of education, to share two metrics that will help both your patients and your practice get healthy. To learn more about perio diagnostic percentage, perio acceptance percentage, and how to improve these numbers, listen to Episode 946 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 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 946: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosRegister for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (October 17, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-october-17-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1218436780209?aff=odcleoeventsincollectionRegister for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (October 24, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-october-24-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1218452908449?aff=odcleoeventsincollectionMain Takeaways:Align your team on what healthy looks like.Clearly define your optimal standards of care.Calibrate on what to do when patients aren't healthy.Be aligned on how you present information to patients.Build trust and value for your patients to increase acceptance.Patients invested in periodontal health will explore restorative health.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.2:46 Why this is an important topic.5:04 Perio diagnostic percentage and perio acceptance percentage, explained.7:28 How these percentages impact the practice.10:13 Healthy ranges and how to impact this metric.13:30 Align on what healthy looks like.15:52 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.

Most days, we are online. But how often do we think about cybersecurity? In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings in Travis Wentworth, cybersecurity expert from Intelligence Quest, to share the safeguards to put in place to reduce your risks and protect your patients and practice from common cybersecurity threats. Don't take cybersecurity for granted! To learn the best practices to stay ahead of cyberattacks, listen to Episode 945 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Travis:Follow Travis on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travis_iqJoin Travis on Twitter: https://x.com/travisiqLearn more about Intelligence Quest: https://intelligencequest.comWatch Intelligence Quest on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@intelligencequestMore 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 945: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosProtect yourself with Sentinel One: https://www.sentinelone.comProtect yourself with Splashtop: https://www.splashtop.comProtect yourself with YubiKey: https://www.yubico.comProtect yourself with LastPass: https://www.lastpass.comMain Takeaways:Don't be complacent with cybersecurity.Find a great, trustworthy IT group to work with.Know the questions to ask your managed service provider.Never panic when cybersecurity issues arise. Have protocols in place.Make sure your team is comfortable coming to you with questions or issues.Be diligent with knowledge transfer, password management, and phishing awareness.Use a guest network for all of your patients. Don't allow non-authenticated users access.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.0:53 Travis’s background.2:17 The current state of cybersecurity.5:17 Cybersecurity insurance and the evolution of technology in the dental space.6:54 Managed service providers, explained.8:07 Questions to ask your managed service providers.11:19 What an IT group does for a dental office.13:33 Cybersecurity best practices: Knowledge transfer.16:50 Cybersecurity best practices: Password management.21:54 Cybersecurity best practices: Phishing awareness.24:56 Set checks and balances and policies in place.26:51 Your team should be comfortable coming to you with questions.29:16 Be wary of using direct payment options.30:54 Solutions: Guest networks and segmentation.39:19 Solutions: Resolving technical and cybersecurity issues.42:41 Final thoughts.45:20 More about Intelligence Quest and how to get in touch with Travis.Travis Wentworth Bio:Dr. Travis Wentworth has been training students in engineering, networking, and cybersecurity for over a decade. He received his PhD in engineering from the University of Kansas in 2015 and completed a Postdoctoral Research fellowship at the University of Chalmers in Gothenburg, Sweden. While there, he was part of the world-renowned research group led by Dr. Louise Olsson and had the privilege to work with the European Union, Swedish Research Council, Volvo, and Chalmers University.As a researcher, instructor, and consultant, Travis has presented his technical content to far-reaching corners of the globe including China, Germany, and Sweden, to name a few. Returning to the United States in 2017, he narrowed his emphasis to cybersecurity and networking training.Travis has a diverse background with a proclivity in the acquisition and analysis of public and proprietary data. He is a published author in numerous peer-reviewed journals for computer modeling and catalysis and is well-versed in programming, networking, data acquisition, and cybersecurity.