824: The Top 5 Reasons Why Dentistry is Awesome & Hard – Dr. Erin ElliottA great thing about dentistry is the power of choice. You get to choose when you work, how you work, and who you work with. But it’s not easy in this profession! To help you make it less hard and more awesome, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Erin Elliott, seminar leader from 3D Dentists, to share her advice for navigating the difficult aspects of working with your team and your patients. When you do it right, this career is amazing! To learn how to reap the benefits of being a dentist, listen to Episode 824 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Dr. Elliott:Send Dr. Elliott an email: erinelliottdds@gmail.com Follow Dr. Elliott on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinelliottddsRegister for Dr. Elliott’s Sleep Apnea Implementation course (February 27-28, 2025 in Nashville & November 6-7, 2025 in Raleigh): https://3d-dentists.com/sleep-apnea-implementation/#registerRegister for Dr. Elliott’s Sleep Apnea Implementation online course: https://pro.3d-dentists.com/c/sleep-apnea-implementation/?_gl=1*kfqzbi*_ga*MTI4NzEwMTQxMi4xNzM0Mjg4NzY5*_ga_83VZQPCXEW*MTczNDMwODI2Mi4yLjEuMTczNDMwODgwNi4wLjAuMA..Register for Dr. Elliott’s upcoming events: https://erinelliottdds.comLearn more about 3D Dentists: https://3d-dentists.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 824: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosMain Takeaways:Know yourself. Know what you like, what you're good at, and what you can delegate.Nurturing a team is one of the hardest but most rewarding things you will ever do.Learning the business side of dentistry is hard, but it will give you more control.Technology can be frustrating, but it is amazing for improving patient care.Being a practice owner is not easy. But when done right, it is worthwhile.Appreciate the flexibility of dentistry that you may be taking for granted.It’s okay to not be everything to everybody.Invest in yourself!Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:14 Dr. Elliott’s background.3:09 Why dentistry is awesome and hard.4:15 The upsides and downsides of the job itself.8:06 It’s okay to not be everything to everyone.9:23 Tailor the practice and life you want.13:55 Developing a great team is hard but rewarding.21:11 Technology can be frustrating but also amazing.25:22 The advantages and difficulties of being a practice owner.33:54 Final thoughts.36:53 Dr. Elliott’s future courses.Dr. Erin Elliott Bio:Dr. Erin Elliott grew up in Southern California but went away to a small NAIA school in Western New York where she played collegiate soccer and graduated summa cum laude. She graduated from Creighton Dental School in the top five of her class. After school, she settled in North Idaho and began her dentistry career. She has a passion for Dental Sleep Medicine, Short-Term Orthodontics, and integrating CAD/CAM and cone-beam imaging into a general dentistry practice. She regularly lectures on these topics.Dr. Elliott is an active member of her local American Dental Association, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, and was the president and a diplomate of the American Sleep and Breathing Academy. She teaches two-day sleep apnea courses with 3D Dentists and Dr. Tarun Agarwal. She also privately coaches practices about sleep!Dr. Elliott spends her free time with her stay-at-home husband, Tom, and her two sons. She loves to spend time with friends, golfing, traveling, playing soccer, reading, and serving her community.

823: 3 Essential Roles Every Dentist Must Embrace: Clinician, Entrepreneur, and Leader – Heather CrockettYou went to dental school to be a clinician. But to be a successful practice owner, there are two other roles you need to fulfill! To help you enhance your leadership and entrepreneurial skills, Kirk Behrendt brings back Heather Crockett, one of ACT’s amazing coaches, to explain how to embrace these essential roles and how to balance all three. To learn how this will lead to a more fulfilling dental career, listen to Episode 823 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 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 823: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosRead The E-Myth by Michael E. Gerber: https://www.michaelegerbercompanies.com/product/the-e-myth-revisitedRead Traction by Gino Wickman: https://benbellabooks.com/shop/tractionLearn about EOS: https://www.eosworldwide.comMain Takeaways:Embrace the role of clinician, entrepreneur, and leader to become successful.No one will care more about your business than you. Own the three roles.Hire a coach. You need someone to challenge you and make you better.Don't find time — make time to work on the business side of dentistry.Commit to continuous learning. Seek out CE and mentorship.Join the ACT community to enhance your leadership skills!A thriving practice requires a balance of all three roles.Stop comparing yourself to others.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:15 Why these three roles are important.2:48 You can't pass these roles to others.4:37 The clinician role, explained.7:37 The entrepreneurial role, explained.13:10 Carve out entrepreneurial time.17:31 You can't do it alone.20:01 Traction and EOS.23:13 The leadership role, explained.26:26 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. 

822: A Great Formula to Reduce Conflict – Dr. Christian CoachmanAre you tired of friction in your practice? Do you have frustrated and disappointed patients? There's a formula to fix it, and you can use it beyond your work life! Today, Kirk Behrendt and Dr. Christian Coachman, founder of Digital Smile Design, explain their favorite formula, E – R = C and how using it will reduce conflict in all areas of your life. To learn how a few changes can improve life at work and at home, listen to Episode 822 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Dr. Coachman:Join Dr. Coachman on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christiancoachmanFollow Dr. Coachman on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chriscoachmanLearn more about Digital Smile Design: https://digitalsmiledesign.comListen to Dr. Coachman’s podcast, Coffee Break with Coachman: https://open.spotify.com/show/4ADCrWhqsUKbHmZtkhhgoBRegister for DSD Residency 1 On Demand: https://digitalsmiledesign.com/dsd-residency-1-on-demandRegister for Dr. John Kois and Dr. Coachman’s Optimizing Clinical Outcomes course (March 20-21, 2025): https://www.koiscenter.com/optimizing-clinical-outcomesMore 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 822: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosLearn about EOS: https://www.eosworldwide.comRead Traction by Gino Wickman: https://benbellabooks.com/shop/tractionUncover your instinctive strengths with Kolbe: https://www.kolbe.comMain Takeaways:Not meeting expectations is the biggest source of conflict. Keep the promises you make.E – R = C is the most important formula you need to use for every aspect of your life.Don't try to do everything on your own. Find the right people who can help you.Learn to say no. Don't say yes to everything and make yourself miserable.Remember that you are not the most important person in your practice.Underpromise and overdeliver in order to give yourself a buffer.Use numbers to close the expectation and reality gap.Be clear. It’s the nicest thing you can do.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:23 E – R = C, explained.5:11 Keep your ideas in check.8:14 Know who you are.10:10 How to use E – R = C in your everyday life.14:30 You are not the most important person in your practice.22:06 Don't try to do everything yourself.23:50 Learn how to say no.28:43 Final thoughts.Dr. Christian Coachman Bio:Combining his advanced skills, experience, and technology solutions, Dr. Christian Coachman pioneered the Digital Smile Design methodology and founded Digital Smile Design company (DSD). Since its inception, thousands of dentists worldwide have attended DSD courses and workshops, such as the renowned DSD Residency program.Dr. Coachman is the developer of worldwide, well-known concepts such as the Digital Smile Design, the Pink Hybrid Implant Restoration, the Digital Planning Center, Emotional Dentistry, Interdisciplinary Treatment Simulation, and Digital Smile Donator. He regularly consults for dental industry companies, developing products, implementing concepts, and marketing strategies, such as the Facially Driven Digital Orthodontic Workflow developed in collaboration with Invisalign, Align Technology.

821: From Chaos to Control: How Systems Transform Your Practice – Miranda BeesonDo you want to save time, have more energy, and live a better life? For that to happen, you need systems! To help you figure out ways to optimize your practice, Kirk Behrendt brings back Miranda Beeson, ACT’s director of education, to share some of ACT’s proven strategies that will transform your practice. To learn how to eliminate chaos and save thousands of hours in the future, listen to Episode 821 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 Email the ACT Team for their free 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 821: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosMain Takeaways:By having systems in your practice, things will get better.People are important, but they don't run your business. Systems do!When things are chaotic, don't blame your team — blame the systems!Systems allow team members to grow, and you can stop micromanaging.Make sure you document your systems. Just talking about them isn't enough.Understand the 7 essentials and 11 considerations to have a healthy practice.Use the 80% rule when designing systems. Strive for 80% and improve upon it.Every time you create a system, you are saving thousands of hours in the future.Snippets:0:00 Introduction and ACT’s TTT, BPA, and Pro Coaching.4:13 Why having defined systems is important.9:18 Systems boost productivity.12:39 Become systems driven, not people dependent.13:45 Stop micromanaging.15:12 Give your best energy to things that matter most.21:19 Know what you're building and why.22:49 Systems, defined.23:47 Eleven considerations for designing systems: Start with why.25:08 Eleven considerations: Do this together as a team.27:04 Eleven considerations: Brainstorm what you're currently doing.28:16 Eleven considerations: Take specific, measurable, and actionable steps.31:47 Eleven considerations: Identify the who.36:04 Eleven considerations: Anticipate problems.39:37 Eleven considerations: Have a timeframe or time frequency.41:02 Eleven considerations: Don't strive for perfection.41:50 Eleven considerations: Ask good questions.42:47 Eleven considerations: Implement a timeline for reevaluation.43:31 Eleven considerations: Use a bullet point system.44:29 Five tips for writing down your systems.46:15 Use the 80% approach.48:46 Systems should answer six key questions.50:00 Seven essentials of a healthy practice: Communication rhythms.53:39 Seven essentials of a healthy practice: Financial policy.54:43 Seven essentials of a healthy practice: Managing accounts receivable.55:16 Seven essentials of a healthy practice: Scheduling.55:34 Seven essentials of a healthy practice: New patients experience.57:00 Seven essentials of a healthy practice: Hygiene recare.58:26 Seven essentials of a healthy practice: Unscheduled treatment system.59:38 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.

820: The Secrets to Successful Dental Partnerships: Insights from an Industry Expert – Paul SlettenYou want a partner for your practice. But where do you find one, and how do you make it work? To help you choose the right doctor for you and your team, Kirk Behrendt brings back Paul Sletten, founder of the Sletten Group, to share the secrets to a lasting, successful partnership. Life is too short for bad partnerships! To learn how to choose a good partner — and to be a good partner — listen to Episode 820 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Paul:Give Paul a call: (303) 699-0990Send Paul an email: paul@lifetransitions.com Learn more about the Sletten Group: https://theslettengroup.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 820: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosGet to know your personality with DiSC: https://www.thediscpersonalitytest.comUncover your instinctive strengths with Kolbe: https://www.kolbe.comDevelop your leadership with Culture Index: https://www.cultureindex.comDiscover your gifts with Working Genius: https://www.workinggenius.comMain Takeaways:A successful practice is not run by consensus. There is always a leader.Figure out who you are, your strengths, and your blind spots.Look for a partner who will fit your culture and core values.Choose a partner that you like, admire, and respect.Don't hire a partner based on credentials alone.Find a way out if you're in a bad partnership.Life is too short to be in toxic relationships!Stay aligned and updated on your vision.Leadership is a skill to be learned.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.0:38 Why this is an important topic.2:19 Partnerships, explained.5:15 How partnerships come together.10:12 Who will fit your practice culture?13:45 Choose someone you like, admire, and respect.16:27 Understand who you are.21:50 What to do if you're in a bad partnership.24:12 Embrace your designated roles.27:41 Stay aligned and continually update your vision.31:34 The key to a fulfilling life.32:57 Solo practice isn't dying.35:57 Do 50-50 partnerships work?39:14 Final thoughts and how to reach out to Paul.Paul Sletten Bio:Paul D. Sletten founded the Sletten Group, Inc. in 1975 in Denver, Colorado. They are in their 49th year of business and have developed an international clientele, having assisted and completed transitions in all 50 states, six provinces in Canada, and two states in Australia. They continue to exclusively work with fee-for-service dentists and their teams around the country.Paul has spoken at more than 285 dental meetings around the country. This includes almost all of the major dental meetings and numerous study clubs. The topics focus on all aspects of practice transitions — including buying a dental practice, selling a dental practice, and much more — as well as personal growth and development for dentists and team members.

Do you want a better practice in 2025? If you want more balance and more freedom in the new year, don't miss this episode! Kirk Behrendt brings back Miranda Beeson, ACT’s director of education, to reveal the keys to getting what you want out of life through your practice. To set yourself up for success for next year — and every year — listen to Episode 819 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 Email the ACT Team for their free 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 819: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosDownload ACT’s Creating Your Vision resource: https://23476641.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23476641/Creating%20Your%20Vision%20with%20Worksheet.pdfDownload ACT’s Identifying Your Practice’s Core Values guide: https://23476641.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23476641/Identify%20Your%20Practices%20Core%20Values.pdfRead The E-Myth Dentist: by Christopher Barrow and Michael G. Gerber: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-e-myth-dentist-christopher-barrow/9739339?ean=9781618350251Main Takeaways:Craft a vision for your practice.Develop your core purpose and core values.Align your leadership on vision, core purpose, and core values.Create a healthy culture by developing a trusting work environment.Consistently evaluate whether your core values are alive in your practice.Utilize data to measure the efficacy or inefficiencies of systems in your practice.Stay aligned with your team by having consistent meetings, check-ins, and huddles.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.2:03 Why this is an important topic.11:16 The origins of Better Practice, Better Life.17:44 The three pillars: Aligned.22:52 Align through meetings, check-ins, and huddles.27:48 The three pillars: Smart.31:12 Why you need a coach.37:22 The three pillars: Healthy.42:10 Develop your vision, core purpose, and core values.48:10 Final takeaways.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.

Sometimes, saying thank you just isn't enough. But gifts aren't always what people want either! So, how do you show gratitude and appreciation to your team? In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Michelle Wakeman, one of ACT’s amazing coaches, to reveal the five languages of appreciation to help you make your team feel valued at work. To learn the easiest way to improve your culture, increase productivity, and enjoy coming to work, listen to Episode 818 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 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 818: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosRead The 5 Languages of Love by Gary Chapman: https://5lovelanguages.com/store/the-5-love-languagesRead The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace: https://shop.appreciationatwork.com/products/the-5-languages-of-appreciation-in-the-workplace-1Main Takeaways:How you like to be shown appreciation is not the same for others.Learn the five languages of appreciation and how to express them.Most people like gifts. But it’s not the primary language of appreciation.Speak or write words of affirmation to show your appreciation for others.Perform acts of service. Even small gestures will mean a lot to your team.Quality time in the form of check-ins and team meetings will show you care.Appropriate physical touch can positively change the culture of your practice.Be genuine when showing appreciation. People can tell when it’s disingenuous.Do a team appreciation survey so that everyone knows one another’s language.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:53 Why this is an important topic.4:22 The five languages: Words of affirmation.7:55 The five languages: Quality time.10:16 The five languages: Acts of service.11:33 The five languages: Gifts.14:21 The five languages: Physical touch.16:11 Be genuine.16:58 How to systematize this in your practice.19:20 Have scheduled downtime.21:05 Final takeaways.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.

817: Smiles Not Sighs: 3 Steps to Implementing New Ideas in Your Practice – Courtney DaltonIs your team allergic to change? Do they sigh at every new idea you have? To start changing the way they react, keep listening to this episode! Kirk Behrendt brings back Courtney Dalton, one of ACT’s amazing coaches, to share three steps to get your team on board and excited for all of your future plans. To learn the most effective ways to get buy-in every single time, listen to Episode 817 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Courtney:Send Courtney an email: courtney@actdental.com Follow Courtney on ACT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actdentalSend Gina an email: gina@actdental.com Email the ACT Team for the Stages of Change tool: 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 817: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosDownload ACT’s Creating New Agreements, Policies, & Systems resource: https://23476641.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23476641/Creating%20New%20Agreements%2c%20Policies%2c%20&%20Systems.pdf  Main Takeaways:Help your team understand the why so they buy into your ideas.When your why is clear to your team, the how becomes much easier.Create a space where your team will feel safe, and their ideas will be heard.If your team feels heard, they will align with your ideas even if they don't agree.No weigh-in, no buy-in. Consistently check in with your team on where they are.Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast. Take your time so that you can do things right.Understand the five stages of change and support your team wherever they are at.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.0:58 Why this is an important topic.1:34 Alignment doesn't equal agreement.4:00 Start with why.9:41 How to get your team on board.14:36 Ask open-ended questions.16:27 Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast.19:24 Stages of change, explained.26:47 Final takeaways.Courtney Dalton, BS, RDH Bio:Courtney Dalton is a Lead Practice Coach who focuses on establishing a solid foundation in order for a practice to thrive. With over 15 years of experience in the dental industry, she is as passionate about patient care as she is about those who are providing it.

816: The 5 Most Important Questions in 2025 – Dr. Jim McKeeIf you want to enjoy dentistry, there are five questions you need to answer this year — and every year! To help you sustain a thriving practice, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Jim McKee, founder of Chicago Study Club, to share the five most important questions he wished he knew to answer early in his career. To learn how you can set a positive tone for your practice before the new year, listen to Episode 816 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Dr. McKee:Send Dr. McKee an email: jim@mckeedds.com Join Dr. McKee on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jim.mckee.104Register for Dr. McKee’s TMD Online course: https://courses.phelandentalseminars.com/tmd-pdsRegister for Dr. McKee’s Advanced Occlusion workshop: https://campus.speareducation.com/workshops/advanced-occlusion/details/syllabusRegister for Dr. McKee’s occlusion seminar: https://campus.speareducation.com/seminars/demystifying-occlusion-1/details/syllabusLearn about Chicago Study Club: https://chicagostudyclub.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 816: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosMain Takeaways:Answer these five questions to set the tone for your practice.Figure out the rooms and layout you need for your practice’s space.Think about how many team members you need and what to pay them.Go to study clubs. It is a more efficient CE experience than meetings alone.Know the cost to run your business so you know how much to charge patients.Have a strategy for getting patients — your ideal patients — through your doors.Consider the skill sets you want and need in order to attract above-the-line patients.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:16 The genesis of the five questions.3:56 How am I going to design my physical plant, and how much space do I need?14:42 How many staff members do I need to hire, and how much should I pay them?23:29 What are you going to do, and how are you going to get trained to do it?29:33 How much are you going to charge?35:16 How am I going to get patients to come in the door?39:16 Below-the-line and above-the-line patients, explained.43:36 How am I going to get patients to come in the door? Continued.52:47 Final thoughts.55:42 About Dr. McKee’s future courses and Chicago Study Club.Dr. Jim McKee Bio:Dr. Jim McKee is a member of the Spear Resident Faculty. He has maintained a private practice since 1984 in Downers Grove, Illinois, where he treats a wide variety of cases with a focus on predictable restorative dentistry. He is a member of the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry and former president of the American Equilibration Society. He has lectured both nationally and internationally for over 25 years and directs several study clubs. Dr. McKee graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1980 and earned his dental degree from the University of Illinois College of Dentistry in 1984.

815: The Profitable Practice Paradox: Growing Without More Chairs – Miranda BeesonWe’re taught that growth is good. But if you don't grow smart, you could be growing more while making less! To explain this paradox and help you become profitable, Kirk Behrendt brings back Miranda Beeson, ACT’s director of education, to explain how to increase profitability without adding more chairs, more hours, or more stress. To learn how to make your practice better, not just bigger, listen to Episode 815 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 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 815: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosRead Miranda’s blog, Mastering Collections: How to Achieve 100% Financial Goals for Dental Practices: https://www.actdental.com/blog/mastering-collections-how-to-achieve-100-financial-goals-for-dental-practicesMain Takeaways:Define what growth means for you.Focus on making your practice better, not bigger.Understand your write-offs, collections, and overhead.Growth for the sake of growth will wear your practice thin.Maximize your existing resources! You don't need to add to grow.You can grow your practice by collecting more of what you produce.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.0:49 ACT’s To The Top, BPA, and Pro Coaching.5:30 Why this is important.14:35 Understanding write-offs: Insurance adjustments.25:53 Understanding write-offs: Membership plan adjustments.27:39 Understanding write-offs: Elective adjustments.32:25 Collect what you produce.36:40 Understand overhead.44:57 Where did all my money go?54:44 Final takeaways.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.