The Best Practices Show with Kirk Behrendt

Today, there is so much information online. So, how do you know who to trust? In this special episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Barrett Straub, ACT’s CEO, and Miranda Beeson, ACT’s director of education, to announce the BPA app, an amazing new tool that provides a solution for every problem you will ever face in dentistry. Stop seeking bad Facebook advice! To be part of a space full of love, support, and guidance, get the new BPA app and listen to Episode 844 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Dr. Straub & Miranda:Send Dr. Straub an email: barrett@actdental.com Join Dr. Straub on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barrett.d.straubSend Miranda an email: miranda@actdental.com Follow Miranda on ACT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actdentalDownload 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_US  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 844: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosMain Takeaways:Stop getting advice from Facebook. Not all of it is bad, but most are not helpful.Even if you're not seeking community, get the BPA app! It is full of resources.Support and optimize your team with the BPA app. It’s not just for dentists!Get more than practice advice from the BPA app. Connect with your tribe!Think better by using the BPA app. This is where the best minds will be!Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:38 About ACT’s BPA and new BPA app.3:17 Why the BPA app is important.6:35 How to get the BPA app.8:20 What the BPA app provides.15:22 About TTT and Pro Coaching.17:13 Find connection through the BPA app.18:28 How the BPA app will help train and support your team.21:07 Other key benefits of the BPA app.23:17 Where to get the BPA app.24:33 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.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.

It takes years to build trust, and only seconds to break it. So, how do you strengthen and maintain such a fragile part of your practice? To help you cultivate trust between you, your team, and your patients, Kirk Behrendt brings back Ariel Juday, one of ACT’s amazing coaches, to share the six common ways trust is broken and the steps you can take to avoid them. To create the foundation of a healthy practice, listen to Episode 843 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Ariel:Send Ariel an email: ariel@actdental.com Follow Ariel 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 843: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosDownload ACT’s How Trustworthy are You? tool: https://23476641.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23476641/How%20Trustworthy%20Are%20You.pdfDownload ACT’s Building an Appreciative Workplace tool: https://23476641.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23476641/Building%20Appreciation%20in%20the%20Workplace-%20original%20(1).pdfDownload ACT’s Communication Rhythms tool: https://23476641.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23476641/ACT_Dental_-_Communication_Rhythms_DL.pdfMain Takeaways:Keep your word and manage expectations.Be upfront, transparent, and communicate clearly.Treat everyone fairly and give your team equal respect.Seek and listen to feedback, then follow through on them.Show accountability. Acknowledge and learn from your mistakes.Only set realistic expectations that you can deliver on consistently.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:11 Why this is an important topic.4:33 Keep your word.9:36 Be upfront and transparent.15:07 Don't play favorites.20:01 Listen to feedback.27:33 Show accountability.29:52 Under-promise and over-deliver.31:48 Final takeaways.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!

Women have made progress in business and leadership. But they still face many challenges — especially when running a dental practice. If you are a woman struggling in this space, you are not alone! To help you thrive in work and in life, Kirk Behrendt brings back Allison Lacoursiere, founder of Clear Coaching, to share the secrets that will double your skill set, confidence, and income. To learn how to transform your practice and achieve work-life balance with AI, listen to Episode 842 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Allison:Send Allison an email: allison@yourclearalignercoach.com Follow Allison on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourclearalignercoachFollow Women in Digital Dentistry on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womenindigitaldentistryLearn more about Clear Coaching: https://www.yourclearalignercoach.comLearn more about Women in Digital Dentistry: https://www.womenindigitaldentistry.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 842: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosRead 10x is Easier Than 2x by Dan Sullivan: https://10xeasierbook.comTry NotebookLM: https://notebooklm.googleTry Pearl AI: https://www.hellopearl.comLearn more about EOS: https://www.eosworldwide.comMain Takeaways:Dentistry is not men against women. It’s about moving forward together.Figure out what is truly important to you and prioritize those things.Learn about AI and how to use it ASAP. It is the way of the future.Utilizing digital tools will free up time for the things that matter.Don't just do more. Do things differently and strategically.As you think, you get. Think better and stay positive.Slow down in order to speed up progress.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:29 Allison’s background.2:57 Don't do more — do differently.5:31 The struggles of women in business and leadership.7:47 It’s not men against women.11:14 About Women in Digital Dentistry.13:24 Why understanding AI is important.15:33 How AI helps with human connection.17:54 How AI can make you a better dentist.21:33 Align your actions with your vision.23:14 Know what is important to you.27:04 The pain gap, explained.29:15 Slow down to speed up.30:45 Final thoughts.32:35 More about Women in Digital Dentistry.Allison Lacoursiere, RDA, OA, CPC, ELI-MP Bio:Allison Lacoursiere, the creator of the Clear Aligner Systemization methodology and founder of Clear Coaching, is a leading expert in Clear Aligner Operations. With over a decade of dental experience and multiple certifications, including Registered Dental Assistant and Orthodontic Assistant, Allison collaborates with dental practices to optimize efficiency and boost productivity.As a dedicated female leadership coach, Allison is passionate about empowering women in dentistry and helping them reach their full potential. She has a deep commitment to advancing women's roles within the field. Allison is a respected faculty member of Align Technology, Upgrade Dental, and the Dental Speakers Institute. Her passion for coaching and consulting extends to helping dental offices enhance their culture and revenue by streamlining operations and improving team dynamics.

People want six-packs and Lamborghinis. But those don't lead to a better life! To share the foundation for satisfaction and fulfilment, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Uche Odiatu, one of ACT’s favorite health and wellness gurus, to explain the three pillars of self-improvement for the new year and beyond. To learn how to care for your mind, body, and soul, listen to Episode 841 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Dr. Odiatu: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 the Bulletproof Health Retreat (February 20-23, 2025): https://www.tickettailor.com/events/bulletproofdentalpractice/1399192Register for Dr. Odiatu’s Transform Your Body – Transform Your Life! course (August 2, 2025): https://www.pccdental.com/products/product/transform-your-body-transform-your-lifeMore 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 841: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosListen to The Peter Attia Drive podcast: https://peterattiamd.com/podcastRead Outlive by Peter Attia: https://peterattiamd.com/outliveRead Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself by Joe Dispenza: https://drjoedispenza.com/product-details/Breaking%20the%20Habit%20of%20Being%20YourselfLearn more about the Gottman Method: https://www.gottman.comTry the Oura Ring: https://ouraring.comMain Takeaways:Slow and steady wins the health race. There is power in consistency.Don't have an all-or-nothing mindset when it comes to your health.Make time for moments of quiet. This is where your ideas flow.Strengthen relationships to improve your mental well-being.Most successful people choose to exercise regularly.Keep a little bit of inconvenience in your life.No amount of alcohol is safe for you.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:15 Dr. Odiatu’s background.3:26 The three pillars, explained.5:25 What we get wrong about New Year’s resolutions.6:36 Slow and steady wins the race.9:33 A little inconvenience is good for the body.11:34 Insights come in moments of quiet.14:44 85% of CEOs exercise regularly.16:09 Work on your relationships.22:13 Final thoughts.24:04 Dr. Odiatu’s future courses.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.

You have ideas of what makes a good leader. But some of those are myths — and they're holding you back! To dispel those myths and help you grow as a leader, Kirk Behrendt brings back Adriana Booth, one of ACT’s amazing coaches, to share the truth about great leadership and how to do it right. To learn how your leadership can unleash your team’s true potential, listen to Episode 840 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/adrimariebEmail the ACT team for their free resources: info@actdental.com Send 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 840: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosDownload ACT’s Fostering a Culture of Productive Conflict resource: https://23476641.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23476641/Fostering%20a%20Culture.pdfDownload ACT’s How Trustworthy Are You? resource: https://23476641.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23476641/How%20Trustworthy%20Are%20You.pdfDownload ACT’s Leadership Health Score resource: https://23476641.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23476641/Leadership%20Health%20Score.pdfGet to know your personality with DiSC: https://www.thediscpersonalitytest.comUncover your instinctive strengths with Kolbe: https://www.kolbe.comDiscover your gifts with Working Genius: https://www.workinggenius.comRead How to Know a Person by David Brooks: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/652822/how-to-know-a-person-by-david-brooksLearn about Gino Wickman’s IDS: https://www.eosworldwide.com/clarity-break/how-can-your-team-solve-issues-in-half-the-timeMain Takeaways:You don't need to do everything alone. Empower your team to help you.Great leaders show vulnerability and are open about their weaknesses.A good leader asks good questions. They don't have all the answers.Conflict isn't always bad. It can be productive when you do it right.Stop micromanaging your team! They are smart and capable.Growing as a leader benefits you as well as your team.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:32 Why this is an important topic.2:37 Get rid of limiting beliefs.4:02 Don't try to do it all alone.8:26 Show your weaknesses.11:25 Conflict is important.20:55 You don't have to be in control.25:21 No one has all the answers.30:15 Final thoughts.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.

Loyal patients are your greatest assets. Not only are they your best patients — they are your best ambassadors! To help you attract more of these people to your practice, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Barrett Straub, ACT’s CEO, with clear, simple steps to provide the ultimate patient experience. To learn how to increase patient satisfaction, trust, and positive referrals, listen to Episode 839 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.straubRegister 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-1012960511157Email the ACT Team for their free resources: info@actdental.com Send 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 839: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosWatch ACT’s webinars: https://www.actdental.com/125Read How to Know a Person by David Brooks: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/652822/how-to-know-a-person-by-david-brooksMain Takeaways:Give each patient a personalized greeting.Assess your practice through the patients’ eyes.Avoid labeling your patients or making assumptions.Connect with patients by being comforting and attentive.Complete the patient experience with an elegant hand-off.Signal that you care through verbal and non-verbal behaviors.Snippets:0:00 ACT’s TTT, BPA, and Pro Coaching.6:57 Why it’s important to create an intentional patient experience.9:57 Word-of-mouth drives growth.12:04 Trust and loyalty build long-term relationships.13:13 How many patients do you actually need?16:31 Assess your physical environment.22:30 Be selective about what you put on your monitors.24:28 Greet patients with warmth and positivity.29:36 Avoid labels and assumptions.35:42 Make patients feel special.46:11 Practice active listening and rapport building.48:22 Be attentive to patients’ needs and promote comfort.51:51 Finish the patient experience with an elegant hand-off.55:30 Final takeaways.56:22 Conclusion.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.

Are you always feeling busy, but not being productive? Then it’s time to fix your schedule! To help you have more meaningful and profitable days at work, Kirk Behrendt brings back Robyn Theisen, one of ACT’s amazing coaches, to share four scheduling hacks that will organize your time. To learn how you can produce more without working more days, listen to Episode 838 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Robyn:Send Robyn an email: robyn@actdental.com Follow Robyn 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 838: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosDownload ACT’s Color Coding and Block Scheduling guide: https://23476641.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23476641/Color%20Coding%2c%20Block%20Scheduling%2c%20and%20Ideal%20Day%20Scheduling.pdfMain Takeaways:Don't just fill slots. Plan your day based on the revenue you want to generate.Schedule your high-production blocks in the first five hours of your day.Dovetail doctor time and assistant time to maximize productivity.Appoint team members to protect your schedule.Give assistants ownership of the schedule.Block out time for new patients.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.0:53 Why this is an important topic.2:53 Set a daily production goal.5:46 Block scheduling, explained.7:04 Have someone who protects your time.7:44 Are you overbooking your schedule?8:54 Don't override the power you give team members.9:47 Schedule high-production blocks in the first five hours.11:36 People will make time for what they value.13:29 Block out emergencies.14:35 Dovetail the dentist’s and assistant’s time.17:15 Block out time for new patients.17:49 Challenges in scheduling new patients.23:15 Final takeaways.Robyn Theisen Bio:Robyn Theisen brings an entire life and legacy of dental experience to the team and every team with which she works as the daughter and sister of dentists. With almost 20 years of experience in dentistry, her roles ranged from practice management to operations at Patterson Dental to coaching teams. Robyn’s passion is empowering teams to realize that they can dramatically impact the lives of the people they serve by implementing skills and systems to remove barriers to life-changing dental treatment. She has done it for decades and does it every day with dental teams.Outside of coaching, she enjoys time with her husband, Rob, and two daughters, Emerson and Ruby. She loves traveling, music, fitness, and cheering on the Michigan State Spartans.

If dentistry were a game, it’s checkers and chess. But how do you know when a case is one or the other? To help you win no matter which game you're playing, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Jim McKee, founder of Chicago Study Club, to share how to distinguish simple from complex cases so you can increase treatment success. Stop playing chess with the rules of checkers! To learn how to master the game you're playing, listen to Episode 837 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 Occlusion in Everyday Practice seminar (April 11-12, 2025): https://campus.speareducation.com/in-person-seminars/occlusion-in-everyday-practice/details/syllabusRegister 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/syllabusRegister for Dr. McKee’s TMD Online course: https://courses.phelandentalseminars.com/tmd-pdsLearn 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 837: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosMain Takeaways:Know whether your cases are like checkers or chess. Is it simple or more complex?Learn how to give patients realistic expectations when discussing treatment.Become a physician of the masticatory system, not just a tooth carpenter.Develop your occlusion and TMD skill sets to boost practice growth.No one wants to do TMD and occlusion. So, be the one to do it!Occlusion and TMD are in more demand than you realize.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.0:55 Playing chess versus playing checkers.5:51 Frame your patients’ expectations.10:00 Learn about occlusion and TMD.16:44 Don't play chess with the rules of checkers.23:26 Change how you talk to patients.29:03 The fastest way to boost your practice.32:04 Occlusion and TMD isn't as difficult as you think.36:43 Final thoughts.39:30 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. (Audio) (Need to update timestamps)836: 3 Reasons to Stop Adding Chairs – Christina ByrneGrowth can be exciting. But bigger isn't always better! To explain why you should think twice before adding more chairs, Kirk Behrendt brings back Christina Byrne, ACT’s director of operations, with advice for maximizing the chairs, patients, and time that you already have. Get better, not bigger! To learn the right questions to ask yourself before trying to expand, listen to Episode 836 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Christina:Send Christina an email: christina@actdental.com Send 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 836: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosDownload ACT’s GAPs At a Glace resource: https://23476641.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23476641/47%20The%20Financial%20GAPs%20at%20a%20Glance%20-%2005.pdfDownload ACT’s PPO Roadmap resource: https://23476641.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23476641/ACT%20Dental%20PPO%20Roadmap.pdfMain Takeaways:Bigger isn't necessarily better for your practice.Understand and correct your practice’s inefficiencies.Start by maximizing the use of chairs you already have.Stick to your blocked schedule to keep your hours profitable.Reactivating existing patients is easier than attracting new ones.Put a system in place to increase your date-of-service collections.Be clear about why you want to expand. What are your motivations?Avoid unnecessary overhead expenses. What is the cost of expansion?Snippets:0:00 Introduction.0:41 Why this is an important topic.7:38 Maximize the utilization of chairs you have.10:07 Honor your blocked scheduling.10:43 Figure out how to reactivate patients.11:35 Have everyone be accountable to their schedules.13:35 Track hygiene reappointment percentage.14:58 Know exactly what you're writing off.17:13 Collect at least 99% of net production.19:32 Give people grace when changing your systems.20:24 Avoid unnecessary overhead expenses.22:32 Expand for the right reasons.22:56 Think about the tangible and intangible costs of expansion.26:34 Final takeaways.Christina Byrne Bio:Christina Byrne has been involved in dentistry since 1985. Over the years, she has held many positions on the dental team, including dental assistant, business office, and dental hygienist. Christina’s extensive knowledge of the front office and clinical procedures is a great asset, and she loves to impart her knowledge to guide dental teams do the best they can to achieve a Better Practice, Better Life! 

Growth can be exciting. But bigger isn't always better! To explain why you should think twice before adding more chairs, Kirk Behrendt brings back Christina Byrne, ACT’s director of operations, with advice for maximizing the chairs, patients, and time that you already have. Get better, not bigger! To learn the right questions to ask yourself before trying to expand, listen to Episode 836 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Christina:Send Christina an email: christina@actdental.com Send 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 836: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosDownload ACT’s GAPs At a Glace resource: https://23476641.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23476641/47%20The%20Financial%20GAPs%20at%20a%20Glance%20-%2005.pdfDownload ACT’s PPO Roadmap resource: https://23476641.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23476641/ACT%20Dental%20PPO%20Roadmap.pdfMain Takeaways:Bigger isn't necessarily better for your practice.Understand and correct your practice’s inefficiencies.Start by maximizing the use of chairs you already have.Stick to your blocked schedule to keep your hours profitable.Reactivating existing patients is easier than attracting new ones.Put a system in place to increase your date-of-service collections.Be clear about why you want to expand. What are your motivations?Avoid unnecessary overhead expenses. What is the cost of expansion?Snippets:0:00 Introduction.0:41 Why this is an important topic.7:38 Maximize the utilization of chairs you have.10:07 Honor your blocked scheduling.10:43 Figure out how to reactivate patients.11:35 Have everyone be accountable to their schedules.13:35 Track hygiene reappointment percentage.14:58 Know exactly what you're writing off.17:13 Collect at least 99% of net production.19:32 Give people grace when changing your systems.20:24 Avoid unnecessary overhead expenses.22:32 Expand for the right reasons.22:56 Think about the tangible and intangible costs of expansion.26:34 Final takeaways.Christina Byrne Bio:Christina Byrne has been involved in dentistry since 1985. Over the years, she has held many positions on the dental team, including dental assistant, business office, and dental hygienist. Christina’s extensive knowledge of the front office and clinical procedures is a great asset, and she loves to impart her knowledge to guide dental teams do the best they can to achieve a Better Practice, Better Life!

What's worth more than a good paycheck? It’s a strong, positive work culture! But what does it take to create one, and how do you know when you have it? To demystify what team members truly want in their work environment, Kirk Behrendt brings back Miranda Beeson, ACT’s director of education, with a framework for understanding and creating a great team culture. Paying people more won't solve your problems! To learn how to give your team the best emotional paycheck, listen to Episode 835 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/actdentalRegister 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/bpaSend 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 835: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosDownload ACT’s Right People Scorecard resource: https://23476641.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23476641/Instructions%20for%20Right%20People%20Scorecard.pdfRead Radical Candor by Kim Scott: https://www.radicalcandor.com/the-bookRead Thanks for the Feedback by Douglas Stone and Sheila Heen: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/313485/thanks-for-the-feedback-by-douglas-stone-and-sheila-heenMain Takeaways:Everything starts with your core values.Find the right people who fit your core values.Showcase your core values in the hiring process.Integrate core values early in your onboarding process.Get your team involved in the hiring and onboarding process.Consistently measure your team’s performance with core values.Keep your core values alive in the halls, not just hanging on the walls.Snippets:0:00 ACT’s TTT, BPA, and Pro Coaching.3:02 Culture, explained.7:40 Sometimes, 1 + 1 = 11.10:45 Why culture is important in your dental practice.13:09 The role of core values in recruitment.14:47 Why core values matter in hiring.21:10 Great culture leads to greater fulfilment.24:17 Change the way you look at things.25:34 How to showcase core values in the hiring process.26:13 Ask intentional, value-based questions.30:30 How to showcase core values in the hiring process.31:45 Why you need to integrate core values early in onboarding.33:52 How to integrate core values in onboarding.37:18 Find your competitive advantage.38:19 Why you need to use core values as a performance measure.41:26 How to measure performance with core values.50:54 Q&A: Is it best to address negative job performance when they occur, or at a check-in?56:53 Q&A: How can we refocus the “I deserve to be paid more” conversation?1:01:45 Q&A: Who should conduct check-ins and quarter reviews?1:02:38 Conclusion.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.