
The Best Practices Show with Kirk Behrendt
Welcome to The Best Practices Show, hosted by Kirk Behrendt, founder of ACT Dental (https://www.actdental.com/) and a leader in dental practice coaching. This podcast is your gateway to discovering the hidden gems and tactics used by the most successful dental practices worldwide.
At ACT Dental, we have meticulously curated strategies that have consistently proven effective in elevating dental practices. Our podcast, The Best Practices Show, extends our commitment to sharing this wealth of knowledge. Each episode features interviews with renowned dental professionals and industry leaders who have made significant strides in their practices. They share their experiences, insights, and the challenges they've overcome, offering a unique perspective that you won't find anywhere else.
Why should you listen to The Best Practices Show? Whether you're a seasoned dentist, a new practice owner, or somewhere in between, this podcast is tailored to inspire and educate. Our goal is not just to provide you with information but to transform the way you think about and run your dental practice. We delve into topics ranging from advanced clinical techniques and practice management to leadership skills and personal growth.
Kirk Behrendt, a respected figure in the dental community, brings his vast experience and infectious enthusiasm to each episode, making complex topics both understandable and engaging. As the CEO of ACT Dental, Kirk has helped countless dental practices thrive by focusing on holistic development - professionally, personally, and within their community.
Our commitment to authenticity and practical advice sets The Best Practices Show apart. We don't just talk about theories; we dive into real-life applications you can implement immediately in your practice. Our community-centric approach means we're always listening to our audience and constantly evolving our content to meet your needs.
In addition to the invaluable insights from our guests, we also provide access to exclusive resources available through ACT Dental. These resources complement the podcast topics and give you a more comprehensive understanding and practical tools to apply in your practice.
By subscribing to The Best Practices Show, you're not just gaining access to a podcast; you're joining a community of like-minded professionals committed to excellence in dentistry.
So, are you ready to transform your practice and be the best version of yourself? Join us on this journey, and let's grow together. Hit subscribe and never miss an episode of The Best Practices Show – where we uncover the secrets to the success of the world's best dental practices, one episode at a time.
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Join our community and start your journey towards a more innovative, more successful dental practice today!
Latest episodes

Jun 26, 2024 • 1h 16min
750: The 15 Nightmares of Every Lab When You Scan – Dr. Christian Coachman
A scanner can do amazing things — if you know how to use it! If you don't, it leads to frustration for you, your patients, and your lab. To help you overcome the barriers and become a master at scanning, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Christian Coachman, founder of Digital Smile Design, to reveal 15 scanning nightmares that you can learn to identify and avoid. To start improving your scans and have a better relationship with your lab, listen to Episode 750 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.comRegister for the DSD Provider course (October 7, 2024, and November 11, 2024): https://digitalsmiledesign.com/dsd-providerRegister for DSD Residency 1 On Demand: https://digitalsmiledesign.com/dsd-residency-1-on-demandListen to Dr. Coachman’s podcast, Coffee Break with Coachman: https://open.spotify.com/show/4ADCrWhqsUKbHmZtkhhgoBIOS-F1 Festival (May 2025, the weekend of F1): Registration TBAMore 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 750: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosRead Digital Dental Revolution by Alessandro Agnini and Andrea Mastrorosa Agnini: https://www.quintessence-publishing.com/usa/en/product/digital-dental-revolutionTry Loom: https://www.loom.comMain Takeaways:You need to be a great dentist before mastering the scanner.Be upfront with your lab about limitations and challenges.Always analyze your scans before sending it to the lab.In the digital world, there is no excuse for bad scans.Don't pretend like you don't see scanning problems.Modernize your communication by utilizing AI.Utilize your CAD software for the best scans.Train your assistants in proper scanning.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:04 Why this is an important topic and about IOS-F1 Festival.5:14 A scanner isn't a magic solution.9:25 Two-thirds of cases sent to the lab should be rejected.12:43 Master the process of creating a precise patient avatar.14:29 Find the real problems that need to be solved.21:13 Lab nightmares: Poor mesh resolution.24:20 Lab nightmares: Interproximal scan distortion.28:34 Lab nightmares: Finishing lines that are not visible.31:00 Modernize your communication.37:37 Lab nightmares: Sharp angles.39:29 Lab nightmares: Clearance.41:25 Lab nightmares: Prep margin designs.44:19 Lab nightmares: Undercuts.47:33 Lab nightmares: Not getting the ideal soft tissue information.51:22 Lab nightmares: The bite.56:29 Lab nightmares: No scans and pictures of the provisional.58:13 Lab nightmares: The picture and scan of the provisional is bad.58:54 Lab nightmares: Noise on the scan body region.59:54 Lab nightmares: Wrong height of scan body.1:00:05 Lab nightmares: Scan body is wrongly scanned or placed.1:00:35 Lab nightmares: Poor choice of scan body.1:01:09 Lab nightmares: Full-arch scan distortion.1:02:42 Types of scans and teaching team members to scan.1:06:39 The vision of IOS-F1 Festival and 2025 course dates.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.

Jun 24, 2024 • 46min
749: When is the Right Time to Take the Right CE? – Dr. Christopher Mazzola
749: When is the Right Time to Take the Right CE? – Dr. Christopher MazzolaContinuing education is critical for your practice. But if you don't take the right ones at the right time, it could be harmful for you and your team! To help you optimize your CE experience, Kirk Behrendt brings in Dr. Christopher Mazzola, a CE provider from the Pankey Institute, to share his insights into when, where, what, and how to take courses that will elevate your practice. To learn how to stop wasting time and money when taking CE, listen to Episode 749 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Dr. Mazzola:Join Dr. Mazzola on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christopher.d.mazzolaFollow Dr. Mazzola on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christopherdmazzoladdsRegister for Dr. Mazzola’s Mastering Dental Photography: From Start to Finish course (October 10-12, 2024): https://pankey.org/course-category/mdpRegister for Dr. Mazzola’s Mastering Treatment Planning course (October 2-4, 2025): https://pankey.org/course-category/mtpMore 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 749: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosRead The Song of Significance by Seth Godin: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/736958/the-song-of-significance-by-seth-godinRead Hidden Potential by Adam Grant: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/719611/hidden-potential-by-adam-grant/?ref=PRH0ACEFFE3D63E&aid=43830&linkid=PRH0ACEFFE3D63EMain Takeaways:Are you going to CE for education or edutainment?Work on the health of your practice before taking any CE.CE can drive a wedge into your team if you're not aligned first.Remember that your team can become overwhelmed very quickly.Take time to implement your learnings. Don't see patients the day after CE.Don't take CE just to take it. You won't gain anything by speeding through it.There are amazing webinars out there, but CE should all be taken in-person.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:27 Dr. Mazzola’s background.3:14 Dr. Mazzola’s CE courses at the Pankey Institute.4:22 Why this is an important topic.7:52 Figure out the type of dentistry you want to do.10:43 Don't see patients right after taking CE.13:24 CE challenges in a multi-doctor practice.15:32 Know what you're investing in beforehand.17:32 What CE has taught Dr. Mazzola about himself.18:45 Get rid of limiting beliefs and imposter syndrome.20:36 Work on your practice culture before taking CE.23:40 How core values are relevant to CE.25:54 Get your significant other on board.30:57 Why CE should be taken in-person.33:32 The importance of connection and relationships in CE.35:19 The future of CE.37:58 Start your own study club.39:03 Final thoughts.42:20 Write your struggles down.Dr. Christopher Mazzola Bio:Dr. Christopher Mazzola was born and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He attended the University of Michigan for his undergraduate studies where he graduated with honors with a Chemical Engineering Degree. During his undergraduate studies, he conducted research with dental school faculty on materials to aid in patients’ healing after dental surgery. He then continued his education at Michigan where he completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree. While in dental school, he was awarded the University of Michigan American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Award for his research in the clinical application of CAD/CAM technology in dentistry.Prior to joining Traverse Dental Associates, Dr. Mazzola owned a practice in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he was named one of the area’s 2013 TopDentists™. He continued with education focusing on communication and technology in private practice. He has also served as an instructor and mentor for new graduates focusing on patient interactions and CEREC CAD/CAM Technology.In his spare time, Dr. Mazzola enjoys spending time with his wife, Christina, his children, Baylor and Eliana, and his three dogs, Isabelle, Lola, and Aspen. He tries to stay active through competitive CrossFit, golfing, running, and skiing. He is looking forward to watching his family grow in the amazing community that is Traverse City!

Jun 21, 2024 • 42min
748: Breaking Millennial Stereotypes in Dentistry – Dr. Sully Sullivan
748: Breaking Millennial Stereotypes in Dentistry – Dr. Sully SullivanWhat is slow-moving, parasitic, and dwells in basements? Millennials — depending on who you ask! But the reality, for the most part, is very different. To debunk some common myths and stereotypes and to share his insights into the millennial mindset, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Sully Sullivan, host and creator of the Millennial Dentist Podcast. To hear what this generation has to offer dentistry, listen to Episode 748 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Dr. Sullivan:Join Dr. Sullivan on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sully3Follow Dr. Sullivan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/millennialdentistLearn more about the Millennial Dentist: https://millennialdentist.comListen to the Millennial Dentist Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1c1EeLi9XrrpQ9zPsLiT7PLearn more about 3D Dentists: https://3d-dentists.comSend Meredith at 3D Dentists an email: meredith@3d-dentists.com Learn more about Smile 3D: https://smile-3d.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 748: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosMain Takeaways:Level up your clinical skill sets.Train your team to be patient-centric.Understand the consumer’s buying process.Learn to pivot how you sell based on consumer pain points.Keep investing in and pouring into yourself. That return will be invaluable.Your time is valuable. Set your fees around your time rather than other costs.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.2:36 Dr. Sullivan’s background.4:30 The story behind the Millennial Dentist.6:42 Get off the hamster wheel of misery.10:00 How to become a $100,000-month dentist.11:10 About 3D Dentists and Smile 3D.12:41 Understand the buying process.19:49 Set your fees around your time.21:50 Train your team to be patient-centric.26:39 Give patients options.29:41 Understand how consumers buy products and services.31:24 Get rid of your limiting beliefs.32:54 Why you need to level up your clinical skills.34:56 Final thoughts.36:47 More about 3D Dentists and recommend courses.39:29 More about the Millennial Dentist Podcast.Dr. Sully Sullivan Bio:Dr. Sully is a fourth-generation dentist from Nashville, Tennessee. After receiving his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Tennessee, he moved back to Nashville to practice with his father. By continuing to invest in his education through adult orthodontics, soft tissue grafting, dental implants, third-molar extractions, and obstructive sleep apnea, he helped double his practice in just 24 months. As a millennial, he truly believes in “working smarter, not harder”, which has led him to utilize technology to not only deliver better patient care but more efficient care.Dr. Sully regularly uses CEREC, 3D imaging with Galileos, 3D printing, and multiple lasers. In addition to his practice, he started the Millennial Dentist Podcast in February of 2017 to help push his fellow colleagues to take their dental careers to the next level. He lectures around the country on cone beam technology, CAD/CAM dentistry, obstructive sleep apnea, and practice management. He is also an ambassador for the 3D Dentist teaching facility in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Jun 19, 2024 • 25min
747: 3 Keys to Maximizing Collections – Ariel Juday
747: 3 Keys to Maximizing Collections – Ariel JudayTake a handful of money and put it in the trash. Every time you don't collect, that's exactly what you're doing. If you want to keep more of what you earn, don't miss this episode! Kirk Behrendt brings back Ariel Juday, one of ACT’s amazing coaches, to share three keys that will raise your team’s confidence when collecting from your patients. To start collecting what you're worth, listen to Episode 747 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/actdentalMore 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 747: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosWatch Episode 662: Work Less, Earn More: The Dentist’s Blueprint to a Dream Practice & Life: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YL1-tiIzBssRead ACT’s 5 Tips for Billing Your Full Fee: https://www.actdental.com/blog/5-tips-for-billing-your-full-feeACT’s 9-Step Checklist to Improve Collections at Your Practice: https://www.actdental.com/free-resources/9-step-guide-to-improve-collectionsMain Takeaways:Set a clearly defined financial policy.Have a clearly defined billing process.Align with your team on what collection means.Understand the barriers your admin team faces.Have countermeasures in place for difficult patients.Train and develop your team’s communication skills.Take time to practice collection techniques with your team.Get rid of your limiting beliefs about patients who can't pay.You should be collecting 100% or more. It’s what you deserve.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.2:08 Why maximizing collections is important.3:58 Have a clearly defined financial policy.8:22 Have a clearly defined billing process.10:13 Your admin team are the gatekeepers.11:25 Friends don't owe friends money.13:14 Train your team on communication techniques.14:26 Take time to train and develop team members.17:16 Know your blind spots to overcome them.19:41 Final takeaways.20:34 What should your net collections percentage be?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!

Jun 17, 2024 • 1h 7min
746: Culture Catalyst: Igniting Practice Growth Through Leadership! – Miranda Beeson & Adriana Booth
A great practice culture doesn't just happen — it all starts with leadership. But what does it mean to be a strong leader? Who can become one? How do you do it? To answer these questions, Kirk Behrendt brings back Miranda Beeson and Adriana Booth, two of ACT’s amazing coaches, so you can improve your practice culture and enjoy being at work. When leaders get better, practices get better! To become the leader you deserve to be, listen to Episode 746 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Miranda & Adriana:Send Miranda an email: miranda@actdental.com Follow Miranda on ACT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actdentalSend Adriana an email: adriana@actdental.com Join Adriana on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adriana.boothFollow Adriana on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adrimariebSend 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 entire webinar here: https://www.actdental.com/115Watch the video version of Episode 746: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosRead The Work of Leaders by Julie Straw, Mark Scullard, Susie Kukkonen,, and Barry Davis: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-work-of-leaders-julie-straw/11221614?ean=9781118636534Read Primal Leadership by Daniel Goleman, Richard E. Boyatzis, and Annie McKee: https://bookshop.org/p/books/primal-leadership-unleashing-the-power-of-emotional-intelligence-richard-e-boyatzis/9050044?ean=9781422168035Read Difficult Conversations Don't Have to Be Difficult by Amy P. Kelly and Jon Gordon.: https://bookshop.org/p/books/difficult-conversations-don-t-have-to-be-difficult-amy-p-kelly/18963080?ean=9781394187171Main Takeaways:Understand the six leadership styles and identify the type of leader you are.Championing culture is the most important thing you will do as a leader.Develop emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and social awareness.Core values is also critical to having a great culture in your practice.Be aware of negative emotions and find ways to regulate them.Work on these soft skills like you do with your clinical skills.CE and equipment will only take your practice so far.Everyone is a leader in the practice.Leadership is a learned skill.Practice mindfulness.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:33 About ACT’s TTT and BPA.7:01 Culture, explained.10:09 Leadership, explained.12:20 Who is considered a leader?14:31 Intentionally champion positive culture.19:36 Create vision and alignment.21:50 What type of leader are you?23:01 CE alone won't get you very far.25:21 Six leadership styles: The visionary.28:26 Six leadership styles: Coaching.29:55 Six leadership styles: Affiliative.31:18 Six leadership styles: Democratic.33:03 Six leadership styles: Pace setting.35:51 Six leadership styles: Commanding.38:51 What would your team say is your leadership style?39:21 IQ versus EQ.40:19 Emotional intelligence and self-awareness, explained.45:39 Find ways to regulate your emotions.51:22 Develop self-awareness and social awareness.54:11 Ways to improve self-awareness.58:43 Final thoughts.Miranda Beeson, MS, BSDH Bio:Miranda Beeson, MS, BSDH, 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.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.

Jun 14, 2024 • 45min
745: The 7 Steps to Move From Traditional Dentistry to Ideal Dentistry – Dr. Christian Coachman
Your practice may be great. But you can always make it better! To help your business improve and evolve, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Christian Coachman, founder of Digital Smile Design, to talk about his upcoming DSD Provider course and to share seven steps to move toward ideal dentistry. To learn the best way to give your patients a better experience and better outcome, listen to Episode 745 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.comRegister for the DSD Provider course (October 7, 2024 to November 11, 2024): https://digitalsmiledesign.com/dsd-providerRegister for DSD Residency 1: https://digitalsmiledesign.com/dsd-residency-1-on-demandListen to Dr. Coachman’s podcast, Coffee Break with Coachman: https://open.spotify.com/show/4ADCrWhqsUKbHmZtkhhgoBMore 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 745: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosMain Takeaways:Think broadly, big picture, and beyond your biased mindset.Integrate interdisciplinary software and interdisciplinary thinking.Empower visualization. Leverage 3D software and new technology.Engage in collaborative, structured communication and decision-making.Perform standardized, efficient, guided clinical execution for optimal results.Find a digital lab to work with. They will help you diagnose, plan, and sell better.Use imaging, technology, and communication skills to ethically onboard patients.Improve your leadership skills to be a better leader. Ideal dentistry is a team sport.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.2:28 About Dr. Coachman, DSD, and his DSD Provider course.6:49 Find your spark in dentistry.9:41 Step 1) Move beyond the biased mindset.13:27 The super generalist, explained.16:01 Step 2) Move into integrated, interdisciplinary software and thinking.20:51 Step 3) Empower visualization.21:45 Why image utilization is so low.23:51 Step 4) Move to collaborative, structured communication and decision-making.25:11 The value of asynchronous communication.30:09 Step 5) Move into efficient, guided execution.34:59 Step 6) Find a modern, digital lab.37:27 Step 7) Engage in ethical patient onboarding.39:13 More about Dr. Coachman’s online education platform.40:28 Final thoughts.41:31 More about DSD.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.

Jun 12, 2024 • 40min
744: 3 Things for a Better Practice & a Better Life – Anne Duffy
744: 3 Things for a Better Practice & a Better Life – Anne DuffyIn this special episode, the tables are turned once again! Kirk Behrendt is interviewed on The Future of Dentistry, a podcast by Anne Duffy, founder of Dental Entrepreneur Woman. Kirk shares the origins of his Better Practice, Better Life philosophy, his thoughts on dentistry, and three keys to creating a better practice so you can enjoy a better life. To learn more about Kirk, the “why” behind his business, and some secrets to his success, listen to Episode 744 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Anne:Send Anne an email: anneduffy@dew.life Join Anne on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dewlifemagFollow Anne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dewlifemagLearn more about Dental Entrepreneur Woman: https://dew.lifeRegister for the DeW Life Retreat (November 14-16, 2024): https://dew.life/events/#retreatListen to Anne’s podcast, The Future of Dentistry: https://hub.dentalentrepreneur.com/podcasts/the-future-of-dentistryMore 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 744: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosLearn more about yourself with DiSC: https://www.everythingdisc.comTake the Kolbe A Index assessment: https://www.kolbe.comDiscover your natural gifts with Working Genius: https://www.workinggenius.comMain Takeaways:Figure out who you are ASAP — the sooner, the better.Develop your core values. It’s the most important thing you will ever do.Find your tribe and be selective about the people you surround yourself with.Learn to become a leader. Anyone can do it with the right training and mentorship.Balance your life as much as possible and give time to things that matter to you most.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.2:03 Kirk’s background.3:18 Origins of Better Practice, Better Life.9:00 The importance of leaders and becoming a leader.12:33 Are leaders born or developed?16:14 The biggest problem in dentistry today.19:15 Is balance possible?27:47 Figure out who you are.30:08 Develop your core values.32:35 Find your tribe.36:48 More about ACT Dental.Anne Duffy Bio:Anne Duffy is a passionate, dedicated member of the dental community. She works diligently to empower others to strengthen themselves and their dental careers. She graduated from Ohio State University in 1974 and has been practicing ever since. With six state boards under her belt, she has worked in practices around the country, forming relationships with professionals throughout the various facets of the industry. In 1995, she joined a direct sales company selling toothpaste and alcohol-free mouth rinse and worked to build the largest group of female leaders in the company. In 1998, Anne assisted with the launch of Dental Entrepreneur: Business Beyond the Classroom as the only sales associate. In 2002, she purchased the publication. In 2016, she conceived Dental Entrepreneur Woman magazine and is committed to inspiring, highlighting, empowering, and connecting all women in dentistry. She is building up the DeW community as a movement to continue to advance women in dentistry and the causes they advocate.

Jun 10, 2024 • 38min
743: The Secret to Efficiency: The Checklist – Miranda Beeson & Carlie Einarson
743: The Secret to Efficiency: The Checklist – Miranda Beeson & Carlie EinarsonWhat takes a practice from good to great? One secret ingredient is the checklist. To explain how a simple habit can make your life better, Kirk Behrendt brings back Miranda Beeson and Carlie Einarson, two of ACT’s amazing coaches, to share the best practices for creating, maintaining, and implementing checklists in your practice. To learn how to be more efficient in your day, listen to Episode 743 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Miranda & Carlie:Send Miranda an email: miranda@actdental.com Send Carlie an email: carlie@actdental.com Follow Miranda and Carlie 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 743: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosDownload ACT’s 5 Systems Every Dental Practice Must Have: https://www.actdental.com/free-resources/5systems-every-dental-practice-must-haveDownload ACT’’s Systems & Checklist Support Guide: https://www.actdental.com/free-resources/system-checklist-support-guideDownload ACT’s Productive Downtime Tasks Your Practice Needs: https://www.actdental.com/free-resources/productive-downtime-tasks-your-practice-needRead The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande: https://bookshop.org/books/the-checklist-manifesto-how-to-get-things-right/9780312430009Main Takeaways:Checklists create efficiency and predictability.Having a checklist will help you be present with patients.Don't set it and forget it. Use your checklist on a daily basis.You can't make the checklists for your team. Get them involved.A checklist will make it easier for your team to support one another.Audit your checklists regularly. It will motivate your team to follow them.Use checklists in other areas of your life to help you be more productive.Your checklists are living documents. They will change and grow with you.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:29 Why this is an important topic.7:38 Use your checklist every day.8:37 A checklist is a living, breathing document.9:13 Prioritize your most important tasks in the checklist.10:24 Have a checklist for everyone to keep them involved.11:32 Be fascinated, not frustrated.13:25 The simpler, the better.14:29 Clarify expectations with checklists.19:19 Audit your checklists.21:05 Be consistent and use positive reinforcement.23:58 Checklists make it easier to support one another.27:14 Final thoughts.Miranda Beeson, MS, BSDH Bio:Miranda Beeson, MS, BSDH, 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.Carlie Einerson Bio:Carlie Einarson is a lead practice coach who has a passion for helping others succeed in the dental field. She loves helping to create a stable foundation for practices so both professionals and patients have a great experience every time they walk in the door!Carlie graduated from Utah College of Dental Hygiene. She has ten years of experience in the dental field, including clinical dental hygiene, front office, and leading teams.In her free time, she enjoys spending quality time with loved ones, traveling, skiing, playing volleyball, and golfing.

Jun 7, 2024 • 59min
742: The Tripod for Success: Time, Health, & People – Dr. Christian Coachman
Time, health, and people — it’s the trifecta of life. But how do you achieve balance, and where do you begin? To guide you through this lifelong goal, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Christian Coachman, founder of Digital Smile Design, to share the important lessons he’s learned about managing time, staying physically and mentally healthy, and attracting great people. To learn the secrets to his success, listen to Episode 742 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.comRegister for DSD Residency 1: https://digitalsmiledesign.com/dsd-residency-1-on-demandMore 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 742: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosTry the Oura Ring: https://ouraring.comMain Takeaways:Learn how to manage your time.Create a healthy routine that works for you.Be selective about who you spend your time with.Understand and emulate the behaviors of successful people.Great people find great people. Work on yourself to attract them.Every person you don't create a relationship with is a lost opportunity.Strength training is critical to your long-term health. Make it mandatory.Stay flexible — physically and mentally — so you can be in good health.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:39 Prioritize time, health, and people.4:30 Find the right people to be around.9:52 Dr. Coachman’s daily schedule and healthy habits.20:07 Be flexible to be healthy.23:30 Dr. Coachman’s fitness routine.25:36 Strength training is mandatory.27:43 Dr. Coachman’s experience with his first marathon.31:05 Develop your time management skills.36:00 Change takes time.39:28 Start eating less.41:05 Don't take yourself too seriously.42:42 Great people find great people.47:28 Dr. Coachman’s advice for his 25-year-old self.51:07 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.

Jun 5, 2024 • 35min
741: D.E.W. Dental Entrepreneur Woman & The Story Behind the Movement – Anne Duffy
741: D.E.W. Dental Entrepreneur Woman & The Story Behind the Movement – Anne DuffyDentistry has come a long way when it comes to including women. But there is still a long way to go! In the meantime, one woman created a platform to inspire, empower, and connect women in this field. To highlight her success, Kirk Behrendt brings in Anne Duffy, founder of Dental Entrepreneur Woman, to share her journey, insights, and the value of having a community for women. To learn more about DeW, why you should join, and how to support the women in your lives, listen to Episode 741 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Anne:Send Anne an email: anneduffy@dew.life Join Anne on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dewlifemagFollow Anne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dewlifemagLearn more about Dental Entrepreneur Woman: https://dew.lifeRegister for the DeW Life Retreat (November 14-16, 2024): https://dew.life/events/#retreatMore 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 741: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosWatch Studio 8E8’s documentary, Women Shaping Dentistry Tomorrow: https://s8e8.com/wsdtMain Takeaways:Dentistry still has a long way to go with inclusivity.Advocate for yourself and be an advocate for all women.Find your community, and great things will happen in your life.You don't need to be an entrepreneur to be part of the DeW community.DeW is not about bashing men. It is about supporting women in dentistry.Support and uplift women, and the world will become a much better place.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:45 Anne’s background.3:19 How DeW began.10:05 The evolution of the movement.11:34 DeW’s amazing community.16:46 The importance of connection.18:15 Be a DeWd.20:38 We still have a long way to go.23:26 Watch Women Shaping Dentistry Tomorrow.24:40 Building a legacy.26:23 What mentorship looks like for DeW.29:25 Misconceptions about DeW.31:29 Final thoughts.Anne Duffy Bio:Anne Duffy is a passionate, dedicated member of the dental community. She works diligently to empower others to strengthen themselves and their dental careers. She graduated from Ohio State University in 1974 and has been practicing ever since. With six state boards under her belt, she has worked in practices around the country, forming relationships with professionals throughout the various facets of the industry. In 1995, she joined a direct sales company selling toothpaste and alcohol-free mouth rinse and worked to build the largest group of female leaders in the company. In 1998, Anne assisted with the launch of Dental Entrepreneur: Business Beyond the Classroom as the only sales associate. In 2002, she purchased the publication. In 2016, she conceived Dental Entrepreneur Woman magazine and is committed to inspiring, highlighting, empowering, and connecting all women in dentistry. She is building up the DeW community as a movement to continue to advance women in dentistry and the causes they advocate.
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