The Best Practices Show with Kirk Behrendt

Do you feel stressed from running your practice? Are you ready to give up ownership? Before you do, listen to this episode! Kirk Behrendt and Dr. Christian Coachman bring in Dr. Jill Tanzi, president of Alliance of Independent Dentists, to explain the importance of staying independent and to offer solutions for struggling dentists. If you're feeling overwhelmed, help is out there! To learn more about Dr. Tanzi’s organization and how they can support you, listen to Episode 730 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Dr. Coachman & Dr. Tanzi: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-demandJoin Alliance of Independent Dentists on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AIDUnitedStatesLearn more about Alliance of Independent Dentists: https://www.dentistalliance.orgMore 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 730: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosMain Takeaways:Having ownership gives you more freedom.Staying independent is also great for patients.Independent dentists CAN compete with DSOs.Identify and leverage your strengths and advantages.Selling to a DSO won't make dentistry more enjoyable.Don't sell your practice out of frustration and desperation.If you're stressed from practice ownership, help is out there.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.4:05 Dr. Tanzi’s background.4:59 Why this is an important topic.6:58 Learning from trends in medicine.8:34 The need to center patients.14:23 Quality dentistry is not scalable.16:19 You have choices in dentistry.18:57 What makes dentists want to sell their practice?19:54 How Alliance of Independent Dentists can help.26:47 The benefits of practice ownership.29:54 Set yourself up for success.33:03 Are dentists happier after selling their practice?38:25 Do things your way.39:57 Final thoughts.47:07 More about Alliance of Independent Dentists.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.Dr. Jill Tanzi Bio:Dr. Jill A. Tanzi originates from Oxford, Massachusetts, where she graduated valedictorian from Oxford High School. She obtained a BA cum laude in biology from the University of Rochester and a DDS from the University of Maryland, also with honors. During dental school, Dr. Tanzi performed research on salivary glands at the National Institute of Dental Research in Bethesda, Maryland. After graduation, she worked in private practice for three years in the Philadelphia area before returning to Massachusetts to open The Dentist at Hopkinton in 2003.Dr. Tanzi is committed to continuing education and learning advanced dental procedures. She has taken classes at The Dawson Academy as well as The Spear Institute and attends a monthly Spear Education study club. In addition, she has completed the Midwest Implant Institute Surgical Implant Externship in Columbus, Ohio.

729: The Speaker's Evaluation Chart – Dr. Christian CoachmanWhether you're taking a course or giving a course, there's a way to do it efficiently. To help you save time in becoming a better speaker or learner, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Christian Coachman, founder of Digital Smile Design, to share his framework for identifying great CE and educators, and ways for speakers to improve their craft. To learn how to decide who deserves your time, listen to Episode 729 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Dr. Coachman:Join Dr. Coachman on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christiancoachmanMessage Dr. Coachman to register for his World Class Communication Program: 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 729: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosMain Takeaways for Speakers:Have humble confidence.Understand your audience.Master the art of storytelling.It all starts with the introduction.Control your nerves by rehearsing.Identify your strengths as an educator.Be aware of your ego and learn to control it.Don't cram 20 years of experience into one lecture.Main Takeaways for the Audience:Know your priorities with learning.Choose wisely about who you listen to.Understand the qualities of a good lecture.Be mindful of speakers’ biases, ethics, and egos.It’s okay to want to be entertained but do it consciously.Don't waste time with things that don't deserve your time.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.4:20 The origin of this framework.6:51 The five components of a lecture.12:50 Is there an optimal “pizza” combination?15:58 The controlled ego, explained.17:28 Qualities of a great educator.20:30 The four components of the introduction.23:34 Put your energy into the introduction.28:29 Speaker examples and how to use the formula.36:15 Control your ego.39:45 Make the complex simple.47:05 Final thoughts.52:06 About Dr. Coachman’s World Class Communication Program.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.

728: How to Fail Hiring an Associate – Bob SpielMost associateships — 75% of them — are doomed to fail. If you want to be part of the 25%, don't miss this episode! Kirk Behrendt brings back Bob Spiel, founder of Dentist Partner Pros, to share his expertise in building successful associate relationships, no matter what stage of your dental career. Are you ready to commit? To learn how not to fail when hiring an associate, listen to Episode 728 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Bob:Send Bob’s business partner an email: bryton@dentistpartnerpros.com Learn more about Dentist Partner Pros: https://dentistpartnerpros.comRequest your free report, Gaining a Wingman: 7 Signs an Associate Should Be in Your Future: https://report.dentistpartnerpros.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 728: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosRead Flip Your Focus by Bob Spiel: https://bookshop.org/p/books/flip-your-focus-igniting-people-profits-and-performance-through-upside-down-bob-spiel/11933736?ean=9781544765419Main Takeaways:Understand why the majority of associateships fail.Before anything, be ready to commit to an associateship.Be clear about what you and your team want in an associate.Clearly communicate onboarding, mentoring, and salary expectations.Set aside formal time to give and receive feedback from your associates.Synergy is your goal. Don't view your associates as a threat or competition.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.2:34 Why this is a problem in dentistry.5:24 Why 75% of associateships fail.9:53 Are you ready for an associate?14:55 Clarify your givens/wants and get your team’s input.18:39 Be clear to get buy-in.21:22 Create synergy, not competition.22:15 Be clear about mentoring expectations.23:05 Great associates are out there.25:31 Onboarding, explained.28:23 Be clear about compensation expectations.31:27 Set aside time for feedback.33:12 Final thoughts and how to get in touch with Bob.Bob Spiel Bio:Bob Spiel’s passion is building high-performance teams who deliver exceptional service while doing more, in less time, with less stress. His firms, Spiel Consulting and Dentist Partner Pros, transform general and specialty dental practices by building leaders at all levels, with a special focus on building leaders among owners and associate dentists.Bob had over 25 years of business experience before getting into dentistry, including being a hospital and surgical center CEO, as well as an operations director for two mid-cap firms. This taught Bob to see each need in a dental practice with a “systems orientation”. Using this approach over the past 10 years, his firms have achieved a remarkable 90% success rate in searching for, hiring, and retaining associate dentists compared to the dismal 75% failure rate the dental industry has as a track record. He sees this as the number-one threat to the continuation of private practice dentistry and aims to change that.Bob is a faculty member for Dr. Gordon Christensen, where he teaches a breakthrough course on leadership each fall called Igniting the Leader in You. He is also the author of Flip Your Focus: Igniting People, Profits and Performance through Upside-down Leadership. 

727: 3 Metrics to Measure New Patient Success – Miranda BeesonYou want more new patients. But you don't need all of them! You need the right ones coming — and staying — in your practice. To teach you how, Kirk Behrendt brings back Miranda Beeson, ACT’s director of education and amazing coach, with three metrics to help you track the true number of new patients you have and need. New patients are your bread and butter. Get them to return and stay long term! To learn how to attract new patients and reappoint the great ones you already have, listen to Episode 727 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/actdentalEmail Kirk with your “difficult discussion” scenarios: kirk@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 727: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosRegister for Miranda’s Dental Administrator course (September 20, 2024): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/act-dental-administrator-live-course-september-20-2024-tickets-754782152737Join ACT’s BPA to access Creating a 6-Star Experience: https://join.actdental.com/users/sign_in?post_login_redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fjoin.actdental.com%2Fc%2Fpractice-coaching-tools%2F6-star-experience#emailMain Takeaways:You don't need 331 million patients. Choose quality over quantity.Put effort into future appointments, not only the first appointment.Get patients in the office within one to two weeks of the call.Determine the number of new patients you truly need.Track the number of active patients you have.Create value for patients with language.Get existing patients pre-appointed.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:22 About Miranda’s Dental Administrator course.3:28 Why this is an important topic.5:06 You don't need every single patient you can get.9:31 Have a “yellow front door” in your practice.10:30 Metric #1) New patient count.11:45 How many new patients should you have a month?12:19 What is your diagnostic rate?14:23 Get patients in within one to two weeks of the call.15:54 Do a meet-and-greet with prospective patients.20:09 Have block scheduling for new patients.21:50 Metric #2) New patient net growth.27:23 Metric #3) New patient hygiene reappointment rate.29:23 Create value with language.31:21 Schedule their next appointment.38:59 The ideal new patient hygiene reappointment percentage.41:26 Send Kirk the most difficult discussions you've had with patients.43:17 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.

726: Mental and Physical Wellness in a Dental World: Balance is Key to Happiness – Dr. Maurice Salama & Dr. Christian CoachmanWe pursue success to attain happiness. But what we truly need is balance. To teach you what it means to have balance and how to achieve it, Kirk Behrendt and Dr. Christian Coachman bring in Dr. Maurice Salama, scientific director of DentalXP, with his advice for improving and preserving your physical, mental, and emotional well-being throughout your career in dentistry. Don't trade your health for success! To learn how to prioritize your overall wellness, listen to Episode 726 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Dr. Salama & 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-demandJoin Dr. Salama on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maurice.salamaFollow Dr. Salama on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mosalama23Learn more about Dental XP: https://www.dentalxp.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 726: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosMain Takeaways:The world does not come to you with opportunities. Seek them out.Have drive, passion, and discipline, but don't get caught up in it.Create balance. Don't neglect yourself by working too much.Don't trade success for your physical or mental well-being.Success is a drug. Don't overdose on it.It’s not too late to make changes.Be kind to your body.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.2:42 Reach for the brass ring.10:44 The importance of choosing the right mentors.15:45 Have drive, passion, and discipline.20:38 Don't get caught up in just the drive.25:15 Why it’s important to have balance.27:22 Slow down strategically.28:44 Don't ignore your need to rest.31:06 Success is a drug.33:50 How to slow down the right way.38:19 Be selective as an educator.43:06 Summary.45:19 How to find the right associates and empower them.49:02 Go to different meetings.52:13 Find a mentor you're passionate about.54:39 Give yourself the gift of time.57:43 The benefits of exercise.59:03 Build a great team to share your successes and failures with.1:02:56 Final thoughts. Dr. Maurice Salama Bio:Dr. Maurice A. Salama completed his undergraduate studies at the State University of New York at Binghamton in 1985, where he received his BS in biology. Dr. Salama received his DMD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, where he later received his dual specialty certification in orthodontics and periodontics, as well as his implant training at the Branemark Center at Penn. He is currently on the faculties of the University of Pennsylvania and the Medical College of Georgia as clinical assistant professor of periodontics.Dr. Salama is a permanent member of the scientific committee of the world’s leading online dental education website, www.DENTALXP.com. He is also a member of the Team Atlanta Dental Practice with Dr. Goldstein and Dr. Garber, a multidisciplinary practice that is world-renowned for their clinical research in reconstructive and esthetic dentistry.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. 

725: The Long-Term Value of Great Relationships in Dentistry – Dr. Bill Robbins, Dr. Jim Otten, & Dr. Gary DeWoodWithout a support system, dentistry can be incredibly lonely. What you need are long-term relationships that last your entire career. But where and how do you find people to connect with? To answer that question, Kirk Behrendt brings in three of his favorite people in dentistry, Dr. Bill Robbins, Dr. Jim Otten, and Dr. Gary DeWood, with their wisdom and advice for finding the people you need in your life. Don't wait for them to come to you — seek them out! To learn about the best places where the best people gather, listen to Episode 725 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Dr. Robbins, Dr. Otten, & Dr. DeWood:Send Dr. Robbins an email: robbinsdds@aol.com Join Dr. Robbins on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bill.robbins.79656Send Dr. Otten an email: globaldiagnosisinfo@gmail.com Join Dr. Otten on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/james.otten.71Follow Dr. Otten on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesottendentalSend Dr. DeWood an email: gdewood@speareducation.com Join Dr. DeWood on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drdewoodFollow Dr. DeWood on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garydewoodRegister for Global Diagnosis Education Third Annual Symposium (September 5-7, 2024): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/global-diagnosis-education-third-annual-symposium-tickets-873512919657Register to become a member of Global Diagnosis Education: https://globaldiagnosiseducation.org/groups/general-membershipMore 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 725: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosMain Takeaways:You don't find mentors — you seek them out.Study clubs are the best places to discover mentors.Age is a number. Be open to finding mentors of any age.A coach or mentor doesn't have to be from your field of work.Joining a study club is the most powerful way to grow in dentistry.Success requires a lot of hard work, some talent, and a little bit of luck.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:41 How Dr. Robbins, Dr. Otten, and Dr. DeWood crossed paths.13:26 How their paths intersected a second time.16:35 Dr. Robbins’s path to Global Diagnosis Education.18:18 Why Global Diagnosis Education is the highlight of their careers.22:04 Having organic growth through strong relationships.23:51 How Global Diagnosis Education changed over the years.29:33 The philosophy behind Global Diagnosis Education.32:23 The joy they get from watching students grow.33:15 The common language that Global Diagnosis Education has created.35:08 How mentorship has changed over the years.41:29 The importance of joining a study club.46:43 Advice for younger dentists.52:56 Final thoughts.58:32 About Global Diagnosis Education.1:00:43 About Symposium.Dr. Bill Robbins Bio:Dr. J. William Robbins, D.D.S., M.A., practices part-time and is an Adjunct Clinical Professor in the Department of Comprehensive Dentistry at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Dental School. He graduated from the University of Tennessee Dental School in 1973. Afterwards, he completed a rotating internship at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Leavenworth, Kansas, and a two-year General Practice Residency at the VA Hospital in San Diego, California. Dr. Robbins has published over 80 articles, abstracts, and chapters on a wide range of dental subjects and has lectured in the United States, Canada, Mexico, South America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. He co-authored a textbook, Fundamentals of Operative Dentistry – A Contemporary Approach, which is published by Quintessence, and is in its 4th edition. He recently co-authored a new textbook, Global Diagnosis – A New Vision of Dental Diagnosis and Treatment Planning, which is also published by Quintessence. Dr. Jim Otten Bio: Dr. James F. Otten is a 1981 graduate of the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry. He completed a one-year residency in hospital dentistry with emphasis on advanced restoration of teeth and oral surgery at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Leavenworth, Kansas. He taught crown-and-bridge dentistry as an Associate Professor at UMKC before entering private practice in 1982, where he served as Chief of Staff of a large group practice in Fayetteville, Arkansas, before opening his practice in Lawrence, Kansas, in 1984. Dr. Otten has pursued rigorous post-graduate education since 1986, accumulating thousands of hours in advanced continuing education that he has intentionally applied to his practice in order to develop its personalized care philosophy. He has completed the rigorous curriculum at two prestigious institutions, The Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education, and the Dawson Center for Advanced Dental Education. He lectures nationally and internationally and has recently been asked to join the faculty at the Newport Coast Orofacial Institute in Newport Beach, California. Dr. Gary DeWood Bio:Dr. Gary DeWood is the Executive Vice President of Spear Education. As one of the founding members of Spear, he directed Curriculum and Clinical Education for nearly a decade prior to joining in the launch of Spear Practice Solutions. Today, he splits time between teaching and consulting.Dr. DeWood serves as an instructor in multiple Spear Workshops, including Facially Generated Treatment Planning, Occlusion in Clinical Practice, Advanced Occlusion, Sleep Medicine in the Dental Practice, and a special focus workshop on temporomandibular disorder. He also maintains a limited private practice on the Spear Campus in Scottsdale, Arizona, and lectures nationally and internationally on practice management, treatment planning, case management, case acceptance, TMD diagnosis, appliance therapy, occlusion, and esthetics.

Cancellations are a big deal. It lowers morale, profitability, and your overall practice success. So, what can you do to reduce them? Today, Kirk Behrendt and the ACT team share their proven and effective strategies to decrease cancellations and recover lost time. Patients will cancel — it happens. But you can proactively fill your schedule with the right patients and the right tasks. To learn the best ways to handle open time in your day, listen to Episode 724 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Christina, Miranda, & Dr. Straub:Send Christina an email: christina@actdental.com Send Miranda an email: miranda@actdental.com Email Dr. Straub for ACT’s Capacity Tracker and 10 Best Practices for Reducing Cancellations: barrett@actdental.com Join Dr. Straub on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barrett.d.straubSend 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 724: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosWatch ACT’s previous webinar with Dr. Straub: https://www.actdental.com/105Register for Miranda’s admin course (September 20, 2024): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/act-dental-administrator-live-course-september-20-2024-tickets-754782152737?aff=oddtdtcreatorMain Takeaways:Start with data. Track capacity percentage and patients’ behaviors.Get out of the habit of saying, “It’s okay,” when patients cancel.Stop chasing patients who have a history of cancellations.Appointments are confirmed when they are reserved.Make sure patients know why they need to show up.Language matters. Reduce minimizing language.Always have a cancellation fee, but never use it.Never make it easy for patients to cancel.Don't accept email or text cancellations.Teach patients it’s not okay to cancel.All cancellations start at the chair.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.2:21 ACT’s TTT, BPA, and coaching.9:31 Why this is an important topic.12:24 The two types of cancellations.14:22 Stop saying, “It’s okay.”17:39 Make sure there's a firm reservation.19:59 Appointments are confirmed when scheduled.21:36 Take advantage of automated reminder systems.22:29 Q&A: Do you typically request a confirmation reservation deposit?23:59 Create high value for patients.25:37 All cancellations start at the chair.26:04 Avoid minimizing language.27:53 Q&A: Do you ever remove patients from the automated reminder system?28:45 Never schedule patients at six months.29:21 Language matters.31:04 Start coding patient behavior.32:33 Define what things mean for your practice and draw boundaries.35:05 Communicate and calibrate with your team.36:14 Have a cancellation fee, but don't use it.38:55 Don't make it easy for patients to cancel.41:28 Q&A: Is there any good language in place of, “It’s okay”?42:23 Put patients on hold when they cancel.44:12 Put the onus on patients to call you.46:39 Q&A: Preservation fees.53:27 Q&A: How do you hold constantly canceling patients responsible?55:12 How to recover lost time.1:00:14 Know how your software tracks broken appointments and cancellations.1:02:06 Track capacity percentage.1:03:29 ACT’s Capacity Tracker version 1.0.1:06:28 Final takeaways.1:08:44 Q&A: Only A patients will actually pay the cancellation fees.1:09:35 Q&A: Get good at asking good questions.1:11:10 Q&A: Where to register for Miranda’s admin course.1:11:22 Q&A: How can we do reservation fees for patients getting treatment with no copay?1:14:51 Q&A: More opportunities to learn from ACT.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!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.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.

Financial independence is your ultimate goal. But it won't happen if you don't plan for it! To help you achieve financial health as early as possible in your career, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Jim McKee, founder of Chicago Study Club, to share great advice that you didn't hear in dental school. To learn how to make smart investments, be debt-free, and enjoy your life, listen to Episode 723 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 Advanced Occlusion workshop (July 25-27, 2024): https://campus.speareducation.com/workshops/advanced-occlusion/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 723: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosMain Takeaways:Understand the difference between financial freedom and financial independence.Financial independence won't happen unless you start planning for it.Be smart about all of your investments, especially equipment.Quality CE is one of the best investments you can make.Keep your office and personal overhead low.Know the 1:1, 2:1, and 3:1 concept.Get in the habit of saving.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:33 Why this is an important topic.3:15 Financial freedom and financial independence, explained.6:12 Why you need financial guidance.9:20 The 1:1, 2:1, and 3:1 concept.14:21 Learn how to save and spend wisely.16:35 Invest in quality continuing education.24:12 Keep your office and personal overhead down.25:39 Give patients options.28:36 Dentists who need the money versus ones that don't.32:36 Final thoughts.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. 

Today, orthodontics goes beyond just straight teeth. With better technology and better imaging, we can now include joints and airway for more comprehensive care. To highlight the importance of imaging in the future of orthodontics, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Drew McDonald, instructor from the Chicago Study Club, who explains how it leads to better outcomes, especially for Class II patients. Stop going in blind into orthodontic cases! To learn how imaging drives treatment and what you could be missing without it, listen to Episode 722 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Dr. McDonald:Join Dr. McDonald on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drew.mcdonald.984Follow Dr. McDonald on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdrewmcdonaldContact Dr. McDonald for speaking engagements: https://www.orthobymcdonald.comLearn more about Chicago Study Club: https://chicagostudyclub.comEmail Kirk for Dr. McDonald’s previous Master Classes: kirk@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 722: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosStay tuned for Dr. McDonald’s Pediatric TMJ Study Club (To be released late 2024): https://www.orthobymcdonald.comMain Takeaways:Imaging drives treatment.Never go into orthodontic cases blindly.Orthodontics is more than about straight teeth.Rethink symptoms you consider “incidental” findings.Dentists and other specialists can't treat these patients alone.Always do imaging before sending patients to the orthodontist.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.3:48 Why this is an important topic.5:40 Nothing is an “incidental” finding.13:06 The need to evolve as a profession.15:12 GPs are the front line.19:51 Autonomic nervous system issues, explained.25:43 The importance of sleep on growth.28:07 Imaging drives treatment.35:09 Final thoughts.37:50 About Chicago Study Club and Pediatric TMJ Study Club.Dr. Drew McDonald Bio:Dr. Drew McDonald is a board-certified orthodontic specialist with a strong focus on airway and temporomandibular joint-focused treatment planning, surgically facilitated orthodontic treatment, and providing complex interdisciplinary care for patients. He lectures internationally on these topics and has contributed to literature and textbooks in these areas. He is dedicated to advancing the profession of orthodontics and dentistry as a whole.Dr. McDonald attended dental school at the prestigious Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. Known for its rigorous academic curriculum and intense clinical training, he received many academic accolades while at Creighton, including inductions into Omicron Kappa Upsilon (National Dental Honor Society) and Alpha Sigma Nu (Honor Society of Jesuit Universities). He also served in leadership positions as class president and student body president, and on alumni relations committees.After graduating cum laude from Creighton, Dr. McDonald was accepted as one of only three residents nationwide into the University of Missouri-Kansas City Orthodontics program, a renowned two-and-a-half-year, full-time residency known for its clinical excellence. He graduated in December of 2016 with his certificate in orthodontics and master’s degree in Oral and Craniofacial Sciences.

There is more than one way to design the “perfect” smile. Recently, two of the best dentists in the world, Dr. Michael Apa and Dr. Christian Coachman, debated these concepts at the Designing Smiles event in Miami. To share some of his key insights and takeaways, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Christian Coachman, founder of Digital Smile Design, who explains how you can achieve great dentistry with digital or analog, and the importance of building a workflow that’s best for you. To hear more about the Designing Smiles event and the debate about great dentistry, listen to Episode 721 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Dr. Coachman & Dr. Apa: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-demandJoin Dr. Apa on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drmichaelapaFollow Dr. Apa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctorapaMore 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 721: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosMain Takeaways:Whether you use digital, analog, or both, master the process in the mouth.You don't get a second chance at a great first impression in smile design.Focus on patient success. What does success mean for them?Start with the end in mind when designing patients’ smiles.Any work you do in the lab is not like in an actual mouth.Impress patients with your chairside systems.It’s impossible to deliver great smiles alone.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:23 The origin of Dr. Coachman and Dr. Michael Apa’s course.13:02 1) Documentation philosophy and smile rehabilitation.16:41 2) Diagnosis and planning.22:16 3) Case acceptance.24:17 4) Treatment presentation.26:53 5) Software.32:18 6) Motivational and technical mock-ups.38:05 7) Branding.40:31 8) The first appointment and first impressions.41:17 9) The patient experience.44:15 10) Orthodontics.47:35 11) Artistic skills and intuition.50:53 12) Communication.55:17 13) Treatment execution.1:11:51 14) Digital is the future.1:14:38 The pressure of building this course from scratch.1:17:42 Final thoughts.1:24:25 About Digital Smile Design.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.