The Best Practices Show with Kirk Behrendt

How do you know you're doing the right thing for your practice? There's an easy way to answer that, and it’s with two simple questions. To share what they are and how you can apply it to any dilemma you face, Kirk Behrendt brings back Debra Engelhardt-Nash, co-founder of The Nash Institute, with her expert advice for creating the best practice culture. Your practice is a Petri dish — so grow the culture you want! To learn how, listen to Episode 720 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Debra:Send Debra an email: debraengelhardtnash@gmail.com Follow Debra on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debraengnashBook Debra for speaking or consulting: https://debraengelhardtnash.comRegister for Debra’s Dental Business School course: https://www.thenashinstitute.com/upcoming-events/dental-business-schoolRegister for Debra’s Team Communication Skills course: https://www.thenashinstitute.com/upcoming-events/team-communication-skillsMore 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 720: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosMain Takeaways:An important question to ask is, is X good for my practice?Another important question is, is X good for my patients?If you answer no to either of those questions, don't do it.Meet more with your team. Don't avoid conversations.Verbal skills matter. One word can make a difference.Change your beliefs to change your behaviors.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.2:09 Debra’s background.7:36 Why this is important.9:46 A dental practice is like a Petri dish.15:05 Does your team endorse you?16:36 Meet with your team more.18:08 Stop tolerating behaviors you don't like.19:25 The two important questions to ask.23:15 Is a 30-minute hygiene appointment a good idea?27:05 Keep updating your systems.30:24 Verbal skills are critical.33:32 Always debrief your team after a course.36:01 You get what you give.36:34 Don't nickel-and-dime your team.37:50 One word can change everything.39:32 Use the two questions to get your point across.40:24 About Debra’s courses.41:37 The belief cycle, explained.Debra Engelhardt-Nash Bio:Debra is a trainer, author, presenter, and consultant. Having been in dentistry for over 30 years, she engages organizations and study groups nationally and internationally. She is a continual presenter for the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting. Debra is a founding member of The Nash Institute and past president of the National Academy of Dental Management Consultants. She is an active member of the American Dental Assistants Association, the American Academy of Dental Practice Administration, and the Speakers Consulting Network. She has been repeatedly recognized by Dentistry Today as a leader in continuing dental education and as a leader in dental consulting. She is also a member of the American Dental Association’s Dental Practice Management Advisory Board, and recently became the president of the Academy for Private Dental Practice.Debra is married to cosmetic dentist and dental educator, Dr. Ross Nash, of The Nash Institute for Dental Learning. She continues to work in his busy practice, doing exactly what she preaches.

719: The Leadership Blueprint: Elevating Your Dental Practice Culture – Adriana BoothAre you feeling miserable in your practice? There's only one way to fix it, and that's by becoming a better leader. To help you achieve this, Kirk Behrendt brings back Adriana Booth, one of ACT’s amazing coaches, with a blueprint for creating a better culture in your practice. If you're unhappy at the place you work, don't stay stuck! To hit the reset button for your practice culture, listen to Episode 719 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Adriana:Send Adriana an email: adriana@actdental.com Join Adriana on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adriana.boothFollow Adriana on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adrimariebMore 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 719: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosGet the resource bundle for this webinar: https://www.actdental.com/111Hear Mel Robbins talk about the American Time Study: https://www.melrobbins.com/podcasts/episode-144Read Traction by Gino Wickman: https://benbellabooks.com/shop/tractionRead The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni: https://www.tablegroup.com/product/dysfunctionsMain Takeaways:Prioritize your core values to build a great practice culture.Most employees value culture more than compensation.People are more productive in a positive environment.Get the right people and put them in the right seats.Build trust with consistent huddles and check-ins.Believe in your core values wholeheartedly.Clearly communicate your core values.Give yourself grace as a leader.Get a coach to help you.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:59 Why this is important.2:47 About ACT’s TTT and BPA.5:24 Why it’s important to get culture right.13:34 Data doesn't lie.16:48 Be a level five leader.19:17 The iceberg of core values.20:33 Core values are the heart of your culture.26:41 Four steps to identifying core values.32:04 ACT’s core values, version 1.0.37:11 Other examples of core values.41:18 The right people GWC.43:23 Walk the talk.46:18 Build trust with huddles and check-ins.49:54 Set boundaries around check-ins.50:51 Start with consistency.52:59 The Five Dysfunctions of a Team.54:33 Last thoughts.57:04 Q&A: How do team members rank the leadership team with numbers?1:01:06 ACT’s next webinar, Unlock the Power of Patient Commitment.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. 

718: It’s Time to Rethink TMD – Dr. Jim McKeeEvery area of dentistry has evolved — except TMD! It’s time to rethink it, and Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Jim McKee, founder of Chicago Study Club, to dispel the myths and fears around treating TMD patients. Many patients need this treatment — so stop referring them out! To learn about the opportunities that treating TMD can bring to your practice, listen to Episode 718 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 718: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosWatch Episode 649 with Dr. McKee: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lX6oU7cnDQULearn more about Spear Education: https://www.speareducation.comLearn more about the American Equilibration Society: https://www.aes-tmj.orgLearn more about the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry: https://www.restorative-academy.comMain Takeaways:TMD isn't always about pain.Clenching and grinding aren’t always the causes of TMD.Understand joint anatomy to increase confidence in your work.Use imaging to understand joint anatomy and anatomic risk factors.Treating TMD patients will open more opportunities for your practice.Always invest in high-quality CE. Low-quality CE won't get you very far.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:26 About AES and AARD.5:55 Why it’s time to rethink TMD.7:50 TMD isn't all about pain.11:08 Clenching and grinding, explained.15:16 Imaging changes the TMD discussion.22:14 How to become the go-to dentist.28:49 Increase confidence through imaging.29:50 You don't need to do everything.32:45 The restorative diagnostic practice, explained.35:32 Low-quality CE won't get you very far.37:16 Final thoughts.39:15 About Dr. McKee’s Advanced Occlusion course.40:37 About 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.

717: 6 Steps to Leading Great Team Meetings – Robyn TheisenIf you think you don't have time for team meetings — think again. You don't have time not to do them! To highlight the importance of consistent communication, Kirk Behrendt brings back Robyn Theisen, one of ACT’s amazing coaches, to explain why meeting with your team is critical and how to do it in a productive way. Start communicating better so you can function better! To learn how, listen to Episode 717 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 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 717: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosMain Takeaways:Have team meetings every week, on the same day, at the same time.You're all working toward the same goal. Have one another’s backs.Create an environment of vulnerability-based trust.Encourage team buy-in, not consensus.Build a system for accountability.Proactively mine for conflict.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:50 Why team meetings are important.2:59 Strategically schedule team meetings.3:44 Why meetings should be done on a weekly basis.7:50 Have an environment of vulnerability-based trust.10:14 Proactively mine for conflict.13:28 Encourage buy-in, not consensus.16:36 Have a structure for holding people accountable.19:35 Create a culture of having one another’s backs.22:18 You don't have time not to do team meetings.25:42 Final thoughts.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. 

716: Increasing Confidence Through Personal Alignment & Self-Worth – Allison LacoursiereKnowing yourself is the best thing you can do in life. It will lead to self-acceptance, self-love, and more confidence — soft skills that are vital to every business owner. To help you discover and increase your self-worth, Kirk Behrendt brings in Allison Lacoursiere, founder of Clear Coaching, to share the four steps to personal alignment and confidence. Value yourself so you can value your practice! If you're ready to become your better self, listen to Episode 716 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Allison:Send Allison an email: allison@yourclearalignercoach.com Follow Allison on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourclearalignercoachLearn more about Clear Coaching: https://www.yourclearalignercoach.comRegister for the Clear Aligner Bootcamp: https://www.domoreclearalignercases.com/clearalignerbootcampMore 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 716: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosRead “9 Trends That Will Shape Work in 2024 and Beyond” from Harvard Business Review: https://hbr.org/2024/01/9-trends-that-will-shape-work-in-2024-and-beyondMain Takeaways:Know yourself.Accept every aspect of yourself.Once you know and accept yourself, honor yourself.Start loving the journey you're on. Stop shaming and blaming yourself.Learn how to prevent and deal with burnout. Don't wait to make a change.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.2:04 Allison’s background.3:55 Why this is an important topic.6:02 Know yourself and accept yourself.9:40 Honor yourself.12:36 How to not repeat mistakes.13:34 Love your journey.15:37 The consequences of not honoring yourself.17:10 Why this concept is difficult for dentists.21:22 Dealing with burnout.24:31 Real versus reel.27:14 Don't be afraid of AI.30:30 Final thoughts.31:57 More about Clear Coaching and how to get in touch.Allison Lacoursiere, RDA, OA, CPC, ELI-MP Bio:Innovator Allison Lacoursiere, RDA, OA, CPC, ELI-MP, is the creator of the Clear Aligner Systemization methodology. Allison helps dentists and teams streamline efficiencies to increase both patient and practice satisfaction and health.A native Canadian, Allison moved to Bermuda at the age of 19 to work as a dental assistant and to seek adventure and try something new. She incorporated a system in that practice which generated $80K a month in clear aligner production.With over a decade of dental practice experience, Allison is a sought-after mentor and speaker. She helps dental teams improve culture, increase production, and grow into their full potential. She is certified through International Professional Excellence in Coaching and is a member of the International Coaches Federation. Allison is a member of Toastmasters International and has trained with Dale Carnegie Speaking Institution. She is a Certified Transformational Trainer through LionSpeak.Allison is passionate about fitness and wellness. She is an active team member and competitor on the Bermuda National Beach Volleyball Team. Allison is also a certified personal trainer and yoga instructor. Her passion lies in empowering individuals to achieve their ultimate potential and life satisfaction.

You need money to run your business. But your patients should always come first! To help you strike the balance of affordability, profitability, and quality care, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Marco Brindis, chairman of the Prosthodontics Department of Louisiana State University, to share his insight into a successful treatment planning process. Don't be a dentist just for the money! To learn the best ways to help patients while still making money, listen to Episode 715 of The Best Practices Show! Learn More About Dr. Brindis:Join Dr. Brindis on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marco.brindis.3Follow Dr. Brindis on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmarcobrindisMore 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 715: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosMain Takeaways:Never sacrifice the quality of your dentistry for money.All patients deserve the best care, regardless of age.Always plan for the best treatment you can offer.Divide the treatment plan into three sections.Be considerate of your patients’ finances.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.2:27 The dilemma between helping patients and making business out of them.10:39 Patients deserve the best, no matter their age.13:40 How to talk to patients about their treatment plan.18:32 Divide your treatment plan into three.22:56 Don't sacrifice quality for money.29:46 Final thoughts. Dr. Marco Brindis Bio:Dr. Marco Brindis is the chairman of the Prosthodontics Department of Louisiana State University, where he also maintains an intramural restorative practice devoted to esthetics and implants with an interdisciplinary approach. He earned his DDS from the Universidad Intercontinental in Mexico City in 1998, completed a Preceptorship in Dental Implants at the Universidad Intercontinental in 1999, a Preceptorship in Dental Implants at the Dental School at the UT Health Science Center in San Antonio in 2002, and a Surgical Implant Fellowship at the Biotechnology Institute in Vitoria, Spain, in 2003. He earned his Certificate in Prosthodontics at LSU School of Dentistry in the Department of Prosthodontics in 2007, then completed the Esthetic and Occlusion courses at the Pankey Institute in 2007.Dr. Brindis is very passionate in the field of interdisciplinary dentistry for full-mouth reconstruction, esthetics, and implant dentistry. He is involved in the development of new implant protocols to treat edentulous patients. He has lectured in the United States, Mexico, Canada, and Spain. He is a member of several organizations, including the Academy of Osseointegration, American Dental Association, American College of Prosthodontists, and the Pierre Fauchard Academy. He is a well-established national and international speaker, having spoken at symposiums such as the AAOMS Dental Implant Conference, International Symposium on Oral Implantology in Spain, Academy of Osseointegration, AAOMS Annual Meeting, and the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry.

Whether you like it or not, digital dentistry is the future. To help you embrace rather than fear this change, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. John Cranham, co-founder of Cranham Culp Digital Dental, to explain how he is doing the best dentistry of his career at the age of 63. High-level dentistry requires high-level technology! To learn how a digital workflow will improve your dentistry, listen to Episode 714 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Dr. Cranham:Send Dr. Cranham an email: jcranham@mac.com Join Dr. Cranham on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/john.c.cranhamFollow Dr. Cranham on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnccranhamddsLearn more about Cranham Culp Digital Dental: https://www.ccdigitaldental.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 714: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosMain Takeaways:Embrace digital. There is no need to fear it.Digital will make your dentistry better and more efficient.Visualize how you want to implement digital into your practice.Block out time to learn, teach, and implement digital into your practice.Get involved with digitally oriented labs and utilize tools such as TeamViewer.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.2:09 Dr. Cranham’s background.5:35 The latest trends with digital.9:45 Are many dentists adopting digital?12:10 Build a relationship with labs.16:58 Carve out time for important things.21:52 Be clear and aligned on vision.23:18 Potential downsides to digital.26:51 The future of digital.30:58 Final thoughts.33:13 About Cranham Culp Digital Dental and how to get in touch.Dr. John Cranham Bio:Dr. John C. Cranham is a highly respected and renowned dentist in Chesapeake, Virginia. At his state-of-the-art office, he delivers unsurpassed general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and restorative dentistry, including TMJ therapy and dental implant services. He uses his vast experience and expansive knowledge to create healthy, natural-looking smiles. Dr. Cranham was an honors graduate of the Medical College of Virginia in 1988. He is an internationally recognized speaker on the esthetic principles of smile design, contemporary occlusal concepts, treatment planning, restoration selection, digital photography, laboratory communication, and happiness and fulfillment in dentistry. Dr. Cranham founded Cranham Dental Seminars, which provides lectures, mobile programs, and intensive hands-on experiences to dentists around the world. In 2008, Cranham Dental Seminars merged with The Dawson Academy, a world-famous continuing education facility based in St. Petersburg, Florida. As The Dawson Academy’s acting Clinical Director, Dr. Cranham is involved with many of the courses and provides continuing education to dental professionals across the globe. He spends approximately two-thirds of his time in private practice and the other third as an educator. He believes this balance keeps him on the leading edge of both disciplines. Dr. Cranham is an active member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, American Academy of Fixed Prosthodontics, and American Equilibration Society. 

713: 60 Minute Mastery: Time Efficiency for Hygienists – Miranda Beeson & Michelle WakemanDo your hygienists complain about not having time? Are they constantly behind at every appointment? Don't blame them — blame your systems! To show that 60 minutes IS enough time, Kirk Behrendt brings back Miranda Beeson and Michelle Wakeman, two of ACT’s amazing coaches, with a framework to help you master the hygiene workflow. To learn how to take control of your time, listen to Episode 713 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Miranda and Michelle:Send Miranda an email: miranda@actdental.com Send Michelle an email: michelle@actdental.com Follow Miranda and Michelle on ACT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actdentalSend Gina an email: gina@actdental.com Learn More About ACT Dental:Watch the entire webinar here: https://www.actdental.com/109ACT’s website: https://www.actdental.comACT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actdentalACT’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/actdentalACT’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/actdentalACT’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3137520/admin/feed/posts/ACT’s Twitter: https://twitter.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 713: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosWatch The Profitable Hygiene Equation webinar: https://www.actdental.com/109Main Takeaways:60 minutes IS enough time.Split appointments into segments of 20-20-20.Prepare ahead of time to make appointments efficient.Use the 80% rule for completing chart notes the same day.Do a time study to find the segments that need improvement.Don't make it personal. Make it about the system, not the hygienist.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:45 Why this is an important topic.7:51 The 20-20-20 philosophy.8:53 The first 20 minutes: The diagnostic segment.11:18 Tips and tricks for efficiency.16:53 Help your team with their development.18:47 The second 20 minutes: The therapeutic segment.21:36 Have your team do a cross audit.24:12 The third 20 minutes: The logistic segment.26:58 Use the 80% rule for chart notes.29:48 Have a system for hand-offs.32:48 Do a time study.34:43 Don't make it personal.35:57 Miranda’s 75-25 rule.36:53 About ACT’s Profitable Hygiene Equation webinar.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. Michelle Wakeman, BSDH, Bio:Michelle Wakeman, BSDH, brings nearly 20 years of clinical dental hygiene, administrative, managerial, and sales experience to the table. She has a passion for people and a natural aptitude for communication that has led her to develop meaningful relationships throughout her career in dentistry. As a coach, she seeks to help dental practices develop systems that enable them to enhance their patient experience, leading to better relationships among owners, team members, and patients, along with profitable outcomes.In her off time, Michelle can usually be found at the ice rink supporting her son, Hunter, in hockey, the ball field cheering on her son, Carter, or the gym, reliving her days as a gymnast with her daughter, Leighton. 

712: How Did This All Begin & How Did You Get Here? – Dr. Dennis HartliebIn this special crossover episode, the tables are turned! Kirk Behrendt is interviewed on the Dental Online Training Sharecast, a podcast by Dr. Dennis Hartlieb, founder of Dental Online Training. Kirk shares everything from his early years, the origins of ACT Dental, and his thoughts on the current state of dentistry. To learn more about Kirk and hear his great advice on dentistry and life, listen to Episode 712 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Dr. Hartlieb:Send Dr. Hartlieb an email: hartliebdds@dothandson.com Join Dr. Hartlieb on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DennisHartliebDDSFollow Dr. Hartlieb on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hartliebddsLearn more about Dental Online Training: https://www.dothandson.com/homeRegister for DOT’s Study Club: https://www.dothandson.com/mentorshipRegister for DOT Fest (June 6-8, 2024): https://www.dothandson.com/dot-festView more on DOT’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DentalOnlineTrainingListen to the DOT Sharecast: https://www.dothandson.com/dot-sharecastMore Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:Watch the video version of Episode 712: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos 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:Read Traction by Gino Wickman: https://benbellabooks.com/shop/tractionMain Takeaways:Surround yourself with people who inspire and energize you.Take risks and make mistakes while you're young.Working evenings and weekends is dumb.Establish your core values ASAP.Develop great systems ASAP.Have a love for learning.Join a study club.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.3:11 About ACT Dental and its origin.5:19 Get good at people.8:00 Kirk’s non-dental background.11:08 The mind of 18-year-old Kirk.14:57 The best years are in front of you.18:31 How working in a restaurant can prepare you for dentistry.23:53 The importance of establishing your core values.27:09 Being hungry, humble, and smart.29:52 Some of Kirk’s influences.31:57 Never stop learning.33:50 Be around people who inspire you.37:28 Kirk’s time as a dental supply rep with Bob Popp.41:23 Young Kirk’s thoughts on dentists.46:20 Things that changed Kirk’s outlook on dentistry.54:02 Dentists then versus dentists today.56:59 Kirk’s alternate path and the start of ACT Dental.1:03:40 Take risks and make mistakes.1:06:17 Things Kirk got right and wrong.1:12:48 Lean into your core values.1:15:31 Recommended reading.1:17:20 Always be on the lookout for great people.1:22:40 Every practice should have a “bench”.1:23:57 Create margin for your practice.1:25:11 Seeing patients on evenings and weekends is dumb.1:26:57 Have regular team member check-ins.1:28:50 More about ACT Dental and how to get in touch with Kirk.Dr. Dennis Hartlieb Bio:Dr. Dennis Hartlieb is a graduate of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. He maintains a full-time practice, Chicago Beautiful Smiles, in the Chicago suburb of Glenview, Illinois. Dr. Hartlieb is an instructor at the Center for Esthetic Excellence in Chicago and is an Adjunct Associate Professor at the Marquette University School of Dentistry in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He lectures extensively to dentists throughout the U.S. on the art and science of anterior and posterior direct resin techniques.

711: Why Gross Production is the Worst Metric for Dentists – Dr. Barrett StraubA big part of having a better practice and a better life is understanding your numbers. But if you focus on the wrong ones, it can destroy your business! Gross production is one of the worst metrics for dentists, and Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Barrett Straub, ACT’s CEO, to explain why it doesn't tell the whole story of your practice. To learn about the metrics that truly matter and how to use them to plan your best life, listen to Episode 711 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Dr. Straub:Email Dr. Straub for ACT’s Capacity Tracker: barrett@actdental.com Join Dr. Straub on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barrett.d.straubFollow Dr. Straub on ACT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actdentalMore Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:Watch the video version of Episode 711: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosSubscribe 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/id1223838218Main Takeaways:Gross production doesn't tell the whole story.Know how to calculate and manage your effort gap.Figure out why you're not getting 100% of your true fee.Save your time and energy for things that matter most to you.Adding more doctors, hygienists, and chairs isn't adding capacity.Doing more and producing more doesn't always result in profitability.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.3:34 The effort gap, explained.3:55 Gross production, explained.9:14 The more data, the better.10:36 Trends in the effort gaps.11:48 How can you tell how much you're writing off?16:06 Annual patient value, explained.19:26 Active patients, explained.21:19 Days worked times production per day, explained.27:25 Production per hour and production per visit, explained.30:06 Capacity, defined.34:10 Have energy left for your life.35:36 Do you truly need to produce more?37:55 Last 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.