The Best Practices Show with Kirk Behrendt

804: Am I Overtreating My Patients? – Dr. Drew McDonaldDoctors treat diseases as soon as they see it. They don't wait until the final stage! So, why aren't dentists doing the same? To encourage you to start diagnosing more and treating patients early, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Drew McDonald from the Chicago Study Club to explain the consequences of waiting until it’s too late. Early diagnosis isn’t overtreating — you are setting patients up for a better, healthier, pain-free life. To learn the true value of orthodontics and how you can help more patients, listen to Episode 804 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.comStay tuned for Dr. McDonald’s MRI courses (TBA late 2024): https://www.orthobymcdonald.comLearn more about Chicago Study Club: https://chicagostudyclub.comSend Kirk an email for Dr. McDonald’s previous videos: 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 804: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosMain Takeaways:Not diagnosing patients is not okay.Using MRI and CBCT to diagnose patients is not overtreating.Early diagnosis and intervention is not overdiagnosing or overtreating.You have the ability to course correct and set patients up for better health.Imaging machines today have lower doses of radiation and are safer for patients.Diagnose patients as early as possible so they can be treated as early as possible.Orthodontists are more than just movers of teeth. You can prevent many future issues.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:28 Dr. McDonald’s background.6:05 Why this is an important topic.10:34 Imaging is not overdiagnosing.14:24 The importance of early airway intervention.18:20 Orthodontics, explained.21:27 Challenges in understanding how to read and understand imaging.22:54 What dentists get wrong about overtreating.30:39 Final thoughts.33:15 More about Dr. McDonald’s upcoming courses and Chicago 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.

You're a dentist — not a hammer! Stop forcing treatment on patients and start guiding them toward it instead. To help you make that happen, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Christopher Mazzola and Dr. Charlie Ward, visiting faculty from the Pankey Institute, to share what they’ve uncovered about the new patient process and how to find the things that matter to them most. To start decoding your patients’ minds to establish trust and improve retention, listen to Episode 803 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Dr. Mazzola & Dr. Ward:Join Dr. Mazzola on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christopher.d.mazzolaFollow Dr. Mazzola on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christopherdmazzoladdsSend Dr. Ward an email: charlie@bmoredentalarts.com Follow Dr. Ward on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drcwardddsRegister for Dr. Mazzola & Dr. Ward’s Mastering Treatment Planning course (October 2-4, 2025): https://pankey.org/registration/?courseId=17004&tuition=0&lodging=trueRegister for Dr. Mazzola & Dr. Ward’s Mastering Dental Photography course (October 29-31, 2026): https://pankey.org/registration/?courseId=17781&tuition=0&lodging=trueRegister for Dr. Ward’s Mastering Aesthetic Restorative Dentistry course (SOLD OUT): https://pankey.org/course-category/mardMore 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 803: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosRegister for the Essentials courses at Pankey: https://pankey.org/?s=essentialsTry Weave’s phone system: https://www.getweave.comRead books by Adam Grant: https://adamgrant.net/booksMain Takeaways:Establish your core purpose, mission, and vision.Ensure that your admin team understands your mission and vision.Stop being a hammer. Your job is to facilitate treatment, not to force it.Ask patients for feedback and insights so you can improve your practice.Don't make your treatment conversation about everything you see wrong.Be mindful of the words you use with your patients. Don't overwhelm them.Small gestures can go a long way in earning your patients’ trust and respect.It starts with the phone call. Ensure patients have a great phone call experience.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:40 Dr. Ward and Dr. Mazzola’s backgrounds.3:56 Why this is an important topic.5:42 Help new team members understand why this is important.9:11 Show patients you truly care.13:44 It all starts on the phone.19:10 Critical patient information to collect in the pre-clinical interview.22:59 The most memorable feedback from patients.29:12 Challenge dogma.44:42 Don't be a hammer.50:07 Philosophies on connecting with patients.1:06:31 Final thoughts.1:09:55 More about Dr. Mazzola & Dr. Ward’s future courses.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! Dr. Charlie Ward Bio:After graduating from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Science degree in 2004, he went straight into the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. He earned his DDS degree in 2008, and since then he has completed the Essentials courses and many others at the esteemed Pankey Institute, where he now serves as visiting faculty. He is currently a member of the Maryland State Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry.

802: From Metrics to Excellence: How to Make Your Data Work for You! – Dr. Barrett StraubYou care about your business more than anyone else. For that reason, it’s up to you to understand your numbers! To help you lean into the data you need, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Barrett Straub, ACT’s CEO, to share the top key metrics to track in every aspect of your practice. There's no “easy button” for success, but data will make the path easier! To learn how to make your data work for you, listen to Episode 802 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Dr. Straub:Send Dr. Straub an email: barrett@actdental.com Join Dr. Straub on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barrett.d.straubMore 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 802: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosWatch the entire webinar here: https://www.actdental.com/122Register for ACT’s Napa Valley Mastery Summit and To The Top Study Club (April 24-27, 2025): https://info.actdental.com/napa-mastery-summitDownload ACT’s Roadmap to Practice Profitability: https://23476641.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23476641/ACT_Dental_-_Roadmap_to_Practice_Profitability.pdfDownload ACT’s GAPs at a Glance: https://23476641.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23476641/47%20The%20Financial%20GAPs%20at%20a%20Glance%20-%2005.pdfDownload ACT’s Capacity Tracker: https://23476641.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23476641/ACT%20Dental%20Capacity%20Tracker%20Tool%20(1).pdfDownload ACT’s guide to Team Meetings: https://23476641.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23476641/Team%20Meetings.pdfMain Takeaways:What gets measured gets improved.Understand which key metrics to focus on and why.Get your team aligned on what data means for your practice.If you're new to using metrics to guide your practice, start small.Don't fear the numbers. Embrace them to start improving your practice.Use data collection tools such as Dental Intelligence, PMS, and manual tracking.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:40 About ACT’s TTT, BPA, and Pro Coaching.4:42 Objectives.6:06 Why this is an important topic.9:20 Common pitfalls.13:04 Clinical metrics: Patient treatment diagnosis percentage.15:24 Clinical metrics: Patient treatment acceptance percentage.23:39 Hygiene metrics: Periodontal data.29:38 Operational metrics: Cancellation rates.31:18 Operational metrics: Capacity.37:20 New patient metrics: Acquisition and retention.45:57 Financial metrics: Gross/net production, collections, accounts receivable, overhead.48:45 Patient experience metrics: Reviews, Google ratings, and internal referrals.50:01 Ways to collect the data you need.51:59 Get your team aligned on what metrics mean to your practice.55:23 Final takeaways.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.

801: Your Practice, Your Life: Unlock Freedom – Miranda BeesonDentistry can give you the life you want. So, why do you dread going into the office? Kirk Behrendt brings back Miranda Beeson, ACT’s director of education, to tell you it’s not the dentistry giving you the Sunday scaries — it’s how you're doing it. To help you overcome burnout and take control over your practice and life, they provide a framework for planning the life you want in and outside of your practice. It’s your life and your practice! To learn how to make it the best it can be, listen to Episode 801 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Miranda:Send Miranda an email: miranda@actdental.com Follow Miranda on ACT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actdentalSend Kirk an email: kirk@actdental.com Send Gina an email: gina@actdental.com Register for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (October 25, 2024): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/members-only-climb-with-us-register-for-october-25-2024-ttt-study-club-tickets-753430148857More 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 801: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosDownload ACT’s guide to Creating Your Vision: https://23476641.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23476641/Creating%20Your%20Vision%20with%20Worksheet.pdfDownload ACT’s OGT Tool: https://23476641.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23476641/ACT%20Dental%20OGT%20Tool%20Outcomes%20Goals%20Targets.pdfDiscover your gifts with Working Genius: https://www.workinggenius.comGet to know your personality with DiSC: https://www.thediscpersonalitytest.comUncover your instinctive strengths with Kolbe: https://www.kolbe.comMain Takeaways:Take the time to know yourself and what you want out of life.Form a clear vision of the life you want in and outside of your practice.Don't do what other people think you should do. Do what you want to do!Focus on the vision for your practice, your patients, your team, and yourself.Create a strategy and defined plan to help you focus on your long-term goals.Share your vision with your team and allow them to contribute toward the vision.Carve out solid time — not just 30 minutes — to think about what you want out of life.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:39 Why this is an important topic.5:42 Get clarity around your vision.12:40 Four areas to focus on when building your vision.14:36 Know yourself and what you want.21:29 Analyze your gaps with ACT’s OGT Tool.30:06 Share and build the vision with your team.33:19 Create consistency and predictability for your practice.39:58 Carve out time to think about what you want.43:53 Final thoughts.Miranda Beeson, MS, BSDH Bio:Miranda Beeson has over 25 years of clinical dental hygiene, front office, practice administration, and speaking experience. She is enthusiastic about communication and loves helping others find the power that words can bring to their patient interactions and practice dynamics. As a Lead Practice Coach, she is driven to create opportunities to find value in experiences and cultivate new approaches.Miranda graduated from Old Dominion University, and enjoys spending time with her husband, Chuck, and her children, Trent, Mallory, and Cassidy. Family time is the best time, and is often spent on a golf course, a volleyball court, or spending the day boating at the beach.

800: Are You Being Undervalued in Your Own Practice? Discover the Power of Doctor Endorsement! – Debra Engelhardt-NashIf your team members don't endorse you, patients won't want to be there! Doctor endorsement is critical for success. To help your team do it right, Kirk Behrendt brings back Debra Engelhardt-Nash, co-founder of The Nash Institute, with her expert advice on hyping up your practice. To learn simple endorsement strategies to communicate your value and build trust, listen to Episode 800 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Debra:Give Debra a call: (704) 904-3459Send 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-skillsRegister for the Academy for Private Dental Practice meeting (March 6-8, 2025, *Early bird prices until December 1, 2024!*): https://apdp.regfox.com/apdp-2025More 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 800: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosWatch Episode 720: 2 Questions to Know if You Are Doing the Right Thing with Debra Engelhardt-Nash: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzYzX3iEd3ILearn more about the Academy of Dental Management Consultants: https://admc.netLearn more about the Academy for Private Dental Practice: https://www.apdp.netMain Takeaways:Endorsement from your team is something you must earn.Patients can hear your heart. Be genuine with endorsements.Building value starts on the phone with your team’s verbal skills.Your team’s body language and presence are signs of endorsement.Stop telling patients what they need. Start asking how you can serve them.Train your team and practice with them so they can answer difficult questions.Explain to your team that endorsing your practice is also part of their responsibility.80% of why a patient chooses your practice has to do with establishing relationships.Endorsing new associates to transition them is the dentist’s and the team’s responsibility.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:59 Debra’s background.4:23 Why this is an important topic.6:11 You are here to serve.8:48 Why your team’s endorsement is important.20:18 How the team can endorse the dentist when patients call the office.27:03 How the team can endorse the dentist when patients come into the office.30:08 How the dentist can endorse their hygienists to patients.31:56 You need to earn your endorsements.35:39 Endorse with your presence and body language.37:43 Ask patients the magic question and know how to respond to difficult questions.44:10 How the team can endorse new dentists.46:20 Final thoughts.50:05 More about The Nash Institute.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. 

Sustainability is a hot topic — and this isn't just another trend! Our planet is in crisis, and we have a responsibility to act. To share what you can do as a dentist to reduce your footprint on Earth, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Christian Coachman, founder of Digital Smile Design, along with his friend Dr. Markus Tröltzsch, co-founder of Greenviu. Being environmentally friendly isn't about politics — it’s about leaving this shared home in a much better place. To begin your sustainability journey in your practice, listen to Episode 799 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Dr. Tröltzsch: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 (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/4ADCrWhqsUKbHmZtkhhgoBFollow Dr. Tröltzsch on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markustroeltzschBecome a friend of Greenviu: https://greenviu.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 799: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosMain Takeaways:Sustainability is not just a trend. It’s time to take action.Start talking to your team about sustainability and its importance.As medical professionals, you do no harm. Follow this rule for our planet.Being sustainable is not about green politics, eco-terrorism, or communism.60% of dentistry’s footprint comes from the commute of workers and patients.There are many ways that climate change is negatively affecting human health.Look for ways to waste less and use digital whenever possible to be more efficient.Medicine will always have a significant footprint, but we can find ways to compensate.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:09 Dr. Tröltzsch’s background.2:24 Why Greenviu was founded.9:30 Data on the harm of climate change to human health.16:05 Reduce, replace, and compensate, explained.19:39 Eco-friendly products, trends, and marketing in recent years.23:58 The recent backlash against climate change.28:09 What dentists can do to be more sustainable.36:11 How Greenviu plans to move the industry forward.40:30 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. He has lectured and published internationally in the fields of esthetic and digital dentistry, dental photography, oral rehabilitation, dental ceramics, implants, and communication strategies and marketing in dentistry.Dr. Markus Tröltzsch Bio:Dr. Markus Tröltzsch received his DMD from the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg in 2005 and graduated in medicine from the same university in 2010.Dr. Tröltzsch continued his dental studies in 2008 and 2009, specializing in restorative and esthetic dentistry (Curriculum DGÄZ). He spent six months in the Department of Surgery at the University of Sydney in Australia, then proceeded to the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Zurich in Switzerland. Afterwards, he performed his residency at the university clinics in Bochum and Göttingen in Germany where he passed the board exam for maxillofacial surgery.Dr. Tröltzsch was appointed as consultant and senior physician for maxillofacial surgery at the University of Göttingen from January of 2016 until September of 2016. He maintains a private office for dentistry and oral and maxillofacial surgery in Ansbach, Bavaria, Germany and directs the Department for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the hospital of Ansbach, Bavaria, Germany with his father and brother.

798: More Patients or Higher APV? The One Metric You Must Focus on for Real Growth – Dr. Barrett StraubYou need patients to run your practice. But more isn't always better! To help you understand what makes patients valuable for your business, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Barrett Straub, ACT’s CEO, to explain annual patient value and the six steps to steadily increase it for a more profitable practice. Sometimes, less is more! To learn more about this magic KPI for growth, listen to Episode 798 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Dr. Straub:Send Dr. Straub an email: barrett@actdental.com Join Dr. Straub on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barrett.d.straubMore 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 798: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosMain Takeaways:Do more dentistry per visit for efficiency.Track how much you're diagnosing and selling.Get patients involved by taking time for a consultation.You can't afford not to collect 100% of what you're owed.Create a system to schedule your unscheduled treatment.Add procedures you're qualified and skilled to do onto your menu.Some patients can be seen more frequently than every six months.Keep patients tethered to the practice, even with easy appointments.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:16 Annual patient value, explained.10:17 Grow your communication skills and confidence.12:05 Collect 100%.14:00 Do more per visit.17:18 Track how much you diagnose and sell.21:02 Add more procedures to your menu.23:34 Schedule unscheduled treatment.25:36 Don't let patients leave without their next appointment.29:08 Good versus “not that bad”.31:15 Get patients involved.34:54 Final thoughts.Dr. Barrett Straub Bio:Dr. Barrett Straub practices general and sedation dentistry in Port Washington, Wisconsin. He has worked hard to develop his practice into a top-performing, fee-for-service practice that focuses on improving the lives of patients through dentistry.A graduate of Marquette Dental School, Dr. Straub’s advanced training and CE includes work at the Spear Institute, LVI, DOCS, and as a member of the Milwaukee Study Club. He is a past member of the Wisconsin Dental Association Board of Trustees and was awarded the Marquette Dental School 2017 Young Alumnus of the Year. As a former ACT coaching client that experienced first-hand the transformation that coaching can provide, he is passionate about helping other dentists create the practice they’ve always wanted.Dr. Straub loves to hunt, golf, and spend winter on the ice, curling. He is married to Katie, with two daughters, Abby and Elizabeth.

797: Struggling With Finding Team Members? Discover the Long-Term Solution Dentists Can't Afford to Ignore – Alan TwiggYou tell future patients why they should choose your practice. But how about future team members? Do you offer more than benefits and a paycheck? If not, don't miss this episode! Kirk Behrendt brings in Alan Twigg, co-owner of Bent Ericksen & Associates, to help you develop your unique employment proposition so you can keep your greatest team members. Put a stop to preventable turnover! To learn the long-term solution for employee retention, listen to Episode 797 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Alan:Learn more about Bent Ericksen & Associates: https://bentericksen.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 797: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosWatch Episode 777: Why Objections are a Gift with Miranda Beeson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJ6a_rRoNTARead The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace by Dr. Gary Chapman & Dr. Paul White: https://www.appreciationatwork.com/5-languages-appreciation-workplace-improve-employee-engagementMain Takeaways:Put in effort from the very beginning.Know your unique employment propositions.Invest heavily in onboarding. It is critical for retention.Turnover is preventable. Offer more than wages and benefits.Always stay up to date with the changing state and federal rules.Document everything. Your problems will be $200 instead of $50,000.Practice empathy and emotional intelligence. No employee just “gets it”.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:21 About Bent Ericksen and Alan’s background.3:33 Why this is an important topic.8:16 Stay up to date with state and federal rules.12:03 Why it’s critical to document everything.16:08 Over 50% of the onboarding process determines retention.21:46 Culture, defined.23:47 HR compliance, explained.26:03 Final thoughts.28:53 More about Bent Ericksen.Alan Twigg Bio:Alan Twigg is the co-owner of Bent Ericksen & Associates. For over 10 years, he has guided thousands of clients and consultants through the ever-changing world of HR and employment compliance. He is a speaker, consultant, and author who is passionate about bringing education and peace-of-mind to such a confusing topic.As a strong proponent of symbiotic employer-employee relations, Alan is passionate about teamwork and positive work cultures, with an emphasis on long-term personnel retention and employment compliance, where his solutions-oriented outlook excels.

796: Annual Review 911: It’s Time for Change – Heather CrockettWho are the most important people in your practice? If you said your patients, listen to this episode! Kirk Behrendt brings back Heather Crockett, one of ACT’s amazing coaches, to explain why your team comes first — not your patients. Start putting your energy where it matters most! To learn how to take care of your team and transform your practice, listen to Episode 796 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Heather:Send Heather an email: heather@actdental.com Join Heather on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heather.r.crockettFollow Heather on ACT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actdentalSend Gina an email: gina@actdental.com More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listenJoin The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaJoin ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/tttSee the ACT Dental/BPA Live Event Schedule: https://www.actdental.com/eventGet The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazinePlease leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218Episode Resources:Watch the video version of Episode 796: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosWatch Episode 773: Consistency is King with Dr. Kevin Groth: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIDVG3QoPJ4Download ACT’s Check-In Agenda: https://23476641.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23476641/Check%20In%20Agenda.pdfMain Takeaways:Check-ins are the key to trust.A flyby is not a check-in! Put aside time to do it.Empower your team. Have them schedule and lead check-ins.Always schedule the next check-in before starting the current one.Be present, flex your active listening muscles, and ask good questions.Make sure your compensation conversations are separate from check-ins.Emphasize to your team how important they are, and how important check-ins are.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.2:18 Why the check-in is important for your practice.8:12 Why annual reviews are ineffective.11:28 Check-ins and annual reviews, explained.15:08 Best practices for check-ins.22:17 The system for check-ins.27:17 Earn your team’s trust and respect.29:10 Establish an order for priorities.32:32 Emphasize to your team that they are important.34:05 Check-ins are great for accountability.35:50 When to have the compensation conversation.37:09 Flybys are not check-ins.40:07 Final takeaways.Heather Crockett Bio:Heather Crockett is a Lead Practice Coach who finds joy in not only improving practices but improving the lives of those she coaches as well. With over 20 years of combined experience in assisting, office management, and clinical dental hygiene, her awareness supports many aspects of the practice setting.Heather received her dental hygiene degree from the Utah College of Dental Hygiene in 2008. Networking in the dental community comes easy to her, and she loves to connect with like-minded colleagues on social media. Heather enjoys both attending and presenting continuing education to expand her knowledge and learn from her friends and colleagues.She enjoys hanging out with her husband, three sons, and their dog, Moki, scrolling through social media, watching football, and traveling.

It’s Sunday night, and you're looking at Monday’s schedule. You see names you don't want to see, and you dread going to work. Wouldn't it be great to see only your favorite patients? It’s possible to do, and this episode teaches you how! Kirk Behrendt brings back Adriana Booth, one of ACT’s amazing coaches, to help you keep the patients who value your work and pay their bills. To learn the two steps to increase your happiness, listen to Episode 795 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Adriana:Join Adriana on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adriana.boothFollow Adriana on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/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 video version of Episode 795: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosWatch Episode 792: Creating a 6-Star Patient Experience in Your Practice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeBVFziRJt0Watch Episode 765: Outshine Competitors, Release Your 3 Uniques: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjRa_1e_Tb8Download ACT’s Differentiation Tool: https://info.actdental.com/hubfs/PDF/Differentiation%20Tool.pdfDownload ACT’s Patient ID System: https://23476641.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23476641/Copy%20of%20Patient%20ID%20System.pdfMain Takeaways:Identify characteristics of your core customers.Don't base your core customers based on emotion.Use the Patient ID System to rate your patients’ behaviors.Remember that not all of your “A” patients will be your favorite people.Create appointment codes to objectively document your patients’ conduct.You are simply tracking patients’ behaviors, not making personal judgments.Let go of patients you don't want to see. You are not required to reschedule them.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:28 Why this is an important topic.5:23 Core customers, explained.9:34 The Patient ID System, explained.17:22 How to mark your patients in your software.21:57 It’s about documenting behaviors.27:02 More about ACT's resources and BPA. 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.