The Best Practices Show with Kirk Behrendt

710: Mastering the Hand-Off; 1 Move With Big Impact – Michelle WakemanAre you ever at the doctor’s office and feel like no one is listening? That could be happening in your own dental practice! One solution is the hand-off, an important element in your practice. Kirk Behrendt brings in Michelle Wakeman, one of ACT’s amazing coaches, to explain what it is and how to do it right so that your patients have a great experience at each visit. To learn the recipe for an excellent hand-off, listen to Episode 710 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Michelle:Send Michelle an email: michelle@actdental.com Follow Michelle 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/id1223838218Main Takeaways:Hand-offs elevate the patient experience.Learn when and how to perform a hand-off.Use the hand-off to set parameters on chat time.Know the four W’s to ask when handing off a patient.Set aside time to practice the hand-off with your team.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.2:04 Why the hand-off is important.3:58 The hand-off, explained.6:10 Where the hand-off should happen.11:07 Set parameters on chat time.13:09 The hand-off recipe.14:33 Language matters.15:46 The hand-off steps for the admin team.16:40 The hand-off steps for chairside assistants.17:47 How to implement the hand-off into your practice.20:03 You're either succeeding, or you're learning.21:26 Last thoughts.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.

709: The Why’s and Y’s of Zirconia – Dr. Shashikant SinghalHow much do you know about zirconia? If zirconia is still a mystery, don't miss this episode! Kirk Behrendt brings in Dr. Shashikant Singhal, Director of Education & Professional Services at Ivoclar, to explain the different types of zirconia, its properties, and what dentists get wrong when using this material. To improve how you craft your dental masterpiece, listen to Episode 709 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Dr. Singhal:Follow Dr. Singhal on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drshashi_singhalLearn more about Ivoclar: https://www.ivoclar.com/en_usRegister for Ivoclar Academy: https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us/academy/about-the-academyMore 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/id1223838218Main Takeaways:Not all zirconia is the same.Learn the properties of 3Y, 4Y, and 5Y.Know the appropriate uses for each zirconia type.Zirconia is strong — but each type has its limitations.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:32 Dr. Singhal’s background.2:22 The background of zirconia.4:01 The three types of zirconia and GT technology.9:05 Color, explained.11:33 Strength and reliability, explained.14:04 Accuracy, explained.17:06 The importance of beauty.18:12 The importance of strength.20:26 What people get wrong about zirconia.21:45 The future of zirconia.23:28 Final thoughts.24:50 Learn more about Ivoclar and get in touch with Dr. Singhal.Dr. Shashikant Singhal Bio:Dr. Shashikant Singhal, BDS, MS, has diverse work experience spanning over a decade, and has held various positions in different organizations. He started his career as an intern at the College of Dental Sciences in 2008. In 2009, he worked as a graduate assistant at the UAB School of Dentistry, and also served as a supervisor at the UAB School of Public Health. In 2012, he joined the University at Buffalo's School of Dental Medicine as a materials research dentist. From 2012 onwards, he has been associated with Ivoclar NA, where he has held multiple roles including clinical specialist, manager of professional services, and director of professional services. He currently serves as the director of education and professional services.Dr. Singhal also has a diverse educational history. He received his Bachelor’s in Dental Surgery (BDS) from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences from 2003 to 2008. He further pursued his education and completed a Master of Science (MS) degree in the Advance Clinical Dentistry Program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham from 2009 to 2011. Currently, he is enrolled in the Executive MBA program at the University of Rochester - Simon Business School, which he is expected to complete between 2022 and 2024.

708: PPO Independence: Turn ‘Do You Take My Insurance?’ Into a Winning Conversation! – Ariel Juday & Christina ByrneWhether you're fee-for-service or PPO, patients will ask the dreaded question, “Do you take my insurance?” If you're struggling to give a great answer, don't miss this episode! Kirk Behrendt brings back Ariel Juday and Christina Byrne, two of ACT’s amazing coaches, with tips to improve your communication, verbal skills, and understanding of dental insurance. To learn how to have a winning insurance conversation, listen to Episode 708 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Ariel and Christina:Send Ariel an email: ariel@actdental.com Send Christina an email: christina@actdental.com Send Gina an email: gina@actdental.com Follow Ariel and Christina on ACT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actdentalMore Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listenJoin The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaJoin ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/tttSee the ACT Dental/BPA Live Event Schedule: https://www.actdental.com/eventGet The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazinePlease leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218Main Takeaways:Have a strong understanding of the dental insurance process and benefits.Get your team aligned on how to answer the dental insurance question.Remember that patients like their insurance. Don't knock it down.Know which key words and phrases to use and to avoid.Never assume you know what patients are asking.Use open-ended questions.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:26 ACT’s To The Top Study Club and BPA.6:25 Why this is an important topic.8:23 The patient engagement cycle in a dental office.10:18 Know the basics of dental insurance.19:06 Understand the insurance process.23:15 Don't shoot down patients’ insurance plans.27:49 Benefits of non-participation.31:47 How to educate and talk to patients about dental insurance.38:48 Q&A: If insurance downgrades, can you collect the difference?40:19 Out-of-network and non-participating provider, explained.41:00 Pros and cons of being a non-participating provider.43:49 Q&A: Bill everything to insurance, whether it’s covered or not.44:51 Reserve time in team meetings to review the basics.46:26 Key phrases to use: Dental benefits.47:30 Key phrases to use: Insurance-friendly practice.52:06 Key phrases to use: Feel, felt, found.54:34 Key phrases to use: Yes.55:46 Be concise when answering questions.56:16 Q&A: Unrestricted provider, explained.57:33 Key phrases to use: Patient portion or patient investment.58:26 Q&A: How do you respond to, “Which insurances do you take?”59:17 Q&A: What's the verbiage for, “Do you take my insurance?”1:00:07 How to answer, “So, you aren't taking my insurance anymore?”1:02:22 Q&A: What to tell patients with HMO plans when we are non-participating providers.1:05:22 Q&A: How to explain the out-of-network letter to patients.1:07:34 Get rid of your limiting beliefs.1:10:03 Use open-ended questions and listen to your patients.1:11:29 Q&A: How to help patients whose portions are too high.1:12:45 Be proactive and strategic.1:14:32 Q&A: Focus on what you can control.1:16:16 Conclusion.Ariel Juday Bio:Ariel has a master’s in healthcare administration and several years of dental experience in all aspects of the administrative roles within the dental office. Her passion is to work with dental teams to empower team members to realize their full potential in order to better serve patients, improve office systems to ensure a well-functioning team/office, and to help everyone have fun in the process!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!

707: Why the Road Ahead for Dentists is Amazing – Dr. Barrett StraubIf you want a great life as a dentist, you need a great dental practice. To help you take your first steps toward a better life, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Barrett Straub, ACT’s CEO, to showcase their new membership program, the Best Practices Association. Join today and transform your practice! To earn more, stress less, and start enjoying your days at work, listen to Episode 707 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.straubFollow Dr. Straub on ACT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actdentalMore Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listenJoin The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaJoin ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/tttSee the ACT Dental/BPA Live Event Schedule: https://www.actdental.com/eventGet The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazinePlease leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218Main Takeaways:Learn the key principles of a better practice, better life.Understand the importance of creating margin.Your team — not your patients — come first.Time is the new rich. Stop being so busy.Join ACT’s BPA today!Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:26 About ACT’s Best Practices Association.5:04 Why dentistry is a noble profession.9:22 The Better Practice, Better Life movement, explained.15:06 Foster great community with BPA.18:33 Why dentists are working more and making less.23:49 Important statistics to know.26:04 You don't need to be everyone’s dentist.27:50 Set up the right systems with help from BPA.29:15 Why you should “own your job”.32:49 Margin, explained.35:03 Time is the new rich.37:27 Improve your life first to impact others’ lives.42:16 What to expect being a BPA member.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.

706: Leading Beyond the Chair: 4 Key Pillars for Dental Team Success – Miranda BeesonIf you're not good with people, you won't have a great business — or a great life! Your first step is to master the four domains of emotional intelligence, and Kirk Behrendt brings back Miranda Beeson, one of ACT’s amazing coaches, to teach you how. Get good at people, not just dentistry! To become an emotionally intelligent leader for yourself, your team, and your family, listen to Episode 706 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 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:Read Hidden Potential by Adam Grant: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/719611/hidden-potential-by-adam-grantTake the DiSC assessment: https://www.thediscpersonalitytest.comTake the Kolbe A Index: https://www.kolbe.comTake the Working Genius assessment: https://www.workinggenius.com/about/assessmentTake the Myers-Briggs assessment: https://www.themyersbriggs.com/en-USRead Thanks for the Feedback by Douglas Stone & Sheila Heen: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/313485/thanks-for-the-feedback-by-douglas-stone-and-sheila-heenRead The Outward Mindset by The Arbinger Institute: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/575042/the-outward-mindset-by-the-arbinger-instituteMain Takeaways:Develop your self-awareness.Learn how to regulate your emotions.Recognize and understand other people’s emotions.Grow your ability to manage other people’s emotional states.  Snippets:0:00 Introduction.2:02 Why this is an important topic.4:23 Being a leader is harder than being a great dentist.7:16 Pillar #1) Self-awareness.9:30 Character is a skill, not a trait.11:12 Pause and ponder.12:49 Utilize personality tests to increase self-awareness.15:13 Pillar #2) Regulation.17:40 Ways to get emotional flooding under control.21:08 Pillar #3) Social awareness.24:13 Ways to supplement social awareness.26:16 Be okay with getting feedback.27:58 Pillar #4) Relationship management.30:11 Tips for knowing when tensions are high.36:10 Final takeaways.38:53 More about ACT’s To The Top Study Club.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.

705: 3 Questions You Have to Answer on How Patients Enter Your Practice – Dr. Jim McKeeHow do patients enter your practice? It’s the most important question to consider as a dentist and business owner. To guide you through three main questions you need to answer, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Jim McKee, founder of Chicago Study Club, to share a few critical lessons he’s learned over his professional career. To learn which questions to answer for the success of your practice, listen to Episode 705 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 more about Chicago Study Club (email Dr. McKee for more information): 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/id1223838218Main Takeaways:Figure out what kind of practice you're trying to build.Determine whether the doctor or hygienist sees patients first.Pace your treatment planning appropriately. Don't overwhelm patients.Pretend you're a patient. Think about what you want from a dental experience.Wow your patients with an experience they’ve never had from any other dentist.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:49 Why this is an important topic.10:07 Filter patients to emergency visits or new patient visits.15:11 Above-the-line and below-the-line, explained.19:18 Pace your treatment plans.22:27 Figure out the type of practice you're trying to build.26:25 Make your workplace a great place to be.29:42 Change your practice one interaction at a time.32:29 Last thoughts.33:33 Dr. McKee’s upcoming courses.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. 

704: How I Discovered Happiness Through a Lot of Adversity – Dr. Kevin GrothWe all want to avoid hardship. But hard times can lead to a more fulfilling and joyful life. To share how adversity was important to his happiness, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Kevin Groth to highlight the important lessons and habits he learned that transformed his life. With the right mindset, adversity is the path to happiness! To hear how you can discover your happiest self, listen to Episode 704 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Dr. Groth:Give Dr. Groth a call: (248) 229-9380Send Dr. Groth an email: kevingroth@gmail.com Join Dr. Groth on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grothdentalFollow Dr. Groth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkevingrothMore 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:As a Man Thinketh by James Allen https://bookshop.org/p/books/as-a-man-thinketh-james-allen/6726929?ean=9781585426386Main Takeaways:Learn to say no.Set your vision and core values.Get in the habit of positive thinking.Take better care of your mind and body.Surround yourself with supportive people.Don't judge yourself at your lowest moments.Simplify the things that are bogging you down.No one should work more than 200 days a year.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.3:41 Dr. Groth’s journey to happiness.5:26 Have a strong support network.8:34 The happiest people live the simplest lives.10:15 Don't work more than 200 days a year.14:27 Simplify the things that are bogging you down.15:29 Change how you do payroll.16:57 Change your work hours.21:07 You don't need to be everyone’s dentist.21:46 Write down your problems to start finding solutions.24:02 Establish your vision and core values.29:48 Improve yourself to be happy.33:10 Take better care of your body.34:11 Don't strive for perfection.35:17 The value of saying no.37:10 Make amends to clear your mind.41:12 Keep your ego in check.43:24 Start journaling.44:40 Get in the habit of positive thinking.49:08 Last thoughts.Dr. Kevin Groth Bio:Dr. Kevin Groth’s primary goal is for every person to walk out of his office knowing that they received the highest-quality, most personalized care possible. Dentistry is more than just a profession for Dr. Groth. He sees every patient as an extension of his own family. When you are in his chair, you’ll always be treated well. Dr. Groth’s favorite part of being a dentist is that every day and every patient is different. He loves the variety of people he gets to meet and procedures he performs to help patients maintain their smiles. Since graduating from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Dr. Groth has been recognized locally by Hour Detroit Magazine as a Top Dentist, and nationally as a Top Doc. As a passionate dentist who wants to provide the best care for his patients, he pursues continuing education through The Dawson Academy, serves on the executive board of the Periodontal Bunting Society, and is the Assistant Clinical Director of the Society of Comprehensive Dentists. He has also served as an adjunct clinical faculty member at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. 

703: The Profitable Hygiene Equation: Optimizing Workflow Services for Success – Miranda Beeson & Courtney DaltonAre your hygienists always running out of time? If they are, it’s not them — it’s your systems that need improvement! To help you optimize the hygiene workflow so you can be more profitable, Kirk Behrendt brings back Miranda Beeson and Courtney Dalton, two of ACT’s amazing coaches (and excellent hygienists), with a framework for making those 60 minutes more efficient. To learn the strategies to make your day flow smoother, listen to Episode 703 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Miranda and Courtney:Send Miranda an email: miranda@actdental.com Send Courtney an email: courtney@actdental.com Follow Miranda and Courtney 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:Watch the entire webinar here: https://www.actdental.com/109Subscribe 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:Register for Katrina Sanders’s course (March 9, 2024): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/act-dental-hygienists-live-course-march-9-2024-tickets-732186328017?aff=erelexpmltMain Takeaways:Implement the 20-20-20 concept.Prepare ahead to make appointments efficient.Set clear “connection time” expectations with patients.Be aware of your patient’s personality and communication styles.Keep patients engaged through co-discovery to get them on board faster.Utilize technology, such as imaging and AI recording software, to your advantage.Perform a time analysis to determine which of your 20-20-20 needs improvement.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:53 ACT’s To The Top Study Club.4:50 ACT’s Best Practices Association.6:52 Katrina Sanders’s hygiene course.7:58 Why this is an important topic.11:46 The 20-20-20 concept: The diagnostic segment.18:01 Prepare in advance.22:21 Set clear “connection time” expectations with patients.25:23 Utilize technology to your advantage.28:53 Be intentional with how you communicate with patients.33:29 Communicate in the patient’s style.35:50 Ask open-ended questions.36:11 Too much information can annoy certain patients.38:55 Other co-discovery tools.39:47 The 75-25 rule, explained.41:09 The 20-20-20 concept: The therapeutic segment.46:02 The 80-20 rule of mechanical and hand instrumentation.49:38 Make sure your instruments are effective.50:47 Maybe it’s time to try something new.51:51 The 20-20-20 concept: The logistics segment.53:05 How to spend the last five to ten minutes.56:19 Tips for getting your notes done.58:14 Other systems to consider.1:01:31 Final takeaways.1:03:04 Q&A: How do you stay profitable while offering high pay?1:04:58 Q&A: How to manage patients who take the full 60 minutes without the exam.1:05:54 Q&A: Software recommendations to record probing.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.Courtney Dalton, BS, RDH Bio:Courtney Dalton is a Lead Practice Coach who focuses on establishing a solid foundation in order for a practice to thrive. With over 15 years of experience in the dental industry, she is as passionate about patient care as she is about those who are providing it.

Without a healthy partnership, your work life could be torture. If you want to increase your happiness at work, don't miss this episode! Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Jennifer Derse and Dr. Brett Levin, founders of Espire, to share their recipe for a healthy partnership that lasts. To learn how to stay aligned, navigate disagreements, and to disagree agreeably, listen to Episode 702 of The Best Practices Show! Learn More About Dr. Derse and Dr. Levin: Follow Dr. Derse on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/espiredental Follow Dr. Levin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brettrlevindmd Learn more about Espire: https://espiredental.com More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & A Better Life: Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listen Join The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa Join ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/ttt See the ACT Dental/BPA Live Event Schedule: https://www.actdental.com/event Get The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazine Please leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218 Main Takeaways: Respect and support your partner. Be aligned with one another’s vision. Learn how to disagree and give feedback. Find a cadence for communication to stay aligned. Accept that you will have some hard days with your partner. Snippets: 0:00 Introduction. 3:22 Why a healthy partnership is so important. 4:26 Why being aligned on vision is important. 5:40 How to stay aligned and navigate disagreements. 9:15 Complexities in adding more people. 12:00 Schedule regular alignment time. 16:16 How Dr. Derse and Dr. Levin communicate. 22:11 How Dr. Derse and Dr. Levin define respect in a partnership. 28:31 How Dr. Derse and Dr. Levin cultivate teamwork. 32:02 Mistakes to avoid in a partnership. 34:51 Last thoughts. 38:08 More about Espire and how to get in touch. Dr. Jennifer Derse Bio: After dental school at Marquette University School of Dentistry, Dr. Derse focused her practice on cosmetic dentistry in Scottsdale, Arizona, and taught at the Arizona School of Dentistry. In 2010, she moved to Denver to join Espire Dental, formerly Levin Family Dental, where she has maintained a Top Dentist award by 5280 Magazine every year since. Dr. Derse completed the Kois Continuum and focuses her dental practice on esthetic and restorative dentistry. She is actively involved in the Denver community, serving on local non-profit boards and fundraising with Smiles for Life. She has also gone on numerous medical missions to the Dominican Republic and Guatemala to provide dental care in needy communities. To build upon her service in non-profits, she started the Derse Levin Foundation, Espire’s philanthropic arm that funds humanitarian work along with local charities. Dr. Brett Levin Bio:After obtaining his dental degree at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Levin returned home to Denver to practice with his father, Dr. Alan Levin. Having served the Glendale/Cherry Creek area for over 20 years, he values the “idyllic” relationships he has created with his patients. He is committed to upholding the traditions of Espire Dental while incorporating the best of modern dental practice technologies. Dr. Levin is one of a select few clinical instructors at the prestigious Kois Center, a clinical program designed to integrate the latest advances in esthetic, implant, and restorative dentistry. As a leading Denver cosmetic dentist specializing in dental veneers, same-day crowns, and clear aligners, he is uniquely qualified to give patients the smile of their dreams.

Do you have a hard time communicating with your team about insurance benefits? It's not easy. In this episode, Kirk and his guest, coach Robin Theisen, have some answers for you. Robin shares four tips for effectively talking about dental insurance benefits with patients. The conversation emphasizes the importance of educating the team about insurance, using the term 'benefits' instead of 'insurance', always saying 'yes' to patients, and making the patient the focus of the conversation. Listen to this episode to hear why implementing these great tips will help you build trust, maximize benefits, and create value for your patients.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/ttt/See the ACT Dental/BPA Live Event Schedule: https://www.actdental.com/event/Get the Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazine/Please leave us a review on the podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218Send Robyn an email: robyn@actdental.com Follow Robyn on ACT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actdentalMore help at ACT Dental: Gina@actdental.comMain Takeaways: Educate the team about dental insurance to ensure everyone is on the same page.Use the term 'benefits' instead of 'insurance' to clarify the purpose and limitations of coverage.Always say 'yes' to patients and focus on what can be done rather than what cannot be covered.Make the patient the focus of the conversation and build trust by emphasizing the value of the dental treatment.Snippets:00:00 Introduction01:24 Importance of Talking Insurance Benefits05:36 Tip 1: Educating the Team09:55 Tip 2: Using the Term 'Benefits' Instead of 'Insurance'13:41 Tip 3: Always Saying 'Yes' and Tip 4: Make your patient the focus26:05 Final thoughts and ConclusionRobyn 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.