

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

Aug 25, 2025 • 20min
934: Metric Mondays: An Easier Way to Achieve a 182% Increase in Dental Practice Collections – Dave Monahan
Uninsured patients are afraid of the dentist. But it’s not the pain they're scared of! They don't have coverage, and they're anxious about the cost. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dave Monahan, founder and CEO of Kleer, to share how to remove this barrier and grow your collections by 182%. To learn the easier way to get patients through the door and accept treatment, listen to Episode 934 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Dave:Send Dave an email: dave@kleer.com Follow Kleer-Membersy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clerri_officialLearn more about Kleer-Membersy’s case studies: https://clerri.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/bpaDownload ACT’s BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360Download ACT’s BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_USJoin ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/tttGet 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 934: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosMain Takeaways:Focus on getting existing patients to come in more often and accept needed treatment.Uninsured patients avoid dentists mostly due to lack of coverage and fear of cost.Patients with coverage, such as a membership plan, come in twice as much.Membership plans increase treatment presentation and acceptance.You will keep more of what you produce with a membership plan.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:56 Engage your existing patients.4:05 Coverage, defined.6:06 Kleer’s case study data.11:09 Collections is the most important metric.12:58 Average discount percentages.14:59 Final thoughts.16:03 More about Kleer-Membersy.Dave Monahan Bio:Dave Monahan is the CEO of Kleer, an advanced, cloud-based platform that enables dentists to easily design and manage their own membership plan and offer it directly to their patients. Kleer is turn-key and free to implement. Their mission is simple: partner with dentists to increase the value of their practices by making dental care accessible and affordable to everyone.

Aug 22, 2025 • 21min
933: Improving Quality Control Without the Headache: How AI Can Boost Efficiency – Mike Buckner
Do you ever wish you had a second set of eyes — without the headache of opinions and emotions? Well, now it’s possible! In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Mike Buckner, executive vice president of revenue at Pearl, to showcase the impact of using AI to provide better care for your patients. To learn how AI will help you detect problems earlier, more accurately, and even more quickly, listen to Episode 933 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Mike:Send Mike an email: mike@hellopearl.com Follow Mike on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikebucknerpearlTo connect, learn more about Pearl, and receive exclusive ACT Dental Partner benefits, please visit https://pages.hellopearl.com/actMore 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/bpaDownload ACT’s BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360Download ACT’s BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_USJoin ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/tttGet 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 933: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosRead Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell: https://www.buybackyourtime.comMain Takeaways:Think of AI as a spell check tool. It can help you do more and save time.AI, in recent years, has become even better with diagnostic accuracy.Reduce insurance claims headaches with AI's flagging system.Increase your confidence by using AI as a second opinion.With AI, you will be able to provide better patient care.Appoint a team member to be your “AI researcher”.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.0:42 Buy Back Your Time.2:51 AI, explained.5:56 How quickly is AI learning?9:18 The impact of poor X-ray quality.13:16 How the AI flagging system works.14:02 AI helps you provide better care.15:47 Final thoughts.17:09 More about Pearl AI.Mike Buckner Bio:Mike has spent the last 12 years growing dental software technology companies that are designed to streamline office efficiency and increase overall production while elevating the standard of care for your patients.Mike has led business development and partner strategy for Solutionreach back when offices were just starting to text patients to confirm appointments. He then helped grow Dental Intelligence, focusing on providing valuable insights to practices, allowing them to focus on vital key performance indicators to improve overall practice health.Following that, Mike joined Weave while it was in its infancy, leading partnership growth strategies. His most recent endeavor finds him as the Executive Vice President of Revenue at Pearl, the first company to bring Artificial Intelligence into the dental space with comprehensive FDA clearance to assist clinicians and team members in reading and detecting pathologies in 2D X-rays (Bitewings and PAs).

Aug 20, 2025 • 21min
932: Is Your Collection Gap Stealing Profit? – Robyn Theisen
You don't need to work harder, and you don't need to produce more. You just need to collect what you're owed! In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Robyn Theisen, one of ACT’s amazing coaches, to show you how much money you're leaving on the table and how to tighten your collection gap. To learn how to start collecting 100%, listen to Episode 932 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 Courtney an email: courtney@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/bpaDownload ACT’s BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360Download ACT’s BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_USJoin ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/tttGet 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 932: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosRegister to ACT’s BPA for GAPs at a Glance: https://join.actdental.com/users/sign_in?post_login_redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fjoin.actdental.com%2Fc%2Fpractice-coaching-tools%2Ffinancial-gaps-at-a-glance#emailMain Takeaways:95% sounds pretty good. But collecting 95% of your collectible production is not an “A”.Your issue isn't collections — it’s not having firm and strong financial arrangements.Financial conversations start at the front. Empower your team with confidence.Verbal skills matter. Be aligned with your language when asking for payment.Do consistent billing and follow-ups and have someone own these systems.It’s not about producing more, but about collecting everything you produce.Improving collections even by 1% or 2% has huge gains over time.Always aim to collect 100% of what you net produce.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:45 The collection gap, explained.2:43 95% is not an “A” when it comes to collections.5:11 What your collection percentage should be and why it might be off track.8:48 The impact of gaps on your overhead percentage.11:14 Collect 100%.12:36 Shrink the collections gap for true profitability.14:26 Verbal skills matter.15:29 Know your numbers.16:17 Understand what 1% or 2% means over time.16:42 Final takeaways.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.

Aug 18, 2025 • 20min
931: Metric Mondays: The Shocking Metric With Your Cash-Paying Dental Patients! – Dave Monahan
You want to fill your practice with cash-paying patients. But being uninsured doesn't mean more loyalty and more treatment! In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dave Monahan, founder and CEO of Kleer, to share some shocking data on cash-paying patients and why you need to invest in a membership plan for your practice. To learn how to increase the number of ideal, cash-paying patients, listen to Episode 931 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Dave:Send Dave an email: dave@kleer.com Follow Kleer-Membersy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clerri_officialLearn more about Kleer-Membersy: https://clerri.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/bpaDownload ACT’s BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360Download ACT’s BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_USJoin ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/tttGet 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 931: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosLearn more about Pearl Street Dental Partners: https://www.pearlstreetdentalpartners.comMain Takeaways:Don't assume that your uninsured patients are paying full fee. They aren't!Study the data between active cash patients versus membership patients.Membership plans will attract and retain patients with better patient care.Moving cash-paying patients to a membership can double your metrics.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:54 Why these metrics are important.3:48 Pearl Street case study.8:08 Active patients, explained.9:27 Data on uninsured patients versus membership patients.12:48 Data on discounts for uninsured patients versus membership patients.14:52 Final thoughts.16:34 More about Kleer-Membersy.Dave Monahan Bio:Dave Monahan is the CEO of Kleer, an advanced, cloud-based platform that enables dentists to easily design and manage their own membership plan and offer it directly to their patients. Kleer is turn-key and free to implement. Their mission is simple: partner with dentists to increase the value of their practices by making dental care accessible and affordable to everyone.

Aug 15, 2025 • 23min
930: Buying Back Your Time: How AI Can Streamline Your Dental Practice – Mike Buckner
Time is the one thing you can't buy back. Once it’s gone, it’s gone! In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Mike Buckner, executive vice president of revenue at Pearl, to talk about AI and how it can help you and your team be more efficient in your practice. To learn how to free up time for the things that matter most, listen to Episode 930 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Mike:Send Mike an email: mike@hellopearl.com Follow Mike on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikebucknerpearlTo connect, learn more about Pearl, and receive exclusive ACT Dental Partner benefits, please visit https://pages.hellopearl.com/actMore 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/bpaDownload ACT’s BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360Download ACT’s BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_USJoin ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/tttGet 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 930: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosRead Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell: https://www.buybackyourtime.comMain Takeaways:Almost 90% of the work offloaded to AI is accurate.Audit your time to determine which tasks drain you most.Offload the low-value or most draining tasks to technology.Replace the time you've bought back with higher value tasks.Appoint a team member to be the “AI expert” to help you integrate AI.Practices resistant to AI will be surpassed by practices that leverage it.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.0:34 Time is your most important commodity.2:47 The three-step process to offload what drains you.4:56 Benefits of using Pearl AI for office managers.8:50 Why Pearl AI is a better insurance verification solution.11:05 How Pearl AI helps you be efficient with your time.13:19 How accurate is Pearl AI?14:42 Does Pearl AI work with all software?15:15 Things you should know about AI.17:47 Final thoughts.19:36 More about Pearl AI.Mike Buckner Bio:Mike has spent the last 12 years growing dental software technology companies that are designed to streamline office efficiency and increase overall production while elevating the standard of care for your patients.Mike has led business development and partner strategy for Solutionreach back when offices were just starting to text patients to confirm appointments. He then helped grow Dental Intelligence, focusing on providing valuable insights to practices, allowing them to focus on vital key performance indicators to improve overall practice health.Following that, Mike joined Weave while it was in its infancy, leading partnership growth strategies. His most recent endeavor finds him as the Executive Vice President of Revenue at Pearl, the first company to bring Artificial Intelligence into the dental space with comprehensive FDA clearance to assist clinicians and team members in reading and detecting pathologies in 2D X-rays (Bitewings and PAs).

Aug 13, 2025 • 1h 4min
929: Clear Communication, Stronger Team – Miranda Beeson
Without clear communication, even the best teams can fall apart. So, how do you clearly communicate expectations as a leader to your team? In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Miranda Beeson, ACT’s director of education, to share a framework for when and how to give feedback — and how to receive it! To learn how to create a stronger team through clear communication, listen to Episode 929 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 Courtney an email to learn more about ACT: courtney@actdental.com Learn More About ACT Dental:ACT’s Events: https://www.actdental.com/eventACT’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/actdental/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/bpaDownload ACT’s BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360Download ACT’s BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_USJoin ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/tttGet 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 929: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosRead Radical Candor by Kim Scott: https://www.radicalcandor.com/the-bookRead Thanks for the Feedback by Douglas Stone & Sheila Heen: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/313485/thanks-for-the-feedback-by-douglas-stone-and-sheila-heenMain Takeaways:Clear is kind. Being clear is better than being “nice”.Be consistent, specific, and safe when giving feedback.When you're consistent, clear, and calm, you will earn trust.Don't only give feedback when your expectations aren't being met.Proactively reward good behaviors or when expectations are being met.Learn the three feedback styles of appreciation, coaching, and evaluation.Start with having systems. It helps provide clarity for what needs to be done.Systems should be documented so they can be referenced, reviewed, and revised.Reframe your fears around providing feedback. If you avoid it, it is harmful to the team.Think of feedback as a gift, not a punishment — not only as the giver but as the receiver.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.2:02 About ACT’s BPA, TTT, and Pro Coaching.5:09 Why this is an important topic.8:33 The value of strong communication.13:24 Clear is kind.17:57 E – R = C: Systems and core values.27:53 Keys to giving clear feedback.32:15 The different types of feedback.43:48 Key elements of feedback.46:35 Giving feedback without fear.50:58 When to give feedback.54:03 Feedback type examples.55:48 Final takeaways.59:18 More about ACT’s BPA.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.

Aug 11, 2025 • 23min
928: Metric Mondays: Accounts Receivable Percentage – Ariel Juday
How long does it take to collect what you're owed? The longer you wait, the less likely you are to collect it! In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Ariel Juday, one of ACT’s amazing coaches, to break down accounts receivable percentage, where your numbers should be, and what to do if they're not in the ideal ranges. To learn how to collect what you're owed as quickly as possible, listen to Episode 928 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Ariel:Send Ariel an email: ariel@actdental.com Follow Ariel on ACT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actdentalSend Courtney an email to learn more about ACT: courtney@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/bpaDownload ACT’s BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360Download ACT’s BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_USJoin ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/tttGet 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 928: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosMain Takeaways:The older a balance is, the more difficult it is to collect it.Create a clear financial policy and review it with your patients.Know your benchmarks for current, overdue, and delinquent balances.Have a plan to collect before rescheduling patients who have overdue balances.Do weekly audits of AR balances and have a follow-up system that someone owns.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.2:27 Why this is an important topic.3:21 AR percentage, explained.5:41 How AR percentage impacts the practice.9:35 AR benchmarks, explained.10:58 What it looks like when AR percentage is going well.12:29 Collect 100% or more of your net collections.13:34 What it looks like when AR percentage is not going well.15:24 How to improve your AR percentage.20:08 Last thoughts.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!

Aug 8, 2025 • 25min
927: Part 2: A Great System to Reduce the Chance of Embezzlement in Your Dental Practice – David Harris
About 70% of dentists will be embezzled during their careers. In fact, it may be happening to you now! In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back David Harris, embezzlement expert and CEO of Prosperident, to continue with part two of how to stop embezzlement from happening in your practice. To learn the best monitoring framework to stop future thieves in their tracks, listen to Episode 927 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About David:Give David a call: (888) 398-2327Email David for the monthly monitoring spreadsheet: requests@prosperident.com Follow David on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidharris9406Join David on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidharrisprosperidentLearn more about Prosperident: https://www.prosperident.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/bpaDownload ACT’s BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360Download ACT’s BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_USJoin ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/tttGet 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 927: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosWatch Episode 926 with David Harris: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_yuHXQA-TkMain Takeaways:Ensure your day-end report matches up with what you remember from that day.Review your day-end report and ask yourself if what you see makes sense.Have other providers sign off on their day-end reports for accountability.Print your own reports. Don't open the doors for selective reporting.Make a habit of initialing and putting away reports that you review.Compare day-end and month-end numbers for each month.Confirm that your collections and deposits add up.Learn to trust systems, not just people.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.2:36 David’s background.4:20 Day-end reports, explained.8:54 Why dentists need to print their own reports.10:25 Two questions to ask about day-end reports.12:01 Month-end reports, explained.14:36 How often should month-end reports be done?15:23 Compare collections against deposits.18:07 Prosperident’s monthly monitoring spreadsheet.19:52 Final thoughts.22:09 More about Prosperident.David Harris Bio:Under David’s leadership, Prosperident has expanded over the past three decades to become a team of more than 20 highly specialized fraud investigators, forensic accountants, IT specialists, and support staff. David’s vast investigative experience, coupled with his youth-filled misadventures and his past military service, have given him a unique insight into embezzlers’ mindsets and actions. He is passionate about sharing his wealth of knowledge with dentists and dental specialists.David is a much sought-after speaker and an accomplished author on the topic of dental embezzlement. Dental Embezzlement: The Art of Theft and the Science of Control is his most recently published book.David’s professional qualifications include Certified Fraud Examiner, Certified in Financial Forensics, Forensic CPA, Chartered Professional Accountant, Certified Management Accountant, and Licensed Private Investigator.

Aug 6, 2025 • 29min
926: Part 1: Why Separation of Duties Is So Important With Money in Your Dental Practice – David Harris
About 70% of dentists will be embezzled at some point in their career. About 80% of them can be prevented just by having the right systems. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back David Harris, embezzlement expert and CEO of Prosperident, to share three rules that will deter future thieves and reduce your risk of embezzlement. If someone is going to steal from you, make it extremely difficult! To learn how to drastically reduce your risk of embezzlement, listen to Episode 926 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About David:Give David a call: (888) 398-2327Follow David on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidharris9406Join David on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidharrisprosperidentLearn more about Prosperident: https://www.prosperident.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/bpaDownload ACT’s BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360Download ACT’s BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_USJoin ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/tttGet 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 926: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosMain Takeaways:Break up the duties of the revenue cycle. No one does more than two of the six tasks.Only clinicians who were in the operatory should enter treatment into the software.Anyone is capable of a dishonest act given the wrong set of circumstances.Get a PO Box. Dentists should be the only ones with access to the mail.Don't try to monitor everything yourself. Delegate more to your team.Use cross-training as a way to transition into dividing up systems.Have multiple sets of eyes on tasks to catch discrepancies.Embezzlement does more than just financial damage.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:11 David’s background.2:05 Embezzlement affects more than just finances.4:14 Why division of duties is important.5:51 The revenue cycle and the six tasks, explained.7:46 Rule 1) Treatment should not be entered by the front desk staff.11:46 Why rule number one is important.13:10 Rule 2) Nobody does more than two of the six tasks.14:45 Why dentists should be the ones taking care of the mail.17:57 Rule 3) Have different sets of eyes on tasks.19:24 How to transition into separating duties.21:05 Don't try to do this on your own.24:06 Final thoughts.25:14 About Prosperident.David Harris Bio:Under David’s leadership, Prosperident has expanded over the past three decades to become a team of more than 20 highly specialized fraud investigators, forensic accountants, IT specialists, and support staff. David’s vast investigative experience, coupled with his youth-filled misadventures and his past military service, have given him a unique insight into embezzlers’ mindsets and actions. He is passionate about sharing his wealth of knowledge with dentists and dental specialists.David is a much sought-after speaker and an accomplished author on the topic of dental embezzlement. Dental Embezzlement: The Art of Theft and the Science of Control is his most recently published book.David’s professional qualifications include Certified Fraud Examiner, Certified in Financial Forensics, Forensic CPA, Chartered Professional Accountant, Certified Management Accountant, and Licensed Private Investigator.

Aug 4, 2025 • 14min
925: Metric Mondays: Accounts Receivable Ratio – Ariel Juday
How efficient is your collections process? By looking at one number, you can find out! In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Ariel Juday, one of ACT’s amazing coaches, to break down accounts receivable ratio. She explains what AR is, how to track it, and what you can do if it’s not at a healthy number. To learn how to manage and take control of your AR, listen to Episode 925 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Ariel:Send Ariel an email: ariel@actdental.com Follow Ariel on ACT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actdentalSend Courtney an email to learn more about ACT: courtney@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/bpaDownload ACT’s BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360Download ACT’s BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_USJoin ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/tttGet 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 925: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosMain Takeaways:Your ideal AR ratio is 1:1. For every $1 produced, you're owed no more than $1.Calculate your AR ratio monthly or quarterly to keep track of any increases.Have a clear financial policy and collect at time of service to keep AR low.If your AR isn't healthy, don't be upset with your team members.You can't fix your AR overnight. Have realistic expectations.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.2:10 Accounts receivable, explained.4:14 Example of a healthy AR ratio.4:55 How AR impacts your practice.5:49 What a low AR ratio indicates.6:39 Pros and cons of negative receivables.8:38 How to impact your AR ratio.11:34 Last thoughts.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!