The Best Practices Show with Kirk Behrendt

764: Cash Flow Kings and Queens: The Dentist’s Guide to Mastering Accounts Receivable – Ariel JudayWhat is your favorite collections agency? Your answer should be, “None of them!” Sending patients to collections is not worth the hassle. Instead, you should prevent getting to this point in the first place. To help you master accounts receivable and avoid uncomfortable situations, Kirk Behrendt brings back Ariel Juday, one of ACT’s amazing coaches, with some of the best practices for managing AR. To learn how to collect the money you deserve, listen to Episode 764 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 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 764: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosMain Takeaways:Attempt to collect at time of service.Avoid scheduling patients who are high-risk.Have a working system for financial agreements.Take care of the balance before treatment, not after.Make sure that patients are making reasonable payments.Let competent admin take care of the financial conversations.Align with your team on collection strategies for overdue balances.Document every financial agreement you make — no matter the amount.Record each engagement and each engagement attempt with the patient.No more than one month’s net collections should be outstanding in your AR.Remember that your patient didn't let this overdue balance happen — you did!There is no benefit to sending patients to collections. Prevent getting to this point.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:25 About ACT’s BPA, TTT, and Pro Coaching.5:01 Why this is an important topic.9:38 With work and intentionality, it’s possible.11:52 AR aging and claims aging, explained.13:06 Accounts receivable, explained.14:13 Have a system to find your AR.16:47 Healthy AR goals, explained.19:19 Train patients with reservation fees and prepaid balances.21:01 Work with your patients but remember you're not a bank.22:44 Let admin take care of the financial conversations.25:11 Take care of the balance before treatment.28:12 Overdue balances, explained.30:51 Collection strategies for an overdue balance.36:26 Should you send patients to collections?40:36 Q&A: Thoughts on text message statements.41:37 Collect at time of service to avoid headaches.44:04 Consistent management is key.44:55 Document all of your engagements and engagement attempts.45:29 A call from the doctor can do wonders.46:46 It shouldn't be a difficult conversation.47:51 Fix problems at the root.48:34 Do you have to document every financial arrangement?50:41 Avoid scheduling high-risk patients.52:51 Final 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! 

763: Leadership for the Restorative Dentist – Kirk Behrendt DOT Fest ExclusiveIn this special episode, Kirk Behrendt shares his exclusive presentation from the Dental Online Training Fest. He shares some of the basic principles that will elevate your leadership skills and help you create the practice you dream of. To learn the blueprint for a better practice and better life, listen to Episode 763 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Kirk and Dental Online Training:Send Kirk an email: kirk@actdental.com Follow Kirk on ACT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actdentalLearn more about Dental Online Training: https://www.dothandson.com/homeJoin Dental Online Training on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dothandsonFollow Dental Online Training on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dentalonlinetrainingMore 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 763: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosLearn more about yourself with DiSC: https://www.everythingdisc.comTake the Kolbe A Index assessment: https://www.kolbe.comDiscover your natural gifts with Working Genius: https://www.workinggenius.comTry the Oura Ring: https://ouraring.comMain Takeaways:Keep work in a container. Know who you are as early as possible.Find the right people and get them in the right seats.Dentistry is a sport. Take care of your mind and body.As a leader, you are responsible for your team culture.Go all-chips-in on building an amazing team and practice.Consistently perform huddles and check-ins with your team.Prioritize your core values and find ways to keep them alive.Think ahead and have quarterly and annual planning sessions.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:17 Create other leaders that create other leaders.4:15 Work on your culture.5:45 Know your annual patient value.8:12 An amazing culture requires amazing management.9:14 It’s all about your thinking.13:24 Know who you are as early as possible.16:28 Take care of your physical health.21:50 Keep work in a container.25:39 The rule of 32, explained.26:43 Create rituals in your life.31:24 Get rid of your limiting beliefs.35:49 Get the right people in the right seats.44:29 The Function Accountability Chart, explained.47:30 Have morning huddles and check-ins.52:13 Have a quarterly and annual planning session.52:57 Give life to your values.54:09 Have a core purpose.54:50 Last thoughts.Kirk Behrendt Bio:Kirk Behrendt is a renowned consultant and speaker in the dental industry, known for his expertise in helping dentists create better practices and better lives. With over 30 years of experience in the field, Kirk has dedicated his professional life to optimizing dentistry's best systems and practices.Kirk has been a featured speaker at every major dental meeting in the United States. His company, ACT Dental, has consistently been ranked among the Top Dental Consultants in Dentistry Today's annual rankings for the past ten years. In addition, ACT Dental was named one of the fastest-growing companies in the United States by Inc Magazine, appearing on their Inc 5000 list.Kirk's motivational skills are widely recognized in the dental industry. Dr. Peter Dawson of The Dawson Academy has referred to Kirk as "THE best motivator I have ever heard." Kirk has also assembled a trusted team of advisor experts who work with dentists to customize individual solutions that meet their unique needs.When he's not motivating dentists and their teams, Kirk enjoys coaching his children's sports teams and spending time with his amazing wife, Sarah, and their four children, Kinzie, Lily, Zoe, and Bo. 

762: Cosmetic Dentistry vs. Healthcare Dentistry – Dr. Christian CoachmanWhat is the number-one enemy of teeth? Sometimes, it’s the dentist! Esthetic dentistry is rising in popularity — and harming many patients. To highlight the difference between esthetic and healthcare dentistry, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Christian Coachman, founder of Digital Smile Design, to explain why esthetics has its place, but shouldn't be the priority. Cosmetic dental procedures won't improve your patients’ health! To change the way you think about cosmetic and healthcare dentistry, listen to Episode 762 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Dr. Coachman:Join Dr. Coachman on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christiancoachmanFollow Dr. Coachman on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chriscoachmanLearn more about Digital Smile Design: https://digitalsmiledesign.comRegister for the DSD Provider course (October 7, 2024, and 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/4ADCrWhqsUKbHmZtkhhgoBMore 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 762: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosMain Takeaways:Esthetics should be the byproduct of great dentistry, not the priority.There is nothing better than having your own dentition in your mouth.Teeth are the key to longevity. Esthetic procedures destroy good teeth.Stop pretending that esthetic dentistry is healthcare dentistry — it’s not.Dentists play a big role in shaping the perception of beauty and esthetics.A nose job won't improve heart function. Veneers won't improve your bite.Cosmetic dentistry is camouflage dentistry. It won't treat underlying problems.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:43 Why this is an important topic.12:17 Esthetics shouldn't be the priority.14:25 The rise of the bullshit esthetic dentist.21:57 There is nothing better than having your own teeth.29:04 The biggest enemy of teeth are dentists.31:02 It’s easier to sell the wrong dentistry.36:24 Society’s exacerbation of “beauty”.43:53 The real link between function and esthetics.47:59 Final thoughts.51:36 More about DSD.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. 

761: The Energy Quotient & How Many Days You Work for Free as a Dentist – Dr. Barrett StraubYou've put a ton of time, money, and effort into becoming a dentist. You deserve to make a profit! If that sounds impossible, keep listening. Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Barrett Straub, ACT’s CEO, to explain why working harder isn't making you more money, and how understanding the energy quotient will help you gain ultimate control over your practice. It’s time to stop working harder for less! To learn how, listen to Episode 761 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.straubRegister for Dr. Straub’s live workshop (August 23, 2024): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/act-dental-gaps-method-the-formula-for-financial-freedom-tickets-776572418007More 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 761: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosMain Takeaways:Understand the importance of the energy quotient.Calculate how many days you're working for free. Lower that number!Your energy quotient doesn't need to be zero — it’s okay to be charitable.When you manage your energy levels right, your quality of care will increase.You don't need to work more hours and have more operatories to make more money.If you increase patient volume, you will have less control over your practice and your life.It’s not just about the money. Lowering your energy quotient will lead to a better practice. Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:28 Gross production and the effort gap, explained.8:43 The energy quotient, explained.15:39 Manage your energy levels.18:29 Time is the new rich.20:55 Money gives you options.23:38 What your dental accountants don't know.26:06 More about ACT’s GAPs webinar.29:35 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. 

Collecting 95% sounds great — until you do the math. That missing five percent of your net production is a lot of money! To help you understand what's picking your pockets and how to put a stop to it, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Barrett Straub, ACT’s CEO, with some strategies to eliminate the silent killer of your profit. To learn the quickest, easiest way to add cash flow back into your practice, listen to Episode 760 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.straubRegister for Dr. Straub’s live workshop (August 23, 2024): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/act-dental-gaps-method-the-formula-for-financial-freedom-tickets-776572418007More 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 760: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosRegister for Miranda Beeson’s Beyond the Front Desk workshop: https://www.actdental.com/213Main Takeaways:Collecting 95% seems great — until you do the math.Have systems for collections so you can focus on doing dentistry.Understand how not collecting 100% negatively impacts your business.“Doing more” and “producing more” is not the solution to increasing cash flow.Collecting what you're owed is the fastest and easiest way to increase cash flow.Your financial coordinator must be comfortable and confident collecting from patients.Collecting from patients is a form of art. Train yourself to embrace the awkward pause.Stop teaching patients that not paying is acceptable behavior. Collect what you're owed.It’s not okay to have a month’s worth in AR. That money should be in your bank account.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:05 The four gaps, explained.2:36 The collections gap, explained.4:04 What collecting 95% truly means.10:26 The quickest way to add cash flow.13:18 Mindset is important.18:19 Embrace the awkward pause.20:33 One patient at a time.22:18 Teach patients when and how to pay.24:35 Revisit your financial arrangements.27:46 Collect what you're owed.31:12 Final thoughts.33:13 More about ACT’s BPA and future courses.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.

759: Hygiene Department Power: Boosting Productivity and Profits Through Data – Miranda Beeson & Heather CrockettWhether it’s preventing burnout, maximizing profitability, or enhancing your patients’ experience, you need data. Knowing your numbers will empower your team, and Kirk Behrendt brings back Miranda Beeson, ACT’s director of education, and Heather Crockett, one of ACT’s amazing coaches, to help you identify the data you should be tracking to elevate your practice. To learn about the metrics that matter to boost your business, listen to Episode 759 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Miranda & Heather:Send Miranda an email: miranda@actdental.com Send Heather an email: heather@actdental.com Join Heather on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heather.r.crockettFollow Miranda and 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 entire webinar here: https://www.actdental.com/117Watch the video version of Episode 759: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosDownload ACT’s Capacity Tracker: https://23476641.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23476641/ACT%20Dental%20Capacity%20Tracker%20Tool%20(1).pdfDownload ACT’s 10 Best Practices for Reducing Cancellations: https://23476641.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23476641/10%20Best%20Practices%20for%20Reducing%20Cancellations.pdfDownload ACT’s Say This, Not That: https://23476641.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23476641/Say%20This%2c%20Not%20That%20-%20Fillable.pdfMain Takeaways:Monitoring data will help you identify inefficiencies in your practice.Tracking hygiene data will help hygienists know the value they bring.By using data, you can build a balanced schedule to prevent burnout.You can elevate your patients’ experience by tracking the right metrics.Showing patients data can help motivate them to make informed decisions.Track metrics to help you design countermeasures for the challenges you face.Data will help you identify opportunities for growth and development for your team.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:17 About ACT’s TTT, BPA, and Pro Coaching.5:09 Why tracking hygiene data is important.15:29 Know the value that you bring.17:46 Types of data, explained.21:38 Hygiene production, explained.28:18 KPIs to track: Hygiene production per day.31:50 KPIs to track: Hygiene production per hour.33:40 KPIs to track: Hygiene production per visit.36:06 KPIs to track: Hygiene capacity.43:06 KPIs to track: Hygiene reappointment percentage.44:00 KPIs to track: Cancellations and recapture rates.44:57 KPIs to track: Perio visit percentage.46:06 KPIs to track: Perio presented and perio acceptance.48:17 Countermeasures: Evaluate your service offerings.52:17 Q&A: What is the benchmark for an eight-hour production for a DH?53:16 Countermeasures: Block scheduling.59:01 Countermeasures: Build value for hygiene appointments.1:00:36 Countermeasures: Design and document a system for reducing cancellations.1:01:51 Countermeasures: Align on what healthy looks like.1:06:11 Being nice isn't always being nice.1:10:25 How data can help motivate patients.1:11:32 Final takeaways.1:14:03 Q&A: Suggestions for a pediatric fee-for-service office.1:15:07 Q&A: Good verbiage for texting patients who did not reserve their next appointment.1:19:48 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.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.

758: Who Are You the Answer for as a Dentist? – Dr. Jim McKeeIn dental school, you're taught to be the answer for everyone. But who are you really the answer for? To help you answer this critical question, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Jim McKee, founder of Chicago Study Club, to explain why you don't need to be everyone’s dentist, and how to be selective with the patients you see. To learn how to build a sustainable practice with an ideal patient base, listen to Episode 758 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/syllabusRegister for Dr. McKee’s TMD course: https://courses.phelandentalseminars.com/tmd-pdsLearn about Chicago Study Club: https://chicagostudyclub.comMore Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listenJoin The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaJoin ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/tttSee the ACT Dental/BPA Live Event Schedule: https://www.actdental.com/eventGet The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazinePlease leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218Episode Resources:Watch the video version of Episode 758: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosLearn more about Dental Online Training: https://www.dothandson.com/homeMain Takeaways:Become the answer for “above-the-line” patients.Understand the class one, two, and three classification system.Remember that not everyone values dentistry the way that you do.Figure out how much your patients value quality or comprehensive dentistry.Be aware of your patients’ ability to pay for quality or comprehensive dentistry.Don't do “wallet biopsies”. Never assume how much someone can or can't pay.There are many other patients besides crown-and-bridge patients that need help.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:30 Who are you the answer for?5:39 The dental demographics have changed.8:36 $1,500 doesn't go as far today.10:38 How much do your patients appreciate quality or comprehensive dentistry?14:22 What is your patients’ ability to pay for quality or comprehensive dentistry?17:08 Class one, two, and three patients, explained.20:05 Don't do wallet biopsies.24:06 Patients don't have the same dental background as dentists.25:34 How to maintain a low-cost practice overhead.26:17 Your entire team needs to understand above-the-line and below-the-line patients.35:15 The restorative diagnostic practice, explained.39:40 Final thoughts.41:23 More about DOT Fest.43:10 More about Chicago Study Club.Dr. Jim McKee Bio:Dr. Jim McKee is a member of the Spear Resident Faculty. He has maintained a private practice since 1984 in Downers Grove, Illinois, where he treats a wide variety of cases with a focus on predictable restorative dentistry. He is a member of the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry and former president of the American Equilibration Society. He has lectured both nationally and internationally for over 25 years and directs several study clubs. Dr. McKee graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1980 and earned his dental degree from the University of Illinois College of Dentistry in 1984.

757: 1 Simple Way to Prevent No-Shows – Miranda BeesonWho do you blame for holes in your schedule? If you said admin, it’s time to reassess your systems! Cancellations and no-shows start in the back, not up front! To help you reduce them, Kirk Behrendt brings in Miranda Beeson, ACT’s director of education, to provide a simple solution for keeping your schedule full of the patients you want. To learn the secret to attracting committed patients, listen to Episode 757 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:Watch the video version of Episode 757: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosDownload ACT’s 10 Best Practices for Reducing Cancellations: https://23476641.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23476641/10%20Best%20Practices%20for%20Reducing%20Cancellations.pdfDownload ACT’s How to Differentiate Your Practice: https://info.actdental.com/hubfs/PDF/Differentiation%20Tool.pdfMain Takeaways:No-shows aren’t negative profit. It’s no profit!Reducing cancellations starts with building value.Have a quick-fill system to fill holes in your schedule.Strategically fill your schedule. Don't just fill it with anyone.Know your broken appointment rates and track your recapture rates.Consider implementing a reservation fee rather than a cancellation fee.Use your verbal skills when talking to patients about your reservation fee.Don't blame your admin team for holes in your schedule. Look at your systems.Appointments are confirmed at the time of scheduling. Showing up is not optional.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:28 Why this is an important topic.3:57 Create a plan by tracking data.6:17 You don't need all eight hours to be crammed.8:41 Have a system for filling in holes.12:32 Have a system for tracking late and broken appointments.17:51 Should you have a cancellation fee?25:17 Should reservation fees be refundable?27:24 Give your patients two options.31:03 Your confidence creates predictability.35:25 Final takeaways.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.

756: How to Kickstart Your Best Year Yet: The Ultimate Guide to Getting Started! – Heather CrockettDo you want a better year? Are you dreaming of working less days? There's one thing you need to do to make it happen — start planning ahead. To teach you how, Kirk Behrendt brings back Heather Crockett, one of ACT’s amazing coaches, with the ultimate guide to help you think better about your time. Plan ahead so you can be ahead! To learn how to take control of every schedule in your life, listen to Episode 756 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/actdentalLearn More About ACT Dental:ACT’s website: https://www.actdental.comACT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actdentalACT’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/actdentalACT’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/actdentalACT’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3137520/admin/feed/posts/ACT’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/actdentalMore Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listenJoin The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaJoin ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/tttSee the ACT Dental/BPA Live Event Schedule: https://www.actdental.com/eventGet The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazinePlease leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218Episode Resources:Watch the video version of Episode 756: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosMain Takeaways:Know the number of days you work in a year.Be intentional with your schedule and plan ahead.You can run your practice on less than 48 weeks a year.220 is too many days of work. It will lead to burnout and resentment.Remember that many of the best moments of your life won't happen at work.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:54 Why this is an important topic.4:14 How many days are you working?7:15 Have more control.8:22 Start with your big-picture vision.12:58 You can run your practice on 48 weeks a year.14:11 Don't let resentment build up.16:32 Figure out your daily gross production goal.19:01 Predictability makes your life better.20:50 Last thoughts.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. 

755: Reframing the Conversation Around Our Orthodontic Goals – Dr. Rebecca BockowA beautiful smile is always the goal — but it’s not the only goal in orthodontics. To reframe the role of early intervention and how it can transform patients’ lives, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Rebecca Bockow, instructor from Spear Education, to explain the benefits beyond straightening teeth. When you understand the potential of orthodontics, you can help more patients long term! To learn more and register for Dr. Bockow’s course, Healthy Growth - Healthy Faces, listen to Episode 755 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Dr. Bockow:Follow Dr. Bockow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rbockowJoin Dr. Bockow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InspiredOrthoRegister for Dr. Bockow and Dr. Michael Gunson’s Healthy Growth - Healthy Faces workshop (September 26-28, 2024): https://www.arnettgunson.com/healthy-growth-healthy-faces-seattleMore 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 755: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosWatch Episode 640 with Dr. Dania Tamimi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaaQxgXuESo&t=1842sMain Takeaways:Recognize how the system works as a whole.Understand the true origin behind patients’ malocclusions.Early orthodontic intervention can improve dental, joint, and muscle health.Orthodontics is about establishing a healthy system, not just straightening teeth.Without a true diagnosis, orthodontics could lead to breakdown and other issues.It takes an interdisciplinary team to help rehabilitate a patient’s mouth and system.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:45 Why this is an important topic.6:33 Reframe the conversation for naysayers.9:07 Understand how the system works as a whole.12:06 Early intervention, explained.15:34 Understand the why behind malocclusion.18:49 What dentists get wrong about the health of the entire system.21:44 The fourth dimension, explained.24:08 The origins of Dr. Bockow and Dr. Gunson’s course.27:34 More about their course, Healthy Growth – Healthy Faces.30:17 Final thoughts.Dr. Rebecca Bockow Bio:Dr. Rebecca Bockow is a dual-trained orthodontist and periodontist – the only dual-trained provider in Seattle and one of only a handful in the country.Dr. Bockow grew up in the Greater Seattle area and attended University Prep for high school. She received a B.S. in Biology with Honors at Haverford College, where she also played soccer, squash, tennis, and ran cross-country and track. She completed her DDS training at the University of Washington Dental School in 2007. Dr. Bockow practiced as a general dentist in Seattle for two years while simultaneously teaching at the UW dental school.Dr. Bockow completed a highly selective dual-specialty program combining Orthodontics and Periodontics at the University of Pennsylvania. She is a board-certified orthodontist and periodontist. While simultaneously enrolled in two residency programs, she also received a Master of Science in Oral Biology, focusing on intranasal ketorolac for postoperative implant pain management.Dr. Bockow lectures nationally on periodontics, orthodontics, interdisciplinary orthodontics, airway, and skeletal growth and development. She contributes to multiple professional journals as an author and editor, and she is also a resident faculty member at Spear Education.