The Best Practices Show with Kirk Behrendt

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. 

754: Dental Zen: 3 Tips to Conquer Insurance Frustrations – Robyn TheisenDealing with insurance is not fun. It’s frustrating, time-consuming, and the least enjoyable part about dentistry. But there are ways to make it tolerable! To share how, Kirk Behrendt brings back Robyn Theisen, one of ACT’s amazing coaches, with three tips to get your team aligned and ready to have the insurance conversation with your patients. To increase your team’s confidence when talking about insurance, listen to Episode 754 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Robyn:Send Robyn an email: robyn@actdental.com Follow Robyn on ACT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actdentalSend Gina an email: gina@actdental.com More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listenJoin The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaJoin ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/tttSee the ACT Dental/BPA Live Event Schedule: https://www.actdental.com/eventGet The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazinePlease leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218Episode Resources:Watch the video version of Episode 754: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosRegister to access ACT’s Say This, Not That: https://form.jotform.com/221665137804153Main Takeaways:Make sure your patient is the main focus, not their insurance.Be aligned with your team about your relationship with insurance.Your entire team must know the ins and outs of insurance, not just admin.Level up your verbal skills. Be intentional with words when talking to patients.Utilize technology wherever possible to save yourself time and increase accuracy.There is a time and place for outsourcing. But try to keep certain processes in-house.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:37 Why this is an important topic.3:25 Set aside time to align with your team.4:01 Define your relationship with insurance.7:12 Align on communication to develop trust with patients.8:35 Develop your verbal skills.9:23 Eliminate “but”, “however”, and “unfortunately”.12:29 Utilize technology to your advantage.14:49 Should you outsource certain processes?17:32 Final thoughts.Robyn Theisen Bio:Robyn Theisen brings an entire life and legacy of dental experience to the team and every team with which she works as the daughter and sister of dentists. With almost 20 years of experience in dentistry, her roles ranged from practice management to operations at Patterson Dental to coaching teams. Robyn’s passion is empowering teams to realize that they can dramatically impact the lives of the people they serve by implementing skills and systems to remove barriers to life-changing dental treatment. She has done it for decades and does it every day with dental teams.Outside of coaching, she enjoys time with her husband, Rob, and two daughters, Emerson and Ruby. She loves traveling, music, fitness, and cheering on the Michigan State Spartans.

753: Maximize Your Margins: Slash PPO Write-Offs and Skyrocket Your Dental Profits – Dr. Barrett Straub & Miranda BeesonDo you want to own a practice just for someone else to control it? If not, don't miss this episode! Kirk Behrendt brings in Dr. Barrett Straub, ACT’s CEO, and Miranda Beeson, ACT’s director of education, with a treatment plan to get you out of the thumbs of insurance so you can achieve financial freedom and personal fulfillment. With careful, strategic planning you can start removing some — or all — PPOs and reshape your future! To learn the steps to a better practice and a better life, listen to Episode 753 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Dr. Straub & Miranda: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-776572418007Send Miranda an email: miranda@actdental.com Follow Miranda 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/id1223838218Episode Resources:Watch the video version of Episode 753: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosRegister to access ACT’s PPO Roadmap: https://www.actdental.com/free-resources/ppo-roadmapRegister to access ACT’s Say This, Not That: https://form.jotform.com/221665137804153Email Dr. Straub for ACT’s Capacity Tracker and Patient Segment Scorecard: barrett@actdental.com Main Takeaways:Whether you're looking to drop PPOs or not, try out ACT’s PPO Roadmap.Insurance isn't what's killing your practice — but they will if you let them.You don't need to become anti-insurance to achieve financial freedom.Don't start indiscriminately dropping PPOs. Plan and be strategic.Clearly define what growth means for you and your practice.There isn't a singular path to reach financial independence.Know which data points to track to start slashing write-offs.Follow the 12 steps to align and strategize with your team.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.6:52 About ACT’s TTT, BPA, and Pro Coaching.10:26 Why this is an important topic.12:15 Objectives.13:52 Insurance independence, explained.21:22 Improve your thinking and mindset about dentistry.23:04 Figure out your overhead percentage.25:26 Figure out your capacity.26:59 Figure out your new patient referral sources.28:22 Figure your new patient hygiene re-appointment percentage.29:53 Figure out your annual patient value.31:53 Figure out your unscheduled active patients.33:14 Why you need to join the BPA.36:50 Figure out your hygiene reappointment percentage.38:23 Figure out which segment your patients belong to.40:53 Rank and identify the PPOs you want to remove.43:32 Read your contracts!44:48 The 12 important steps to align and strategize with your team.52:17 Final thoughts.54:06 Q&A: Navigating plans not allowing out-of-network benefits.58:02 Q&A: Advice for negotiating fees.1:02:00 Q&A: Differentiate yourself before dropping bigger PPOs.1:06:02 Q&A: Advice for limiting PPOs in your schedule.1:08:24 Name, number, knowledge.1:11:55 Q&A: How do you juggle growth during this process?1:14:22 Try the PPO Roadmap today!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.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.

752: 5 Things Nobody is Telling You About Profit in Your Dental Practice – Dr. Barrett StraubIf you work more hours, you make more money — except you don't! More dentists are spending more time in the office, only to wonder where their money went. There's a way out of this scenario, and Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Barrett Straub, ACT’s CEO, to demystify the five key things to know about profit so you can make educated decisions and gain control of your practice. Stop working harder for less! To learn how, listen to Episode 752 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 752: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosDownload ACT’s GAPs at a Glance resource: https://www.actdental.com/gaps-at-a-glanceMain Takeaways:Remember that your P&L won't tell the whole story about your finances.Understand and close the different gaps you have in your practice.Profit isn't profit. There are three levels of profit to understand.High overhead isn't always about spending too much.Chasing money rarely works out.Get to the “I'm good” mindset.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:16 The GAPs method and its origins.7:00 Increasing profitability doesn't have to be difficult.10:32 The effort gap, explained.13:37 The collections gap, explained.18:13 The three levels of profit, explained.21:58 Gross production, explained.25:49 Annual patient value, explained.28:16 High overhead isn't always about spending too much.31:05 Three reasons your overhead is too high.35:19 The cash flow gap, explained.37:23 The “I'm good” mindset, explained.40:13 About ACT’s GAPs at a Glance and Dr. Straub’s future seminar.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.

If you need new patients but don't know how to bring them in, don't miss this episode! Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Jim McKee, founder of Chicago Study Club, to share five of the best ways he’s learned to attract new, high-quality patients that will stay for the rest of your career. To learn what patients want and how you can provide it, listen to Episode 751 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 751: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosWatch Dr. McKee’s previous episode, 649: The Restorative Diagnostic Practice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lX6oU7cnDQUMain Takeaways:Think about the quality of patients you're bringing to your practice, not just quantity.Patients are looking for two things: answers to problems and options for solutions.Trade your marketing dollars for CE dollars. Gain a skill set other dentists need.Establish a presence in your dental community. Market your skill sets to them.Be involved in your local community, knowing it will be a slower build.Market your value to existing and prospective patients.Consider joining an insurance plan.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:32 Why this is an important topic.3:30 Who are you the answer for?7:16 Market to your existing patients.15:01 Market to patients you don't know.18:09 Marketing can be cost and time prohibitive.19:30 Be involved in your local community.21:09 Establish a presence in your professional community.29:25 The importance of trust in your professional community.32:57 Have a “give greater than get” mindset.35:11 Should you keep everything in-house?38:44 Join an insurance plan.47:29 Final thoughts.50:03 More about Chicago Study Club and Dr. McKee’s future 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.

750: The 15 Nightmares of Every Lab When You Scan – Dr. Christian CoachmanA scanner can do amazing things — if you know how to use it! If you don't, it leads to frustration for you, your patients, and your lab. To help you overcome the barriers and become a master at scanning, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Christian Coachman, founder of Digital Smile Design, to reveal 15 scanning nightmares that you can learn to identify and avoid. To start improving your scans and have a better relationship with your lab, listen to Episode 750 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/4ADCrWhqsUKbHmZtkhhgoBIOS-F1 Festival (May 2025, the weekend of F1): Registration TBAMore 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 750: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosRead Digital Dental Revolution by Alessandro Agnini and Andrea Mastrorosa Agnini: https://www.quintessence-publishing.com/usa/en/product/digital-dental-revolutionTry Loom: https://www.loom.comMain Takeaways:You need to be a great dentist before mastering the scanner.Be upfront with your lab about limitations and challenges.Always analyze your scans before sending it to the lab.In the digital world, there is no excuse for bad scans.Don't pretend like you don't see scanning problems.Modernize your communication by utilizing AI.Utilize your CAD software for the best scans.Train your assistants in proper scanning.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:04 Why this is an important topic and about IOS-F1 Festival.5:14 A scanner isn't a magic solution.9:25 Two-thirds of cases sent to the lab should be rejected.12:43 Master the process of creating a precise patient avatar.14:29 Find the real problems that need to be solved.21:13 Lab nightmares: Poor mesh resolution.24:20 Lab nightmares: Interproximal scan distortion.28:34 Lab nightmares: Finishing lines that are not visible.31:00 Modernize your communication.37:37 Lab nightmares: Sharp angles.39:29 Lab nightmares: Clearance.41:25 Lab nightmares: Prep margin designs.44:19 Lab nightmares: Undercuts.47:33 Lab nightmares: Not getting the ideal soft tissue information.51:22 Lab nightmares: The bite.56:29 Lab nightmares: No scans and pictures of the provisional.58:13 Lab nightmares: The picture and scan of the provisional is bad.58:54 Lab nightmares: Noise on the scan body region.59:54 Lab nightmares: Wrong height of scan body.1:00:05 Lab nightmares: Scan body is wrongly scanned or placed.1:00:35 Lab nightmares: Poor choice of scan body.1:01:09 Lab nightmares: Full-arch scan distortion.1:02:42 Types of scans and teaching team members to scan.1:06:39 The vision of IOS-F1 Festival and 2025 course dates.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. 

749: When is the Right Time to Take the Right CE? – Dr. Christopher MazzolaContinuing education is critical for your practice. But if you don't take the right ones at the right time, it could be harmful for you and your team! To help you optimize your CE experience, Kirk Behrendt brings in Dr. Christopher Mazzola, a CE provider from the Pankey Institute, to share his insights into when, where, what, and how to take courses that will elevate your practice. To learn how to stop wasting time and money when taking CE, listen to Episode 749 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Dr. Mazzola:Join Dr. Mazzola on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christopher.d.mazzolaFollow Dr. Mazzola on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christopherdmazzoladdsRegister for Dr. Mazzola’s Mastering Dental Photography: From Start to Finish course (October 10-12, 2024): https://pankey.org/course-category/mdpRegister for Dr. Mazzola’s Mastering Treatment Planning course (October 2-4, 2025): https://pankey.org/course-category/mtpMore 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 749: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosRead The Song of Significance by Seth Godin: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/736958/the-song-of-significance-by-seth-godinRead Hidden Potential by Adam Grant: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/719611/hidden-potential-by-adam-grant/?ref=PRH0ACEFFE3D63E&aid=43830&linkid=PRH0ACEFFE3D63EMain Takeaways:Are you going to CE for education or edutainment?Work on the health of your practice before taking any CE.CE can drive a wedge into your team if you're not aligned first.Remember that your team can become overwhelmed very quickly.Take time to implement your learnings. Don't see patients the day after CE.Don't take CE just to take it. You won't gain anything by speeding through it.There are amazing webinars out there, but CE should all be taken in-person.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:27 Dr. Mazzola’s background.3:14 Dr. Mazzola’s CE courses at the Pankey Institute.4:22 Why this is an important topic.7:52 Figure out the type of dentistry you want to do.10:43 Don't see patients right after taking CE.13:24 CE challenges in a multi-doctor practice.15:32 Know what you're investing in beforehand.17:32 What CE has taught Dr. Mazzola about himself.18:45 Get rid of limiting beliefs and imposter syndrome.20:36 Work on your practice culture before taking CE.23:40 How core values are relevant to CE.25:54 Get your significant other on board.30:57 Why CE should be taken in-person.33:32 The importance of connection and relationships in CE.35:19 The future of CE.37:58 Start your own study club.39:03 Final thoughts.42:20 Write your struggles down.Dr. Christopher Mazzola Bio:Dr. Christopher Mazzola was born and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He attended the University of Michigan for his undergraduate studies where he graduated with honors with a Chemical Engineering Degree. During his undergraduate studies, he conducted research with dental school faculty on materials to aid in patients’ healing after dental surgery. He then continued his education at Michigan where he completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree. While in dental school, he was awarded the University of Michigan American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Award for his research in the clinical application of CAD/CAM technology in dentistry.Prior to joining Traverse Dental Associates, Dr. Mazzola owned a practice in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he was named one of the area’s 2013 TopDentists™. He continued with education focusing on communication and technology in private practice. He has also served as an instructor and mentor for new graduates focusing on patient interactions and CEREC CAD/CAM Technology.In his spare time, Dr. Mazzola enjoys spending time with his wife, Christina, his children, Baylor and Eliana, and his three dogs, Isabelle, Lola, and Aspen. He tries to stay active through competitive CrossFit, golfing, running, and skiing. He is looking forward to watching his family grow in the amazing community that is Traverse City!

748: Breaking Millennial Stereotypes in Dentistry – Dr. Sully SullivanWhat is slow-moving, parasitic, and dwells in basements? Millennials — depending on who you ask! But the reality, for the most part, is very different. To debunk some common myths and stereotypes and to share his insights into the millennial mindset, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Sully Sullivan, host and creator of the Millennial Dentist Podcast. To hear what this generation has to offer dentistry, listen to Episode 748 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Dr. Sullivan:Join Dr. Sullivan on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sully3Follow Dr. Sullivan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/millennialdentistLearn more about the Millennial Dentist: https://millennialdentist.comListen to the Millennial Dentist Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1c1EeLi9XrrpQ9zPsLiT7PLearn more about 3D Dentists: https://3d-dentists.comSend Meredith at 3D Dentists an email: meredith@3d-dentists.com Learn more about Smile 3D: https://smile-3d.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 748: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosMain Takeaways:Level up your clinical skill sets.Train your team to be patient-centric.Understand the consumer’s buying process.Learn to pivot how you sell based on consumer pain points.Keep investing in and pouring into yourself. That return will be invaluable.Your time is valuable. Set your fees around your time rather than other costs.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.2:36 Dr. Sullivan’s background.4:30 The story behind the Millennial Dentist.6:42 Get off the hamster wheel of misery.10:00 How to become a $100,000-month dentist.11:10 About 3D Dentists and Smile 3D.12:41 Understand the buying process.19:49 Set your fees around your time.21:50 Train your team to be patient-centric.26:39 Give patients options.29:41 Understand how consumers buy products and services.31:24 Get rid of your limiting beliefs.32:54 Why you need to level up your clinical skills.34:56 Final thoughts.36:47 More about 3D Dentists and recommend courses.39:29 More about the Millennial Dentist Podcast.Dr. Sully Sullivan Bio:Dr. Sully is a fourth-generation dentist from Nashville, Tennessee. After receiving his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Tennessee, he moved back to Nashville to practice with his father. By continuing to invest in his education through adult orthodontics, soft tissue grafting, dental implants, third-molar extractions, and obstructive sleep apnea, he helped double his practice in just 24 months. As a millennial, he truly believes in “working smarter, not harder”, which has led him to utilize technology to not only deliver better patient care but more efficient care.Dr. Sully regularly uses CEREC, 3D imaging with Galileos, 3D printing, and multiple lasers. In addition to his practice, he started the Millennial Dentist Podcast in February of 2017 to help push his fellow colleagues to take their dental careers to the next level. He lectures around the country on cone beam technology, CAD/CAM dentistry, obstructive sleep apnea, and practice management. He is also an ambassador for the 3D Dentist teaching facility in Raleigh, North Carolina.