The Best Practices Show with Kirk Behrendt

829: Why Dentists Need to Create an “Experience Economy” in Their Practice – Debra Engelhardt-NashPeople spend thousands on cellphones and handbags. But the same amount for dentistry is “too much money”. How do we change that thinking and get more patients through the door? To help you answer these important questions, Kirk Behrendt brings back Debra Engelhardt-Nash, co-founder of The Nash Institute, to share her expert advice for cultivating trust and loyalty through exceptional, memorable experiences. To learn how to get patients to want to stay, listen to Episode 829 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Debra:Give Debra a call: (704) 904-3459Send Debra an email: debraengelhardtnash@gmail.com Follow Debra on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debraengnashBook Debra for speaking or consulting: https://debraengelhardtnash.comRegister for Debra’s Dental Business School course: https://www.thenashinstitute.com/upcoming-events/dental-business-schoolRegister for Debra’s Team Communication Skills course: https://www.thenashinstitute.com/upcoming-events/team-communication-skillsRegister for the Academy for Private Dental Practice meeting (March 6-8, 2025): https://apdp.regfox.com/apdp-2025More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listenJoin The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaJoin ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/tttSee the ACT Dental/BPA Live Event Schedule: https://www.actdental.com/eventGet The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazinePlease leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218Episode Resources:Watch the video version of Episode 829: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosRead Setting the Table by Danny Meyer: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/setting-the-table-danny-meyer?variant=32122420363298Main Takeaways:Understand the “experience economy” so you can create it for your patients.Think of your dental practice as a restaurant. Is it fast-food, or fine dining?Take your team to a fine dining restaurant and learn from the experience.Focus on what you can do for your patients, not what you do to them.Be about relationships. Data shows that it increases patients’ loyalty.Get rid of self-limiting beliefs. Don't let negativity hold you back!Quality is subjective. Clearly define what quality means to you.Slow down and dial it down when you interact with patients.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.0:46 Debra’s background.2:40 Why this is an important topic.7:46 The experience economy, explained.11:41 What paying for an experience looks like.20:50 Is your practice fast-food or fine dining?23:52 Don't get blinded by the transactions.27:09 Don't let negativity hold you back.29:17 What is your level of attention to detail?35:38 Dial it down in patient interactions.39:43 Final thoughts.42:40 Debra’s future courses and The Nash Institute.Debra Engelhardt-Nash Bio:Debra is a trainer, author, presenter, and consultant. Having been in dentistry for over 30 years, she engages organizations and study groups nationally and internationally. She is a continual presenter for the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting. Debra is a founding member of The Nash Institute and past president of the National Academy of Dental Management Consultants. She is an active member of the American Dental Assistants Association, the American Academy of Dental Practice Administration, and the Speakers Consulting Network. She has been repeatedly recognized by Dentistry Today as a leader in continuing dental education and as a leader in dental consulting. She is also a member of the American Dental Association’s Dental Practice Management Advisory Board, and recently became the president of the Academy for Private Dental Practice.Debra is married to cosmetic dentist and dental educator, Dr. Ross Nash, of The Nash Institute for Dental Learning. She continues to work in his busy practice, doing exactly what she preaches.

828: KPI Mastery: Driving Dental Practice Success with Data – Dr. Barrett StraubYou're told to improve your numbers. But what are you improving, and why? If you're feeling lost and overwhelmed, keep listening! Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Barrett Straub, ACT’s CEO, to reveal nine essential KPIs that will help you better understand your practice and achieve the results you want. Working more is not the solution! To learn how to step off the hamster wheel and into the life of your dreams, listen to Episode 828 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.straubEmail the ACT Team for their free resources: info@actdental.com Register for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (January 17, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-january-17-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1012930712027Register for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (January 24, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-january-24-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1012960511157More 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 828: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosMain Takeaways:Working more hours is not the way to improve your practice.Don't try to improve your numbers without first understanding why.Understand gross profit to get a clear picture of your financial health.Your most important KPI is the number of days you worked per month.Learn how to calculate true profit. Know what is or isn't reflected in your P&L.Measure your practice health score to gauge the overall health of your practice.Gross production is a useless KPI unless you know how much of that you collect.Figure out why your overhead is too high. It may or may not be due to overspending.Collections percentages under 100% is the silent killer of profit. Always collect 100%.Track and manage write-offs. Bill your full fee all the time, for everything, to everyone.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:12 ACT’s TTT, BPA, and Pro Coaching.4:16 The big picture.9:07 Why having a defined direction and data is important.11:37 Essential targets every practice should know: Days worked per month.14:45 Essential targets every practice should know: Gross production.17:39 Essential targets every practice should know: Write-off percentage.19:35 Essential targets every practice should know: Net production.25:55 Essential targets every practice should know: Collections percentage.28:53 Essential targets every practice should know: Overhead.33:32 Essential targets every practice should know: Gross profit.36:23 Essential targets every practice should know: True profit.42:45 Essential targets every practice should know: Practice health score.46:17 How it works: Case example.54:10 Final takeaways.56:14 Q&A: Who should own these numbers and make sure they are on track?1:00:12 Q&A: How do you view days worked versus hours worked?1:04:58 Q&A: If I'm working less days, how am I going to compensate my team?1:10:39 Q&A: Does the write-off percentage include all adjustments?1:15:18 Q&A: How do you verbalize to patients that you don't work certain days?1:20:40 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. 

Stress causes headaches. So, let's have less of that in the new year! To help you better manage your brain space, Kirk Behrendt brings back Miranda Beeson, ACT’s director of education, with three strategies that will save you and your team precious time and energy. Start fixing your practice with better thinking! To learn how to create a fresh start for 2025, listen to Episode 827 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 Register for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (January 17, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-january-17-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1012930712027Register for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (January 24, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-january-24-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1012960511157Register for ACT’s Best Practices Association: https://join.actdental.com/users/sign_in?post_login_redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fjoin.actdental.com%2F#emailMore 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 827: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosTry Magic: https://getmagic.comMain Takeaways:Surround yourself with smart and capable people.Own your time by blocking it out for things that matter.If you don't control your time, then time will control you!Determine what tasks you can delegate to the right people.Start your day ten minutes early so you can mentally prepare.You don't need to do everything. Pick the big three for each day.Be strategic with your time. Do high-focus tasks earlier in the day.Figure out what can be automated to save you and your team time.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:07 Why this is an important topic.5:57 Own your time by blocking it out.17:39 Delegate to elevate and gain more time.27:00 Automate what you can.33:02 Surround yourself with smart people.34:27 Block out time in advance and with intention.38:03 Find your accountability partner.40:07 ACT’s To The Top Study Club and why you need a coach.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.

You have your amazing group of friends and family. But there are things about your profession that they won't understand. So, where do you turn to for advice and wisdom? To help you stay connected, motivated, and inspired, Kirk Behrendt brings back Ariel Juday, one of ACT’s amazing coaches, to talk about the importance of study clubs for professional and personal growth. If you feel alone, don't stay alone! To learn more about how you can find your people, listen to Episode 826 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Ariel:Email Ariel to learn about her study club: 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 826: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosMain Takeaways:Exposure to different perspectives and opinions will improve your understanding.Your communication and leadership skills will improve being in a group setting.Being around like-minded peers will keep you motivated and inspired.When you learn with your peers, you are more likely to stay on track.Studying in a supportive group setting will accelerate learning.You will learn more new skills by sharing ideas with a group.Find your people who will help you and build you up.A study club will help you stay connected.Don't try to do it alone!Snippets:0:00 Introduction.0:57 Why this is an important topic.4:08 Learn from your peers.6:47 Learn new skills.8:44 Improve your understanding.10:02 Learn faster in a group.12:05 Improve the group skills you've learned.14:23 Stay motivated and inspired.16:34 Avoid procrastination.18:37 Stay connected.20:53 Find your people.22:52 About Ariel’s Office Manager Study Club.27:39 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! 

825: 5 Ways to Reduce Burnout by Empowering Your Team – Heather CrockettYou can't run a practice on your own. That's why you have a team! But are you letting them help you run your business? If you think you've got to do it all, keep listening! Kirk Behrendt brings back Heather Crockett, one of ACT’s amazing coaches, to share five steps to help you empower your team members, reduce burnout, and transform your practice. To learn how to trust the people who want to help you, listen to Episode 825 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Heather:Send Heather an email: heather@actdental.com Join Heather on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heather.r.crockettFollow Heather on ACT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actdentalSend Gina an email for ACT’s free tools and resources: 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 825: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosRead Traction by Gino Wickman: https://benbellabooks.com/shop/tractionDownload EOS’s free Delegate and Elevate tool: https://www.eosworldwide.com/delegate-and-elevate-tool-downloadMain Takeaways:Achieve true alignment with your team. Define your core values and core purpose.Delegate what you don't have to do or don't want to do. Your team wants to help.Clearly define who does what. Create a Function Accountability Chart.Determine whether you have the right people in the right seats.Measure your success so you know what is working or not.Be your team’s coach, not their micromanaging boss.You can't run your business all on your own!Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:50 Why this is an important topic.5:01 Start with alignment.8:38 Delegate what you can.11:29 The Traction delegation system, explained.17:31 Clearly define who does what.21:41 Use the Right People, Right Seat Scorecard.26:21 Measure your success.32:47 Final 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.

824: The Top 5 Reasons Why Dentistry is Awesome & Hard – Dr. Erin ElliottA great thing about dentistry is the power of choice. You get to choose when you work, how you work, and who you work with. But it’s not easy in this profession! To help you make it less hard and more awesome, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Erin Elliott, seminar leader from 3D Dentists, to share her advice for navigating the difficult aspects of working with your team and your patients. When you do it right, this career is amazing! To learn how to reap the benefits of being a dentist, listen to Episode 824 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Dr. Elliott:Send Dr. Elliott an email: erinelliottdds@gmail.com Follow Dr. Elliott on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinelliottddsRegister for Dr. Elliott’s Sleep Apnea Implementation course (February 27-28, 2025 in Nashville & November 6-7, 2025 in Raleigh): https://3d-dentists.com/sleep-apnea-implementation/#registerRegister for Dr. Elliott’s Sleep Apnea Implementation online course: https://pro.3d-dentists.com/c/sleep-apnea-implementation/?_gl=1*kfqzbi*_ga*MTI4NzEwMTQxMi4xNzM0Mjg4NzY5*_ga_83VZQPCXEW*MTczNDMwODI2Mi4yLjEuMTczNDMwODgwNi4wLjAuMA..Register for Dr. Elliott’s upcoming events: https://erinelliottdds.comLearn more about 3D Dentists: https://3d-dentists.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 824: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosMain Takeaways:Know yourself. Know what you like, what you're good at, and what you can delegate.Nurturing a team is one of the hardest but most rewarding things you will ever do.Learning the business side of dentistry is hard, but it will give you more control.Technology can be frustrating, but it is amazing for improving patient care.Being a practice owner is not easy. But when done right, it is worthwhile.Appreciate the flexibility of dentistry that you may be taking for granted.It’s okay to not be everything to everybody.Invest in yourself!Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:14 Dr. Elliott’s background.3:09 Why dentistry is awesome and hard.4:15 The upsides and downsides of the job itself.8:06 It’s okay to not be everything to everyone.9:23 Tailor the practice and life you want.13:55 Developing a great team is hard but rewarding.21:11 Technology can be frustrating but also amazing.25:22 The advantages and difficulties of being a practice owner.33:54 Final thoughts.36:53 Dr. Elliott’s future courses.Dr. Erin Elliott Bio:Dr. Erin Elliott grew up in Southern California but went away to a small NAIA school in Western New York where she played collegiate soccer and graduated summa cum laude. She graduated from Creighton Dental School in the top five of her class. After school, she settled in North Idaho and began her dentistry career. She has a passion for Dental Sleep Medicine, Short-Term Orthodontics, and integrating CAD/CAM and cone-beam imaging into a general dentistry practice. She regularly lectures on these topics.Dr. Elliott is an active member of her local American Dental Association, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, and was the president and a diplomate of the American Sleep and Breathing Academy. She teaches two-day sleep apnea courses with 3D Dentists and Dr. Tarun Agarwal. She also privately coaches practices about sleep!Dr. Elliott spends her free time with her stay-at-home husband, Tom, and her two sons. She loves to spend time with friends, golfing, traveling, playing soccer, reading, and serving her community.

823: 3 Essential Roles Every Dentist Must Embrace: Clinician, Entrepreneur, and Leader – Heather CrockettYou went to dental school to be a clinician. But to be a successful practice owner, there are two other roles you need to fulfill! To help you enhance your leadership and entrepreneurial skills, Kirk Behrendt brings back Heather Crockett, one of ACT’s amazing coaches, to explain how to embrace these essential roles and how to balance all three. To learn how this will lead to a more fulfilling dental career, listen to Episode 823 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Heather:Send Heather an email: heather@actdental.com Join Heather on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heather.r.crockettFollow Heather on ACT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actdentalSend Gina an email: gina@actdental.com More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listenJoin The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaJoin ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/tttSee the ACT Dental/BPA Live Event Schedule: https://www.actdental.com/eventGet The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazinePlease leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218Episode Resources:Watch the video version of Episode 823: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosRead The E-Myth by Michael E. Gerber: https://www.michaelegerbercompanies.com/product/the-e-myth-revisitedRead Traction by Gino Wickman: https://benbellabooks.com/shop/tractionLearn about EOS: https://www.eosworldwide.comMain Takeaways:Embrace the role of clinician, entrepreneur, and leader to become successful.No one will care more about your business than you. Own the three roles.Hire a coach. You need someone to challenge you and make you better.Don't find time — make time to work on the business side of dentistry.Commit to continuous learning. Seek out CE and mentorship.Join the ACT community to enhance your leadership skills!A thriving practice requires a balance of all three roles.Stop comparing yourself to others.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:15 Why these three roles are important.2:48 You can't pass these roles to others.4:37 The clinician role, explained.7:37 The entrepreneurial role, explained.13:10 Carve out entrepreneurial time.17:31 You can't do it alone.20:01 Traction and EOS.23:13 The leadership role, explained.26:26 Final takeaways.Heather Crockett Bio:Heather Crockett is a Lead Practice Coach who finds joy in not only improving practices but improving the lives of those she coaches as well. With over 20 years of combined experience in assisting, office management, and clinical dental hygiene, her awareness supports many aspects of the practice setting.Heather received her dental hygiene degree from the Utah College of Dental Hygiene in 2008. Networking in the dental community comes easy to her, and she loves to connect with like-minded colleagues on social media. Heather enjoys both attending and presenting continuing education to expand her knowledge and learn from her friends and colleagues.She enjoys hanging out with her husband, three sons, and their dog, Moki, scrolling through social media, watching football, and traveling. 

822: A Great Formula to Reduce Conflict – Dr. Christian CoachmanAre you tired of friction in your practice? Do you have frustrated and disappointed patients? There's a formula to fix it, and you can use it beyond your work life! Today, Kirk Behrendt and Dr. Christian Coachman, founder of Digital Smile Design, explain their favorite formula, E – R = C and how using it will reduce conflict in all areas of your life. To learn how a few changes can improve life at work and at home, listen to Episode 822 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.comListen to Dr. Coachman’s podcast, Coffee Break with Coachman: https://open.spotify.com/show/4ADCrWhqsUKbHmZtkhhgoBRegister for DSD Residency 1 On Demand: https://digitalsmiledesign.com/dsd-residency-1-on-demandRegister for Dr. John Kois and Dr. Coachman’s Optimizing Clinical Outcomes course (March 20-21, 2025): https://www.koiscenter.com/optimizing-clinical-outcomesMore 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 822: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosLearn about EOS: https://www.eosworldwide.comRead Traction by Gino Wickman: https://benbellabooks.com/shop/tractionUncover your instinctive strengths with Kolbe: https://www.kolbe.comMain Takeaways:Not meeting expectations is the biggest source of conflict. Keep the promises you make.E – R = C is the most important formula you need to use for every aspect of your life.Don't try to do everything on your own. Find the right people who can help you.Learn to say no. Don't say yes to everything and make yourself miserable.Remember that you are not the most important person in your practice.Underpromise and overdeliver in order to give yourself a buffer.Use numbers to close the expectation and reality gap.Be clear. It’s the nicest thing you can do.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:23 E – R = C, explained.5:11 Keep your ideas in check.8:14 Know who you are.10:10 How to use E – R = C in your everyday life.14:30 You are not the most important person in your practice.22:06 Don't try to do everything yourself.23:50 Learn how to say no.28:43 Final thoughts.Dr. Christian Coachman Bio:Combining his advanced skills, experience, and technology solutions, Dr. Christian Coachman pioneered the Digital Smile Design methodology and founded Digital Smile Design company (DSD). Since its inception, thousands of dentists worldwide have attended DSD courses and workshops, such as the renowned DSD Residency program.Dr. Coachman is the developer of worldwide, well-known concepts such as the Digital Smile Design, the Pink Hybrid Implant Restoration, the Digital Planning Center, Emotional Dentistry, Interdisciplinary Treatment Simulation, and Digital Smile Donator. He regularly consults for dental industry companies, developing products, implementing concepts, and marketing strategies, such as the Facially Driven Digital Orthodontic Workflow developed in collaboration with Invisalign, Align Technology.

821: From Chaos to Control: How Systems Transform Your Practice – Miranda BeesonDo you want to save time, have more energy, and live a better life? For that to happen, you need systems! To help you figure out ways to optimize your practice, Kirk Behrendt brings back Miranda Beeson, ACT’s director of education, to share some of ACT’s proven strategies that will transform your practice. To learn how to eliminate chaos and save thousands of hours in the future, listen to Episode 821 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 Email the ACT Team for their free resources: info@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 821: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosMain Takeaways:By having systems in your practice, things will get better.People are important, but they don't run your business. Systems do!When things are chaotic, don't blame your team — blame the systems!Systems allow team members to grow, and you can stop micromanaging.Make sure you document your systems. Just talking about them isn't enough.Understand the 7 essentials and 11 considerations to have a healthy practice.Use the 80% rule when designing systems. Strive for 80% and improve upon it.Every time you create a system, you are saving thousands of hours in the future.Snippets:0:00 Introduction and ACT’s TTT, BPA, and Pro Coaching.4:13 Why having defined systems is important.9:18 Systems boost productivity.12:39 Become systems driven, not people dependent.13:45 Stop micromanaging.15:12 Give your best energy to things that matter most.21:19 Know what you're building and why.22:49 Systems, defined.23:47 Eleven considerations for designing systems: Start with why.25:08 Eleven considerations: Do this together as a team.27:04 Eleven considerations: Brainstorm what you're currently doing.28:16 Eleven considerations: Take specific, measurable, and actionable steps.31:47 Eleven considerations: Identify the who.36:04 Eleven considerations: Anticipate problems.39:37 Eleven considerations: Have a timeframe or time frequency.41:02 Eleven considerations: Don't strive for perfection.41:50 Eleven considerations: Ask good questions.42:47 Eleven considerations: Implement a timeline for reevaluation.43:31 Eleven considerations: Use a bullet point system.44:29 Five tips for writing down your systems.46:15 Use the 80% approach.48:46 Systems should answer six key questions.50:00 Seven essentials of a healthy practice: Communication rhythms.53:39 Seven essentials of a healthy practice: Financial policy.54:43 Seven essentials of a healthy practice: Managing accounts receivable.55:16 Seven essentials of a healthy practice: Scheduling.55:34 Seven essentials of a healthy practice: New patients experience.57:00 Seven essentials of a healthy practice: Hygiene recare.58:26 Seven essentials of a healthy practice: Unscheduled treatment system.59:38 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.

820: The Secrets to Successful Dental Partnerships: Insights from an Industry Expert – Paul SlettenYou want a partner for your practice. But where do you find one, and how do you make it work? To help you choose the right doctor for you and your team, Kirk Behrendt brings back Paul Sletten, founder of the Sletten Group, to share the secrets to a lasting, successful partnership. Life is too short for bad partnerships! To learn how to choose a good partner — and to be a good partner — listen to Episode 820 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Paul:Give Paul a call: (303) 699-0990Send Paul an email: paul@lifetransitions.com Learn more about the Sletten Group: https://theslettengroup.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 820: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosGet to know your personality with DiSC: https://www.thediscpersonalitytest.comUncover your instinctive strengths with Kolbe: https://www.kolbe.comDevelop your leadership with Culture Index: https://www.cultureindex.comDiscover your gifts with Working Genius: https://www.workinggenius.comMain Takeaways:A successful practice is not run by consensus. There is always a leader.Figure out who you are, your strengths, and your blind spots.Look for a partner who will fit your culture and core values.Choose a partner that you like, admire, and respect.Don't hire a partner based on credentials alone.Find a way out if you're in a bad partnership.Life is too short to be in toxic relationships!Stay aligned and updated on your vision.Leadership is a skill to be learned.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.0:38 Why this is an important topic.2:19 Partnerships, explained.5:15 How partnerships come together.10:12 Who will fit your practice culture?13:45 Choose someone you like, admire, and respect.16:27 Understand who you are.21:50 What to do if you're in a bad partnership.24:12 Embrace your designated roles.27:41 Stay aligned and continually update your vision.31:34 The key to a fulfilling life.32:57 Solo practice isn't dying.35:57 Do 50-50 partnerships work?39:14 Final thoughts and how to reach out to Paul.Paul Sletten Bio:Paul D. Sletten founded the Sletten Group, Inc. in 1975 in Denver, Colorado. They are in their 49th year of business and have developed an international clientele, having assisted and completed transitions in all 50 states, six provinces in Canada, and two states in Australia. They continue to exclusively work with fee-for-service dentists and their teams around the country.Paul has spoken at more than 285 dental meetings around the country. This includes almost all of the major dental meetings and numerous study clubs. The topics focus on all aspects of practice transitions — including buying a dental practice, selling a dental practice, and much more — as well as personal growth and development for dentists and team members.