The Best Practices Show with Kirk Behrendt

Do you want a better practice in 2025? If you want more balance and more freedom in the new year, don't miss this episode! Kirk Behrendt brings back Miranda Beeson, ACT’s director of education, to reveal the keys to getting what you want out of life through your practice. To set yourself up for success for next year — and every year — listen to Episode 819 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 819: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosDownload ACT’s Creating Your Vision resource: https://23476641.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23476641/Creating%20Your%20Vision%20with%20Worksheet.pdfDownload ACT’s Identifying Your Practice’s Core Values guide: https://23476641.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23476641/Identify%20Your%20Practices%20Core%20Values.pdfRead The E-Myth Dentist: by Christopher Barrow and Michael G. Gerber: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-e-myth-dentist-christopher-barrow/9739339?ean=9781618350251Main Takeaways:Craft a vision for your practice.Develop your core purpose and core values.Align your leadership on vision, core purpose, and core values.Create a healthy culture by developing a trusting work environment.Consistently evaluate whether your core values are alive in your practice.Utilize data to measure the efficacy or inefficiencies of systems in your practice.Stay aligned with your team by having consistent meetings, check-ins, and huddles.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.2:03 Why this is an important topic.11:16 The origins of Better Practice, Better Life.17:44 The three pillars: Aligned.22:52 Align through meetings, check-ins, and huddles.27:48 The three pillars: Smart.31:12 Why you need a coach.37:22 The three pillars: Healthy.42:10 Develop your vision, core purpose, and core values.48:10 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.

Sometimes, saying thank you just isn't enough. But gifts aren't always what people want either! So, how do you show gratitude and appreciation to your team? In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Michelle Wakeman, one of ACT’s amazing coaches, to reveal the five languages of appreciation to help you make your team feel valued at work. To learn the easiest way to improve your culture, increase productivity, and enjoy coming to work, listen to Episode 818 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Michelle:Send Michelle an email: michelle@actdental.com Follow Michelle on ACT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actdentalSend Gina an email: gina@actdental.com More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listenJoin The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaJoin ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/tttSee the ACT Dental/BPA Live Event Schedule: https://www.actdental.com/eventGet The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazinePlease leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218Episode Resources:Watch the video version of Episode 818: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosRead The 5 Languages of Love by Gary Chapman: https://5lovelanguages.com/store/the-5-love-languagesRead The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace: https://shop.appreciationatwork.com/products/the-5-languages-of-appreciation-in-the-workplace-1Main Takeaways:How you like to be shown appreciation is not the same for others.Learn the five languages of appreciation and how to express them.Most people like gifts. But it’s not the primary language of appreciation.Speak or write words of affirmation to show your appreciation for others.Perform acts of service. Even small gestures will mean a lot to your team.Quality time in the form of check-ins and team meetings will show you care.Appropriate physical touch can positively change the culture of your practice.Be genuine when showing appreciation. People can tell when it’s disingenuous.Do a team appreciation survey so that everyone knows one another’s language.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:53 Why this is an important topic.4:22 The five languages: Words of affirmation.7:55 The five languages: Quality time.10:16 The five languages: Acts of service.11:33 The five languages: Gifts.14:21 The five languages: Physical touch.16:11 Be genuine.16:58 How to systematize this in your practice.19:20 Have scheduled downtime.21:05 Final takeaways.Michelle Wakeman, BSDH, Bio:Michelle Wakeman, BSDH, brings nearly 20 years of clinical dental hygiene, administrative, managerial, and sales experience to the table. She has a passion for people and a natural aptitude for communication that has led her to develop meaningful relationships throughout her career in dentistry. As a coach, she seeks to help dental practices develop systems that enable them to enhance their patient experience, leading to better relationships among owners, team members, and patients, along with profitable outcomes.In her off time, Michelle can usually be found at the ice rink supporting her son, Hunter, in hockey, the ball field cheering on her son, Carter, or the gym, reliving her days as a gymnast with her daughter, Leighton.

817: Smiles Not Sighs: 3 Steps to Implementing New Ideas in Your Practice – Courtney DaltonIs your team allergic to change? Do they sigh at every new idea you have? To start changing the way they react, keep listening to this episode! Kirk Behrendt brings back Courtney Dalton, one of ACT’s amazing coaches, to share three steps to get your team on board and excited for all of your future plans. To learn the most effective ways to get buy-in every single time, listen to Episode 817 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Courtney:Send Courtney an email: courtney@actdental.com Follow Courtney on ACT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actdentalSend Gina an email: gina@actdental.com Email the ACT Team for the Stages of Change tool: 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 817: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosDownload ACT’s Creating New Agreements, Policies, & Systems resource: https://23476641.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23476641/Creating%20New%20Agreements%2c%20Policies%2c%20&%20Systems.pdf  Main Takeaways:Help your team understand the why so they buy into your ideas.When your why is clear to your team, the how becomes much easier.Create a space where your team will feel safe, and their ideas will be heard.If your team feels heard, they will align with your ideas even if they don't agree.No weigh-in, no buy-in. Consistently check in with your team on where they are.Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast. Take your time so that you can do things right.Understand the five stages of change and support your team wherever they are at.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.0:58 Why this is an important topic.1:34 Alignment doesn't equal agreement.4:00 Start with why.9:41 How to get your team on board.14:36 Ask open-ended questions.16:27 Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast.19:24 Stages of change, explained.26:47 Final takeaways.Courtney Dalton, BS, RDH Bio:Courtney Dalton is a Lead Practice Coach who focuses on establishing a solid foundation in order for a practice to thrive. With over 15 years of experience in the dental industry, she is as passionate about patient care as she is about those who are providing it.

Dr. Jim McKee, a restorative dentistry expert and lecturer, shares five pivotal questions dentists must tackle to thrive in 2025. He highlights the balance between clinical skills and business management for a satisfying practice. Continuing education and study clubs play a crucial role in professional development. McKee emphasizes the importance of understanding fees and patient classifications to enhance marketing strategies and patient engagement. His insights set the stage for a successful and fulfilling dental career.

815: The Profitable Practice Paradox: Growing Without More Chairs – Miranda BeesonWe’re taught that growth is good. But if you don't grow smart, you could be growing more while making less! To explain this paradox and help you become profitable, Kirk Behrendt brings back Miranda Beeson, ACT’s director of education, to explain how to increase profitability without adding more chairs, more hours, or more stress. To learn how to make your practice better, not just bigger, listen to Episode 815 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 815: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosRead Miranda’s blog, Mastering Collections: How to Achieve 100% Financial Goals for Dental Practices: https://www.actdental.com/blog/mastering-collections-how-to-achieve-100-financial-goals-for-dental-practicesMain Takeaways:Define what growth means for you.Focus on making your practice better, not bigger.Understand your write-offs, collections, and overhead.Growth for the sake of growth will wear your practice thin.Maximize your existing resources! You don't need to add to grow.You can grow your practice by collecting more of what you produce.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.0:49 ACT’s To The Top, BPA, and Pro Coaching.5:30 Why this is important.14:35 Understanding write-offs: Insurance adjustments.25:53 Understanding write-offs: Membership plan adjustments.27:39 Understanding write-offs: Elective adjustments.32:25 Collect what you produce.36:40 Understand overhead.44:57 Where did all my money go?54:44 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.

814: 1 Move, Infinite Differentiation Power – Heather CrockettYou're not just a dentist. There is something unique and special about you and your practice! To help you figure out what that is and why it’s important for a thriving practice, Kirk Behrendt brings back Heather Crockett, one of ACT’s amazing coaches, to share a step-by-step process to discover the things that differentiate your business. To learn how you can set yourself apart, listen to Episode 814 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 the ACT Team an email: info@actdental.com Send Gina an email: gina@actdental.com Learn More About ACT Dental:Watch the entire webinar here: https://www.actdental.com/125ACT’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 814: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosDownload ACT’s Differentiation Tool: https://23476641.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23476641/PDF/Differentiation%20Tool.pdfDownload ACT’s The Five Whys resource: https://23476641.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23476641/Identify%20Your%20Core%20Purpose%20Tool.pdfLearn more about the EOS system: https://www.eosworldwide.com/blog/96514-traction-thoughts-uniquesMain Takeaways:Identify your core customers, core competencies, and weaknesses.Find three key things your practice is great at that make you stand out.Get your entire team aligned on the things that differentiate your practice.When you figure out your differentiators, you can use them in your marketing.Define your uniques and differentiators before others write that narrative for you.You will stand out, attract the right patients, and build your reputation by differentiating.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:34 Why this is an important topic.4:55 Differentiation, explained.6:40 Three things you need to identify.8:31 Core competencies, explained.12:09 Core customers, explained.16:53 The three uniques, explained.21:09 How to use your differentiators.25:18 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.

We say it all the time — language matters! Before, during, and after you meet with patients, how you communicate is critical. To help you navigate the art of communication and boost patient engagement, Kirk Behrendt brings back Miranda Beeson, ACT’s director of education, to share 20 of their favorite phrases you can start using today. To learn how to help patients take ownership of their health, listen to Episode 813 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 813: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosACT’s webinars: https://www.actdental.com/125Watch Episode 777, Why Objections Are a Gift with Miranda Beeson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJ6a_rRoNTADownload ACT’s 7 Phone Phrases to Fill Your Schedule: https://23476641.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23476641/7-Phone-Phrases-To-Fill-Your-Schedule.jpgDownload ACT’s Say This, Not That resource: https://23476641.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23476641/Say%20This%2c%20Not%20That%20-%20Fillable.pdfRead Motivational Interviewing in Health Care by Stephen Rollnick, William R. Miller, and Christopher C. Butler: https://www.guilford.com/books/Motivational-Interviewing-in-Health-Care/Rollnick-Miller-Butler/9781462550371Main Takeaways:Elevate your language to elevate your practice.A big part of communicating is being a great listener.How you communicate can build or break trust with patients.Know how to communicate effectively on the phone versus in the op.Practice handling patient objections. Think of them as gifts and invite them!Express gratitude at every opportunity. Your practice won't exist without patients!Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:20 Why language and verbal skills are so important.11:07 Phone call: What led you to seek out a new dental home?14:04 Phone call: What are your expectations about your first visit with us?18:20 Phone call: I am here to help you/You are in good hands.22:05 In the op: Is there anything specific you would like us to focus on during your visit today?25:16 In the op: What are your goals for your mouth/smile? What does healthy mean to you?27:32 In the op: If I see anything that doesn't look healthy, would it be okay to share it with you?29:55 In the op: Tell me about how you take care of your teeth and gums at home.31:45 Bonus phrase: What are your ideas for how you could do something differently?34:49 Treatment presentation: You shared with me . . .36:31 Treatment presentation: What is your understanding of . . .?38:47 Treatment presentation: If there were a way . . .41:24 Treatment presentation: What would prevent you from reserving time with us today?43:58 Patient objections: Many patients have felt the same way. What we have found is . . .48:20 If they don't give you objections, you can invite objections.49:42 Patient objections: Which concerns could I provide more information about?51:42 Patient objections: How much “too much” is it? If there were a way . . .54:32 Patient objections: It won’t be more conservative/predictable/cost-effective than today.56:11 Why expressing gratitude is so important.58:19 Expressing gratitude: We love having patients like you. You brighten our day.1:00:30 The best marketing tool.1:02:16 Expressing gratitude: I’m so glad you have a great visit. There is no greater compliment!1:03:55 Expressing gratitude: Thank you for trusting in us.1:07:16 Expressing gratitude: We appreciate you choosing us as your dental home.1:08:58 Elevate your language to elevate your practice.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.

812: Sharpen Your Vision: Differentiation Success – Part 4 – Adriana BoothThere are dentists on every corner of the country. So, why would patients come to you? In the final episode of this four-part series, Kirk Behrendt brings back Adriana Booth, one of ACT’s amazing coaches, to help you answer this question. Embrace differentiation, and you can finally set your practice apart! To learn how by using ACT’s free tools and resources, listen to Episode 812 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Adriana:Join Adriana on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adriana.boothFollow Adriana on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adrimariebSend Gina an email: gina@actdental.com Send the ACT team an email: 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 812: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosWatch Part 1, Episode 806 with Miranda Beeson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQLizN05Zn8Watch Part 2, Episode 807 with Carlie Einarson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLya9ItEvk4Watch Part 3, Episode 808 with Robyn Theisen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkrZg-ONkNsDownload ACT’s Differentiation Tool: https://info.actdental.com/hubfs/PDF/Differentiation%20Tool.pdfDownload ACT’s Better Practice Strategic Plan: https://23476641.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23476641/ACT_Dental_-_Better_Practice_Strategic_Plan.pdfMain Takeaways:Start by identifying your core customers.Do not skip identifying your core customers!Pinpoint services that are sought after by patients.Identify what you are good at and what you want more of.Recognize your weaknesses and the areas you can improve in.Build trust with your core purpose, core values, and differentiation.Don't compare your practice to others or only do what others are doing.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:40 Why differentiation is so important.3:39 Identify your ideal patient.7:33 Differentiation, explained.9:18 Do you fix teeth or change lives?10:59 How differentiation impacts team culture.11:56 The importance of alignment.14:35 Figure out your core customer profile.17:49 Identify your core competencies.19:56 Identify your weaknesses.24:05 Final takeaways.Adriana Booth, BS, RDH Bio:Adriana Booth is a Lead Practice Coach who partners with dentists and their teams to cultivate leadership skills, build practice growth, and streamline business practices. After spending nearly two decades in the dental industry working with top-notch dental teams, Adriana came to ACT to share her passion for professional growth, high-level training, and systems creation with our clients. As a dental hygienist with a love for continuing education and personal growth, helping a practice become successful is at the heart of her passion for dentistry.Adriana has a B.S. in Dental Hygiene from West Liberty University/O’Hehir University. By being involved in several Columbus, Ohio, study clubs, Adriana maintains strong relationships within her local dental community. She enjoys a variety of fitness activities, family time, good books, and at the top of her list, her fur babies.

811: Going Out-Of-Network: 3 Marketing Considerations – Eric HubbardDo you tell yourself you can't go out-of-network? If you do, stop! You can, and today’s guest will teach you how. Kirk Behrendt brings in Eric Hubbard, a master marketer and founder of Pain-Free Dental Marketing, to help you be paid more to work less. If you're tired of the long hours, dealing with insurance, and less-than-ideal patients, listen to Episode 811 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Eric:Follow Pain-Free Dental Marketing on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/painfree_dentalmarketingLearn more about Pain-Free Dental Marketing: https://www.painfreedentalmarketing.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 811: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosRead Traction by Gino Wickman: https://benbellabooks.com/shop/tractionMain Takeaways:If you don't have a solid admin team culture, you are not ready to go out-of-network.Demonstrate to patients that your excellence is beyond just “being a good dentist”.Keep your social media and website updated. This is where patients always look.View everything about your practice through the eyes of your patients.Be curious about your patients. Engage in meaningful dialogue.Get rid of your self-limiting beliefs. You can go out-of-network!Seeing more patients does not mean you earn more money.Invest in your practice — even in the smallest of ways.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:37 Eric’s background.3:45 Why this is an important topic.7:11 Do this before exiting insurance plans.13:54 Look at the comprehensive patient experience.16:47 What is your system for asking for referrals?20:13 How are you demonstrating excellence?23:49 Also invest in the small things.27:52 Where and how to spend money in marketing.32:36 Differentiation, explained.36:16 Final thoughts.38:00 More about Pain-Free Dental Marketing.Eric Hubbard Bio:Before founding Pain-Free Dental Marketing, Eric Hubbard started his career in the corporate world. He built his marketing foundation at Procter and Gamble, where he mastered the art of aiming messages directly at the company’s highest-value patients. Years later, Eric’s hometown dentist became interested in marketing strategies to save his dwindling practice. He became Eric’s first client, kicking off his marketing agency where he and his team have been helping practices grow ever since.

810: Building Your Dental Dream Team: Retention Through Shared Values – Heather CrockettDentistry isn't the hard part about being a dentist — it’s finding and keeping great people! To help you make it a little bit easier, Kirk Behrendt brings back Heather Crockett, one of ACT’s amazing coaches, to share ACT’s tools and resources for developing and implementing your core values. To learn the secret to a successful practice, listen to Episode 810 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 810: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosWatch the entire webinar here: https://www.actdental.com/125Register for ACT’s Napa Valley Mastery Summit and To The Top Study Club (April 24-27, 2025): https://info.actdental.com/napa-mastery-summitDownload ACT’s Right People Scorecard: https://23476641.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23476641/Instructions%20for%20Right%20People%20Scorecard.pdfDownload ACT’s Identifying Your Practice’s Core Values guide: https://23476641.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23476641/Identify%20Your%20Practices%20Core%20Values.pdfDownload ACT’s 3-3-3 Model for Onboarding: https://23476641.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23476641/3-3-3%20Onboarding%20Model.pdfRead books by Patrick Lencioni: https://www.tablegroup.com/booksRead Traction by Gino Wickman: https://benbellabooks.com/shop/tractionMain Takeaways:Lead by example. If you don't follow your core values, why should your team?This is your practice. You must establish your core values, not your team.Your core values are the filter for everything you do for your practice.Once you establish core values, your team culture will improve.Being consistent is crucial. You can't just set it and forget it.Core values are verbs. Make sure they are actionable.Money isn't what keeps people in your practice.Use simple language to convey core values.“Bake” your core values for at least a year.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.2:09 ACT’s TTT, BPA, and Pro Coaching.5:34 Objectives.7:27 Why this is an important topic.13:45 Core values, explained.15:29 Types of values, explained.17:12 Values are verbs.20:51 The role of core values in team culture.23:23 Four steps to identify your core values.30:29 Core values examples.37:53 How to approach core values with prospective team members.41:11 Right People Right Seat, explained.45:14 GWC, explained.46:11 Three questions to ask before you hire.53:07 Consistency is crucial.54:46 How to use this on a day-to-day basis.59:52 Final takeaways.1:03:37 Q&A: Does the leader come up with core values, or do you do it as a team?1:07:12 Q&A: ACT’s scorecard.1:07:50 ACT’s Napa Valley Mastery Summit.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.