The Dental Lighthouse with Dr. Jason Tanoory

In this episode of the Dental Lighthouse Podcast, Dr. Jason Tanoory takes you behind the curtain of a real coaching call with a fast-growing practice owner who knows the truth every leader eventually faces. Growth breaks systems before it breaks revenue. The practice is thriving. Revenue is climbing. The team is growing. And yet the wheels are starting to wobble because the hard conversations keep getting postponed. This episode tackles what most leaders avoid until it hurts: How to start one-on-one meetings without opening the floodgates to surprise raise requests Why avoiding clarity feels kind but actually creates resentment How to set expectations around compensation without being reactive What sustainable leadership looks like in a 3.5 to 4+ million dollar practice How to hold people accountable in real time without embarrassing them or damaging trust Jason walks through practical frameworks for one-on-ones, compensation timing, accountability conversations, and follow-up systems that actually stick. No theory. No leadership buzzwords. Just real talk from inside an actual coaching session. If you are growing fast, leading a bigger team than you ever have before, or feeling the quiet tension that comes from conversations left unsaid, this episode is your sign. Rip the Band-Aid off. Your team will thank you later.

Part Two gets real practical, real fast. J.D. pushes the conversation past “feedback is important” and straight into the messy scenarios leaders actually face: buying a practice with an existing team, inheriting an old culture, and trying to introduce a new set of expectations without lighting the place on fire. Jason breaks down: What you’re really buying in an acquisition (hint: cash flow and culture… and sometimes baggage with a name tag) Vision vs. core values: what’s non-negotiable from the owner, and where team buy-in matters How to roll out “rules of the house” when your team is 5 people vs. 25 people Why early-stage owners struggle most at 2–3 locations and what Jason would do differently (spoiler: build a monster flagship first) How peer-to-peer accountability should work up, down, and sideways in the org chart What to do when feedback is given well, but it’s not received well How leaders avoid collecting everyone’s “problem monkeys” and instead coach people to handle hard conversations themselves When something isn’t “your lane,” how to escalate it the right way, and the leadership question behind it all: Is this a hill I’m willing to die on? If Part One was about posting the speed limit, Part Two is about enforcing it, especially when you’re new, growing fast, or inheriting a team that’s been doing 55 in a school zone for years. Listen in if you’re building a culture that actually wins, not just one that looks good on a poster.

What happens when the rules are not posted and everyone is driving at a different speed? In Part One of this episode, Jason Tanoory is put in the hot seat by returning guest J.D. for a real, unfiltered conversation about feedback, accountability, and leadership inside a dental practice. This is not theory. This is lived experience. Jason breaks down why feedback is not optional if you want a healthy team, why avoiding hard conversations is actually selfish, and how unclear expectations quietly destroy culture. They dive into the difference between competency issues versus behavior issues, why one is easier to coach than the other, and how leaders can create an environment where feedback is expected, received, and acted on. You’ll hear practical language for tough conversations, why “posting the speed limit” matters more than being liked, and how core values only work when they are clearly defined, consistently reinforced, and actually lived out. If you’ve ever struggled with giving feedback, receiving feedback, or working in a practice where the rules feel fuzzy, this episode will hit close to home. Part Two goes even deeper. Start here.

This is a replay of one of our most downloaded episodes. If you’re newer here, this one’s a must-listen. In this insightful episode, we dive into the challenges of fostering teamwork and accountability within dental practices. Host Jason Tanoory unpacks common tensions among team members, from feelings of inequity to misunderstandings around workload. He introduces actionable strategies like prioritizing "team-focused" over "I-focused" tasks and building a culture of peer-to-peer accountability. Discover how implementing structured checklists, encouraging open communication, and embracing the principles of servant leadership can create a stronger, more cohesive team environment. If you’re looking to enhance collaboration and trust within your practice, this episode is packed with practical tips and thought-provoking insights. Tune in to learn how fostering mutual understanding and accountability can lead your team to collective success!

This is a replay of one of our most downloaded episodes. If you’re newer here, this one’s a must-listen. This hour-long episode is exactly what the title promises—Jason’s no-fluff guide to the actual habits, mindsets, and behaviors that define great leadership in a dental practice. Pulled straight from his coaching work and years in the trenches, this isn’t about lofty ideas. It’s about clarity, consistency, and courage. He covers: Why most “leadership problems” are actually clarity problems How to stop being the hero and start building real accountability The danger of trying to be liked instead of respected How to use the “5C’s” and servant leadership in real-world situations Packed with real stories and hard-won lessons, this episode is a roadmap for docs who want to lead without burning out—or bailing out. Whether you’re new to leadership or just tired of feeling stuck, this one’s worth every minute.

This is a replay of one of our most downloaded episodes. If you’re newer here, this one’s a must-listen. In this insightful episode of The Dental Lighthouse, Jason Tanoory sits down with Blake and Colin, two ambitious young dentists who are redefining what it means to succeed early in their careers. The conversation dives into their approaches to managing debt, building strong relationships with banks, and making calculated decisions for growth. Colin shares his bold strategy for leveraging high-risk opportunities to accelerate progress, while Blake offers wisdom on balancing optimism with responsibility in a competitive market. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your journey, this episode is filled with practical advice and inspiring stories to motivate you.

This is a replay of one of our most downloaded episodes. If you’re newer here, this one’s a must-listen. In this episode, we dive deep into the world of patient care and treatment coordination with Michelle, a seasoned expert in helping patients navigate complex dental decisions. Michelle shares her unique approach to building trust with patients, guiding them through treatment options, and finding creative financing solutions that ensure they receive the care they need. From discussing credit scores and financing plans like Cherry and Compassionate Finance to managing expectations and closing larger treatment cases, Michelle's insights are invaluable for treatment coordinators and dental professionals alike. Tune in to learn how she uses empathetic listening, clear communication, and a natural ability to connect with patients to drive successful case acceptance. Whether you're a new treatment coordinator looking for guidance or a seasoned professional seeking fresh ideas, this episode is packed with actionable tips you can implement right away.

This is a replay of one of our most downloaded episodes. If you’re newer here, this one’s a must-listen.  In this episode of The Dental Lighthouse, host Jason Tanoory welcomes Dr. Paul Goodman, known affectionately as "Dr. Nacho," to discuss the intricacies of dental insurance and the art of managing patient expectations. With years of experience as a practicing dentist and a passion for helping other dental professionals, Dr. Goodman shares his expertise on navigating the often-confusing landscape of insurance coverage. Proven strategies to navigate tough insurance-based questions from our patients They delve into effective communication strategies that can transform challenging conversations about treatment options and costs into opportunities for trust and understanding. Dr. Goodman emphasizes the importance of presenting clear, patient-centered solutions while balancing the realities of insurance limitations. Listeners will gain actionable insights on how to approach insurance discussions with confidence, ensuring patients feel informed and supported in their treatment decisions. Join Jason and Dr. Goodman for this enlightening conversation filled with practical tips and the wisdom gained from years of experience in the dental field. For more information on Dr. Goodman and his resources, visit Dental Nachos. Do you PARTICIPATE with my dental insurance?

Every dentist knows the panic of looking at a once packed schedule and suddenly seeing empty space where production should be. Is this just a seasonal dip, or a warning sign that something upstream has shifted? In this episode, Jason unpacks an email from a doctor who is drowning in hygiene checks and new patients yet somehow watching his production tank. Jason walks through the real culprit behind most schedule slowdowns. Spoiler: it usually isn’t marketing or patient flow. It’s rushed exams, rushed treatment presentations, and a hygiene ratio that quietly sabotages case acceptance long before you notice holes in your calendar. He breaks down the dangers of running three or four hygienists per doctor, the downstream effects on comprehensive dentistry, and why even strong offices can drift into reactive scheduling if they don’t track the right metrics. You’ll learn the two KPIs he insists every doctor monitors weekly. You’ll also hear practical strategies for preventing exam overload, protecting your time, and spotting production dips before they hit your bottom line. If you’ve ever stared at an empty afternoon and thought “What happened?”, this episode gives you the roadmap to diagnose and fix it. Check out thedentallighthouse.com for more information on joining the Better than Yesterday challenge.

Delving into the importance of checklists, the discussion reveals how solid numbers don’t always mean a healthy practice. Real-life scenarios showcase the fallout from missed prescriptions and unchecked tasks, painting a picture of how small oversights can lead to major issues. The host emphasizes that checklists aren’t about micromanagement but rather about enhancing patient experience and team morale. Leadership is redefined as a commitment to sustaining culture and preventing chaos, making checklists crucial for long-term success.