The Dental Marketer

If you've ever felt the weight of ambition pull you away from personal fulfillment, this episode is your honest roadmap back to balance! Dr. Simone Ellis opens up about her early years as a practice owner: navigating the pressures of rapid growth, leadership, and the unspoken toll of relentless hustle.In this conversation, Dr. Ellis reveals how she recognized warning signs of burnout, the emotional and physical challenges of leading through turbulent times like the pandemic, and why she ultimately sold her thriving practice. She shares the leadership strategies and team systems that now drive her consulting work, all rooted in one philosophy: sustainable success starts with aligning business growth to personal values. Dr. Ellis empowers us to adopt self-awareness, set healthy boundaries, and foster cultures where dental teams (and their leaders) truly flourish.What You'll Learn in This Episode:The real story behind rapid practice growth and its personal costs.How to spot and address burnout as a dentist.Why self-awareness and core values matter for sustainable success.The art of setting boundaries to protect both personal and professional well-being.Proven team motivation techniques inspired by top companies.How honest leadership and structured meetings can transform workplace culture.Concrete strategies Dr. Ellis uses to support and inspire her team.The benefits and intricacies of selling a high-performing dental practice.Key insights for pivoting from ownership to consulting.Practical advice for cultivating a resilient, growth-driven mindset.Tune in now to hear Dr. Ellis’ unfiltered insights and discover how to redefine success as a dentist on your own terms!‍Sponsors:‍Net32: Founded by a dentist, for dentists. Net32 is the leading online marketplace for dental supplies, helping dental and medical professionals save on high-quality products for over 25 years. Start saving today at: net32.com/dentalmarketerGuest: Dr. Simone EllisBusiness Name: Dr. Simone EllisCheck out Simone's Media:‍Website: drsimoneellis.comInstagram: instagram.com/drsimoneellisEmail: drsimoneellis@gmail.com‍Host: Michael AriasJoin my newsletter: https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/newsletter/‍Join this podcast's Facebook Group: The Dental Marketer Society‍Love the Podcast? Let Us Know How We're Doing on Apple Podcasts!‍

If your referral requests have ever felt forced or unfruitful, it may be time to switch gears!In this part 2 episode on the Ground Marketing series, we reveal exactly how to transform referral relationships from awkward cold calls into genuine professional alliances through proven, effective scripts tailored for every type of specialist. You'll discover how to reshape conversations with general practitioners, pediatricians, hygienists, and other medical professionals to ensure your expertise becomes an essential resource for their patients, while making your colleagues feel valued and appreciated.Today we're demystify how to amplify your visibility far beyond the clinic walls, turning your practice into a familiar community anchor that local families trust. From hands-on strategies like PTA sponsorships and school health events, to expert-level moves like contributing advice columns to local media, you’ll learn to build a trusted brand recognized for genuine community involvement. The episode wraps with a deep-dive into the “referral flywheel”: a simple but game-changing system for making referrals flow naturally month after month. Whether you want to boost word-of-mouth or become the go-to expert in town, these easy-to-implement tactics will set you apart in your community!What You'll Learn in This Episode:Specific, customizable scripts to spark referrals without sounding salesyHow to identify and connect with the right partners: doctors, hygienists, pediatricians, and moreTechniques to make colleagues feel confident and valued when referring patientsReal-world scenarios to apply your referral scripts for maximum impactHow to establish visibility anchors in your community for top-of-mind awarenessIdeas for educational contributions in local media and blogs to boost credibilityMethods for measuring, tracking, and scaling the referral flywheel systemReady to become your community’s most in-demand specialist? Tune in now and start building referral relationships that grow themselves!‍‍Learn More About the Ground Marketing Course Here:Website: thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/the-ground-marketing-course-open-enrollment‍Host: Michael AriasJoin my newsletter: https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/newsletter/‍Join this podcast's Facebook Group: The Dental Marketer Society‍Love the Podcast? Let Us Know How We're Doing on Apple Podcasts!

What happens when a dentist swaps the race for patient volume for a practice built on quality care and real satisfaction?In this episode, Dr. Ahad Ahmed unveils his unique approach to running a general dental practice: from launching his first office in 2023 to opening a second, all while navigating the hidden challenges of patient volume and administrative overload. Sharing his story, Dr. Ahmed explores why clear communication and value-driven partnerships have been key to his business growth, and how collaborating with a younger dentist has shaped his leadership style. He shows how he outsources crucial administrative tasks, freeing up his team for what truly matters: providing excellent patient care.But the journey hasn't been without tough lessons. Dr. Ahmed explains how a shift in priorities, from high turnover to quality care and workplace satisfaction, propelled him to drop low-paying insurance plans and refine his hiring process. He opens up about the pitfalls of hiring based on convenience over compatibility and dives into how adopting technology has streamlined operations and reduced costs. As the conversation wraps up, Dr. Ahmed offers actionable advice for fellow dentists: embrace change, learn from mistakes, and focus on building a practice that aligns with your personal values.What You'll Learn in This Episode:The critical roles of partnership and clear communication in practice growthStrategies for managing high patient volumes without burning out your teamWhy and how to outsource administrative tasks like billing and insuranceThe benefits and challenges of dropping low-paying insurance plansThe importance of hiring for personality fit and capabilityLessons learned from past hiring mistakes and improving team retentionHow leveraging technology can lower overhead and improve servicesShifting your business mindset from patient volume to quality careBalancing work-life demands in a rapidly growing practiceListen today to hear Dr. Ahmed's journey from high-volume to high-value!‍Sponsors:‍Net32: Founded by a dentist, for dentists. Net32 is the leading online marketplace for dental supplies, helping dental and medical professionals save on high-quality products for over 25 years. Start saving today at: net32.com/dentalmarketerGuest: Dr. Ahad AhmedPractice Name: Easy Breezy DentalCheck out Ahad's Media:‍Website: easybreezydental.comEmail: info@easybreezydental.com‍Host: Michael AriasJoin my newsletter: https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/newsletter/‍Join this podcast's Facebook Group: The Dental Marketer Society‍Love the Podcast? Let Us Know How We're Doing on Apple Podcasts!

Discover how dental specialists can become go-to experts without flashy ads. Learn about micro-niche targeting and the importance of identifying key decision-makers for referrals. The podcast reveals how to strategically approach high-yield relationships using a sphere of influence map. You'll explore symptom-based segmentation and the value of mapping referral signals. Plus, find smarter ways to maintain connections with referrers, ensuring each interaction is meaningful and non-intrusive.

Every dental practice claims to put patients first, but what does it mean to build a business where every interaction truly feels like family? In this episode, Michael sits down with Tom Gonzalez, Business Facilitator at Ohana Dental Implant Centers, to reveal how a behind-the-scenes leader can shape both daily operations and the very culture of patient care. Drawing on his unique role, Tom illuminates how his COO-style guidance aligns marketing, patient experience, and operational strategy to create seamless, standout care for every patient who walks through their doors.Tom shares how Ohana’s mission goes far beyond technical excellence by weaving personalized attention into every step of the patient journey. Through heartfelt stories (like the patient who drove hours seeking an expert revision), Tom illustrates how empathy, curiosity, and team empowerment drive not only patient satisfaction but also long-term success. Tune in as the conversation uncovers the nuts and bolts behind Ohana’s methods, the technology and training that keep their standards high, and the leadership philosophies that truly make their practice feel like Ohana (Hawaiian for "family") in every sense.What You'll Learn in This Episode:The real role of a business facilitator in a modern dental practiceHow Ohana Dental ensures consistently exceptional patient experiences across locationsWhy patient stories shape both practice reputation and internal cultureSecrets to addressing failed implants with expertise and empathyTools and metrics that drive operational excellence, including CallRailBalancing automation with a personal, human touch in patient interactionsStrategies for training staff in empathy-driven careLessons on empowering teams versus micro-managingThe importance of curiosity in building personalized patient relationshipsThe long-term vision of fostering a true family spirit within dentistryPress play to discover how Ohana Dental turns everyday care into extraordinary patient experiences!‍Sponsors:‍CallRail: Call tracking + AI that turns calls into campaigns that convert, quality patients, and cost savings. Click our link to start a free trial today! callrail.com/dentalmarketerClick here for a special offer!Guest: Tom GonzalezPractice Name: Ohana Dental Implant CentersCheck out Tom's Media:‍Website: ohanadentalimplants.com‍Host: Michael AriasJoin my newsletter: https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/newsletter/‍Join this podcast's Facebook Group: The Dental Marketer Society‍Love the Podcast? Let Us Know How We're Doing on Apple Podcasts!

Discover how dental practices can thrive by blending ground marketing with local SEO. Learn to host community events that enhance trust and visibility. Uncover the importance of a well-optimized Google Business Profile as a virtual storefront. Find out why authentic event photos and specific categories matter for your practice. Explore strategies for gathering online reviews, using QR codes, and automating review requests to boost rankings. This insightful discussion equips you with actionable techniques to transform local interactions into enduring online success.

Are you trapped in the daily grind, or are you steering your practice towards real growth?In this episode, we explore the heart and mind of dental practice success with Lisa Grogan, a respected dental coach whose journey began by chance and evolved into a passion for transforming practices.Lisa pulls back the curtain on what it takes to elevate a dental practice beyond clinical excellence. She shows why dentists must step up as business leaders, not just healthcare providers, and how this shift influences everything from patient trust to practice profitability. Through relatable stories and practical strategies, Lisa reveals how communication, mindset coaching, and patient-centered visuals can dramatically increase treatment acceptance. She confronts common stumbling blocks like confusion around pricing, wavering confidence, and limiting beliefs, while spotlighting the use of social media and influencers to attract ideal patients. Above all, Lisa encourages dentists to embrace storytelling and holistic management as essential tools for sustainable growth.What You'll Learn in This Episode:The biggest mindset shifts that help dentists move from clinician to business ownerHow to use effective patient communication to build trust and boost treatment acceptancePractical ways to increase transparency and confidence when discussing pricingStrategies for leveraging social media and local influencers to grow your patient baseThe role of visual tools and storytelling in educating patientsHow belief systems can limit or expand your practice growth (and what to do about it)Step-by-step tactics for implementing mindset coaching in your practiceWhy working on your business matters as much as working in itThe power of holistic practice management for long-term successDiscover how simple shifts that can make the difference in your dental practice! Press play and start leading your business forward!‍Sponsors:‍CareStack: Modern, Secure, Cloud-Based Dental Software for Growing Your Practice! With state-of-the-art features including Online Appointments, Integrated Payments, Text Reminders and more. Click the link here for a special offer: thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/carestackGuest: Lisa GroganBusiness Name: Lisa Grogan Dental CoachingCheck out Lisa's Media:‍Website: lisagrogandentalcoach.comInstagram: instagram.com/lisagrogan_dentalcoachEmail: hello@lisagrogancoaching.comLisa's Social Media Course: lisagrogancoaching.mvsite.app/products/courses/view/1179602/?action=signupLisa's Smile Assessment Form: lisagrogandentalcoach.com/online-dental-coaching-resourcesLisa's Social Media Masterclass Video: youtu.be/bDbZJHzilfw‍Want the Reception Call Conversion Kit from this episode? Find it here! thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/reception-call-conversion-kit‍Host: Michael AriasJoin my newsletter: https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/newsletter/‍Join this podcast's Facebook Group: The Dental Marketer Society‍Love the Podcast? Let Us Know How We're Doing on Apple Podcasts!

How do you keep your team fired up for the daily grind of marketing when every door knocked or flyer handed out feels like a small battle? This episode dives into the motivations that fuel ground marketing success, not just today, but for the long haul. Michael offers strategies that blend the science of internal drive with the enticing pull of external rewards, revealing why relying on only one kind of motivation just doesn’t cut it for ongoing, high-energy performance.Discover practical ways to spark enthusiasm and resilience in your outreach teams, from turning mundane tasks into engaging challenges to celebrating even the smallest wins. The discussion breaks down how to set achievable micro-goals, link activities to deeper personal values, and reframe setbacks as stepping stones. By the end, you’ll walk away with a toolkit designed to keep your marketing engine running at full speed, without risking burnout or loss of purpose!What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The crucial difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation (and why you need both.)Proven tactics like gamification, role rotation, and celebrating progress (not just outcomes.)How to reframe rejection and keep spirits high during persistent outreach.The process of anchoring activities to your team’s personal sense of purpose.Why setting micro-goals and visualizing impact can transform marketing results.The importance of tangible targets and layering immediate with delayed rewards.Preventing burnout while sustaining consistent ground marketing activity.Morning mental priming rituals that set your team’s tone for the whole day.How to build a motivation system, not just one-off hype.Ready to energize your outreach and keep your marketing momentum strong? Hit play and level up your team’s motivation now!‍‍Learn More About the Ground Marketing Course Here:Website: thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/the-ground-marketing-course-open-enrollment‍Host: Michael AriasJoin my newsletter: https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/newsletter/‍Join this podcast's Facebook Group: The Dental Marketer Society‍Love the Podcast? Let Us Know How We're Doing on Apple Podcasts!

Many infants and toddlers struggle with feeding, sleep, or jaw development, and your practice could offer the help they need!In this episode, Michael sits down with Joy Lantz, an expert in myofunctional therapy and pediatric oral health, to reveal how early dental care can unlock happier, healthier outcomes for children long before their first permanent tooth appears.Joy shares her groundbreaking approach to identifying issues like tongue ties and low oral muscle tone that often slip past traditional dental and medical screenings. By drawing on her experience as both a clinician and a mom, Joy explains why early screening, multidisciplinary teamwork, and building strong referral networks are critical for supporting whole-child health. You'll walk away with practical strategies to implement this, including team training, building family trust, and overcoming insurance or cultural barriers, all aimed at creating a future where every child receives the collaborative care they deserve.What You'll Learn in This Episode:Signs that oral issues in babies and toddlers frequently go unnoticedHow early screening can catch hidden problems like tongue tiesThe crucial role of multidisciplinary referral networks (lactation, chiropractic, etc.)Practical tips for dental teams to support families with infants and toddlersStrategies for pediatric dental practices to manage insurance and outreach challengesWhy a holistic, collaborative approach leads to better outcomes for young patientsInsights from Joy’s personal journey as a mother navigating these challengesWhat the ideal, family-centered oral health practice looks like in actionTune in now to discover how rethinking early dental care could transform lifelong health for children and peace of mind for families!‍The Pediatric Dental Marketing Course is open for enrollment!This comprehensive course, developed by Minal Sampat and myself, is tailored specifically for pediatric practice owners and their teams. It is designed to turn your pain points into stepping stones for success and to help you become the trusted dental home for countless children in your community. Head over to our site to enroll now! pediatricdentalmarketingcourse.comGuest: Joy LantzBusiness Name: Joy LantzCheck out Joy's Media:‍Website: joylantz.comJoy's free study club: joylantz.com/dentalinnovationsstudyclubJoy's Courses: joylantz.com/classesJoy's Practice: oralfunctions.comFacebook: facebook.com/JoyLantzProInstagram: instagram.com/joylantzproLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/joylantzrdhYouTube: youtube.com/@joylantz‍Host: Michael AriasJoin my newsletter: https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/newsletter/‍Join this podcast's Facebook Group: The Dental Marketer Society‍Love the Podcast? Let Us Know How We're Doing on Apple Podcasts!‍

Feeling like your local marketing is hitting a wall? Discover the five clear signs that it's time for a change! Learn how personal outreach beats automated ads and how to decipher low engagement. Uncover techniques to boost your conversion rates and invigorate team involvement. From gamification to timely feedback, practical steps are laid out to ensure every community interaction is productive. Transform your practice’s outreach and make every handshake count!