The Dental Marketer

Imagine if every patient story could become your most persuasive marketing tool, without a single sales pitch.Too many dental practices rely on generic promises of care, but in today’s world, heartfelt testimonials and genuine success stories make all the difference. In this episode, we unpack exactly how practices can move beyond merely collecting reviews to strategically leveraging patient stories that spark trust and attract more of the right patients. Through practical examples and scripts, you’ll discover how to turn ordinary interactions into story-worthy moments and make your practice the obvious choice in a crowded market.We’ll walk through five proven systems designed to make testimonials your marketing secret weapon. From capturing reviews at “micromoments” of relief to showcasing emotional transformations on your Witness Wall, these approaches show how every step of the patient journey can provide unique, relatable proof of your care. Plus, you’ll learn how to tag and repurpose reviews for maximum impact, create new leads with experiential outreach, and measure what actually moves the needle. Whether you’re looking to boost word-of-mouth or refresh your entire referral engine, this episode reveals exactly how authentic patient voices can drive your practice’s growth.What You'll Learn in This Episode:The five essential systems for capturing and capitalizing on impactful patient testimonials.Why timing and emotion are critical for gathering the most persuasive reviews.Conversational scripts staff can use to naturally request reviews at peak moments.Creative ways to generate story-worthy experiences outside the dental chair (and why it matters.)How to build and leverage a review bank that supercharges your marketing materials.Techniques for displaying reviews to highlight emotional transformations and attract ideal patients.The most important metrics for understanding your review strategy’s true impact.Strategies to convert one-time testimonials into a sustainable stream of new patients.Listen now to discover how real patient stories can become your dental practice’s most powerful source of growth and trust.‍‍Learn More About the Ground Marketing Course Here:Website: https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/the-ground-marketing-course-open-enrollment/‍Host: 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!‍

Ashley Whinery, an experienced dental practice manager at Lux White Dental Group, discusses how to transform your practice's scheduling strategies. She emphasizes the dangers of double-booking and promotes quality patient interactions for better trust and referrals. Ashley shares her methods for structuring the day effectively, balancing appointment types for efficiency, and using technology, like Dentrix Ascend, to enhance rather than detract from human connections. Discover how to foster a more sustainable and patient-centered practice.

In a competitive dental landscape, standing out means forming genuine community connections. The discussion focuses on the concept of 'psychological gravity,' where practices foster trust through thoughtful gestures and partnerships. Listeners learn about essential skills like owning a unique identity and creating recurring community touchpoints. From engaging local businesses with personalized gifting to utilizing storytelling for engagement, the strategies outlined aim to build loyalty and make dental practices indispensable in their neighborhoods.

Securing the perfect location for your dental practice isn’t just about finding space... It’s a strategic decision that can make or break your business.In this episode, Michael sits down with Max Burrows from Practice Real Estate Group to unravel the unique challenges dental tenants face on their path to establishing successful practices. Max, whose firm exclusively represents healthcare clients, arms listeners with clear guidance on navigating the sometimes overwhelming process of site selection, contrasting the approaches taken by first-time startup owners and multi-site groups. He reveals actionable insights that empower new practice owners to adopt the data-driven mindset typically reserved for seasoned groups, stressing that investing in an A+ location is non-negotiable, even if it means paying a little more in rent.Max and Michael also dig into the make-or-break details of co-tenancy and why your neighbors matter as much as your square footage. Learn why being adjacent to a grocery store could turn your practice into a local destination or how picking the wrong neighbor can create endless headaches. As the episode wraps, Max shares why engaging a tenant representation broker early is the secret weapon that costs clients nothing, yet can save them from costly pitfalls. He finishes with his hard-won advice on resilience, innovation, and managing the financial curveballs that come your way, making this episode a must-listen for anyone serious about launching their practice.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The essential differences between site selection for startups versus established practice groupsHow to think like a multi-location group when opening your first practiceWhy prime real estate locations are worth the investment for long-term growthThe impact of co-tenancy and what to look for in neighboring businessesStrategic tips to avoid common real estate pitfalls that plague dental startupsThe value of hiring a tenant representation broker (at no extra cost to you)Crucial lease terms that protect you from competitors and costly mistakesMax’s proven strategies for managing working capital and unexpected expensesThe importance of consistent effort and creative problem-solving in businessHow to access Practice Real Estate Group’s exclusive tools, like their startup cost calculatorReady to uncover the real estate strategies that set successful dental practices apart? Hit play and take your first step toward a smarter, more profitable practice location!‍Sponsors:‍Practice Real Estate Group: healthcare real estate experts with over a century of experience in medical real estate across hundreds of transactions. Visit their site and mention "The Dental Marketer" for a FREE demographic and competition study for your new location! https://practicerealestategroup.com/Guest: Max BurrowsBusiness Name: Practice Real Estate GroupCheck out Max's Media:‍Website: https://practicerealestategroup.com/Max's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-burrows-b086351a2/Practice Real Estate Group's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thepracticecompanies/‍Host: 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 collaborating with real estate agents can transform your dental practice by tapping into the 70% of new movers who switch providers. Learn about unique strategies like the Welcome Gift Model and how realtors' endorsements create trust and lasting relationships. Michael shares effective partnership frameworks and actionable steps for connecting with realtors. Avoid common pitfalls in local marketing, and embrace a hospitality approach to turn newcomers into loyal patients.

Imagine carving out a dental practice that puts principles and patient well-being above insurance red tape. That’s exactly what Dr. Kristen Self set out to do in New Braunfels, Texas, building her pediatric dental clinic from the ground up (outside the confines of traditional insurance models.) In this episode, Dr. Self opens up about the emotional rollercoaster and practical challenges of staying independent, describing how she crafted a thriving, holistic, and minimally invasive practice tailored to families who value prevention, transparency, and genuine care.Discover the pivotal decisions that shaped the fate of her business, from navigating a licensing hurdle that forced a rebrand to leveraging local storytelling for powerful, trust-building marketing. Dr. Self gets candid about the financial uncertainty and the payoff that comes with running a values-driven clinic, all while developing strong team foundations and a unique patient experience. You will walk away with actionable insights on authentic leadership, transparent communication, and creative marketing that connects deeply with your community!What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How to establish a successful out-of-network, holistic dental practiceThe pros and cons of rejecting traditional insurance-based care modelsWays to use local storytelling and authentic content for impactful marketingBuilding and maintaining transparent communication with both patients and staffStrategies for facing business setbacks and staying aligned with your ethicsSystems that support a calm, reliable, and values-based dental environmentThe importance of community connection for patient engagement and loyaltyTools and ideas for effective local advertising and brandingHow adaptability and authenticity drive growth in independent practicesLeadership lessons for nurturing a resilient, dedicated team cultureTune in to uncover how authentic vision and creative strategy could be your next step to success!‍Sponsors:‍Practice Real Estate Group: healthcare real estate experts with over a century of experience in medical real estate across hundreds of transactions. Visit their site and mention "The Dental Marketer" for a FREE demographic and competition study for your new location! practicerealestategroup.comGuest: Dr. Kristen SelfPractice Name: River Smiles DentalCheck out Kristen's Media:‍Website: riversmilesnb.comEmail: kristenkself@gmail.comKristen's Free Downloads: stan.store/DrSelfPractice Instagram: instagram.com/riversmilesnbPractice TikTok: tiktok.com/@riversmilesnbKristen's Instagram: instagram.com/kristenkselfKristen's TikTok: tiktok.com/@kristenkself‍Host: 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 if becoming your town’s trusted dentist had less to do with technical skill and more with being the first name on everyone’s lips when dental questions arise?This episode uncovers the real secret behind becoming the community’s go-to practice: building unmistakable authority where it matters most. Drawing from real-life examples and actionable strategies, we'll zero in on how public recognition, social mentions, and word-of-mouth from local leaders shape your reputation, often before patients even step foot in your office.From nailing down your unique message to showing up on the right stages, online and in-person, we break down the four essential pillars of authority: clarity, visibility, education, and consistency. You’ll learn how to teach rather than promote, leverage collaborative partnerships, and roll out educational initiatives that make you a household name. Discover five quick-start authority plays you can implement today and follow a step-by-step 90-day action plan designed to transform your practice into a trusted resource for your entire community. Bottom line? Trust, built through education and presence, determines who gets the call when dental needs arise (not just the flashiest ad or fanciest equipment.)What You'll Learn in This Episode:The four pillars dentists must establish to command community authorityHow to clarify your niche and message so patients know what you stand forBest practices for getting visible in local events, digital channels, and collaborating with area influencersWhy teaching, not just promoting, builds trust and cements your reputationFive fast-track strategies to increase word-of-mouth and public recognitionAn actionable 90-day plan to boost your standing and become top-of-mindTips for developing partnerships with other trusted local expertsWays to create signature offerings, like community classes or myth-busting series, that position you as a thought leaderPress play and discover how to make your dental practice the community’s first choice (without relying on endless promotions or noisy ads.)‍‍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 if you could reach your biggest practice goals in half the time you planned, without sacrificing your well-being along the way? In this episode, Dr. Justin Baik reveals how he rapidly transformed his vision of dental practice ownership into reality, smashing his five-year plan in just two and a half years. Driven by the weight of student debt, Dr. Baik didn't wait for the "perfect moment." Instead, he seized unique opportunities presented during the COVID-19 pandemic, optimizing financial strategies and decisively launching his practice in a prime retail location outside Chicago.Dr. Baik shares the blueprints behind his accelerated success, from leveraging low-interest rates and student loan refinancing to painstaking demographic research and data-driven site selection. He opens up about the practical sacrifices, the value of focusing on growing income (not just saving) and why prioritizing staff satisfaction and operational efficiency are non-negotiable for long-term success. Through honest reflection, Dr. Baik demonstrates how calculated risks, meticulous planning, and adaptable leadership can not only jumpstart your professional journey but also create space for a healthier work-life balance down the line.What You'll Learn in This Episode:Smart strategies for paying off student loans in record timeHow to leverage economic cycles and low-interest rates for financial growthThe step-by-step process of using data and demographics to select a winning practice locationWhy increasing income outperforms simply cutting expenses for rapid debt payoffTactics to boost staff happiness and retain top talentThe importance of relentless operational improvementNavigating the mental challenges and sacrifices of early practice ownershipCreating robust systems that eventually give you more personal freedomThe mindset shifts needed for sustainable, accelerated growthPractical resources Dr. Baik used to get aheadHit play to discover Dr. Baik’s proven path to achieving dental practice success, faster and smarter!‍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. Justin BaikPractice Name: Fox Pediatric DentistryCheck out Justin's Media:‍Website: foxpediatricdentistry.comEmail: justinbaik88@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!‍

Are your ground marketing events driving real results or just foot traffic with no follow-through?Let's learn the secret to transforming your dental practice’s ground marketing efforts by focusing on the numbers that truly matter. In this episode, we unravel the common traps that derail dental teams, like mistaking positive interactions for meaningful impact or tracking a flood of metrics that don’t actually move the needle. Instead, we break down the five essential numbers every team should measure: contacts captured, same-day appointments booked, 24-hour conversions, show rate, and 30-day revenue. You’ll learn why your marketing events should function as mini-labs, designed to capture data, test new tactics, and fine-tune your approach for maximum patient growth.We’ll guide you step-by-step through capturing leads more effectively, creating urgency for same-day bookings, and turning opportunities into real appointments within 24 hours. Discover practical language tweaks and reminder systems that boost your show rate and ensure new patients walk through your door. Plus, find out how to track 30-day revenue so you know which efforts yield actual ROI—and when it’s time to double down or walk away from a partnership. You’ll leave with a proven framework for assessing, adjusting, and amplifying your ground marketing strategies (all rooted in actionable data and smart experimentation.)What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why focusing on five core metrics outperforms tracking vanity dataThe step-by-step system for capturing quality leads at every eventHow to create urgency and book more same-day appointmentsTechniques for converting leads within 24 hours for higher successScripts and strategies to improve your show rate dramaticallyHow to tie each event to measurable, 30-day revenue outcomesDiagnosing weak spots (what your data tells you about your marketing gaps)The formula for running controlled, effective marketing experimentsHow to run productive team meetings for ongoing ground marketing successClear benchmarks for deciding when to invest in or drop partnershipsTune in now to turn your ground marketing events into real, revenue-generating engines for your practice!‍‍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!

Ever felt that awkward moment when it’s time to talk dollars and cents with a patient, only to watch their interest in treatment vanish on the way to the front desk? In this episode, we’re tackling one of the biggest bottlenecks in dental practice efficiency, "the dreaded financial discussion," and why it’s time to get your entire clinical team fluent in handling money conversations.Michael is joined by dental efficiency expert Susan Leckowicz to unpack strategies that empower dental assistants and hygienists to confidently handle treatment costs and scheduling right in the operatory. Susan shares why cross-training staff and implementing standardized financial agreement forms can dramatically cut down on patients changing their minds post-consult, while also making life easier for your team. Hear how direct, early, and clear financial conversations (supported by scripts, flexible payment options, and simple forms) remove uncertainty for patients, build trust, and foster more accepted treatment plans. If you’ve struggled with lost revenue or team discomfort when discussing finances, this episode is packed with practical, step-by-step solutions!What You'll Learn in This Episode:Why relying solely on a treatment coordinator can hinder case acceptanceStep-by-step tips for cross-training dental assistants and hygienists to discuss financesHow to create and leverage a standardized, auto-populated financial agreement formEffective scripts your team can use for confident financial conversations with patientsHow to seamlessly present payment options like CareCredit and upfront discountsStrategies for building trust and increasing patient commitment to treatment plansWays to reduce patient drop-off between operatory and front deskTraining methods to help your team feel comfortable discussing moneyThe positive impact of streamlined processes on patient experience and productivityHit play now to discover actionable ways to simplify money talks and boost confidence in your treatment plans for your team and your patients!‍Sponsors:‍CallRail: Never miss a call again! Voice Assist answers and qualifies every inbound call 24/7, so you capture every new patient. Try the 14 day free trial for our listeners at: sta.mx/m2wx‍Click the image for a 14 day free trial!Guest: Susan LeckowiczBusiness Name: Dental CoachesCheck out Susan's Media:‍Website: dentalcoaches.comEmail: susan@dentalcoaches.comBook a Call with Susan! calendly.com/susan-dentalcoaches/podcast-fa-form‍Host: 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!‍