

Dental Practice Heroes
Dr. Paul Etchison
Where dentists learn how to cut clinical days while increasing profits - without sacrificing patient care, cutting corners, or cranking volume. We teach you how to grow a scalable practice through communication, leadership, and effective management. Hosted by Dr. Paul Etchison, author of two books on dental practice management, dental coach, and owner of a $6M collections group practice in the south suburbs of Chicago, we provide actionable advice for practice owners who want to intentionally create more time to enjoy their families, wealth, and deep personal fulfillment. If you want to build a scalable practice framework that no longer stresses, drains, or relies on you for every little thing, we will teach you how and share stories of other dentists who have done it!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 17, 2025 • 17min
Beyond Busy: The REAL Owner's To-Do List
Ever wonder why you're constantly busy but your practice isn't growing? The answer lies in understanding the critical difference between maintenance work and true business building.As dental practice owners, we often mistake activity for productivity. We spend countless hours handling payroll, ordering supplies, managing schedules, and answering endless staff questions. These tasks give us the satisfaction of checking boxes, but they're merely keeping the lights on rather than creating growth or freedom. They're what I call "playing office" rather than working on your business.Take Control of Your Practice and Your Life We help dentists take more time off while making more money through systematization, team empowerment, and creating leadership teams. Ready to build a practice that works for you? Visit www.DentalPracticeHeroes.com to learn more.

Sep 15, 2025 • 22min
Cancellation Policies That Patients (& Your Team) Actually Follow
We all have those patients that call and say they’re “sick” at the last minute. When it keeps happening, you’ve got to ask: is your cancellation policy working, or just being ignored?In this episode, the DPH coaches share how they reduce no-shows and last-minute cancellations, hold patients accountable, and get their team to follow through. From how much to charge (if anything) to getting patients to value your time, you’ll learn how to lower your cancellation rate without losing patients.Topics discussed in this episode:What your average cancellation rate should beHenry’s $50 deposit policyWhy patients no-show or cancel last minuteLanguage that reduces cancellationsTraining your team to enforce policiesHow to balance being understanding and staying firmThis episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.comTake Control of Your Practice and Your Life We help dentists take more time off while making more money through systematization, team empowerment, and creating leadership teams. Ready to build a practice that works for you? Visit www.DentalPracticeHeroes.com to learn more.

Sep 10, 2025 • 14min
The High-ROI Levers Every Dental Practice Owner Is Missing
What if you could dramatically improve your dental practice without working harder or longer hours? The secret lies in understanding the butterfly effect – how small, strategic changes create massive ripple effects throughout your practice.Most dentists make the same critical mistake: believing that increased production requires more patients, more procedures, or more associates. They chase these "big wins" while overlooking dozens of small levers hiding in plain sight – levers that could multiply profitability with minimal effort.Take Control of Your Practice and Your Life We help dentists take more time off while making more money through systematization, team empowerment, and creating leadership teams. Ready to build a practice that works for you? Visit www.DentalPracticeHeroes.com to learn more.

Sep 8, 2025 • 21min
How to 2-3X your Production Without Working Harder
What if you could double or even triple your dental practice's profitability without working more hours? The secret lies in understanding and optimizing your dollar-per-hour production.Most dentists unknowingly operate practices that generate around $300 for every 40 minutes of work when they could be making $1,500 in that same time frame. This profound difference doesn't just impact your income—it transforms every aspect of practice ownership, from stress levels to management decisions to work-life balance.Take Control of Your Practice and Your Life We help dentists take more time off while making more money through systematization, team empowerment, and creating leadership teams. Ready to build a practice that works for you? Visit www.DentalPracticeHeroes.com to learn more.

Sep 4, 2025 • 26min
Easy, Low-Cost Ways to Improve Patient Experience & Get More Reviews
Case acceptance often hinges on moments most dentists overlook. Do you follow-up with post-op patients? Does the front desk greet every patient? Is your office clean and welcoming?In this episode, we talk about the little things that improve patient experience and lead to more reviews, loyalty, and referrals. Tune in for creative ways to make your practice stand out and help your team provide consistent care!Topics discussed in this episode:Why patient experience mattersHow to make a good first impressionPhone etiquette and follow-up callsPatient gifts that are worth the moneyHow to keep your team accountableTips to get more five-star reviewsCreative, low-cost marketing strategiesThis episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.comUse the same marketing company as Dr. Etch!Get your free demo with Relevance Marketing by Clicking Here Take Control of Your Practice and Your Life We help dentists take more time off while making more money through systematization, team empowerment, and creating leadership teams. Ready to build a practice that works for you? Visit www.DentalPracticeHeroes.com to learn more.

Sep 2, 2025 • 19min
Hiring or Onboarding: What to Do When a New Hire Isn’t Working Out
Did you hire the wrong person… or is it your onboarding process?In this episode, learn how to figure out if it’s a hiring mistake or an onboarding issue, why coachability matters more than resumes, and what to do when your new hire isn’t meeting expectations. You'll hear about our own hiring mistakes and get tips for spotting red flags early, asking better interview questions, and knowing when it’s time to let someone go.Topics discussed in this episode:Why your office isn’t the right fit for everyoneQuestions to ask in interviewsInterview red flags to watch forHow to tell if candidates are coachableWhen to let someone goThis episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.comTake Control of Your Practice and Your Life We help dentists take more time off while making more money through systematization, team empowerment, and creating leadership teams. Ready to build a practice that works for you? Visit www.DentalPracticeHeroes.com to learn more.

Aug 27, 2025 • 27min
How to Step Back Without Stepping Away w/ Dr. Mustafa Shah-Khan
Ready to get out of the operatory without leaving dentistry? If you’re mid-career and craving more, this episode will help you figure out your next move and how to get there.Dr. Mustafa Shah-Khan of Simplify Dentistry shares his tips for simplifying your systems, meeting production goals, and avoiding the common traps that keep dentists stuck. Learn how to get out of that mid-career burnout and build a practice that supports the lifestyle you want!Topics discussed in this episode:Practice models for more flexibilityThe 3 core competencies in dentistryHow to simplify your practiceWhy you should embrace new technologyHow to find freedom and fulfillment in your careerLearn more about Simplify Dentistry:http://www.simplifydds.comThis episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.comUse the same marketing company as Dr. Etch!Get your free demo with Relevance Marketing by Clicking Here Take Control of Your Practice and Your Life We help dentists take more time off while making more money through systematization, team empowerment, and creating leadership teams. Ready to build a practice that works for you? Visit www.DentalPracticeHeroes.com to learn more.

Aug 25, 2025 • 13min
Building Your Practice Bridge: How Missing Systems Create Risk
Running a dental practice can feel like crossing a bridge with missing planks. Critical systems, such as onboarding and scheduling, are often overlooked, leading to chaos and frustration. The hosts discuss the need for robust financial management and team collaboration to prevent money leaks and ensure case acceptance. They emphasize the importance of leadership structures for accountability and coordination. With the right strategies, dentists can work smarter, enjoy more time off, and enhance their practice's profitability.

Aug 20, 2025 • 33min
Your Practice Doesn't Have to Stay the Way You Bought It
Rhonda Kalasho, a multi-practice owner from California, dives into her journey of transforming a hygiene-only dental office into a thriving brand. She shares insights on building trust with patients and the importance of effective communication. Rhonda discusses the delicate balance of female leadership and how to cultivate a strong team culture. She also emphasizes the significance of technology in modern dentistry and the unique challenges of growing a practice while being a mother. Tune in for valuable strategies on making practice ownership fulfilling!

Aug 18, 2025 • 24min
Confronting Underperformance: Why You Can't Always Be the Nice Boss
That dreaded, “I need to talk to you about something?” It’s a conversation no one looks forward to, but every owner has to deal with. Whether it's an underperforming employee or tension in the office, this episode will give you the tools to address issues that can make or break workplace culture.You’ll learn how to confront underperformance and team conflict head-on, prevent problems before they spiral, and get your team back on track. Plus, we also share a quick test to help you decide if it's time to let an employee go!Topics discussed in this episode:Why owners are part of the problemHow to address underperformance and employee complaintsThe do’s and don’ts of handling team conflictDr. Henry’s method for getting honest feedbackYour role as a leader in shaping team cultureHow to decide when to let someone goThe green, yellow, red performance frameworkTake Control of Your Practice and Your Life We help dentists take more time off while making more money through systematization, team empowerment, and creating leadership teams. Ready to build a practice that works for you? Visit www.DentalPracticeHeroes.com to learn more.