
Dental Practice Heroes
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!
Latest episodes

Jun 17, 2024 • 23min
Out-of-Network Lessons and Advice
What happens when you decide to take your dental practice out of network with major insurance providers like Delta? We'll take you through our unique journey and the strategic moves we made to ensure a smooth transition. From navigating patient retention to leveraging insurance participation for growth, we share the real-world impacts and successes we experienced. Learn how to maintain profitability while still working with PPOs, and understand the critical timing for dropping certain insurance plans. Plus, discover the pivotal role your team's mindset plays in communicating your practice’s unique value and experience to patients.We also delve into the logistical challenges we encountered, such as evolving dental fee structures. Hear about the lessons we learned from initial issues with inaccurate estimates and lower-than-expected reimbursements, and how aligning fee schedules with realistic operating costs led to a 12% increase in total fees. Through trial and error, we found ways to ease the transition for patients, allowing us to thrive despite rising labor costs. Finally, we celebrate our team’s incredible attitude and achievements, sharing insights to inspire confidence in your own path to success in dental practice management.Text us your feedback! (please note: we cannot respond through this channel)) 👉 Register for the Free Webinar: How 7-Figure Dentists Work 3 Days or Less… Without Working Harder Learn the exact systems top practice owners use to increase income, reduce clinical days, and finally escape the daily grind. 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.

Jun 13, 2024 • 25min
How to Audit your Practice with Confidence
Unlock the hidden potential of your dental practice with insights from Dr. Justin Bhullar and Dr. Etch! Ever wondered if you're maximizing patient acquisition, profit, and productivity? Join us as Justin meticulously breaks down his robust auditing framework, revealing how key metrics like marketing spend, new patient flow, and treatment conversion rates can transform your practice. We'll share actionable tips on setting realistic targets and measuring these metrics, aiming to revolutionize your practice’s efficiency, team dynamics, and financial success. Dive into this wealth of knowledge and discover how a comprehensive audit can make all the difference in your dental practice's journey to excellence.But that's not all! We also explore the profound impact of self-reflection and interpersonal relationships on leadership. By evaluating our relationships with those closest to us, we uncover valuable insights into our emotional intelligence and leadership skills. Navigate the complex interplay between confidence and insecurity, especially among high achievers, and learn how genuine self-assessment and perseverance build true confidence. This episode is packed with practical advice and deep reflections, making it an essential listen for dental professionals and leaders striving for personal and professional growth. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance both your practice and your leadership abilities!Text us your feedback! (please note: we cannot respond through this channel)) 👉 Register for the Free Webinar: How 7-Figure Dentists Work 3 Days or Less… Without Working Harder Learn the exact systems top practice owners use to increase income, reduce clinical days, and finally escape the daily grind. 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.

Jun 10, 2024 • 51min
How to Utilize an Associate to Bring you Balance with Paul Goodman
Ever wondered how hiring an associate dentist can revolutionize your practice? Join us on this compelling episode of Dental Practice Heroes as we sit down with Dr. Paul Goodman, a multi-practice owner and the visionary behind Dental Nachos. From his seven-year journey in dental school to his transformative experience at Albert Einstein, Dr. Goodman opens up about the milestones that shaped his career. Alongside our co-host Steve Markowitz, we dive into the personal and professional benefits of bringing an associate on board, and the profound impact it can have on both patient care and your bottom line. Unlock the secrets to achieving rapid growth and financial success through strategic investments in modern dental technology and human resources. Dr. Goodman shares real-life examples, like how the right mindset and preparedness can turn initial hesitations into lucrative, long-term advantages. Hear stories of patients and dentists who have reaped the benefits of these investments, and learn why resisting change could be costing you more than you think. This episode is packed with practical advice on alleviating burnout, improving business processes, and unlocking your practice's full potential.Balancing the demands of running a dental practice with personal well-being is an ongoing challenge. This episode explores how fostering a healthy work-life balance is crucial for preventing burnout and maintaining professional growth. We also delve into the challenges of dental team turnover and the evolving job market, offering insights on how Dentist Job Connect can simplify your hiring process. Dr. Goodman’s invaluable advice and personal anecdotes serve as powerful reminders for all dental professionals to prioritize self-care while striving for excellence in their careers. Tune in for an episode that promises to enrich both your professional and personal life.Text us your feedback! (please note: we cannot respond through this channel)) 👉 Register for the Free Webinar: How 7-Figure Dentists Work 3 Days or Less… Without Working Harder Learn the exact systems top practice owners use to increase income, reduce clinical days, and finally escape the daily grind. Sign up for the life changing Hero Collective 12 month program 2025 starting in September. Go 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.

Jun 6, 2024 • 22min
How to Have More Effective Team Meetings
Discover the secrets to running a thriving dental practice with effective team meetings as Dr. Paul Etchison, Dr. Stephen Markowitz, and Dr. Henry Ernst reveal their strategies for maintaining a cohesive and high-performing team. Tune in and learn about the power of consistent meeting cadences, the transition from morning huddles to structured weekly L10 meetings, and the creation of pod meetings to address both patient-specific details and broader office themes. This episode promises to equip you with the insights needed to foster a culture of continuous improvement within your practice.Our guests share their journey of transforming team meetings from casual morning gatherings to carefully structured, agenda-driven sessions that have significantly boosted their practice's efficiency. Hear firsthand how the EOS model and its customized implementations like pod meetings have helped tackle issues promptly and drive the team's ongoing development. We also discuss the financial and team-building benefits of investing in all-day meetings quarterly or tri-annually, despite their initial costs.Learn how to cultivate a positive meeting atmosphere using practical tools like Trello for task management and creative appreciation systems such as the "jar of awesome" and token-based gratitude programs. Our experts provide valuable tips on starting meetings with a positive mindset and managing negativity effectively. Dr. Etchison, Dr. Markowitz, and Dr. Ernst offer actionable advice on keeping meetings focused, efficient, and conducive to team morale, ensuring your practice operates at its peak performance.Text us your feedback! (please note: we cannot respond through this channel)) 👉 Register for the Free Webinar: How 7-Figure Dentists Work 3 Days or Less… Without Working Harder Learn the exact systems top practice owners use to increase income, reduce clinical days, and finally escape the daily grind. 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.

Jun 3, 2024 • 22min
Why an Extreme Ownership Mentality can Be Harmful
Could believing you can control every outcome in your life and business do more harm than good? Join me, Dr. Paul Etchison, as I share a deeply personal story about my daughter's struggle with anxiety in competitive cheerleading and how it mirrors the challenges of managing a dental practice. We'll explore the concept of extreme ownership and its impact on both personal and professional realms, delving into self-doubt, mental blocks, and anxiety's effect on performance. Learn how addressing these issues can lead to better outcomes and a more balanced approach to life and leadership.In the second part of the episode, we navigate the complex journey of managing employee turnover over 12 years in a dental practice. From the early days of minimal turnover due to life events to the post-COVID "firing phase" and the challenging "exodus" phase, I'll share my reflections on balancing accountability with self-compassion. We'll question the effectiveness of an internal locus of control and determine how to maintain a positive work environment despite inevitable changes. Stay tuned for a major announcement from DPH that you won't want to miss!Text us your feedback! (please note: we cannot respond through this channel)) 👉 Register for the Free Webinar: How 7-Figure Dentists Work 3 Days or Less… Without Working Harder Learn the exact systems top practice owners use to increase income, reduce clinical days, and finally escape the daily grind. 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.

May 30, 2024 • 21min
How to get to the First and Second Million
Ready to transform your dental practice from good to great? Join us as we unlock the secrets to propelling your practice to a staggering $1 million and beyond. With expert insights from renowned dental business mentor Dr. Justin Bhullar, we'll guide you through the essential steps to achieve this substantial growth. Learn why the right location with in-migration is crucial, how to master both internal and external marketing, and the pivotal role your front office staff plays in this journey. We'll also discuss the foundational systems every thriving practice needs, such as getting two full-time hygienists and a solo doctor busy, and the game-changing power of an excellent online reputation. Understand the challenges of expanding capacity and refining your systems as you scale. Plus, we'll cover the importance of demographic research and the perils of poorly managed lease expenses. With real-world examples and success stories, discover how consistent execution of these strategies can lead to remarkable milestones, like reaching $1.5 million in revenue within just 18 months. Tune in for practical advice and proven techniques that will elevate your dental practice to new heights.Text us your feedback! (please note: we cannot respond through this channel)) 👉 Register for the Free Webinar: How 7-Figure Dentists Work 3 Days or Less… Without Working Harder Learn the exact systems top practice owners use to increase income, reduce clinical days, and finally escape the daily grind. 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.

May 27, 2024 • 36min
Mastering Speed and Skill with Aaron Nicholas
Unlock the potential of your dental practice with Dr. Aaron Nicholas as we dissect the art of merging speed and skill to amplify your efficiency without compromising care. Our engaging conversation peels back on the layers that often hinder dental practices. We offer practical, actionable advice that will revolutionize how you and your team operate daily—providing a roadmap for dentists at all levels to refine their procedures and maximize their time in the clinic.From the importance of organization and multitasking to fostering strong dentist-assistant collaborations, we delve into streamlining your workflow in ways that will leave your patients smiling wider. Dr. Nicholas shares invaluable strategies for timing treatments to ensure you're not just working faster, but smarter. You'll glean insights from our own experiences on improving procedural efficiency that can transform a hectic schedule into a harmonious one, where quality and patient satisfaction are never compromised.Wrap up your listening experience with a glimpse into the operational side of dentistry, where we examine the power of visual aids and intraoral photographs in patient education and decision-making. We also navigate the delicate balance of maintaining patient privacy while enhancing consultations and post-procedure debriefs. With Dr. Nicholas's expertise, and a fresh course crafted to impart these essential skills, this episode is a treasure trove of insights ready to take your dental practice to new heights of efficiency and excellence in patient care.Text us your feedback! (please note: we cannot respond through this channel)) 👉 Register for the Free Webinar: How 7-Figure Dentists Work 3 Days or Less… Without Working Harder Learn the exact systems top practice owners use to increase income, reduce clinical days, and finally escape the daily grind. Sign up for the life changing Hero Collective 12 month program 2025 starting in September. Go 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.

May 23, 2024 • 28min
How to Correct Schedule Unpredictability
Ever had to make the tough call of showing a patient the door? We've been there too and this episode is a candid reflection on upholding respect within dental practices. When a recent encounter with inappropriate patient behavior forced me to take action, it sparked a broader conversation with Dr. Steve and Dr. Henry about the delicate balance between providing care and maintaining a healthy work environment. We dissect the complex dance of managing difficult patients, the moments that test our boundaries, and the critical nature of clear communication in fostering a team that feels valued and protected.Running late can be the bane of any dental practice, yet it's an almost inevitable part of our day. How do we keep the cogs turning without turning our patients away? We're sharing the strategies we've employed to keep our schedules running like clockwork - or as close to it as possible in the unpredictable world of dentistry. From transparent conversations to small tokens of appreciation for those kept waiting, we dissect the subtle art of balancing the clock with care. It's an honest exploration of how we handle the hot seat of delays, ensuring that our apologies are as sincere as our commitment to patient care.Lastly, we don the explorer's hat as we navigate the unpredictable terrain of dental extractions. It's a procedure that can swing wildly from a brief encounter to a lengthy battle, and we share insights on how to schedule wisely for these unpredictable moments. With an eye on efficiency and another on patient comfort, we discuss why allowing ample time for extractions can not only save the day but also enhance the overall patient experience. Join us as we unpack these stories and strategies, all aimed at refining the day-to-day reality of dental practice operations.Text us your feedback! (please note: we cannot respond through this channel)) 👉 Register for the Free Webinar: How 7-Figure Dentists Work 3 Days or Less… Without Working Harder Learn the exact systems top practice owners use to increase income, reduce clinical days, and finally escape the daily grind. Sign up for the life changing Hero Collective 12 month program 2025 starting in September. Go 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.

May 20, 2024 • 15min
How to use a Little Follow to Achieve Big Results
Have you ever faced the edge of a cold pool, shivering with anticipation and exhaustion, only to find that the leap was exactly what you needed? That's the story I, Dr. Paul Etchison, share with you today, drawing a heartwarming parallel between a memorable daddy-daughter trip and the challenges of dental practice management. In navigating both personal and professional realms, we often encounter moments that call for a leap beyond comfort zones, moments that promise joy and fulfillment once overcome. My anecdote about reluctantly diving in with my daughter serves as a poignant reminder of how even dental professionals can push through weariness to achieve success and satisfaction within their practices. This episode is about embracing those plunges into uncertainty—whether it's the literal cold water or the metaphorical challenges of fostering a team-driven practice for the sheer pleasure of life and the promise of financial freedom.In the realm of incremental steps leading to grand triumphs, this conversation turns to the art of patient engagement and the meticulous monitoring of practice metrics. It's about the profound difference made by small actions, such as staying by a patient's side to connect on a human level after an anesthetic, or sparing a few purposeful minutes to pen down practice goals. These insights can be game-changers in how we relate to our patients and how we steer the financial health of our practice. Listen closely as we discuss the power that lies within intention and commitment, and I pose a challenge to listeners: Identify one significant win you can aim for in the coming week. It's time to recognize that focused efforts, no matter how small, can propel us toward impactful improvements in both our personal lives and dental practices.Text us your feedback! (please note: we cannot respond through this channel)) 👉 Register for the Free Webinar: How 7-Figure Dentists Work 3 Days or Less… Without Working Harder Learn the exact systems top practice owners use to increase income, reduce clinical days, and finally escape the daily grind. 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.

May 16, 2024 • 17min
Should you Hire a Specialist or Learn the Skills Yourself?
Ever considered the complex dance of decision-making that comes with expanding a dental practice? Justin and I tackle this very subject, peeling back the layers on whether hiring specialists is a smart move or if it’s more strategic to invest in the talents of general practitioners. Together, we examine the potential perks and pitfalls—from navigating the financial landscape to ensuring the move matches patient demand. It’s a compelling discussion that bridges the gap between cost and culture, where we weigh the advantages of in-house procedures against the necessity of external expertise. This episode isn’t just about the current state of affairs; it's a candid look into the future of dental education. Here, I open up about embracing the uncomfortable feeling of being a student again, confronting the rapid advances in technology that are reshaping our profession. We debate how learning curves, like integrating the Nexus IOS system and pursuing orthodontic courses, can revolutionize a practice. Join us for a journey that promises both professional growth and an honest reflection on the challenges we face in keeping our skills as sharp as our dental tools.Text us your feedback! (please note: we cannot respond through this channel)) 👉 Register for the Free Webinar: How 7-Figure Dentists Work 3 Days or Less… Without Working Harder Learn the exact systems top practice owners use to increase income, reduce clinical days, and finally escape the daily grind. 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.