

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 30, 2025 • 26min
When the Wrong Leader Wrecks Your Culture (And How to Fix It)
Not everyone should be a leader. Not even your star employee. The DPH Coaches learned this lesson the hard way, and this episode unpacks what can happen when you put the wrong person in charge. You'll hear how to be proactive and get the right people in the right roles, the signs you may have promoted the wrong person, and why an outside hire might be the best move. Leadership is too important to get wrong, so don’t miss this one!Topics discussed in this episode:Early signs Dr. Henry’s new manager wasn't a leaderWhat actually makes a good leaderInternal hires vs. external hiresWhy internal promotions don’t always workHow respect is earned in a practiceThis episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.comGRAB THE FREE PLAYBOOK HERE - Discover 30 proven strategies top-performing dentists use to increase profits, cut clinical days, and finally enjoy the freedom they originally built their practices for.https://www.dentalpracticeheroes.com/playbook Check out www.relevanceonlinemarketing.com if you want to get the same great marketing results as Dr. Etch. Mention DPH and get your first month FREE!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 24, 2025 • 17min
Bad Reviews, Big Myths: What Really Impacts Your Practice Growth
The sinking feeling of spotting a one-star review for your dental practice is something most of us know all too well. That pit in your stomach, the immediate defensiveness, the late-night rumination—it's a universal experience for dental professionals who pour their hearts into patient care. But what if everything we believe about the impact of negative reviews is wrong?This eye-opening episode challenges conventional wisdom about online reviews by examining what actually happens when businesses face public backlash. Remember when everyone swore they'd never fly United Airlines again after the Dr. David Dao incident in 2017? The outrage was deafening—yet United's revenue actually increased that year. This surprising case study reveals a fundamental truth about consumer behavior: people care far more about their own experiences than someone else's story. Your patients judge you based on how you treat them, not on a stranger's angry review.We dive deep into practical strategies for handling negative reviews and preventing them in the first place. Since roughly 90% of dental practice complaints stem from financial misunderstandings, clear communication about costs becomes essential. You'll learn why sometimes the best response to an unhappy patient is simply offering a refund—the sleep you'll gain is worth far more than the money you might lose. We also cover proven de-escalation techniques, how to craft professional responses to negative reviews, and why measuring meaningful practice metrics matters more than obsessing over star ratings. Whether you're currently dealing with review anxiety or want to prepare for the inevitable criticism that comes with business ownership, this episode provides both the perspective and practical tools to transform how you handle patient feedback forever.Ready to create systems that ensure consistent, exceptional patient experiences? Visit dentalpracticeheroes.com for a free consultation on building a practice that runs smoothly, profitably, and can easily withstand the occasional negative review.Check out www.relevanceonlinemarketing.com if you want to get the same great marketing results as Dr. Etch. Mention DPH and get your first month FREE!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 22, 2025 • 11min
3 Mindset Shifts That Separate 7 Figure Owners from the Rest
Explore how mindset distinguishes successful dental practice owners from the rest. Top leaders refuse to tolerate ambiguity, tackling challenges head-on with high standards. They continually ask bold questions that propel their growth, moving beyond basic operations to transformative leadership. Emphasizing the importance of finding mentors and coaches, they multiply their growth through collaboration. With strategies for building a problem-solving culture, this discussion offers actionable insights for continuous improvement in dental practices.

Sep 17, 2025 • 17min
Beyond Busy: The REAL Owner's To-Do List that Creates Freedom
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.Check out www.relevanceonlinemarketing.com if you want to get the same great marketing results as Dr. Etch. Mention DPH and get your first month FREE!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 • 21min
Cancellation Policies That Patients (& Your Team) Actually Follow
Dr. Henry Ernst, owner of an 18-provider practice, shares his $50 deposit policy that effectively cuts down on cancellations and no-shows. Dr. Steve Markowitz, a multi-practice owner, discusses strategies to improve patient accountability and manage high-risk patients. Together, they explore the importance of clear communication, setting firm cancellation rules, and empowering teams to enforce policies. Their insights on framing deposit discussions and consequences for missed appointments provide actionable tips for dental practices looking to maximize efficiency.

Sep 10, 2025 • 13min
The High-ROI Levers Every Dental Practice Owner Is Missing
Discover how small, strategic changes can transform your dental practice dramatically. Learn about the Butterfly Effect and how tiny adjustments can lead to significant profitability. Find out how a simple phone script shift attracted out-of-network patients and why focusing on small levers is crucial. Explore the importance of effective communication to improve case acceptance and strategies to reduce cancellations. Gain insights into empowering your team and investing time in system audits for lasting impact.

Sep 8, 2025 • 21min
How to 2-3X your Production Without Working Harder
Discover how to dramatically increase your dental practice's profitability without putting in extra hours! Explore the concept of dollar-per-hour production and learn why it’s crucial to track. Find out how procedure mix affects income, with a focus on high-revenue procedures like crowns. Gain insights into efficient scheduling, delegation, and team empowerment. Plus, learn strategies to optimize every procedure, boost hygiene productivity, and transform your work-life balance. Unleash the power of systems and teamwork for sustainable growth!

Sep 4, 2025 • 25min
Easy, Low-Cost Ways to Improve Patient Experience & Get More Reviews
Dr. Henry Ernst, an experienced dentist and coach, alongside Dr. Steve Markowitz, a multi-practice owner, dive into essential strategies for enhancing patient experience. They emphasize the importance of first impressions and the role of phone etiquette in fostering patient loyalty. Creative, low-cost marketing ideas like thoughtful patient gifts and community events are discussed as powerful tools for generating positive reviews. By cultivating a culture of empathy and accountability, practices can significantly improve their patient journeys and drive growth.

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.comCheck out www.relevanceonlinemarketing.com if you want to get the same great marketing results as Dr. Etch. Mention DPH and get your first month FREE!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 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.comGRAB THE FREE PLAYBOOK HERE - Discover 30 proven strategies top-performing dentists use to increase profits, cut clinical days, and finally enjoy the freedom they originally built their practices for.https://www.dentalpracticeheroes.com/playbook Check out www.relevanceonlinemarketing.com if you want to get the same great marketing results as Dr. Etch. Mention DPH and get your first month FREE!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.


