
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

Jan 16, 2025 • 37min
Building a Resilient Dental Practice in Tough Times with Dr. Steve Rasner
This episode features Dr. Steve Rasner discussing his journey from dental student to practice owner, emphasizing the importance of continuing education and the power of oral sedation in enhancing patient comfort. Dr. Rasner shares practical steps for dental practitioners to grow their practices by focusing on patient empathy, effective communication, and fostering a positive practice culture.• Dr. Rasner shares his background and struggles in dentistry • Emphasis on the value of continuing education for career growth • Introduction of Dr. Rasner's oral sedation protocol • Importance of addressing patient anxiety in dental practices • Tips for managing finances and building a sustainable practice • Advice on communication and empathy in patient care • Key takeaways for dental practice successText 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.

Jan 13, 2025 • 12min
Say Goodbye to Weak Links on Your Team
Imagine the thrill of a same-day Invisalign start, only to be met with the crushing realization that no one in the office, not even the doctor, can perform the critical iTero scan. Join me, Dr. Paul Etchison, on Dental Practice Heroes as I unravel this cautionary tale from a coaching client, underscoring the chaos that ensues when key team members are unavailable and the vital importance of cross-training. This episode promises to arm you with the insights needed to fortify your team against the unpredictable nature of dental practice life.Reflecting on my own early career, I share a humorous yet enlightening story of reliance on a single skilled assistant and the struggles that emerged when she went on maternity leave. From navigating frustrating daily operations to a memorable extraction fiasco, these stories aim to highlight the lessons learned in building a resilient and adaptable team. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or just starting out, this episode offers valuable leadership lessons to ensure smooth, effective operations in your practice. Join the conversation and discover how to transform challenges into opportunities for growth and learning.FREE RESOURCE : Get the Free Assistant 30-60-90 Checklist HereText 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.

Jan 8, 2025 • 35min
Partnership Models for Associates and Group's with David Cohen
Associates leaving. Loss of control. Loss of profits. These fears may be holding you back from exploring partnerships in your practice, but the right approach can turn partnerships into a win-win.In this episode, dental law attorney David Cohen breaks down partnership models and strategies to protect both the practice owner and the associate. From finding the right person to structuring agreements, you’ll learn how to avoid common pitfalls and create partnerships that benefit everyone. Tune in now for all this and more!Topics discussed in this episode:New and traditional partnership modelsNavigating partnership discussionsHow to assess potential partnersEntity structures and junior partnership contractsPotential pitfalls in partnerships and how to avoid themFinancial considerations and managing capital gainsReach out to David Cohen to discuss options here. David's Email: david@cohenlawfirmpllc.comText 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.

Jan 6, 2025 • 32min
Scaling a $5 Million Dental Practice with Dr. Iraj Kasimi
Should you grow your practice or stick with a solo operation? How do you avoid burnout and create systems that actually work? What are the biggest challenges to scaling a practice? We answer all these questions and more in this episode with Dr. Iraj Kasimi, who scaled his $1.8 million practice into a $5 million group practice.Dr. Kasimi shares how he overcame the growing pains of scaling, implemented effective systems, and evolved from a clinician to a business leader. Tune in for insights on transitioning to a larger practice and the rewards of scaling versus staying small!Topics discussed in this episode:Sustainability and burnout: scaling up vs. staying smallSystemization and training a strong teamLeadership structure in a growing practice What makes a good lead and your role as leaderWhen to scale and when to stay smallText 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.

Jan 1, 2025 • 18min
My 3 Big Ownership Lessons of 2024
This episode emphasizes the importance of communication, systems, and family in achieving personal and professional growth. We delve into personal insights gained throughout the year as a dental coach and urge listeners to revisit their own priorities and goals for the new year. • Importance of effective communication and culture in dental practices • Role of systems and checklists in maintaining consistent expectations • Need to prioritize family time alongside work achievements • Setting achievable goals for business and personal fulfillment in 2025 • Encouraging reflection and intention-setting for the new yearText 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.

Dec 30, 2024 • 26min
Navigating the Hygienist Shortage: Hiring, Retention, and Pay
The problem: an ongoing hygienist shortage leaving practices overwhelmed and patients waiting. The solution: Find out in today's episode as we dive into this crisis and proactive solutions to address these challenges in your practice. From hiring and retention strategies to navigating rising wage demands, learn how to keep your team productive and revenue steady during the hygienist shortage. Tune in now!Topics discussed in this episode:The impact of the hygienist shortageHow to address the shortage in your practiceBalancing wage demands and practice growthThe pros and cons of temp hygienistsText 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.

Dec 23, 2024 • 13min
The Seller’s Role After a Practice Sale: Help or Headache?
The episode explores the challenges dental practice owners face when the selling doctor remains involved post-sale, sharing the experience of a coaching client, who struggled to implement his vision due to interference from the previous owner. Key themes include establishing boundaries, the importance of clear communication, and the necessity of cultivating relationships with staff for a successful transition. • Owning a dental practice means navigating complex relationships following a sale • The selling doctor’s role can inadvertently create resistance to change • Establishing a firm exit date aids in clear expectations • Communication about roles should focus solely on patient relationships • Building rapport with the team is crucial for successful transitions • Accepting turnover as part of evolving a practice highlights growth opportunities • Clarity and intentionality lead to thriving practice environmentsText 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.

Dec 18, 2024 • 25min
The 5-Step Guide to an All-Star Dental Practice with Alex Nottingham
The solution to an all-star dental practice comes down to five proven steps! In this episode, Alex Nottingham of All-Star Dental Academy explains how to craft a vision that guides key decisions, build and train a high-performing team, and leverage the power of coaching and masterminds. You'll learn strategies for leading a team that drives results, growing your practice, and more. Tune in now to start transforming your business into an all-star dental practice!Topics discussed in this episode:Step one: setting a visionStep two: building a teamStep three: effective trainingStep four: the power of coachingStep five: mastermind groupsLearn more about All-Star Dental Academy!https://allstardentalacademy.com/Check out the Dental All-Stars Podcast!https://allstardentalacademy.com/dental-podcast/Listen to our episode on phone call conversion here:https://dentalpracticeheroes.libsyn.com/interview-the-3-silents-killers-in-your-practice-with-alex-nottinghamText 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.

Dec 16, 2024 • 43min
High Standards Create Strong Teams with Katherine Eitel Belt
Courageous conversations are the difference between tension and trust in your practice. In today’s episode, Katherine Eitel Belt, CEO of LionSpeak, shares her framework for establishing clear expectations, empowering employees, and building trust through effective communication — all while retaining your top employees.With her actionable strategies and tips, you’ll be able to maintain high standards, strengthen relationships with your team, and address conflicts with confidence. If you’re dealing with tardiness or performance issues in your practice, tune in to learn how to master courageous conversations and become a better leader!Topics discussed in this episode:What are courageous conversations?Coaching versus courageous conversationsHow courageous conversations transform a workplaceThe ARCH framework for courageous conversationsEffective conflict resolution strategiesThe importance of feedbackLearn more about Katherine Eitel Belt and LionSpeak:https://www.lionspeak.net/Download your free guides on Courageous Conversation!https://www.lionspeak.net/courageous/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.

Dec 9, 2024 • 18min
Handling Raise Requests and Wages
Nobody looks forward to raise discussions, but a few easy strategies can make them more productive and less awkward. This episode explores the right way (and the wrong way) to approach these conversations, including strategies to handle raise requests fairly and navigate challenges like wage compression. We share key lessons from our past mistakes, tips for setting clear performance and compensation expectations with your team, and why one-on-ones are crucial to this process.Tune in to learn how to turn raise requests into growth opportunities for your practice and team!Topics discussed in this episode:How raise conversations impact the workplaceBenefits of a pay grade systemStrategies to assess raise eligibilityMaintaining fairness and transparencyBalancing team morale with operational costsText 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.