October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. In this episode, I took a deep dive into the world of cyber attacks and cybersecurity in the dental industry. My guests Teresa Pichay of the California Dental Association and Colette Johnson of The Dentists Insurance Company shared  how phishing, vishing (it’s a thing!), and other forms of cyber attacks take advantage of human behavior and the potential consequences for dental practices. Our guests share real-life stories and offer valuable insights...

It's a beautiful situation when a manager and dentist truly co-pilot the practice! It takes work to reach that balance though. For this deep dive into the manager-dentist dynamic, I gathered three dentists in different stages of their careers. They shared what worked and - more importantly - what didn't work. They also shared how they show appreciation for their team (hint: constant and sincere expressions work best). Laughs were definitely shared all around when discussing our missteps -...

It's not often I can fangirl over one of my guests! Dr. Addison Killeen joined me to discuss the importance of systemization in dental practices and how it can transform the way we run our businesses. I've listened to him speak on these topics and am thrilled to share this knowledge with you. He believes that high levels of systemization and consistency lead to easier onboarding of new employees. We discussed the need for leaders to regularly evaluate and update their checklists and processes...

This one is for you, my fellow insurance nerds! Outsourcing and insurance are two hot topics in most dental groups. Many offices choose to outsource to lessen strain on and burnout of their valued team members. This strong demand has resulted in many brave entrepreneurs offering this service. I asked three successful remote billing company owners to share their knowledge. Here are a few topics we covered: Why they started their companies How they manage their clients' expectations Billing...

My guests are Matt Nelson and Lisa Greer from the California Dental Association. They handle practice management and benefits issues from their member dentists. Between the two of them they've heard some stories! They share so many tips on this episode.  Just a few critical topics facing owners and practice leaders: Non-covered services Leased networks confusion How to handle audits Recoupment requests The importance of strong leadership training in this environment of compliance and audits...

Another fun panel discussion! My two guests have helped offices grow by advising or facilitating the changes. Malika Azargoon and Jennifer Steadman shared their thoughts on these topics: the importance of signage  due diligence and how non-contractual items can kill a deal who you want on your transition team  Lots of laughs, stories and advice. I hope you find it to be helpful!  Huge thanks to Curve Dental for sponsoring this episode! Grab a demo with them through this link (no affiliate...

What I love about my conversations with Dr. Gerilyn Alfe is how candid she is. She talks about her unexpected experience switch from dentistry to coaching. We then dish a bit about working with different dental team types. A conversation about muddy dental vision (not the eyes) and how to prioritize our many office systems rounds out the episode. Lots of laughs and knowledge!  A possible bonus for you (if you're interested!): here is my B.A.N.K. personality assessment - enjoy! I loved it -...

Expansion, sales, associates - all this growth can be hard on a practice. We tend to think of growth as a positive experience and usually, it is. However the financial health of the practice can be threatened by over-leveraging, participation decisions and team changes. Perrin DesPortes shed a lot of light on these topics and shared strategies to stay healthy - fiscally, that is. From software investments to keeping team members during transitions, the conversation flowed with insight after...

Hiring associates can be such a pain BUT it's beautiful when it works. I gathered a smart group of managers who have spent years hiring and training associates in their practices. I hope their knowledge can help you anticipate any upcoming transitions for your office. Some highlights: Which traits are a hard pass when interviewing associates? Are new associates really interested in buying in? What are the best ways to introduce an associate to patients? Lynda's Onboarding Checklist can be...

What an enlightening episode! Elvis Dahl and Barb Warner from Voices from the Bench Podcast spoke openly about the business of dental labs. I definitely learned a good amount. Imagine your lab comes in and shows you how to up your scan game. What about if they helped you to be more confident with larger restorations? This means more revenue. We covered so much in this episode. Share this one with your team!  A few topics we covered: Is consolidation hurting the lab business? Their answer...

It’s wild that Amanda and I actually worked together years ago! We take a quick trip down memory lane but then we dive into some really gross but fascinating topics. Infection control is no laughing matter but we couldn’t help it. Biofilm, cultures, water testing, fake nails - we went through it all. Enjoy!  Article Amanda referenced: Waterline warning: Dental practices, listen up | Dentistry IQ If Saliva Were Red | OSAP | Dental Infection Prevention & Safety Association ...

Dental billing is evolving but it seems like our systems are always slow to change. Listen in as I talk with a group of dental nerds (like us!) about what they see out there. Some highlights: Faster billing cycles are the way to go. Passing credit card fees to the patient. You may change your mind with this one.  Is it easier to ask for money nowadays? Maybe so!  Huge thanks to Curve Dental for sponsoring this episode! Grab a demo with them through this link (no affiliate money to me) and...

Full show notes/links on the podcast home page! https://nobodytoldmethat.libsyn.com Rachel Wall is back on the podcast to share more periodontal wisdom! For 2023 she turned parts of Inspired Hygiene’s coaching into a Perio Protocol Online Bootcamp. I love a good deep dive! Periodontal programs will need real attention in the coming year. You won’t be profitable until you’re able to nail down team calibration in this area. Don’t forget to download her complimentary standard of care...

On Election Day, Question #2 in Massachusetts easily passed. Medical loss ratio (MLR) is a hot topic right now but what is it and will the bill have the desired effect on the market? Time will tell.  Also, debridement is a hot topic nowadays. I know, exciting! The code is being tweaked for 2023. I discussed the myths around D4355 and what the revision means for your schedule.  CORRECTION: Thanks to Dr. W for letting me know that local factors are plaque and calculus. I had localized in my...

My long-time friend Ann Marie DePalma joins me to shed more light on the provider-side usage of AI. She's a Customer Success Manager with Pearl. Case presentation tips flowed! We discussed a variety of related topics including:   How you can use AI to train your team and calibrate clinician diagnostic instincts.  Yes, carriers utilize it but we are the first point of contact with the patients. Let's turn that into an advantage.  We reminisced about the 10-hour implant courses we taught...

Fellow insurance enthusiast Colleen Huff joins me to dish on trends we’re seeing. We sprinkled in some compliance and Medicare Advantage discussion. Enjoy!  Full show notes on the podcast home page! https://nobodytoldmethat.libsyn.com/ Don’t forget to check out my other podcast Chew on This - A Dental Podcast!  Connect with Colleen:  Colleen’s Website - http://colleenhuff.com/ Colleen’s Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Dentalinsurancecoach/ For easy compliance training, Colleen...

Ryan is one of those guys that loves to build and turn around businesses. It’s fascinating to talk about strategies and industry trends with him. The generations and their particular consumer behaviors are important to him and so he keeps up with all the studies. Lucky us because he shares them with us! We also talk about his recent acquisition of the Speaking Consulting Network and how he plans to bring tremendous value to membership. If you’re considering opening up your own dental company...

Oops - I nerded out again. Brian Phillips was my partner in insurance geekdom this time. He knows so much about leased networks and provider credentialing. Sometimes it’s the people behind the scenes that can give you the most information - Brian fits that category to a tee. Listen in to a deep dive into the behind the scenes of contract management.    Recorded live at the 2023 Hinman Dental Meeting! Full show notes on the podcast home page! https://nobodytoldmethat.libsyn.com/   ...

Another Hinman Lounge podcast! This time I sat with Drs. Kaplan and Gans to discuss implant care and sensitivity. That sounds very formal but they’re very fun and smart ladies, promise! I needed to ask about sensitivity because I’m now a pitiful baby during my cleanings. Shout out to my hygienists Camilla and Katie for putting up with my sensitive self :)    Full show notes on the podcast home page! https://nobodytoldmethat.libsyn.com/   Don’t forget to check out my other podcast Chew on...

Earlier this year I spoke at the Hinman Dental meeting and was able to be a part of their Podcast Lounge. Very cool - hope more shows do this! I asked a few guests to stop by and Brad James was kind enough to make a 2nd podcast appearance. We talked about consumer behavior and what to expect with an uncertain economy.    A few highlights:  Employer choice is the key to better benefits (either through carriers or a membership plan) Hear about the practice information I walked my audience...

Kim McGuire of Fortune Management is one of my favorite people to talk business with. Not just ‘what’s up with you?’ business but the business of dentistry, numbers and strategy. It felt good to deep dive into current conditions and how we can flex to succeed. We talked about these topics and more:    Where did the critical thinking go? Her practical vision of accelerated hygiene Associate dentists providing hygiene? The horror! How her clients are adapting to our post-Covid, inflationary...

What if you could put new or unsure employees through a bootcamp? The culture shock in dentistry is real - the hard truth is that our new stars need more direction than a manual and some webinars. Our busy offices sometimes don’t allow us that luxury but what if that’s a cycle to be broken? Michelle Affanato has worked with hundreds of offices learning their pain points and stumbling blocks. She shares her thoughts with me in this episode. Here are some of our talking points:  How to best...

Have you heard of Log4Shell? Well, that’s why you need to stay up to speed on security issues. Nowadays you need help managing the CBCT, patient communication, phone system and practice management system. Dan De Steno from NOVA Computer Solutions joins me to discuss all this and best practices for employees working from home. Full show notes on the podcast home page! https://nobodytoldmethat.libsyn.com/

Infection control may seem boring but I’m telling you, my guest makes it interesting! For example - what do coffee and fake nails have in common? They don’t belong in your clinical area! Infection control expert and auditor India Chance joins me to discuss this and so much more. My main takeaway from this: someone actually thought to use their beef jerky maker to sterilize masks. I’m somewhat entertained by this! Full show notes on the podcast home page! https://nobodytoldmethat.libsyn.com/

This episode is actually a follow up webinar for an AADOM panel discussion that I hosted. Boy that’s a mouthful! Curve Dental sponsored a fantastic panel discussion at AADOM’s annual conference. We wanted to continue the conversation with a follow up webinar that expanded on some of the most popular topics. Staffing, COVID situations, doctors running reports and increased embezzlement were just some of the topics we tackled. Enjoy!  Full Shownotes: https://nobodytoldmethat.libsyn.com/