Deep Dives with Dr. Dan, powered by Orthobrain

Deep Dives with Dr. Dan, powered by Orthobrain

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Deep Dives with Dr. Dan, powered by Orthobrain episodes

  • Get Paid for Who You Are: How Dr. Brad Hughes Built a 12-Practice Empire by Leading Like a Coach
    EPISODE SUMMARY
    What separates a dentist who runs a practice from one who builds an empire? According to Dr. Brad Hughes — founder of Vision Dental Partners and a third-generation dentist running 12 locations — it comes down to one thing: you. In this raw, high-energy conversation with Dr. Dan, Brad pulls back the curtain on the mindset shifts, hard coaching lessons, and leadership principles that took him from a single inherited practice to a thriving DSO — and what he wishes he'd known from day one.
    From cigar-smoke little league coaches to Bob Knight's motion offense, Brad draws vivid parallels between elite sports and elite dentistry. He breaks down exactly how dentists get commoditized, why the 4-to-5 practice range is a danger zone, and why the most powerful thing you can do for your brand has nothing to do with Google ads or insurance panels. If you've ever felt like you were the ceiling of your own practice — this episode will blow the roof off.
    3. KEY TAKEAWAYS
    • Process beats goal-setting. Setting goals without building a daily process is just wishful thinking. Brad's team sets a goal and then lets it go — trusting the process to deliver the outcome, just like championship sports programs do.
    • You are the limiting factor. It took Brad 2–3 years after taking over his dad's practice to realize the ceiling was him. The day he accepted full accountability — no excuses — everything changed.
    • The 3-or-10 rule for scaling. Don't get stuck at 4–5 practices. Either stay at three or fewer (manageable without a full management team) or commit to scaling past seven, where the infrastructure investment finally makes sense. The middle is the danger zone.
    • Charisma is a learnable skill. Brad grew up shy. He built his on-camera presence through sheer repetition. His advice to introverts: pick up your phone, turn it around, and start recording. Awkward is the price of admission.
    • Get paid for who you are, not what you do. Patients who know, like, and trust you say yes — not because of a $79 new patient special or an insurance network, but because of who you are. That's brand. That's unlimited upside.
    • Hire for leadership potential, then build it. Promoting from within works — but only if you recruit people who already want to lead. You can't manufacture that ambition after the fact.
      • 4. QUOTE OF THE WEEK
      • "Get paid for who you are, not what you do. The patient that comes in that knows, likes, and trusts you will say yes to the work they need — not because you had a $79 new patient special, not because you're in that MetLife — because of who you are."
        • — Dr. Brad Hughes | Timestamp: 00:36:36
        5. RESOURCES MENTIONED
        • Jay Geier & The Scheduling Institute — the coaching organization Brad credits as the catalyst for his mindset breakthrough and practice growth
        • OrthoBrain — the platform powering the Deep Dives with Dr. Dan podcast
        • Orthodontist Growth Summit (Cleveland, October) — live event where Dr. Brad Hughes will present his "Get Paid for Who You Are" talk
        • BPC 157 — peptide Brad uses for recovery and performance
        • TB500 — peptide Brad uses alongside BPC 157 for recovery
          • 6. CHAPTERS WITH TIMESTAMPS
          Timestamp
          Chapter
          00:00:02
          Welcome & Guest Introduction
          00:01:06
          IU Sports, Family Bonds & What Sports Teaches Us
          00:05:55
          Coaching Principles Applied to Business & Dentistry
          00:08:46
          The Bob Knight Philosophy: Preparation Over Plays
          00:11:02
          Leveraging Your Superpowers: Soft Skills & Charisma
          00:13:07
          Brad's Fitness Journey & The Case for Physical Standards
          00:19:49
          Taking Over Dad's Practice & The First Hard Lessons
          00:22:07
          The Scheduling Institute & the Accountability Moment
          00:25:41
          Leadership at Scale: Single Practice vs. Multi-Practice DSO
          00:27:30
          The 3-or-10 Rule for Growing a Group Practice
          00:30:12
          Hiring & Promoting from Within
          00:32:52
          Building On-Camera Confidence from Scratch
          00:34:29
          Advice for Introverts Who Want to Build a Brand
          00:36:36
          "Get Paid for Who You Are" — The Core Philosophy
          00:38:20
          Three Generations of Dentistry & the Cost of Commoditization
          00:41:30
          What Would Make His Family Most Proud
          00:42:21
          Closing Thoughts & Call to Action
          7. CALL TO ACTION
          If this episode challenged how you think about leadership, brand, and what's really holding your practice back — don't keep it to yourself. Share it with your team. Subscribe to Deep Dives with Dr. Dan so you never miss a conversation like this one, and if something hit home, drop us a review — it helps more dentists find the show. Until next time, let's keep diving deeper.
          45 min
        • 31 Aligner Starts in ONE Day: The Culture Playbook Behind Franklin Street Dental
          Episode Summary
          What does it take to start 31 clear aligner cases in a single day — without a hard sell in sight? In this episode of Deep Dives with Dr. Dan, host Dr. Dan sits down with Dr. Chad Ashley and marketing director Maria Alcantor of Franklin Street Dental to pull back the curtain on their now-legendary "Simply Clear Day." Spoiler: the magic wasn't a discount or a gimmick. It was months of preparation, a team that fully believed in the work, and patients who already trusted every doctor in the building before they ever walked in the door.
           
          But this conversation goes deeper than one blockbuster day. Dr. Ashley shares how he grew a small 1996 startup into a thriving four-doctor practice — and why he's turned down two chances to open satellite offices to protect the one thing he refuses to compromise: culture. You'll hear how the right words change a patient's entire perception of treatment, why "just" is a banned word in a great practice, and the mentorship (from Pete Dawson to Ken Runkel) that keeps a 30-year veteran learning faster than ever. Whether you're building a team, launching an aligner program, or just trying to lead better, there's a pearl in here for you.
          Key Takeaways
          • Protect culture before you chase growth. Franklin Street passed on two satellite-office opportunities because splitting the doctor team would dilute the culture that makes everything work. Any future expansion will be into an adjacent building — keeping everyone under one roof.
          • A themed "aligner day" can produce outsized results. The team started 31 pre-qualified clear aligner cases in a single Hawaiian-themed day — palm tree in the lobby, food truck at lunch, team tailgate after — while seven hygienists ran their normal schedule.
          • Pre-qualify everything. Every patient arrived already knowing their insurance coverage, discount, and monthly-vs-paid-in-full options — and had already committed to move forward. The day was a celebration of starts, not a sales pitch.
          • The right words change patient perception. Reframing the conversation to "Dr. Ashley is going to work with an orthodontist to develop the perfect case for you" was a game-changer — it signals a custom case built for the patient, not a product being ordered.
          • Ban the word "just." Dr. Dan's "Danism": words like "just a general dentist" or "just a retainer" minimize the value you deliver. Cut them from the practice vocabulary.
          • Vet the staff, not just the doctor. Dr. Ashley's advice to young dentists evaluating a practice: the team tells the real story. A recruit learned more watching the office play co-ed softball than he did assisting in a procedure.
            • Quote of the Week
            • "It's not about selling, it's about doing the right thing." — Dr. Chad Ashley (09:13)
              • Resources Mentioned
              • orthobrain® — clear aligner partner and podcast sponsor; case reviews that told the team when to pass on a case, not just proceed
              • Paragon / Ken Runkel — practice-transition mentorship; host of the Longboat Key events referenced throughout
              • Linda Miles — early customer-service and practice-management education
              • Pete Dawson series — occlusion and restorative education the practice worked through
              • Pankey series — continuing education Dr. Ashley started his son on
              • Oral-B iO6 electric toothbrush — patient giveaway on the Simply Clear Day
              • Simply Clear Day — Franklin Street Dental's themed clear aligner event
                • Chapters
                • 00:00:02 — Welcome to Deep Dives with Dr. Dan
                • 00:01:26 — Meet the duo: Dr. Chad Ashley & Maria Alcantor
                • 00:03:21 — From a small 1996 startup to four full-time doctors
                • 00:04:39 — The mentors who shaped the practice (Linda Miles, Pete Dawson)
                • 00:05:44 — Why they chose culture over a second location
                • 00:07:40 — Bible study, quarterly dinners & the camaraderie at the top
                • 00:08:38 — How patients describe Franklin Street Dental
                • 00:10:11 — Building the brand: showing patients the people behind the practice
                • 00:11:27 — The Simply Clear Day is born
                • 00:13:21 — Dr. Ashley's reaction: turning the practice "off" to turn it on
                • 00:14:55 — 31 cases and the trust that made it possible
                • 00:15:42 — Inside the Hawaiian-themed event day
                • 00:16:32 — The timeline, the Oral-B rep & flawless execution
                • 00:17:46 — What "pre-qualified" really means
                • 00:18:27 — The giveaways, discounts & payment options
                • 00:19:40 — Growth mindset: how to do it even better next time
                • 00:21:57 — Team belief and the orthobrain® partnership
                • 00:22:49 — Knowing when to pass: clinical judgment & honest answers
                • 00:23:56 — "Just a general dentist" and the case for orthodentistry
                • 00:27:12 — The parking-lot Zoom and the verbiage pearl that changed everything
                • 00:29:47 — Longboat Key, Ken Runkel & staying hungry to learn
                • 00:33:39 — Relationships over sales: when vendors become friends
                • 00:34:55 — Leading as a "managing partner" in a four-doctor model
                • 00:36:20 — Advice for young dentists vetting a practice
                • 00:38:38 — Sports, the national-champion Hoosiers & a baseball family
                • 00:42:09 — Parenting pearls: the batting cage, being available & having a plan
                • 00:45:20 — What made their parents proud & closing reflections
                • 00:47:42 — Sign-off: keep diving deeper
                  • Subscribe & Keep Diving Deeper
                  If this one challenged your thinking or sparked an idea for your own practice, don't keep it to yourself. Hit subscribe so you never miss an episode of Deep Dives with Dr. Dan, leave a review to help more dental leaders find the show, and share it with a colleague or your team. Until next time — let's keep diving deeper.
                  49 min
                • Braces, Aligners & Confidence in the Chair | Dr. Maria Jackson | Deep Dives with Dr. Dan
                  1. Episode Summary
                  What do a golf scholarship, a fourth-generation dental legacy, and a global pandemic have in common? They all shaped one of the most energetic dentists you'll meet. In this episode of Deep Dives with Dr. Dan, host Dr. Dan sits down with Dr. Maria Jackson — the only female dentist in a family full of them, a former University of Kansas golfer, and a practice owner who built her office in 2019 only to watch the world shut down while it was still under construction. Ten years into her career, Maria brings a rare mix of clinical confidence and refreshing honesty about the highs, the lows, and everything nobody warns you about in dental school.
                   
                  If you've ever felt alone in your operatory, overwhelmed by the business side, or unsure whether to start offering ortho, this conversation is your permission slip to begin. Maria breaks down why continuing education (like a GPR and her Academy of General Dentistry fellowship) changed her career, how the mental game of golf keeps her calm in the chair, why "ortho your way" beats a one-size-fits-all approach, and how to protect your body and your peace of mind for the long haul. It's practical, it's punchy, and it just might change how you show up to work tomorrow.
                  2. Key Takeaways
                  • Dental school teaches the basics — continuing education teaches the reality. A GPR and her Academy of General Dentistry path gave Maria the surgical confidence and hands-on comfort to handle worst-case scenarios solo in private practice.
                  • The golf mindset is the dentist mindset. Stay levelheaded, don't let your emotions run the round, and accept that perfection isn't the goal. As the books put it: "swing hard" and "take dead aim."
                  • Career longevity is built on self-care. Pilates, yoga, cardio, good ergonomics (thank you, loops), and regular massage or chiro work keep you in the chair for decades. Start small and make it routine.
                  • "Ortho your way" — there's no wrong answer. Match braces or aligners to the patient's lifestyle and compliance, not the other way around. Not choosing aligners isn't "failing."
                  • GPs can and should keep ortho in-house. Patients trust you and don't want to be referred out. Lean on a support system (Maria uses orthobrain®) and never be too proud to ask questions.
                  • Draw a hard line between clinical and business. Empower a great office manager, protect your headspace, and remember the "Q-tip": Quit Taking It Personally.
                    • 3. Quote of the Week
                    • "You'll never regret starting. You'll be mad that you waited so long to start."
                      • — Dr. Maria Jackson (00:22:56)
                        • 4. Resources Mentioned
                        • orthobrain® — ortho support system and podcast sponsor
                        • Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) — fellowship and mastership education path
                        • Academy of GP Ortho — Texas event where Maria is speaking
                        • Orthodentistry Growth Summit — conference Maria attended in Cleveland (and is speaking at again)
                        • Rock and Roll Hall of Fame — Cleveland landmark visited during the Growth Summit
                        • University of Kansas (KU) — Maria's undergrad (attended on a golf scholarship)
                        • UMKC — Maria's dental school
                        • Tiger Woods — referenced on the evolution of golf fitness and technology
                        • Books referenced by Dr. Dan:
                        • Tiger Trait
                        • It's Not a Game of Perfect
                        • Harvey Penick's Little Red Book and Little Green Book — source of the "swing hard" and "take dead aim" lessons
                          • 5. Chapters
                          • 00:00:02 — Welcome to Deep Dives with Dr. Dan
                          • 00:01:08 — Meet Dr. Maria Jackson: Fourth-Generation Dentist
                          • 00:02:04 — From Golf Scholarship to Dental School
                          • 00:03:04 — Why a GPR Was a Game-Changer
                          • 00:05:19 — The Academy of General Dentistry & Family Rivalry
                          • 00:06:14 — Who's the Best Dentist in the Family?
                          • 00:09:44 — Golf Lessons That Build Better Dentists
                          • 00:14:19 — Books, Perfectionism & "Take Dead Aim"
                          • 00:16:59 — Staying Healthy: Fitness, Ergonomics & Self-Care
                          • 00:19:15 — How to Actually Start (Keep It Realistic)
                          • 00:23:10 — Speaking, Teaching & Identifying Patient Types
                          • 00:25:30 — Braces vs. Aligners: "Ortho Your Way"
                          • 00:29:10 — Getting Started With Ortho as a Young Dentist
                          • 00:32:32 — The Growth Summit & the Power of In-Person Learning
                          • 00:35:28 — Advice to Her Younger Self
                          • 00:37:51 — The Business Side of Dentistry
                          • 00:39:22 — What Makes Her Parents Most Proud
                          • 00:40:33 — Closing Thoughts & Sign-Off
                            • 6. Call to Action
                            Loved this one? Don't keep it to yourself. Subscribe to Deep Dives with Dr. Dan so you never miss an episode, leave a review to help more dentists find the show, and share it with a colleague or your team who needs the nudge to just start. Until next time — keep diving deeper.
                            43 min
                          • Dental Done Differently — Inside Tend's Model with CDO Dr. Chris Salerno | Deep Dives with Dr. Dan
                            1. Episode Summary
                            Some dentists spend a career perfecting one thing. Dr. Chris Salerno collected hats instead — clinician, national speaker, chief editor of Dental Economics, ADA committee chair, and now Chief Dental Officer at Tend. But here's the twist: none of it was planned. In this episode of Deep Dives with Dr. Dan, Chris pulls back the curtain on a career built one curious step at a time, and hands over the exact take-home lessons from each chapter — how he found lecture traction in a "sub-sub-niche," why showing his "C+ cases" made audiences lean in, and how "emotional deposits before emotional withdrawals" turned networking into opportunity.
                             
                            If you've ever felt your practice trying to be everything to everyone, this conversation is your permission slip to focus. Chris breaks down the frameworks he actually uses: Osterwalder's Business Model Canvas for defining who you serve, his own "Three Ps" (Pay, Praise, Promote) for turning culture off the wall and into behavior, and Tend's "Three Es" (Excellence, Efficiency, Experience) for hiring the right people. Whether you're a new grad, a practice owner, or an enterprise leader, you'll walk away with a clearer business model, a sharper leadership lens, and the single best question to ask before you ever sign on with a new employer.
                            2. Key Takeaways
                            • Niche down to stand out. Lecturing on broad topics is a "red ocean." Chris built momentum in a sub-sub-niche (implant complications) — and by openly showing his imperfect "C+ cases," which made him more compelling, not less.
                            • Network by giving first. Powerful networking means working the exhibit floor as hard as the lectures, meeting as many people as you can, and making "emotional deposits before emotional withdrawals" — not just asking for favors.
                            • Enterprise leadership is a different sport. Running one great practice you touch daily doesn't automatically translate to multi-site leadership. Scaling requires buy-in, feedback loops, and bottom-up leadership — not just top-down emails.
                            • Nail your business model first. Get clear on your target demographic and unique value proposition (Osterwalder's framework). Stop trying to be everything to everyone and be something special to a target few.
                            • Turn culture into action with the Three Ps. Pretty words on a wall aren't culture. How you Pay, Praise (and critique), and Promote (or terminate) is what actually shapes the environment your team lives in.
                            • Interview your interviewer. You're evaluating each other. Be a little bold and ask a prospective employer about their business model — who they serve and how — to find out if it's truly the right fit.
                              • 3. Quote of the Week
                              • "Stop trying to be everything to everyone and be something really special to a target few."
                                • — Dr. Chris Salerno (00:20:13)
                                4. Resources Mentioned
                                • Business Model Generation — book by Alexander Osterwalder (2010) on building a business model from the ground up.
                                • Business Model Canvas (Osterwalder) — a free framework; searchable on Google and available in-depth on YouTube.
                                • Harvard Business Review (hbr.org) — roughly $20 an issue with access to a large online catalog; case studies on leadership, culture, and business.
                                • The Netflix Culture Deck — the well-known culture slide deck (15+ years old), available online, including its Enron value-statement cautionary tale.
                                • Simon Sinek — leadership content referenced by the host on confident vulnerability.
                                • The Curious Dentist — Dr. Chris's blog, launched around 2009–2010.
                                • Dental Economics — the publication where Chris served as chief editor for seven years.
                                • ASDA (American Student Dental Association) and the ADA (American Dental Association) — organizations central to Chris's early involvement and leadership development.
                                • Tend — the dental company where Chris serves as Chief Dental Officer ("dental done differently").
                                • Net Promoter Score (NPS) — the customer-experience metric Tend uses in training and role-play.
                                • OrthoBrain / OrthoBrain University — the podcast's sponsor.
                                • Orthodentistry Growth Summit (this October) — event where Chris is slated to speak on business-model frameworks.
                                • AAO Annual Meeting (American Association of Orthodontists) — referenced re: the long-running "Prioritize Your Ps for Practice Prosperity" course.
                                  • 5. Chapters with Timestamps
                                  • 00:00:02 — Welcome & Meet Dr. Chris Salerno
                                  • 00:02:00 — A Career of Many Hats (and Why It Was Never the Plan)
                                  • 00:04:16 — The Curious Dentist: Curiosity as Fuel
                                  • 00:05:51 — Finding a Niche & the Power of Showing Your "C+ Cases"
                                  • 00:08:46 — Networking, Writing & Editing Dental Economics
                                  • 00:10:20 — From Top Producer to Enterprise Leader at Tend
                                  • 00:14:08 — Confident Vulnerability in Leadership
                                  • 00:19:05 — Building a Business Model: Osterwalder, HBR & Ruthless Focus
                                  • 00:26:07 — Culture That Sticks: Mission, Vision & the Three Ps
                                  • 00:35:52 — Inside Tend: "Dental Done Differently" & the Three Es
                                  • 00:44:28 — The Smartest Question to Ask a Future Employer
                                  • 00:47:36 — Best Questions, Vulnerable Confessions & Making Parents Proud
                                  • 00:52:11 — Closing Thoughts
                                    • 6. Call to Action
                                    Loved this one? Don't miss the next dive. Subscribe to Deep Dives with Dr. Dan so you never miss an episode — and if something here resonated, share it with a colleague or your whole team and leave us a review. Until next time, let's keep diving deeper.
                                    54 min
                                  • Why Dentistry's Silent Crisis Demands Better Leaders — J.M. Ryerson | Deep Dives with Dr. Dan
                                    1. Episode Summary
                                     
                                    Dentistry has the highest suicide rate of any occupation in the country — a staggering, sobering fact that reframes this entire conversation. In this deeply personal episode of Deep Dives with Dr. Dan, powered by orthobrain®, host Dr. Dan sits down with J.M. Ryerson, founder of Let's Go Win, whose path into the dental world began with unimaginable loss: the suicide of his father. What follows isn't your typical "grow your practice" pep talk. It's a raw, honest look at why so many high-achieving doctors are quietly falling apart behind picture-perfect practices — and what it actually takes to lead, and live, from a place of strength.
                                     
                                    If you've ever felt the pressure of wearing every hat, the loneliness of being "the one who has to do it," or the addictive pull of go-go-go with no off switch, this one's for you. J.M. and Dr. Dan trade hard-won lessons on leadership, delegation, mentorship, and the burnout that hides in plain sight — plus the practical daily and quarterly habits that keep them grounded. You'll walk away with a permission slip most doctors never get: it's okay to not be okay, and there's a better way to build a practice without breaking yourself in the process.
                                     
                                    2. Key Takeaways
                                     
                                    • Mental health is the missing conversation in dentistry. With the profession carrying the highest suicide rate of any occupation, J.M. makes the case that thriving as a doctor starts with how you're doing holistically — not just how your practice performs. His message: "It's okay if you're not okay."
                                    • Perfection is the enemy of greatness. The same straight-A perfectionism that makes doctors great clinicians can sabotage them as leaders. You'll fail, you'll scrape your knees — that's the only way you grow.
                                    • Delegation isn't enough — empowerment is the unlock. Handing off tasks while micromanaging caps your growth. Truly trusting your team (and being okay when they don't do it "your way") is where freedom lives: "It's amazing what can get accomplished if no one cares who gets the credit."
                                    • Great leaders drop the ego and ask for feedback. Telling your team "I'm working to be a better leader — help me" accelerates growth faster than any course. The ego is the downfall.
                                    • Success on the outside can mask a crisis on the inside. Watch for the warning signs — constant negativity, no excitement to go to work, and the five people you surround yourself with (they either lift you up or bring you down).
                                    • Grounding habits tame the drive. J.M.'s antidote to adrenaline addiction: a daily 40 minutes of "sacred time" (breathwork, meditation, yoga, qigong), a quarterly 2–3 day tech detox, and daily journaling to "brain dump" — because every "I have to" is really a choice.
                                      •  
                                      3. Quote of the Week
                                       
                                      • "It's okay if you're not okay."
                                        • — J.M. Ryerson (05:16)
                                          •  
                                          4. Resources Mentioned
                                           
                                          • Let's Go Win — J.M. Ryerson's company and his book, Let's Go Win: The Keys to Living Your Best Life, originally written for his two sons.
                                          • Ray Dalio — cited as the source of the "radical transparency" leadership philosophy.
                                          • Henry Ford — referenced for the "whether you think you can or you can't, you're right" mindset.
                                          • Ben Johns — mentioned as the top pickleball pro (used as an analogy for skill-building through practice).
                                          • orthobrain® — the show's presenting partner.
                                          • Grounding practices referenced: breathwork, meditation, yoga, and qigong ("40 minutes of sacred time"); daily journaling / brain dumps; and quarterly 2–3 day technology detoxes.
                                            •  
                                            5. Chapters with Timestamps
                                             
                                            • 00:00:02 — Welcome & Meet J.M. Ryerson
                                            • 00:02:03 — The Book He Wrote for His Sons
                                            • 00:03:51 — Losing His Dad & Dentistry's Silent Crisis
                                            • 00:06:33 — Is Leadership Really Lonely at the Top?
                                            • 00:09:07 — Why Dentists Are Never Taught to Lead
                                            • 00:11:56 — Leadership Is a People Business
                                            • 00:14:46 — Perfectionism, Ego & the Power of Feedback
                                            • 00:17:30 — Delegation vs. True Empowerment
                                            • 00:21:23 — Reciprocal Mentorship: Senior Meets Junior Docs
                                            • 00:23:42 — Successful on the Outside, Empty on the Inside
                                            • 00:27:51 — How Your Team Can Spot Burnout
                                            • 00:30:23 — The Adrenaline Trap (Dr. Dan's Story)
                                            • 00:34:56 — 40 Minutes of Sacred Time
                                            • 00:36:55 — Victor, Not Victim: Everything Is a Choice
                                            • 00:38:23 — Journaling: The Secret to Peace
                                            • 00:40:37 — What Makes His Mom Proud & Sign-Off
                                              •  
                                              6. Call to Action
                                               
                                              Loved this conversation? Don't keep it to yourself. Subscribe to Deep Dives with Dr. Dan so you never miss an episode, leave a review to help more practice owners find the show, and share this one with a colleague or your team — especially anyone who might need the reminder that it's okay to not be okay. Until next time, let's keep diving deeper.
                                              45 min
                                            • Train the Team, Grow the Practice: Ortho-First + Whitening with Dental Assistants | Shannon Pace Brinker

                                              In this episode of the Orthodentistry™ Today podcast, host Dr. Dan German welcomes Shannon Pace Brinker, a passionate advocate for dental assistants and a successful teeth whitening business owner. Shannon shares her journey from being a traditional dental assistant to becoming a champion for team education in dental practices. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration between general dentists and orthodontists, highlighting how a well-educated team can significantly enhance patient care and treatment acceptance. Shannon's insights on the integration of orthodontics and whitening as foundational steps in restorative dentistry provide a fresh perspective on patient management and treatment planning.

                                              Throughout the conversation, Shannon discusses her experiences working with various dentists and the lessons learned about patient trust and communication. She stresses the need for dental teams to engage with patients effectively, using tools like digital scans and photographs to enhance understanding and acceptance of treatment plans. The episode concludes with Shannon's advice for dental professionals to invest in their own education and to empower their teams, ensuring that they can provide the best possible care to their patients. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone in the dental field looking to elevate their practice and improve patient outcomes.


                                              Keywords

                                              orthodontics, dental assistants, patient care, teeth whitening, dental education, team collaboration, restorative dentistry, dental practice management, patient communication, dental team training


                                              Takeaways

                                              "The sky is the limit for dental assistants."

                                              "We need assistance coming with our doctors to learn how to do courses and learn how to do treatment together."
                                              "Patients trust us; they look to every team member for guidance."
                                              "Whitening is a great entryway into restorative dentistry."
                                              "Invest in yourself; nobody's going to invest more than you."
                                              "We need to celebrate the small wins with our patients."
                                              "If we can get the teeth in the right position, we can be more conservative with restorations."
                                              "The only thing more important than what you do is how you do it."
                                              "Let your team run with it; they can do amazing things."
                                              "Take photos, do a digital scan, and listen to your patients."

                                               

                                              Chapters

                                              00:00 Introduction to Orthodentistry Today

                                              01:00 Meet Shannon Pace Brinker: Champion of Dental Assistants
                                              02:00 Shannon's Journey in Dentistry
                                              05:48 The Importance of Team Education
                                              09:46 Building Patient Trust and Communication
                                              13:56 Integrating Whitening and Orthodontics
                                              20:09 Identifying Missed Opportunities in Patient Care
                                              23:49 Innovative Educational Programs for Dental Teams
                                              27:52 Advice for Young Dental Professionals
                                              32:06 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

                                               

                                              34 min
                                            • 40 Ortho Starts in Year 1: A New Dentist’s Playbook for Ortho, Tech & Trust | Dr. Deanna Skowronski

                                              In this episode of the Orthodentistry™ Today podcast, Dr. Dan German interviews Dr. Deanna Skowronski, a passionate young orthodontist who has successfully integrated orthodontics into her family dental practice just a year after graduating from dental school. Deanna shares her journey, highlighting her early exposure to dentistry through her family and her determination to succeed despite facing challenges in getting into dental school. She emphasizes the importance of building relationships with patients and the problem-solving aspect of dentistry, which fuels her passion for the profession.

                                              Throughout the conversation, Deanna discusses her approach to orthodontics, including the significance of early intervention and the use of technology like digital scanning and 3D printing in her practice. She also shares insights on the business side of dentistry, the value of mentorship, and the importance of continuous education. Deanna encourages her peers to embrace orthodontics, emphasizing that with the right support and resources, general dentists can confidently provide orthodontic care to their patients. Her story serves as an inspiration for both new and seasoned practitioners in the field.


                                              Keywords

                                              orthodontics, dental practice, mentorship, technology in dentistry, patient care, dental education, orthodontic success, general dentistry, early intervention, 3D printing


                                              Takeaways

                                              "If you find something you love, you never work a day in your life."

                                              "I really make a conscious effort to dial in and listen."
                                              "You don't have to reinvent the wheel; those processes are tried and true."
                                              "It's not what you do, it's what you are."
                                              "Make sure you're truly passionate about the profession."


                                              Chapters

                                              00:00 Introduction to Orthodentistry Today

                                              01:31 Dr. Deanna Skowronski’s Journey to Dentistry
                                              03:30 The Passion Behind Dentistry
                                              06:28 Navigating the Business Side of Dentistry
                                              08:41 The Importance of Mentorship and Consulting
                                              10:27 Learning from Classmates and Staying Connected
                                              11:13 Orthodontics Education and Practical Experience
                                              13:34 Engaging Patients in Orthodontics
                                              15:27 Leveraging Technology in Practice
                                              19:24 The Role of Collaboration in Dentistry
                                              22:00 Continuing Education and Future Goals
                                              24:27 Advice for General Dentists in Orthodontics
                                              27:12 Influences and Trends in Dentistry
                                              30:22 Cautions in Modern Dentistry
                                              32:57 Improving Dental Education

                                               

                                              37 min
                                            • Scaling a “Super GP” Model: From 1 to 4 Locations + Ortho Growth Systems | Dr. Sam Glick

                                              In this episode of the Orthodentistry™ Today podcast, host Dr. Dan German interviews Dr. Sam Glick, founder of Cleveland Smile Center, who shares his journey from a family of dentists to establishing a multi-location practice. Dr. Glick emphasizes the importance of collaboration between general dentistry and orthodontics, aiming to provide comprehensive care under one roof. He discusses his vision for growth, aiming for ten practices while maintaining quality and consistency through effective systems and a strong team culture. Dr. Glick also addresses the challenges young dentists face, particularly regarding student debt, and offers insights on how to navigate practice ownership and patient communication effectively.

                                               

                                              Throughout the conversation, Dr. Glick highlights the significance of hiring the right team, fostering a positive culture, and adapting to different patient demographics across locations. He shares practical advice for young dentists looking to expand their skill set, particularly in orthodontics, and stresses the importance of clear communication with patients about treatment options and responsibilities. The episode concludes with Dr. Glick's reflections on the future of dentistry and the role of education and innovation in driving success.

                                               

                                              Keywords

                                              orthodontics, dental practice growth, patient communication, dental team culture, practice management, student debt, super GP, Cleveland Smile Center, dental innovation, OrthoDentistry

                                               

                                              Takeaways

                                              "I wanted to grow things even bigger, better than the dentists in my family before me."

                                              "People are the biggest factors for growth and consistency in success within the offices."

                                              "If you believe in yourself, taking out a loan to purchase a practice is not the end of the world."

                                              "You have to be flexible on payment plans for orthodontics; it's a different ball game."

                                              "Your team is your best asset in setting the table for patient treatment discussions."

                                               

                                              Chapters

                                              00:00 Introduction to Orthodentistry Today

                                              00:40 Meet Dr. Sam Glick: A New Era in Dentistry

                                              01:11 The Influence of Family and Vision for Growth

                                              04:38 Maintaining Quality Across Multiple Locations

                                              09:11 Finding the Right Location for Expansion

                                              12:14 Managing Student Debt and Practice Ownership

                                              17:45 Patient Communication and Treatment Options

                                              22:47 Getting Started with Orthodontics

                                              24:49 Challenges in Implementing Orthodontics

                                              27:07 Learning from Mistakes in Practice Management

                                              30:31 Implementing Proven Business Processes

                                              34 min
                                            • From Navy Dentist to Ortho-Driven Growth: Building a Thriving Practice in Small-Town Ohio | Dr. Craig Hewitt

                                              In this episode of the Orthodentistry™ Today podcast, host Dr. Dan German engages with Dr. Craig Hewitt, a general dentist who has successfully integrated orthodontics into his practice. Dr. Hewitt shares his journey from dental school to serving in the Navy, where he gained invaluable experience working alongside specialists. After returning to his hometown of Eaton, Ohio, he took over a small practice and gradually expanded it, focusing on orthodontics as a key service. The conversation highlights the importance of continuing education, patient feedback, and adapting to the needs of the community in building a thriving dental practice.

                                              Dr. Hewitt emphasizes the significance of listening to patients and responding to their requests, which has been instrumental in his practice's growth. He discusses the transition from general dentistry to a more orthodontics-focused practice, explaining how he navigated challenges and learned from both successes and mistakes. The episode concludes with insights on the importance of investing in oneself through education and finding a niche in dentistry, encouraging young dentists to pursue their passions while providing quality care to their patients.

                                              Keywords

                                              orthodontics, general dentistry, dental practice growth, continuing education, patient care, orthodontic outcomes, dental community, practice management, dental innovations, dental career advice

                                              Takeaways

                                              "Orthodentistry is the future of comprehensive care."

                                              "I learned so much in that first year and it provided such a great foundation for me as general dentistry to move on and grow from there."

                                              "Experience is learning from our successes, but also learning from our mistakes."

                                              "Invest in yourself; it's the best return on investment you can make."

                                              "Listening to your patients is key to growing your practice."

                                              "You can provide a service that people value and want for their children."

                                              "I made a conscious decision to alter what I was doing to protect my physical self."

                                              "Confidence comes from experience, and we treat with a lot of confidence."

                                              "The beauty of general dentistry is finding where we want to focus."

                                              "It's about delivering holistic care to precious people with real lives."

                                              Sound bites

                                              "Orthodentistry is the future of comprehensive care."

                                              "You took a tiny little practice and added education."

                                              "My physical lifespan in dentistry has an expiration date."

                                              Chapters

                                              00:00 Introduction to Orthodentistry™ Today

                                              01:01 Dr. Craig Hewitt's Journey in Dentistry

                                              04:34 Transitioning to Orthodontics

                                              08:12 The Importance of Continuing Education

                                              12:22 Navigating Patient Needs and Referrals

                                              15:06 Choosing Between Orthodontics and Implants

                                              20:39 The Physical Toll of Dentistry

                                              24:00 Growing an Orthodontic Practice

                                              29:00 Advice for Future Dentists

                                              36:09 Conclusion and Key Takeaways



                                              38 min
                                            • Hygiene as the Growth Engine: Ortho Integration, Team Accountability & Patient Trust | Jennifer Turner

                                              In this episode of the Orthodentistry™ Today podcast, Dr. Dan German engages in a compelling conversation with Jennifer Turner, CEO of Hygiene Headquarters, about the integration of orthodontics into general dental practices. Jennifer shares her journey from dental assistant to a leader in dental hygiene, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between dental teams. She highlights how hygienists, who spend the most time with patients, can play a pivotal role in patient education and case acceptance, ultimately enhancing practice profitability and patient satisfaction.

                                              The discussion delves into the significance of creating a supportive team environment where accountability and celebration of wins are prioritized. Jennifer advocates for regular team meetings, clear communication of the practice's vision, and the implementation of documented systems to streamline operations. She also addresses the challenges of staffing in dental hygiene and the potential benefits of assisted hygiene models. The episode concludes with insights on how practices can leverage technology and education to improve patient interactions and overall practice success.


                                              Keywords

                                              orthodontics, dental hygiene, team collaboration, practice management, patient education, dental practice growth, accountability, celebrating wins, dental technology, assisted hygiene


                                              Takeaways

                                              "Hygienists are crucial in patient education and case acceptance."

                                              "Creating a safe environment fosters open communication and learning."

                                              "Regular team meetings enhance accountability and team cohesion."

                                              "Celebrating wins boosts team morale and practice growth."

                                              "Documented systems streamline operations and improve clarity."


                                              Titles

                                              Unlocking the Power of Teamwork in Dentistry

                                              The Role of Hygienists in Orthodontic Success


                                               sound bites

                                              "You will never go if you wait for perfection."

                                              "When the whole team comes together, the only way is up."
                                              "A safe environment is where each individual can be themselves."


                                              Chapters

                                              00:00 Introduction to Orthodentistry™ Today

                                              01:20 Jennifer Turner's Journey in Dentistry
                                              03:51 The Importance of Team Leadership
                                              06:05 Underutilized Resources in Dental Practices
                                              09:08 Creating a Clear Vision for the Team
                                              11:01 Accountability and Celebrating Wins
                                              15:39 The Power of Celebrating Team Success
                                              19:12 Identifying Stop Opportunities for Growth
                                              22:25 Effective Communication with Patients
                                              28:24 Addressing the Hygiene Staffing Shortage
                                              32:12 Scaling Hygiene Programs in DSOs
                                              34:20 Jennifer's Outreach and Impact in Dentistry
                                              39:25 How to Connect with Jennifer Turner

                                               

                                              42 min

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                                            Welcome to Deep Dives with Dr. Dan, where the future of dentistry is built one conversation at a time. Powered by OrthoBring, we bring you the leaders and innovators shaping the modern practice. I…