Dental Acquisition Unscripted

It's a clash of consultants on this episode of Dental Unscripted! Two experts battle against each other to settle a very serious debate 🤪
What are the most important Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for a thriving dental practice?

Representing Team Finance & Marketing is Mike Dinsio. Championing Team Operations & Clinical is Paula Quinn. They each make their case, defend their metrics, and reveal the numbers they believe will make or break your business.

If you want to gain clarity on where to focus your energy for maximum growth and efficiency, this episode is a can't-miss.

Key discussion points include:

• The case for financial KPIs as the primary driver of success.
• The argument for operational KPIs as the foundation of a healthy practice.
• Which numbers will give you the best snapshot of your practice's health?
• Discovering the blind spots in your current data tracking.

Connect with Mike & Paula: This discussion is brought to you by Michael & Paula owners of NEXT LEVEL CONSULTANTS.
They offer a variety of coaching and advisory solutions for dentists. Find out more: https://nxlevelconsultants.com

Subscribe for more episodes like this!

The single most expensive mistake in your dental career might not be a failed marketing campaign or a bad hire—it's likely hidden in the pages of the lease agreement you signed years ago. While most practice owners focus on the monthly rent, the real financial traps are buried in complex clauses that can dictate the future value and salability of your entire practice.

In this critical episode of Dental Unscripted, hosts Michael Dinsio and Paula Quinn sit down with dental real estate specialist Dan Gleissner of Ally Healthcare Real Estate to expose the pitfalls that most dentists and even non-specialized agents miss. Before you sign or renew, you need to understand the long-term consequences of your lease.

In this discussion, you will learn:

• The "Sale-Killer" Clause: About half of all first-draft leases contain severe "assignment" language that could prevent you from selling your practice. In rare cases, just requesting to sell can give the landlord the right to terminate your lease immediately.
• The Truth About Triple Nets (NNN): Your rent is not your total cost. We break down the three "nets"—property taxes, insurance, and Common Area Maintenance (CAMs)—and explain how these estimated expenses can lead to a surprise bill for thousands of dollars at the end of the year.
• The HVAC & Roof "Gotcha": Who pays for a $30,000 HVAC replacement? In many retail leases, the tenant is responsible for the full, immediate cost. Learn how to negotiate spreading these capital improvements over the lifespan of the asset.e
• The Two-Year Rule: To maintain leverage with your landlord, you must start the renewal process at least two years before your lease expires. Waiting until the last minute puts you on the defensive.

00:49 Topic Introduction: Dental Leases 

01:20 Guest Introduction: Dan Gleissner 

03:42 The Risk of Non-Specialized Agents 

11:00 Exclusivity Clause Explained 

18:04 The Importance of the Assignment Clause 

26:18 What is a Triple Net (NNN) Lease? 

34:56 "Gotchas": HVAC and Roof Replacements 

40:44 The Lease Negotiation Process & Timeline

VISIT NEXT LEVEL CONSULTANTS:
Michael Dinsio is a longtime dental startup consultant
VISIT https://nxlevelconsultants.com FOR MORE INFO on how to partner with him on your dental practice startup! 

VISIT Dental Unscripted's WEBSITE:
https://www.dentalunscripted.com 
HERE you can SEE all the past and current EPISODES. Visit and SIGN-UP to stay connected! 

Step into Dental Unscripted replacing Acquisition Unscripted.
Hosts Michael Dinsio and Paula Quinn, alongside industry experts like executive coach Michael Clark with Next Level Consultants. Our NEW CHANNEL breaks down the dental practice ownership journey with raw, real, and actionable insights. From startups to acquisitions to running a successful practice, this podcast covers it all, one unfiltered episode at a time. In this installment, aired March 27, 2025, the trio dives deep into patient financing—a game changer for boosting case acceptance and turning unscheduled treatment into revenue.

Why does patient financing matter? Michael Clark, a former CareCredit insider, reveals that 15-20% of patients walk in unprepared to pay, leaving practices with massive unscheduled treatment lists (think $1.2-$1.5 million for a $1 million practice). The team unpacks stats showing 50% of revenue comes from insurance, 35% from traditional payments like Visa or cash, and the critical gap financing fills. They tackle why practices shy away—staff discomfort with money talks, misconceptions about fees (it’s a merchant fee, not interest!), and “legacy office managers” pushing risky in-house payment plans that rarely get collected past 120 days. 

Paula shares her own experience as a practice owner and how she picked and chose when to use financing options, while Mike highlights a $1.6 million practice only offered patient financing just once - in an entire year. The conversation gets practical: offer financing on 100% of treatment plans, lead with multiple options (cash discounts, credit cards, third-party lenders like CareCredit, Covered Care, or Clarity Pay), and let patients choose. Why? Because 25-30% of those who leave without scheduling get treatment elsewhere, and same-day acceptance is dropping. From clear aligners to high-end restorations, financing can elevate care levels—like zirconia crowns over PFMs or premium dentures over basics. Plus, hear a story of a patient swayed by low monthly payments, proving presentation is everything.

Now unified under the Dental Unscripted banner (bye-bye Startup Unscripted and Acquisition Unscripted), this navy blue and turquoise-branded show—complete with a big tooth logo—is your go-to for practice management gold. https://dental-unscripted.transistor.fm/

0:00 Intro
4:26 Why Use Patient Financing
7:46 Statistics, and Opportunities in Your Practice
13:20 Case Acceptance Rate, Verbal Skills, & Options
14:47 Why Offices Are Using Patient Financing
20:47 Why patients NEED Financing
25:01 Increase Patient Care Option
27:38 Which Financing Companies to Use?

Sponsored by Candid Pro, a clear aligner system built for general dentists to drive efficiency and profit, this episode offers a special deal https://candidpro.com/nxlevel. Get an amazing deal and exclusive offer via this link.

Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube, Rate us, and follow for more.
Need help with case acceptance or setting up shop as a new owner?

Next Level Consultant's team has you covered Visit: https://nxlevelconsultants.com
find out more on how Michael Dinsio & Paula Quinn can help you with your career as a dentists! 

Ever walked into your dental practice and felt more like a referee than a leader inspiring a team? Let's face it, managing a dental team can be like navigating a minefield of personalities, competing priorities, and unexpected challenges. But it doesn't have to be a constant struggle!

In this episode of Dental Unscripted, Mike Dinsio and Paula Quinn share their journey from dental practice chaos to creating a dream team that's both productive and fun to work with. They reveal the turning points and "aha!" moments that transformed their approach to team management, and they'll guide you through the same process.

Get ready to discover:

• The Power of Ownership: How to cultivate a sense of ownership within your team, so they're not just showing up but truly invested in the practice's success.
• The Art of Communication: Mastering the communication skills to address conflict, give constructive feedback, and inspire your team to reach their full potential.
• The Secret Sauce of Motivation: Unlocking the key motivators that drive your team members and creating a culture where they feel valued and appreciated.
• The Joy of a Thriving Team: Building a positive and collaborative environment where everyone feels supported, respected, and excited to come to work.

Mike and Paula don't just offer theories – they share real-life stories, practical examples, and actionable strategies that you can implement in your practice today.

Plus, hear about the game-changing clear aligner system from our sponsor, Candid Pro, and take advantage of an exclusive offer for Dental Unscripted listeners. Tune in now and start building the dental dream team you've always wanted!"

• Direct and Action-Oriented: Starts with a strong call to action and clearly outlines the benefits for the listener.
• Concise and Focused: Delivers the key information in a clear and concise manner.
• Benefit-Driven: Emphasizes the positive outcomes and value for the listener.
• Sense of Urgency: Encourages listeners to take action now and not miss out on the valuable information and the special offer.

KEY TOPICS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE
0:00 Episode Intro
6:04 Biggest Challenge Managing a Team
11:53 How Do You Get Your Team Onboard
18:25 Why Are 'Systems' So Important
22:19 How To Create a Practice 'Culture'
28:27 Where Do You Even Start?

🔗 Important Links:
Plus, don't miss our special offer from Candid Pro for clear aligner therapy!
https://candidpro.com/nxlevel

Subscribe to Dental Unscripted: https://dental-unscripted.transistor.fm/subscribe

ALSO – Learn more about Next Level Consultants, Michael and Paula's Dental Consulting Group. They offer valuable services to doctors who are looking for support in a variety of ways. https://www.nxlevelconsultants.com

Follow us on social media:
Like, comment, and subscribe for more valuable insights on dental practice management, ownership, startups, and transitions! 👍

Dental consultants: Are they worth the investment, or just a bunch of hype? 🤔  On this episode of Dental Unscripted, Mike Dinsio and Paula Quinn break down the truth about dental consultants and help you decide if one is right for YOUR practice.

We cover:
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly:
We explore the potential benefits AND drawbacks of hiring a consultant, so you can make an informed decision.

Hype vs. Reality:
We cut through the noise and reveal what consultants REALLY do (or perhaps don't do).

Cost vs. Value:
We analyze the financial implications of hiring a consultant and help you determine if it's a worthwhile investment for your practice.

Finding the Perfect Fit:
We share tips on how to choose the RIGHT consultant for your specific needs and goals.

Whether you're considering hiring a consultant or just curious about their role in the dental industry, this episode is a MUST-WATCH!

➡️  Don't miss out on these valuable insights! Watch now! ⬅️
0:00 Intro - Sponsored by CandidPro
4:43 The Value In Hiring a Dental Consultant
8:41 Reasons for Hiring a Dental Consultant
13:10 Why NOT to Hire a Dental Consultant
16:28 What Working w/ a Consultant Looks Like
19:46 Getting Your Team Onboard with Consulting
27:26 The Real Reason Consulting Works

#DentalConsultant #DentalPractice #PracticeManagement #DentalUnscripted #Podcast #DentalIndustry #DentalBusiness #PracticeGrowth #DentalSuccess #Consultants #MikeDinsio #PaulaQuinn

🔗 Important Links:
Get a Candid Pro Deal Stopper Through Next Level Consultants:
https://candidpro.com/nxlevel

ALSO – Learn more about Next Level Consultants, Michael and Paula's Dental Consulting Group. They offer valuable services to doctors who are looking for support in a variety of ways. https://www.nxlevelconsultants.com

Subscribe to Dental Unscripted: https://dental-unscripted.transistor.fm/subscribe

Follow us on social media:
Lke, comment, and subscribe for more valuable insights on dental practice management, ownership, startups, and transitions! 👍

Ever wondered what day one of owning a dental practice really looks like?
In this candid episode of Dental Unscripted, hosts Mike Dinsio and Paula Quinn reveal what often gets overlooked in the excitement of becoming a practice owner and realities of transitioning into practice ownership.

Paula, draws from her experience as a new owners, and together they reveal the crucial "Things You Just Don't Know You Don't Know" that can make or break your initial days. They tackle the overwhelming feeling of taking over a practice post close and the importance of strategic scheduling, and the often-necessary art of navigating communication with sellers and brokers.

Key takeaways from this episode:

• The Shock of Day One: What to expect when you finally get the keys and the reality of being a practice owner sets in.
• Scheduling Strategies: Why Paula recommends a light schedule (or even blocked-out time) for the first few days, and how to manage hygiene versus restorative appointments.
• Communicating with Sellers and Brokers: How to tactfully handle scheduling requests and manage expectations during the transition.
• The Importance of Administrative Time: Why prioritizing administrative tasks over patient care in the initial days can be beneficial.
• Real-World Insights: Paula shares her personal experiences and advice from working with numerous dental practice owners.

0:00 Intro
3:00 Day One of Ownership!
9:18 Making Changes in Acquisition?
13:06 Team Member Expectations
19:44 Getting to Know The Patients
27:57 Transitioning Clinically w/ Team & Patients
32:59 Just Relax, Breathe, & Go Slow
35:35 Ownership is Not Just Doing Dentistry

Catch up with Michael & Paula by contacting them and visiting their website http://www.nxlevelconsultants.com

Join us for this Episode of Dental Unscripted with host Mike Dinsio, co-host Paula Quinn, and special guest Stefani Sandoval as they dive deep into the complex world of dental credentialing during practice acquisitions.
Connect with Next Level Consultants Team to learn more about their Dental Credentaling Service
‪
CALL: (253) 234-5288‬
EMAIL: [email protected]
https://www.nxlevelconsultants.com/front-office-support.html

0:00 Intro music 

1:00  Episode intro Podcast Announcements
Our front office expert breaks down what every dentist needs to know about this crucial but often complex and frustrating process of getting credentialed We even discuss the differences between a practice ownership transition and simply moving from one practice to another as an associate.

Common credentialing pitfalls to avoid
Essential documentation you need
The truth about insurance company timelines
Critical differences between associate and owner credentialing

3:00 The Credentialing Process
When purchasing a dental practice, understanding both your current credentialing status and the seller's network participation is crucial. Credentials and reimbursements can vary per location so it can be insightful and strategic to mirror what the seller's existing insurance arrangements for a smoother transition.

6:00 How to Prepare to Get Credentialed 
Getting accurate credentialing information during a practice transition can be challenging since brokers don't handle these details. Moreover, sellers are often unfamiliar with their own status. Front office team members manage this information and sellers may not request this information for fear of revealing a pending sale?! To verify individual doctor's credentialing status, dentists should proactively maintain copies of their insurance contracts. Direct contact with insurance networks to verify, and, when possible, inquire with front office staff about existing credentialing contracts. 

14:50 Common Roadblocks and Challenges
Common delays in the credentialing process for dentists include expired malpractice insurance, reliance on employer-provided coverage. Insurance companies often require a finalized bill of sale before approving contracts, further delaying the process. Keeping dental licenses and CAQH profiles updated is crucial, especially when transitioning between states. Working with professionals early on helps streamline the process, ensuring all necessary documents are in place to avoid unnecessary delays.

19:10 How Long Does it Take to Get Credentialed
While some claim it can be completed in as little as two weeks, the reality depends on factors like whether the provider is joining an existing practice or establishing a new entity with its own tax ID and NPI. The process involves multiple contracts, including terminating old agreements, which can cause delays. A best-case scenario suggests a 12-week turnaround, but errors in applications or insurance company delays can extend the process. Proper expectations and persistence are key to navigating credentialing successfully.

28:20 What Does Being Out of Network Mean?! 
Failing to properly prepare for network credentialing can create significant issues for dental practices, especially when patients realize they are unexpectedly out of network. This can lead to frustration, distrust, and potential financial concerns. But many offices make the transition harder than necessary by not fully understanding, in the interim, they can still honor network fees while awaiting credentialing. Proper planning and clear patient communication are key to ensuring a smooth transition and avoiding unnecessary complications. The importance of working with a trusted, experienced professional over the anecdotal advice given by peers who probably lack the firsthand experience involved in the credentialing processes. 

36:05 Working With Credentialing Companies
The extensive effort and tracking involved in credentialing, underscoring that their goal is to complete the process as quickly and smoothly as possible. Despite misconceptions, delays often stem from insurance companies rather than credentialing firms, and the representatives frontline callers interact with may not have access to accurate information. Ultimately, they urge more understanding and patience, reinforcing that passion and expertise drive Next Level Consultants to achieve the best outcomes for their clients.

Joining us on this Podcast Episode are some incredible guests who are shaping the future of dental practices.
We have Nicole Yount, an executive coach and ortho specialist at Next Level Consultants, sharing her expertise on integrating orthodontics into general practice.

Also joining us is Nick Greenfield, the CEO of Candid, introduces us to Candid Pro, a clear aligner system designed specifically for general dentists, promising predictability, efficiency, and profitability. And from Tacoma, Dr. Arvind Petri, a seasoned dentist who has transformed his practice with Candid Pro, offers a real-world perspective on how this partnership has been a game changer for his business.

The episode kicks off with some really exciting news. We explore how CandidPro is tailored specifically for General Practitioner Dentists, offering a unique blend of technology and expert support that reduces the number case of office visits, enhances patient compliance, and ultimately boosts your practice's bottom line!

CandidPro is specifically designed to help general dentists deliver predictable outcomes, work efficiently, and drive more profit per case. We’ll hear from Nick Greenfield about the value this clear aligner system can bring to practices of all sizes and get a first-hand account from Dr. Petrie, who has already earned over $600k in revenue working with CandidPro.

Learn More about  our SPECIAL OFFER by visiting the link below and connecting with Candid
Start your CandidPro experience with over 30% off your first 3-4 cases and experience the difference!
https://www.candidco.com/nxlevel

Whether you're a startup looking to incorporate orthodontics from day one, or an established practice aiming to expand your services, this episode is packed with insights on how to leverage this innovative partnership to grow your practice. We'll discuss the importance of team training, clinical confidence, and how Candid's system can be a cornerstone in your practice's success story.

0:00 Intro
2:00 Introducing CandidPro Guest speakers
7:10 What is Candid?  and Candid's Market Impact
9:44 Why CandidPro is a Game Changer: Predictability and Efficiency
12:30 A Dentist's Experience w/ CandidPro clear aligners
17:18 Typical Pitfalls GPs Face Offering Clear Aligner Therapy
26:08 How Does CandidPro Increase Revenue compared to Competition
35:22 Candid's Partnership in Empowering Docs w/ Clear Aligner Therapy
38:04 Team Integration: Rally the Troops Implementing Clear Aligners Therapy
43:33 Why CandidPro is the Clear Solution.

This latest episode with hosts Mike Dinsio and Paula Quinn, along with guest Dave Dahler from Menlo Transitions, discuss the nuances of finding the right practice to buy.  We deep dive into the complexities of partnerships with brokers and the importance of networking. This episode is packed with insights for current and aspiring dental practice owners.

Reach out to connect with Dave Dahler
[email protected]
O. 480-290-7720
D. 614-315-5065 (Call or Text)

Navigating a Practice Acquisition:
Learn about the different pathways to acquiring a dental practice, including direct networking and working with brokers.

The Role of Partnerships:
Understand the pros and cons of entering a partnership, with real-world advice on managing expectations and planning for the future.

How To Prepare to Purchase:
Gain clarity on how production affects financing and what to prepare in terms of financial documentation.

Interacting with Practice Brokers:
Get tips on how to effectively engage with brokers, ensuring you're ready with the right questions and expectations.

Finding a Practice That's a Good Fit:
Discuss how to assess if a practice matches your clinical skills and business vision, beyond just the numbers.

Whether you're looking to buy, start up, or manage a dental practice, this podcast offers practical advice from seasoned professionals in the field. Don't miss out on more unscripted discussions that could help shape your path to successful dental practice ownership.
Tune in, subscribe, and join the conversation on how to make your dental practice journey a success!

0:00 Introduction to Dental Unscripted
02:30 Welcome David Dahler Dental Practice Broker
03:35 Finding a Dental Practice
05:04 Networking Strategies
08:41 Using Dental Practice Listings to Find a Practice
10:42 Challenges w/ Dental Practice Partnerships
27:53 How to Approach a Broker
40:20 Preparing Your Records Before Buying
47:49 Working with a Team of Advisors

YOUR SHOW HOST:
Michael Dinsio is a dentist's buyer representative, helps dentists buy dental practices step-by-step through the acquisition process. With over a decade of experience and more than 500 dental transactions, Michael is a key opinion leader in the dental industry.

Setup a Consult with Michael or would like to work with Michael in the future visit his webpage. ⁠
https://nxlevelconsultants.com/dental-practice-ownership/buying-a-dental-practice/

Huntington Bank 🏦 is a regional bank based in Columbus, Ohio, with a history dating back to the post-Civil War era.1 In 2017, former employees from Mike and Luke's previous employer joined Huntington to develop a unique dental lending program. Luke has been working in dental lending for over 15 years. He describes the dental industry as resilient and constantly evolving, making his work engaging. CLICK HERE to schedule a phone call ☎️ with Luke to discuss your options!

The conversation emphasizes that rates 📈 are complex and influenced by various market factors, not solely individual credit scores. They are tied to indexes like prime rate (influenced by the Fed) and ten-year treasuries (influenced by market demand).  Due to market volatility, the discussion stresses the importance of rate locks. A rate lock provides a ceiling on the interest rate for a specific period, protecting borrowers from potential rate increases.

0:00 - Episode Introduction
2:23 - Mike introduces Luke from Huntington Bank
5:27 - Resilience of dental lending, Emphasizing the stability of the dental industry.
7:18 - Understanding loan rates
9:06 - Federal Reserve rate vs other indexes
11:13 - How banks "broker cash" - Market demand determine loan rates.
15:49 - The volatility of rates and the importance of rate locks.
18:30 - Loan structure, importance over just looking at interest rate.
21:53 - Defining "loan structure", term length, interest-only periods, and loan amount.
23:09 - "Practice Pulse", offering post-loan support to new dental practice owners.
28:34 - Loan amounts, particularly in the context of practice valuations
37:53 - "Modified startups" or "Jumpstarts," allowing for financial flexibility.
40:28 - The challenges that come with owning a dental practice & profit margins
48:57 -Trend of practice "buy-ins" & an "incremental buy-in loan" for a structured transition.

Structure of a Loan vs. Interest Rate:
The conversation shifts to the importance of a loan's structure. While rates are important, the podcast emphasizes that structure is even more critical for long-term success. Structure encompasses various loan features beyond the interest rate. Luke defines structure as "all the other stuff that really isn't your interest rate," including the length of the loan term, interest-only periods, and other supporting features.

Key Elements of Structure:
Three key elements of structure: loan amount, length of the term, and interest-only periods (or graduated payment periods, especially relevant for startups). Michael Dinsio reiterates that rate is less important than these structural elements in ensuring the borrower's financial well-being.

Prioritizing Loan Features:
Mike DInsio suggests the order of importance as:
1) Loan Amount
2) Length of Term
3) Interest Rate
4) Interest-Only Period

Luke agrees, adding the value of Huntington Bank's "Practice Pulse" program, which provides post-loan business support and consulting for up to two years. Luke explains the Practice Pulse program, a free service included with Huntington Bank's loans. Michael emphasizes the importance of thorough planning and utilizing available resources, such as Huntington's Practice Pulse program or consulting services, to navigate the challenges of practice ownership.

Cash Flow and Post-Acquisition Challenges:
The conversation emphasizes the importance of sufficient cash flow after the acquisition. They discuss common post-acquisition challenges that require cash, including staff raises (almost a certainty), marketing expenses (often neglected by previous owners), and accounts receivable (AR) fluctuations, which can create a 90-day cash crunch.

Ownership vs. Associate Dentistry:
Michael also reiterates that practice ownership generally offers greater financial potential than being an associate, even during the initial transition period.

YOUR SHOW HOST:
Michael Dinsio is a dentist's buyer representative, helps dentists buy dental practices step-by-step through the acquisition process. With over a decade of experience and more than 500 dental transactions, Michael is a key opinion leader in the dental industry.

Setup a Consult with Michael or would like to work with Michael in the future visit his webpage.
https://nxlevelconsultants.com/dental-practice-ownership/buying-a-dental-practice/