In this special solo episode of Dental Decoders, Brittany and Rebecca celebrate the one-year anniversary of the podcast! Reflecting on a year of incredible conversations, they dive into their top five favorite interviews and the key takeaways from those episodes. From mastering HR changes to insights into coding and AI-driven automation, this episode is packed with memorable moments, actionable advice, and lots of laughs.

The hosts also share their personal reflections on podcasting, their most significant lessons as hosts, and how the show has grown into a space for authentic connections and invaluable learning.

00:00 - Introduction and Reflections on One Year of Podcasting 03:45 - Kara Kelly’s HR Wisdom and Staying Ahead of Legislative Changes 11:10 - Insights from Jayna San on NLP and Communication Styles 18:50 - Team Collaboration and Scheduling Tips with Lois Banta 25:32 - SEO and Marketing Secrets with Zeke Damowski 32:05 - AI Automation in Dentistry with Connor Ludlow 38:12 - ADA Coding Tips and Tricks with Greg Grobmeier 44:30 - Burnout Recovery and Mindset Strategies with Laura Schwint 50:15 - Hiring Associates 101 with Dr. Paul Goodman 56:00 - Navigating Insurance Challenges with Colleen Huff 01:02:30 - Work-Life Balance for Dentist Moms with Dr. Grace Yum

Instagram:

• @skfpracticesolutions

• @thedentaldecoders

• @Transformationaldentalcoaching

TikTok:

• @skfpracticesolutions

• @dentaldecoderspc

Facebook:

• SKF Practice Solutions

• Transformational Dental Coaching

Website:

• Dental Decoders

What were your favorite episodes or key takeaways from Dental Decoders this year? Is there a topic or guest you'd love to hear on the podcast? Connect with us on social media and let us know!

Here’s to another year of decoding dental secrets together! 🎉

Brief summary of show:

In the ever-evolving world of dentistry, understanding the complexities of practice transitions can be crucial for securing your future. What are the best strategies for expanding or selling a dental practice? How do DSOs impact your career decisions?

In this episode of Dental Decoder's podcast, Rebecca and I are joined by Kim McCleskey, a seasoned professional in the dental industry with over 35 years of experience. 

Kim shares her extensive journey, starting from managing dental practices to establishing her consulting company, True North, and her ongoing role at Professional Transition Strategies (PTS). She discusses the dynamics of selling and acquiring dental practices, the pros and cons of DeNovo versus acquisitions, the impact of DSOs, and the importance of having an advisor. Kim emphasizes the value of being of service in the industry, providing insightful advice for both sellers and buyers.

Kim also shares her unique perspective on the critical aspects of dental practice transitions and highlights the significance of mentorship, ethical practices, and strategic planning for success in the dental field.

We talk about:

• 00:00 Introduction

• 00:51 Kim McCleskey’s Journey in Dentistry

• 02:23 Starting True North and Merging with Avidas Group

• 06:15 DeNovo vs. Acquisition: Kim's Perspective

• 08:37 Advice for New Dentists and DSOs

• 12:13 The Importance of Advisors

• 15:50 Selling a Dental Practice: Process and Tips

• 21:10 How to Connect with Kim 

• 22:17 Decoding Moment: Be of Service

• 22:54 Conclusion and Future Topics

Connect with Kim

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-mccleskey-8b857718/ 

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ProfessionalTransitionStrategies/ 

• https://www.professionaltransition.com/ 

Connect with me

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skfpracticesolutions/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedentaldecoders/ 

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skfpracticesolutions

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dentaldecoderspc

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skfpracticesolutions

Website: https://www.dentaldecoders.com

Brief summary of show:

In this episode of Dental Decoder's podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Grace Yum, a board-certified pediatric dentist and founder of Mommy Dentist in Business. 

Dr. Grace shares her journey in the dental industry from a young age, reflecting on her extensive experience and passion for dentistry. The conversation delves into the challenges of balancing professional life with motherhood and how the Mommy Dentist in Business group, founded in 2017, provides a supportive community for moms in the dental field. Dr. Grace discusses the importance of delegating tasks at home to maintain work-life balance, emphasizing the need for support systems. 

The episode also highlights Dr. Grace’s books, which offer inspiration and advice for women in dentistry. Listeners will gain valuable insights into managing career and personal life effectively while dreaming big and planning for the future.

We talk about:

• 00:00 Intro

• 02:42 The Birth of Mommy Dentist in Business

• 11:25 Work-Life Balance Tips

• 20:04 Books and Resources

• 23:01 Dr. Grace's Decoding Moment and Closing Remarks

Connect with Dr. Grace Yum

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MommyDentistsinBusinessMediaNetwork

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mommydentistsinbusiness/ 

• Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_mrs_boss_mom/ 

• Books: https://www.amazon.ca/Mommy-Dentists-Business-Juggling-Running-ebook/dp/B07HL48YPK 

• https://mommydibs.com/about/team/ 

Connect with me

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skfpracticesolutions/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedentaldecoders/ 

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skfpracticesolutions

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dentaldecoderspc

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skfpracticesolutions

Website: https://www.dentaldecoders.com

Brief summary of show:

In this episode of Dental Decoder's podcast, Rebecca is flying solo and is joined by Drs. Karen Tindall and Laura Schwindt, dentists and life coaches, who lead The Mint Door. Together, they enhance dental practices with their Mint Method Formula and Practice Wellness Programs, showcasing the transformative power of total well-being for success. They share their background stories and the journey of how they connected through a mutual mentor. 

The episode delves into their experiences as dentists, their transition into life coaching, and the formation of The Mint Door—a platform designed to support individuals in the dental industry through holistic well-being and performance. The discussion includes the importance of heart-centered business decisions, their unique Maverick Mindset workshops, and their holistic approach to tackling burnout and improving overall well-being in dental practices. The episode concludes with personal anecdotes from both Laura and Karen, highlighting pivotal decoding moments in their careers.

We talk about:

• 00:00 Intro

• 01:39 The Story Behind the Mint Door

• 07:56 Friendship First, Business Second

• 14:53 The Maverick Mindset 

• 20:57 Decoding Moments

• 24:50 Conclusion and Farewell

Connect with Laura and Karen

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/themintdoorclub 

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@themintdoor 

• www.themintdoor.net

• www.themintdoor.net/oscillation-experimint  

Connect with me

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skfpracticesolutions/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedentaldecoders/ 

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skfpracticesolutions

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dentaldecoderspc

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skfpracticesolutions

• Website: https://www.dentaldecoders.com 

Brief summary of show:

In this episode of Dental Decoder's podcast, I’m joined by Katherine Eitel Belt, the powerhouse behind LionSpeak, a company specializing in communication coaching. 

Katherine shares her journey from dental assistant to practice management consultant, ultimately focusing on helping teams communicate authentically and effectively. The discussion highlights key aspects of patient-facing, team-facing, and audience-facing communications. 

Katherine offers invaluable advice for handling difficult conversations and emphasizes the significance of maintaining high standards while fostering strong relationships. The episode also explores the broader societal impact of effective communication, especially in turbulent times.

We talk about:

• 00:00 Intro

• 03:00 Engaging Staff Meetings

• 03:42 Team Communication Tips

• 06:16 Handling Difficult Conversations

• 09:38 Generational Differences in the Workforce

• 11:48 Leadership and Coaching Skills

• 18:59 Navigating Challenges and COVID-19

• 21:07 Resources and Contact Information

• 23:38 Signature Question and Conclusion

Connect with Katherine

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LionSpeak.net/ 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lionspeak/ 

• X: https://x.com/Keitel1 

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/lionesslearning 

• Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/lionspeak0431/ 

• https://www.lionspeak.net/ 

Connect with me

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skfpracticesolutions/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedentaldecoders/ 

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skfpracticesolutions

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dentaldecoderspc

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skfpracticesolutions

• Website: https://www.dentaldecoders.com 

Brief summary of show:

In this episode of Dental Decoder's podcast, Rebecca and I sit down with the renowned Dr. Paul Goodman. 

Dr. Goodman shares his journey from aspiring NBA player to successful dental practice owner and founder of 'Dental Nachos.' He discusses the innovative structure of his dental practices, emphasizing the importance of a dedicated hygiene center. The conversation extends into his other venture, 'Dennis Job Connect,' likened to a matchmaking service for dental professionals. 

Dr. Goodman also provides insights on hiring associate dentists, stressing the importance of early planning, understanding clinical experience, and the significance of energy management in patient communication.

We talk about:

• 00:00 Intro

• 03:09 Innovative Hygiene Center Concept

• 03:31 Dental Nachos: Building a Community

• 04:01 Dennis Job Connect: Connecting Dentists and Associates

• 08:31 Challenges and Strategies in Hiring Associates

• 14:41 When to Bring on an Associate

• 20:56 The Importance of Energy Management

• 21:30 Decoding Moments and Final Thoughts

Connect with Dr. Paul Goodman

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dentalnachos 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dentalnachos/ 

• X: https://x.com/DentalNachos 

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dentalnachos786 

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dentalnachos/ 

• https://www.dentalnachos.com/ 

Connect with me

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skfpracticesolutions/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedentaldecoders/ 

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skfpracticesolutions

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dentaldecoderspc

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skfpracticesolutions

Website: https://www.dentaldecoders.com

Brief summary of show:

In this episode of Dental Decoder's podcast, Rebecca and I welcome Ashlee Hirschfeld from the Dental Success Companies. Ashlee shares insights into her journey from starting as Dr. Mark Costas' personal assistant to becoming the COO at Dental Success Network. 

She discusses the various services provided by Dental Success Companies, including peer-to-peer coaching, vendor discounts, continuing education, and the newly launched Talk Space initiative for mental health support. 

Ashlee also elaborates on her side gig helping dental offices find the right personal, executive, and administrative assistants to enhance practice efficiency. The conversation also covers practical delegation tips, the use of technology like ChatGPT for efficiency, and personal anecdotes on overcoming challenges in the dental practice setting.

We talk about:

• 00:00 Intro

• 01:10 The Role of Dental Success Companies

• 01:49 Ashlee’s Journey and GSD Queen

• 02:06 Personal Assistant Program

• 08:43 Delegation Tips for Dentists

• 15:30 Leveraging Technology and Tools

• 18:23 Ashlee’s Decoding Moment

Connect with Ashlee

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GSDqueen

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gsdqueen/ 

• https://dentalsuccessnetwork.com/ 

• https://gsdqueen.co/ 

Connect with me

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skfpracticesolutions/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedentaldecoders/ 

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skfpracticesolutions

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dentaldecoderspc

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skfpracticesolutions

Website: https://www.dentaldecoders.com

Brief summary of show:

In this episode of Dental Decoder's podcast, we are joined by Joe Chickerillo from My Dental SOP, a unique platform that digitizes standard operating procedures (SOPs) in the dental space. 

Joe discusses his background in technology and the dental industry, and explains how My Dental SOP helps dental practices streamline onboarding and training processes, ensuring consistency and efficiency. From addressing the high turnover problem in dentistry to supporting new and existing practices, Joe shares insights on the benefits of having a standardized SOP system. He also offers practical advice for practices looking to adopt or improve their SOPs, and highlights a special discount for listeners interested in trying out My Dental SOP. 

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their practice's operational efficiency.

We talk about:

• 00:00 Intro

• 00:42 Joe Ciccarillo's Background and My Dental SOP Overview

• 02:06 The Importance of SOPs in Dentistry

• 03:43 Challenges in Dental Onboarding and Training

• 07:38 Implementing My Dental SOP in Your Practice

• 09:03 Supporting Team Members and Ensuring Accountability

• 12:53 Digitizing and Customizing SOPs

• 15:20 Benefits for Startup Practices

• 20:38 Joe’s Decoding Moment

Connect with Joe

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joechick/ 

• https://www.mydentalsop.com/ 

Connect with me

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skfpracticesolutions/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedentaldecoders/ 

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skfpracticesolutions

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dentaldecoderspc

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skfpracticesolutions

Website: https://www.dentaldecoders.com

Brief summary of show:

In this episode of Dental Decoder's podcast, I’m joined by co-host Rebecca and Colleen Huff, and together we delve into the intricacies of dental insurance management. Colleen, known as the 'Dental Insurance Coach,' brings 30 years of experience, sharing insights from her new book 'A Mouthful of Insurance' and her journey from MetLife to becoming a full-time coach and author. 

She discusses the importance of cross-training and insurance proficiency among dental teams to enhance patient care and financial efficiency. The episode also covers the critical need for dental offices to educate their staff on insurance basics, recent billing code changes, and the importance of thorough clinical notes and proper documentation to avoid claim denials. 

Interactive training methods, such as Dental Code Jeopardy, and staying updated through credible sources are highlighted. Colleen Huff emphasizes mentorship, continuous learning, and peer support, offering various ways to connect with her for further coaching and insights.

We talk about:

• 00:00 Intro

• 02:14 The Evolution of Dental Insurance Practices

• 03:12 Insights from Colleen's Book: A Mouthful of Insurance

• 06:30 The Importance of Cross-Training in Dental Practices

• 09:45 Common Issues in Revenue Cycle Management

• 10:05 The Necessity of Clinical Notes for Insurance

• 11:55 Provider Manuals and Staying Updated

• 12:44 Staying Updated with Insurance Changes

• 14:38 The Importance of Reliable Sources

• 21:09 Decoding Success: Stubbornness and Mystery Solving

Connect with Colleen

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dentalinsurancecoach/

• [email protected] 

• https://colleenhuff.com/ 

Connect with me

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skfpracticesolutions/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedentaldecoders/ 

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skfpracticesolutions

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dentaldecoderspc

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skfpracticesolutions

• Website: https://www.dentaldecoders.com 

Brief summary of show:

In this episode of Dental Decoder's podcast, I’m joined by Gary Bird, a seasoned dental marketing expert and host of the Dental Marketing Theory podcast. 

Gary dives into his journey in the dental marketing field and shares his agency's growth through strategic partnerships. This comprehensive discussion covers the challenges dental practices face, from the pre and post-COVID landscape to patient acquisition and operational issues. Learn about innovative solutions like employing virtual assistants to handle administrative tasks and alleviate staffing problems, thus boosting efficiency and reducing stress. 

Gary offers actionable advice on maintaining work-life balance by delegating tasks based on one's strengths and passions, and the importance of putting team and client needs first for business growth. Tune in for invaluable insights aimed at helping dental practices navigate today's unique hurdles and achieve sustainable success.

We talk about:

• 00:00 Intro

• 03:27 Challenges in Dental Practices Post-COVID

• 04:58 Solutions for Dental Practice Growth

• 06:36 The Role of Virtual Assistants

• 10:05 Addressing Burnout in Dental Teams

• 13:22 Finding Joy in Sales and Marketing

• 15:00 Understanding Burnout and Finding Hope

• 16:04 Creating a Love-Hate List

• 16:39 Delegation and Perfectionism

• 19:33 Gary's Podcast and Resources

• 21:33 Decoding Moment: Putting Others First

Connect with Gary

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegarybird/ 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thegarybird/ 

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegarybird 

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thegarybird 

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegarybird 

• https://thegarybird.com/ 

• https://dentalmarketingtheory.com/ 

Connect with me

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skfpracticesolutions/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedentaldecoders/ 

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skfpracticesolutions

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dentaldecoderspc

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skfpracticesolutions

• Website: https://www.dentaldecoders.com