Dental Drills Bits

Episode Summary: In this episode, Dana Pardue Salisbury and Sandy Pardue unpack one of the most complex topics in dentistry: hiring an associate dentist. From knowing when your practice is truly ready to bring on another provider, to understanding why most associateships only last one to two years, this conversation blends humor, real-world stories, and practical numbers.

You'll hear how culture, contracts, and communication can make or break the associate relationship—and how to avoid costly mistakes that so many practice owners make when expanding their teams.

• Don't hire on a hunch. Use data—2,000+ active patients, 30+ new patients monthly—as your benchmark.

• Always use a customized legal contract; handshake agreements and borrowed templates lead to disaster.

• Culture and ethics matter as much as production.

• Get clear on who supervises the associate: owner vs. manager roles.

• Most associates leave within two years—alignment and transparency change that outcome.

🔊 Episode Sponsors:

Identity Dental Marketing Looking to stand out in a crowded market? Identity Dental Marketing builds brands that convert. 👉 www.identitydental.com

Plan Forward The #1 membership plan platform for dental practices—simple, secure, and patient-friendly. 👉 www.planforward.io

Mango Voice VoIP that works for dental practices. Elevate your phone systems and never miss a patient call again. 👉 www.mangovoice.com

✨ Upcoming Event – Don't Miss Out! Want to take your front desk skills to the next level? Join Sandy Pardue and the Classic Practice team for Front Desk Pro in Las Vegas on Friday, November 7, 2025. This one-day seminar is packed with proven systems to reduce cancellations, boost treatment acceptance, and transform your patient experience.

Register now at 👉 www.ClassicPractice.com and save $100 with code Secret Sauce.

Episode Summary This week on Dental Drill Bits, Dana and Sandy open up about real-world customer service experiences that prove just how important it is to put yourself in the patient's shoes.

Dana kicks things off with her eye doctor visit, from tiny-font registration forms to confusing waiting rooms and perfume-passing that crossed the line. She then shares what her tire appointment taught her about easing patient anxiety and making sure customers leave with confidence.

Sandy brings her own story to the table about trying to buy fireplace logs, only to be talked out of making the purchase by the very person answering the phone. Together, they explore what it means to honor the customer's current concern, anticipate their questions, and create experiences that build trust.

If you've ever wondered how the smallest details can make or break customer loyalty, this episode will make you rethink every touchpoint in your practice.

Key Takeaways

• Always imagine yourself in the customer's position—what feels confusing vs. reassuring?

• Honor the customer's current concern, even if you think they need something else.

• Anticipate wants, questions, and needs before the customer even asks.

• Every interaction is an opportunity to build confidence—or lose it.

🔊 Episode Sponsors:

Identity Dental Marketing Looking to stand out in a crowded market? Identity Dental Marketing builds brands that convert. 👉 www.identitydental.com

Plan Forward The #1 membership plan platform for dental practices—simple, secure, and patient-friendly. 👉 www.planforward.io

Mango Voice VoIP that works for dental practices. Elevate your phone systems and never miss a patient call again. 👉 www.mangovoice.com

✨ Upcoming Event – Don't Miss Out! Want to take your front desk skills to the next level? Join Sandy Pardue and the Classic Practice team for Front Desk Pro in Las Vegas on Friday, November 7, 2025. This one-day seminar is packed with proven systems to reduce cancellations, boost treatment acceptance, and transform your patient experience. Register now at 👉 www.ClassicPractice.com and save $100 with code Secret Sauce.

In this episode of Dental Drill Bits, Sandy Pardue and Dana Salisbury continue their step-by-step Hiring Series with one of the most sensitive and risky steps: the job offer.

Too many dental practices skip this or handle it haphazardly, leaving themselves open to misunderstandings, legal trouble, and even losing great candidates. Sandy and Dana walk you through why offer letters matter, what must be included, and how to avoid turning them into binding contracts.

From conditional vs. unconditional offers, to pay pitfalls (why you should never state an annual salary), to the benefits and reporting structure every candidate deserves in writing—this episode is a playbook for clarity, compliance, and culture. You'll also hear real stories from the field, red flags to watch for, and the right way to pair a congratulatory phone call with a solid written offer.

If you want to protect your practice, set clear expectations, and welcome new team members the right way, this episode is a must-listen.

• Every job offer should be conditional on something, background checks, license verification, or I-9 documentation.

• Avoid stating annual salaries; use hourly, weekly, or monthly to stay compliant.

• Offer letters should spell out pay, benefits, start date, reporting structure, and expectations—clearly and concisely.

• Always include at-will employment language (where applicable by state).

• Never promise future raises or bonuses in writing—leave those for separate agreements.

• Give candidates a clear deadline to accept, so you don't lose momentum with your second choice.

🔊 Episode Sponsors: Identity Dental Marketing Looking to stand out in a crowded market? Identity Dental Marketing builds brands that convert. 👉 www.identitydental.com

Plan Forward The #1 membership plan platform for dental practices—simple, secure, and patient-friendly. 👉 www.planforward.io

Mango Voice VoIP that works for dental practices. Elevate your phone systems and never miss a patient call again. 👉 www.mangovoice.com

✨ Upcoming Event – Don't Miss Out! Want to take your front desk skills to the next level? Join Sandy Pardue and the Classic Practice team for Front Desk Pro in Las Vegas on Friday, November 7, 2025. This one-day seminar is packed with proven systems to reduce cancellations, boost treatment acceptance, and transform your patient experience. Register now at 👉 www.ClassicPractice.com and save $100 with code Secret Sauce.

In this episode of Dental Drill Bits, Sandy Pardue and Dana Salisbury continue their step-by-step Hiring Series with a focus on reference checks. Too many dental practices skip this step because it feels awkward or unnecessary, but failing to do so can cost you money, morale, and even legal trouble.

Sandy and Dana share true stories from the field (including embezzlement cases that could have been avoided), compliance tips that keep you safe, and the exact questions that reveal whether your next hire is reliable or risky. From separating personal vs. professional references to knowing what you can ask—and what you should only confirm—you'll leave this episode with a clear system for protecting your practice from a bad hire.

Plus, they tackle a listener question about how to manage new hires who want to "change everything," and why systems are the antidote to chaos.

If you want to safeguard your hiring process and build a stronger team, this episode is a must-listen.

Takeaways:

• Skipping reference checks exposes your practice to unnecessary risk.

• Always separate personal references from professional ones.

• Confirm dates, pay, and rehire eligibility when giving a reference; ask open-ended questions when checking references.

• New hires with "big ideas" need structure—systems first, suggestions second.

• Reference checks = protection for your million-dollar business.

🔊 Episode Sponsors: Identity Dental Marketing Looking to stand out in a crowded market? Identity Dental Marketing builds brands that convert. 👉 www.identitydental.com

Plan Forward The #1 membership plan platform for dental practices—simple, secure, and patient-friendly. 👉 www.planforward.io

Mango Voice VoIP that works for dental practices. Elevate your phone systems and never miss a patient call again. 👉 www.mangovoice.com

✨ Upcoming Event – Don't Miss Out! Want to take your front desk skills to the next level? Join Sandy Pardue and the Classic Practice team for Front Desk Pro in Las Vegas on Friday, November 7, 2025. This one-day seminar is packed with proven systems to reduce cancellations, boost treatment acceptance, and transform your patient experience. Register now at 👉 www.ClassicPractice.com and save $100 with code Secret Sauce.

In this episode of Dental Drill Bits, Sandy Pardue and Dana Salisbury tackle one of the most dreaded times in the dental calendar: "Sucktember." As kids go back to school and cancellations rise, many practices see their production slump, but it doesn't have to be that way.

Sandy shares why mindset matters more than market trends, how to uncover hundreds of patients hiding in your own software, and why reactivation projects can both fill your schedule and boost team morale. From calling patients who haven't been in for years to creating fun staff incentives, you'll discover proven strategies that transform September into Success-tember (and set you up for Rocktober).

If you're ready to stop the slump and finish the year strong, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

• Your mindset shapes your results: stop expecting September to "suck."

• Patient reactivation projects reveal hundreds of opportunities already in your database.

• Most patients who haven't been in still believe you're their dentist — reach out.

• Consistency in outreach creates predictable schedules.

• Boost team morale by gamifying reactivation with small rewards.

• Increased outflow (calls, texts, emails, mailers) is the key to saving your September.

Identity Dental Marketing Looking to stand out in a crowded market? Identity Dental Marketing builds brands that convert. 👉 www.identitydental.com

Plan Forward The #1 membership plan platform for dental practices—simple, secure, and patient-friendly. 👉 www.planforward.io

Mango Voice VoIP that works for dental practices. Elevate your phone systems and never miss a patient call again. 👉 www.mangovoice.com

In this episode of Dental Drill Bits, Dana Salisbury and Sandy Pardue discuss the challenges of hiring and retaining new employees in dental practices. They explore the reasons behind high turnover rates, the importance of effective onboarding, and creating a welcoming workplace culture. The conversation emphasizes the need for structured training plans and the impact of workplace bullying on employee retention. The hosts also highlight the financial costs associated with poor hiring practices and the significance of enhancing the candidate experience.

• Stop blaming the applicant and look at your own processes
• Onboarding is crucial for employee retention
• A welcoming culture can significantly impact new hires
• The cost of hiring mistakes can be substantial
• Workplace bullying can drive new employees away
• Structured training plans are essential for new hires
• Communication during the hiring process is key
• Involve existing staff in the hiring process
• Always welcome potential candidates regardless of openings
• Evaluate your practices to improve employee satisfaction

Join Sandy in Las Vegas for Front Desk Pro, a high energy, high impact training event designed to level up your front desk systems and skills.

Special Listener Discount: Save $100 with code Secret Sauce (two words, both capitalized). Beautiful CAD CAM facility, just off the Strip with nearby affordable hotels.

A big thank you to our show sponsors for helping bring Dental Drill Bits to you each week:

• Plan Forward – The membership plan experts helping practices boost revenue and patient loyalty. https://www.planforward.io/

• Mango Voice – The smart, all in one business phone system designed for dental practices. https://mangovoice.com/

• Identity Dental Marketing – Stand out, get noticed, and attract your ideal patients with custom marketing strategies. https://identitydental.com/

In this episode of Dental Drill Bits, hosts Dana Salisbury and Sandy Pardue go beyond the surface of the interview process to reveal the deeper intentions that should guide your hiring conversations. Whether you are fresh out of dental school or a seasoned practice owner, this conversation will help you build a more intentional, compliant, and effective approach to interviewing.

Sandy and Dana share real world examples, cautionary tales, and the subtle cues they watch for that a resume will never reveal. They cover how to avoid common pitfalls like skipping the interview entirely, how to keep interviews consistent and bias-free, and why you should think twice about hiring family or close friends without a proper process. You will learn how to set the right tone from the very first question, uncover hidden red flags, and balance gut instinct with consistent standards.

And yes — the broccoli salad that Dana could not stop raving about makes an appearance. As promised, you can grab Sandy's go to Broccoli Salad Recipe here: https://www.spendwithpennies.com/broccoli-salad/. It is healthy, easy, and a hit with the whole family, even the kids.

• Set a clear purpose before you ask the first interview question
• Keep the process consistent to protect your team culture and reduce bias
• Spot hidden red flags in tone, word choice, and body language
• Avoid the risks of working interviews and use skill-based tests instead

Join Sandy in Las Vegas for Front Desk Pro, a high energy, high impact training event designed to level up your front desk systems and skills.

Special Listener Discount: Save $100 with code Secret Sauce (two words, both capitalized). Beautiful CAD CAM facility, just off the Strip with nearby affordable hotels.

A big thank you to our show sponsors for helping bring Dental Drill Bits to you each week:

• Plan Forward – The membership plan experts helping practices boost revenue and patient loyalty. https://www.planforward.io/

• Mango Voice – The smart, all in one business phone system designed for dental practices. https://mangovoice.com/

• Identity Dental Marketing – Stand out, get noticed, and attract your ideal patients with custom marketing strategies. https://identitydental.com/

Episode Description:

In this episode of Dental Drill Bits, Dana Salisbury and Sandy Pardue continue the Hiring Series with a proven time-saving strategy: the group interview. Sandy shares her step-by-step process for getting every qualified applicant in front of you at once, identifying the best candidates quickly, and avoiding the weeks-long cycle of one-on-one interviews. From creating the right environment, using a "plant" in the room, and testing retention skills, to gracefully dismissing non-hires, this episode is packed with actionable tips to streamline your hiring process and build a stronger team—fast.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why group interviews can save you hours and improve hiring decisions

• How to structure the perfect group interview from start to finish

• How to test candidates' listening and retention skills on the spot

• The importance of graciously handling declined candidates

• How to narrow down your applicant pool in just 90 minutes

🔊 Episode Sponsors:

Mango Voice VoIP that works for dental practices. Elevate your phone systems and never miss a patient call again 👉 www.mangovoice.com

Identity Dental Marketing Looking to stand out in a crowded market? Identity Dental Marketing builds brands that convert 👉 www.identitydental.com

Plan Forward The number one membership plan platform for dental practices—simple, secure, and patient friendly 👉 www.planforward.io

Exploring Dental Membership Plans: A Smarter Alternative to Insurance

In this episode of Dental Drill Bits, Dana Salisbury and Sandy Pardue are joined by Meg Lohman from Plan Forward to unpack why in-house membership plans are becoming a go-to solution for dental practices looking to grow and better serve their patients. They discuss how these plans help identify patients who are overpaying for insurance, simplify preventive care, and strengthen patient loyalty. The trio also explores the power of proactive marketing and the importance of educating patients ahead of open enrollment season.

Whether you're new to membership plans or looking to refine your strategy, this episode offers a practical roadmap to create a win-win for both your patients and your practice.

🎯 Key Takeaways:

• Use your PMS to identify patients who may be overpaying for insurance.
• Target groups like retirees, young adults, and those with limited coverage.
• Membership plans foster loyalty by offering bundled, preventive care services.
• Promote your plan with short, clear messaging via email, text, and social media.
• Start outreach early to stay ahead of open enrollment.
• Implement systems that simplify plan management and reduce admin errors.

🛠️ Sponsored By:

• Plan Forward — Empowering dental practices with simple, automated membership plans. Start today at www.planforward.io

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Dental Drill Bits, Sandy Pardue and Dana Salisbury tackle one of the most underestimated tools in the hiring process—your job ad. They explain why hiring should be treated like a marketing campaign and how your job postings either attract or repel the very people you are trying to hire.

From crafting compelling headlines and utilizing creative job titles to understanding hiring psychology, Sandy and Dana share strategies to elevate your job ads and recruit with intention. They also explore the power of nontraditional hiring sources and the importance of keeping your energy positive throughout the hiring process. Whether you are actively hiring or just building your team, this conversation is packed with must-use tips to help you find and retain great talent.

Takeaways:

• If you are having trouble hiring, check your job ads first

• Always accept resumes even when you are not actively hiring

• Make sure job ads reflect your practice's values and culture

• Use creative job titles to capture attention and stand out

• Women apply when they meet 80 percent of requirements; men at 20 percent

• Treat hiring like a marketing campaign, not just an HR task

• Track where your applicants come from to measure effectiveness

• Consider nontraditional candidates from service-oriented industries

• Stay positive throughout the process—your mindset matters

• Great employees are often already employed—go find them

🔊 Episode Sponsors:

Mango Voice VoIP that works for dental practices. Elevate your phone systems and never miss a patient call again 👉 www.mangovoice.com

Identity Dental Marketing Looking to stand out in a crowded market? Identity Dental Marketing builds brands that convert 👉 www.identitydental.com

Plan Forward The number one membership plan platform for dental practices—simple, secure, and patient friendly 👉 www.planforward.io