Are your dental practices "doing well on paper" but not profitable? You're not alone! In this episode of Dental Marketing Goat, Gary Bird answers a question from a dentist struggling with this exact problem. They own two practices, look good from the outside, but aren't seeing the profits they expect. They want to go from 30 to 80 new patients per month and aren't sure whether to focus on marketing or cutting expenses.

Gary dives deep into this common dental practice dilemma, offering four key strategies for achieving sustainable growth and profitability. He covers the importance of:
1. Mapping your area: Understanding your patient demographics and strategically targeting the right audience.
2. Training your staff: Equipping your team with the skills to convert low-trust marketing leads into loyal patients. This is crucial for practices transitioning from referral-based to marketing-driven growth.
3. Budgeting for growth: Investing wisely in marketing and understanding that growth takes time and consistent effort.
4. Strategic scaling: Why jumping from 30 to 80 new patients overnight can actually HURT your practice and the importance of a step-by-step approach.

If you're a dentist struggling with profitability, or looking to scale your practice the RIGHT way, this episode is a MUST-LISTEN. Gary offers free resources, including patient demographic maps and staff training materials. Comment below if you'd like access to these resources or have your own advice to share! We want to hear from you.

Connect with our Host Here ⤵️
Gary Bird
Owner of SMC National

Website: https://smcnational.com/
Website: https://thegarybird.com

_________
Join Gary Bird, founder of 3x Inc. 5000 fastest-growing company, SMC National, as he shares proven dental marketing strategies to attract a steady stream of new patients. Whether you're a solo practitioner or part of a larger group, Gary offers actionable insights to help your practice thrive. Tune in Monday through Friday for expert advice on the latest dental marketing trends, real-world challenges, and effective techniques to drive sustainable growth.

📧 Visit ➡️https://smcnational.com
🎙️ Check out our 2 Dental Podcasts ➡️ https://smcnational.com/podcasts/
📅 Upcoming Events ➡️https://smcnational.com/events

Scaling a fee-for-service (FFS) dental practice can be challenging, especially when it comes to attracting new patients. In this episode, we break down the key strategies that successful FFS practices use to drive patient growth and long-term sustainability.

A dentist recently reached out with this question:
"Any recommendations on how to scale marketing for an FFS office? Getting new patients has been a challenge. Just bought the practice."

If you're in the same boat, this episode is for you! We cover:
✔️ The different types of FFS models and why it matters
✔️ Understanding your market and whether FFS is viable in your area
✔️ The importance of patient referrals and how they reflect your practice's health
✔️ How to market high-value treatments like implants, aligners, and smile makeovers

Fee-for-service dentistry requires a unique approach to marketing and patient conversion. Whether you're a new owner or looking to refine your strategy, these insights will help you attract the right patients and build a thriving practice.

Connect with our Host Here ⤵️
Gary Bird
Owner of SMC National

Website: https://smcnational.com/
Website: https://thegarybird.com

_________
Join Gary Bird, founder of 3x Inc. 5000 fastest-growing company, SMC National, as he shares proven dental marketing strategies to attract a steady stream of new patients. Whether you're a solo practitioner or part of a larger group, Gary offers actionable insights to help your practice thrive. Tune in Monday through Friday for expert advice on the latest dental marketing trends, real-world challenges, and effective techniques to drive sustainable growth.

📧 Visit ➡️https://smcnational.com
🎙️ Check out our 2 Dental Podcasts ➡️ https://smcnational.com/podcasts/
📅 Upcoming Events ➡️https://smcnational.com/events

The Dental Flywheel: The Secret to Massive Growth in Your Practice
Ever wonder why some dental practices seem to explode with new patients while others struggle to grow? The answer lies in The Dental Flywheel—a proven system that creates unstoppable momentum for your practice.

In this episode, we break down:
✔️ The 3 key stages of the Dental Flywheel: Attract, Engage, and Delight
✔️ Why patient referrals are the key to high-quality, loyal patients
✔️ The biggest mistakes dentists make with their marketing (and how to fix them)
✔️ How poor phone handling is silently draining your marketing budget
✔️ A simple strategy to increase conversions, boost referrals, and cut marketing costs

Most dental practices are unknowingly losing nearly 100% of their marketing patients before they even walk in the door. If you’re tired of feeling stuck and want predictable, sustainable growth, this episode is a must-watch.

Connect with our Host Here ⤵️
Gary Bird
Owner of SMC National

Website: https://smcnational.com/
Website: https://thegarybird.com

_________
Join Gary Bird, founder of 3x Inc. 5000 fastest-growing company, SMC National, as he shares proven dental marketing strategies to attract a steady stream of new patients. Whether you're a solo practitioner or part of a larger group, Gary offers actionable insights to help your practice thrive. Tune in Monday through Friday for expert advice on the latest dental marketing trends, real-world challenges, and effective techniques to drive sustainable growth.

📧 Visit ➡️https://smcnational.com
🎙️ Check out our 2 Dental Podcasts ➡️ https://smcnational.com/podcasts/
📅 Upcoming Events ➡️https://smcnational.com/events

Should This Dentist Cut Their Marketing Budget? A Common Dental Marketing Dilemma. A dentist reached out with a tough question: "I’m spending $2K–$4K a month on marketing, but my practice is mostly referral-based. Should I cut my budget? Would I be less busy if I stopped spending?"

In this episode, we break down:
* Why most dental practices rely heavily on referrals – and what that means for marketing
* How to track marketing ROI properly (hint: not all patients are equal)
* The #1 mistake dentists make when working with general marketing agencies
*A simple test: Should you double your budget or cut it entirely?
*The real impact of SEO, Google Ads, and social media for an already-busy practice

If you’re questioning the effectiveness of your marketing, this episode is for you. Plus, we offer insights on how to track what’s really working – so you’re not blindly spending money each month.

Connect with our Host Here ⤵️
Gary Bird
Owner of SMC National

Website: https://smcnational.com/
Website: https://thegarybird.com

_________
Join Gary Bird, founder of 3x Inc. 5000 fastest-growing company, SMC National, as he shares proven dental marketing strategies to attract a steady stream of new patients. Whether you're a solo practitioner or part of a larger group, Gary offers actionable insights to help your practice thrive. Tune in Monday through Friday for expert advice on the latest dental marketing trends, real-world challenges, and effective techniques to drive sustainable growth.

📧 Visit ➡️https://smcnational.com
🎙️ Check out our 2 Dental Podcasts ➡️ https://smcnational.com/podcasts/
📅 Upcoming Events ➡️https://smcnational.com/events

Dentist Asks for Help! Struggling to Get Patients in a Low-Visibility Location
Are you struggling to attract new patients to your dental practice despite using SEO, Google Ads, and social media? In this episode, we break down a real-life case of a dentist facing marketing challenges in a low-visibility medical building, surrounded by competition—including DSOs spending thousands on digital marketing. 

We discuss: 

     *Why marketing should never be an afterthought when opening a practice 
     *The reality of competing against corporate dental groups 
     *How to effectively target the right patients using data-driven strategies 
     *Why SEO, giveaways, and free promotions may not be enough 
     *The importance of a high-visibility location in your marketing plan 

If you’re facing similar struggles, this episode is a must-watch. Plus, we offer a free marketing analysis to help dentists identify the best opportunities in their market—no strings attached. 

Connect with our Host Here ⤵️
Gary Bird
Owner of SMC National

Website: https://smcnational.com/
Website: https://thegarybird.com

_________
Join Gary Bird, founder of 3x Inc. 5000 fastest-growing company, SMC National, as he shares proven dental marketing strategies to attract a steady stream of new patients. Whether you're a solo practitioner or part of a larger group, Gary offers actionable insights to help your practice thrive. Tune in Monday through Friday for expert advice on the latest dental marketing trends, real-world challenges, and effective techniques to drive sustainable growth.

📧 Visit ➡️https://smcnational.com
🎙️ Check out our 2 Dental Podcasts ➡️ https://smcnational.com/podcasts/
📅 Upcoming Events ➡️https://smcnational.com/events

How I Started in Phone Book Marketing (And the 4 M’s You Need to Win Today)
Marketing a dental practice used to be as simple as running a phone book ad—but times have changed. In this episode, I share how I started in dental marketing with phone books (yes, really) and the critical lessons that still apply today. If you’re struggling with marketing, frustrated by slow growth, or unsure why your efforts aren’t working, this episode is for you.

I break down the Four M’s of Marketing—the essential framework to help you identify what’s holding your practice back:
1. Marketing – Are you investing in the right strategies?
2. Market – Are you targeting the right audience?
3. Motivation – Is your team aligned with your goals?
4. Methods – Are you optimizing how you engage with patients?

If what worked five years ago isn’t working now, it’s time to adapt. Watch to learn how to diagnose and fix your marketing challenges so your practice can grow.

Connect with our Host Here ⤵️
Gary Bird
Owner of SMC National

Website: https://smcnational.com/
Website: https://thegarybird.com

_________
Join Gary Bird, founder of 3x Inc. 5000 fastest-growing company, SMC National, as he shares proven dental marketing strategies to attract a steady stream of new patients. Whether you're a solo practitioner or part of a larger group, Gary offers actionable insights to help your practice thrive. Tune in Monday through Friday for expert advice on the latest dental marketing trends, real-world challenges, and effective techniques to drive sustainable growth.

📧 Visit ➡️https://smcnational.com
🎙️ Check out our 2 Dental Podcasts ➡️ https://smcnational.com/podcasts/
📅 Upcoming Events ➡️https://smcnational.com/events

Are you losing new patients because of how your front desk handles calls?
In this episode of Dental Marketing Goat, host Gary Bird shares a powerful front desk scripting hack that can significantly boost your new patient numbers—without spending a penny more on marketing.

Learn how simple changes to phone call scripts can transform your conversion rates. Gary walks you through:
     *The exact scripts your team should use to handle pricing and insurance
       questions.
     *How to effectively schedule appointments with a dual-alternate close.
     *The common mistakes most dental offices make on calls and how to avoid
       them.

Find out how one dental practice went from 51 to 88 new patients a month with this approach—no extra marketing dollars required!

Want the free scripts and training for your team? Comment below, and we'll send them your way. Don't miss this game-changing strategy to grow your practice!

Connect with our Host Here ⤵️
Gary Bird
Owner of SMC National

Website: https://smcnational.com/
Website: https://thegarybird.com

_________
Join Gary Bird, founder of 3x Inc. 5000 fastest-growing company, SMC National, as he shares proven dental marketing strategies to attract a steady stream of new patients. Whether you're a solo practitioner or part of a larger group, Gary offers actionable insights to help your practice thrive. Tune in Monday through Friday for expert advice on the latest dental marketing trends, real-world challenges, and effective techniques to drive sustainable growth.

📧 Visit ➡️https://smcnational.com
🎙️ Check out our 2 Dental Podcasts ➡️ https://smcnational.com/podcasts/
📅 Upcoming Events ➡️https://smcnational.com/events

Does Location Matter in Dentistry? The Surprising Truth About Growing Your Practice
In this episode of Dental Marketing Goat, Gary Bird dives deep into one of the most debated topics in the dental community: Does location matter for your dental office? Spoiler alert—yes, it does, but maybe not for the reasons you think!
Gary explores why choosing the right location is critical to attracting new patients, building trust, and fostering long-term growth. From understanding traffic patterns to leveraging high-visibility retail spaces, this episode offers actionable insights for dentists looking to maximize their practice's potential.

Key takeaways include:

• Why traffic flow and convenience are game-changers for patient acquisition.
• The impact of visibility in high-traffic areas on patient trust and marketing ROI.
• Real-life examples of how the wrong location can harm your practice.
• Tips for selecting a location that aligns with your growth goals.

Don’t miss this episode if you’re a dentist or practice owner eager to level the playing field against the competition. 

Connect with our Host Here ⤵️
Gary Bird
Owner of SMC National

Website: https://smcnational.com/
Website: https://thegarybird.com

_________
Join Gary Bird, founder of 3x Inc. 5000 fastest-growing company, SMC National, as he shares proven dental marketing strategies to attract a steady stream of new patients. Whether you're a solo practitioner or part of a larger group, Gary offers actionable insights to help your practice thrive. Tune in Monday through Friday for expert advice on the latest dental marketing trends, real-world challenges, and effective techniques to drive sustainable growth.

📧 Visit ➡️https://smcnational.com
🎙️ Check out our 2 Dental Podcasts ➡️ https://smcnational.com/podcasts/
📅 Upcoming Events ➡️https://smcnational.com/events

In this episode of Dental Marketing Goat, host Gary Bird, Owner of SMC National, dives into a critical issue many dentists face: cutting their marketing budget during tough times. While it might seem like a quick fix to save money, this approach can backfire, leading to even bigger challenges down the road.
Gary explores the mindset shift needed to focus on growing the top line rather than just cutting the bottom line, inspired by Henry Ford's famous quote: "Cutting marketing to save money is like throwing away your watch to save time."

Tune in to learn:
     *Why cutting your marketing budget hurts your practice’s growth.
     *Practical strategies to boost revenue without cutting corners:
     *Leveraging existing patient opportunities for high-value treatments.
     *Re-engaging dormant patients for cleanings and overdue treatments.
     *Improving front desk performance and scheduling efficiency.
     *Enhancing case acceptance and patient follow-ups for better results.

Whether you're a dentist struggling to balance your budget or looking to optimize your practice's profitability, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you grow sustainably.

Connect with our Host Here ⤵️
Gary Bird
Owner of SMC National

Website: https://smcnational.com/
Website: https://thegarybird.com

_________
Join Gary Bird, founder of 3x Inc. 5000 fastest-growing company, SMC National, as he shares proven dental marketing strategies to attract a steady stream of new patients. Whether you're a solo practitioner or part of a larger group, Gary offers actionable insights to help your practice thrive. Tune in Monday through Friday for expert advice on the latest dental marketing trends, real-world challenges, and effective techniques to drive sustainable growth.

📧 Visit ➡️https://smcnational.com
🎙️ Check out our 2 Dental Podcasts ➡️ https://smcnational.com/podcasts/
📅 Upcoming Events ➡️https://smcnational.com/events

Why Do We Give Away All Our Resources for FREE?
In this episode of Dental Marketing Goat, Gary Bird, Owner of SMC National, breaks down why his team provides free marketing and training resources to dentists.

What You'll Learn:
     *The challenges most dental practices face with unanswered calls, untrained front desk teams,
       and low conversion rates.
     *Why SMC National creates high-quality training materials for marketing, phone handling,
       scheduling, treatment presentations, and more—and gives them away for free.
     *How these resources help practices grow, overcome operational gaps, and create opportunities
       for collaboration.

Whether you're struggling to afford professional marketing services or want to DIY your growth strategy, these free resources are designed to help your practice thrive.

Resources Mentioned in the Video:
     *Marketing calendars
     *Phone training
     *Customer service training
     *Internal marketing strategies
     *Treatment presentation techniques
     *Dropping insurance guidance
     *Key performance indicators (KPIs) to track

How to Get the Resources:
     1. Drop a comment below saying, “Give me the resources.”
     2. We’ll DM you a link to access them all in one place.


Connect with our Host Here ⤵️
Gary Bird
Owner of SMC National

Website: https://smcnational.com/
Website: https://thegarybird.com

_________
Join Gary Bird, founder of 3x Inc. 5000 fastest-growing company, SMC National, as he shares proven dental marketing strategies to attract a steady stream of new patients. Whether you're a solo practitioner or part of a larger group, Gary offers actionable insights to help your practice thrive. Tune in Monday through Friday for expert advice on the latest dental marketing trends, real-world challenges, and effective techniques to drive sustainable growth.

📧 Visit ➡️https://smcnational.com
🎙️ Check out our 2 Dental Podcasts ➡️ https://smcnational.com/podcasts/
📅 Upcoming Events ➡️https://smcnational.com/events