In this episode of Clinical Unfiltered, Dr. Sausha Toghranegar and Dr. Polly break down the complexities of the periodontal classification system and what it means for modern dentistry. They discuss the shift from old to new terminology, staging and grading, the Cairo and Miller classifications, and how social media is shaping dental education—while highlighting the ongoing challenge of clearly communicating these concepts to patients.

Success isn’t always as glamorous as it looks. In this episode of Dental Unfiltered, hosts Matt Brown and Dr. Andrew Vallo explore the idea of the “success tax”—the emotional and social costs that often come with achievement in dentistry. They discuss loneliness, changing relationships, and the pressure of meeting external expectations, while emphasizing the importance of defining success on your own terms and building a strong support system along the way.

In this episode of Management Unfiltered, Zach Shelley and Kirk Teachout explore the hidden costs of leaders wearing too many hats and how it impacts growth, trust, and team dynamics. They break down why delegation is so hard, the psychology behind control, and practical strategies for empowering your team to improve productivity and efficiency.

In this episode of Dental Unfiltered, Matt Brown and Dr. Andrew Vallo break down the milestones behind Dr. Vallo’s rapidly growing practices, including an incredible $165,000 in collections in a single day. They dive into strategies for maximizing revenue—especially during the holiday season—along with the power of delegation, trust, and strong leadership. The conversation also looks ahead to the future of dental practice growth, general dentistry, and the expanding role of implant dentistry.

Unexpected weather can disrupt even the best-run practices. In this episode of Management Unfiltered, Zach Shelley and Kirk Teachout discuss how dental leaders can navigate weather-related closures with clear communication, realistic expectations, and compassion. They share practical strategies for managing patients, supporting team members, and leaning on community relationships during challenging situations.

In this episode of Dental Unfiltered, Matt Brown and Dr. Andrew Vallo discuss how dentists can better position themselves to secure practice funding. They break down common loan challenges, why banks often misread dentists as employees instead of business owners, and what it takes to stand out—organized financials, clear plans, and speaking the bank’s language. A practical episode for dentists looking to fund growth with confidence.

Kirk Teachout and Zach Shelley take on toxic positivity in leadership and why “staying positive” can sometimes do more harm than good. They discuss how avoiding hard conversations and tolerating underperformance erodes trust, accountability, and team respect. Through real experiences and practical insights, Kirk and Zach explain why honest dialogue and addressing root issues—not surface-level optimism—are essential to building a healthy, high-performing team.

Matt Brown and Dr. Andrew Vallo break down why daily goals matter more than you think. They explore how tracking daily metrics drives long-term practice success, the value of transparency around financial goals, and how celebrating small wins keeps teams motivated. From setting ambitious targets to adjusting goals around holidays and slower months, this episode offers practical strategies to help dental practices stay focused, aligned, and performing at a higher level.

In this episode of Management Unfiltered, Kirk Teachout and Zach Shelley dive into how to handle difficult workplace conversations without creating unnecessary tension. They discuss why approach, tone, and body language matter, share practical tips for giving and receiving feedback, and explore how leaders can encourage open communication within their teams. Through real-world examples, they highlight how addressing issues early and listening actively can prevent conflict and build a healthier, more effective work environment.

Matt Brown and Dr. Andrew Vallo discuss how dental practices can improve cash flow by leveraging free iTero scanners and smart vendor negotiations. Dr. Vallo shares real-world insights on working with labs to secure equipment without upfront costs, optimizing payment terms, and creating flexible Invisalign payment plans. This episode highlights practical strategies to strengthen cash flow, improve efficiency, and support sustainable practice growth.