In this episode of Dentistry Beyond the Numbers, host Dr. Marc Liechtung talks with Dr. Tony Stefanou, a former practicing dentist turned mergers & acquisitions expert and founder of Connect the Dents.

They dive deep into the real business side of dentistry — from understanding EBITDA to navigating DSOs, private equity, and how to protect your value as an independent dentist.

Dr. Stefanou shares invaluable insight on:

• What determines a dental practice’s true value

• How to increase your EBITDA (and your exit number)

• The biggest myths about selling a practice

• Where private equity is headed next in dentistry

Whether you’re building your first practice or planning your exit, this episode delivers wisdom you can use today.

Follow for more business insights that every dentist needs to know.

This special episode of Dentistry Beyond the Numbers is all about reflection and what’s next!

Host Dr. Marc Liechtung takes you behind the scenes of a milestone season — from major trade shows and university lectures to legendary guests like Howard Farran, Gordon Christensen, Kim Kutsch, and Chuck Cohen.

Hear about our Denobi Award nomination, audience growth, and what’s coming next: new guests, more travel, and deeper conversations on what truly makes a dental practice valuable — beyond just great dentistry.

👉 Don’t forget to follow and subscribe — more than 90% of our listeners aren’t subscribed yet! Your support helps us reach more dental professionals and keep these conversations going.

It’s not just what you earn—it’s what you keep.

In this episode of Dentistry Beyond the Numbers, host Dr. Marc Liechtung welcomes Tim McNeely, CFP®, CEPA®, founder of Dental Wealth Nation. Tim specializes in helping dentists create long-term wealth strategies, stress-test their financial plans, and design exits that match their life goals.

You’ll learn:

• Why “getting rich once” is all it takes—and how to do it.

• The 3 keys young dentists should master to set themselves up for success.

• The biggest mid-career financial mistakes (and how to avoid them).

• How to identify and close your “wealth gap.”

• Why exit planning isn’t the end—it’s good business planning today.

Whether you’re a new grad or approaching retirement, this conversation will give you practical strategies to secure your financial future.

What if your practice could move from 92% collections to 100%—or more?

In this episode of Dentistry Beyond the Numbers, Dr. Marc Liechtung interviews Bri Richardson, CDA, a dental insurance and collections expert who helps practices stop leaving money on the table.

From patient collections to AR clean-up, Bri shares real-world strategies to tighten your financial systems, empower your team, and create a healthier, more profitable practice.

Tune in to learn why most offices lose money on the front end—and how you can change that today.

Welcome back to Dentistry Beyond the Numbers with your host, Dr. Marc Liechtung.

In today's episode, we're diving into a topic that can make or break your dental practice: Google reviews. Dr. Marc is joined by a true pioneer in the field, Dr. Len Tau, a marketing expert and the visionary behind some of the most effective review solutions for dentists.

Join us as we explore the vital role of online reputation. We'll discuss why Google reviews are so valuable, how your team can collect more of them, and what to do when a one-star review throws your team off balance. Dr. Tau shares his incredible story, from practicing dentist to becoming a respected marketing legend.

This episode is a deep dive into the business side of dentistry that goes beyond the simple numbers and focuses on what truly matters—your reputation.

In this episode, you will discover:

• The surprising value of consistent Google reviews.

• Actionable steps to empower your team to get more patient testimonials.

• A roadmap for responding to both positive and negative feedback.

• An inside look at the journey of an entrepreneurial dentist.

Tune in to learn how to supercharge your practice with a better online reputation.

Struggling to make PPOs work for your practice? You're not alone. On this episode of Dentistry Beyond the Numbers, we sit down with dental business expert Dr. Stephanie Mapp. In a world where everyone is chasing fee-for-service, Dr. Mapp shares her powerful journey of transitioning from a thriving fee-for-service practice to a profitable PPO model after the 2008 recession.

Discover how she went from being on the verge of financial ruin to mastering insurance contracts and building a thriving, profitable practice. Dr. Mapp reveals her secrets for maximizing reimbursements, why reading every insurance manual is a game-changer, and how to use data to make smart business decisions. If you've ever felt trapped by low PPO fees, this episode is a must-listen.

Key takeaways:

• The hidden costs of PPOs and how to identify them.

• How to create a custom spreadsheet to analyze your top-paying codes.

• The difference between production per hour and collection per hour.

• Why you should become the CEO of your practice's business operations.

Join us as we challenge the common narrative and prove that PPOs can be a powerful tool for practice growth and profitability in 2025 and beyond.

On this episode of Dentistry Beyond the Numbers, host Dr. Marc Liechtung sits down with a true legend of the dental industry, Fred Joyal. As the founder of 1-800-DENTIST and author of Superbold, Fred Joyal pioneered dental marketing and continues to shape the industry's future.

Dr. Liechtung and Fred dive into what it takes to thrive in today's fast-paced marketing world, from patient expectations and consumer behavior to the power of a remarkable team. They discuss the origins of 1-800-DENTIST, the evolution of digital marketing, and how private practices can compete with larger DSOs.

Key discussion points include:

• Why the patient experience is more critical than ever.

• The essential components of a modern digital marketing strategy.

• How to turn word-of-mouth referrals into permanent online assets.

• The surprising marketing value of advanced dental technology.

• Practical advice for building a practice that patients trust.

Tune in for invaluable insights that will help you attract new patients, build a stronger team, and grow your practice in a way that goes far beyond the numbers.

Welcome back to Dentistry Beyond the Numbers! In this episode, sponsored by OrthoBrain, we follow up on last week's discussion about the "why" of clear aligners by diving into the "how." Dr. Marc Liechtung sits down with the dynamic Dr. Sam Glick to unpack his proven strategies for seamlessly integrating clear aligners into a multi-location general dental practice.

Dr. Glick shares how clear aligners have not only enhanced patient care but also significantly boosted his practice's profitability. Learn about team training, patient communication, and the incredible educational support from OrthoBrain that empowers general dentists to confidently take on a wide range of clear aligner cases. If you're ready to expand your services, increase revenue, and become a "super generalist," this episode is for you!

Are you ready to transform your dental practice?

In this eye-opening episode of Dentistry Beyond the Numbers, Dr. Marc Liechtung reveals why clear aligners are no longer just for orthodontists – they're a must-have for every general dentist! Discover how integrating clear aligners, specifically with our partners at OrthoBrain, can dramatically increase your practice's revenue, enhance patient care, and boost team retention.

Dr. Liechtung shares personal insights on overcoming the fear of clear aligners and breaks down the incredible financial impact: imagine an extra half-million dollars in gross revenue annually by simply doing two cases a week! Learn how OrthoBrain removes the guesswork and fear, offering unparalleled orthodontic guidance and support, making it easier than ever to get started – even if you're an experienced clinician or a new associate.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The surprising financial benefits of adding clear aligners to your services.

• How "dentistry begets dentistry" and how clear aligners lead to more restorative, implant, and cosmetic cases.

• Why OrthoBrain is the ideal partner for general dentists, providing practical learning and expert orthodontic consultation.

• Strategies for seamlessly integrating clear aligners into your practice, regardless of your experience level.

• The impact of clear aligners on patient satisfaction, periodontal health, and overall practice growth.

  
  

Don't miss this essential conversation that could redefine your practice's future! Tune in and discover how to become a "super generalist" and achieve unparalleled productivity and profitability.

Listen now and revolutionize your practice!

Be sure to visit OrthoBrain to maximize your practice's potential → https://orthobrain.com/

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Dentistry Beyond the Numbers presents an essential conversation on modern dental marketing with host Dr. Marc Liechtung and esteemed guest Gary Bird, founder & CEO of SMN National.

In an increasingly competitive dental landscape, understanding effective marketing strategies is no longer optional—it's vital. Gary Bird, a respected voice in dental growth, unpacks critical insights, including:

• The dramatic shifts in dentistry post-COVID and heightened competition from DSOs.

• The staggering statistic that 80% of potential new patients are lost due to overlooked operational inefficiencies.

• The distinction between high-trust patient referrals and low-trust marketing leads, and how to convert the latter.

• Strategic pricing models, like loss leaders, used by top businesses to drive profit.

• The power of patient financing as a sales-setting tool, not just a sale-saving one.

• Why traditional advice for growing a practice may no longer apply.

• The upcoming AI revolution and its inevitable impact on dental practice operations, particularly in non-clinical roles.

• Gary shares his fascinating, "accidental" journey into becoming a leading dental marketer.

• The critical role of a Client Relationship Management (CRM) system for accurately tracking patient opportunities and understanding your growth levers.

• Why your front desk team is the most crucial asset in converting marketing leads and driving internal referrals.

This episode is packed with actionable advice for dentists looking to optimize their marketing spend, attract the right patients, and build a thriving practice that can stand strong against any competition. As Dr. Liechtung warns, be wary of "imposters" in the marketing world; choose partners who understand the unique science and daily evolution of dental marketing. Don't miss this candid discussion on transforming your dental business!