Dentrepreneur Podcast

What do you think drives a successful dentist and business owner to develop a coaching program? What motivates you to advocate for the success of other dentists?

In this episode of The Dentrepreneur Show, Dr. D. Todd Russell interviews Dr. Anissa Holmes, a dentist with 20 years of clinical practice who owns a dental practice and is also a dental coach. With a passion for transforming the face of dental education, Dr. Anissa Holmes has made a name for herself as a leading expert in coaching and presentations. Her exceptional abilities have earned her numerous invitations to keynote at prestigious events such as the AACD, to contribute to dental publications such as Dental Economics, and to present at important dental meetings and societies.

Dr. Holmes and her team of experts lead the delivery of WOW Dental Education, assisting dental practices in achieving exponential growth. Team transformation, leadership, effective case presentation, schedule and system optimization, and high-return marketing implementation are all priorities. In this episode, Dr. Holmes discusses her career in dentistry and her legacy, which inspired her to write the book "Delivering Well," as well as her upcoming book.

They will touch on such topics as:

• Planning an exit from your practice and then building a business with the right people, processes, and tools: “The quicker you do things, the quicker you build.”
• The importance of having a vision and mentors: “Doing things without stress and learning how to do it in scale honestly comes from having your vision, knowing what you want and having mentorship.”
• The top 10 most important systems to focus on, the importance of scorecards, and understanding the truth of what is happening in a practice.
• Lessons learned from other dentists and coaches, influenced by how successful they are and what they’re doing, and learning that accountability is the first capstone of the book.
• The impact of mentors and coaches that have helped her grow her practice, such as Russell Brunson, and how important they are in the dental industry.
• Getting started with free denture boot camps and the key to growing and helping people: “We want to have influence, we want to be able to impact the industry at this point.”

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Connect with Dr. Anissa Holmes:

• Website: https://www.deliveringwow.com/
• Instagram: @dranissaholmes
• Podcast: The Delivering WOW Dental Podcast

Connect with Dr. D. Todd Russell, DDS:

• Website: https://dentrepreneurllc.com/
• Youtube: @DentrepreneurShow
• LinkedIn: Dr. D Todd Russell, DDS
• Twitter: @drtoddrussell

Quote:

“When you find a good mentor, you find somebody who's done it. They’ve done things you wanted to do before, learn from them, and be coachable. It is the fastest way to get where you want to get to freedom. The quicker we do it, the longer we can enjoy it.” - Dr. Anissa Holmes

Have you ever wondered about the importance of mentorship and how to even find a mentor in the first place? How can you benefit from mentorship and use it in the pursuit of your own success?

On this episode of Dentrepreneur, Dr. D. Todd Russell interviews his longtime friend and exceptional dentist, Dr. David Rice, founder and CEO of igniteDDS. Dr. Rice founded the nation's largest new dentist and student community and travels the world speaking, writing, and connecting today's top young dentists with tomorrow's most successful dental practices. He is the Chief Editor of DentistryIQ and leads a team-centered, restorative, and implant practice in East Amherst, NY. He's trained at The Pankey Institute, The Dawson Academy, Spear, and, most notably, the School of Hard-knocks.

They will discuss the inception and growth of igniteDDS, which started as a small mentorship community and has grown into a platform offering continuing education, practice transitions, and more for over 51,000 young dentists in North America. Dr. Rice shares his journey from dental school to launching his company and partnering with IVO-Clar. Listeners get a glimpse of the exceptional dentist's career, successes, and how he leveraged his expertise in dentistry over the years. This is a fun-filled episode where Dr. Russell and Dr. Rice also jokingly reminisce about their dental school days and discuss the various aspects of dentistry.

They will touch on such topics as:

• About igniteDDS mentorship community: “We work with them on all the things necessary to win in life. Our goal is to give them all a self-determined future.”
• Establishing and helping young doctors get growing: “I think the hardest job for young docs today is figuring out, Who do I want to be when I grow up?”
• Dentistry versus MDs and how dentistry has so much more flexibility.
• Dr. Rice shares his exit thoughts, how much debt he had before he graduated, and why the best time to exit a practice is 35.
• The importance of having both processes and people buttoned up, financial systems, KPIs, and accounting.
• Dr. Rice's thoughts on buying and selling practices, and things to look out for when buying practices: “Surround yourself with the greatest advisers.”
• The keys to selling your practice, and how to get to the highest valuation: “You need to level up your culture to getting a team with character.”

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Connect with Dr. D. Todd Russell, DDS:

• Website: https://dentrepreneurllc.com/
• LinkedIn: Dr. D Todd Russell, DDS
• Twitter: @drtoddrussell

Quote:

"Learn how the game works. Get excellent objective mentoring from the top team. They've been through it before, so they understand the wins, losses, and risks, which is all you need as an investor. Invest and leverage your money wisely."- Dr. David Rice

How can physical therapists and dentists benefit from applying a small business mindset to their clinical practices? What are some key strategies for balancing the clinical and business aspects of physical therapy and dentistry?

In this episode of the Dentrepreneur show, Dr. D Todd Russell interviews Dave Kittle, a physical therapy extraordinaire and owner of Concierge Physical Therapy in Brooklyn, New York. They discuss how the synergy between their businesses is evident, despite being fundamentally different. Dr. Todd asks Dave about his experience and expertise in physical therapy and how he got started in the field, along with other questions related to running a successful business.

This episode is informative for aspiring entrepreneurs and existing business owners alike. Dave emphasizes the importance of providing excellent patient care, having a clear vision and culture for the practice, and developing a team of like-minded individuals passionate about their work. If you're interested in learning about the parallels between dental and physical therapy practices, this is a great episode to listen to.

They will touch on such topics as:

• Dave's entrepreneurial journey, including his failures and successes.
• The importance of experience and Dave’s thinking about an exit from his business: “We are looking to partner or acquire practices.”
• Dr. Todd talks about selling his practice, and the transition from dental school to ownership: “We would probably spend less time checking in on them or babysitting them, we certainly would still be coaching and supporting them.”
• Measuring success with EBITDA: “The  more revenue you have, the higher the net operating income.”
• Cultural differences in physical therapy, and the equity retention and interests of the younger physical therapy owners.
• Private equity-backed in the physical therapy space and practice acquisition.
• Physical therapy business models and diversifying within healthcare.
• Private practice ownership options and what the most exciting things about the seller’s future: “Depending on the financial health of their practice, and all their motivation, if they're starting the process early, they will have more options and more leverage in the negotiation.”
• Entrepreneurship and taking chances, knowing the path you want to take. “Surround yourself with the right people.”
• The success stories of Abraham Lincoln and Bernard Arnault, as well as how their failures and risk-taking led to their success.

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Reach out to Dave:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @davekittle
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davekittle/
• Call (646)-781-8884

Connect with Dr. D. Todd Russell, DDS:

• Website: https://dentrepreneurllc.com/
• LinkedIn: Dr. D Todd Russell, DDS
• Twitter: @drtoddrussell

Quote:

“It's not going just to be because you want it right, you actually have to show it and prove it. That all takes time. Taking risks, taking more action than the average. ” - Dave Kittle

What are some of the essential elements of a comprehensive approach to dental practice management? What are some of the most common issues that dental practices face?

On this episode of the Dentrepreneur podcast, Dr. D Todd Russell interviews Jon Blair of Jon Blair and Associates, a company that specializes in buying and selling dental practices. They discuss how they first met over a dental practice transaction and the success of the practice since the purchase. Jon also shares the story of how he got involved in the company, which started with helping his primary care physician collect overdue accounts receivables. The podcast highlights the diverse services offered by Jon Blair and Associates, except for actually performing dental procedures. Over the last 30 years, the company has grown to provide practice management training, facilitate and speak at residencies and dental schools, help with selling, valuing, and matching buyers and sellers for practices, as well as procure associate doctors. 

Jon R. Blair is widely regarded as a leading authority on dental practice management. He has trained and advised hundreds of dentists and staff members across the United States and Canada over the last 28 years.

They will touch on such topics as: 

• How Jon changed careers a few years ago, starting with no clients and sending out letters, knocking on doors, and even volunteering for a dental research project to make some contacts.
• The processes Jon learned in helping other dentists with their practices and getting good results and increasing profitability
• How much the business of dentistry changed over the years
• As a private practice dentist, you're a clinician, so you better be proficient in those areas, get confident in the things you're not that confident in, and increase your efficiency, which is getting to know patients more effectively.
• Dental school teaches us how to do baseline dentistry. But it doesn't teach us how to run a business.
• What does a dentist have to start preparing for when it comes to selling?
• How can you get your practice prepared for a sale?
• Buyers want predictability. When the main provider stays, a predictable revenue stream and new patient flow relationships are established, and there is less staff attrition. So, if the number is large enough, the selling doctor will remain for three years.

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Reach out to Jon Blair:

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

Connect with Dr. D. Todd Russell, DDS:

• Website: https://dentrepreneurllc.com/
• LinkedIn: Dr. D Todd Russell, DDS
• Twitter: @drtoddrussell

Quote:

“Feel good about your craft. Feel good about the dentistry you're doing, the impact you're having on the community with their oral health.”- Jon Blair

What effect will future technological advancements have on dental practice transitions? Will buying or selling a dental practice become easier or more difficult in the future?

This week’s episode, Dr. D Todd Russell interviews Chris Vandiford, owner and founder of Transition One Dental. Chris Vandiford began providing professional guidance to dentists in the Midwest Dental Market after moving to Ohio in 2001. He has over 350 dental transitions under his belt and has received numerous work, leadership, and community awards. He enjoys motivational speaking and gives annual presentations to large groups of dental professionals and other local organizations. Frequently found presenting at dental schools in the winter and regional dental conventions in the summer and fall, Chris enjoys hiking, fitness, and traveling when he is not in front of a crowd.

In this episode, Chris also talks about the entrepreneurship of running a dental practice, as well as exit strategies, valuations, contracts, and employment agreements with doctors. They discuss how the dental market is heating up, practice consolidation, and the growing number of dental school graduates. They share the same passion for providing the right information for people to benefit from.

They will touch on such topics as: 

• Each practice is different. Each dentist is different, their needs are different. 
• The amount of time it takes to support a buyer to maximize the sale and to hand it off.
• The most successful transitions are those in which you provide post-sale support for a period of time.
• Make sure your documents are structured correctly and clean your documents as much as you can to show as much cash flow as possible because the cash flow gets you to your asking price.
• Put yourself in the shoes of the buyer when the buyer walks in. 
• You should have a very good broker on your team or advisor who's advising you will maximize your game. 
• You need to have an accountant that understands valuation that has been part of transactions before.
• Your team should consist of people who can provide you with a realistic picture. The team will maximize your value, but the buyers should also benefit. And any relationship in which the buyer suffers a loss is not a good transmission.

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Reach out to Chris Vandiford:

Social Media:

• LinkedIn: @chris-vandiford
• Facebook: @TransitionOne.net
• Twitter: @transitionone1
• Website: https://transitionone.net/

Connect with Dr. D. Todd Russell, DDS:

• Website: https://dentrepreneurllc.com/
• LinkedIn: Dr. D Todd Russell, DDS
• Twitter: @drtoddrussell

Why is quality assurance so important in the maintenance of a dental practice? What are the standards of care that you must maintain to successfully grow your dental practice?

Today's patients think and behave like consumers regarding their healthcare - including their dental care. In this episode of The Dentrepreneur Show, Dr. D. Todd Russell, DDS will talk about the mindset that will help you provide a high standard of care that meets patients' expectations and drives your revenue goals.

Dr. Russell will touch on topics such as:

• Interviewing people who have been part of transactions to buy and sell dental practices.
• Tips that will guide you at different stages of your dental practice ownership career.
• Discouraging low standards of care in dentistry.
• When you make a mistake with a dental procedure, just fix it. Don’t ask questions.
• Why you must have integrity and honesty as a dentist.

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Connect with Dr. D. Todd Russell, DDS:

• Website: https://dentrepreneurllc.com/
• LinkedIn: Dr. D Todd Russell, DDS
• Twitter: @drtoddrussell

Quotes

“Failure and how to fix the failure is a better lesson than how to fix it the first time” - Dr. D. Todd Russell

“Patients appreciate your integrity so stick with being honest and having integrity” - Dr. D. Todd Russell

Have you considered selling some or all of your healthcare business? Do you need a broker? Do you want to know how you can sell your dental practice for top dollar?

In this episode of The Dentrepreneur Show, Dr. D. Todd Russell, DDS will interview Dr. David Kittle, PT, DPT, the Founder and CEO of Concierge Pain Relief, a home physical therapy practice in Brooklyn, NY. Dave is also the CEO of The Fieldmaker Group, an investment group focused on acquiring outpatient physical therapy practices, mobile/concierge PT practices, and home health companies.

Dave will touch on topics such as:

• Running his podcast and his concierge physical therapy practice.
• Why every young dentist or practice owner should start considering their exit strategy.
• Growing your dental practice or healthcare business in a way that you will be able to sell it.
• Key things that buyers look at when they want to buy a practice.

P.S. Follow, Rate, and Review

Connect with Dr. D. Todd Russell, DDS:

• Website: https://dentrepreneurllc.com/
• LinkedIn: Dr. D Todd Russell, DDS
• Twitter: @drtoddrussell

Who is your influencer or mentor? What lessons about management have you been putting into practice in your dental practice? 

A good mentor can make the difference between a successful dental practice ownership and feeling like you’re floundering. In this episode of The Dentrepreneur Show, Dr. D. Todd Russell, DDS will highlight how having an influencer or mentor can help you avoid the pitfalls that come with starting and running a dental practice. He will also mention some actionable tips that you can use to get the best influencers and mentors.

Dr. Russell will touch on topics such as:

• How influencers or mentors can help you succeed in your dental practice.
• Doing what it takes to be number one.
• Why reading books is a great way to learn and stay motivated.
• EOS - Simplifying how you operate your dental practice.
• Using ChatGPT to simplify your data research.

P.S. Follow, Rate, and Review

Connect with Dr. D. Todd Russell, DDS:

• Website: https://dentrepreneurllc.com/
• LinkedIn: Dr. D Todd Russell, DDS
• Twitter: @drtoddrussell

Quotes

“You either win or you lose, and when you lose, you have to try harder and work harder to win” - Dr. D. Todd Russell

“You don't have to trip and fall. You can avoid the costly, painful falls that you may take, by listening to what someone else has gone through, even if they’re not in the dental space” - Dr. D. Todd Russell

Have you been wondering who Dr. D. Todd Russell, DDS is? Would you like to learn more about him personally and how he got into the world of dentistry to become a huge success with unmatched experience?

In this episode of The Dentrepreneur Show, Dr. D. Todd Russell, DDS will share some fun facts about who he is, how he got into the dental industry, and what makes him tick both as a professional and family man.

Dr. Russell will touch on topics such as:

• The wild ride of being a pro-hockey team dentist and a resident in a level one trauma center.
• His love for dogs: Being on his third English Mastiff.
• Being a family man.

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Connect with Dr. D. Todd Russell, DDS:

• Website: https://dentrepreneurllc.com/
• LinkedIn: Dr. D Todd Russell, DDS
• Twitter: @drtoddrussell

Have you developed an exit and transition plan for your dental practice? Do you know how you can accomplish an optimal outcome when you’re ready to sell your dental practice?

In this episode of The Dentrepreneur Show, Dr. D. Todd Russell, DDS will interview Jon Blair, the Founder of Jon Blair Associates (JBA) and a leading authority on the management of dental practices. He founded JBA over 28 years ago and has trained and advised hundreds of dentists and staff throughout the U.S. and Canada. He lectures at various dental schools and study clubs.

Jon will touch on topics such as:

• Teaching clients advanced business, leadership, and people skills for the purpose of operating profitable and professionally fulfilling private practices.
• How long it would take you to exit your dental practice successfully.
• Preparing for the transition 60 months in advance.
• Options Instead of Obligations: The importance of having your financial independence in place.

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Reach out to Jon Blair:

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

Connect with Dr. D. Todd Russell, DDS:

• Website: https://dentrepreneurllc.com/
• LinkedIn: Dr. D Todd Russell, DDS
• Twitter: @drtoddrussell

Quotes

“Have the financial independence in place and then choose to continue to practice” - Jon Blair