Elevation Association Experience Podcast

A big vision is great—but without clear waypoints, it’s easy to end up climbing the wrong mountain.

In Episode 51 of the Elevation Association Experience Podcast, Dr. Jared Hill and Dr. Dan Nelson continue the ascent up the Leadership Peak by breaking down one of the most practical parts of the Elevation Association Operating System: turning your long-term vision into measurable milestones and 90-day priorities.

Starting with your 10-year BHAG, Jared and Dan walk through how to build a realistic 3-year picture, narrow that into focused 1-year goals, and then create 90-day “rocks” that actually move your practice forward.

They also dig into where goal-setting often falls apart: too many priorities, vague goals, the wrong people on the leadership team, shared accountability, and failing to consistently review progress.

In this episode:

• Why a BHAG without waypoints can send you up the wrong mountain

• How to build a clear 3-year picture for your practice

• Choosing the 3–7 goals that actually matter this year

• Turning annual goals into focused 90-day rocks

• How to choose the right people for your leadership team

• Why every rock needs one clear owner

• The difference between owning a goal and doing all the work yourself

• How weekly Level 10 meetings keep goals from disappearing

• What to do when a quarterly goal goes off track

• Why priorities—not more to-do lists—create progress

Your homework:

Write your 3-year picture: four key numbers plus 10 statements that describe what is true three years from now.

Choose no more than three 1-year goals that point directly toward that picture.

Set 3–5 rocks for the next 90 days, each with one owner and a due date.

You don’t have to reach the summit today. You just need to know where the next waypoint is.

Elevate Your Practice. Elevate Your Life.

Core values shouldn’t be words on a wall.

In Episode 50 of the Elevation Association Experience Podcast, Dr. Dan Nelson and Dr. Jared Hill break down how to discover the core values that already exist in your best people—and then actually use them to build the culture of your dental practice.

They discuss why copying someone else’s core values rarely works, the difference between core and aspirational values, and why three to five memorable values are usually more powerful than a long list nobody can remember.

You’ll also learn how to put your core values into action by using them to:

• Hire the right people

• Identify when someone simply isn’t a cultural fit

• Evaluate and review team members

• Recognize and reward great behavior

• Create accountability across the entire team

• Choose associates and potential partners who align with your practice

• Reinforce your culture week after week

Dan and Jared also share real examples from Wood River Dental—including how misaligned core values affected an associate relationship, how they recognize team members for living their values, and why two partners with very different personalities can still build a successful practice when their values are aligned.

Your goals may change. Your team may change. Your practice may change.

But the values underneath the culture need to be clear.

Life. Leadership. Legacy.

Learn more about Elevation Association, join the EA community, explore upcoming summits, or get your Free Growth Report at ElevationAssociation.com.

What does success actually look like for you?

Most dentists never intentionally answer that question. Instead, we inherit the profession’s scoreboard: more production, more operatories, a bigger practice, more locations, more money.

Then we spend years climbing toward a summit we may not even want.

In Episode 49 of the Elevation Association Experience Podcast, Dr. Jared Hill and Dr. Dan Nelson kick off our 8-part Leadership Framework with **Milestone #1: Define Success**.

We break down:

• Why conventional markers of success can leave successful dentists unfulfilled

• How to define success on your own terms

• Why your definition of success should change as your season of life changes

• The “I know I’m successful when…” exercise

• How Jared and Dan use vision boards differently

• How to build a 10-year BHAG around the life you actually want

• The four types of BHAGs: Target, Competitive, Role Model, and Internal Transformation

• How to cascade a 10-year vision into 3-year, 1-year, and quarterly goals

• Four questions to stress-test your BHAG

• Where dentists commonly go wrong when setting long-term goals

• Why your practice should support your life plan—not compete with it

The goal isn’t simply to build a more successful dental practice.

It’s to intentionally build a practice that allows you to live your definition of a successful life.

**Your exercise:** Finish this sentence six different ways:

“I know I’m being successful when…”

Forget the numbers for a minute. Think about the conditions you want in your life: your time, freedom, family, health, work, relationships, and the things you actually want to spend your days doing.

Then ask yourself: **Is the practice I’m building actually taking me there?**

Learn more about Elevation Association and our Life, Leadership & Legacy framework at ElevationAssociation.com.

#Dentistry #DentalPractice #DentalLeadership #PracticeOwnership #Dentist #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #GoalSetting #BHAG #ElevationAssociation

Can taking more time off actually make you a better dentist, leader, spouse, and business owner? In this episode of the Elevation Association Experience Podcast, Dr. Jared Hill and Dr. Dan Nelson explore the science behind recovery, burnout, and why vacation isn't a luxury—it's one of the highest-return investments you can make in your career and your life. Drawing from peer-reviewed research, personal experience, and years of coaching successful dental practices, they discuss why so many dentists feel trapped by their businesses and how intentional time away can actually increase productivity, creativity, and long-term success. In This Episode: ✔️ The science behind vacation and improved mental performance ✔️ Why burnout is so common in dentistry—and how to prevent it ✔️ The connection between recovery and peak performance ✔️ Why your best ideas often happen away from the office ✔️ The "Default Mode Network" and creative thinking ✔️ How to plan your calendar so you can actually take meaningful vacations ✔️ Why travel creates stronger leaders, healthier families, and better businesses ✔️ Jared's simple framework for planning four meaningful vacations each year ✔️ Why "I can't afford to take time off" is usually a planning problem—not a financial one Whether you're a dentist, entrepreneur, healthcare professional, or business owner, this conversation will challenge the way you think about success, productivity, and building a life you actually enjoy living. 🌎 Learn more about Elevation Association https://www.elevationassociation.com Discover: • Dental Practice Coaching • Leadership Development • CE Events & Retreats • Belize Couples Summit • The Elevation Community Follow us: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elevationassociation 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elevationassociation If this episode helped you, Like, Subscribe, and Share so we can help more dental professionals build thriving practices without sacrificing the lives they're working so hard to create. #Dentistry #Dentist #Burnout #Leadership #DentalPractice #PracticeOwner #WorkLifeBalance #Productivity #BusinessOwner #Vacation #ContinuingEducation #DentalPodcast #ElevationAssociation #Success #Recovery

Dentistry can be one of the most rewarding professions—but it can also be one of the most isolating.

In Episode 47 of the Elevation Association Experience Podcast, Dr. Dan Nelson and Ryan Passey discuss why community isn't just a nice idea—it's essential for both personal and professional success. Inspired by a visit from Dr. Jeongwoo Lee, the incoming President of the Korean Dental Society, this conversation explores the growing challenges dentists face around isolation, burnout, competition, and the importance of finding a tribe.

Together, they share lessons from Korea's dental profession, discuss the surprising impact community has on health and happiness, and explain why Elevation Association was built around the idea that no dentist should have to navigate this profession alone.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why isolation is one of the greatest threats to dentists today

• What the Korean Dental Society is doing to address burnout and competition

• The surprising connection between community and long-term health

• Why success without meaningful relationships often feels empty

• How tribe, mentorship, and collaboration can transform your career

• The importance of creating an environment where dentists can be vulnerable and grow together

• Why Elevation Association focuses on Life, Leadership, and Legacy—not just business

Whether you're an experienced practice owner, a new dentist, or somewhere in between, this episode is a reminder that dentistry was never meant to be done alone.

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share it with another dentist who could benefit from finding their tribe.

Learn more about Elevation Association:

https://elevationassociation.com

Follow us for more conversations on leadership, practice growth, community, and building a life you love.

#Dentistry #DentalLeadership #DentalPodcast #ElevationAssociation #Community #Burnout #DentalPractice #PracticeGrowth #Leadership #LifeLeadershipLegacy #Dentist #PrivatePractice #DentalBusiness #Tribe

Are you producing more dentistry than ever—but taking home less?

In Episode 46 of the Elevation Association Experience Podcast, Dr. Dan Nelson, Dr. Jared Hill, and Ryan Passey uncover the hidden financial impact of PPO write-offs and insurance reimbursement. They break down real practice data, explain why so many dentists are losing thousands (or even millions) over the course of their careers, and share practical strategies to improve profitability without simply working harder.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why the average PPO practice collects only about 55–58% of what it produces

• The difference between contractual write-offs and adjustments

• Common billing and coding mistakes that quietly drain revenue

• How to identify your most and least profitable insurance plans

• Why more practices are transitioning to fee-for-service

• The key metrics every dentist should be tracking

• How better data leads to better business decisions

Whether you're a practice owner, associate, or office manager, this conversation will help you better understand where your revenue is going—and what you can do to keep more of what you earn.

If this episode provides value, please like, subscribe, and share it with another dentist who needs to hear it.

Learn more about Elevation Association:

https://elevationassociation.com

Follow us for more content on leadership, practice growth, and building a thriving dental practice.

#Dentistry #DentalPractice #PPO #DentalInsurance #FeeForService #DentalLeadership #PracticeGrowth #DentalBusiness #DentalPodcast #ElevationAssociation #DentalAnalytics #PracticeManagement

What started as a dental mission has grown into something far bigger.

In this episode of the Elevation Association Experience Podcast, Dr. Jared Hill, Dr. Dan Nelson, and Ryan Passey share powerful stories from their latest Dental Legacy Foundation humanitarian trip to Tanzania.

From treating patients who traveled more than 12 hours for care, to dedicating a brand-new NICU, to training local healthcare providers and witnessing lives literally saved, this conversation reveals how one week of service can create a legacy that lasts for generations.

In this episode you'll discover:

• Why patients now travel across Tanzania seeking treatment

• How a simple dental mission is strengthening an entire hospital

• The incredible story behind the new NICU at St. Gaspar Hospital

• How local dentists are being trained to provide year-round care

• Why volunteers from every profession—not just dentistry—can make a life-changing impact

• The unforgettable stories that remind us what service is really about

Whether you're a dentist, healthcare professional, student, spouse, or simply someone looking to make a meaningful difference, this episode will challenge you to think differently about legacy, leadership, and service.

If this episode inspires you, please like this video, subscribe to the channel, and share it with someone who believes in using their talents to serve others.

Interested in joining a future Dental Legacy Foundation trip or supporting the mission?

Learn more: https://www.dentallegacyfoundation.org

Follow us for more stories of leadership, service, and legacy.

#DentalLegacyFoundation #Tanzania #MissionTrip #Dentistry #Humanitarian #Leadership #ElevationAssociation #DentalPodcast #Legacy #Service #Healthcare #Africa #Volunteer #Dentist #GivingBack

What software does a modern dental practice ACTUALLY need to operate at a high level?

And how do you know which systems are helping your practice grow… versus just creating more noise and frustration?

In Episode 44 of the Elevation Association Experience Podcast, Dr. Dan Nelson sits down with Elevation Association Integrator and operations expert Ryan Passey to break down the essential software ecosystem every successful dental office needs.

From analytics and patient communication to team management and operational systems, this episode explores the real-world tools practices are using to improve organization, increase efficiency, strengthen communication, and ultimately grow healthier businesses.

Inside this episode, they discuss:

Why dental analytics are the “X-rays” of your business

The dangers of operating your practice without data visibility

Cloud-based vs server-based practice management software

Why many practices struggle with KPI tracking

The hidden cost of poor communication systems

AI-powered patient engagement and outreach tools

Why text communication outperforms phone calls

The importance of team meeting systems and accountability

How meaningful meetings reduce burnout and employee turnover

The rise of EAOS (Elevation Association Operating System)

Building software specifically for dental practice leadership and communication

Ryan also shares how Elevation Association developed its own internal systems to solve real operational pain points inside their own practices — including custom analytics dashboards, outreach algorithms, meeting software, and AI-driven patient communication tools.

This episode is packed with practical insights for dentists who want to stop operating blindly and start building a more organized, scalable, and data-driven practice.

⛰️ Topics Covered:

• Dental analytics

• Practice management software

• Patient communication systems

• AI in dentistry

• KPI dashboards

• Dental Intelligence & analytics

• Team communication

• Leadership meetings

• EOS / EAOS systems

• Operational efficiency

• Practice growth systems

• Dental software stack

🔗 Learn more about Elevation Association:

Elevation Association

🔗 Join the Elevation Association Skool Community:

Elevation Association Skool Community

What happens when you have the wrong person in the wrong seat inside your practice?

Or maybe even the RIGHT person… but still in the WRONG role?

In Episode 43 of the Elevation Association Experience Podcast, Dr. Jared Hill and Dr. Dan Nelson break down one of the most important concepts in leadership and business growth: Right People, Right Seats.

This episode dives deep into how team alignment directly impacts culture, growth, burnout, leadership capacity, and the long-term health of your practice.

The guys unpack why dentists often struggle with hiring, promoting, and structuring teams — especially when loyalty, tenure, or avoiding difficult conversations clouds leadership decisions.

Inside this episode, they discuss:

Why core values are the foundation of a healthy culture

The difference between the “right person” and the “right seat”

Why promoting based on loyalty can backfire

The hidden costs of team misalignment

How the wrong seat creates burnout and resentment

Why accountability charts are massively undervalued in dentistry

The importance of clarity in leadership roles

The 3 key questions every practice owner must ask:

• Do they get it?

• Do they want it?

• Do they have the capacity to do it?

This conversation is packed with real-world examples from inside their own practices, leadership mistakes they’ve made, and practical frameworks to help dentists build stronger, healthier, and more aligned teams.

If your practice feels stuck, chaotic, or culture-heavy — this episode will help you rethink how leadership structure and team alignment may be impacting everything downstream.

⛰️ Topics Covered:

• Dental leadership

• Team culture

• Accountability charts

• Practice management

• Leadership burnout

• EOS / EAOS principles

• Hiring & team alignment

• Core values in dentistry

• CEO mindset for dentists

• Building a scalable practice culture

🔗 Learn more about Elevation Association:

Elevation Association

🔗 Join the Elevation Association Skool Community:

Elevation Association Skool Community

Why do the same problems keep showing up in your practice?

Why do team conflicts, scheduling frustrations, case acceptance struggles, and operational bottlenecks keep repeating themselves — even after you “fix” them?

In Episode 42 of the Elevation Association Experience Podcast, Dr. Jared Hill and Dr. Dan Nelson dive deep into one of the most important leadership skills a dentist can develop: learning how to identify the REAL issue instead of reacting to surface-level symptoms.

This episode explores:

Why most practice problems are only symptoms

How leaders accidentally create cycles of burnout and frustration

The danger of misdiagnosing people instead of systems

Why temporary wins can create false confidence

How unresolved issues cap your growth and leadership ceiling

The mindset shift from reactive dentist → intentional CEO

Jared and Dan break down practical frameworks for diagnosing root problems inside your practice, improving team trust, strengthening systems, and creating long-term solutions instead of temporary fixes.

If you’ve ever felt stuck solving the same fires over and over again, this episode will challenge the way you think about leadership, communication, and growth.

Topics Covered:

• Leadership communication

• Team conflict resolution

• Systems & accountability

• Practice growth bottlenecks

• CEO mindset for dentists

• Root cause problem solving

• Building trust with your team

• Moving from chaos to clarity

🔗 Learn more about Elevation Association:

Elevation Association

🔗 Learn more about the Dental Legacy Foundation:

Dental Legacy Foundation