Growing A Dental Practice

In this episode of the Growing a Dental Practice podcast, host Hazel Woodward is joined by Mark and Adam from Sociable Guys. Mark and Adam share their background in event management and social media, and how they transitioned into running ads for different sectors, including dental practices. They discuss the challenges of quantifying results in content marketing and the importance of paid advertising on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to attract new patients.

[00:01:22] Transition from events to ads.

[00:03:52] Modernizing dental content.

[00:08:22] Constantly testing and tweaking.

[00:11:51] Dentists burned by ad agencies.

[00:15:41] Dentists and TikTok ads.

[00:19:37] The power of a smile.

[00:22:49] Where is dental advertising going?

[00:25:02] YouTube Shorts and TikTok.

Mark and Adam have a background in running events and social media management before transitioning into the ad space. They initially organized musical events and then progressed to managing social media for those events. About seven years ago, they ventured into running ads for the events, which eventually led them into the ad space. Drawing from their experience in running ads for events, they began applying their knowledge to various sectors.

The boys delve into their expertise in helping dental practices attract new patients through paid ads on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. They emphasize that video content yields the best results on these platforms and often present dentists with data-driven evidence of the effectiveness of video ads compared to traditional marketing methods. They stress the importance of tailoring content to suit each platform's unique requirements.

Regarding TikTok, they note that the platform's fast-paced nature calls for dentist-led content or testimonials to engage the audience effectively. They also highlight the differences in algorithms between TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram. While slow-moving graphics and final result videos with pricing perform well on Facebook and Instagram, they are less effective on TikTok. Instead, they focus on having the dentist discuss the process, showcase before and after pictures, or even have the patient speak on a green screen.

Mark and Adam also emphasize the need to stay updated with trends on TikTok. They explain that trends change frequently, requiring them to adapt their content to engage with the audience effectively. These trends may include client testimonials or the dentist speaking directly to the camera. They stress the importance of constant tweaking and testing to optimize ad performance.

Overall, the boys highlight the effectiveness of video ads in capturing people's attention and attracting new patients. They employ different creative approaches and adapt their content to suit each platform's specific requirements. By demonstrating the success of their strategies and utilizing various tools, they aim to build trust with dentists and implement effective ad campaigns.

• 00:02:07 - "we run this campaign and we generated X amount of revenue for the client."

• 00:04:46 - "You know, I feel like with the type of stuff that we've done in the past, we thought we can make the content a lot better, which is proven right in our case, because we've had so much, so much success both for Invisalign campaigns and believe it or not implants as well."

• 00:06:34 - "lead the patients on a journey."

• 00:08:18 - "We'll turn off what is not working and we'll double down on what is working."

• 00:12:37 - "So I'd say that they're the main reasons."

• 00:14:02 - "As I say, everything we look at is TikTok videos, Facebook Reels videos."

• 00:18:41 - "Well that doesn't mean, sorry Mark's jumping in, don't stop posting videos as you're drilling people's mouths because it's terrifying."

• 00:19:37 - "You don't want to know how they get a smile like that. It's just the outcome."

• 00:23:32 - "I think TikTok is gonna… It'll take a couple of years to outperform Meta and Facebook because of the size and the amount of data they've got and they've been running for years, but I think the results that we've seen on TikTok and the views that you can get on TikTok is amazing, so I think… More people are going to discover this because TikTok isn't just for kids. It's not."

• 00:24:35 - "You know, like actually what people don't realize is that the fastest growing segments on TikTok is 30 plus."

• 00:26:52 - "Bye bye bye bye bye for now."

Mark and Adam from Sociable Guys are experts in helping dental practices attract new patients through paid ads. They believe that modern and influential content is crucial in dental advertising, and they have successfully executed campaigns for Invisalign and dental implants. They emphasize the importance of qualified leads and outsourcing advertising to experts. They also recognize the evolving nature of social media advertising and highlight Snapchat as a more invasive social network. Overall, Mark and Adam bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the dental industry, helping practices effectively market their services and attract new patients.

• Website: sociableguys.com
• Email: [email protected]
• LinkedIn: Mark Ingham
• LinkedIn: Adam Wilson
• Instagram: @sociableguys

On this episode of the Growing a Dental Practice podcast, host Mike Hennan is joined by Dr. Dave Whitlock from Rural Practices. Dr. Whitlock is the owner of three dental practices in Eastern Kentucky and is passionate about promoting dentistry in rural areas. They discuss the benefits and lifestyle of practicing dentistry in rural areas and how it is possible for dentists to pursue this path. Tune in to learn more about the opportunities and possibilities in rural dentistry.

[00:01:05] Promoting rural dentistry.

[00:03:37] Making a drastic life change.

[00:07:03] Making a drastic life change.

[00:12:39] The challenges of practice ownership.

[00:14:42] Family life in rural area.

[00:19:24] Buying and growing dental practices.

[00:22:24] Rural dentistry opportunities.

[00:25:06] The challenges of rural dentistry.

[00:29:02] Rural areas and dentistry affordability.

[00:34:05] Dentists going where work is.

[00:37:03] Rural dental practice opportunities.

[00:40:10] Leaving a review.

Moving to a rural area significantly improved Dr. Dave Whitlock's quality of life in multiple ways. Firstly, he previously struggled financially, living paycheck to paycheck throughout his early career. However, after relocating to the rural area, he experienced a newfound financial freedom and peace of mind, indicating a significant improvement in his income and stability. Moreover, the removal of financial stressors contributed to an overall enhancement in their quality of life. Additionally, the speaker highlighted the increased opportunities their children had in the rural area. They emphasized that their kids were able to work at local establishments, such as a movie theater and a pizza place, which would not have been possible in their previous location. In summary, the speaker's experience demonstrates that moving to a rural area resulted in improved financial well-being and expanded opportunities for their entire family.

In the episode, the speaker shared their journey of expanding their dental practice by acquiring two additional practices. Initially, their plan was to purchase one practice, nurture its growth, and eventually bring in an associate to continue expanding. However, after three years in the dental field, the speaker stumbled upon an opportunity to buy another practice located about half an hour away from their current location. They learned that the owner of that practice intended to close it. Despite not actively seeking expansion, the speaker decided to seize the opportunity and acquire the second practice.

The speaker acknowledged that reaching three practices was more of an unexpected development rather than a planned endeavor. Nevertheless, their initial intention had always been to purchase a practice in their current area or in a different location if they were to move. The speaker underwent a significant transformation, transitioning from being an associate to becoming a practice owner and relocating from a large town to a small one. This change in perspective, along with the added responsibilities of owning multiple practices, presented a substantial adjustment for the speaker.

Furthermore, the speaker shed light on the challenges of rural dentistry and the lack of interest in purchasing established practices in rural areas. They noted that these practices have a full patient base and remain busy every day, yet there is a scarcity of potential buyers. The speaker emphasized their intention to highlight the opportunities and potential that exist in rural areas, as they believe this issue extends beyond their specific region.

The speaker strongly believes that more individuals should consider practicing dentistry in rural areas for an improved quality of life. They argue that there are numerous benefits to moving to rural areas, such as being the sole dentist in the area and having a favorable patient population. Additionally, the speaker addresses the common misconception that dental practices in rural areas heavily rely on state assistance and welfare insurance. They emphasize that this is not always the case and that rural dentistry can offer a high volume of patients and a fulfilling career. The speaker asserts that practicing dentistry in rural areas presents a great opportunity for dentists to achieve a better work-life balance. They also highlight that the need for dentists in rural areas is not limited to a specific region, as similar situations exist throughout the country.

• 00:01:05 - "This is something that I'm very passionate about, so I appreciate the opportunity to use the platform to talk about rural dentistry."

• 00:03:23 - "I got tired of that type of practice."

• 00:05:32 - "It took me a cool decade to figure this out, but, you know, over that period of time, it finally made sense to me that heavily saturated, heavily populated areas are not working."

• 00:09:19 - "I was tired of dentist on top of dentist."

• 00:11:32 - "Fantastic."

• 00:15:31 - "I bought myself less time in the car."

• 00:16:48 - "I basically traded, you know, an environment that was very costly to live in for an area that is not, um, you know, when I moved from Colorado to Kentucky, I cut my mortgage in half for the same size house."

• 00:21:13 - "And let's be clear, I don't do this out of the kindness of my heart. I mean, I do it, I still make money doing this."

• 00:23:28 - "You can come to a rural area like mine. And again, have a full schedule immediately and get to work."

• 00:24:34 - "I don't know, it's I don't want to say it's unfair, but it is unfair."

• 00:29:19 - "My experience, again, I'll just speak for myself, and I'll use the example of dental implants."

• 00:29:43 - "Um, and listen, I still take out plenty of teeth that I could save because patients don't want to save them."

• 00:34:09 - "You can't just say, well, I want to go to California, so I'll just go there, and I'll just find work there, because there's people there."

• 00:35:49 - "It's everything."

• 00:38:43 - "If you want to live the life that you thought you were going to live when you went to dental school, this is the way to do it. 100%."

The guest speaker, Dave, is a dentist who is passionate about practicing dentistry in rural areas. He believes in the unique opportunities and advantages that rural dentistry offers, including financial security and the potential for growth and financial freedom. Dave has successfully run multiple dental practices and is dedicated to helping new and aspiring dental practice owners start, run, and grow successful dental practices. He shares strategies for growth using email marketing and social media, emphasizing the importance of embracing the opportunities in rural dental practices.

Guest Contact Details

• Website: [ruralpractices.com](http://www.ruralpractices.com/)
• Email: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])

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In this episode of the Growing a Dental Practice podcast, host Hazel Woodward is joined by Rida Alwan, The Dental Negotiator, for an introductory conversation. Rida shares his background in business and consultancy, emphasizing the need for dentists to receive support in running their practices. They discuss the lack of business education in dental training and the challenges dentists face in effectively managing their practices. As a business owner, Hazel relates to the struggles of running a business without formal training. Overall, the episode highlights the importance of providing dentists with the necessary business skills to thrive in their profession.

Timestamps

[00:01:32] The missing business education.

[00:03:58] Easy negotiation tips.

[00:07:34] Customer service and revenue growth.

[00:12:27] Spectacular savings for dental practices.

[00:16:42] HR companies and business decisions.

[00:18:39] Taking emotions out of business.

[00:23:38] Support for dental practice owners.

Detailed Synopsis

In this episode, the guest speaker emphasizes the importance of negotiation skills for dentists and dental practice owners. They suggest that negotiating with suppliers can be as simple as asking if there is a better price available. The speaker advises dentists to engage in conversations with suppliers directly to inquire about the best price they can offer.

The guest speaker highlights the significance of active listening and effective communication during negotiations. Dentists are encouraged to pay attention to the response when asking for a better price and engage in a dialogue. If the supplier responds with a higher price, the dentist can continue negotiating by expressing their belief that there is room for improvement. This simple approach can lead to potential cost savings and better deals for dental practices.

Furthermore, the speaker suggests that dentists should have a good understanding of their competitors' pricing and the potential profitability of different procedures, such as bonding or Invisalign. By being knowledgeable about the market and competitors, dentists can enter negotiations with confidence and have a clear idea of what they are willing to pay or charge for certain services.

In addition to negotiating contracts, the guest speaker mentions their role in helping dentists identify areas where money can be saved or operations can be improved. They offer guidance on various aspects of running a dental practice, such as analyzing receptionist performance and addressing any issues that may be affecting the practice's efficiency and profitability.

Overall, the episode emphasizes the importance of negotiation skills for dentists and provides simple tips for improving these skills. By engaging in conversations with suppliers, asking for better prices, and being knowledgeable about the market, dentists can potentially save costs and make better decisions for their practices.

Quotes

• 00:01:34 - "As a business owner myself, sometimes you kind of feel like, am I doing this the right way?"

• 00:04:40 - "It's also being a little bit persistent, you know, um, so that's, you know, number two, you know, being persistent in anything that you want."

• 00:07:45 - "Yeah, because what it is is that you've got a person that's picking up the phone and just telling people, yeah, well, this is this is the only appointment I can fit you in, rather than giving them a whole calendar of other days."

• 00:09:19 - "And when that builds loyalty within the organization, they love being there."

• 00:11:25 - "You know, I had a practice owner that was part way through setting this practice."

• 00:15:54 - "I'm saving him just in the region of £12,000 as soon as he comes off that contract."

• 00:17:13 - "You know, it's unfortunately business has to be cutthroat and you need to make decisions."

• 00:21:48 - "So you've got it you've got a and because they've tied you into a um into a contract where you're the you're the only service supplier you're locked in that you have to buy everything from them so yes they're giving you cheap items on one side but then they're hiking up the prices on the other"

• 00:24:17 - "It really winds me up when I see people you know taking advantage of dentists and I'm always trying to find them the best deals to make sure that I want them to make sure that they're running for the next 10-15 years and they're absolutely enjoying life because that's what they should be there for."

• 00:25:42 - "Thank you for being my first guest and being so gentle with me."

Guest Bio

Rida Alwan, The Dental Negotiator, is a highly experienced business consultant with over 25 years of experience. Throughout his career, he has helped numerous businesses and organizations increase profitability and reduce costs. Rida opened his own consultancy in 2008, where he continues to provide valuable insights and strategies to his clients. With a strong focus on achieving results and delivering tangible outcomes, Rida has earned a reputation for his expertise in negotiation and business optimization. His extensive experience and deep understanding of the dental industry make him a sought-after consultant in the field. Rida's ethos revolves around empowering businesses to thrive and succeed in today's competitive market. He believes in the power of effective negotiation and strategic decision-making to drive growth and profitability. With a track record of success and a passion for helping others, Rida is dedicated to making a positive impact on the businesses he works with.

Guest Contact Details

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.profectusci.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rida-alwan-662116b/
• Phone: +447985588301

In this episode, Mike is joined by Dr. Adam Lody, the Principal Dentist at Teeth for Life. We extend a warm welcome to Dr. Lody and are eager to dive into his journey and gather his insights on dental practice ownership and growth.

Episode Overview:

• Getting to Know Dr. Adam Lody: Discover Dr. Lody’s path into the world of dentistry and the passion that drives his practice.
• The Journey of Ownership: Listen as Dr. Lody shares the compelling story behind purchasing his first and second dental practices.
• Learning Experiences: Delve into the major learning experiences Dr. Lody encountered in his initial years as a practice owner.
• Future Plans for Teeth for Life: Uncover what’s next for Dr. Lody’s dental practice and his vision for its growth and expansion.
• Valuable Advice for Aspiring Dental Practice Owners: Dr. Lody imparts his number one piece of advice for anyone contemplating buying or initiating a dental practice, and shares the knowledge he wishes he had before embarking on this journey.

Stay tuned for these topics and much more on this episode of the Growing A Dental Practice podcast! Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast and stay connected for all the latest insights and conversations in dental practice growth and success.

In this episode, Hazel Woodward, Founder of Lift Social, shares her insights and tips for how dentists and dental practices can get the most out of social media.

Want to be a guest?

If you're a practice owner or vendor and want to share your story and experience with the Growing A Dental Practice podcast listeners, then we want to hear from you.

Go to growingadentalpractice.com/apply to apply today!

Have a question?

Send any questions to [email protected].

In this illuminating episode, Mike speaks with Dr. Mahrukh Khwaja. Not only is she a seasoned dentist, but she's also a positive psychologist, an accredited mindfulness teacher, and the visionary Founder & CEO of Mind Ninja. Mind Ninja is a revolutionary wellness start-up with a mission to enhance mental health and resilience specifically among dental professionals. We’ll delve into her journey, the dental industry's relationship with mental health, and much more.

Introduction to Dr. Mahrukh Khwaja: A peek into Mahrukh's day and general well-being.

Mahrukh's Background: Delving deep into her professional and personal journey.

Entering the World of Dentistry: What led Mahrukh into the field of dentistry and her initial experiences.

Life as an Associate Dentist: Insights and lessons from Mahrukh's formative years in the industry.

Mental Health in the Dental Sphere: An overview of the dental industry's stance and approach to mental health.

Mahrukh's Personal Connection: Why mental health in dentistry became a significant cause for her.

Introducing Mind Ninja: The inspiration behind its inception and its overarching mission.

The Concept of Positive Psychology: Understanding this specialized field and its implications in dentistry.

Building Resilience in Dental Professionals: An introduction to Mahrukh's "Mind Flossing Toolkit" and her book, "Resilience and Well-being for Dental Professionals." Strategies and insights for practitioners to strengthen their mental resilience.

Preventive Maintenance in Mental Health: The significance of proactive measures in mental wellness.

Golden Advice for Aspiring Dental Entrepreneurs: Mahrukh shares her top recommendation for anyone looking to dive into the world of dental practice ownership or start-up.

Contact Details:

• Website: www.mind-ninja.co.uk
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-mahrukh-khwaja-2b7102161/
• Email: [email protected]

A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Mahrukh Khwaja for shedding light on a topic of utmost importance in the dental community.

Remember, taking care of our mental health is just as crucial as taking care of our patients.

Stay tuned for more insightful episodes of the 'Growing a Dental Practice' podcast!

Welcome to another episode of the Growing A Dental Practice Podcast! Our host, Mike Hennan from PatientBoost, sits down with Dan Stich, Founder of Stich Financial Partners. Stich Financial Partners is a financial planning firm specializing in helping medical professionals, including dentists, navigate their financial future.

Here's what was covered in the episode:

• Introduction to Dan Stich: Dan shares his background and his unique journey into the financial planning industry with a family of dentists and doctors.

• Dodging Dentistry: An interesting insight into how Dan chose financial planning over a career in dentistry.

• Healthcare Administration Lessons: Dan discusses the valuable lessons he learned during his time in healthcare administration.

• Switch to Financial Planning: What motivated Dan to become a financial planner and how it's been impacting his career and clients.

• Client Services: Dan explains how he helps his clients achieve their financial goals and secure their future.

• Educating Clients: The passion behind Dan's client education and why it is an integral part of his practice.

• Specialized Financial Planning: Dan shares the benefits of working with a financial planner who has a deep understanding of the dentistry industry.

• Planning Financial Future: Dan provides advice on when individuals should start planning their financial future.

• Advice for Dental Practice Starters: Based on his experience and interactions with dental practice owners, Dan gives his top piece of advice for those thinking about buying or starting a dental practice.

Guest Contact Details:

For those interested in reaching out to Dan Stich for further information or advice, here are his contact details.

• Email: [email protected]

• Phone: 262-853-4541

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/daniel-stich-cpfa%C2%AE-609140b

Important Disclosures:

Stich Financial Partners will not provide investment, tax, legal, or retirement advice or recommendations. The information presented here is not intended to be specific to any individual's personal circumstances.

To the extent that this material concerns tax matters, it is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by a taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed by law. Each taxpayer should seek independent advice from a tax professional based on his or her individual circumstances.

These materials are provided for general information and educational purposes based upon publicly available information from sources believed to be reliable — we cannot assure the accuracy or completeness of these materials. The information in these materials may change at any time and without notice.

Securities offered through Securities America, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC.  Stich Financial Partners and the Securities America Companies are separate entities.

Stay tuned to Growing A Dental Practice Podcast for more expert insights and valuable advice on running a successful dental practice.

Your feedback and questions are always welcome. Reach out to Mike at [email protected].

Growing A Dental Practice is BACK and it's BETTER THAN EVER!

After a summer hiatus, Mike Hennan (Co-Founder of PatientBoost) returns to help new and aspiring dental practice owners, start, run, and grow a successful dental practice...

...and he's not alone!

Mike is joined by Dental Social Media Queen, Hazel Woodward (Founder of Lift Social).

Hazel joins Growing A Dental Practice as a permanent co-host!

During this episode, Mike explains why he took a break, Hazel re-introduces herself (she was the very first podcast guest back in February 2022), and both discuss what listeners can expect from the show moving forward.

Stay tuned to Growing A Dental Practice Podcast for more expert insights and valuable advice on running a successful dental practice.

Your feedback and questions are always welcome. Reach out to Mike at [email protected].

In this episode, our host, Mike Hennan from PatientBoost, is thrilled to have a conversation with Michael Bakaic, Founder and CEO of Iceberg Cyber. Iceberg Cyber is an organization that assists small businesses, including dental practices, in identifying and rectifying vulnerabilities in their data, website, network, and office equipment.

In the interview, Michael shared insights on a range of topics:

1. Introduction to Michael Bakaic: Michael shares a bit about his background and the experiences that led him to where he is today. 

2. Cybersecurity 101: Michael explains what cybersecurity means and its importance in the current digital age.

3. The Cybersecurity-Dental Practice Nexus: Discussing why dental practices should prioritize cybersecurity.

4. Iceberg Cyber: The inception story of Iceberg Cyber, why Michael started it, and how it's uniquely positioned to help dental practices.

5. The Benefits of Continuous Monitoring: Exploring the advantages of regular cybersecurity monitoring for dental practices.

6. Getting Started with Iceberg Cyber: Michael provides insight into the process for dental practices looking to onboard with Iceberg Cyber.

7. Understanding FTC Safeguards Rules: An explanation of the FTC Safeguards Rules and their potential impact on dental practices.

8. Advice for Dental Practice Starters: Michael shares his top piece of advice for those considering buying or starting a dental practice, drawing from his own experiences and interactions with dental practice owners.

9. Contact Michael:

   • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-bakaic/

   • Email: [email protected]

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

   • Get your FREE cyber score: https://thecyberscore.com/

Mike and Michael had an insightful and engaging conversation about the importance of cybersecurity in the dental industry. 

Reach out to the show host, Mike, at [email protected], if you have any questions or comments. 

Stay tuned to Growing A Dental Practice Podcast for more expert insights and valuable advice.

Thanks for tuning in!

In this episode, Mike speaks with Harriet Rose Head of Dental & Cosmetic Sectors at EnquiryBot, the all-in-one chatbot helping dental practices increase and manage enquiries from their website.

Highlights from this episode include:

✅ What was it like working at a dental lab
✅ What challenges did she face setting up a dental practice
✅ How Harriet ended up working for an implant manufacturer
✅ What inspired her to join EnquiryBot
✅ What EnquiryBot is and what it does for businesses
✅ Why EnquiryBot is so effective
✅ What are the most recent changes/updates to EnquiryBot

At the end of the episode, Harriet shares her number one piece of advice for anyone thinking about buying or starting their own dental practice

If you have any questions for Harriet, then get in touch:

• Email: [email protected]

• Website: https://enquirybot.com/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harriet-adkin-707873b9/

Visit the growingadentalpractice.com for more details and links to streaming platforms. 

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