Growing A Dental Practice

In this episode, Mike chats with Gary Lincoln - Group Director of TXM Group. TXM Group are specialists in recruitment and consultancy solutions across the engineering, technology, and healthcare sectors.

Gary kicks off the podcast by explaining how he went from being a pastry apprentice to a recruiter. He then discusses how TXM Group started and what makes them different from other recruiters. Fun fact, TXM actually stands for The Extra Mile; as in Gary and his team always go the extra mile!

TXM entered the dental market at the start of 2022. They already had a healthcare division, but Mr Lincoln explains why after speaking to industry thought leaders and doing their own research, the company decided to set up a dental-focused arm.

Gary then highlights some of the challenges facing dental practices - particularly the current struggle to find and recruit the right candidates.

With many years of experience in recruitment, Gary shares his top tips for attracting, recruiting, and retaining talent.

Mr Lincoln reveals he’s passionate about developing people through coaching and mentoring. In fact, Gary is an accredited and practicing executive coach with a practitioner diploma and accreditation from the Academy of Executive Coaching (AOEC).

He’s also a mentor and the external partnerships lead at Women in Transport - a professional membership network advancing women in transport through events, mentoring, and networking.

Gary stresses the importance of why practice owners should invest in developing their teams through continuous education, coaching, and mentoring.

Stay tuned to the end for Gary’s number one piece of advice for anyone thinking about buying or starting their own dental practice.

If you have any questions regarding general recruitment or coaching, then feel free to reach out to Gary Lincoln.

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.txmgroup.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garylincoln/

If you need to recruit an associate dentist, then contact TXM Dental’s Alex Coveney-Alym.

• Email: [email protected]
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-coveney-alym-12a99215a/

Visit the Growing A Dental Practice podcast page for more details and links to streaming platforms > patientboost.dental/podcast

This episode is brought to you by PatientBoost - The Business & Marketing Growth Consultancy for Dental Practices.

Last year, we phoned over 100 dental practices to understand how receptionists handle patient calls, and we were SHOCKED by the results.

Based on what we learnt, we put together the Dental Receptionist Greeting Script to help receptionists make the best first impression and increase the likelihood of turning a complete stranger into a patient.

Grab your copy of the greeting script here

In this episode, Mike talks with Dr Tim Richardson, Founder & Owner of Acorn Dentistry for Kids. Acorn Dentistry for Kids is a group of 6 pediatric dental practices located in the State of Oregon.

Tim grew up in Vancouver, Washington, which is a suburb of Portland, Oregon. Many of his family members are Optometrists, including his dad, two uncles, a cousin, one of his brothers, and his best friend from high school. Tim’s mom was a stay at home parent who made sure her five sons survived into adulthood.

Dr Richardson credits both of his parents, collectively and individually, for shaping who he is today. His dad taught him the importance of working hard and never to be a victim of circumstance, while his mom taught him how to care for people.

Tim has always had an entrepreneurial spirit. From a young age, he would set up lemonade stands and sell apples from his family’s apple tree to his elementary school classmates. Tim grew up predominantly playing football, but would take part in any sport involving a ball except golf.

The Richardson’s were a faithful Christian family. He cites strong spiritual roots gave him a really good foundation for how he wanted to be as a business owner in the future.

Keeping busy - with good things - was how Tim unknowingly coped with having ADD. Rather than taking medication, he would just always be doing something.

As an undergrad, Tim was planning on attending medical school to become a heart or brain surgeon. When he found out how long that would take to train for, he started looking at other healthcare options. At the time, he had zero interest in dentistry. That was until a friend - who was planning on becoming a dentist - convinced Tim to spend an afternoon observing a private practice. From that moment, he was hooked on dentistry.

From Tim’s perspective, dentistry finely balances art and science with as much entrepreneurship as you want. Halfway through dental school, Tim discovered pediatric dentistry and chose to make that his specialty.

As an associate, Tim realized that what he’d learnt in dental school was only the foundation. You learn the principles of taking care of patients safely, but nothing about being efficient, working with a team, owning a practice, or leadership.

Tim discusses the circumstances that led to him buying his first dental practice, and why his pursuit of the next challenge led him to expanding to three locations. 

Dr Richardson says he sold his original three practices because he was burnt out and overwhelmed. He was working 6 clinical days most weeks, while commuting 2.5-3 hours daily, and trying to run the business. He also had a non-dentist business partner who he was misaligned with. However, the tipping point came when his wife told him how their young son had asked, “when is your husband coming home?” His son referring to him as husband, and not daddy reflected the relationship he had with his son at that time. Tim knew something had to give. He chose to make changes, rather than continue to drive himself into the ground at the expense of his family.

After selling, Tim took some time for himself. He sorted out his back and neck. Tim also got back into exercising regularly and taking part in triathlons.

It didn’t take Tim much time before he started working on a new multi-site group practice. He was determined to learn from his previous experience and mistakes. Because he’d sold his previous group, Tim didn’t have to worry about finances and could focus 100% on setting up the new clinic.

Tim could’ve frugally retired five years after finishing dental school, but his family had dreams and he admits he would’ve driven everyone crazy. He started Acorn Dentistry for Kids one mile away from where he lived and the rest is history. He knew he wanted the team member experience to be as good, if not better, than the patient experience. He knows he’s still made a lot of mistakes, but he's learnt from those mistakes.

As a practice owner, it’s hard work when you try to do everything yourself and be everything to everyone. It isn’t sustainable and Tim says he has the physical and physiological scars to prove it. Once he realized how to build a team that was aligned with the group's purpose, everything got a lot easier. 

At the same time, Tim recognizes that no one will care as much about the health of your business as you do. It’s your baby and always will be no matter who is watching it for you. The only way to get alignment is identifying why your business exists and it has to be more than the work you do - it has to be the reason for the work.

Tim has learnt the hard way that just because someone specializes in accounting, IT, or marketing, it doesn’t necessarily mean they actually do it as well as you would think or hope. And they often charge more than the ones that do know what they are doing. You can’t simply sign an agreement and hand it over, you still have to be able to keep a pulse on those activities.

On a more personal level, Tim wishes he had known about the differences between managing, leading, and coaching a lot earlier. That would have saved him a lot of headaches and heartache.

Tim also shares his number one piece of advice for anyone thinking about buying or starting their own dental practice.

If you have any questions for Dr Tim Richardson, then feel free to reach out to him.

• Email: [email protected] 
• Website: https://www.acorndentistryforkids.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-richardson-84180b37/

Visit the Growing A Dental Practice podcast page for more details and links to streaming platforms > patientboost.dental/podcast

This episode is brought to you by PatientBoost - The Business & Marketing Growth Consultancy for Dental Practices.

Last year, we phoned over 100 dental practices to understand how receptionists handle patient calls, and we were SHOCKED by the results.

Based on what we learnt, we put together the Dental Receptionist Greeting Script to help receptionists make the best first impression and increase the likelihood of turning a complete stranger into a patient.

Grab your copy of the greeting script here

In this episode, Mike chats with Philip Molden - Co-Founder and Operations Director of Working Feedback. Working Feedback helps dental practices automatically collect patient feedback and Google reviews.

Phil kicks off the podcast by explaining how Working Feedback started life as a business directory on a CD-ROM, before becoming the cloud-based review software it is today.

He then explains why reviews - particularly Google Reviews - are so important for dental practices, and why collecting feedback and reviews from patients can sometimes be a challenge for dental teams.

Phil provides practical tips on how dental practices can gain more reviews, and outlines how Working Feedback makes it even easier, before talking through all the ways a practice can use reviews to attract new patients.

Philip also shares his number one piece of advice for anyone thinking about buying or starting their own dental practice.

If you have any questions regarding patient reviews, then reach out to Philip Molden at Working Feedback.

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: workingfeedback.co.uk
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipmolden/

Visit the Growing A Dental Practice podcast page for more details and links to streaming platforms > patientboost.dental/podcast

This episode is brought to you by PatientBoost - The Business & Marketing Growth Consultancy for Dental Practices.

Last year, we phoned over 100 dental practices to understand how receptionists handle patient calls, and we were SHOCKED by the results.

Based on what we learnt, we put together the Dental Receptionist Greeting Script to help receptionists make the best first impression and increase the likelihood of turning a complete stranger into a patient.

Grab your copy of the greeting script here

In this episode, Mike chats with Glenda Acevedo - Founder of Bridging Business Solutions. As a consultant and SYSTEMologist™, Glenda helps dental practices harness the power of processes and systems.

Glenda explains what systems and processes are, and how they relate to the four stages of a business. She talks about the various challenges facing dental teams, and how processes and systems can help.

Glenda discusses the seven myths about processes and systems, and how a dental practice can get started with creating their own.

She also shares her number one piece of advice for anyone thinking about buying or starting their own dental practice.

If you have any questions regarding processes and systems, then reach out to Glenda Acevedo at Bridging Business Solutions.

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.bridgingbusinesssolutions.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glendaacevedo/

Visit the Growing A Dental Practice podcast page for more details and links to streaming platforms > patientboost.dental/podcast

This episode is brought to you by PatientBoost - The Business & Marketing Growth Consultancy for Dental Practices.

Last year, we phoned over 100 dental practices to understand how receptionists handle patient calls, and we were SHOCKED by the results.

Based on what we learnt, we put together the Dental Receptionist Greeting Script to help receptionists make the best first impression and increase the likelihood of turning a complete stranger into a patient.

Grab your copy of the greeting script here

In this episode, Mike chats with Dr Roslyn Franklin - Founder and Managing Director of Dental Stock Photos.

Dental Stock Photos gives dental practices access to thousands of technically correct dental stock photos that have all been photographed under the direction of dentists.

Roslyn walks us through her journey to becoming a dentist, discusses why she never wanted to own a dental practice, and explains why she started Dental Stock Photos.

Dr Franklin tells Mike why most dental stock photography is wrong, inaccurate, and just plain cheesy, before explaining how her stock images are different.

Under Roslyn’s watchful eye, Dental Stock Photos produces true to life images of dental professionals in actual dental practices. Every detail is considered, and only images approved by Dr Franklin herself are sold on her online store.

When a practice chooses to use Dental Stock Photos images on their website or in their marketing materials, they can be confident the images are accurate and professional.

Mike and Roslyn discuss when a practice should use stock photography vs. custom photography.

Roslyn also shares her number one piece of advice for anyone thinking about buying or starting their own dental practice.

If you have any questions regarding dental stock photography, then reach out to Dr Roslyn Franklin at Dental Stock Photos.

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: dentalstockphotos.com
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/roslynfranklin

Visit the Growing A Dental Practice podcast page for more details and links to streaming platforms > patientboost.dental/podcast

This episode is brought to you by PatientBoost - The Business & Marketing Growth Consultancy for Dental Practices.

Last year, we phoned over 100 dental practices to understand how receptionists handle patient calls, and we were SHOCKED by the results.

Based on what we learnt, we put together the Dental Receptionist Greeting Script to help receptionists make the best first impression and increase the likelihood of turning a complete stranger into a patient.

Grab your copy of the greeting script here

In this episode, Mike chats with Simon Raybould - Director of Sales at Thalamus. Thalamus describes itself as the ultimate dental patient education solution.

Simon kicks-off the episode by explaining how Thalamus was born from a previous dental venture; Bitebank. Bitebank was and remains a full-service marketing agency for dental practices. Simon and his Co-Founders sold Bitebank to ProSites, but continued to create patient education videos.

Under the Thalamus brand, Simon and his team produce high-quality explainer videos in their Toronto-based animation studio. These videos are designed to educate patients about different dental treatments. By showing patients the proposed treatments, dentists and TCOs can drastically improve case acceptance. Videos are patient-friendly with no blood or gore, and can be dubbed with different accents.

The Thalamus system can be used in operatories and treatment coordinator rooms to educate patients or help them relax with calming videos, it can promote treatments and entertain patients in the waiting room, or videos can be added to the dental practice website to inform potential patients. It’s a truly versatile bit of tech.

Simon dives deep into how Thalamus can benefit dental practices and how simple it is to the system up and running.

Towards the end of the show, he gives podcast listeners an exclusive offer.

Simon also shares his number one piece of advice for anyone thinking about buying or starting their own dental practice.

If you have any questions regarding patient education, then reach out to Simon Raybould at Thalamus.

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: dental.thalamusmedia.com
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/simonraybould99

Visit the Growing A Dental Practice podcast page for more details and links to streaming platforms > patientboost.dental/podcast

This episode is brought to you by PatientBoost - The Business & Marketing Growth Consultancy for Dental Practices.

Last year, we phoned over 100 dental practices to understand how receptionists handle patient calls, and we were SHOCKED by the results.

Based on what we learnt, we put together the Dental Receptionist Greeting Script to help receptionists make the best first impression and increase the likelihood of turning a complete stranger into a patient.

Grab your copy of the greeting script here

In this episode, Mike catches up with Dr Karl Walker-Finch - Principal Dentist at Smiles in Tandem, a private dental practice near Huddersfield, UK.

Karl appeared on the podcast earlier in the year to share his experience of buying his first dental practice. At the time, the sale hadn’t gone through, so we couldn’t talk specifics.

He’s now owned Smiles in Tandem - formerly Grayes Dental Care - for several months and happily shares what he’s learnt since taking over the reins.

Karl explains how the previous owners played a critical role in preparing the existing team for change; presenting it as an opportunity to deliver a better patient experience and move with the times.

He discusses why it was so important to rebrand the practice and why he and his wife settled on Smiles in Tandem, rather than a name containing ‘dental care’ or ‘dental practice’.

Karl walks us through the other changes he’s made to the practice; including introducing daily huddles and switching to Dentally from Software of Excellence.

He also lists the various ways he’s making the practice more sustainable and building a great team culture.

This is a fantastic opportunity to peak behind the curtain of an exciting dental practice. Karl really cares about his team and patients, and is focused on a well thought plan.

We’ll definitely get him back on to give us an update on his practice owner journey.

Karl has a great blog tracking his business and personal growth, check it out and consider subscribing.

Visit Karl’s Website

Visit the Growing A Dental Practice podcast page for more details and links to streaming platforms > patientboost.dental/podcast

This episode is brought to you by PatientBoost - The Business & Marketing Growth Consultancy for Dental Practices.

Last year, we phoned over 100 dental practices to understand how receptionists handle patient calls, and we were SHOCKED by the results.

Based on what we learnt, we put together the Dental Receptionist Greeting Script to help receptionists make the best first impression and increase the likelihood of turning a complete stranger into a patient.

Grab your copy of the greeting script here

In this episode, Mike chats with Sarah Ruberg - CEO of Our Thrive Tribe - a social media management agency that believes relationships are everything!

Sarah explains what social media is and why it’s important for businesses in general. She then discusses the three main reasons social media is specifically important for dental practices. Later this becomes four reasons!

We talk about the various social media platforms, before Sarah recommends which ones most practices should be active on.

One of the highlights of the episode is Sarah’s top tips for being successful on social media. Sarah lists seven super useful facts and ideas to help you get the most out of your social media activity. Towards the end of the podcast, Sarah adds an eighth bonus tip!

Sarah also shares her number one piece of advice for anyone thinking about buying or starting their own dental practice.

If you have any questions regarding relationship building, social media, or plants, then reach out to Sarah Ruberg at Our Thrive Tribe.

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: ourthrivetribe.co
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sarah-wojcik-0562933

Visit the Growing A Dental Practice podcast page for more details and links to streaming platforms > patientboost.dental/podcast

This episode is brought to you by PatientBoost - The Business & Marketing Growth Consultancy for Dental Practices.

Last year, we phoned over 100 dental practices to understand how receptionists handle patient calls, and we were SHOCKED by the results.

Based on what we learnt, we put together the Dental Receptionist Greeting Script to help receptionists make the best first impression and increase the likelihood of turning a complete stranger into a patient.

Grab your copy of the greeting script here

In this episode, Mike speaks with Deborah Hatanaka - Founder of eye4wellness, a nutritional screening program that improves patient outcomes and boosts revenue for practices.

Deborah explains the connection between nutrition and oral health, and how a simple, non-invasive test could improve patient-doctor relations, and increase a practice's bottom line.

Deborah also shares her number one piece of advice for anyone thinking about buying or starting their own dental practice.

If you have any questions regarding nutritional testing, then reach out to Deborah Hatanaka at eye4wellness.

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: eye4wellness.com
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/deborah-hatanaka-medical-practice-consultant-31474349
• Phone: 647-822-7103

Visit the Growing A Dental Practice podcast page for more details and links to streaming platforms > patientboost.dental/podcast

This episode is brought to you by PatientBoost - The Business & Marketing Growth Consultancy for Dental Practices.

Last year, we phoned over 100 dental practices to understand how receptionists handle patient calls, and we were SHOCKED by the results.

Based on what we learnt, we put together the Dental Receptionist Greeting Script to help receptionists make the best first impression and increase the likelihood of turning a complete stranger into a patient.

Grab your copy of the greeting script here

In this episode, Mike speaks with Paula Cadey - Head of Mantra Dental Finance, a boutique financial brokerage set up to serve the dental community.

Paula talks about her career in banking and how that led to her gaining a wealth of experience in healthcare financing, before joining Mantra Finance to head up their newly established dental arm.

She discusses all the different ways a finance brokerage can help dentists - from startup loans to financing new equipment - and why it’s often better working with a broker rather than going direct to a bank.

Finally, Paula shares her number one piece of advice for anyone thinking about buying or starting their own dental practice.

If you have any questions regarding dental finance, then reach out to Paula Cadey at Mantra Dental Finance.

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: mantradentalfinance.com
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/paula-cadey
• Mobile: 07706341669

Visit the Growing A Dental Practice podcast page for more details and links to streaming platforms > patientboost.dental/podcast

This episode is brought to you by PatientBoost - The Business & Marketing Growth Consultancy for Dental Practices.

Last year, we phoned over 100 dental practices to understand how receptionists handle patient calls, and we were SHOCKED by the results.

Based on what we learnt, we put together the Dental Receptionist Greeting Script to help receptionists make the best first impression and increase the likelihood of turning a complete stranger into a patient.

Grab your copy of the greeting script here