Inside The Practice

In this episode, Alan Hollander and Sarah Boylan, MBA joined by Morgan Hamon, CPA and Managing Director at EisnerAmper, known for his ability to make complex tax and financial issues accessible to practice owners. 

With the economic landscape shifting and dental professionals facing rising costs and increasing pressure to make smart financial choices, Morgan offers practical insights from the front lines of dental accounting. 

From avoiding common financial missteps to understanding how to structure your practice for long-term success, this conversation brings clarity to the questions many dentists are asking.


◼️ Dentists' Top Concerns in 2025: Economic uncertainty, hygiene pay, and financial anxiety.

◼️ Avoiding Financial Mistakes: The most common pitfalls Morgan sees—and how to stay ahead of them.

◼️ Tax Planning That Works: Deductions, credits, and how to think strategically about structuring your taxes.

◼️ Hiring and Structuring Right: What to consider when bringing on associates—contractor vs. employee.

◼️ Preparing for Big Costs: Advice on bonus depreciation and planning for large expenses like equipment upgrades or expansion.

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What happens when a seasoned hygienist gets a surprise Christmas gift that transforms her entire clinical approach? 

In this episode of Inside the Practice, host Sarah Boylan chats with Kassie Anderson, a dental hygienist and certified EMS trainer, about her journey into the world of EMS Systems and Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT). 

Their conversation offers a clear, engaging look into how new tools are reshaping the patient and provider experience in dental hygiene.

• What is GBT—and Why It Matters

GBT, or Guided Biofilm Therapy, is a systematic approach to eliminating biofilm with precision and care. 

Kassie breaks it down into eight key steps, from patient assessment to recall recommendations, emphasizing a predictable and patient-friendly process that reduces discomfort while increasing efficacy.

• Airflow vs. Traditional Polishing

Kassie explains how airflow polishing, powered by EMS systems, offers superior access to hard-to-reach areas and a more comfortable experience. 

Unlike the gritty, noisy, and sometimes painful traditional methods, airflow uses warm water and fine erythritol powder to gently clean both supragingival and subgingival areas.

• Training That Makes a Difference

With over 50 dental offices trained, kassie highlights the need for proper education and support when implementing new systems. 

Her six-hour training includes theory and hands-on experience, ensuring that hygienists feel confident using the equipment and maintaining it properly.

• Patient Experience and Education

From disclosing agents that reveal hidden plaque to motivation sessions during the cleaning, GBT isn’t just about cleaning teeth, it's about educating patients. 

Kassie shares how this method builds trust and encourages better oral hygiene without the shame or discomfort.

• Investment and Value

An EMS system setup costs around $16,000 per operatory, which includes equipment, training, and starter materials. 

While it’s a substantial investment, Kassie illustrates how this technology pays off through improved patient outcomes, increased comfort, and reduced burnout for hygienists.

Kassie’s enthusiasm is infectious, and her experience shows that when clinical care is elevated through thoughtful innovation, everyone benefits patients, hygienists, and the practice itself. 

Whether you're a dentist considering the upgrade or a hygienist dreaming of modern tools, this episode offers valuable insights into why GBT might be your next best move.

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In our latest episode of Inside the Practice, we sat down with Dr. Nathan Bryan — world-renowned biochemist, nitric oxide researcher, and a fearless disruptor in medicine and dentistry.

What he shared will make you rethink your role as a dental professional:

“Dentists are the most important people in healthcare today. They can either cure chronic disease — or contribute to it.”

The science? Solid. The implications? Huge.

 Bryan breaks down exactly how poor oral care — and the very products we’ve been told are "safe" — are fueling inflammation, neurodegeneration, and even cardiovascular risk.

Here’s what we uncovered:

Oral health is the gateway to systemic health.
It all starts with nitric oxide. When the oral microbiome is disrupted (by fluoride, mouthwash, or heavy metals), nitric oxide production plummets — and blood pressure, inflammation, and disease risk skyrocket.
 

Common dental products are harming patients.
Fluoride is an oxidant. Mouthwash kills the good bacteria that produce nitric oxide. The result? Elevated blood pressure, cognitive decline, and a suppressed immune system.
 

The solution lies in purpose-driven practices.
Dentists who understand physiology — not just procedures — can actually prevent disease.
This shift isn’t just ethical. It’s a growth strategy.
 

Restorative physiology > prescription drugs.
According to Bryan, nearly every chronic illness comes down to this: your body is missing something it needs or it's overwhelmed with toxins. Remove the toxins. Replenish what’s missing. The body heals.
 

Even better? 

Dr. Bryan is launching a microbiome-friendly oral care line that supports nitric oxide production and helps normalize blood pressure — naturally.

“We're not here to manage disease. We're here to optimize health.”

This is the episode every dentist needs to hear.
Because if you're only focused on teeth, you're missing the real opportunity: to protect lives.

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In this episode of Inside The Practice, hosts Alan Hollander and Sarah Boylan sit down with Dr. Barry Taylor, Executive Director of the Oregon Dental Association and longtime leader in organized dentistry. 

With decades of clinical and administrative experience, Dr. Taylor shares how dental associations continue to play a critical role in advocating for the profession, shaping policy, and building a strong, supportive community for dental professionals.

1. Advocacy Isn't Optional—It's Essential

 Dr. Taylor emphasizes the importance of organized advocacy, especially around third-party payer issues like prompt payment laws and reimbursement parity with medical providers. 

Associations are the boots on the ground where individual practitioners simply can't be.

2. Community Eases the Burden of Practice Stress

 The dental profession is often misunderstood for its stress levels. 

Taylor highlights how associations help reduce burnout and loneliness by creating spaces like the Oregon Dental Conference for meaningful peer-to-peer interaction and professional support.

3. Saliva Testing and the Future of Oral-Systemic Integration

 The ADA’s approval of a new saliva testing code is a game-changer in integrating dentistry into broader healthcare. 

Taylor explains how associations not only pushed for this code but are now working to ensure reimbursement follows, enabling broader adoption of preventive services.

4. Empowering the Entire Dental Team

 Oregon is pioneering new scopes for dental assistants, including administering anesthesia. 

Dr. Taylor advocates for expanded professional pathways and recognition across the team to support retention and career growth in dental practices.

5. Participation Doesn't Mean Leadership—Just Show Up

 Engagement in state associations doesn't require taking on leadership roles. 

Taylor's message: Being a member, sharing your ideas, and supporting the mission is more than enough to contribute to meaningful change in the profession.

Dr. Taylor’s message is clear: associations are not just about policies and conferences—they're about people, relationships, and the profession’s future. The more dentists plug into the community, the more we all benefit from shared advocacy, innovation, and support.

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In this episode of Inside the Practice, host Alan Hollander and co-host Sarah Boylan welcome expert consultant Wendy Reifer to discuss key strategies for optimizing dental practices. 

With decades of experience, Wendy shares actionable insights on staffing, leadership, and operational efficiency that help practices thrive.

• The Power of Continuous Recruitment

 Hiring isn’t just about filling immediate vacancies—successful practices are always on the lookout for great talent. 

By maintaining an active recruitment mindset, practices can avoid the stress of last-minute hires and improve overall team performance.

• Balancing Cross-Training with Specialization

 While having flexible team members is valuable, the most efficient practices ensure that employees become experts in their specific roles. 

This specialization allows for consistency, efficiency, and ultimately better patient care.

• Transforming Staff Training into a Systematic Process

 One of the biggest pitfalls in busy practices is neglecting proper training. A structured onboarding system, including a “stations” training approach, ensures new hires are integrated smoothly, reducing inefficiencies and long learning curves.

• Effective Meetings Drive Better Communication

 Many practices struggle with internal communication. 

Well-structured, purpose-driven meetings with clear agendas help align teams, eliminate misunderstandings, and ensure accountability without wasting valuable time.

• Leadership Through Proactive Problem-Solving

 Strong leadership isn’t about reacting to issues as they arise but implementing proactive systems to prevent them. 

Successful practice leaders create an environment where challenges are addressed through structured processes, allowing for consistent growth and improvement.

A thriving dental practice isn’t just about great clinical skills—it requires strong leadership, a proactive hiring strategy, and efficient systems. Wendy’s insights highlight the importance of continuously refining operations to enhance patient care and practice success.

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In this episode of Inside The Practice, host Sarah Boylan sits down with Rick Shandy of BnK Construction, a dental office build-out specialist, to discuss the key steps dentists should take before signing a lease or starting a construction project. 

With over 425 dental spaces built, Rick shares his expertise on avoiding costly mistakes, planning efficiently, and making informed financial decisions.

Involve a Dental Contractor Early

Before signing a lease, have a specialized contractor review the space. Hidden costs like outdated HVAC, inadequate water supply, and electrical capacity can lead to unexpected expenses.

Understand Hard vs. Soft Costs

Construction costs go beyond flooring and walls. Permit fees, system development charges, and tenant improvements can add tens of thousands of dollars—budget accordingly.

Why Permittable Plans Matter

A dental equipment supplier’s layout is not a full construction plan. Work with professionals who ensure ADA compliance, municipal codes, and functional space design.

Maximizing Tenant Improvement Dollars

Negotiate for higher TI allowances with landlords, as dentists are highly desirable tenants. Ensure that funds are allocated efficiently to avoid unnecessary expenses.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Signing a lease without assessing true renovation costs
• Using a general contractor without dental expertise
• Overbuilding unnecessary features like extra sinks or cabinetry
• Underestimating the timeline and permitting process

Building a dental practice is a major investment, and making the right decisions from the start saves money, time, and stress. 

Surround yourself with the right experts, plan strategically, and don’t rush into a lease without understanding the full financial and construction scope.

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In this episode of Inside The Practice, hosts Alan Hollander and Sarah Boylan sit down with Brandon Lee, Founder of Fist Bump, to discuss how dental practices can cut through marketing clutter and create messages that truly resonate.

Brandon shares his "revenues through reputation" approach, focusing on authenticity, storytelling, and data-driven insights to attract the right patients and build trust.

Stop Talking About Yourself—Focus on Your Patients

Most dental marketing fails because practices focus too much on what they do rather than what matters to their patients. 

Instead of saying, “We provide top-quality care,” ask, “How can we reduce patient anxiety and improve their experience?”

Use Patient Insights to Shape Your Messaging

Want to know what messaging will attract more patients? Ask them! Brandon suggests practices routinely ask patients questions like:

• Why did you choose our office?
• What would make your visits more enjoyable?
• What’s the number one thing you look for in a dentist?

These answers provide real-time insights into what matters most to patients.

Social Media Should Show Your Human Side

Patients want to know who you are beyond the white coat. 

Brandon emphasizes using social media to highlight your team’s personality, values, and everyday moments—not just dental procedures.

• Share behind-the-scenes videos
• Feature patient stories (with permission)
• Show office culture and everyday moments
  Authentic engagement builds trust and helps practices stand out.

If You Try to Market to Everyone, You Reach No One

One of the biggest mistakes practices make is trying to appeal to everyone.

Instead, Brandon advises focusing on your ideal patient profile—whether it’s families, professionals, or patients with dental anxiety—and tailoring messages specifically for them.

Track the Right Metrics—Not Just Vanity Numbers

Many practices track email open rates and social media likes, but those don’t always translate to new patients. 

Instead, focus on:

• Click-through rates on appointment offers
• The number of new patient inquiries from marketing campaigns
• How many website visitors actually book an appointment

Marketing isn’t about flashy ads—it’s about building trust and relationships. 

Whether through strategic messaging, patient conversations, or humanizing your brand on social media, connection is key to long-term growth.

What’s one thing you will change in your marketing strategy after this episode?

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In this episode of Inside the Practice, hosts Alan Hollander and Sarah Boylan welcome Chris Verbiest, an industry expert with over 40 years of experience in dental risk management and insurance. 

Chris shares invaluable insights on protecting dental practices from lawsuits, mitigating HR disputes, and ensuring proper documentation to avoid costly mistakes.

The Three Pillars of Risk Management

Chris highlights that effective risk management relies on communication, documentation, and informed consent. 

Poor documentation is often the weakest link in defending against patient claims and legal disputes.

"If It's Not in the Chart, It Didn’t Happen"

Chris stresses the importance of detailed charting. 

Courts consider a well-documented chart as the most credible evidence in disputes, often outweighing verbal testimony from both the dentist and patient.

Patient Expectations & Financial Disputes

Many claims stem from misaligned expectations rather than malpractice. 

Dentists must clearly communicate treatment plans and avoid agreeing to unrealistic requests from patients, especially those based solely on budget concerns.

HR Disputes & Employee Documentation

Chris emphasizes the necessity of maintaining proper employee records. Terminations without proper documentation can lead to costly lawsuits, even in at-will employment states. 

Performance evaluations, attendance records, and disciplinary actions must be documented consistently.

The Power of Informed Consent

Informed consent is critical for legal protection. 

Whether required by law or not, failure to document patient consent and treatment risks can leave a dentist vulnerable to lawsuits. 

The simple acronym P.A.R.Q. (Procedure, Alternatives, Risks, Questions) can streamline the process.

Chris leaves us with a powerful message: Documentation isn’t just an administrative task—it’s a dentist’s best defense. 

By implementing structured risk management strategies, dental professionals can safeguard their practice from unnecessary legal and financial risks.

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In this episode of Inside the Practice, hosts Alan Hollander sits down with Dr. Dan Kubikian, a board-certified periodontist and clinical professor, to discuss his unique approach to dental practice management and patient care. 

From creating a welcoming environment to leveraging innovative technology, Dr. Kubikian shares insights from his successful South Jersey-based practice.

Empathy as a Cornerstone

Dr. Kubikian emphasizes the importance of understanding the patient's perspective. 

He tailors consultations to build trust and simplifies complex treatments into manageable steps, ensuring patients feel comfortable and informed.

Patient-Centric Office Design

His practice prioritizes patient comfort by creating an environment that feels far from a traditional dental office. 

Features like bird feeders, calming scents, and discreetly positioned dental tools contribute to a stress-free atmosphere.

Investment in Technology

Early adoption of tools like cone beam scans and intraoral scanners enhances efficiency and accuracy. 

These investments streamline workflows, improve outcomes, and strengthen relationships with referring dentists.

Building a Collaborative Culture

Dr. Kubikian fosters a positive workplace environment by supporting his staff's growth, encouraging camaraderie, and promoting transparency. 

This approach reduces turnover and boosts team morale.

The Power of Study Clubs

His robust study club for general dentists and hygienists has become a vital platform for education and networking. 

These clubs enhance collaboration among practitioners and stimulate referrals, benefiting the entire dental ecosystem.

Dr. Kubikian's insights highlight how combining empathy, innovation, and a collaborative mindset can transform a dental practice into a thriving, patient-centered business. 

By continuously learning and adapting, he demonstrates how to achieve clinical excellence while fostering meaningful relationships with staff, patients, and referring doctors.

For more in-depth insights, be sure to catch the full episode.

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In the debut episode of Inside the Practice, hosts Alan Hollander and Sarah Boylan, MBA sit down with Elliott M. Tracy, CPA , a leading expert in dental practice management. 

Elliott shares actionable insights on how dental professionals can build and sustain thriving practices, offering a blend of business acumen and practical advice.

• Effective Growth Strategies: 

Elliott discusses how dental practices can achieve sustainable growth by focusing on both patient retention and strategic marketing. 

He highlights the importance of understanding your target market, identifying patient needs, and providing a consistently high level of care. 

Key to growth, Elliott stresses, is understanding the balance between attracting new patients and retaining loyal ones through exceptional service and engagement.

• Building a Strong Team: 

A strong, cohesive team is essential to the success of any practice. 

Elliott shares his approach to fostering a positive office culture, where communication, collaboration, and mutual respect are at the forefront. 

He explains that hiring for both skill and cultural fit is crucial, as a unified team contributes to smoother operations and a better patient experience. 

• Balancing Business and Clinical Care: 

Elliott offers practical advice on how dental professionals can balance delivering excellent clinical care while managing the business side of their practices. 

He emphasizes that it's not enough to be a skilled clinician; a successful practice also requires effective leadership, sound financial planning, and strategic decision-making. 

Elliott provides tips on time management, delegation, and setting clear business goals, allowing dentists to maintain high clinical standards without becoming overwhelmed by administrative duties.

• Marketing in a Competitive Space: 

Elliott provides insight into the evolving landscape of dental marketing, where digital platforms play a crucial role. 

He advises practices to take advantage of SEO, social media, and online reviews to build their brand and attract new patients. 

By combining traditional marketing methods with modern digital strategies, dental practices can reach and retain a wider audience. 

Elliott’s advice sets the foundation for both new and established dental practices to refine their approach to growth and management. 

The episode serves as a valuable resource for dental professionals looking to enhance their practice's operations while maintaining a focus on exceptional patient care.

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