Insurance Untangled

How do you grow your dental practice when the economy feels shaky and patients are pulling back? In this episode, Ben Tuinei and Naren Arulrajah answer the five biggest questions dentists are asking about growth during uncertain times. From rising costs to changing patient expectations, they break down what's really happening — and what you can do about it.

Learn how to attract better patients, build lasting relationships, and use simple marketing strategies that work — even when others are shrinking. This is a must-listen if you're ready to stop spinning your wheels and start growing with clarity and confidence.

In Episode 116 of Insurance Untangled, Ben Tuinei and Naren Arulrajah explore how the 80/20 rule can transform your dental practice. Learn why just 20% of your efforts lead to 80% of your results—and how to stop wasting time and money on marketing that doesn't work. Naren shares a simple framework to help patients find you, like you, and trust you, using real examples and clear, no-fluff advice.

You'll also hear mindset lessons from sports greats like Phil Jackson and Michael Jordan, showing how focus and consistency create long-term success. Whether you're stuck in insurance traps or just tired of going in circles, this episode will help you take control and grow with purpose.

Are the right people in the right roles on your dental team? In this episode of Insurance Untangled, host Ben Tuinei sits down with Christina Jones, dental coach and co-founder of New Wave Dental Solutions to explore how DISC personality assessments can transform team dynamics in a dental practice. Christina shares her journey from dental assistant to coach, and explains how understanding personality profiles leads to better role alignment, improved communication, stronger culture, and even increased profitability. Whether you're struggling with team morale or want to boost office efficiency, this episode is packed with actionable insight.

In this episode of Insurance Untangled, Ben Tuinei and Naren Arulrajah dive deep into the shifting landscape of digital search and what AI means for your dental practice. Learn how "zero-click" searches, Google's evolving algorithms, and AI tools are already influencing whether patients find and choose your practice—often without ever clicking your website. From Google EEAT to voice search trends, this episode unpacks what it takes to stand out online in 2025 and beyond.

Are you feeling stuck in a cycle of packed schedules and low profitability? In this powerful episode of the Insurance Untangled podcast, co-hosts Ben Tuinei and Naren Arulrajah explore the essential strategies every dental practice must know to attract more high-value cases and reduce their reliance on PPOs. Many dentists find themselves overwhelmed with a packed schedule but minimal profitability, this episode reveals why that happens and how to reverse it.

In this episode, Ben Tuinei welcomes back expert guest Perrin DesPortes to dive into the real reasons so many dental practices struggle to recruit and keep great associates. They share why hiring reactively leads to mistakes, and how a proactive recruiting mindset can completely change the game.

You'll learn how to build a practice associates want to join—and stay with—from smart compensation models to culture, mentorship, and even ownership. Whether you're growing or tired of the "revolving door," this episode gives you a proven path forward.

What does it take to grow a struggling small-town dental practice into a $1M+ fee-for-service success story? In this episode, Ben and Naren break down the inspiring journey of a dentist who did just that, without working more days or relying on PPOs. You'll learn how smart strategy, a clear vision, and a commitment to value-driven care led to remarkable results, even through a pandemic. Whether you're in a rural town or a busy metro, this story proves that your mindset and model, not your location, determine your ceiling.

In this episode of Insurance Untangled, Ben Tuinei is joined by Naren Arulrajah, CEO of Ekwa Marketing, to answer a key question: How much should a dental practice really spend on marketing? They discuss why 5% of revenue is a common benchmark, how some practices succeed with less than 1%, and why SEO provides a 5x cost advantage over paid ads. You'll also learn the importance of tracking key metrics, optimizing every step of the patient journey, and aligning your marketing efforts with your practice goals. If you're ready to make your marketing dollars work better don't miss this conversation.

In this episode, Ben Tuinei and marketing expert Naren Arulrajah explain how to build a dental brand that stands out online and brings in loyal, high-value patients. Learn how to use your reviews, website, and team to create a message that builds trust—and keeps the right patients coming back.

Perfect for dentists who want to grow, reduce insurance dependence, and stand out in a crowded market.

In this episode of the Insurance Untangled Podcast, Ben Tuinei and Naren Arulrajah tackle an important topic for every dental practice: the difference between being chosen intentionally versus being picked randomly. Discover why being a patient's deliberate choice leads to greater loyalty, better treatment outcomes, and a more fulfilling practice life. Naren outlines how to build a marketing strategy that attracts ideal patients,those who share your values and seek your expertise.