Love Your Practice

In this engaging episode of 'Love Your Practice,' Dr. Laura Mach, a general dentist and life coach, discusses empowering women dental practice owners to lead with intention and love their work. Dr. Mach introduces a special small group course focusing on inspiring employees and using emotional intelligence in leadership. Additionally, Dr. Mach interviews Tosha Kozloski, RDH; a hygiene consultant who has revolutionized her dental practice by implementing microscopy and ozone therapy. They discuss the profound impact these techniques have on patient care, behavior, and overall practice profitability. Tosha shares her journey into this niche aspect of dentistry and offers insights into improving patient communication and treatment acceptance. Listeners will learn valuable strategies for elevating their hygiene programs, effectively utilizing advanced dental tools, and fostering healthier, happier patient relationships.

05:49 Tosha's Journey into Dental Hygiene

08:29 Implementing Microscopy in Practice

13:37 Training and Communication Strategies

23:01 Medicated Cleaning for Gingivitis and SRP Patients

23:25 The Role of Ozone in Dental Treatments

25:33 Patient Home Care and Immune System Considerations

26:21 Oral Systemic Health and Patient Communication

27:05 The Importance of Visual Aids in Patient Education

27:44 Coordinated Care and Patient Accountability

31:31 Implementing New Tools and Technologies in Practice

33:53 Calibrating Periodontal Protocols and Verbal Skills

37:48 Financial and Health Benefits of Advanced Hygiene Programs

Resources and links mentioned:

Connect with Tosha: IG @tosh.care, www.Tosh.Care, or email [email protected]

Watch Laura's podcasts on YouTube: Love Your Practice!

Laura's email: [email protected]

Laura's website: LoveYourPractice.net

Laura's podcast: Love Your Practice!

Laura's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlauramachdds/?hl=en

Laura's Facebook pages:

Love Your Practice with Dr. Laura Mach

Love Your Practice

Laura's personal page

To sign up for Dr. Laura's March 21, 2025 class, email her at [email protected].

The video mentioned near the end is added to the end of the YouTube version as well as to our website post for this episode.

Thank you so much for tuning in to this podcast! I would love it if you would share it with others and leave a review for others to see!

~ Laura

Podcast and promotion produced by ‪@rebeccapaciorekAuthorsAllies‬

Hey there, it's Dr. Laura Mach, and welcome to this solo episode of the "Love Your Practice" podcast. Today, I want to share some insights with you on how to be an effective leader in your dental practice by regulating your own emotions. The most important factor in being able to lead your team successfully is how you feel about yourself - being calm, confident, and knowing you deserve happiness.

I'll discuss how an ancient part of the brain called the amygdala can sometimes overreact to non-dangerous situations in the modern world, leading to unnecessary feelings of defensiveness or panic. I'll walk you through steps to recognize when your "inner Becky" amygdala is activated and strategies to talk yourself down in those moments.

The key, I emphasize, is that when you as the leader are calm and curious rather than defensive, it allows your employees to also feel calm and open rather than defensive. This emotional regulation is critical to inspiring your team. I'll also tease an upcoming small group training I'm offering on tactical skills to lead in this way.

Whether you struggle with your own emotions as a leader or have challenges getting your team to follow your vision, this episode provides a framework to lead with more confidence and effectiveness. Listen in for my take on mastering your "inner Becky" to create the thriving practice you desire. Let's dive in!

Highlights from this episode:

00:00 Dentistry Leadership Workshop for Women

05:41 Mastering Amygdala: Confidence & Calm

09:11 Panic in Workplace Situations

10:05 Calming Amygdala Reactions: Steps

13:51 Calm, Confident Leadership Benefits Employees

17:36 "Join the 'Love Your Practice' Movement"

Resources and links mentioned:

Watch Laura's podcasts on YouTube: Love Your Practice!

Laura's email: [email protected]

Laura's website: LoveYourPractice.net

Laura's podcast: Love Your Practice!

Laura's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlauramachdds/?hl=en

Laura's Facebook pages:

Love Your Practice with Dr. Laura Mach

Love Your Practice

Laura's personal page

To sign up for Dr. Laura's March 21, 2025 class, email her at [email protected].

Thank you so much for tuning in to this podcast! I would love it if you would share it with others and leave a review for others to see!

~ Laura

Podcast and promotion produced by ‪@rebeccapaciorekAuthorsAllies‬

Welcome to the Love Your Practice podcast with Dr. Laura Mach. In today's episode, Dr. Mach has a fascinating conversation with her guest Beth Heilman about leadership strategies for female dental practice owners.

Beth Heilman, known as The Burnout Breakthrough Coach for Dental Professionals, spent over two decades in the trenches as a burned-out dental office manager before cracking the code on how to ditch stress, reignite passion, and build a career that doesn't drain the life out of you. Now, as a certified life and health coach and the owner of Dental Life Mastery, she helps dental professionals break free from burnout, overwhelm, and stress in her program where she teaches the 10 skills of mental hygiene. If you feel stuck, exhausted, or like you're running on fumes, Beth's here to hand you the map, the keys, and the fuel to get your life back. With her invaluable experience and insights, Beth coaches dental employees to maximize their career satisfaction.

Highlights from this episode:

The discussion covers the key things dental employees need to feel fulfilled - being heard, feeling appreciated, and sensing that they are being helpful. Dr. Mach and Beth explore practical ways practice owners can provide this to inspire their teams.

They also dive into how to manage your own emotional responses as a leader and owner. This includes acknowledging your primitive "survival brain" responses but consciously choosing a more generous, calm approach.

Finally, they address the difficult topic of when it's time to part ways with an employee who is not following leadership despite your best efforts. While daunting, surrounding yourself with support can help navigate this.

Stay tuned for an engaging conversation packed with relatable stories and actionable strategies for leading your dental practice team with more ease and success. Later in the episode, Dr. Mach will also be announcing an exciting new offering to help practice owners become exceptional leaders, so don't miss it!

Resources and links mentioned:

Watch Laura's podcasts on YouTube: Love Your Practice!

Laura's email: [email protected]

Laura's website: LoveYourPractice.net

Laura's podcast: Love Your Practice!

Laura's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlauramachdds/?hl=en

Laura's Facebook pages:

Love Your Practice with Dr. Laura Mach

Love Your Practice

Laura's personal page

Beth Heilman's Facebook group: Support for Burned Out, Stressed Out & Overwhelmed Dental Professionals

Beth's website. https://www.bethheilmancoaching.com/

Thank you so much for tuning in to this podcast! I would love it if you would share it with others and leave a review for others to see!

~ Laura

In today's episode, we have a special guest - Dr. Kaitlin Haag, a general dentist and practice owner from rural Nebraska. Dr. Haag shares her remarkable journey from being a student in the Rural Health Opportunities Program to unexpectedly becoming a 50% owner of a dental practice right out of school.

She openly discusses the challenges that came with taking on significant responsibility early in her career, from managing substantial loans to dealing with the departure of senior partners who were expected to provide mentorship. Despite the obstacles, Dr. Haag found ways to keep her work engaging, like expanding into pediatric airway treatment.

However, as a young female dentist, Dr. Haag also struggled with feelings of inadequacy, negative self-talk, and the pressure to balance patient care with the business realities of insurance plans. She shares how learning to recognize and challenge her own limiting thought patterns was a turning point, enabling her to recommend ideal care more confidently and find greater satisfaction in her work.

Dr. Haag's story highlights the unique pressures faced by women in dentistry and the importance of seeking support rather than struggling in isolation. Her insights on managing self-doubt, communicating with patients, and finding work-life harmony will resonate with many listeners.

Stay tuned for an enlightening conversation about navigating the challenges and triumphs of building a rewarding dental practice as a woman. Dr. Haag's journey reminds us that who we are is truly enough.

Highlights from this episode:

• Hurdles Dr. Haag faced

• Insurance drama and self-doubt

• Changing her outlook and tackling negative self-talk

• Leveling up her practice and confidence

• How coaching helped her personal and work life

• Words of wisdom for women dentists

• How Dr. Haag's work helps her patients

• How self-doubt messed with her work and personal life

• Turning to a dental-focused professional coach

Resources and links mentioned:

Watch Laura's podcasts on YouTube: Love Your Practice!

Laura's email: [email protected]

Laura's website: LoveYourPractice.net

Laura's podcast: Love Your Practice!

Laura's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlauramachdds/?hl=en

Dr. Haag's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkaitlinhaag/

Laura's Facebook pages:

Love Your Practice with Dr. Laura Mach

Love Your Practice

Laura's personal page

Podcast and promotion produced by Blue Dot Digital Marketing.

Thank you so much for tuning in to this podcast! I would love it if you would share it with others and leave a review for others to see!

~ Laura

Welcome to another episode of Love Your Practice. I'm your host, Dr. Laura Mach. In today's episode, I'm thrilled to welcome back a very special guest and dear friend, Dr. Erin Sheffield.

Erin and I go way back, having known each other for nearly 20 years. Our paths first crossed when I started a Yahoo group for pre-dental Mormon women, seeking to connect with like-minded individuals. Erin's leadership skills shone through early on as when she was the President of the Women in Dentistry Club at BYU. Recognizing her potential, I encouraged her to apply to the University of Iowa Dental School, where she thrived with a well-deserved scholarship.

Fast forward to today, and Erin has achieved remarkable success in a field where women are significantly underrepresented. As an oral surgeon, she is part of the mere 8% of women in this specialty, making her voice and experiences all the more valuable.

In our conversation, we delve into the challenges and barriers faced by women in medicine and dentistry. We explore the stark gender disparities in oral surgery and discuss how a lack of proactive initiatives to recruit and support women may contribute to this imbalance. Erin shares her insights on the societal privileges that can lead to a lack of awareness and initiative in addressing these issues.

So join us as we navigate the complexities of being a woman in a male-dominated field, and learn from Erin's inspiring journey.

Highlights from this episode:

• Setting policies and boundaries

• Adapting office schedules for better patient/staff outcomes

• Mindset, gratitude and self-care

• Delegating and systems

• Economic impacts on the dental field

• Gender bias in the medical field and the importance of female representation

Resources and links mentioned:

• Watch Laura's podcasts on YouTube: Love Your Practice!

• Laura's email: [email protected]

• Laura's website: LoveYourPractice.net

• Laura's podcast: Love Your Practice!

• Laura's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlauramachdds/?hl=en

Laura's Facebook pages:

• Love Your Practice with Dr. Laura Mach

• Love Your Practice

• Laura's personal page

Find Dr. Sheffield online:

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drerinsheffield

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@drerinsheffield

DM Dr. Shellfield if you're interested in her February retreat. [a luxury wellness retreat for Women Oral Maxillofacial Surgeons] You can also learn more and sign up here to attend. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/elevate-summit-2025-tickets-1043083108657?aff=oddtdtcreator

Thank you so much for tuning in to this podcast! I would love it if you would share it with others and leave a review for others to see!

~ Laura

Podcast and promotion produced by Blue Dot Digital Marketing.

In this podcast episode, I welcome Sarah Mueller, a dental hygienist with a unique career path, now working with Swish Bio on salivary testing. Sarah shares her journey from clinical practice to leadership roles and emphasizes the transformative potential of salivary testing in dentistry. She explains how this testing identifies specific pathogens, allowing for tailored patient care. Our discussion covers the challenges of implementing new technologies in dental practices and the importance of adaptability and strong leadership. Sarah also highlights educational initiatives and onboarding processes for practices interested in adopting salivary testing.

Highlights from this episode:

• Sarah's Unique Journey: From clinical practice to leadership roles and now at Swish Bio, Sarah's career is a testament to the power of adaptability and innovation in dentistry.
• The Power of Salivary Testing: Discover how salivary testing can revolutionize patient care by identifying specific pathogens and tailoring treatments to individual needs.
• How It Works: Patients simply swish a solution, spit it into a tube, and send it to the lab. The results, color-coded for easy interpretation, provide a clear picture of oral health.
• Implementing Change: Learn about the challenges and rewards of integrating new technologies into dental practices. Sarah shares practical tips for making the transition smooth and effective.
• Leadership and Adaptability: We discuss the importance of strong leadership and emotional maturity in embracing change, and how female practice owners are often leading the charge.
• Educational Initiatives: Sarah is passionate about educating dental professionals on pathogens and their impact. Stay tuned for her upcoming lectures and resources.
• Onboarding with Swish Bio: Interested in salivary testing? Swish Bio offers complimentary tests and personalized onboarding to help practices get started.

Resources and links mentioned:

• Swish Bio https://www.swishbio.com/
• Sarah Mueller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-mueller-rdh-068b8810b/
• Email: [email protected]
• Watch Laura's podcasts on YouTube: Love Your Practice!
• Laura's email: [email protected]
• Laura's website: LoveYourPractice.net
• Laura's podcast: Love Your Practice!
• Laura's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlauramachdds/?hl=en

Laura's Facebook pages:

• Love Your Practice with Dr. Laura Mach
• Love Your Practice
• Laura's personal page

Thank you so much for tuning in to this podcast! I would love it if you would share it with others and leave a review for others to see!

~ Laura

Podcast and promotion produced by Blue Dot Digital Marketing.

In this episode of "Love Your Practice," I interview Dr. Jennifer Stafford, a seasoned dentist specializing in TMJ, orthodontics, and sleep-related issues. Dr. Stafford shares her journey from general dentistry to her current specialties, driven by her personal experiences with migraines. She emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and mentorship. The episode also delves into the transformative power of coaching, highlighting how it helped Dr. Stafford shift her mindset, overcome feelings of inadequacy, and find greater fulfillment in her work. Our discussion underscores self-acceptance, intentional thinking, and the value of personal growth in professional success. Join us for this discussion of her life-changing journey.

Highlights from this episode:

• Shifts in self-perception and personal growth in the dental profession.
• The importance of self-love and recognizing one's worth.
• Overcoming the fear of mediocrity and embracing new opportunities.
• Distinction between structural changes in practice and emotional growth.
• Navigating challenges in dental practice management, including transitioning to a fee-for-service model.
• The role of coaching in personal and professional development.
• Encouragement for individuals feeling stuck or unhappy in their careers.
• The power of choice in shaping one's career and life direction.
• Continuous learning and mentorship in dentistry.
• The impact of mindset on professional fulfillment and personal happiness.

Resources and links mentioned:

• Dr. Stafford is a member of the International College of Craniomandibular Orthopedics
• To contact Dr. Stafford about her services or her new study club, you can email her at: [email protected]
• Watch Laura's podcasts on YouTube: Love Your Practice!
• Laura's email: [email protected]
• Laura's website: LoveYourPractice.net
• Laura's podcast: Love Your Practice!
• Laura's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlauramachdds/?hl=en

Laura's Facebook pages:

• Love Your Practice with Dr. Laura Mach
• Love Your Practice
• Laura's personal page

Thank you so much for tuning in to this podcast! I would love it if you would share it with others and leave a review for others to see!

~ Laura

In this podcast episode, I chat with Dr. Cori Morris about her unique path to becoming a dentist and her experiences running her own dental practice. Dr. Morris talks about how she made the switch from teaching to dentistry, motivated by a desire to help her husband with humanitarian dental work. Even though she faced some skepticism and challenges along the way, she managed to finish dental school and get her own practice. Dr. Morris opens up about the difficulties of taking over an outdated practice, the need to modernize the space, and how crucial it is to be confident in treatment planning. Her story is all about resilience, dedication, and finding both professional and personal fulfillment.

Highlights from this episode:

1. Dr. Cori Morris's journey to becoming a dentist

2. Her decision to pursue dentistry and the challenges she faced

3. Her motivation to help others and engage in humanitarian work

4. The process of owning and managing a dental practice

5. The acquisition of the practice and the challenges faced

6. The importance of maintaining a balance between personal and professional life

7. Renovation and modernization of the practice space

8. Incorporating modern dental technology for improved workflow

9. Overcoming personal challenges related to discussing costs with patients

10. The impact of coaching on gaining confidence in treatment planning skills

Resources and links mentioned:

• Watch Laura's podcasts on YouTube: Love Your Practice!
• Laura's email: [email protected]
• Laura's website: LoveYourPractice.net
• Laura's podcast: Love Your Practice!
• Laura's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlauramachdds/?hl=en

Laura's Facebook pages:

• Love Your Practice with Dr. Laura Mach
• Love Your Practice
• Laura's personal page

Thank you so much for tuning in to this podcast! I would love it if you would share it with others and leave a review for others to see!

~ Laura

Podcast and promotion produced by Blue Dot Digital Marketing.

I'm thrilled to share the latest insights from the Love Your Practice podcast featuring a captivating discussion between myself and Brandi Hooker Evans. In this episode, we explored the essential aspects of elevating oral health care through a patient-focused and teamwork-oriented approach.

Brandi and I highlighted the importance of building strong relationships with patients in dental practice and the crucial role of hygienists in understanding and supporting patients' needs. We also delved into the potential consequences of patients making uninformed decisions about their oral health and the importance of a collaborative approach to serving patients.

Brandi, a seasoned hygienist and practice owner, offered valuable insights and tools for implementing her patient-focused approach, including a study club and her book, "Dentists, Hygienists, and Cows," available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. The book provides practical advice on empowering patients in their health journey.

During the discussion, we explored the burden often carried by dentists in seeking validation from patients and how shifting the focus to offering the best care can alleviate this burden. We also emphasized the significance of teamwork, professionalism, and a commitment to elevating the standard of care in dental practices.

One of the most impactful insights involved approaching hygienists about expanding their responsibilities to provide better patient care. We discussed the potential benefits of this shift for both the hygienists and the practice, such as increased earnings and improved patient care. Brandi also highlighted the financial benefits of scheduling appropriately for hygienists, preventing them from feeling overworked and contributing to increased production and elevated care.

The episode also addressed the importance of involving hygienists in restorative treatment plans and recognizing their invaluable contributions.

We are thrilled to share these insights with you and hope you find them valuable and applicable to your practice.

Highlights from this episode:

1. Patient Empowerment: Involving patients in their oral health decisions.
2. Team Collaboration: Building a supportive and engaged work environment.
3. Hygienist's Role: Elevating the value and responsibilities of hygienists.
4. Business Knowledge: Understanding the business aspect of dental practice.
5. Patient-Centered Care: Prioritizing high-quality and individualized patient care.
6. Energy and Enthusiasm: Cultivating a positive and productive team environment.
7. Practice Efficiency: Utilizing scheduling to optimize patient care and production

Resources and links mentioned:

Links for Brandi Hooker Evans:

• Brandi's Study Club mentioned https://brandihookerevans.com/studyclub/
• Brandi's book "Dentists, Hygienists, and Cows" on Amazon. https://a.co/d/5ZQyj0G

Link for Laura:

• Watch Laura's podcasts on YouTube: Love Your Practice!
• Laura's email: [email protected]
• Laura's website: LoveYourPractice.net
• Laura's podcast: Love Your Practice!
• Laura's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlauramachdds/?hl=en

Laura's Facebook pages:

• Love Your Practice with Dr. Laura Mach
• Love Your Practice
• Laura's personal page

Thank you so much for tuning in to this podcast! I would love it if you would share it with others and leave a review for others to see! ~ Laura

Podcast and promotion produced by Blue Dot Digital Marketing. www.bluedotdigitalmarketing.com.

Are you struggling to make important decisions to move your practice forward? This happens to all of us, and my guest on this episode, Dr. Seema Amin, opens up about her doubts and struggles with making necessary staffing changes in a timely manner. Dr. Amin has practiced dentistry for 26 years, starting in an associateship and then buying her own practice in 2011. She discusses her transition to practice owner and the challenges of moving into the "employer" side of managing the business, making decisions on her own, and managing people.

Buying her dental practice, Dr. Amin was scared but dreamt of how great it would be to be independent. She soon realized how difficult it was going to be when confronted with managing people. Hiring and retaining employees was the hardest part of growing the practice.

As we worked to develop her vision, she discovered her internal fears prevented staffing changes that needed to happen and learned that much of leadership is looking at the perspective of people we are leading. It's so important to consider how our employees are thinking to understand their emotions and actions. This helps us set the stage for more productive communication.

If you feel that an employee is toxic to your practice even with your good leadership skills, follow your gut. As Dr. Amin says, "Never let a toxic employee make you feel any different or insecure in your own thoughts." If you're unhappy in your practice, something has to change. Don't let the fear of what could happen stop you from making the decisions that need to be made. You will show up as a better caregiver for your patients.

Listen to this episode now for questions to ask yourself if you think an employee may need to be replaced and the necessity to overcome personal fears and doubts in facing the difficult changes needed to move your practice forward!

Highlights from this episode:

• Reconciling our human side with our business-owner side when changes are needed within the practice
• How setting and meeting standards for success can interfere with how we run our practices as we strive to meet those standards
• Signs that an employee may need to be replaced
• Addressing management issues in a timely manner
• Overcoming challenging thought habits and internal conflicts behind personal fears in good practice management
• Leadership skills: their importance, using them, and looking at issues through the eyes of employees
• Learning to communicate

Resources and links mentioned:

• Watch Laura's podcasts on YouTube: Love Your Practice!
• Laura's email: [email protected]
• Laura's website: LoveYourPractice.net
• Laura's podcast: Love Your Practice!
• Laura's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlauramachdds/?hl=en

Laura's Facebook pages:

• Love Your Practice with Dr. Laura Mach
• Love Your Practice
• Laura's personal page

Thank you so much for tuning in to this podcast! I would love it if you would share it with others and leave a review for others to see!

~ Laura