Nobody Told Me That! A Dental Podcast with Teresa Duncan

Don't forget to check out the video episode on YouTube!

Understanding the impact of Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) is critical for every office manager and dentist. My friend Dr. Tony Stefanou - the founder of Connect the Dents - is a solid resource in this area. Even if you're not planning to join one soon you should know how they operate and grow. We can all learn from the different business models which operate around us. I asked Tony what piques a DSO's interest and that led to a great conversation about practice valuations. Take some notes with this one!

We tackled these topics:

• Consolidation in the Dental Industry

• The Importance of Knowing Your Practice's Value

• Geography and DSO Expansion

• Practices in High Demand

• Honing in on DSO Affiliation

• Career Paths within DSOs

Connect with Dr. Tony Stefanou:

Connect The Dents

LinkedIn

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Synergy Dental Partners believes in the podcast! They are offering to double their free trial offer for NTMT listeners. Synergy is a group purchasing organization (GPO) that lowers your expenses by leveraging their purchasing power.

https://www.odysseymgmt.com/synergy

NTMT listeners receive a 2 Month Free Trial + a 3rd Month if you buy anything from any vendor during the trial period. Also, new Darby customers receive a $200 Darby statement credit with a purchase.

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My new insurance course is out! Dental Insurance Design and Management is geared toward those who want to understand the how and why of insurance. As a loyal podcast listener, please use "NTMT" for a $75 courtesy toward your investment.

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Visit odysseymgmt.com to check out my book, webinars and courses.

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Don't forget to check out my other podcast Chew on This - A Dental Podcast!

**If you like the show then I'd appreciate a good rating. Tell your friends. Even podcasters ask for referrals!**

Don't forget to check out the video episode on YouTube!

Great employees are worth their weight in gold. Managing them is usually the most taxing part of the job. Different personalities, different ages - all of it comes with pros and cons. My guests - Michelle Coker and Matt Nelson from the California Dental Association - help offices with these challenges every day. We unpacked the nuanced dynamics of workplace communication and the generational differences coloring today's dental practices. I hope it's helpful!

We tackled these topics:

• Workplace Communication

• Onboarding & Training Importance

• Generational Differences

• Open Dialogue

• Effective Team Management

• Gender Dynamics in Dentistry

• Employee Mental Health

• The Value of Mentoring and Support

Connect with Matt Nelson: LinkedIn | Email

Connect with Michelle Coker: LinkedIn | Email

California Dental Association: Website

Conflict Management Book Recommendation by Matt: The Five Dysfunctions of a Team

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Synergy Dental Partners believes in the podcast! They are offering to double their free trial offer for NTMT listeners. Synergy is a group purchasing organization (GPO) that lowers your expenses by leveraging their purchasing power.

https://www.odysseymgmt.com/synergy

NTMT listeners receive a 2 Month Free Trial + a 3rd Month if you buy anything from any vendor during the trial period. Also, new Darby customers receive a $200 Darby statement credit with a purchase.

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My new insurance course is out! Dental Insurance Design and Management is geared toward those who want to understand the how and why of insurance. As a loyal podcast listener, please use "NTMT" for a $75 courtesy toward your investment.

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Visit odysseymgmt.com to check out my book, webinars and courses.

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Don't forget to check out my other podcast Chew on This - A Dental Podcast!

**If you like the show then I'd appreciate a good rating. Tell your friends. Even podcasters ask for referrals!**

Don't forget to check out the video episode on YouTube!

It's always fun to have Rachel Wall back for hygiene updates. She's the founder and president of Inspired Hygiene and is my go-to for shedding light on the latest trends and products in dental hygiene.

We tackled these topics:

• The challenges of the various hygiene compensation models

• How a knowledgeable administrative team impacts patient communications

• Strategies for expanding service offerings in dental hygiene to keep pace with an evolving industry

• Newer treatments such as remineralization and enamel regeneration

Connect with Rachel Wall and Inspired Hygiene:

• ➡️ Check out the Perio Protocol Online Bootcamp here

• Rachel's Standard of Care free offering

• Inspired Hygiene | Website

• Inspired Hygiene (@inspiredhygiene) | Instagram

• Rachel Wall - Founder & President at Inspired Hygiene | LinkedIn

• Inspired Hygiene | Facebook

Check out Dr. Emily Boge at Think Big Dental, as mentioned on the show.

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Synergy Dental Partners believes in the podcast! They are offering to double their free trial offer for NTMT listeners. Synergy is a group purchasing organization (GPO) that lowers your expenses by leveraging their purchasing power.

https://www.odysseymgmt.com/synergy

NTMT listeners receive a 2 Month Free Trial + a 3rd Month if you buy anything from any vendor during the trial period. Also, new Darby customers receive a $200 Darby statement credit with a purchase.

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My new insurance course is out! Dental Insurance Design and Management is geared toward those who want to understand the how and why of insurance. As a loyal podcast listener, please use "NTMT" for a $75 courtesy toward your investment.

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Visit odysseymgmt.com to check out my book, webinars and courses.

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Don't forget to check out my other podcast Chew on This - A Dental Podcast!

**If you like the show then I'd appreciate a good rating. Tell your friends. Even podcasters ask for referrals!**

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@odysseymgmt

SHOW NOTES:

Don't forget to check out the video episode on YouTube!

Returning guest India Chance joined me for another infection control, bug-filled episode! She's the founder of Learn to Prevent and always teaches me something new. Sometimes I wish I didn't know it but it's important for our patients and practices. Some highlights from our talk:

• Infection Control and Compliance: Autoclaves - who knew they could be a hot topic? See what I did there? 😄 We talked tracking parameters for every autoclave cycle and how digital solutions are becoming the standard.

• HIPAA Compliance: She shared what to expect during an audit and how to deal with the stress on managerial staff and practice owners. India shares why it motivated her to create a comprehensive onboarding program for new hires.

• The Importance of Compliance: India talks about her transition from dental hygienist to an infection control inspector.

• Social Media and Compliance: The potential risks and repercussions of posting on social media platforms, especially concerning HIPAA, OSHA violations, and infection control breaches, are highlighted. Release forms and best practices for using patients' images or likeness on social media - make sure you have them or risk legal action!

For more information on India Chance's programs and services, visit her website to learn more about infection control, HIPAA, and OSHA compliance.

Connect with India:

Learn2Prevent: https://www.learn2prevent.com/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/Learn2Prevent

Learn2Prevent™️ (@learn2prevent) • Instagram photos and videos

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learn2prevent/

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Synergy Dental Partners believes in the podcast! They are offering to double their free trial offer for NTMT listeners. Synergy is a group purchasing organization (GPO) that lowers your expenses by leveraging their purchasing power.

https://www.odysseymgmt.com/synergy

NTMT listeners receive a 2 Month Free Trial + a 3rd Month if you buy anything from any vendor during the trial period. Also, new Darby customers receive a $200 Darby statement credit with a purchase.

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My new insurance course is out! Dental Insurance Design and Management is geared toward those who want to understand the how and why of insurance. As a loyal podcast listener, please use "NTMT" for a $75 courtesy toward your investment.

If you like the show then I'd appreciate a good rating. Tell your friends. Even podcasters ask for referrals!

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Visit odysseymgmt.com to check out my book, webinars and courses.

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YouTube: https://youtube.com/@odysseymgmt

More management and insurance knowledge in my newsletter: https://www.odysseymgmt.com/newsletter and don't forget to check out the video episode on YouTube!

In this episode, I sat down with Dr. Bryan Laskin – a dental tech entrepreneur, an author and a good friend. He's been on before (Ep 76) and just like last time, the conversation flowed. Dentistry is changing behind the scenes. We think of progress as materials updates and faster scans. But what happens when the changes occur behind the scenes yet have such a huge impact on your job? Some highlights from our talk:

• Digital Transformation and Interoperability: We started by exploring the progression of dentistry from analog to digital and now, Bryan's concept of interconnected dental practices. He emphasized the urgency of interconnected electronic dental records and the barriers hindering quality care and innovation.

• Patient Records and Compliance: The lack of standard procedures for patient data sharing and record access was a chief concern. We dissected the potential fines for non-compliance with federal regulations, and the absence of insurance coverage for such penalties. Bryan provided insights into efforts being made for the development of standards in dental data accessibility.

• Clinical and Business Integration: The focus then pivoted to the integration of clinical and business insights in dentistry for collective success. We delved into the necessity of this harmonious relationship and the impact it has on the industry as a whole.

• Challenges and Solutions: The discussion flowed into the challenges faced in dental practices, including misdiagnoses stemming from disparate referral forms and varied laboratory versions. The need for accurate information for precise diagnostics was heightened.

• Government Intervention and Future Outlook: We rounded off with thoughts on potential government intervention to reform the dental industry, with an emphasis on integrating medical and dental operations and addressing workforce challenges. Bryan shared his perspective on the future of dental technology and the promising advancements up ahead.

Connect with Dr. Bryan Laskin at bryanlaskin.com where you can also find the link to get his new book, Dental Disorder.

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I created Dental Revenue Network to foster collaboration and networking amongst RCM professionals. Billing company owners and billing professionals will have access to skill building sessions, current carrier news and insurance discussions beyond "what's the code?" Check it out - I hope you'll join! https://dentalrevenuenetwork.mn.co/

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Are you looking for guidance with medical billing? Aren't we all! Check out Dental Classroom Online and use ODYSSEY for a 10% courtesy: https://www.dentalclassroomonline.com/

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Synergy Dental Partners offers lower prices for your dental supplies and services

https://www.odysseymgmt.com/synergy

NTMT listeners receive a 2 Month Free Trial + a 3rd Month if you buy anything from any vendor during the trial period. Also, new Darby customers receive a $200 Darby statement credit with a purchase.

-------------

My insurance course Dental Insurance Design and Management is geared toward those who want to understand the how and why of insurance. As a loyal podcast listener, please use "NTMT" for a $75 courtesy toward your investment.

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Visit odysseymgmt.com to check out my book, webinars and courses.

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Don't forget to check out my other podcast Chew on This - A Dental Podcast!

**If you like the show then I'd appreciate a good rating. Tell your friends. Even podcasters ask for referrals!**

More management and insurance knowledge in my newsletter: https://www.odysseymgmt.com/newsletter and don't forget to visit our YouTube channel!

In this episode, I was joined by Andrew Johnston, RDH, co-founder of "A Tale of Two Hygienists," and the man responsible for The Dental Podcast Network at Dental Economics. He's also a restorative hygienist. Also making an appearance was Editor-In-Chief at Dr. Bicuspid and my Chew On This Podcast co-host, Kevin Henry. We discussed some of the noticeable movements that have been shaking the current norms in the dental industry:

• Artificial Intelligence: We had to discuss the world of artificial intelligence (AI) and its industry impact. From its potential applications in administrative tasks and clinical settings to concerns about accuracy and overreliance, we tackled the evolving role of AI in the dental field for 2023 and beyond.

• Compacts between states for dental licenses: We're facing challenges with dental professionals obtaining licenses in different states and the impact on competency and efficiency. The concept of compacts is significant as it highlights the need for agreement on education standards and scope of practice across states. This issue of differing standards and practices has implications for the mobility and professional development of dental practitioners. And yes, we go into what a compact actually means!

• Evolving landscape of industry events: Declining attendance at dental conferences introduces financial strain to vendors. It's actually helped the rise of online CE platforms. There's a need for a different approach to attract quality education and speakers to create an amazing attendee experience.

Let's see if 2024 brings improvements but we should be prepared for new developments.

Connect with Andrew Johnston at A Tale of Two Hygienists

Connect with Kevin Henry on his IG page and at Kevin Speaks Dental

Don't forget to check out my other podcast, Chew on This - A Dental Podcast!, also with Kevin as my co-host.

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Huge thanks to Curve Dental for sponsoring this episode! Grab a demo with them through the link below (no affiliate money to me) and see if they're a fit.

curvedental.com/duncan

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I created Dental Revenue Network to foster collaboration and networking amongst RCM professionals. Billing company owners and billing professionals will have access to skill building sessions, current carrier news and insurance discussions beyond "what's the code?" Check it out - I hope you'll join! https://dentalrevenuenetwork.mn.co/

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My insurance course Dental Insurance Design and Management is geared toward those who want to understand the how and why of insurance. As a loyal podcast listener, please use "NTMT" for a $75 courtesy toward your investment.

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Visit odysseymgmt.com to check out my book, webinars and courses.

**If you like the show then I'd appreciate a good rating. Tell your friends. Even podcasters ask for referrals!**

More management and insurance knowledge in my newsletter: https://www.odysseymgmt.com/newsletter and don't forget to check out Odyssey's YouTube channel!

In this episode, we dive deep into the concerning issue of workplace violence in dental offices. I was joined by my friend Duane Tinker, a compliance consultant and former investigator for the Texas Dental Board. This episode is a bit more serious than usual but oh so important.

• Dental Office Safety: We discuss the duty of business owners to provide a safe workplace, the importance of contingency plans, and the potential legal ramifications they may face in case of violent incidents. We also touch on the delicate topic of carrying guns at work - you have to know your local laws and regulations. The episode took a sobering turn as we discussed real-life cases where dentists have been killed in their offices. We explore the traumatic aftermath of such incidents and the long-lasting effects they have on individuals and the dental field as a whole.

• Safety Measures and Self Defense: We also touch on practical safety measures that dental offices can implement, such as panic buttons, safe rooms, and preparation exercises. Tink (as his friends call him) offers valuable insights into self-defense methods that you can utilize, including using non-traditional objects as weapons.

• Staying Informed and Educated to Ensure Compliance: Tink shares his expertise on fraud, waste, and abuse laws and why you can no longer take the risk that "it won't happen to you."

I hope that this episode empowers you to create a safer and more compliant dental practice. For you and your team.

Resources from the call:

• ADA's Tip Sheet on Workplace Violence: https://www.ada.org/-/media/project/ada-organization/ada/ada-org/files/publications/guidelines-for-practice-success/gps-regulatory/employee-on-employee-violence-tip-sheet.pdf

• Elite Learning's class on the topic: https://www.elitelearning.com/resource-center/dental/workplace-violence-in-the-dental-office/

• Article on Patient Aggression: https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/20660-patient-aggression-toward-dentists-a-common-issue-survey

Connect with Duane "Tink" Tinker:

• Talking with the Toothcop Podcast

• Facebook: The Dental Compliance and Duane Tinker

• Linkedin: Duane Tinker

• Book a Call with Duane Tinker

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I created Dental Revenue Network to foster collaboration and networking amongst RCM professionals. Billing company owners and billing professionals will have access to skill building sessions, current carrier news and insurance discussions beyond "what's the code?" Check it out - I hope you'll join! https://dentalrevenuenetwork.mn.co/

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My insurance course Dental Insurance Design and Management is geared toward those who want to understand the how and why of insurance. As a loyal podcast listener, please use "NTMT" for a $75 courtesy toward your investment.

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Visit odysseymgmt.com to check out my book, webinars and courses.

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Don't forget to check out my other podcast Chew on This - A Dental Podcast!

**If you like the show then I'd appreciate a good rating. Tell your friends. Even podcasters ask for referrals!**

More management and insurance knowledge in my newsletter: https://www.odysseymgmt.com/newsletter and don't forget to check out Odyssey's YouTube channel!

In this episode, I was joined by Gary Bird, founder and managing partner of SMC National, to discuss changes in dental marketing strategies. We talked about many topics but really became animated when these came up:

• Video Marketing: Gary emphasized the importance of video in marketing, especially for promoting larger dental treatments. He discusses how high-quality videos can lower customer acquisition costs, build trust with patients, and address specific concerns of pediatric patients and their parents. He also explains how dentists who are camera-shy can use other staff members for their videos and highlights the value of regular content creation for social media.

• Practice Management Software: We talked about collaboration resistance of software providers and how the limitations of existing software solutions result in offices with multiple products. But don't worry, the emerging trend of all-in-one software solutions is here. Again.

• Marketing Strategies and Business Growth: Marketing strategies now include membership plans and expanding service mix marketing of clear aligners and implants. But what to do about the challenges of finding/hiring hygienists? Gary shares insights into tracking Return on Investment (ROI) for marketing efforts, addressing issues within the office that affect marketing success, and negotiating rents and cutting costs to improve financial situations for dentists.

I hope you glean a handful of tips to shake up your own marketing!

Connect with Gary:

• thegarybird.com and at smcnational.com

• Instagram: @SMCNational and @thegarybird

• Podcasts: https://smcnational.com/podcasts/

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I created Dental Revenue Network to foster collaboration and networking amongst RCM professionals. Billing company owners and billing professionals will have access to skill building sessions, current carrier news and insurance discussions beyond "what's the code?" Check it out - I hope you'll join! https://dentalrevenuenetwork.mn.co/

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My insurance course Dental Insurance Design and Management is geared toward those who want to understand the how and why of insurance. As a loyal podcast listener, please use "NTMT" for a $75 courtesy toward your investment.

-------------

Visit odysseymgmt.com to check out my book, webinars and courses.

-------------

Don't forget to check out my other podcast Chew on This - A Dental Podcast!

**If you like the show then I'd appreciate a good rating. Tell your friends. Even podcasters ask for referrals!**

More management and insurance knowledge in my newsletter: https://www.odysseymgmt.com/newsletter and don't forget to check out Odyssey's YouTube channel!

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. In this episode, I took a deep dive into the world of cyber attacks and cybersecurity in the dental industry. My guests Teresa Pichay of the California Dental Association and Colette Johnson of The Dentists Insurance Company shared how phishing, vishing (it's a thing!), and other forms of cyber attacks take advantage of human behavior and the potential consequences for dental practices. Our guests share real-life stories and offer valuable insights into protecting sensitive patient information and staying compliant with HIPAA regulations. We also touch on the rising threat of ransomware attacks and the alarming costs associated with breaches in healthcare. Nobody told me that bad cybersecurity could be not only very expensive but potentially destructive to your practice's operations.

Connect with the Panelists:

• Teresa Pichay, Senior Practice Analyst at California Dental Association - LinkedIn

• Colette Johnson, Senior Property Claims Representative, TDIC - LinkedIn

California Dental Association (CDA)

• LinkedIn

• Facebook

• Instagram

The Dentists Insurance Company (TDIC)

• Website

• LinkedIn

• Facebook

HIPAA TV - Youtube

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I created Dental Revenue Network to foster collaboration and networking amongst RCM professionals. Billing company owners and billing professionals will have access to skill building sessions, current carrier news and insurance discussions beyond "what's the code?" Check it out - I hope you'll join! https://dentalrevenuenetwork.mn.co/

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My insurance course Dental Insurance Design and Management is geared toward those who want to understand the how and why of insurance. As a loyal podcast listener, please use "NTMT" for a $75 courtesy toward your investment.

-------------

Visit odysseymgmt.com to check out my book, webinars and courses.

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Don't forget to check out my other podcast Chew on This - A Dental Podcast!

**If you like the show then I'd appreciate a good rating. Tell your friends. Even podcasters ask for referrals!**

More management and insurance knowledge in my newsletter: https://www.odysseymgmt.com/newsletter and don't forget to check out Odyssey's YouTube channel!

It's a beautiful situation when a manager and dentist truly co-pilot the practice! It takes work to reach that balance though. For this deep dive into the manager-dentist dynamic, I gathered three dentists in different stages of their careers. They shared what worked and - more importantly - what didn't work. They also shared how they show appreciation for their team (hint: constant and sincere expressions work best). Laughs were definitely shared all around when discussing our missteps - learn from us!

The best managers I've encountered are true vision partners in the practice. Dentists want and need us to reach their full business potential. I hope this episode shines a light on how awesome this partnership can be.

Huge thanks to Curve Dental for sponsoring this episode! Grab a demo with them through this link (no affiliate money to me) and see if they're a fit.

↪️ CurveDental.com/duncan

Full show notes on the podcast home page! https://nobodytoldmethat.libsyn.com/

Connect with the Panelists:

• Dr. Danny Banks - Water Valley Dental
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
• Dr. Alexis Mierzwa - Cedar Creek Dental
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
• Dr. Natasha Khurana - Strong Ties and Sporting Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Family Orthodontics
  • Facebook
  • Instagram

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I created Dental Revenue Network to foster collaboration and networking amongst RCM professionals. Billing company owners and billing professionals will have access to skill building sessions, current carrier news and insurance discussions beyond "what's the code?" Check it out - I hope you'll join! https://dentalrevenuenetwork.mn.co/

-------------

My insurance course Dental Insurance Design and Management is geared toward those who want to understand the how and why of insurance. As a loyal podcast listener, please use "NTMT" for a $75 courtesy toward your investment.

-------------

Visit odysseymgmt.com to check out my book, webinars and courses.

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Don't forget to check out my other podcast Chew on This - A Dental Podcast!

**If you like the show then I'd appreciate a good rating. Tell your friends. Even podcasters ask for referrals!**