Join Dr. Richard Offutt as he sits down with Kara Kelley, founder and CEO of Clinical HR, to discuss how dental practices can strengthen their teams and reduce turnover through strategic HR. Kara shares how culture, compliance, and communication can be powerful tools for recruitment and retention—especially in today's competitive dental job market.

Learn why "competing with culture" matters more than competing on pay, how to create systems that support your people, and how simple communication can transform team loyalty and performance.

Episode Navigation

00:00 – Welcome and guest introduction 01:15 – How Kara found her way into HR and dentistry 03:25 – The evolution of HR awareness in dental practices 06:30 – What today's employees actually want from benefits 09:30 – Balancing rising costs and team expectations 11:20 – Using HR as a recruitment and retention tool 13:15 – Building culture and compliance together 15:25 – Competing with DSOs through culture, not dollars 18:40 – Retaining employees in a shifting job market 20:35 – Educating your team on total compensation and benefits 23:10 – The importance of recognition and appreciation 25:30 – Lessons Kara wishes she had learned sooner 28:00 – Final thoughts and how to access Kara's free resource

Key Takeaways

Strategic HR Matters

• HR isn't just paperwork—it's a foundation for team culture and stability.
• Awareness of HR compliance has grown; small practices must stay informed.

Culture Over Compensation

• You can't always compete on pay, but you can compete on culture.
• Flexibility, appreciation, and communication often outweigh raises.

Retention Through Recognition

• Employees stay where they feel valued and supported.
• Consistent feedback and appreciation improve morale and loyalty.

Education & Transparency

• Use total compensation statements to show the full value of employment.
• Clear communication prevents misunderstandings and builds trust.

Featured Discussion Topics

• The evolution of HR in dentistry
• Recruiting and retaining dental teams
• Competing with DSOs and corporate practices
• Culture, compliance, and communication
• Total compensation and employee education
• Recognition and leadership in dental practices

Meet Our Guest

Kara Kelley is the founder and CEO of Clinical HR, a consulting firm that helps dental practice owners build compliant, people-first teams. With a background in HR and business development, Kara specializes in strategic solutions that help dentists recruit, retain, and engage great employees.

Connect With Simplify Dentistry

Website: simplifydds.com Podcast: Available on all major platforms

Topics: dental HR, team retention, dental culture, employee appreciation, HR compliance, dental recruiting, leadership in dentistry, practice management, dental business strategy

Join our hosts, as they sit down with Drs. Bart and Brian Farrell to discuss their journey into oral surgery, practice growth strategies, and insights into modern surgical techniques. The Farrell brothers share valuable perspectives on leadership, practice management, and the evolution of oral surgery in today's healthcare landscape.

Episode Navigation

• 00:00 - Introduction and welcome
• 01:07 - Path to dentistry and oral surgery
• 03:02 - Evolution of surgical techniques
• 11:31 - Impact of technology on practice
• 18:43 - Practice growth and equity partnerships
• 27:53 - Leadership lessons learned
• 40:52 - Discussion on dental education future

Key Takeaways

Practice Evolution

• Transition from traditional surgical methods to digital planning and virtual surgery
• Implementation of therapeutic dressings and Exparel for better patient outcomes
• Importance of collecting and analyzing practice data for improvement
• Focus on doctor-led leadership in growing practices

Technology Impact

• Digital planning replacing traditional articulators
• Integration of CBCT and STL files for precise surgical planning
• Improved anesthesia delivery systems
• Enhanced surgical efficiency through technology

Meet Your Guests:

Dr. Bart Farrell: Experienced oral surgeon following in his father's footsteps, focused on patient care and practice growth. Leader in implementing new surgical techniques and practice management strategies.

Dr. Brian Farrell: Innovator in oral surgery techniques, particularly in orthognathic surgery. Frequent lecturer and educator, sharing expertise in modern surgical approaches and practice development.

Connect With Simplify Dentistry

• Website: simplifydds.com

• Podcast: Available on major platforms

Topics: oral surgery, practice management, dental technology, healthcare leadership, dental education, practice growth, surgical techniques, dental practice acquisition, dental anesthesia, orthognathic surgery

Join Dr. Murtuza Shah-Khan and Dr. Richard Offutt as they sit down with Gary Bird, founder of SMC National and host of Dental Marketing GOAT. In this no-fluff conversation, Gary breaks down the real barriers that hold dental practices back from growth—from marketing missteps to front desk inefficiencies. Learn how to convert more leads, improve patient experience, and think like a modern dental business.

Episode Navigation

00:00 – Welcome and guest intro 01:45 – Why most dental marketing fails 04:05 – Referral patients vs. marketing patients 08:00 – Breaking through the dental "growth ceiling" 10:00 – Front desk: capability vs. capacity 14:00 – How to review call "game tape" 18:30 – Training for pricing and phone conversions 21:00 – Turning insurance calls into booked appointments 25:20 – Simplifying your marketing strategy 27:45 – Final takeaways and where to connect

Key Takeaways Dental Marketing Myths

• Most practices lose a majority of their marketing ROI at the front desk
• Referral patients come in with built-in trust—marketing patients don't
• Practice owners often underestimate how many calls they miss or mishandle

Fixing the Front Desk

• Review recorded calls for training and accountability
• Scripts don't mean robotic—they create confidence
• Pricing questions are not objections—they're opportunities to connect
• Marketing without conversion systems is just expensive hope

Featured Discussion Topics

• Dental marketing strategy
• Referral vs. marketing patients
• Front desk performance
• Practice growth bottlenecks
• Call conversion and scripting
• Business systems for dental teams

Meet Our Guest

Gary Bird is the founder and CEO of SMC National, a dental marketing agency helping group practices scale with smart strategy and strong conversion systems. He's also the host of Dental Marketing GOAT and a frequent voice in national dental business conversations.

Connect With Simplify Dentistry

Website: simplifydds.com Podcast: Available on all major platforms

Topics: dental marketing, front desk training, dental growth strategy, practice conversion, patient acquisition, call scripting, practice management, referral patients, dental business systems

Join Dr. Mustafa Shah-Khan and Dr. Richard Offut as they discuss the evolving landscape of dentistry with Dr. Pamela Maragliano, Chief Editor of Dental Economics. From AI implementation to practice culture and staffing challenges, this episode provides valuable insights into current industry trends and practical solutions for modern dental practices.

Episode Navigation

• 00:00 - Introduction and welcome
• 00:32 - Dr. Pam's dual role as practice owner and chief editor
• 01:37 - Current dental industry trends
• 03:02 - Discussion on AI in dentistry
• 07:44 - Remineralization technologies
• 10:58 - Dental hygiene staffing challenges
• 14:15 - Practice culture and staff retention
• 22:18 - Independent practices vs DSOs
• 34:58 - Notable podcast guests and insights

Key Takeaways

Current Industry Trends

• AI implementation remains a developing technology with both clinical and administrative applications
• Staff retention requires flexibility and focus on culture
• Independent practices must define their position in the market
• Practice success requires both clinical and business competencies

Practice Management Insights

• Create clear practice mission and non-negotiables
• Invest in operational infrastructure
• Focus on building the right team culture
• Consider alternative scheduling models for staff satisfaction

Featured Discussion Topics

• Artificial Intelligence in dentistry
• Staff recruitment and retention
• Practice culture development
• DSO trends and independent practice strategies
• Remineralization technologies
• Business management competencies

Meet Our Guest

Dr. Pamela Maragliano: Chief Editor of Dental Economics magazine and owner of a dental practice in Salem, Massachusetts. Dr. Pam brings unique insights from both clinical practice and industry leadership perspectives.

Connect With Simplify Dentistry

• Website: simplifydds.com
• Podcast: Available on major streaming platforms

Topics: dental AI, practice management, dental staffing, DSO trends, practice culture, dental technology, dental economics, dental practice ownership, dental industry trends, dental business management

In this episode of Simplify Dentistry, host Dr. Richard Offutt sits down with Dr. Brett Wells of Wells Family Dental Group. Brett shares his journey of building a patient-centered, multi-location practice in Raleigh, North Carolina, while balancing growth, leadership, and family life. From creating trust-based relationships to navigating the challenges of expansion, Brett offers wisdom for dentists who want to grow without losing sight of their values.

Episode Navigation

00:00 – Welcome and introduction 01:25 –Brett's journey into dentistry and building his practice 05:40 – Why trust is the foundation of patient care 09:10 – Balancing growth with personal and professional life 14:20 – Expanding into multiple locations 20:05 – Leadership lessons from practice ownership 26:15 – Family, faith, and finding perspective 31:50 – Advice for young dentists and practice owners 36:10 – Final reflections and where to connect

Key Takeaways Building a Patient-Centered Practice

• Trust is the foundation of long-term patient relationships
• Growth should align with values, not just numbers
• Communication and consistency are key to building loyalty

Leadership & Growth

• Expansion requires clarity of vision and the right team
• Balance comes from setting boundaries and priorities
• Success isn't just about growth—it's about purpose and impact

Featured Discussion Topics

• Patient-centered dentistry
• Building multi-location practices
• Leadership lessons in ownership
• Work-life balance for dentists
• Values-based growth strategies

Meet Our Guest

Dr. Brett Wells is the owner of Wells Family Dental Group in Raleigh, NC. With a focus on patient trust, team culture, and values-based leadership, Brett has grown his practice into a thriving multi-location group while maintaining a strong balance between work, family, and community.

Connect With Simplify Dentistry

Website: simplifydds.com Podcast: Available on all major platforms

Topics: patient-centered dentistry, leadership, practice growth, multi-location practices, work-life balance, values-based leadership, dental entrepreneurship, dental practice management

In this episode of Simplify Dentistry, hosts Dr. Mustafa Shah-Khan and Dr. Richard Offutt welcome Dr. Paul Etchison—practicing dentist, author of Dental Practice Hero, and host of the Dental Practice Heroes podcast. Paul shares his journey of building a thriving multi-doctor practice, the systems that created freedom instead of chaos, and the leadership lessons that help dentists design practices that serve both their patients and their lives.

Episode Navigation

00:00 – Welcome and introduction

01:42 – Paul's early journey and practice growth

05:10 – Why systems equal freedom in dentistry

09:15 – Building high-performing teams and accountability

14:20 – Leadership lessons from Dental Practice Hero

20:40 – Common mistakes dentists make when scaling

27:15 – Balancing growth with work-life freedom

33:50 – How simplicity drives long-term success

38:12 – Closing thoughts and where to connect

Key Takeaways Leadership & Systems

• Systems are the key to scaling without losing control
• Leadership means creating clarity, not micromanaging
• Accountability structures empower teams and reduce stress for owners

Practice Growth Insights

• Growth should support your life—not consume it
• Culture comes from clear expectations and consistent follow-through
• Scaling requires simplicity: fewer moving parts, stronger systems

Featured Discussion Topics

• Scaling dental practices with systems
• Leadership strategies for owners
• Team culture and accountability
• Work-life balance in dentistry
• Lessons from Dental Practice Hero

Meet Our Guest

Dr. Paul Etchison is a practicing dentist, podcast host, and author of Dental Practice Hero: From Ordinary Practice to Extraordinary Experience. He grew his practice into a multi-doctor group while maintaining work-life balance and now helps other dentists simplify their practices through leadership, systems, and mindset.

Connect With Simplify Dentistry

Website: simplifydds.com Podcast: Available on all major platforms

Topics: dental leadership, dental practice systems, practice growth, work-life balance, dental entrepreneurship, team culture, accountability, practice management

In this special roundtable episode of Simplified Dentistry, Dr. Murtuza Shah-Khan, Dr. Mustafa Shah-Khan and Dr. Richard Offutt are joined by dental industry veteran Perrin DesPortes (Co-Founder of Polaris Healthcare Partners) for a live Q&A-style discussion on leadership, group practice growth, mentorship, and the financial realities of scaling as a dental entrepreneur. Whether you're solo and curious about expansion, or navigating the transition from hands-on clinician to strategic CEO, this candid conversation delivers practical wisdom with humor and heart.

Episode Navigation

01:35 – Defining leadership in solo vs. multi-site practices 04:30 – Communication as a leadership skill 06:50 – The clinical risk of inconsistent philosophy across associates 08:20 – Should I grow? Buy? Hire an associate? 11:00 – The income dip that comes with growth 14:00 – Coaching leadership & the value of credibility 16:45 – Hiring partners or assistants: when is it worth it? 20:30 – Mentorship as the core of transition 25:30 – Avoiding burnout in expansion 27:30 – Adding associates without adding ops: is it viable? 30:00 – Aligners, implants & specialty care to increase scope 33:00 – Is the wave of dental growth over? 35:00 – De novo strategy: build right, not fast 40:00 – Cannibalization as a de novo growth tactic 43:00 – Vetting consultants & calculating ROI

Key Takeaways Leadership in Dentistry

• Leadership = creating greater results through others
• Communication systems (like regular huddles & team check-ins) are critical
• Trust is earned through consistency, clarity, and presence
• Dentists must move from "outworking" problems to developing others

Growth Isn't Always Profitable—At First

• Adding an associate costs money before it makes money
• Mentorship is essential: teaching new doctors how to earn, not just practice
• Hiring team members (even assistants) can free up your time to lead
• Know your numbers before expanding—revenue, margins, capacity

De Novo vs. Acquisition

• De novo can work—if you understand patient value, break-even points, and have a strategy
• Many group practices fail due to rushed build-outs and unrealistic expectations
• Cannibalizing part of your current practice to feed a new one can accelerate growth
• Aligner, sleep, and implant services can improve per-op revenue

Meet Our Guest

Perrin DesPortes Co-Founder of Polaris Healthcare Partners, executive coach, former dental industry executive, and trusted advisor to growth-minded dental entrepreneurs. Perrin specializes in helping practice owners transition into CEOs with clarity, confidence, and strategy.

Featured Discussion Topics

• Clinician-to-CEO transitions
• Dental leadership development
• Associate onboarding & profitability
• Strategic expansion & de novo practices
• Avoiding burnout in multi-site ownership
• Evaluating consultants & coaching ROI
• Private equity trends & independent growth

Connect With Simplify Dentistry

🌐 Website: simplifydds.com 👥 Facebook Group: Simplify Dentistry Community

Topics: dental leadership, clinician to CEO, multi-site dentistry, dental expansion, mentorship, de novo practices, associate integration, practice management, dental consulting, financial strategy

Join us for an insightful discussion with Dr. Richard Rosenblatt, a leader in CAD CAM and digital dentistry. Dr. Rosenblatt shares his journey from New Jersey to becoming a prominent educator at CDOCS, his experience growing a successful practice, and valuable insights on practice leadership, mentorship, and maintaining work-life balance in dentistry. Learn practical strategies for practice growth, team building, and implementing effective bonus systems.

Episode Navigation

• 00:14 - Introduction to Dr. Richard Rosenblatt
• 00:51 - Personal background and early career
• 02:25 - Lessons from mentorship
• 04:27 - Finding your "why" in dentistry
• 06:36 - Journey into CDOCS education
• 5:31 - Practice structure and management
• 38:11 - Bonus system implementation
• 42:23 - Learning from mistakes
• 44:57 - Tips for simplifying dentistry

Key Takeaways

Leadership and Mentorship

• Focus on developing team members and providing growth opportunities
• Create a positive practice culture that team members will defend
• Invest in continuing education for yourself and your team
• Prioritize being a leader rather than just a boss

Practice Management

• Implement engaging bonus systems to motivate team members
• Conduct proper due diligence before practice acquisitions
• Focus on demographics and market analysis
• Balance clinical excellence with business acumen

Meet Our Guest

Dr. Richard Rosenblatt

Practice owner in Lake Bluff, Illinois focusing on CAD CAM and digital dentistry. Faculty member for CDOCS since 2008, alpha and beta tester for multiple dental companies, basic trainer for Patterson Dental, and clinical leader for Imagen Dental Partners. Built and operates a 7,300 square foot, 17-operatory practice.

Featured Discussion Topics

• Digital dentistry evolution
• Practice growth strategies
• Team development and culture
• Bonus system implementation
• Work-life balance
• Mental and physical health in dentistry

Industry Experts Mentioned

• Sameer Puri - CDOCS leader and mentor

• Imtiaz Manji - Dental industry thought leader

• Bruce Baird - Productive Dentist Academy founder

Connect With Simplify Dentistry

Website: simplifydds.com

Contact Dr. Rosenblatt: [email protected]

Topics: digital dentistry, practice management, dental leadership, team building, dental education, practice growth, dental technology, mentorship, bonus systems, work-life balance

In this episode of the Simplified Dentistry Podcast, Dr. Mustafa Shah-Khan speaks with Dr. Meena Barsoum, Global Head of Clinical Strategy at SprintRay. Together, they explore how cutting-edge 3D printing technology is making high-quality, in-office restorations more accessible and efficient than ever before. From the evolution of materials to AI-driven design, Dr. Barsoum shares his vision for simplifying dentistry—without sacrificing clinical excellence. Whether you're a seasoned CAD/CAM user or just getting started with digital workflows, this episode offers practical strategies for enhancing care, saving time, and future-proofing your practice.

Episode Navigation

01:00 – Making 3D printing accessible to all practices 03:00 – Midas printer & AI-powered crown design 05:00 – Chairside manufacturing without expensive software 06:15 – Printing vs. milling: strengths & differences 08:00 – Indirect restorations as alternatives to composites 11:00 – Time, efficiency, and clinical advantages 13:00 – Scanner preferences & ideal new-doc setups 16:00 – Material recommendations: printed vs. milled 18:00 – Strength, wear, and biomimetic benefits 21:00 – Transition from CDOCS to SprintRay 25:00 – Building SprintRay University & future education goals

Key Takeaways Democratizing Digital Dentistry

• SprintRay's ecosystem enables chairside 3D printing for any scanner that exports STL files
• The Midas printer allows single-unit restorations in 8 minutes—no milling required
• AI-powered Studio software designs crowns in the cloud, no license or installation needed

Clinical Efficiency & Simplicity

• Printed indirect restorations offer a predictable, durable alternative to direct composites
• 3D printing allows more conservative preps with biomimetic wear characteristics
• Digitally fabricated restorations reduce operator variability and streamline quadrant dentistry

For New & Mid-Career Dentists

• New docs can start affordably with a scanner + SprintRay for full-service printing
• Milled zirconia remains ideal for bruxism; printed materials are optimal for aesthetics, anteriors, and quadrants
• Digital tools allow for same-day delivery of full-arch prosthetics, splints, and surgical guides

Meet Our Guest

Dr. Meena Barsoum Global Head of Clinical Strategy at SprintRay and former CDOCS faculty member. A leader in digital dentistry and clinical education, Dr. Barsoum has practiced for over 15 years, specializing in CAD/CAM workflows, 3D printing, and clinical efficiency. His current mission: make cutting-edge dentistry accessible for every practice—regardless of size or budget.

Featured Discussion Topics

• 3D printing vs. milling
• Printed crown materials & wear resistance
• AI-driven design software
• Biomimetic dentistry
• Efficient quadrant workflows
• Digital tools for new dentists
• SprintRay University & clinician training
• Evolving beyond traditional composites
• Future of digital restorations

Connect With Simplify Dentistry

🌐 Website: simplifydds.com 👥 Facebook Group: Simplify Dentistry Community

Topics: 3D printing, CAD/CAM dentistry, AI crown design, digital workflows, in-office restorations, SprintRay, dental innovation, indirect restorations, biomimetic materials, simplifying dentistry

Join the Simplify Dentistry hosts as they discuss the changing landscape of dental practice with Dr. Tarun Agarwal ("T-Bone"). From managing insurance relationships to creating sustainable business models, this episode explores how to adapt and thrive in modern dentistry while maintaining clinical excellence and practice profitability.

Episode Navigation

• 00:01 - Introduction and welcome
• 01:16 - Evolution of dental practice models
• 03:44 - Practice valuation and transitions
• 10:56 - Clear aligner therapy discussion
• 17:50 - Insurance participation strategies
• 34:24 - Career advice for new dentists
• 41:14 - Future of dentistry discussion

Key Takeaways

Practice Evolution

• Traditional "mom and pop" dental practices are being replaced by business-focused models
• Digital technology adoption and private equity are driving industry changes
• Practice valuation now emphasizes EBITDA over revenue

Production Categories

• Time-intensive production (basic dentistry)
• High revenue, low time procedures
• Supervised production (delegated procedures)

Business Strategies

• Maximize operatory value through efficient scheduling
• Implement hybrid insurance participation models
• Focus on building trust for case acceptance

Meet Your Guest

Dr. Tarun Agarwal (T-Bone): A leading dental educator and practitioner known for his expertise in digital dentistry and practice management. Founder of 3D Dentist training organization and operates multiple successful dental businesses while maintaining an active clinical practice.

Featured Discussion Topics

• Modern dental practice models
• Clear aligner therapy evolution
• Insurance participation strategies
• Practice valuation metrics
• Career development advice
• Charitable dentistry initiatives

Connect With Simplify Dentistry

• Website: simplifydds.com
• Social Media: @simplifydentistry

Topics: dental practice management, dental business models, clear aligners, insurance participation, practice valuation, dental education, charitable dentistry, practice efficiency, dental technology, practice transitions