Dr. Lior Tamir joins Dr. Mustafa Shah-Khan to share his journey from clinician to software founder and practice owner. He discusses the gaps in traditional practice management systems, why dentistry needs true CRM/PRM tools, and how The Dental App helps practices streamline operations, improve follow-up, and drive predictable growth. A must-listen for dentists who want to simplify their workflow, increase efficiency, and run more profitable, human-centered practices.

Featured Discussion Topics:

• CRM vs. PMS vs. PRM in dentistry
• How practices lose revenue without realizing it
• Automation and AI-driven workflows
• Insurance claims, aging, and payment speed
• Growth through efficiency, not just new patients
• Building streamlined, data-driven systems
• Entrepreneurship and innovation in dentistry

Meet Our Guest:

Dr. Lior Tamir is a dentist, practice owner, and founder of The Dental App, a cloud-based practice management platform built to modernize operations and help dental teams grow with clarity and efficiency. With a background in tech, advertising, and clinical dentistry, he brings a unique perspective to solving the everyday challenges practice owners face. He is passionate about creating more powerful, profitable, and human practices through better systems.

Episode Navigation:

00:20 – Introduction to Dr. Lior Tamir 01:10 – Becoming a dentist during the recession & leaving clinical dentistry 03:00 – Building software in the advertising world 05:30 – Returning to dentistry with a new perspective 07:15 – Why dentistry never had a real CRM 10:40 – The power of patient follow-up & outstanding treatment 13:10 – Integrating CRM + PMS into one platform 16:00 – Automating hygiene recall and patient communication 19:30 – How AI will support dental practices 22:00 – Tracking preferences, pipelines, and patient behavior 24:45 – Insurance workflows and getting paid faster 28:00 – Growth through operational efficiency 31:00 – Managing high-value cases like Invisalign 33:40 – The Dental App's open ecosystem & App Store model 37:10 – Cloud-based PMS vs. server-based systems 42:45 – What it means to simplify a dental practice 47:30 – Advice for entrepreneurial dentists

Connect with Dr. Lior Tamir:

Request a DemoInstagram

Connect With Simplify Dentistry:

🌐 Website: simplifydds.com 🎧 Podcast: Available on all major platforms 📱 Social Media: Follow for updates and community conversations

Our guest today is Rob Montgomery, an attorney focused on dental legal solutions and a co-host of the Dental Amigos podcast. Rob joins us to discuss the critical legal, operational, and personal aspects of your dental practice.

The conversation dives deep into the complex world of selling a dental practice, focusing on the common pitfalls when dealing with buyers. Rob emphasizes that happiness in a sale is not always about squeezing the highest valuation. He cautions practitioners against partnering with buyers who will ultimately make them miserable for the next five years, stressing the importance of protecting the team and the enjoyable practice you've built.

Episode Navigation 02:50 – Discussion on the importance of the legal framework in dental practice partnerships. 06:15 –The need for proper documentation and legal clarity when bringing on partners. 15:30 – Insights into the process of selling a dental practice and dealing with DSOs (Dental Service Organizations). 28:40 – Rob's perspective on happiness in a sale: it's not always about the highest dollar amount. 32:00 – The importance of protecting the practice culture and the team during a transition.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

✅ Why happiness in selling your practice is not always about squeezing the highest valuation. ✅ The risks of partnering with buyers who could make you "absolutely miserable" for the next five years after a deal. ✅ How to prioritize protecting your team and your practice culture during the sale process. ✅ What an attorney focused on dental legal solutions actually does and how Rob got into the field.

Key Takeaways

• Happiness Over Highest Price: In a practice sale, happiness is not always about squeezing the highest valuation; prioritizing peace of mind is key.
• Avoid Misery: Be cautious of buyers who will make you "absolutely miserable" during the required post-sale work period.
• Protect Your Culture: The priority should be protecting the team and the enjoyable practice culture you've built.
• Legal Focus: Rob Montgomery is an attorney specializing in dental legal solutions who advises on the complex operational and legal aspects of selling a practice.

Featured Discussion Topics

• Selling Strategy
• Buyer Caution
• Legal Clarity
• Legal Focus

Meet Our Guest

Rob Montgomery is an attorney focused on dental legal solutions. He lectures widely on dental legal issues across dental schools and dental meetings. He is also a co-host of the Dental Amigos podcast.

Connect with Simplify Dentistry

Website: simplifydds.comPodcast: Available on all major platforms

Topics: dental lawyer, solutions, dentists, selling strategy, buyer caution, legal clarity, legal focus

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