Cancellations and no-shows will always happen. But how well are you filling those gaps? In this episode of Metric Mondays, Kirk Behrendt brings back Miranda Beeson, ACT’s director of education, to break down capacity percentage. They share the keys to maintaining a productive and efficient schedule even when your patients fall out. Don't settle for 84%! To learn how to proactively fill your schedule, listen to Episode 916 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Miranda:

• Send Miranda an email: [email protected] 
• Follow Miranda on ACT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actdental
• Send Courtney an email to learn more about ACT: [email protected] 

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

• Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listen
• Join The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
• Download ACT’s BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360
• Download ACT’s BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_US
• Join ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/ttt
• Get The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazine
• Please leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218

Episode Resources:

• Watch the video version of Episode 916: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
• Register for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (July 18th, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-july-18-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1205460116659
• Register for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (July 25, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-july-25-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1205497959849

Main Takeaways:

• Your capacity percentage benchmark is 94% or higher.
• Pre-schedule your patients’ next appointments before they leave.
• Utilize ideal day or block scheduling. Protect your high-value time blocks.
• Have someone own and review your schedule two days to two weeks in advance.
• When you have cancellations and no-shows, quickly fill those gaps using priority lists.
• Utilize customized bulk texting to reach out to patients. At least one patient will say yes.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

1:49 Why this is an important metric.

3:33 Capacity percentage, explained.

6:34 How capacity percentage impacts the practice.

8:38 Indicators that this percentage is going well.

10:23 Indicators that this percentage is not going well.

12:24 Countermeasures.

15:15 ACT’s BPA.

Miranda Beeson, MS, BSDH Bio:

Miranda Beeson has over 25 years of clinical dental hygiene, front office, practice administration, and speaking experience. She is enthusiastic about communication and loves helping others find the power that words can bring to their patient interactions and practice dynamics. As a Lead Practice Coach, she is driven to create opportunities to find value in experiences and cultivate new approaches.

Miranda graduated from Old Dominion University, and enjoys spending time with her husband, Chuck, and her children, Trent, Mallory, and Cassidy. Family time is the best time, and is often spent on a golf course, a volleyball court, or spending the day boating at the beach.

You love your spouse or partner. But is working with them a good idea? In this episode of the Best Practices Show, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Charlie Ward, visiting faculty member at The Pankey Institute, along with his wife and fellow dentist, Dr. Melody Ward, to share the benefits and challenges of working together and their secrets for making it work. To learn how they’ve done it for over a decade, listen to Episode 915 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Dr. Charlie Ward & Dr. Melody Ward:

• Send Dr. Charlie Ward an email: [email protected] 
• Follow Dr. Charlie Ward on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drcwarddds
• Watch Dr. Charlie Ward’s webinars: https://restorativenation.com
• Follow Dr. Melody Ward on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mwardperio
• Learn more about their practice: https://www.baltimoredentalarts.com

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

• Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listen
• Join The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
• Download ACT’s BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360
• Download ACT’s BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_US
• Join ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/ttt
• Get The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazine
• Please leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218

Episode Resources:

• Watch the video version of Episode 915: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos

Main Takeaways:

• Have the conversation about why you want to work together and your goals in doing so.
• Learn about each other’s personalities to improve understanding and communication.
• Make the time to get away from your practice and your family with your spouse.
• Be intentional about your time off. Going to CE doesn't count as vacation!
• Set clear rules and boundaries so you limit bringing work back home.
• Check in regularly with your spouse. Things are always changing.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

2:13 Dr. Charlie Ward’s background.

3:46 Dr. Melody Ward’s background.

5:04 How they make it work.

8:28 Rules for not bringing work home.

11:11 How the idea of working together came about.

15:12 Be intentional about time away.

18:22 Their philosophy on CE.

24:31 Handling team questions and conflict.

28:09 Know yourself, your spouse, and your team.

32:00 Adventuring through food.

36:50 Final thoughts.

Dr. Charlie Ward Bio:

After graduating from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Science degree in 2004, Dr. Charlie Ward went straight into the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. He earned his DDS degree in 2008, and since then he has completed the Essentials courses and many others at the esteemed Pankey Institute, where he now serves as visiting faculty. He is currently a member of the Maryland State Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry.

When Dr. Ward isn’t spending time with Dr. Melody Ward and their two young boys, Cyrus and Lucas, he can often be found golfing or fishing. He also enjoys playing the guitar. While in dental school, he was actually in an all-dentist band called Incisal Edge! He even has his own guitar collection and has turned his basement into a music room.

Dr. Melody Ward Bio:

Dr. Melody Ward’s college career started at the University of California San Diego, where she graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree. She went on to earn her dental degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, and continued at the same institution to obtain a Master of Science and Certificate in Periodontics.

Since then, she has fervently pursued continuing education. She currently runs a Spear Study Club and is taking a continuum of courses at the Pankey Institute. She is also part of a dental implant study club and has received training focused on treating infants with lip and tongue-ties.

Away from work, Dr. Ward enjoys primarily spending time with her family, Dr. Charlie Ward and their two young boys. They all try to spend plenty of time outdoors together, particularly bike riding. She has recently gotten into baking and has also planted a vegetable garden. She likes to incorporate the harvests into family meals whenever she can. 

When leadership isn't aligned, it will lead to chaos. So, how do you prevent conflict and the day-to-day struggles? In this episode of Practical Solutions Day, Kirk Behrendt brings back Carlie Einarson, one of ACT’s amazing coaches, with three keys to alignment and healthy partnerships. Misalignment is the root of all evil! To learn how to get in sync to gain trust and boost productivity, listen to Episode 914 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Carlie:

• Send Carlie an email: [email protected] 
• Follow Carlie on ACT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actdental
• Send Courtney an email to learn more about ACT: [email protected] 

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

• Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listen
• Join The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
• Download ACT’s BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360
• Download ACT’s BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_US
• Join ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/ttt
• Get The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazine
• Please leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218

Episode Resources:

• Watch the video version of Episode 914: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
• Join ACT’s BPA for the Strategic Vision Creator tool: https://join.actdental.com/users/sign_in?post_login_redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fjoin.actdental.com%2Fc%2Fpractice-coaching-tools%2Fstrategic-vision-creator-tool#email
• Register for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (July 18th, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-july-18-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1205460116659
• Register for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (July 25, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-july-25-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1205497959849

Main Takeaways:

• Many of your day-to-day struggles actually stem from misalignment.
• Alignment starts with a shared destination. Define how, when, and why.
• Make time to get on the same page. Alignment doesn't happen by accident!
• Display a united front to your team. Show them that you're all in this together.
• Weekly leadership meetings to get aligned is the best investment of your time.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

1:36 Why this is an important topic.

5:02 What happens when there's a lack of alignment.

9:09 The importance of alignment meetings.

10:10 Start with vision alignment.

13:21 Make time for alignment.

19:24 Show a united front to your team.

24:37 Final thoughts.

27:30 ACT’s BPA.

Carlie Einarson Bio:

Carlie Einarson is a lead practice coach who has a passion for helping others succeed in the dental field. She loves helping to create a stable foundation for practices so both professionals and patients have a great experience every time they walk in the door!

Carlie graduated from Utah College of Dental Hygiene. She has ten years of experience in the dental field, including clinical dental hygiene, front office, and leading teams.

In her free time, she enjoys spending quality time with loved ones, traveling, skiing, playing volleyball, and golfing. 

Do you start every month with an empty schedule? Is your team scrambling to fill your chairs? There's a better way to keep your practice full! In this episode of Metric Mondays, Kirk Behrendt brings back Miranda Beeson, ACT’s director of education, to break down pre-appointment percentage and the missed opportunities when you don't schedule your patients’ next visits. To learn how to pre-appoint patients and keep them tethered to your practice, listen to Episode 913 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Miranda:

• Send Miranda an email: [email protected] 
• Follow Miranda on ACT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actdental
• Send Courtney an email to learn more about ACT: [email protected] 

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

• Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listen
• Join The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
• Download ACT’s BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360
• Download ACT’s BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_US
• Join ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/ttt
• Get The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazine
• Please leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218

Episode Resources:

• Watch the video version of Episode 913: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
• Register for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (July 18th, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-july-18-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1205460116659
• Register for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (July 25, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-july-25-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1205497959849

Main Takeaways:

• Keep your pre-appointment percentage above 65% to reduce patient attrition.
• Set the expectation that every patient leaves with their next visit scheduled.
• Scheduling your patients’ next appointment is the default. It’s not optional!
• When patients cancel, reschedule the appointment in that moment.
• Tie patients’ appointments to their health goals to build value.
• Have a system to work your unscheduled patient list.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

0:37 Pre-appointment percentage, explained.

4:53 How this metric impacts your practice.

9:48 Favorite phrases for scheduling patients.

11:52 Countermeasures.

15:16 ACT’s BPA.

Miranda Beeson, MS, BSDH Bio:

Miranda Beeson has over 25 years of clinical dental hygiene, front office, practice administration, and speaking experience. She is enthusiastic about communication and loves helping others find the power that words can bring to their patient interactions and practice dynamics. As a Lead Practice Coach, she is driven to create opportunities to find value in experiences and cultivate new approaches.

Miranda graduated from Old Dominion University, and enjoys spending time with her husband, Chuck, and her children, Trent, Mallory, and Cassidy. Family time is the best time, and is often spent on a golf course, a volleyball court, or spending the day boating at the beach.

You became a dentist for the freedom it provides. But PPOs are putting a chokehold on that freedom! In this episode of Clinical Edge Fridays, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Barrett Straub, ACT’s CEO, to do a deep dive into how you can break free from PPOs for a better practice and better life. They share the tools you can use, what steps to take, and how to choose which PPOs to strategically drop first. If you're ready to reclaim your freedom, listen to Episode 912 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Dr. Straub:

• Send Dr. Straub an email: [email protected] 
• Join Dr. Straub on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barrett.d.straub
• Send Gina an email to learn more about ACT: [email protected] 
• Send Courtney an email to learn more about ACT: [email protected] 

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

• Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listen
• Join The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
• Download ACT’s BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360
• Download ACT’s BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_US
• Join ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/ttt
• Get The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazine
• Please leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218

Episode Resources:

• Watch the video version of Episode 912: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
• Register for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (July 18th, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-july-18-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1205460116659
• Register for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (July 25, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-july-25-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1205497959849

Main Takeaways:

• You give patients treatment plans before doing dentistry. Do the same for your practice.
• It doesn't have to be all or none with PPOs. Determine what's the right mix for you.
• Understand and shrink the different gaps you have to increase your profitability.
• Figure out which plans you're losing money on so you can drop them first.
• Eliminate your limiting beliefs. Not everyone will leave your practice.

Snippets:

0:00 ACT’s TTT, BPA, and Pro Coaching.

2:58 Why this is an important topic.

7:10 Know your gaps.

11:36 Know the basic metrics first.

18:22 Tools and resources in the BPA app.

20:04 The Patient Segment Scorecard.

22:47 Shrink the gap with less energy.

26:30 Know which plan to drop first.

33:21 Practice example: The treatment plan.

38:22 Q&A: Thoughts on a PPO that has a lot of patients and a high write-off.

42:11 Verbal skills matter.

43:29 A great tip from Dr. Christopher Mazzola.

45:27 Practice example: The treatment plan, continued.

48:23 Final takeaways.

49:53 Q&A: How to get ACT’s PPO Roadmap.

51:15 Q&A: Does APV include hygienists?

Dr. Barrett Straub Bio:

Dr. Barrett Straub practices general and sedation dentistry in Port Washington, Wisconsin. He has worked hard to develop his practice into a top-performing, fee-for-service practice that focuses on improving the lives of patients through dentistry.

A graduate of Marquette Dental School, Dr. Straub’s advanced training and CE includes work at the Spear Institute, LVI, DOCS, and as a member of the Milwaukee Study Club. He is a past member of the Wisconsin Dental Association Board of Trustees and was awarded the Marquette Dental School 2017 Young Alumnus of the Year. As a former ACT coaching client that experienced first-hand the transformation that coaching can provide, he is passionate about helping other dentists create the practice they’ve always wanted.

Dr. Straub loves to hunt, golf, and spend winter on the ice, curling. He is married to Katie, with two daughters, Abby and Elizabeth.

Sometimes, you have a bad hire. But oftentimes, it’s bad onboarding! In this episode of Practical Solutions Day, Kirk Behrendt brings back Adriana Booth, one of ACT’s amazing coaches, to help you understand the importance of onboarding and how to do it right. To learn how to onboard — not waterboard — new team members, listen to Episode 911 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Adriana:

• Join Adriana on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adriana.booth
• Follow Adriana on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adrimarieb
• Send Courtney an email to learn more about ACT: [email protected] 

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

• Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listen
• Join The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
• Download ACT’s BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360
• Download ACT’s BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_US
• Join ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/ttt
• Get The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazine
• Please leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218

Episode Resources:

• Watch the video version of Episode 911: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
• Register for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (July 18th, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-july-18-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1205460116659
• Register for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (July 25, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-july-25-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1205497959849
• Become ACT’s BPA Premium Member for the 3-3-3 Onboarding Tool: https://join.actdental.com/users/sign_in?post_login_redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fjoin.actdental.com%2Fc%2Fpractice-coaching-tools%2F3-3-3-onboarding-model#email
• Become ACT’s BPA Premium Member for the Check-In Agenda: https://join.actdental.com/users/sign_in?post_login_redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fjoin.actdental.com%2Fc%2Fpractice-coaching-tools%2Fcheck-in-agenda-guide#email

Main Takeaways:

• When done right, onboarding builds trust, loyalty, and retention.
• Done poorly, new hires feel uncertain, overwhelmed, and frustrated.
• Start with purpose. Help new hires see your culture, values, and vision.
• Set clear expectations and attainable targets to build your team’s confidence.
• Create belonging and ownership. People stay where they are seen, heard, and valued.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

2:59 Why this is an important topic.

5:03 1) Start with purpose.

12:01 2) Set clear expectations.

17:20 3) Create belonging and ownership.

24:01 A crazy onboarding story.

26:35 ACT’s BPA and resources.

Adriana Booth, BS, RDH Bio:

Adriana Booth is a Lead Practice Coach who partners with dentists and their teams to cultivate leadership skills, build practice growth, and streamline business practices. After spending nearly two decades in the dental industry working with top-notch dental teams, Adriana came to ACT to share her passion for professional growth, high-level training, and systems creation with our clients. As a dental hygienist with a love for continuing education and personal growth, helping a practice become successful is at the heart of her passion for dentistry.

Adriana has a B.S. in Dental Hygiene from West Liberty University/O’Hehir University. By being involved in several Columbus, Ohio, study clubs, Adriana maintains strong relationships within her local dental community. She enjoys a variety of fitness activities, family time, good books, and at the top of her list, her fur babies.

Your patients might agree to full-case treatment. But how many schedule those appointments same-day? In this episode of Metric Mondays, Kirk Behrendt brings back Miranda Beeson, ACT’s director of education, to break down treatment dollar amount acceptance percentage. By tracking this metric, you can see how much of your diagnosed care is turning into real dentistry. To learn how to get patients to accept and schedule higher value treatment, listen to Episode 910 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Miranda:

• Send Miranda an email: [email protected] 
• Follow Miranda on ACT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actdental
• Send Courtney an email to learn more about ACT: [email protected] 

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

• Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listen
• Join The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
• Download ACT’s BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360
• Download ACT’s BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_US
• Join ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/ttt
• Get The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazine
• Please leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218

Episode Resources:

• Watch the video version of Episode 910: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
• Register for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (July 18th, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-july-18-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1205460116659
• Register for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (July 25, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-july-25-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1205497959849

Main Takeaways:

• Show patients the full picture. Let them decide how much they want to do, and when.
• For a full case, schedule as many appointments as possible, not just the first one.
• Present the value before the price. Use visuals to show potential outcomes.
• Help patients plan for the dentistry they will need in their retirement.
• If you have a consult room, use it! Patients will say yes to more.
• Have financing or payment options available.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

2:15 Treatment dollar amount acceptance percentage, explained.

4:30 Why same-day scheduling is important.

7:04 How this metric impacts your practice.

9:14 What it looks like when it’s working well or not working well.

12:05 Countermeasures.

18:37 About ACT’s BPA, TTT, and Pro Coaching.

Miranda Beeson, MS, BSDH Bio:

Miranda Beeson has over 25 years of clinical dental hygiene, front office, practice administration, and speaking experience. She is enthusiastic about communication and loves helping others find the power that words can bring to their patient interactions and practice dynamics. As a Lead Practice Coach, she is driven to create opportunities to find value in experiences and cultivate new approaches.

Miranda graduated from Old Dominion University, and enjoys spending time with her husband, Chuck, and her children, Trent, Mallory, and Cassidy. Family time is the best time, and is often spent on a golf course, a volleyball court, or spending the day boating at the beach.

When patients think of palatal expanders, they may think of torture devices. But with recent advancements and technology, they are more sophisticated than ever. In this episode of Clinical Edge Fridays, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Rebecca Bockow, instructor from Spear Education, to share where we are today with MARPEs and why now is the best time to offer it in your practice. To learn how you can “expand” the services you provide, listen to Episode 909 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Dr. Bockow:

• Join Dr. Bockow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InspiredOrtho
• Follow Dr. Bockow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rbockow
• Register for Dr. Bockow’s Healthy Growth - Healthy Faces course (September 25-27, 2025): https://www.arnettgunson.com/healthy-growth-healthy-faces-seattle

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

• Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listen
• Join The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
• Download ACT’s BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360
• Download ACT’s BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_US
• Join ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/ttt
• Get The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazine
• Please leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218

Episode Resources:

• Watch the video version of Episode 909: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos

Main Takeaways:

• MARPE doesn't replace jaw surgery but is a less invasive solution for some patients.
• Age is no longer an impediment to MARPEs. Patients in their 60s can have it done.
• We can increase predictability and reduce complications with custom designs.
• Advancements have reduced the need for surgical intervention in adults.
• Educate patients. A MARPE is not a panacea for complex issues.
• Now is the best time to lean into MARPEs.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

1:23 Dr. Bockow’s background.

5:22 Why this is an important topic.

7:32 MARPEs, explained.

15:05 Where we are now with MARPEs.

18:35 The recovery process for patients.

19:31 Age is no longer an impediment.

21:04 What people get wrong about MARPEs.

22:45 The future of MARPEs.

25:00 Airway and periodontal implications of MARPEs.

26:10 Now is the perfect time to lean in.

27:19 How to get buy-in.

29:55 Final thoughts.

31:21 Dr. Bockow’s future course.

Dr. Rebecca Bockow Bio:

Dr. Rebecca Bockow is a dual-trained orthodontist and periodontist – the only dual-trained provider in Seattle and one of only a handful in the country.

Dr. Bockow grew up in the Greater Seattle area and attended University Prep for high school. She received a B.S. in Biology with Honors at Haverford College, where she also played soccer, squash, tennis, and ran cross-country and track. She completed her DDS training at the University of Washington Dental School in 2007. Dr. Bockow practiced as a general dentist in Seattle for two years while simultaneously teaching at the UW dental school.

Dr. Bockow completed a highly selective dual-specialty program combining Orthodontics and Periodontics at the University of Pennsylvania. She is a board-certified orthodontist and periodontist. While simultaneously enrolled in two residency programs, she also received a Master of Science in Oral Biology, focusing on intranasal ketorolac for postoperative implant pain management.

Dr. Bockow lectures nationally on periodontics, orthodontics, interdisciplinary orthodontics, airway, and skeletal growth and development. She contributes to multiple professional journals as an author and editor, and she is also a resident faculty member at Spear Education.

We've all heard about workplace harassment. But how much do you really know? In this episode of Practical Solutions Day, Kirk Behrendt brings back Alan Twigg, president of Bent Ericksen & Associates, to share everything you need to understand about harassment in a dental practice. To learn how to protect your team and practice, listen to Episode 908 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Alan:

• Give Alan a call: (800) 679-2760
• Send Alan an email: [email protected] 
• Join Bent Ericksen on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BentEricksenAssociates
• Learn more about Bent Ericksen: https://bentericksen.com
• Try Bent Ericksen’s HR Director package: https://bentericksen.com/product/hr-director
• Learn more on Bent Ericksen’s Resource Library: https://bentericksen.com/resource-library

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

• Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listen
• Join The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
• Download ACT’s BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360
• Download ACT’s BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_US
• Join ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/ttt
• Get The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazine
• Please leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218

Episode Resources:

• Watch the video version of Episode 908: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos

Main Takeaways:

• Know that there are multiple types of harassment.
• Have clear, documented policies against harassment.
• Different states have different harassment policy requirements.
• Document that you have reviewed your policies with employees.
• Specify who people need to report to if they're a victim of harassment.
• Frequently do training and reminders about your policies with your team.
• Take reports of harassment seriously! Don't just sweep things under the rug.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

1:11 Alan’s background.

2:28 Why this is an important topic.

5:06 Have clear policies in place.

10:59 Important steps to take.

17:41 What dentists get wrong about harassment.

23:39 Final thoughts.

25:20 More about Bent Ericksen and how to get in touch.

Alan Twigg Bio:

Alan Twigg is the president of Bent Ericksen & Associates. For over 10 years, he has guided thousands of clients and consultants through the ever-changing world of HR and employment compliance. He is a speaker, consultant, and author who is passionate about bringing education and peace of mind to such a confusing topic.

As a strong proponent of symbiotic employer-employee relations, Alan is passionate about teamwork and positive work cultures, with an emphasis on long-term personnel retention and employment compliance, where his solutions-oriented outlook excels. 

907: The Bright Future of Private Care Dentistry – Dr. Barrett Straub & Dr. Jeff Osborne

We've all heard it for years: private practice is dying. But is this actually true? In this bonus episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Barrett Straub, ACT’s CEO, and Dr. Jeff Osborne, chief dental officer of Smile Source, to talk about the state of private care dentistry and to prove that it is thriving now more than ever. Dentistry is still in its golden age! To learn why the future of private practice is so bright and how to love being a practice owner, listen to Episode 907 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Dr. Straub & Dr. Osborne:

• Send Dr. Straub an email: [email protected] 
• Join Dr. Straub on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barrett.d.straub
• Follow Dr. Osborne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legacyranchdentaltx
• Learn more about Smile Source: https://smilesource.com
• Register for Smile Source Exchange (September 10-13, 2025): https://sstheexchange25.eventscribe.net

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

• Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listen
• Join The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
• Download ACT’s BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360
• Download ACT’s BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_US
• Join ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/ttt
• Get The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazine
• Please leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218

Episode Resources:

• Watch the video version of Episode 907: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos

Main Takeaways:

• Contrary to popular belief, private practice is thriving.
• With AI and other technology developing, dentistry is in its golden age.
• Patients need and want comprehensive care, and they are willing to pay for it.
• Owning your own practice means freedom and a better life — it just takes some work.
• Master the three circles of the dentist — clinician, entrepreneur, and boss — for success.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

2:12 Why dentistry is still in the golden age.

10:31 The three circles of being a dentist.

13:35 It’s never been a better time to be a practice owner.

17:53 More about ACT’s BPA.

Dr. Barrett Straub Bio:

Dr. Barrett Straub practices general and sedation dentistry in Port Washington, Wisconsin. He has worked hard to develop his practice into a top-performing, fee-for-service practice that focuses on improving the lives of patients through dentistry.

A graduate of Marquette Dental School, Dr. Straub’s advanced training and CE includes work at the Spear Institute, LVI, DOCS, and as a member of the Milwaukee Study Club. He is a past member of the Wisconsin Dental Association Board of Trustees and was awarded the Marquette Dental School 2017 Young Alumnus of the Year. As a former ACT coaching client that experienced first-hand the transformation that coaching can provide, he is passionate about helping other dentists create the practice they’ve always wanted.

Dr. Straub loves to hunt, golf, and spend winter on the ice, curling. He is married to Katie, with two daughters, Abby and Elizabeth.

Dr. Jeff Osborne Bio:

Dr. Jeffrey Osborne earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston in 1989. He opened his first dental office in West Houston upon graduation and has owned multiple offices throughout the Greater Houston area.

Dr. Osborne was also on the Board of Directors of the Greater Houston Dental Society and served as the vice president for two years. He holds an MBA in healthcare administration from the University of Houston-Clear Lake and has served as a dental director for Cigna Dental. He was also the Texas dental director for United Concordia Dental Insurance. While at United Concordia, he oversaw the administration of the dental portion of the Texas Children's Health Insurance Program. He was also employed as the director of quality assurance for South Texas Dental.

Dr. Osborne is now the chief dental officer for Smile Source, a group dedicated to helping independent dentists thrive together. He currently resides in Pilot Point, Texas. He is married to Kim and is the proud father of Shelby, Heather, and Jack.