The Best Practices Show with Kirk Behrendt

Is online continuing education enough to elevate your dentistry? With unlimited access to webinars, social media cases, and on-demand videos, it’s easy to believe you can master complex procedures from a screen. But is that really how clinical excellence is built?

In this episode, Kirk Behrendt interviews Dr. Adamo Notarantonio, educator, clinician, and faculty member at the Kois Center, about the critical differences between online and in-person learning. They discuss why hands-on training, mentorship, and layered learning are essential for developing technical skill, clinical judgment, and the ability to think under pressure.

You’ll learn how to adopt CE with patience, how to avoid the social media comparison trap, and why real growth requires more than watching a video. If you want to elevate your thinking and your results, listen to Episode 1008 of The Best Practices Show!

Main Takeaways

1. In-person, hands-on education is essential for mastering clinical techniques that cannot be fully learned through online videos.
2. True clinical growth requires repetition, deliberate practice, and mentorship over time.
3. Social media often presents highlight reels that do not reflect the full clinical reality behind cases.
4. The ability to think outside the box during unexpected clinical situations separates good clinicians from great clinicians.
5. Layered learning—lecture, hands-on application, mentorship, and case review—deepens understanding and improves implementation.
6. Dentists should focus on competing with themselves rather than comparing their work to others.
7. Adopting CE effectively requires patience and a long-term mindset rather than seeking rapid results.

Snippets

1. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome
2. 00:18 Meet Adamo: A Special Guest
3. 01:20 The Importance of Continuing Education
4. 02:48 Adamo's Journey and Career Changes
5. 04:15 Hands-On Learning vs. Online Education
6. 07:43 The Value of In-Person Training
7. 09:48 Thinking Outside the Box in Dentistry
8. 12:22 Mindset and Continuous Learning
9. 14:47 The Reality of Social Media in Dentistry
10. 16:29 The Reality of Before and After
11. 16:41 The Trust Factor with Instagram
12. 16:58 AI in Dentistry Presentations
13. 17:29 The Importance of Clinical Tips
14. 18:20 The Role of Educators in Dentistry
15. 20:27 Understanding Constricted Chewing Patterns
16. 21:53 The Value of Layered Learning
17. 23:48 The Future of Continuing Education (CE)
18. 24:50 Shadowing and Mentorship in Dentistry
19. 27:42 Final Thoughts on Adopting CE
20. 29:25 Where to Learn More About Adamo
21. 31:01 Conclusion and Podcast Wrap-Up

Guest Bio/Guest Resources

Dr. Adamo Notarantonio is a practicing dentist, speaker, and educator who serves as faculty at the Kois Center. He is a past president of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and has earned accreditation status within the organization. Dr. Notarantonio lectures nationally and teaches hands-on composite and restorative courses. He previously owned a private practice in Long Island, New York, and now practices as an associate while focusing extensively on education and mentorship.

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

Course website: https://www.imprescourses.com/

Kois Center: https://www.koiscenter.com/

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

1. The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/
2. Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
3. Upcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/
4. Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/
5. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com
6. Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com

Running a dental practice can feel like an endless cycle of putting out fires, reacting to problems, and repeating the same frustrations day after day. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt sits down with Christina Burn, Director of Operations at ACT Dental, to explain why most of these daily issues stem from a lack of clear systems, not people. Together, they break down how systems create predictability, reduce stress, improve team accountability, and support long-term growth. You’ll learn where to start with systems, how to build them with your team, and how to keep them relevant as your practice evolves. To learn how to stop firefighting and start creating predictability, listen to Episode 1007 of The Best Practices Show!

Main Takeaways:

1. Most recurring daily problems in a dental practice are caused by missing or unclear systems rather than individual team performance.
2. Systems create predictability, which leads to less stress, better patient experiences, and more consistent outcomes for doctors and teams.
3. Practices should aim to be systems-driven instead of people-dependent to avoid burnout and constant staff additions.
4. Effective systems start with a clearly defined “why” that connects directly to patient experience and team success.
5. The best systems are created collaboratively during dedicated team meeting time, not by the doctor alone or outside of work hours.
6. Systems should be specific, step-by-step, and written clearly so anyone in the practice can follow them when needed.
7. Systems must be treated as living tools that are reviewed, updated, and improved as the practice grows and changes.

Snippets:

1. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome
2. 00:08 The Importance of Systems in Dentistry
3. 01:28 Meet Christina Burn: Director of Operations
4. 02:30 Common Issues in Dental Practices
5. 03:23 Creating Effective Systems
6. 05:52 The Why Behind Systems
7. 09:58 Implementing and Refining Systems
8. 13:22 The 80% Approach to System Development
9. 16:02 Specificity in Systems
10. 20:32 Living Systems: Continuous Improvement
11. 25:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Guest Bio/Guest Resources:

Christina Byrne is the Director of Operations at ACT Dental, where she oversees coaching alignment, system development, and operational consistency across practices nationwide. She works closely with dental teams to help them build scalable systems that improve predictability, accountability, and long-term practice performance. In this episode, Christina references ACT Dental resources including the Analyzing Existing Systems document, the master systems checklist, and the systems and checklist support guide available through the Best Practices Association.

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

1. The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/
2. Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
3. Upcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/
4. Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/
5. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com
6. Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com

Many dental leaders make decisions based on how the day feels instead of what the data shows. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt is joined by Miranda Beeson, ACT Dental coach and leadership advisor, to explain why leading from emotion creates reactive leadership and how metrics create clarity, consistency, and confidence for teams. You will learn how data removes emotion from decision-making, how to pause emotional reactions, and how to use key performance indicators to guide smarter conversations and actions. Listen to Episode 1006 of The Best Practices Show!

Main Takeaways

1. Leading from feelings creates reactive decision-making and inconsistency for the team.
2. Metrics reveal patterns over time and provide an objective truth that removes emotion from leadership conversations.
3. Data-driven leadership allows teams to align around priorities and solve problems instead of chasing anxiety.
4. Reviewing metrics consistently helps leaders respond thoughtfully rather than react emotionally.
5. Sharing data weekly builds accountability and ownership across the entire team.
6. Measuring and reporting on a focus area regularly accelerates improvement.
7. Verifying emotional reactions with data builds trust and credibility as a leader.

Snippets

1. 01:43 Why today’s Metric Monday focuses on feelings versus data.
2. 02:18 How leading with data creates smarter leadership decisions.
3. 03:20 How personal bias disappears when data is introduced.
4. 04:38 What reactive leadership looks like in a dental practice.
5. 06:05 Why leading with feelings creates inconsistency for teams.
6. 07:42 How teams unify when data is shared consistently.
7. 08:45 Using weekly reporting to drive improvement.
8. 10:18 Pausing emotional reactions and verifying them with data.
9. 13:25 Asking which KPI confirms or challenges a feeling.
10. 14:50 Using capacity data to validate schedule concerns.
11. 15:45 Why coaches help remove emotional stories from leadership decisions.

Guest Bio/Guest Resources

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.

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

1. The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/
2. Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
3. Upcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/
4. Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/
5. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com
6. Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com

Most dentists treat sleep as optional until performance drops, patience gets shorter, and focus slips. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt talks with Dr. Uche Odiatu, health and fitness educator for dentistry, about sleep hygiene fundamentals that improve energy, cognition, metabolic health, and daily productivity. You will learn why seven hours is the minimum, why “sleep debt” can’t be repaid on weekends, and the practical habits that make sleep deeper and more consistent. Listen to Episode 1005 of The Best Practices Show!

Main Takeaways

1. Seven hours is the minimum sleep needed for most adults to avoid ongoing sleep deprivation.
2. “Catching up” on sleep over the weekend does not fully reverse the effects of several nights of poor sleep.
3. Morning outdoor light exposure helps reset circadian rhythm and supports falling asleep more easily at night.
4. Daily physical activity builds physiological sleep drive beyond mental fatigue from a long clinical day.
5. Alcohol can make you feel sedated but reduces deep sleep quality and interferes with memory consolidation and emotional regulation.
6. Eating within three hours of bedtime can reduce sleep quality because the body is focused on digestion.
7. Evening light control, including avoiding bright overhead LED lighting and late-night scrolling, supports melatonin and sleep depth.

Snippets

1. 01:56 Seven hours as the minimum, and how being awake too long affects performance.
2. 03:44 Why “sleep debt” can’t be repaid on weekends.
3. 06:23 Morning sunlight and outdoor exposure to reset circadian rhythm.
4. 09:35 Why sedentary days reduce true sleep drive, even when you feel mentally exhausted.
5. 11:28 Alcohol as sedation vs. sleep, and what it does to deep sleep and retention.
6. 17:35 Eating close to bedtime and the impact on sleep quality.
7. 18:45 Managing evening light by avoiding overhead LEDs after sunset.
8. 20:35 Doomscrolling, dopamine hits, and how small amounts of light disrupt physiology.
9. 24:10 “Become a sleep master” before chasing other wellness tools.

Guest Bio/Guest Resources

Dr. Uche Odiatu has a DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine). He is a professional member of the ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine), a Certified Personal Trainer NSCA (National Strength & Conditioning Association), and the Canadian Association of Fitness Professionals (canfitpro). He is the co-author of The Miracle of Health and has lectured in Canada, the USA, the Caribbean, the UK, and Europe. He is an invited guest on over 400 TV and radio shows, from ABC 20/20, Canada CTV AM, Breakfast TV, to Magic Sunday Drum FM in Texas. This high-energy healthcare professional has done over 450 lectures in seven countries over the last 15 years.

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

Website: https://www.druche.com/

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

1. The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/
2. Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
3. Upcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/
4. Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/
5. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com
6. Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com

Leaves of absence are complicated, highly regulated, and often misunderstood in dental practices. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt sits down with Alan Twigg, HR expert at Ben Erickson Administrative Services, to explain how leaves of absence actually work, why documentation matters, and how dentists can protect their practices while treating team members fairly. You’ll learn how to identify protected leave, handle medical and mental health requests, manage return-to-work issues, and avoid common mistakes that lead to liability. Listen to Episode 1004 of The Best Practices Show!

Main Takeaways

1. A leave of absence typically applies when an employee will be out for more than one week and may trigger state or federal protections.
2. The reason for the leave determines which laws apply, so employers must clearly document whether the leave is due to pregnancy, medical conditions, mental health, or family care.
3. Mental health conditions are medical conditions and may qualify for protected leave under disability laws.
4. Every leave of absence should have a documented start date and an estimated return date to prevent confusion and legal risk.
5. Medical certifications and job descriptions are essential tools for determining work restrictions and accommodations.
6. Most leaves of absence are unpaid, but accrued PTO is usually used at the beginning of the leave as wage replacement.
7. Employees on protected leave generally must be reinstated to the same role, pay, and hours unless the position is legitimately eliminated.

Snippets

1. 00:39 What qualifies as a leave of absence versus regular sick time.
2. 02:06 Why state and federal leave laws vary by location and practice size.
3. 04:18 Mental health as a protected medical condition.
4. 07:38 Pregnancy and disability protections explained.
5. 10:40 Why every leave needs a defined return date.
6. 13:27 Risks of replacing an employee on protected leave.
7. 14:21 Medical certification and job descriptions.
8. 17:38 Accommodations and undue hardship.
9. 19:29 Health insurance and benefits during leave.
10. 20:55 Using accrued PTO during a leave of absence.
11. 24:27 Medical release and return-to-work requirements.
12. 27:33 When a leave of absence is not legally protected.
13. 30:40 Documentation tips to protect the practice.

Guest Bio/Guest Resources

Alan Twigg is an HR specialist with Ben Erickson Administrative Services, where he advises dental practices on employment law, compliance, and human resources best practices. He works closely with dentists to help them navigate complex issues such as leaves of absence, accommodations, documentation, and employee relations.

Guest resource mentioned:

https://bentericksen.com/alan-twigg/

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

1. The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/
2. Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
3. Upcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/
4. Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/
5. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com
6. Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com

Marketing costs can easily drift without clear benchmarks, clear goals, or reliable data. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt continues the Metric Monday series with practice coach Ariel Siegel to break down marketing percentage as part of overall overhead. They explain what marketing percentage actually measures, why the benchmark matters, how internal and external marketing must align, and how to evaluate return on investment using real practice data. If you want to understand how much you should be spending on marketing and how to know whether it’s working, listen to Episode 1003 of The Best Practices Show!

Main Takeaways

1. Marketing percentage measures the total percentage of revenue spent on both internal and external marketing efforts.
2. The general benchmark for marketing spend is around 3%, depending on whether a practice is in growth or maintenance mode.
3. Effective marketing fuels new patient growth while also strengthening the practice brand.
4. Internal marketing systems and patient experience must align with external marketing efforts.
5. Tracking return on investment requires comparing marketing spend to new patient numbers and resulting production.
6. High marketing spend without strong systems can result in poor conversions and wasted dollars.

Snippets

00:56 What marketing percentage measures

01:44 The 3% benchmark and why it varies

03:07 How marketing impacts new patient growth and branding

04:22 Why more new patients is not always better

06:52 Using ROI to evaluate marketing effectiveness

08:12 How to respond when marketing percentage is too high

10:03 Using call and conversion data to diagnose marketing performance

11:34 Final Thoughts on Marketing Strategies

Guest Bio/Guest Resources

Ariel has a master’s in healthcare administration and several years of dental experience in all aspects of the administrative roles within the dental office. Her passion is to work with dental teams to empower team members to realize their full potential in order to better serve patients, improve office systems to ensure a well-functioning team/office, and to help everyone have fun in the process!

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

1. The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/
2. Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
3. Upcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/
4. Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/
5. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com
6. Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com

Poor communication can quietly undermine trust, case acceptance, and long-term relationships with patients — even when the clinical work is excellent. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt sits down with Dr. Christian Coachman, dentist, dental technician, and founder of Digital Smile Design, to identify the most common communication mistakes dentists make with patients and teams. You’ll learn why context matters, how confidence and humility work together, why “selling” erodes trust, and how practicing communication changes outcomes. If you want patients to understand you, trust you, and move forward with care, listen to Episode 1002 of The Best Practices Show!

Main Takeaways:

1. Communication skills have a greater impact on patient trust and case acceptance than clinical outcomes alone.
2. Failing to give proper context is one of the most common communication mistakes dentists make with patients and teams.
3. Asking better, more complete questions leads to better answers and more efficient collaboration.
4. Confidence without humility sounds arrogant, while humility without confidence sounds weak; effective communication requires both.
5. Dentists rarely practice communication skills, which leads to repeated mistakes over long careers.
6. Explaining dentistry by “thinking out loud” or using jargon confuses patients and erodes trust.
7. Showing patients visual information builds trust more effectively than selling or persuading verbally.

Snippets:

1. 07:35 Why communication determines how far you go in dentistry.
2. 08:18 The problem with not giving patients enough context.
3. 13:27 Why poorly formed questions waste time and limit answers.
4. 20:44 Confidence versus humility in patient communication.
5. 26:46 Why dentists need to practice communication like a clinical skill.
6. 33:49 How selling dentistry destroys trust while showing builds it.
7. 38:09 Why love and trust come from communication, not clinical work alone.

Dr. Christian Coachman Bio:

Dr. Christian Coachman is a dentist and dental technician known internationally for his work in dental communication, treatment planning, and interdisciplinary collaboration. He is the founder of Digital Smile Design and has spent decades working inside dental practices, observing patient interactions, and teaching clinicians how to communicate more effectively with patients and teams. He lectures globally and consults with dentists seeking to improve trust, case acceptance, and long-term patient relationships.

1. Digital Smile Design: https://digitalsmiledesign.com
2. Dr. Christian Coachman on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chriscoachman
3. 
   

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

1. The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/
2. Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
3. Upcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/
4. Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/
5. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com
6. Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com

Great dentistry doesn’t sell itself if patients can’t see it. Many dentists struggle to explain conditions, earn trust, and grow into the type of practice they want because their communication relies too heavily on words. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt sits down with Dr. Zach Sisler, cosmetic dentist and educator, to break down the three lessons he learned the hard way about dental photography. You’ll learn how photography improves case acceptance, strengthens branding, sharpens clinical skills, and creates better communication with patients, labs, specialists, and your team. If you want photography to work for your practice instead of sitting unused, listen to Episode 1001 of The Best Practices Show!

Main Takeaways:

1. Dental photography helps clinicians get out of their own way by letting patients see conditions instead of hearing long explanations.
2. What dentists find impressive in photos is often different from what patients want to see, which is typically full-face smiles and relatable transformations.
3. Consistent photography strengthens a practice’s brand and helps patients recognize what services are possible.
4. Treating camera equipment as an investment requires daily use; unused equipment produces no return.
5. Reviewing clinical photos allows dentists to self-critique and continuously improve their restorative outcomes.
6. Photography improves communication with labs and specialists by providing clearer information and better collaboration.

Snippets:

1. 02:20 Who Dr. Zach Sisler is and how his practice evolved.
2. 05:00 Why dental photography is a non-negotiable for modern practices.
3. 07:47 How photography helped Zach get out of his own way with patient communication.
4. 12:05 The difference between what dentists want to see and what patients want to see.
5. 18:14 Why branding matters and how photography supports it.
6. 19:16 Treating camera equipment like gym equipment to get a return on investment.
7. 23:26 How photography improves clinical self-critique and growth.
8. 29:23 How photos improve lab and specialist relationships.
9. 34:23 Addressing time concerns and when to invest in photography.
10. 36:29 How much of the photography should be delegated to the team.

Dr. Zach Sisler Bio:

Dr. Zach Sisler is a cosmetic dentist and educator practicing in rural central Pennsylvania. He transitioned a traditionally focused practice into an aesthetics-driven practice by integrating comprehensive dental photography, advanced restorative techniques, and consistent branding. Dr. Sisler teaches hands-on photography and over-the-shoulder restorative courses, both in his office and on-site for dental teams across the country. He is known for his focus on predictable systems, clinical growth, and practical implementation that supports both patient care and practice sustainability.

1. Dr. Zach Sisler Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_zachsisler/
2. Zach Sisler Courses & In-Office Training:https://www.drsisler.com/
3. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_zachsisler/
4. Website (Courses & Education): https://www.drsisler.com/

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

1. The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/
2. Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
3. Upcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/

When overhead is high, you buy cheaper supplies. But there's a better way! In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Ariel Siegel, one of ACT’s amazing coaches, to continue the series on overhead and break down supplies percentage. She shares why your numbers may be high, how that impacts your practice, and what you can do about it. For the treatment plan to reduce waste and overspending on supplies, listen to Episode 1000 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Ariel:

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

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

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

Episode Resources:

1. Watch the video version of Episode 1000: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
2. Learn more about Smile Source: https://smilesource.com

Main Takeaways:

1. Your ideal supplies percentage is 5% to 6%.
2. Categorize your supplies correctly to track them appropriately.
3. If your supplies percentage is high, don't panic. It can be fixed very easily.
4. Don't buy cheaper supplies. Create systems to cut waste and overspending.
5. A team member — never the doctor — should be the one to manage inventory.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

0:52 Supplies percentage, explained.

3:56 How supplies percentage impacts the practice.

6:44 Manage your inventory.

8:25 Keep your systems simple.

9:32 What you can do today to impact your metrics.

12:03 Last thoughts.

Ariel Juday Bio:

Ariel has a master’s in healthcare administration and several years of dental experience in all aspects of the administrative roles within the dental office. Her passion is to work with dental teams to empower team members to realize their full potential in order to better serve patients, improve office systems to ensure a well-functioning team/office, and to help everyone have fun in the process!

Success isn't just about the medals. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Amanda Seay, president of the AACD, and Dr. Zach Sisler, board chair of the AACD, to share their journeys and lessons of the accreditation process and the importance of investing in yourself for your future. To learn what success could look like for you, listen to Episode 999 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Dr. Seay & Dr. Sisler:

1. Join Dr. Seay on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrAmandaSeay
2. Follow Dr. Seay on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dramandaseay
3. Join Dr. Sisler on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmilesBySisler
4. Follow Dr. Sisler on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_zachsisler
5. Register for the AACD Scientific Session (April 16-18, 2026): https://www.aacdconference.com/event/1a1b9fe4-2097-4006-b107-822d4da3654b/main-menu

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

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

Episode Resources:

1. Watch the video version of Episode 999: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
2. Read Atomic Habits by James Clear: https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits
3. Read Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell: https://www.buybackyourtime.com

Main Takeaways:

1. Being content does not mean being complacent. Find contentment with where you’re at.
2. Accreditation is not about the medal. It’s about the process, learning, and your journey.
3. Find your people. They will inspire and challenge you beyond what you imagine.
4. You're capable of much more than you think. Always invest in yourself.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

1:01 Dr. Seay’s and Dr. Sisler’s backgrounds.

6:16 Dr. Seay’s and Dr. Sisler’s journeys.

13:11 Contentment, explained.

15:45 It’s not just about the medal.

22:35 The importance of finding your people.

34:57 Dr. Seay’s and Dr. Sisler’s DiSC styles.

36:33 Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell.

38:22 Last thoughts.

41:47 More about the AACD.

Dr. Amanda Seay DDS, FAGD, FAACD Bio:

Dr. Amanda Seay is the award-winning Founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Clinical Director of Expertise Dental in Charleston, South Carolina. Her expertise ranges from complex restorative treatment planning to comprehensive preventative and reconstructive dentistry.

Dr. Seay is a recognized leader in the dental industry and has been featured in various dental publications for her influence and dedication to the profession. She was named the 11th Most Influential Person in Dentistry by Incisal Edge Magazine. She is the 85th dentist in the world who has earned the honor of Fellow Accredited Member status with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

Dr. Seay is the Director of Outreach and Engagement for the Seattle Study Club, an international and preeminent continuing education organization for dentists. She is also the co-creator of imPRES Dental Courses, an internationally recognized dental esthetics continuum. She holds a clinical instructor position at the Kois Center, one of the most prestigious dental institutes in the country, and has published over 70 articles covering the art and techniques of esthetic dentistry. She also serves as the Restorative Section Editor for Inside Dentistry.

In addition to operating a thriving full-time dental practice, Dr. Seay is a dedicated wife and the mother of four children.

Dr. Zachary Sisler Bio:

Dr. Zachary Sisler is a native of Kingwood, West Virginia. He attended West Virginia University, where he received an undergraduate degree in chemistry in three years. He continued his education at the West Virginia University School of Dentistry, earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. During his time at dental school, he explored the field of dentistry by completing externships and honor programs in oral surgery and endodontics. As a further testament to his dedication, he was honored with the following awards: Simon P. Hullihen Scholarship Award for Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, American Association of Endodontics Student Achievement Award, American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Student Award, Whip Mix 2010 Hanau Prosthodontic Award, Delta Dental Student Leadership Award, and the Quintessence Book Award for Restorative Dentistry.

Since graduation, Dr. Sisler has immersed himself in countless hours of continuing education. Dr. Sisler has attended lectures and hands-on courses at the prestigious Dawson Academy, where he has learned how to properly and predictably restore complex cases, not only from a functional standpoint but cosmetic as well. Dr. Sisler was asked to become an associate faculty member of The Dawson Academy, and while continuing his own continuing education pursuits, dedicates time to teaching dental professionals the concepts of complete dentistry.

Dr. Sisler has earned the Accredited Member credential in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), joining an elite group of dental professionals who have successfully completed the accreditation process in The Academy. He is one of 417 to achieve this status of cosmetic dentistry in the world.

Dr. Sisler has a strong passion for dentistry and the pursuit of excellence in all aspects, particularly cosmetic dentistry. He holds memberships with the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, Pennsylvania Academy of General Dentistry, Pennsylvania Dental Association, Harrisburg Area Dental Society, American Equilibration Society, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.