The Best Practices Show with Kirk Behrendt

Healthcare isn't broken — it’s rigged against wellness and patient care! In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings in Dr. Bryan Laskin, author of Unfair Care, to share his “why” behind this book and his mission to empower patients to get the best care possible in dentistry and medicine. To learn how you and your patients can make healthcare work better for you, listen to Episode 978 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Dr. Laskin:

• Join Dr. Laskin on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrBryanLaskin
• Follow Dr. Laskin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbryanlaskin
• Learn more on Dr. Laskin’s website: https://bryanlaskin.com
• Learn more about Toothapps and Cair: https://www.toothapps.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 978: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
• Read The Patient First Manifesto by Dr. Bryan Laskin: https://www.amazon.com/Patient-First-Manifesto-Practice-Dreams/dp/1736643711
• Read Dental Disorder by Dr. Bryan Laskin: https://www.amazon.com/Dental-Disorder-Bryan-Laskin/dp/1736643762
• Read Unfair Care by Dr. Bryan Laskin: https://www.amazon.com/Unfair-Care-Healthcare-Deserve-Designed/dp/1736643789
• Learn more about Smile Source Exchange: https://smilesource.com/exchange

Main Takeaways:

• Even if you have world-class doctors, don't leave your health completely up to them.
• Be actively involved in your health. It’s the only way to get the best care possible.
• Healthcare systems are currently optimized for profitability, not for wellness.
• Our healthcare system is stacked against doctors just as much as patients.
• Get access to all of your dental and medical records and consolidate it.
• You have power as a patient. You just need to learn to leverage it.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

1:13 Dr. Laskin’s background.

3:12 Why Dr. Laskin decided to start writing.

6:16 An overview of Dr. Laskin’s three books.

8:57 A sneak peek at Dr. Laskin’s next book.

10:07 The “why” behind Unfair Care.

13:11 Optimized for profitability, not for wellness.

21:00 Bullet points of Unfair Care.

25:59 Be actively involved in your care.

28:16 You have power as a patient.

32:32 The future of the healthcare system.

37:40 More about Dr. Laskin, his books, and how to get in touch.

Dr. Bryan Laskin Bio:

Dr. Bryan Laskin is a Minnesota dentist and tech entrepreneur on a mission to help dental teams and patients break free of the “Dental Disorder” through innovation, education, and standardization.

A practicing dentist and owner of Lake Minnetonka Dental for over 20 years, creator of Upgrade Dental, Digital Nitrous, OperaDDS, and co-founder of Toothapps, as well as author of the Amazon best-selling book, The Patient First Manifesto, and host of “The Patient First Podcast”, Dr. Laskin excels at helping others integrate technology and teamwork into their practices. He serves as CEO and chairman of the board of Dental Standards Institute, which is focused on innovation and patient advocacy, and serves as counsel for the most innovative companies in dentistry.

Dr. Laskin is an advisor and investor to many of the most progressive healthcare companies. He is also a frequent keynote speaker.

You feel like your team just doesn't “get it”. But maybe it’s you, the leader, that isn't getting it! In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Jenni Poulos, one of ACT’s amazing coaches, to reveal the two skills you need to build an aligned and committed team. Saying something once isn't communication! To learn how to inspire your team just by being clear, listen to Episode 977 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Jenni:

• Send Jenni an email: [email protected] 
• Follow Jenni on ACT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actdental
• Send Courtney an email to learn more about ACT: [email protected] 
• Send Gina 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 977: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
• Register to ACT’s BPA for their 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 to ACT’s BPA for their Chief Reminding Officer tool: https://join.actdental.com/users/sign_in?post_login_redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fjoin.actdental.com%2Fc%2Fpractice-coaching-tools%2Fcro-chief-reminding-officer#email

Main Takeaways:

• Alignment starts with the leader.
• Get aligned on what alignment really means.
• Create consistent communication rhythms to stay aligned.
• Repeat, repeat, repeat. Repetition builds predictability and trust.
• Telling your team something once doesn't count as communication.
• Clear is kind. Focus on being clear — not being nice — with your team.
• Stories are powerful. Use them, whenever possible, to spread your message.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

1:08 Why this is an important topic.

1:48 Clear is kind.

3:31 The importance of alignment.

8:32 Repetition builds trust and predictability.

10:46 Repetition amplifies influence.

13:08 Use stories to spread your message.

17:58 Final takeaways.

19:10 ACT’s BPA and resources.

Jenni Poulos Bio:

Jenni brings to dental teams a literal lifetime of experience in dentistry. As the daughter and sister of periodontists and a dental hygienist, she has been working in many facets of the dental world since she first held a summer job turning rooms and pouring models at the age of 12. Now, with over 10 years of experience in managing and leading a large periodontal practice, she has a firm grasp on what it takes to run a thriving business. Her passion for organizational health and culture has been a driving force behind her coaching career. She has witnessed firsthand how creating an aligned and engaged team will take a practice to levels of success that they never believed possible! 

For the month of December, we look back at some favorite episodes of 2025. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Barrett Straub, ACT’s CEO, to break down your production story and explain why you don't need as many patients as you think. Stop the churn-and-burn dentistry that's burning you out! To learn how to rewrite and improve your production story, listen to Episode 976 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

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 976: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
• Register to ACT’s BPA for their Financial GAPs Calculator: https://www.actdental.com/bpa

Main Takeaways:

• There's more to the production story than just how much you produced.
• Analyze your annual patient value, active patient count, and gross production.
• Stop filling production gaps with more patients. Do more dentistry on less patients.
• Do you want to be a dentist that chases 4,000 patients or have fewer, right patients?
• Figure out your production story now so you can figure out how to write it going forward.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

1:27 Why we need a production story.

2:34 Important KPIs you need to know.

6:49 Do more per active patient.

11:48 Countermeasures you can start today.

15:44 ACT’s BPA and TTT.

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.

Freedom is what drew you to dentistry. But somehow, you're stuck working harder, earning less, and with less control of your time and life. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Miranda Beeson, ACT’s director of education, to share the key to impacting your freedom and profitability: understanding and mastering write-offs. To learn how to lower your write-offs so you can take back your time and money, listen to Episode 975 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 975: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
• Learn more about Smile Source: https://smilesource.com
• Learn more about Clerri: https://clerri.com

Main Takeaways:

• Figure out your effort gap, collections gap, overhead gap, and your cash flow gap.
• Know how many days a month you work, and how many you're working for free.
• Always put in your full fee. You may have more elective write-offs than you think.
• Evaluate your membership plan. How much are you charging versus writing off?
• Determine how much you're writing off by being part of an insurance plan.
• Eliminate emotional discounting. Learn to charge what you're worth.
• Start celebrating net production rather than gross production.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

0:57 Smile Source and ACT have merged!

3:23 Why understanding write-offs is important.

8:15 ACT’s core focus and core purpose.

9:34 ACT’s GAPs at a Glance.

12:16 A great coach isn't going to turn the dials for you.

14:51 Overview of the financial gaps.

20:35 The effort gap, explained.

22:22 Three important questions to answer.

25:44 How production leaves in this gap.

29:28 Insurance adjustments.

37:08 Membership plan adjustments.

40:59 Q&A: Do you recommend anyone who helps facilitate membership plans?

43:03 Elective adjustments.

49:14 ACT’s energy quotient, explained.

51:41 Steps to closing the effort gap.

54:40 Final takeaways.

56:42 ACT’s new Financial GAPs Calculator.

58:46 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're working hard, and you're super busy. So, why is your bank account empty? In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Christina Byrne, ACT’s director of operations, to help you understand the different financial gaps where your profit may be hiding. Don't let your hard-earned money slip through the cracks! To learn how to keep more of what you produce, listen to Episode 974 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Christina:

• Send Christina an email: [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 974: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
• Register to ACT’s BPA for their GAPs at a Glance tool: https://join.actdental.com/users/sign_in?post_login_redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fjoin.actdental.com%2Fc%2Fpractice-coaching-tools%2Ffinancial-gaps-at-a-glance#email
• Register to ACT’s BPA for their PPO Freedom course: Sign in | Best Practices Association

Main Takeaways:

• You may be losing a significant amount of money from your different financial gaps.
• Working harder isn't the answer. Find where money is leaking from your practice.
• Know your effort gap. Being busy doesn't equal more profitability and success.
• Understand your collections gap. Collecting 96% isn't as good as it sounds.
• Be aware of your overhead gap. Be smart with spending and budgeting.
• Pay attention to your cash flow gap so you understand true profit.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

1:42 Why this is an important topic.

2:52 The effort gap.

9:57 The collections gap.

14:11 The overhead gap.

20:09 The cash flow gap.

24:54 Final takeaways.

26:19 ACT’s BPA.

Christina Byrne, BS, RDH Bio:

Christina Byrne has been involved in dentistry since 1985. Over the years, she has held many positions on the dental team, including dental assistant, business office, and dental hygienist. Christina’s extensive knowledge of the front office and clinical procedures is a great asset, and she loves to impart her knowledge to guide dental teams do the best they can to achieve a Better Practice, Better Life! 

You spend a ton of money on marketing to attract new patients. But how do you know if it’s working? In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Miranda Beeson, ACT’s director of education, to break down new patient by referral source, what it reveals about your marketing strategies, and where to focus your time and energy. To learn how to market more to your ideal patients, listen to Episode 973 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 973: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
• Learn more about Pain-Free Dental Marketing: https://www.painfreedentalmarketing.com

Main Takeaways:

• Where are new patients coming from? Knowing this helps you focus on what works.
• Tracking referral sources helps you align your messaging with your ideal patients.
• Build strong loyalty and relationships. It is the most cost-effective way to grow.
• Dig deeper when asking patients how they found out about your practice.
• Appoint a team member to track and report the data. Review it monthly.
• Create a system to celebrate your patients who give referrals.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

0:50 What new patient by referral source measures.

2:47 How this metric impacts the practice.

6:20 What you can do to impact this metric.

13:19 Final takeaways.

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.

Sometimes, your “ideal dentistry” isn't ideal. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Christopher Mazzola and Dr. Charlie Ward, faculty members at the Pankey Institute, to share what to do when things aren't black-and-white for your treatment plans. To learn the systems that will lead you to success, listen to Episode 972 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Dr. Ward & Dr. Mazzola:

• Join Dr. Mazzola on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christopher.d.mazzola
• Follow Dr. Mazzola on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christopherdmazzoladds
• Send Dr. Ward an email: [email protected] 
• Follow Dr. Ward on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drcwarddds
• Register for Dr. Mazzola & Dr. Ward’s Mastering Dental Photography course (July 30, 2026 to August 1, 2026): https://pankey.org/course-category/mdp/?courseId=17781
• Register for Dr. Mazzola & Dr. Ward’s Mastering Treatment Planning course (September 10-12, 2026): https://pankey.org/course-category/mtp/?courseId=22975
• Register for Dr. Ward’s Mastering Aesthetic Restorative Dentistry course (November 19-22, 2026): https://pankey.org/course-category/mard/?courseId=19847
• Follow CASE TXP on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/case_txp

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 972: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
• Try Limitless AI recorder: https://www.limitless.ai

Main Takeaways:

• Give yourself grace. Don't fall into the trap of looking at what you didn't do “ideally”.
• What you may not consider “ideal dentistry” may be just as great for your patients.
• Stop comparing yourself to others. Everyone is at a different point in their journey.
• Systems make your dentistry excellent. Don't do complex cases without them.
• Don't skip over planning. All of your hard work is in the planning process.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

1:46 It’s not so black-and-white.

4:56 “Ideal” isn't the only path.

8:36 The patient is the difficult part of dentistry.

11:38 Give yourself grace.

17:16 The importance of systems.

23:53 How an AI recorder will change your life.

26:15 Final thoughts, about CASE, and how to get in touch.

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. Christopher Mazzola Bio:

Dr. Christopher Mazzola was born and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He attended the University of Michigan for his undergraduate studies where he graduated with honors with a Chemical Engineering Degree. During his undergraduate studies, he conducted research with dental school faculty on materials to aid in patients’ healing after dental surgery. He then continued his education at Michigan where he completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree. While in dental school, he was awarded the University of Michigan American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Award for his research in the clinical application of CAD/CAM technology in dentistry.

Prior to joining Traverse Dental Associates, Dr. Mazzola owned a practice in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he was named one of the area’s 2013 TopDentists™. He continued with education focusing on communication and technology in private practice. He has also served as an instructor and mentor for new graduates focusing on patient interactions and CEREC CAD/CAM Technology.

In his spare time, Dr. Mazzola enjoys spending time with his wife, Christina, his children, Baylor and Eliana, and his three dogs, Isabelle, Lola, and Aspen. He tries to stay active through competitive CrossFit, golfing, running, and skiing. He is looking forward to watching his family grow in the amazing community that is Traverse City!

Do you ever feel behind, inadequate, or unworthy of praise? In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Charlie Ward and Dr. Rachel Ward, faculty members at The Pankey Institute, to share how to overcome the comparison trap in dentistry that is sabotaging your practice. If you're constantly questioning yourself, this episode is for you! To learn how to reframe your thinking and focus on the positives, listen to Episode 971 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Dr. Charlie Ward & Dr. Rachel 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
• Join Dr. Rachel Ward on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RachelWardDMD
• Follow Dr. Rachel Ward on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelwarddmd

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 971: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
• Read Good to Great by Jim Collins: https://bookshop.org/p/books/good-to-great-why-some-companies-make-the-leap-and-other-s-don-t-jim-collins/ec0b317c56aaceb4?ean=9780066620992&next=t
• Read The Gap and the Gain by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-gap-and-the-gain-the-high-achievers-guide-to-happiness-confidence-and-success-dan-sullivan/13b3af53fc11bb37?ean=9781401964368&next=t&next=t

Main Takeaways:

• No one comes out of the womb being good at dentistry. It requires hard work.
• Stop “living in the gap”. If you're 95% to your goal, don't focus on the 5%.
• Different friend groups are important but find your tribe of dentists.
• Don't let negative self-talk and negative thoughts define you.
• One bad day at the office doesn't make you a bad dentist.
• Perfection is poison. It’s impossible, so don't chase it.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

1:53 Dr. Rachel Ward’s background.

4:03 Impostor syndrome and feeling worthy.

10:49 The origin of their group chat.

15:57 Social media pressure for dentists.

23:16 Don't fall into the comparison trap.

29:54 Going to Pankey will change your life.

36:06 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. Rachel Ward Bio:

Dr. Rachel Ward received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri. She then continued her education, receiving a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She began her private practice career in St. Louis, Missouri, followed by time in San Antonio, Texas, and Omaha, Nebraska, due to her husband’s career in the United Staes Air Force. After 10 years in the service, her husband separated from the Air Force and their family decided to make Omaha their home.

In 2019, Dr. Ward became a Fellow with the Academy of General Dentistry and subsequently received the distinction of Master with the Academy of General Dentistry in 2022 by accumulating over 1,100 hours of continuing education. Less than 2% of dentists have earned this distinction. She stays active with the Academy as a board member for the Nebraska AGD.

In addition to the AGD, Dr. Ward is a member of the American Dental Association, American Equilibration Society, American Association of Women Dentists, and American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. She also spends time as a Faculty Assistant at the prestigious Pankey Institute in Key Biscayne, Florida. She also serves as an advisor to The Institute.

Dr. Ward and her husband, Daniel Chartrand, have five children together and stay busy transporting kids to and from activities. When she finds some free time, she enjoys running, lifting, biking, and swimming. 

Do you ever feel behind, inadequate, or unworthy of praise? In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Charlie Ward and Dr. Rachel Ward, faculty members at The Pankey Institute, to share how to overcome the comparison trap in dentistry that is sabotaging your practice. If you're constantly questioning yourself, this episode is for you! To learn how to reframe your thinking and focus on the positives, listen to Episode 971 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Dr. Charlie Ward & Dr. Rachel 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
• Join Dr. Rachel Ward on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RachelWardDMD
• Follow Dr. Rachel Ward on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelwarddmd

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 971: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
• Read Good to Great by Jim Collins: https://bookshop.org/p/books/good-to-great-why-some-companies-make-the-leap-and-other-s-don-t-jim-collins/ec0b317c56aaceb4?ean=9780066620992&next=t
• Read The Gap and the Gain by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-gap-and-the-gain-the-high-achievers-guide-to-happiness-confidence-and-success-dan-sullivan/13b3af53fc11bb37?ean=9781401964368&next=t&next=t

Main Takeaways:

• No one comes out of the womb being good at dentistry. It requires hard work.
• Stop “living in the gap”. If you're 95% to your goal, don't focus on the 5%.
• Different friend groups are important but find your tribe of dentists.
• Don't let negative self-talk and negative thoughts define you.
• One bad day at the office doesn't make you a bad dentist.
• Perfection is poison. It’s impossible, so don't chase it.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

1:53 Dr. Rachel Ward’s background.

4:03 Impostor syndrome and feeling worthy.

10:49 The origin of their group chat.

15:57 Social media pressure for dentists.

23:16 Don't fall into the comparison trap.

29:54 Going to Pankey will change your life.

36:06 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. Rachel Ward Bio:

Dr. Rachel Ward received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri. She then continued her education, receiving a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She began her private practice career in St. Louis, Missouri, followed by time in San Antonio, Texas, and Omaha, Nebraska, due to her husband’s career in the United Staes Air Force. After 10 years in the service, her husband separated from the Air Force and their family decided to make Omaha their home.

In 2019, Dr. Ward became a Fellow with the Academy of General Dentistry and subsequently received the distinction of Master with the Academy of General Dentistry in 2022 by accumulating over 1,100 hours of continuing education. Less than 2% of dentists have earned this distinction. She stays active with the Academy as a board member for the Nebraska AGD.

In addition to the AGD, Dr. Ward is a member of the American Dental Association, American Equilibration Society, American Association of Women Dentists, and American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. She also spends time as a Faculty Assistant at the prestigious Pankey Institute in Key Biscayne, Florida. She also serves as an advisor to The Institute.

Dr. Ward and her husband, Daniel Chartrand, have five children together and stay busy transporting kids to and from activities. When she finds some free time, she enjoys running, lifting, biking, and swimming. 

Do you have a plan, or do you just hope new patients show up for appointments? In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Miranda Beeson, ACT’s director of education, to break down new patient cancellation and no-show percentage and what you can do to reduce those numbers. To learn how to create strong scheduling, confirmation, and communication systems so your patients commit to showing up, listen to Episode 970 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 970: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos

Main Takeaways:

• Track your new patient cancellation separate from your cancellation percentage.
• If your cancellation or no-show is high, you are wasting valuable chair time.
• Strengthen your commitment language to communicate value to patients.
• Send personalized reminders to create an added level of commitment.
• Have a documented plan for unconfirmed new patient appointments.
• It is okay to release appointments. Create a clear process for it.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

2:19 Why this is an important metric and how it impacts the practice.

5:41 What you can do to impact this metric.

14:41 Final thoughts.

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 can thrive as a small practice — you just need to be strategic. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Miranda Beeson, ACT’s director of education, to share how to differentiate and close your operational gaps so you attract the best patients and the best team in a changing market. To learn how to create and maintain a thriving private practice, listen to Episode 969 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 for your Golden Ticket: [email protected] 
• Send Gina an email for your Golden Ticket: [email protected] 
• Send Kirk an email for your Golden Ticket: [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 969: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
• Register for ACT’s BPA for their Differentiation tool: https://join.actdental.com/users/sign_in?post_login_redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fjoin.actdental.com%2Fc%2Fpractice-coaching-tools%2Fdifferentiation-tool#email
• Register for ACT’s BPA for their GAPs at a Glance tool: https://join.actdental.com/users/sign_in?post_login_redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fjoin.actdental.com%2Fc%2Fpractice-coaching-tools%2Ffinancial-gaps-at-a-glance#email

Main Takeaways:

• Identify your core customers, core competencies, and weaknesses to differentiate.
• Understand your effort gap, collections gap, overhead gap, and cash flow gap.
• Analyze your data to identify inefficiencies and optimize your practice.
• Develop your differentiation strategy over time and be consistent.
• Data shows that dentists thrive in private practice.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

2:22 ACT’s BPA, TTT, and Pro Coaching.

5:51 Why this is an important topic.

17:06 Differentiation: Identify your core customers.

18:05 Differentiation: Identify your core competencies.

23:31 Differentiation: Identify your weaknesses.

26:56 Differentiation: Build your strategy.

27:23 Operational gaps: Effort gap.

29:27 Operational gaps: Collections gap.

37:08 Operational gaps: Overhead gap.

38:41 Operational gaps: Cash flow gap.

42:30 Data drives impact.

48:39 Final takeaways.

53:08 More about ACT’s TTT Study Club.

55:13 Last thoughts.

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.