The Best Practices Show with Kirk Behrendt

958: Metric Mondays: New Patient Re-Appointed to Hygiene Percentage - Miranda Beson

Are your new patients one-and-done, or do they stay with you long term? In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Miranda Beeson, ACT’s director of education, to break down new patient re-appointed to hygiene percentage, how it affects your practice, and ways to improve your numbers. To learn how to create long-term patient relationships by re-appointing to hygiene, listen to Episode 958 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 958: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
• Register for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (October 24, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-october-24-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1218452908449?aff=odcleoeventsincollection

Main Takeaways:

• Evaluate your new patient process. Ensure that it ends with a scheduled hygiene visit.
• Track your re-appointments. Quickly follow up with patients who haven't scheduled.
• Make it easy to schedule future appointments. Ensure it’s done before they leave.
• If your re-appointment percentage is low, focus on building patient loyalty.
• A high re-appointment percentage shows patients value your care.
• Discuss and document your new patient system as a team.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

2:14 New patients re-appointed to hygiene percentage, explained.

5:28 How this metric impacts the practice.

8:13 High and low re-appointment percentages.

10:26 What you can do to impact this metric.

14:50 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. 

957: Beat Burnout With Better Systems – Miranda Beeson

When you're burned out, it leads to chaos. Luckily, there's a cure! In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Miranda Beeson, ACT’s director of education, to share five steps to create a solid system that will keep your practice running smooth and stress-free. To learn how better systems can bring joy back into your practice, listen to Episode 957 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 to ACT’s TTT: [email protected] 
• Send Gina an email for your Golden Ticket to ACT’s TTT: [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 957: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
• Watch Episode 947 with Alan Twigg: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CHbDVbpa3M
• Register for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (October 17, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-october-17-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1218436780209?aff=odcleoeventsincollection
• Register for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (October 24, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-october-24-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1218452908449?aff=odcleoeventsincollection

Main Takeaways:

• Align with your team about what you're creating.
• Convey the “why” to get understanding and commitment.
• Identify where exactly your systems apply. Be very specific.
• Define when your systems should be activated and followed.
• Assign responsibilities clearly so everyone knows who does what.
• Determine how your system will be applied with clear, specific steps.
• Document your systems. If they aren’t written down, then they don’t exist.
• Do this process together as a team. Get their weigh-in so that you get buy-in.
• Constantly revisit, review, and revise your systems. Don't just set it and forget it.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

5:31 ACT’s BPA and Smile Source.

8:24 Why this is an important topic.

19:23 Chaos is the symptom, and systems are the cure.

22:37 Set clear expectations.

28:33 Creating New Agreements, Policies, & Systems: What.

30:55 Creating New Agreements, Policies, & Systems: Why.

36:13 Creating New Agreements, Policies, & Systems: Where.

39:53 Creating New Agreements, Policies, & Systems: Who.

46:37 Creating New Agreements, Policies, & Systems: How.

48:18 The 80% approach.

51:41 Revisit, review, and revise your systems as a team.

55:41 Don't set it and forget it.

57:59 Final takeaways.

1:01:07 Q&A: Can there be an effective marriage of cross-training and systems?

1:08:07 ACT’s To The Top Study Club.

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.

956: 5 Reasons Your Team Feels Overwhelmed – Michelle Wakeman

Do you and your team constantly feel overwhelmed? In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings in Michelle Wakeman, one of ACT’s amazing coaches, to explain five reasons why and what you can do to reduce burnout and overwhelm. Feeling overwhelmed is normal — and it’s fixable! To learn how to be less stressed and more productive so you can take better care of your patients, listen to Episode 956 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Michelle:

• Send Michelle an email: [email protected] 
• Follow Michelle 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 956: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
• Register for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (October 17, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-october-17-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1218436780209?aff=odcleoeventsincollection
• Register for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (October 24, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-october-24-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1218452908449?aff=odcleoeventsincollection
• Register to ACT’s BPA for their Creating New Agreements, Policies, and Systems resource: https://join.actdental.com/users/sign_in?post_login_redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fjoin.actdental.com%2Fc%2Fpractice-coaching-tools%2Fcreating-new-agreements-policies-systems#email
• Register to ACT’s BPA for their Communications Rhythms Guide: https://join.actdental.com/users/sign_in?post_login_redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fjoin.actdental.com%2Fc%2Fpractice-coaching-tools%2Fthe-act-dental-meeting-rhythm#email
• Register to ACT’s BPA for their Building an Appreciative Workplace resource: https://join.actdental.com/users/sign_in?post_login_redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fjoin.actdental.com%2Fc%2Fpractice-coaching-tools%2Fbuilding-an-appreciative-workplace#email
• Read books by Jon Gordon: https://jongordon.com/books
• Read books by Patrick Lencioni: https://www.tablegroup.com/books

Main Takeaways:

• Set clear expectations. Don't leave your team guessing.
• Have documented systems so your team can be proactive.
• Clearly communicate changes with your team before they happen.
• Be clear about roles and responsibilities. Make it clear who does what.
• Give your team feedback. They actually want to know where they stand.
• Recognize your team’s hard work. It goes a long way and keeps morale high.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

1:31 Why this is an important topic.

4:55 Set clear expectations.

11:31 Have documented systems in place.

17:11 Communicate changes.

22:49 Have clear roles and responsibilities.

27:27 Give feedback and recognition.

32:32 Final thoughts.

34:28 ACT’s BPA.

Michelle Wakeman, BSDH, Bio:

Michelle Wakeman, BSDH, brings nearly 20 years of clinical dental hygiene, administrative, managerial, and sales experience to the table. She has a passion for people and a natural aptitude for communication that has led her to develop meaningful relationships throughout her career in dentistry. As a coach, she seeks to help dental practices develop systems that enable them to enhance their patient experience, leading to better relationships among owners, team members, and patients, along with profitable outcomes.

In her off time, Michelle can usually be found at the ice rink supporting her son, Hunter, in hockey, the ball field cheering on her son, Carter, or the gym, reliving her days as a gymnast with her daughter, Leighton.

955: Metric Mondays: Unscheduled Active Patients – Miranda Beeson

You might have 1,500 active patients. But how many don't have their next appointments scheduled? In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Miranda Beeson, ACT’s director of education, to break down unscheduled active patients, how it impacts your practice, and ways to improve your numbers so your days get better at work. To learn how to keep patients tethered to your practice, listen to Episode 955 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 955: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
• Register for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (October 17, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-october-17-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1218436780209?aff=odcleoeventsincollection
• Register for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (October 24, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-october-24-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1218452908449?aff=odcleoeventsincollection

Main Takeaways:

• Having too many unscheduled patients will lead to schedule gaps and lost revenue.
• Unscheduled patients also means missed opportunities for preventative care.
• About 40% of patients who don't schedule future appointments don't return.
• Align your team on the expectation to always preschedule your patients.
• Also align your team on the value-building language that's used.
• When patients are less likely to return, their health will suffer.
• Create follow-up systems to proactively recapture patients.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

2:51 Unscheduled active patients, explained.

4:19 How unscheduled active patients impacts your practice.

10:01 Ways to positively impact this metric.

15:06 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. 

954: Big Changes With Insurances You Need to Know About – Shelley DeGroff

Working with PPOs is more confusing than ever — and it’s by design! In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Shelley DeGroff, founder and CEO of PPO Advisors, to help decode the complexity around upcoming changes and help you be an active player in the game of insurance. To stay up to date with the new changes and become less insurance dependent, listen to Episode 954 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Shelley:

• Send Shelley an email: [email protected] 
• Join PPO Advisors on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PPOAdvisorsLLC
• Learn more about PPO Advisors: https://ppoadvisors.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 954: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos

Main Takeaways:

• Think of insurance as a game. Be an active player!
• Understand the contracts you're agreeing to, long term.
• Insurance confusion is by design. Don't just set it and forget it!
• Audit your EOBs daily. Do the math and figure out why fees are different.
• New associates cannot use the owning doctor's NPI-1 — it is insurance fraud.
• Success is not determined by the number of insurance you do or don't participate in.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

1:53 Shelley’s background.

2:51 The current state of PPOs.

5:22 Why are these changes legal?

9:08 Confusion is by design.

11:07 Be an active player in the insurance game.

12:22 How often should you audit EOBs?

14:30 Is any of this negotiable?

16:16 Provider-specific credentialing, explained.

18:25 How long does it take to credential?

20:10 NPI fraud, explained.

23:12 Other upcoming changes.

27:57 The trend of non-dentists purchasing dental practices.

31:12 Lose your dependency on insurance.

40:45 About PPO Advisors and how to get in touch.

Shelley DeGroff Bio: 

Shelley DeGroff, founder and CEO of PPO Advisors, knows dentistry. After graduating from the University of Nebraska, she began working as a dental receptionist in a nearby dental office. After completing her certification as a dental assistant, Shelley transitioned to become a successful office manager. It was in that role that Shelley began noticing the need for PPO negotiations for her employing doctor. This experience began the business model for PPO Advisors, which has now become a nationwide industry leader.

953: The Importance of Muscle Health for Dentists – Dr. Uche Odiatu

Whether you're prepping a crown or driving to your practice, it all requires muscle. But how well are you taking care of them? In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Uche Odiatu, one of ACT’s favorite health and wellness gurus, to demystify muscle health and help you get fit so you can be a better dentist. Your body is the best pharmacy — so give it what it needs! To learn the best way to develop and maintain muscle health, listen to Episode 953 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Dr. Odiatu:

• Email Dr. Odiatu for his workout: [email protected] 
• Join Dr. Odiatu on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UcheOdiatu
• Follow Dr. Odiatu on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fitspeakers
• Learn more on Dr. Odiatu’s website: http://www.druche.com
• Register for Dr. Odiatu’s seminar (November 7, 2025, December 5, 2025, December 12, 2025): https://www.adha.org/events/philips-education-tour

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 953: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
• Email Kirk for the 100 days of cards: [email protected] 
• Read Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari: https://bookshop.org/p/books/sapiens-tenth-anniversary-edition-a-brief-history-of-humankind-yuval-noah-harari/031a784adc6e9de4?ean=9780063422001&next=t
• Read Spark by John J. Ratey, MD: https://bookshop.org/p/books/spark-the-revolutionary-new-science-of-exercise-and-the-brain-john-j-ratey-md/d7739d4d7fae8b28?ean=9780316113519&next=t

Main Takeaways:

• Sitting is the new smoking! Movement is medicine.
• Muscles and strength training aren't just for bodybuilders.
• Without training, you will experience age-related muscle loss.
• Strength training boosts both physical health and emotional health.
• With proper exercise and nutrition, your body will be the best pharmacy.
• Birds of a feather flock together. If you want to be fit, spend time with fit people.
• Stop thinking you don't have time to exercise. You need less time than you think.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

2:24 The importance of building muscles that last.

4:07 Sarcopenia, explained.

5:54 Dentistry is a sport.

8:35 Muscle bound, explained.

11:21 How to avoid being a frail dentist.

13:30 Different types of muscle strength, explained.

19:14 How much time do you need for exercise?

25:20 Do you need to go to the gym to build muscles?

27:47 Benefits of using red light during exercise.

30:38 The importance of light exposure.

32:01 Lower your risk of depression.

34:06 Am I too old to start exercising?

35:15 You need more protein as you age.

39:36 The science on creatine.

41:41 Supplements that Dr. Odiatu takes daily.

44:06 Testosterone replacement therapy, explained.

47:08 Dr. Odiatu’s weekly workout routine.

54:34 More about Dr. Odiatu and how to get in touch.

Dr. Uche Odiatu Bio:

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 (National Strength & Conditioning Association) NSCA, and the Canadian Association of Fitness Professionals (canfitpro). He is the co-author of The Miracle of Health (c) 2009 John Wiley (hardcover) & (c) 2015 Harper Collins, 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. 

952: Metric Mondays: Fluoride Percentage – Miranda Beeson

Fluoride is a big deal — for your patients and your practice! But it’s common for this percentage to be lower than it should. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Miranda Beeson, ACT’s director of education, to break down fluoride percentage, how it impacts your practice, and what you can do to improve your numbers. To learn how to successfully recommend fluoride so you can improve patient health and production, listen to Episode 952 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 952: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
• Register for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (October 17, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-october-17-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1218436780209?aff=odcleoeventsincollection
• Register for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (October 24, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-october-24-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1218452908449?aff=odcleoeventsincollection

Main Takeaways:

• If fluoride percentage is under 10%, patients are missing opportunities for prevention.
• A low fluoride percentage also indicates missed opportunities for production.
• High fluoride percentage reflects strong preventative care standards.
• Create a caries risk assessment process as a team to be aligned.
• Align your team’s mindset and verbal skills around the “why”.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

3:00 Fluoride percentage, explained.

4:55 How this metric impacts the practice.

12:15 What you can do to impact this metric.

16:36 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.

951: 7 Toxic Habits Hurting Practice Culture – Adriana Booth

Do you ever feel like your practice culture is toxic? In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Adriana Booth, one of ACT’s amazing coaches, to list the seven toxic habits that you might be doing, how they're affecting your culture, and what you can do to create a happier, more committed team. Great culture doesn't happen by accident! To learn how you might be sabotaging your team and what you can do to fix it, listen to Episode 951 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 951: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
• Register to ACT’s BPA for their Guide to Building Trust: https://join.actdental.com/users/sign_in?post_login_redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fjoin.actdental.com%2Fc%2Fpractice-coaching-tools%2Fa-team-playbook-to-maximize-performance-handout#email
• Register to ACT’s BPA for their How Trustworthy Are You? tool: https://join.actdental.com/users/sign_in?post_login_redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fjoin.actdental.com%2Fc%2Fpractice-coaching-tools%2Fhow-trustworthy-are-you#email
• Register to ACT’s BPA for their Rules of Engagement tool: https://join.actdental.com/users/sign_in?post_login_redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fjoin.actdental.com%2Fc%2Fpractice-coaching-tools%2Fact-dental-meeting-rules-for-engagement#email
• Register to ACT’s To The Top Study Club (October 17, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-october-17-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1218436780209?aff=odcleoeventsincollection
• Register to ACT’s To The Top Study Club (October 24, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-october-24-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1218452908449?aff=odcleoeventsincollection
• Read The Advantage by Patrick Lencioni: https://www.tablegroup.com/product/the-advantage
• Read Traction by Gino Wickman: https://www.eosworldwide.com/traction-book

Main Takeaways:

• Build trust. An absence of trust leads to miscommunication and a fear-based culture.
• Have “itchy conversations”. If you avoid conflict, it will eventually become a crisis.
• Commitment is built by listening. Let your team weigh in so that you get buy-in.
• Create a culture where your team takes accountability and responsibility.
• Your team should be results-driven and have a “we over me” mindset.
• Lead by example. Your behavior is what your team will follow.
• Give feedback — appreciation, evaluation, and coaching.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

1:50 Why this is an important topic.

3:22 Warning signs that your culture is falling apart.

5:57 Toxic habits: Absence of trust.

10:36 Toxic habits: Avoiding conflict conversations.

16:47 Toxic habits: Lack of commitment.

20:00 Toxic habits: Avoiding accountability/responsibility.

24:21 Toxic habits: Inattention to results.

27:51 Toxic habits: Not leading by example.

34:10 Toxic habits: Neglecting feedback.

38:36 ACT BPA tools and resources.

40:53 Final takeaways.

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.

950: How to Turn a Full Schedule into Full Potential – Miranda Beeson

A full schedule is a great thing. But is it stressing out your team? In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Miranda Beeson, ACT’s director of education, to help you reframe your team’s mindset around having and managing a full schedule. To learn how to fill your schedule the right way and celebrate when it’s full, listen to Episode 950 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 950: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
• Register for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (October 17, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-october-17-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1218436780209?aff=odcleoeventsincollection
• Register for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (October 24, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-october-24-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1218452908449?aff=odcleoeventsincollection
• Register for ACT’s Ideal Day Scheduling Guide: https://join.actdental.com/users/sign_in?post_login_redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fjoin.actdental.com%2Fc%2Fpractice-coaching-tools%2Fcolor-coding-block-scheduling-and-ideal-day-scheduling#email
• Register for ACT’s Ideal Day Scheduling course: https://join.actdental.com/users/sign_in
• Register for ACT’s Patient ID System: https://join.actdental.com/users/sign_in?post_login_redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fjoin.actdental.com%2Fc%2Fpractice-coaching-tools%2Fpatient-id-system#email
• Listen to A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast: https://ataleoftwohygienists.com

Main Takeaways:

• Help your team recognize that a full schedule is good!
• Reframe the schedule as an opportunity when talking to patients.
• Use a patient ID system. Prioritize who and what is in your schedule.
• Strategically fill holes in your schedule with VIP patients, not just anyone.
• Utilize block scheduling — and most importantly, be sure to honor the blocks!

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

0:37 Why this is an important topic.

7:46 Shift your mindset.

14:13 Customize the interval of care for patients.

15:51 The power of a priority list.

17:08 Don't schedule from your “mud” list.

22:43 Customize your text templates.

25:27 Align your team and practice verbal skills.

29:14 Utilize block scheduling.

33:40 Honor the blocks!

38:42 Final thoughts.

42:24 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.

949: Metric Mondays: Perio Visit Percentage – Miranda Beeson

Maybe it’s uncomfortable, or maybe you're short on time — but are you ignoring the perio conversation with your patients? In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Miranda Beeson, ACT’s director of education, to break down perio visit percentage, the impact it has on your practice, and what to do to improve your numbers. Are you underdiagnosing or defaulting to prophy? To find out if you are and to learn how to fix it, listen to Episode 949 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 949: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
• Register for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (October 17, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-october-17-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1218436780209?aff=odcleoeventsincollection
• Register for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (October 24, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-october-24-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1218452908449?aff=odcleoeventsincollection
• Read Beat the Heart Attack Gene by Dr. Bradley Bale and Dr. Amy Doneen: https://baledoneen.com/bdm-books

Main Takeaways:

• This metric directly impacts hygiene profitability, patient retention, and patient health.
• Align your team on what a healthy periodontium looks like and what to do if it isn't.
• If your practice is healthy, 35% to 45% of hygiene visits will be perio-related.
• Do calibration exercises with a few cases to find gaps in your learning.
• Create a basic decision tree to simplify the perio diagnosis process.
• Ask your patients for their health history to get a fuller picture.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

2:00 Perio visit percentage, explained.

4:14 How this metric impacts the practice.

8:41 What you can do to impact this metric.

14:38 Look at the whole picture.

16:59 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.