The Best Practices Show with Kirk Behrendt

948: 1 Bold Move to Outshine Your Competitors – Adriana Booth

How do you outshine your competition without the ads and billboards? In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Adriana Booth, one of ACT’s amazing coaches, to share one way to make your practice stand out from the crowd. To learn how to find your unique value proposition to get patients through your doors, listen to Episode 948 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 948: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
• Register to 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 to ACT’s BPA for their Creating a 6-Star Experience tool: https://join.actdental.com/c/practice-coaching-tools/6-star-experience
• 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 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

Main Takeaways:

• You truly differentiate by giving patients an experience they can't get elsewhere.
• Your unique value proposition needs to match the experience you deliver.
• What experience or benefits do you offer that your competitors don't?
• Who are your core customers? Identify the patients you want.
• What do you excel at? Identify your core competencies.
• Where do you fall short? Identify your weaknesses.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

2:34 Why this is an important topic.

4:26 Unique value proposition, explained.

5:46 What should your UVP convey?

9:28 ACT’s Differentiation tool.

10:47 Identify your core customers.

13:37 Identify your core competencies.

18:37 Identify your weaknesses.

22:38 Final takeaways.

24:13 ACT’s Creating a 6-Star Experience.

25:36 ACT’s BPA.

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. 

947: How to Handle Difficult Conversations with Underperforming Employees – Alan Twigg

You and your team deserve a positive, rewarding work environment. A key piece of that is to optimize the people you currently have. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Alan Twigg, president of Bent Ericksen & Associates, to share how to address underperformance, ways to fix it, and what to do when nothing seems to work. To learn how to navigate these difficult conversations, listen to Episode 947 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Alan:

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

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

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

Episode Resources:

• Watch the video version of Episode 947: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos

Main Takeaways:

• Learn the five steps of the productive feedback model.
• Outline your expectations and your reason for the conversation.
• Give a warning of potential consequences if their behaviors don't change.
• Invite employees to submit comments. It’s a way to document conversations.
• Set boundaries around communication so that conversations don't get derailed.
• Consider having a witness signature when employees are not being cooperative.
• If you see something, say something. Don't let underperformance go on for years.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

1:18 Why this is an important topic.

3:07 The productive feedback model.

9:01 Why step four of the model is the most important.

11:14 How to ask for commitment.

13:00 Two objectives of heavy corrective action.

16:02 The anatomy of heavy corrective action.

19:25 Tips: How to keep the conversation on the rails.

22:09 Tip: Utilize the pause.

25:59 Tip: Consider a witness signature.

26:51 Tip: Invite written comments.

28:37 Set boundaries around communication.

29:55 More about Bent Ericksen and how to get in touch.

Alan Twigg Bio:

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

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

946: Metric Mondays: Perio Diagnostic Percentage and Perio Acceptance Percentage – Miranda Beeson

How do you know if you're serving your patients well? In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Miranda Beeson, ACT’s director of education, to share two metrics that will help both your patients and your practice get healthy. To learn more about perio diagnostic percentage, perio acceptance percentage, and how to improve these numbers, listen to Episode 946 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] 
• 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 946: 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:

• Align your team on what healthy looks like.
• Clearly define your optimal standards of care.
• Calibrate on what to do when patients aren't healthy.
• Be aligned on how you present information to patients.
• Build trust and value for your patients to increase acceptance.
• Patients invested in periodontal health will explore restorative health.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

2:46 Why this is an important topic.

5:04 Perio diagnostic percentage and perio acceptance percentage, explained.

7:28 How these percentages impact the practice.

10:13 Healthy ranges and how to impact this metric.

13:30 Align on what healthy looks like.

15:52 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.

945: The Cybersecurity Checklist Every Dentist Needs – Travis Wentworth

Most days, we are online. But how often do we think about cybersecurity? In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings in Travis Wentworth, cybersecurity expert from Intelligence Quest, to share the safeguards to put in place to reduce your risks and protect your patients and practice from common cybersecurity threats. Don't take cybersecurity for granted! To learn the best practices to stay ahead of cyberattacks, listen to Episode 945 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Travis:

• Follow Travis on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travis_iq
• Join Travis on Twitter: https://x.com/travisiq
• Learn more about Intelligence Quest: https://intelligencequest.com
• Watch Intelligence Quest on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@intelligencequest

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 945: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
• Protect yourself with Sentinel One: https://www.sentinelone.com
• Protect yourself with Splashtop: https://www.splashtop.com
• Protect yourself with YubiKey: https://www.yubico.com
• Protect yourself with LastPass: https://www.lastpass.com

Main Takeaways:

• Don't be complacent with cybersecurity.
• Find a great, trustworthy IT group to work with.
• Know the questions to ask your managed service provider.
• Never panic when cybersecurity issues arise. Have protocols in place.
• Make sure your team is comfortable coming to you with questions or issues.
• Be diligent with knowledge transfer, password management, and phishing awareness.
• Use a guest network for all of your patients. Don't allow non-authenticated users access.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

0:53 Travis’s background.

2:17 The current state of cybersecurity.

5:17 Cybersecurity insurance and the evolution of technology in the dental space.

6:54 Managed service providers, explained.

8:07 Questions to ask your managed service providers.

11:19 What an IT group does for a dental office.

13:33 Cybersecurity best practices: Knowledge transfer.

16:50 Cybersecurity best practices: Password management.

21:54 Cybersecurity best practices: Phishing awareness.

24:56 Set checks and balances and policies in place.

26:51 Your team should be comfortable coming to you with questions.

29:16 Be wary of using direct payment options.

30:54 Solutions: Guest networks and segmentation.

39:19 Solutions: Resolving technical and cybersecurity issues.

42:41 Final thoughts.

45:20 More about Intelligence Quest and how to get in touch with Travis.

Travis Wentworth Bio:

Dr. Travis Wentworth has been training students in engineering, networking, and cybersecurity for over a decade. He received his PhD in engineering from the University of Kansas in 2015 and completed a Postdoctoral Research fellowship at the University of Chalmers in Gothenburg, Sweden. While there, he was part of the world-renowned research group led by Dr. Louise Olsson and had the privilege to work with the European Union, Swedish Research Council, Volvo, and Chalmers University.

As a researcher, instructor, and consultant, Travis has presented his technical content to far-reaching corners of the globe including China, Germany, and Sweden, to name a few. Returning to the United States in 2017, he narrowed his emphasis to cybersecurity and networking training.

Travis has a diverse background with a proclivity in the acquisition and analysis of public and proprietary data. He is a published author in numerous peer-reviewed journals for computer modeling and catalysis and is well-versed in programming, networking, data acquisition, and cybersecurity. 

944: From Burger King to Dental School: Dr. Louis Kaufman’s Unconventional Path to Success – Dr. Louis Kaufman

Dentistry is a difficult and demanding profession. But with the right people and the right resources, you can make it rewarding and worthwhile. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings in Dr. Louis Kaufman from Smile Source Chicago to share his journey from his time at Burger King to becoming a successful practice owner. To hear about his incredible path and the lessons he’s learned, listen to Episode 944 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Dr. Kaufman:

• Follow Dr. Kaufman on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaufmanlouis
• Register for the 2025 Smile Source Exchange: https://sstheexchange25.eventscribe.net

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

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

Episode Resources:

• Watch the video version of Episode 944: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
• Read Never Die Easy by Walter Payton and Don Yaeger: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/128589/never-die-easy-by-walter-payton-with-don-yaeger

Main Takeaways:

• Attend the Smile Source Exchange, not just for the CE but to find your community.
• Take continuing education. It will play a big role in your life and your practice.
• Always look ahead to the next year. Be intentional in planning your life.
• Don't let your current financial burden define your next ten years.
• Be around and listen to other experienced entrepreneurs.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

0:43 From Burger King to dental school.

7:23 After dental school and taking CE.

11:18 Purchasing the practice and helping it evolve.

15:33 The best business decisions Dr. Kaufman has made.

16:59 A week in Dr. Kaufman’s life.

19:58 The biggest challenges for young dentists today.

22:28 Dr. Kaufman’s history with Smile Source.

28:58 GPO, explained.

31:47 The importance of being around other entrepreneurs.

34:23 Why you should attend Smile Source Exchange.

37:26 The next chapter for Dr. Kaufman.

39:16 Final thoughts.

Dr. Louis Kaufman Bio:

Dr. Louis Kaufman is a nationally recognized educator, author, and practicing clinician. Born into a dental family, Dr. Kaufman is a graduate of the University of Illinois School of Dentistry. In 1995, he joined his father’s well-established, 50-year-old general dentistry practice treating third and fourth generation patients.

Dr. Kaufman is a member of the Chicago Dental Society, the Illinois State Dental Society, Academy of General Dentistry, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the American Dental Association. He also serves on the advisory board of numerous dental manufacturers, consults on product development, and educates clinicians around the globe. He lectures at approximately 20 continuing education programs annually and has published numerous articles focused on restorative and cosmetic dentistry. 

Do your patients value and trust what you're providing? There's an easy way for you to find out! In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Miranda Beeson, ACT’s director of education, to share a metric that shows how many patients are truly connected to your practice and what to do if your numbers are dwindling. To learn the low-cost way to boost your active patient and active hygiene patient count, listen to Episode 943 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] 
• 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 943: 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:

• Use value-building language when re-appointing patients.
• Create a reactivation system or patients going inactive system.
• Actively recapture inactive family members of your active patients.
• Over 85% of your patients should be re-appointed for their next hygiene visit.
• Always re-appoint patients for their next hygiene visit before they leave your practice.
• Your hygiene re-appointment shouldn't be 100%. Free up patients that aren't a good fit.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

2:36 Hygiene re-appointment percentage, explained.

6:12 Why this is an important topic.

10:24 Ways to impact this metric.

16:37 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.

Retaining patients is important — but it’s not enough for long-term success! In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Miranda Beeson, ACT’s director of education, to share a framework and system for rethinking retention and creating loyal patients who advocate for your practice. To learn how to create lasting relationships with the ultimate patient experience, listen to Episode 942 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: [email protected] 
• Send Gina an email: [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 942: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
• Register for ACT’s BPA to access Creating a 6-Star Patient Experience: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
• 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:

• Don't spend all your time, effort, money, and energy just on acquiring new patients.
• When patients don't feel connected, they will quietly disappear and never return.
• Retention starts with how patients feel. Create an amazing patient experience.
• Patients will return when you make them feel seen, supported, and valued.
• Build value from the first time a patient calls to when they exit your office.
• Loyal patients will refer you to other patients who are just like them.
• Show gratitude. Without your patients, you don't have a practice.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

2:40 ACT’s BPA, TTT, and Pro Coaching.

5:02 Why this is an important topic.

9:33 Rethink new patients and existing patients.

12:33 APV and net patient growth, explained.

18:46 Practice example of APV.

20:36 Q&A: Is APV reported in Dental Intel?

22:30 Practice example of net patient growth.

23:46 Recaptured patients and lost patients, explained.

27:15 Practice example of net patient growth, continued.

30:25 ACT’s Creating a 6-Star Patient Experience resource.

32:06 Guide your patients through the initial phone call.

36:05 Value your existing patients.

36:53 Q&A: How to guide patients after saying, “Yes, we’re taking new patients”.

39:33 The initial phone call, first visit, first hand-off, chair time, and patient exit.

47:48 Evaluate the four key follow-up systems.

51:30 Final takeaways.

59:54 Q&A: Does APV change based on if you're fee-for-service or a high PPO practice?

1:01:14 Q&A: Is there a new patient goal for an office with three dentists and five hygienists?

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.

Are you feeling exhausted, unfulfilled, and unhappy? It doesn't have to stay that way! In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Kevin Groth, a long-time ACT client, to share his journey from rock-bottom to success and the steps you can take to find fulfillment and happiness. To learn how to reframe adversity and make your life better, listen to Episode 941 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Dr. Groth:

• Give Dr. Groth a call: (248) 229-9380
• Send Dr. Groth an email: [email protected] 
• Join Dr. Groth on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grothdental
• Follow Dr. Groth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkevingroth

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 941: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
• Read Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell: https://www.buybackyourtime.com
• Read Die with Zero by Bill Perkins: https://www.diewithzerobook.com/welcome

Main Takeaways:

• Out of every adversity comes opportunities.
• Don't try to hide and solve problems on your own.
• Stop trying to do it all. Delegate to protect your time.
• Learn how to take care of your physical and mental health.
• Identify the things that will simplify your life. Simplicity leads to joy.
• Start saying no more often — especially to things you don't want to do.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

1:34 Hitting rock-bottom.

5:52 The evolution of Dr. Groth’s practice style.

8:47 Reframing adversity.

10:16 Simplicity, defined.

12:59 Deciding to drop insurance.

17:21 The importance of having a great team.

20:09 Learn to take care of yourself.

26:20 Don't try to do it all.

28:44 Protect your time.

31:30 Hardship brings opportunities.

33:09 Find ways to simplify your life.

36:12 Say no more often.

38:26 Final thoughts.

40:04 How to get in touch with Dr. Groth.

Dr. Kevin Groth Bio:

Dr. Kevin Groth’s primary goal is for every person to walk out of his office knowing that they received the highest-quality, most personalized care possible. Dentistry is more than just a profession for Dr. Groth. He sees every patient as an extension of his own family. When you are in his chair, you’ll always be treated well. His favorite part of being a dentist is that every day and every patient is different. He loves the variety of people he gets to meet and procedures he performs to help patients maintain their smiles. 

Since graduating from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Dr. Groth has been recognized locally by Hour Detroit Magazine as a Top Dentist, and nationally as a Top Doc. As a passionate dentist who wants to provide the best care for his patients, he pursues continuing education through The Dawson Academy, serves on the executive board of the Periodontal Bunting Society, and is the Assistant Clinical Director of the Society of Comprehensive Dentists. He has also served as an adjunct clinical faculty member at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. 

You will always need new patients. But you also need to keep your current patients active — especially through hygiene! In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Miranda Beeson, ACT’s director of education, to break down why hygiene re-appointment matters and what you can do to improve your numbers. To learn the easiest way to increase revenue without chasing production, listen to Episode 940 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 practice assessment: [email protected] 
• Send Gina an email for your practice assessment: [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 940: 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:

• Aim to have 85% or higher in hygiene re-appointment.
• Assess your recare, patient education, and scheduling systems.
• Always pre-schedule patients before they leave for their next recare visit.
• Don't just focus on getting new patients. Find ways to reactivate inactive patients.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

1:17 Active patients and active hygiene patients, explained.

3:11 What active patient count tells you.

6:02 Do more with the patients you already have.

9:34 Ways to impact hygiene re-appointment percentage.

12:24 How ACT can help your practice.

13:33 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.

Do you want more control over your life? Then it’s time to invest in yourself and your practice! In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Lenny Hess, senior clinical director at The Dawson Academy, to talk about the best investment you can make: your education. He shares how the upcoming seven-course curriculum will transform your thinking and lead you to a more fulfilling career and balanced life. To learn more about Dawson’s Core Curriculum and what it can offer, listen to Episode 939 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Dr. Hess:

• Join Dr. Hess on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leonard.hess.7
• Follow Dr. Hess on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlennyhess
• Register for Dawsons’s Core Curriculum at The Dawson Academy: https://thedawsonacademy.com/courses/core-1-occlusion-smile-design

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 939: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos

Main Takeaways:

• Build a practice that supports your life. Don't spend your life supporting your practice.
• You aren't just in the tooth business as a dentist. You're also in a people business.
• Dentistry is a marathon, not a sprint. Work on making meaningful changes.
• Don't be afraid to invest in yourself. Now is the best time to do it.
• The Dawson Academy is one of the best places to learn.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

0:43 How Dr. Peter Dawson touched their lives.

4:15 Dr. Hess’s background.

8:58 People will always pay for quality.

10:45 Create the 50/50 balance.

14:16 Dr. Hess’s course demographics.

16:29 The Dawson Academy’s banner year.

18:27 Wear and managing forces, explained.

21:17 Dr. Hess’s philosophy.

25:17 The seven-course Core Curriculum.

29:35 The evolution of dental education.

33:59 The golden age of dentistry, explained.

35:31 Are DSOs taking over?

40:08 The five-year chunk for Dr. Hess.

43:11 Advice for younger dentists.

Dr. Leonard Hess Bio:

Dr. Leonard Hess, DDS, joined the Dawson faculty in 2009 and is now the Senior Clinical Director at The Dawson Academy. He owns Union County Center for Comprehensive Dentistry in Charlotte, North Carolina, and he practices full-time in addition to teaching continuing education courses. He is a member of the editorial board for Inside Dentistry and has had over 17 articles published in peer-reviewed journals. He is also a member of the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry, AACD, ADA, AES, and NCDS.

Dr. Hess began teaching continuing education courses in 2005. The topics include occlusion, smile design, treatment planning, preparation design, and practice integration of complete dentistry. He has taught full-day continuing education courses at the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry’s national meeting, The Greater New York Dental Meeting, AACD National Meeting, Pacific Dental Conference, Ontario Dental Association meeting, and The Yankee Dental Conference. Dr. Hess has also taught courses in Japan, Germany, Poland, China, and Canada.