The Best Practices Show with Kirk Behrendt

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

Learn More About Alan:

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

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

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

Episode Resources:

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

Main Takeaways:

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

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

1:11 Alan’s background.

2:28 Why this is an important topic.

5:06 Have clear policies in place.

10:59 Important steps to take.

17:41 What dentists get wrong about harassment.

23:39 Final thoughts.

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

Alan Twigg Bio:

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

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

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

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

Learn More About Dr. Straub & Dr. Osborne:

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

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

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

Episode Resources:

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

Main Takeaways:

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

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

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

10:31 The three circles of being a dentist.

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

17:53 More about ACT’s BPA.

Dr. Barrett Straub Bio:

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

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

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

Dr. Jeff Osborne Bio:

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

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

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

Do you want a productive, predictable schedule? Knowing this one number will make that happen! In this episode of Metric Mondays, Kirk Behrendt brings back Miranda Beeson, ACT’s director of education, to break down patient acceptance percentage. By tracking this metric, you can increase case acceptance, improve your production, and help patients get the care they need more quickly. To learn how to fill your schedule with more high-value visits, listen to Episode 906 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 906: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
• Register for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (July 18th, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-july-18-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1205460116659
• Register for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (July 25, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-july-25-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1205497959849

Main Takeaways:

• Start by building value during the treatment presentation.
• Ensure that your team is equipped to handle objections.
• Practice using “so that” statements with your team.
• Ground conversations in outcomes, not just price.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

2:13 Patient acceptance percentage, explained.

5:17 Build value during treatment presentation.

8:08 What high and low patient acceptance percentages mean.

10:59 Without value, there's only price.

13:13 Use the “so that” method.

17:27 Eliminate the word “need”.

17:57 Equip your team to handle objections.

19:58 About ACT’s BPA, TTT, and Pro Coaching.

Miranda Beeson, MS, BSDH Bio:

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

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

How do you find your sweet spot of what you're good at and what you like? In this episode of Clinical Edge Fridays, Kirk Behrendt brings in Dr. Jaren Argyle, founder of The Elevated Dentist, to share his difficult journey from doing procedures he hated and being “done” to becoming the most fulfilled in his life and career. If you're unhappy where you're at, don't stay stuck! To learn how you can get the most out of your personal and professional life, listen to Episode 905 of The Best Practices Show!

*If you or someone you know — in or out of the dental community — is struggling with depression or is in distress, resources are linked for you below.

Learn More About Dr. Argyle:

• Join Dr. Argyle on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jarenargyle
• Follow Dr. Argyle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/argyledental
• Schedule your consultation with Dr. Argyle: https://www.theelevateddentist.com/schedule-your-consultation

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 905: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
• Contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
• Suicide Prevention Lifeline website: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
• American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy: https://www.aamft.org
• “Are Dentists Really More Prone to Suicide?” by Elizabeth Brown: https://www.vice.com/en/article/5344jz/are-dentists-really-more-prone-to-suicide
• CDC Risk and Protective Factors for Suicide: https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/risk-factors/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/factors/index.html
• Read Into the Magic Shop by Dr. James Doty: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/316170/into-the-magic-shop-by-james-doty-md
• Learn more about Dan Sullivan’s Strategic Coach program: https://www.strategiccoach.com
• Discover your unique ability: https://private.strategiccoach.com/store/products/191
• Read Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi: https://bookshop.org/p/books/flow-the-psychology-of-optimal-experience-mihaly-csikszentmihalyi/8937185?ean=9780061339202&next=t

Main Takeaways:

• Stop comparing and start collaborating. Don't stay isolated in your profession.
• Take time to find your unique abilities. It will require some trial and error.
• Figure out as early as possible how you want to practice dentistry.
• Remember that money isn't the only way to measure success.
• Discover hobbies that allow you to detach from dentistry.
• Don't go through your career without a mentor.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

0:45 Dr. Argyle’s background.

4:44 It wasn't an easy path.

10:37 Money isn't the only way to measure success.

18:47 Great quotes to live by.

23:44 Your goalpost will change.

27:37 Find your unique ability.

35:45 Take time to figure things out.

37:50 Final thoughts.

44:40 More about Dr. Argyle and how to get in touch.

Dr. Jaren Argyle Bio:

Dr. Jaren Argyle graduated from Utah State University where he received his BA in Biology. Following Utah State, he traveled to the East Coast where he received his DMD at the University of Connecticut.

Dr. Argyle constantly exceeds the number of yearly required hours in continuing education. He feels it is extremely important to always be learning and staying at the leading edge of the dental sciences, technology, and materials. He has received specialized training in dental implant placement, dental sleep medicine for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, and TMJ therapy for individuals suffering from headaches, pain, and limitations in the movement of their jaw. He is one of only a couple of dentists in the state of Utah certified as a Qualified Dentist with the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.

Dr. Argyle recently received training in esthetics including Botox, fillers, and the anti-aging effects of platelet rich fibrin (PRF) in the world of esthetics. He also uses PRF in the mouth to help facilitate quicker and more predictable healing with different surgical procedures. He is involved with local study clubs as well as multiple international study clubs that consist of the top dentists in the world in the prevention and treatment of sleep apnea, TMJ therapy, and PRF treatment in dentistry.

In both dentistry and sports, leadership is essential for success. In this episode of Better Thinking, Kirk Behrendt brings in Jeff Janssen, founder and president of Janssen Sports Leadership Center, to share his experience working with the top college athletes and coaches and the programs that create better leaders. To learn how to apply his leadership exercises to your dental practice, listen to Episode 904 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Jeff:

• Join Jeff on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JanssenSportsLeadershipCenter
• Follow Jeff on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janssenleader
• Learn more about Janssen Sports Leadership Center: https://www.janssensportsleadership.com

Learn More About ACT Dental:

• ACT’s Events: https://www.actdental.com/event
• ACT’s website: https://www.actdental.com
• ACT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actdental
• ACT’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/actdental
• ACT’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/actdental
• ACT’s LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/actdental/

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 904: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
• Read books by Jeff Janssen: https://www.janssensportsleadership.com/resources/shop-all-products

Main Takeaways:

• All leadership starts with self-leadership.
• Identify two of your strengths and two areas of improvement.
• Don't call your team out. Call them “up” to the standards you've set.
• With leadership alone, you can take your team from a seven to a nine.
• Balance your ability to relate to people and your ability to require things of them.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

0:46 Jeff’s background.

4:55 Why leadership is important in sports.

7:36 Do a self-evaluation on your leadership.

14:02 The impact of leadership on winning, creating a brand, and culture.

16:06 The importance of momentum when it comes to leadership.

18:14 The 360, explained.

23:37 Jeff’s favorite transformation story.

26:48 What most leaders get wrong about leadership.

28:20 How to hold people accountable.

30:12 Is Jeff part of the football program at North Carolina?

31:39 The wild west of sports.

33:49 Final thoughts.

35:09 More about the Janssen Sports Leadership Center.

Jeff Janssen Bio:

Widely considered the world's top expert on sports leadership, Jeff Janssen is the founder and president of the Janssen Sports Leadership Center. His pioneering work in launching and conducting college athletics' first Leadership Academies with student-athletes and coaches began over a decade ago. His groundbreaking work is what originally started the whole field of sports leadership development and continues to be the gold standard today.

As a prolific author, Jeff has authored numerous books, including The Team Captain's Leadership Manual, The Team Captain's Culture Manual, Championship Team Building, Jeff Janssen's Peak Performance Playbook, and How to Develop Relentless Competitors.

Jeff is passionate about his purpose of helping coaches and athletic administrators develop the world's next generation of leaders on and off the playing fields!

Great workers exist — but where are they at? In this episode of Practical Solutions Day, Kirk Behrendt brings back Debra Engelhardt-Nash, co-founder of The Nash Institute, to share the most effective ways to attract and retain the amazing people that will improve your life. To learn how to build an engaged and loyal team, listen to Episode 903 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Debra:

• Text Debra for the growth conferences form: (704) 904-3459
• Send Debra an email: [email protected] 
• Follow Debra on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debraengnash
• Book Debra for speaking or consulting: https://debraengelhardtnash.com
• Register for Debra’s Dental Business School course (August 22-23, 2025): https://www.thenashinstitute.com/upcoming-events/dental-business-school
• Register for Debra’s Team Communication Skills course: https://www.thenashinstitute.com/upcoming-events/team-communication-skills
• Register for the Academy for Private Dental Practice event (February 26-28, 2026): https://apdp.regfox.com/apdp-2026

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

Main Takeaways:

• Good people exist. What are you doing to attract and keep them in your practice?
• Set aside time to check in with your team and have growth conferences.
• Create loyalty by inspiring your team and making them feel valued.
• Lead with kindness and empathy to build even more loyalty.
• Unite your team with your culture and core purpose.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

1:42 Good people are out there.

2:50 Why this is an important topic.

7:07 Have the growth conversation with your team.

14:35 Have regular growth conferences for a better culture.

15:20 Debra’s dermatology story.

17:40 Lead with kindness to be an effective leader.

20:07 Build loyalty through purpose.

26:05 Final thoughts.

27:40 More about Debra and how to get in touch.

Debra Engelhardt-Nash Bio:

Debra is a trainer, author, presenter, and consultant. Having been in dentistry for over 30 years, she engages organizations and study groups nationally and internationally. She is a continual presenter for the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting. 

Debra is a founding member of The Nash Institute and past president of the National Academy of Dental Management Consultants. She is an active member of the American Dental Assistants Association, the American Academy of Dental Practice Administration, and the Speakers Consulting Network. She has been repeatedly recognized by Dentistry Today as a leader in continuing dental education and as a leader in dental consulting. She is also a member of the American Dental Association’s Dental Practice Management Advisory Board, and recently became the president of the Academy for Private Dental Practice.

Debra is married to cosmetic dentist and dental educator, Dr. Ross Nash, of The Nash Institute for Dental Learning. She continues to work in his busy practice, doing exactly what she preaches. 

In this bonus episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Barrett Straub, ACT’s CEO, and Dr. Jeff Osborne, chief dental officer of Smile Source, to share an amazing new opportunity called the Smile Source Exchange. Join this educational community event to connect with others in the profession and elevate your practice! Don’t wait — register today! To learn how, listen to Episode 902 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Dr. Straub & Dr. Osborne:

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

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

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

Episode Resources:

• Watch the video version of Episode 902: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos

Main Takeaways:

• Join the ACT Dental/Smile Source community. Don't try to do this on your own!
• This is the place to rejuvenate your mind, body, soul, and love for dentistry.
• You don't just want to go to The Exchange — you need to go!
• Bring your teams to this event!

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

0:44 About the Smile Source Exchange.

5:42 Why you need to attend The Exchange.

13:04 How The Exchange is different from most big meetings.

14:44 A snapshot of Kirk’s session at The Exchange.

18:15 Final thoughts.

Dr. Barrett Straub Bio:

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

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

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

Dr. Jeff Osborne Bio:

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

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

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

What kind of dentistry are you doing in your practice? Is it reactive or proactive? Single-tooth or comprehensive? In this episode of Metric Mondays, Kirk Behrendt brings back Miranda Beeson, ACT’s director of education, to break down average treatment presented. By tracking this metric, you can improve how you diagnose, present, and get case acceptance from patients. To learn how to provide more proactive, comprehensive treatment that your patients will value, listen to Episode 901 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 901: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
• Register for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (July 18th, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-july-18-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1205460116659
• Register for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (July 25, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-july-25-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1205497959849

Main Takeaways:

• Present patients with a solution, not just a price.
• Identify as a team what you consider a true emergency.
• Use your verbal skills to be a guide rather than a salesperson.
• Are you only addressing chief complaints, or big-picture issues?
• Discuss and promote high-value elective procedures and opportunities.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

2:18 Average treatment presented, explained.

4:07 What low and high average treatment amounts mean.

7:15 Remove your limiting beliefs.

10:57 Countermeasures.

15:22 Find someone to hold you accountable.

17:01 More about ACT’s BPA, TTT, and Pro Coaching.

Miranda Beeson, MS, BSDH Bio:

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

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

More than ever, labs and practices are going digital. In this episode of Clinical Edge Fridays, ACT shares one of their latest Master Classes with Dr. Daren Becker, visiting faculty member at the Pankey Institute. He shares some of the key aspects of a digital workflow that will make your dentistry more efficient, precise, and comfortable for patients. Embrace and master these workflows to elevate your practice! To learn how, listen to Episode 900 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Dr. Becker:

• Send Dr. Becker an email: [email protected] 
• Follow Dr. Becker on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doc_becks

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

Main Takeaways:

• Create a system for scanning every new patient.
• Digital is a helpful tool in planning, patient education, and motivation.
• Scanners are great digital tools, but you need to have a system for using them.
• Everyone on your team should be trained to use the scanner. It is that important.
• If your labs do digital, send them scans. If they do analog, send them impressions.
• Don't forget your principles in doing digital. Do a complete and thorough diagnosis.

Snippets:

0:00 Dr. Becker’s background.

5:17 How to get in touch with Dr. Becker.

6:16 Course objectives.

7:52 More about Dr. Becker.

11:20 Disclosure of conflict of interest.

13:10 Digital dentistry.

17:10 Using digital for diagnosis.

20:28 Have a system for using these digital tools.

37:44 Q&A: Do your auxiliary team members support these systems, or is it all you?

42:02 Q&A: What is your opinion on scan path for wand scanners?

43:33 Mounting the upper scan.

48:43 Mounting the lower scan.

50:06 Evaluating centric stops digitally.

55:28 Going from digital to analog.

1:02:25 Digital occlusal splint design.

1:13:22 What about implants in the digital world?

1:22:22 Your best day in the practice.

1:23:43 Reestablishing an occlusion.

1:29:53 Conclusion.

1:31:36 Q&A: What did you bond on that PMMA with?

1:32:31 Q&A: Offset and undercut preferences for bite splints.

1:36:32 Final thoughts.

Dr. Daren Becker Bio:

Dr. Daren Becker began private practice in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1998 with an emphasis on comprehensive, restorative, implant, and aesthetic dentistry. He is the owner and full-time dentist at Atlanta Dental Solutions and is in a full-time fee-for-service practice.

Dr. Becker began his advanced studies at the Pankey Institute in 1998 and was invited to be a guest facilitator in 2006. He has been on the visiting faculty since 2009. In addition, in 2006, he began spending time facilitating dental students from Medical College of Georgia College of Dentistry at the Ben Massell Clinic (treating indigent patients) as an adjunct clinical faculty member. In 2011, he was invited to be a part-time faculty member in the Graduate Prosthodontics Residency at the Center for Aesthetic and Implant Dentistry at Georgia Health Sciences University, now Georgia Regents University College of Dental Medicine (formerly Medical College of Georgia).

Dr. Becker has been involved in organized dentistry and has chaired and/or served on numerous state and local committees. Currently, he is a delegate to the Georgia Dental Association. He has lectured at the Academy of General Dentistry annual meeting, is a regular presenter at ITI study clubs, as well as numerous other study clubs. He is a regular contributor at Red Sky Dental Seminars.

In addition to his enthusiasm for sharing his knowledge, Dr. Becker's strengths are in meeting and special event planning and CE program development. He lives in the Dunwoody area of Atlanta, Georgia, with his wife Amanda and their daughters, Alicia and Addison. He is passionate about fly-fishing and enjoys traveling, golf, and outdoor photography.

To have a thriving dental practice, you need trust. To build trust, there are three key pillars you need. In this episode of Practical Solutions Day, Kirk Behrendt brings back Heather Crockett, one of ACT’s amazing coaches, to share how to cultivate trust with your team and patients through empathy, transparency, and consistency. Trust is the currency of the future! To learn the three steps to create the ultimate dental practice, listen to Episode 899 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Heather:

• Send Heather an email: [email protected] 
• Join Heather on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heather.r.crockett
• Follow Heather 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 899: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
• Register for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (July 18th, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-july-18-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1205460116659
• Register for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (July 25, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-july-25-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1205497959849
• Join ACT’s BPA for the Communication 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
• Join ACT’s BPA for the 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
• Join ACT’s BPA for the 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:

• Learn to show gratitude and learn to apologize when you make mistakes.
• Trust takes a lifetime of hard work to build, and only a second to lose.
• Keep communication open. Transparency fosters connection.
• Show empathy. Listening strengthens relationships.
• Be consistent. Predictability builds trust.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

2:38 Why this is an important topic.

4:12 The three main components of trust.

6:41 Step 1) Transparency.

14:24 Step 2) Empathy.

20:30 Step 3) Consistency.

26:53 Which of the three do you need to work on?

29:30 We’re all human.

31:38 Final thoughts.

Heather Crockett Bio:

Heather Crockett is a Lead Practice Coach who finds joy in not only improving practices but improving the lives of those she coaches as well. With over 20 years of combined experience in assisting, office management, and clinical dental hygiene, her awareness supports many aspects of the practice setting.

Heather received her dental hygiene degree from the Utah College of Dental Hygiene in 2008. Networking in the dental community comes easy to her, and she loves to connect with like-minded colleagues on social media. Heather enjoys both attending and presenting continuing education to expand her knowledge and learn from her friends and colleagues.

She enjoys hanging out with her husband, three sons, and their dog, Moki, scrolling through social media, watching football, and traveling.