The Best Practices Show with Kirk Behrendt

By ACT DentalBusiness

The Best Practices Show with Kirk Behrendt episodes

May 19, 2025889: Metric Mondays: Production Per Day – Miranda Beeson
Wouldn't it be great to predict how much you'll produce this year? There's a way to do it, and it’s by tracking this one metric. In this episode of Metric Mondays, Kirk Behrendt brings back Miranda Beeson, ACT’s director of education, to break down production per day and how to use it to achieve your production goals. To learn how to stay on track with your daily and annual goals, listen to Episode 889 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 Gina an email for your Golden Ticket: [email protected]
Send Courtney an email to learn more about ACT: [email protected]

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

Episode Resources:
Watch the video version of Episode 889: 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
Read Atomic Habits by James Clear: https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits

Main Takeaways:
PPD helps identify scheduling patterns and inefficiencies.
Track PPD to know if your systems are turning into delivered treatment.
By knowing how much to produce per day, you can design your ideal schedule.
Huddle with your team to highlight production opportunities and address weak spots.

Snippets:
0:00 Introduction.
2:40 Why this is an important metric.
6:23 Make more money by working less.
10:19 More producers and more ops isn't the answer.
13:58 Countermeasures.
16:42 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.
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

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

Main Takeaways:
Unemployment is not a big deal.
Scary letters are usually just settlement attempts.
Understand what a state labor board investigation entails.
Do your due diligence with leave of absence. Don't let it run on.
In civil cases, the standard of proof is 50/50. Anything can tip the scale.
Document, document, document! It is your golden ticket out of situations.

Snippets:
0:00 Introduction.
1:58 Alan’s background.
3:42 Why this is an important topic.
4:53 Unemployment isn't that big of a deal.
11:33 Scary letters are just settlement attempts.
15:58 In a civil case, it’s 50/50.
18:00 The messiness of a labor board investigation.
22:29 The importance of documentation.
26:01 Final thoughts.
27:42 About Bent Ericksen.
Alan Twigg Bio:
Alan Twigg is the co-owner 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.
20 min
May 16, 2025888: Scheduling Smarter, Not Harder – Miranda Beeson
Do you want an amazing life with the best work schedule? It can happen! You just need to take time to plan it out. In this episode of Clinical Edge Fridays, Kirk Behrendt brings back Miranda Beeson, ACT’s director of education, to share the secret to a better schedule and better days at the office. You have more control of your time than you think! To learn how to maximize your time by scheduling smarter, listen to Episode 888 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 Gina an email for your Golden Ticket: [email protected]
Send Courtney an email to learn more about ACT: [email protected]

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

Episode Resources:
Watch the video version of Episode 888: 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 to get the 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

Main Takeaways:
Align your schedule with your production goals.
Complete 65% of daily production in the mornings.
Have designated time blocked out for new patients.
Schedule in 10-minute increments to maximize efficiency.
Design your schedule around the type of practice you want.
Strategically overlap procedures so your team can work efficiently.
Use color coding as a visual scheduling system to improve coordination.
Meet your patients’ needs. Know the types of procedures you need to block out.
Regularly evaluate and adjust your schedule based on your practice’s evolving needs.
Create a template for each operatory so the right procedures are assigned to each room.

Snippets:
0:00 Introduction.
2:01 Why this is an important topic.
7:57 ACT’s Ideal Day Scheduling Guide.
14:14 Define your daily production goals.
18:53 Success is measured by days worked.
22:33 Determine what you want from your schedule.
35:47 Analyze your patients’ needs.
41:21 Honor the blocks!
43:44 Q&A: Is there a picture of the ideal schedule?
45:37 Scheduling tips and best practices.
51:37 Final takeaways.
54:23 ACT’s TTT and BPA.
56:35 Q&A: Do a time analysis for new associate doctors.
58:25 Q&A: Scheduling blocks for doctors struggling to keep up.
1:00:33 New upcoming courses in ACT’s BPA Premium.
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.
1 hr 4 min
May 14, 2025887: 3 Hiring Mistakes to Avoid – Michelle Wakeman
When you hire the wrong people, it costs you more than money. In this episode of Practical Solutions Day, Kirk Behrendt brings back Michelle Wakeman, one of ACT’s amazing coaches, to break down three of the biggest mistakes in hiring that you need to avoid. Start choosing the best candidates — not the least worst! To learn the best practices for effective filtering, listen to Episode 887 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 887: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
Learn more about Bent Ericksen: https://bentericksen.com
Hiring FAQ’s from Bent Ericksen: Bent Ericksen Hiring FAQ.pdf

Main Takeaways:
Have a clear vision of your ideal candidate.
Always perform a pre-interview screening on applicants.
Set up a documented, structured interview system for intentional hiring.
Spend more time learning about your applicants instead of trying to sell yourself.
Never rush to hire out of desperation. Wait for the person who is right for your practice.

Snippets:
0:00 Introduction.
2:10 Why this is an important topic.
3:36 Make sure you have a position that needs to be filled.
4:59 Choose the best, not the least worst.
6:34 Create an efficient system.
7:53 One bad apple spoils the bunch.
9:40 Perform pre-screenings on candidates.
13:44 Pre-screen with a video submission.
15:59 Pre-screen using a Google phone number.
17:22 Have a documented interview system.
19:49 Create defined roles in the interview process.
20:48 Use a scorecard to make objective comparisons.
21:39 Ask open-ended questions.
23:04 Spend more time learning about your candidates.
24:54 Pay attention to the quality of candidates’ questions.
26:53 Final thoughts.
31:38 Learn more about Bent Ericksen.
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.
35 min
May 12, 2025886: Metric Mondays: Scheduled Production – Miranda Beeson
Just because you're busy doesn't mean you're productive. In this episode of Metric Mondays, Kirk Behrendt brings back Miranda Beeson, ACT’s director of education, to break down scheduled production. By tracking this leading metric, you will create a more strategic schedule that leads to more predictable revenue. Stop scrambling and start strategizing! To learn how to create smoother days for you and your team, listen to Episode 886 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 886: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
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:
Scheduled production is the first indicator of financial health.
Track your future production schedule to strategically create a better week.
Low scheduled production leads to last-minute scrambling and stressed-out teams.
Run a quick unscheduled treatment report. Reach out to patients to fill high-value slots.
Start looking at today and tomorrow’s production. It will help you to plan and stay ahead.

Snippets:
0:00 Introduction.
1:11 Scheduled production, explained.
2:07 Busy doesn't mean productive.
4:04 How this metric impacts the practice.
8:24 Countermeasures.
11:19 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.
17 min
May 09, 2025885: Pediatric Dentistry for the General Practitioner – Dr. Carla Cohn
Working with kids — and their parents — can be a nightmare. But it doesn't have to be! In this episode of Clinical Edge Fridays, ACT shares their Master Class with Dr. Carla Cohn, founder of Lit Smile Academy. She shares her proven techniques and strategies so you can manage the most difficult cases and effectively perform treatment. Start early, and turn difficult patients into easier, lifelong patients! To stop dreading and start enjoying the kids who come to your practice, listen to Episode 885 of The Best Practices Show!
Learn More About Dr. Cohn:
Send Dr. Cohn an email: [email protected]
Follow Dr. Cohn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kidsdentistcarla
Follow Lit Smile Academy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/litsmileacademy
Register for Dr. Cohn’s hands-on workshop (June 7, 2025): https://www.litsmileacademy.com/events/lit-smile-vancouver
Register for Lit Smile Cancun (November 15-22, 2025): https://www.litsmileacademy.com/events/litsmilecancun

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 885: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
Read A Work on Operative Dentistry in Two Volumes by Greene Vardiman Black: https://www.google.com/books/edition/A_Work_on_Operative_Dentistry_in_Two_Vol/qr9AAQAAMAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1
Read Wright’s Behavior Management in Dentistry for Children, Third Edition: https://engage.ada.org/p/phys/wrights-behavior-management-in-dentistry-for-children-third-edition-729

Main Takeaways:
Give yourself a time buffer when working with challenging children.
Not all children are the same. Do a behavior risk assessment analysis.
Don't take kids for granted. They are the key to a thriving adult practice.
Ask questions and listen to assess a child’s anxiety level and coping ability.
Know in advance whether you're working with a “dandelion” or “orchid” child.
Learn to think outside the box with coping strategies for challenging children.
Start behavior management early so difficult patients can become easy patients.
Establishing a dental home as early as possible is part of behavior management.
Fear is both objective and subjective. It can be passed on from parents and others.
Understand the material choices that are appropriate for each child and their needs.
Use age-appropriate language to explain your dental tools and how they will be used.
Don't disregard children’s fears and reactions to pain. Address them and offer choices.
Tell, show, and do. Children should know what will happen in advance, not right before.
Manage expectations by communicating properly. Don't just talk at parents and children.

Snippets:
0:00 Introduction.
1:08 Dr. Cohn’s background.
3:30 Disclosures.
4:45 Kids are the life of your practice.
6:55 The parent/caregiver, child, and dental team triangle.
8:26 Balancing challenging children, challenging parents, and challenging clinical situations.
11:12 Behavior guidance and behavior management, explained.
17:11 Do a behavior risk assessment analysis.
18:50 Factors for a successful appointment: Patient age.
20:01 Factors for a successful appointment: Developmental and functional age.
20:46 Factors for a successful appointment: Temperament styles.
23:07 Dandelion children and orchid children, explained.
25:59 Signs of an orchid child.
26:53 Orchid children with sensory processing challenges.
28:22 Establish a dental home for children as early as possible.
29:59 Provide comfort in your dental office.
30:33 Know the amount of treatment that is required.
31:37 Be mindful of the pain scale.
32:46 Challenges: Developmental delays.
33:50 Challenges: Language delays.
36:22 Challenges: Social insecurity.
38:40 Challenges: Parental anxiety.
41:03 Challenges: Previous bad experience.
42:39 Fear and white coat syndrome, explained.
44:53 Causes of dental fear and how to address them.
47:57 Coping mechanisms for various sensitivities.
52:22 Basic behavior guidance/management.
53:02 Tell, show, do.
54:16 Ask, tell, ask.
55:02 Distraction.
55:24 Desensitization.
56:24 Treatment deferral.
56:45 Local anesthetic.
58:08 Understand pediatric behavior types.
59:30 A structured approach to treatment planning.
1:00:54 Restorations on children do not perform the same way on all children.
1:02:20 Material choices for intra-coronal restorations for pediatric patients.
1:08:03 Material choices for extra-coronal restorations for pediatric patients.
1:09:13 Outliers: Silver fluoride and resin infiltration.
1:11:16 Material choices for intra-coronal restorations: Clinical examples.
1:30:18 About Dr. Cohn’s future courses and Lit Smile Academy.
1:35:21 Q&A: How to manage dandelions and orchids in your schedule.
1:38:04 Q&A: Dealing with pushback from parents.
1:39:28 Q&A: Using child-friendly language and the slow speed handpiece.
Dr. Carla Cohn Bio:
Dr. Carla Cohn is a general dentist devoted solely to the practice of dentistry for children. She maintains a private practice at Kids Sleep Dentistry Winnipeg at Western Surgery Centre in Winnipeg, Canada.
Dr. Cohn has published several articles and hundreds of webinars and live courses. She enjoys teaching all aspects of children's dentistry to the general practitioner and has had the pleasure of doing so both nationally and internationally. She teaches in the clinical undergraduate pediatric program at her alma mater, the University of Manitoba Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry. She is proud to be an active member of several dental organizations and societies and has served as president of the Manitoba Dental Association. She has been invited as a fellow to Pierre Fauchard Academy and International College of Dentists, and has been recognized as Dentistry Today's Leader in Continuing Education multiple years in a row as well as Top 100 Docs.
1 hr 45 min
May 07, 2025884: 5 Signs It’s Time to Fire Someone – Adriana Booth
Not everyone is the right fit for your practice. But when and how do you let them go? In this episode of Practical Solutions Day, Kirk Behrendt brings back Adriana Booth, one of ACT’s amazing coaches, to help you see the five signs that it’s time to part ways and how to “free up” their future. To learn how to start enjoying the people around you, listen to Episode 884 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
See the ACT Dental/BPA Live Event Schedule: https://www.actdental.com/event
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 884: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
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:
Are your team members aligned with your core values?
Do your team members consistently fail to meet expectations?
Are your team members showing resistance to growth and feedback?
Do your team members show toxic behaviors that impact your culture?
What negative impact is your team’s bad behavior having on your patients?
Be prepared to have the “Today is the day” conversation when the time comes.

Snippets:
0:00 Introduction.
3:08 Why this is an important topic.
10:35 Misalignment with your core values.
15:07 Consistent failure to meet expectations.
17:56 Toxic behaviors that impact culture.
23:01 Resistance to feedback or growth.
27:50 The negative impact on patient relationships.
30:38 Prepare for the “Today is the day” conversation.
38:53 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.
44 min
May 05, 2025883: Metric Mondays: Capacity – Are Your Existing Chairs Full? – Dr. Barrett Straub
How many butts are in your chairs? It’s a simple yet overlooked question. In this episode of Metric Mondays, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Barrett Straub, ACT’s CEO, to break down capacity and help you identify if and why your chairs aren't full. Stop operating at a deficit — especially without knowing it! To learn how to get capacity to 95%, listen to Episode 883 of The Best Practices Show!
Learn More About Dr. Straub:
Send Dr. Straub an email: [email protected]
Join Dr. Straub on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barrett.d.straub
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
See the ACT Dental/BPA Live Event Schedule: https://www.actdental.com/event
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 883: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos

Main Takeaways:
Start by analyzing whether your current chairs are being utilized.
Use data to identify the factors causing holes in your chairs, not emotion.
Your team wants to help you be successful. Help them by giving them a system.
Choose a few KPIs to track and get started. You don't need to track them all at once.
If you're at 95%, figure out the problem. Is it a scheduling issue or a production issue?

Snippets:
0:00 Introduction.
0:27 Capacity, explained.
1:51 The importance of chair utilization.
5:00 Identify why you have a money problem.
8:29 Actionable tips.
11:46 Other KPIs to know.
15:33 Last 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.
20 min
May 02, 2025882: Avoiding the Chronic Diseases of Aging: The Critical Role of Oral Health – Dr. Bradley Bale
We all want a good lifespan. But what's critical is a good healthspan. In this episode of Clinical Edge Fridays, Dr. Bradley Bale, co-founder of the BaleDoneen Method, shares how dentists can make that happen by implementing their proven methods to prevent cardiovascular events. Help people enjoy life without disease! To learn more about the BaleDoneen Method to prevent and manage chronic diseases, listen to Episode 882 of The Best Practices Show!
Learn More About Dr. Bale:
Join Dr. Bale on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BaleDoneenMethod
Follow Dr. Bale on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baledoneen
Learn more about the BaleDoneen Method: https://baledoneen.com
Register for the BaleDoneen Preceptorship course with code EARLYBIRD (October 9-11, 2025): https://baledoneen.com/provider/bdm-preceptorship

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
See the ACT Dental/BPA Live Event Schedule: https://www.actdental.com/event
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 882: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
Read Beat the Heart Attack Gene by Dr. Bradley Bale and Dr. Amy Doneen: https://baledoneen.com/bdm-books
Read Healthy Heart, Healthy Brain by Dr. Bradley Bale and Dr. Amy Doneen: https://baledoneen.com/bdm-books

Main Takeaways:
You can stop arterial disease in anyone.
Oral health is a vital component of arterial health.
Know the myths of what causes heart attacks and strokes.
Oxidative stress is the driver of many diseases. This is preventable!
Remember that your work as dentists can prevent disease and save lives.

Snippets:
0:00 Dr. Bale’s background.
2:39 Why this is an important topic.
3:47 Statistics on common diseases.
6:35 Microvascular disease, explained.
10:49 Real-world evidence with the BaleDoneen Method.
14:51 How the BaleDoneen Method is different than the standard of care.
17:02 Cardiovascular “event”, explained.
19:23 What causes a clot to form?
24:56 Should I be treated?
27:38 We must look for disease.
31:56 Am I at risk?
34:17 “Cold” versus “hot” arteries.
35:29 Biomarkers for “tennis court” inflammation.
40:46 The first step in preventing atherosclerosis.
42:19 Lipoproteins, explained.
43:26 Proteoglycans, explained.
46:26 Oxidative stress, explained.
57:28 Oxidative stress summary.
1:01:55 There is a cure for arterial disease.
1:02:43 Oral health and sleep affects disease, disability, and mortality.
1:08:56 Benefits of PerioProtect trays.
1:10:14 Effects of oral pathogens and endodontic disease on stroke and heart attack risks.
1:12:15 Oral health and arterial health summary.
1:16:19 Case example: 59-year-old Caucasian male.
1:23:19 Case example: 77-year-old with type 2 diabetes, post heart attacks, with stents.
1:27:27 Useful quotes.
1:29:01 The upcoming BaleDoneen course.
1:31:11 Q&A: Comprehensively address root causes of oxidative stress.
1:34:12 Q&A: Is eating five eggs a day bad for cholesterol?
1:35:30 Why you need to learn the BaleDoneen Method.
1:36:27 Q&A: Get a PLAC 2 exam done by a BaleDoneen provider.
1:40:31 Q&A: Other recommended blood tests.
1:43:38 Final thoughts.
Dr. Bradley Bale Bio:
Dr. Bradley Bale, M.D. is a Clinical Associate Professor at WSU College of Medicine, Assistant Professor at the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry, Adjunct Professor at Texas Tech Health Science Center, and runs a private practice in Gallatin, Tennessee.
Dr. Bale is one of the nation’s leading specialists in preventing heart attacks, strokes, and diabetes. He co-founded the BaleDoneen Method with Amy Doneen in 2001. This personalized approach to CV risk assessment and management has shown with real-world evidence that arterial disease can be halted and reversed. Their research on CVD prevention has been published in respected medical journals such as Atherosclerosis, Post Graduate Medicine, Journal of the National Medical Association, Journal of Clinical Lipidology, Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, Physician’s Weekly, Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Archives of Medical Science, and Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing and Medical Hypothesis.
Dr. Bale has also served as a reviewer for the American Journal of Cardiology and CDC’s Preventing Chronic Disease. He is co-author of two nationally best-selling books: Beat the Heart Attack Gene and Healthy Heart, Healthy Brain: The Personalized Path to Protect Your Memory, Prevent Heart Attacks and Strokes, and Avoid Chronic Illness. This recent publication won the prestigious Gold Nautilus Book Award for 2023 and the American Society for Journalists and Authors' (ASJA) 2023 June Roth Memorial Award for Outstanding Medical Book.
1 hr 47 min
April 30, 2025881: 3 Alignment Hacks for Busy Dentists – Heather Crockett
When you don't have alignment, bad things happen. In this episode of Practical Solutions Day, Kirk Behrendt brings back Heather Crockett, one of ACT’s amazing coaches, to share three hacks to prevent misalignment and burnout from happening in your practice. To learn how to proactively keep your team aligned, listen to Episode 881 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
Email ACT for the CRO tool and checklist: [email protected]
Send Courtney an email to learn more about ACT: [email protected]

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:
Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listen
Join The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
Download ACT’s BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360
Download ACT’s BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_US
Join ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/ttt
See the ACT Dental/BPA Live Event Schedule: https://www.actdental.com/event
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 881: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
Watch “How Should a Company Share Its Values?” by Simon Sinek: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yE541BY-1c

Main Takeaways:
Misalignment is the root of all evil.
Establish consistent communication rhythms.
Document your core values and make them visible.
Find creative, engaging ways of celebrating your core values.
Lead by example. What message do you want to show your team?

Snippets:
0:00 Introduction.
2:22 Why this is an important topic.
4:53 Alignment is a big deal.
7:36 Document your core values.
11:31 Find creative ways to celebrate your core values.
13:02 Create consistent communication rhythms.
17:02 Home in on the “why”.
18:27 Lead by example.
22:32 Final takeaways.
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.
28 min
April 28, 2025880: Metric Mondays: “I Feel Like We Should Produce More!” – Dr. Barrett Straub
You feel like you should be producing more. But just doing more isn't the answer! In this episode of Metric Mondays, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Barrett Straub, ACT’s CEO, to break down the one basic equation you need to know to produce more while working less. Stop spending 220 days at the office! To learn how to produce more the right way, listen to Episode 880 of The Best Practices Show!
Learn More About Dr. Straub:
Send Dr. Straub an email: [email protected]
Join Dr. Straub on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barrett.d.straub
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
See the ACT Dental/BPA Live Event Schedule: https://www.actdental.com/event
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 880: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos

Main Takeaways:
Working more days is not the answer.
Make decisions with data, not with emotions.
Learn the equation to calculate gross production.

Snippets:
0:00 Introduction.
1:34 Why this is an important topic.
2:48 Why emotion comes into this equation.
3:49 The formula for gross production.
7:06 Two key numbers to pull.
12:35 Time is the new rich.
14:21 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.
20 min

About The Best Practices Show with Kirk Behrendt

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to The Best Practices Show, hosted by Kirk Behrendt, founder of ACT Dental (https://www.actdental.com/) and a leader in dental practice coaching. This podcast is your gateway to discovering the hidden gems and tactics used by the most successful dental practices worldwide.

At ACT Dental, we have meticulously curated strategies that have consistently proven effective in elevating dental practices. Our podcast, The Best Practices Show, extends our commitment to sharing this wealth of knowledge. Each episode features interviews with renowned dental professionals and industry leaders who have made significant strides in their practices. They share their experiences, insights, and the challenges they've overcome, offering a unique perspective that you won't find anywhere else.

Why should you listen to The Best Practices Show? Whether you're a seasoned dentist, a new practice owner, or somewhere in between, this podcast is tailored to inspire and educate. Our goal is not just to provide you with information but to transform the way you think about and run your dental practice. We delve into topics ranging from advanced clinical techniques and practice management to leadership skills and personal growth.

Kirk Behrendt, a respected figure in the dental community, brings his vast experience and infectious enthusiasm to each episode, making complex topics both understandable and engaging. As the CEO of ACT Dental, Kirk has helped countless dental practices thrive by focusing on holistic development - professionally, personally, and within their community.

Our commitment to authenticity and practical advice sets The Best Practices Show apart. We don't just talk about theories; we dive into real-life applications you can implement immediately in your practice. Our community-centric approach means we're always listening to our audience and constantly evolving our content to meet your needs.

In addition to the invaluable insights from our guests, we also provide access to exclusive resources available through ACT Dental. These resources complement the podcast topics and give you a more comprehensive understanding and practical tools to apply in your practice.

By subscribing to The Best Practices Show, you're not just gaining access to a podcast; you're joining a community of like-minded professionals committed to excellence in dentistry.

So, are you ready to transform your practice and be the best version of yourself? Join us on this journey, and let's grow together. Hit subscribe and never miss an episode of The Best Practices Show – where we uncover the secrets to the success of the world's best dental practices, one episode at a time.

Subscribe to The Best Practices Show on Apple Podcasts

Join our community and start your journey towards a more innovative, more successful dental practice today!