The Best Practices Show with Kirk Behrendt

One of the most important things you can do as a dentist is to be around other dentists. But they can't just be any dentist — they’ve got to be the best! To increase your chances of finding the best mentors and your tribe, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Dennis Hartlieb, founder of Dental Online Training, to share his confessions as a study club veteran and his journey of learning from the best to becoming one of the best. To hear his advice for a fulfilling career in dentistry, listen to Episode 849 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Dr. Hartlieb:

• Send Dr. Hartlieb an email: [email protected] 
• Join Dr. Hartlieb on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DennisHartliebDDS
• Follow Dr. Hartlieb on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hartliebdds
• Learn more about Dental Online Training: https://www.dothandson.com/home
• Register for DOT’s Study Club: https://www.dothandson.com/mentorship
• Register for DOT Fest (2025 TBD): https://www.dothandson.com/dot-fest
• Watch more on DOT’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DentalOnlineTraining
• Listen to the DOT Sharecast: https://www.dothandson.com/dot-sharecast

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 849: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
• Learn more about the AARD meeting (invite only): https://www.restorative-academy.com/program2
• Register for the AACD meeting (April 3-5, 2025): https://www.aacdconference.com/event/5b34cc94-b65b-4163-a951-ff4ec66f1e25/conference-information-menu
• Register for Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting (February 20-22, 2025): https://www.cds.org/midwinter-meeting/registration-information/registration-fees

Main Takeaways:

• If you can't find a study club, create one!
• Don't wait around for a mentor. Go out and find them!
• You're not the only one — all dentists experience failures.
• Figure out which kind of dentistry brings you joy, then do it.
• It’s important to find your tribe, even if it’s a non-clinical setting.
• Join a study club. It’s one of the most important things you can do.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

3:01 Dr. Hartlieb’s background.

7:00 Go out and find your mentors.

8:04 Even the “greats” are just people.

12:32 The best places to meet the best people.

15:12 Learn from the best to be the best.

19:55 The consequences of self-talk.

24:50 Try different study clubs.

27:05 About the Essay Program.

31:53 Other great meetings to join.

35:05 Dentistry is about managing failures.

37:10 Every dentist goes through these cases.

39:56 About DOT.

44:27 Final thoughts. 

Dr. Dennis Hartlieb Bio:

Dr. Dennis Hartlieb is a graduate of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. He maintains a full-time practice, Chicago Beautiful Smiles, in the Chicago suburb of Glenview, Illinois. Dr. Hartlieb is an instructor at the Center for Esthetic Excellence in Chicago and is an Adjunct Associate Professor at the Marquette University School of Dentistry in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He lectures extensively to dentists throughout the U.S. on the art and science of anterior and posterior direct resin techniques.

Do you want to improve profitability, but don't know how? It’s easier than you think! To help you simplify the process, Kirk Behrendt brings back Robyn Theisen, one of ACT’s amazing coaches, to reveal the six reports every admin team member should run to create and maintain financial stability. Stay on track with consistent reporting! To learn how to create a system that will improve profitability, financial accountability, and timely collection, listen to Episode 848 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Robyn:

• Send Robyn an email: [email protected] 
• Follow Robyn on ACT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actdental
• 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
• 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 848: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
• Register for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (April 11, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-april-11-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1012966789937
• Register for ACT’s courses and resources in the BPA: 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

Main Takeaways:

• Production reports will help you understand how productive your practice actually is.
• Collection reports highlight what is received, collection efficiency, and revenue gaps.
• Adjustment reports ensure that write-offs are appropriate so that revenue is not lost.
• Daily deposit reports verify that payments are properly deposited and accounted for.
• Reports on procedures not attached to a claim help catch overlooked procedures.
• Unsent claims reports ensure that claims are submitted in a timely manner.
• Have systems in place so that your team runs these reports consistently.
• It only takes 15 to 30 minutes of your time to run these reports.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

1:34 Why these six reports are important.

4:22 Report #1) Production reports.

7:11 Report #2) Collection reports.

8:46 Report #3) Adjustment reports.

12:24 Report #4) Daily deposit reports.

15:24 Report #5) Procedures that are not attached to a claim reports.

17:44 Report #6) Unsent claims reports.

18:33 How long will it take to run these reports?

19:32 Final takeaways.

Robyn Theisen Bio:

Robyn Theisen brings an entire life and legacy of dental experience to the team and every team with which she works as the daughter and sister of dentists. With almost 20 years of experience in dentistry, her roles ranged from practice management to operations at Patterson Dental to coaching teams. Robyn’s passion is empowering teams to realize that they can dramatically impact the lives of the people they serve by implementing skills and systems to remove barriers to life-changing dental treatment. She has done it for decades and does it every day with dental teams.

Outside of coaching, she enjoys time with her husband, Rob, and two daughters, Emerson and Ruby. She loves traveling, music, fitness, and cheering on the Michigan State Spartans. 

Are you burned out and want to work less? Do you want to take more vacations? Have you wished for more time with your family? You can do all the above! In this very first segment of Metric Mondays, Kirk Behrendt and Dr. Barrett Straub, ACT’s CEO, share the most important metric you need to know for a better practice and better life. To learn about the magic metric that will help you work smarter, listen to Episode 847 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
• 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 847: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
• Register for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (April 11, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-april-11-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1012966789937
• Register for ACT’s courses and resources in the BPA: 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

Main Takeaways:

• Time is the new rich. You only get so much of it, so use it wisely!
• Know the number of days you work. It’s the first step to control your time.
• Remove self-limiting beliefs. What you do is valuable, and patients will come.
• Recovery is not a reward — it’s a requirement! Stop working more than 190 days.
• Don't feel bad if you're working over 220 days. Slowly decrease the days you work.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

1:45 How many days did you work last year?

3:54 Why this metric is so important.

7:06 Days open, further explained.

8:30 Why dentists are working more today.

11:24 Take control of your time.

11:58 How to get started.

13:13 Remove self-limiting beliefs.

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.

To kick off this Clinical Master Series, Dr. Christian Coachman, founder of Digital Smile Design, brings in Dr. Marta Revilla-León, prolific author and Director of Research in Digital Dentistry at the Kois Center, to talk about a unique upcoming opportunity to hear from the greatest voices in dentistry. Not only will you learn how to become an advanced digital user — you will hear from the living legend, Dr. John Kois, among other dental rock stars! To learn more about this amazing course and how to be a part of it, listen to Episode 846 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Dr. Coachman & Dr. Revilla- León:

• Join Dr. Coachman on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christiancoachman
• Follow Dr. Coachman on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chriscoachman
• Learn more about Digital Smile Design: https://digitalsmiledesign.com
• Listen to Dr. Coachman’s podcast, Coffee Break with Coachman: https://open.spotify.com/show/4ADCrWhqsUKbHmZtkhhgoB
• Register for DSD Residency 1 On Demand: https://digitalsmiledesign.com/dsd-residency-1-on-demand
• Register for Dr. John Kois and Dr. Coachman’s Optimizing Clinical Outcomes course (March 20-21, 2025): https://www.koiscenter.com/optimizing-clinical-outcomes
• Follow Dr. Revilla- León on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martarevillaleon
• Connect with Dr. Revilla- León on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martarevillaleon

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

Main Takeaways:

• Technology is more reliable and predictable than ever. Learn how to use it!
• You don't need to love technology, but you need to leverage technology.
• Focus on your dentistry, not just on what technology you need to buy.
• Technology means nothing without a solid, proven workflow.
• Don't miss this opportunity to listen to Dr. Kois!

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

3:56 Origins of Dr. Kois and Dr. Coachman’s course.

6:41 Why you should attend this course and what you will learn.

8:17 Learn how to leverage technology.

14:13 Evidence-based digital dentistry, explained.

16:45 Technology requires a proven workflow.

19:00 Become “user 2.0”.

21:34 How Dr. Revilla-León got her job at the Kois Center.

24:50 Why Dr. Kois is the most important dentist alive.

34:44 Other key speakers at the course.

36:41 Don't miss this event!

39:14 Conclusion.

Dr. Christian Coachman Bio:

Combining his advanced skills, experience, and technology solutions, Dr. Christian Coachman pioneered the Digital Smile Design methodology and founded Digital Smile Design company (DSD). Since its inception, thousands of dentists worldwide have attended DSD courses and workshops, such as the renowned DSD Residency program.

Dr. Coachman is the developer of worldwide, well-known concepts such as the Digital Smile Design, the Pink Hybrid Implant Restoration, the Digital Planning Center, Emotional Dentistry, Interdisciplinary Treatment Simulation, and Digital Smile Donator. He regularly consults for dental industry companies, developing products, implementing concepts, and marketing strategies, such as the Facially Driven Digital Orthodontic Workflow developed in collaboration with Invisalign, Align Technology.

Dr. Marta Revilla-León Bio:

Dr. Marta Revilla-León is Faculty and Director of Research and Digital Dentistry at the Kois Center. She obtained her PhD in Prosthodontics and Digital Dentistry at The Academisch Centrum Tandheelkunde (ACTA) University in Amsterdam, her MSD in Prosthodontics at the University of Washington in Seattle, and an MS in Esthetic Dentistry at the Complutense University of Madrid.

Dr. Revilla-León is a specialist in digital dentistry with more than 140 publications in peer-reviewed dental journals in the last four years related to facial and intraoral scanning methods, virtual patient integration, digital implant scans with photogrammetry systems, polymer, metal, and ceramic additive manufacturing technologies, development of dental devices with Exocad, 3Shape Dental System, Blender, and artificial intelligence for dental applications.

Prior to this position, Dr. Revilla-León has been the Assistant Program Director in Advanced Education in General Dentistry at the Texas A&M University in Dallas. Currently, she is also Affiliate Faculty in the Graduate in Prosthodontic Program at the University of Washington in Seattle and in the Graduate in Prosthodontic Program at Tufts University in Boston.

You've studied hard, trained hard, and continue to work hard in your practice. So, why aren't you making more money? There's actually hidden money in your practice, and this episode will help you find it! Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Barrett Straub, ACT’s CEO, to explain the two gaps in your practice and how you can shrink them to increase profitability. Do you want to see more money in the bank? To learn how to make it happen without more hours, patients, or stress, listen to Episode 845 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
• 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 845: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
• Register for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (April 11, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-april-11-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1012966789937
• Register for ACT’s courses and resources in the BPA: 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

Main Takeaways:

• There's nothing better than owning your own business — but you have to do it right.
• Your hidden money is in the effort gap and the collections gap. Close the gaps!
• Understand key KPIs in the gaps so you can make strategic decisions.
• Growth isn't the answer. It’s about keeping more of what you earn.
• Engage your team and make financial stability a shared goal.
• By knowing your gaps, you can plan for the future.
• Take it slow and do it the right way.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

1:31 ACT’s TTT, BPA, and Pro Coaching.

5:12 Why this is an important topic.

8:06 There is hidden money in your practice.

10:43 Objectives.

13:50 The effort gap, explained.

17:35 How to shrink the effort gap without dropping PPOs.

28:24 How to shrink the effort gap by dropping PPOs.

33:49 The collections gap, explained.

35:02 How to shrink the collections gap.

37:39 The overhead gap, explained.

39:20 The profit blueprint.

48:20 Final takeaways.

49:39 Do these four things on Monday.

53:03 Q&A: Where to access ACT’s Gaps at a Glance resource.

54:12 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.

Today, there is so much information online. So, how do you know who to trust? In this special episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Barrett Straub, ACT’s CEO, and Miranda Beeson, ACT’s director of education, to announce the BPA app, an amazing new tool that provides a solution for every problem you will ever face in dentistry. Stop seeking bad Facebook advice! To be part of a space full of love, support, and guidance, get the new BPA app and listen to Episode 844 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Dr. Straub & Miranda:

• Send Dr. Straub an email: [email protected] 
• Join Dr. Straub on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barrett.d.straub
• Send Miranda an email: [email protected] 
• Follow Miranda on ACT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actdental
• 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  

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
• 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 844: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos

Main Takeaways:

• Stop getting advice from Facebook. Not all of it is bad, but most are not helpful.
• Even if you're not seeking community, get the BPA app! It is full of resources.
• Support and optimize your team with the BPA app. It’s not just for dentists!
• Get more than practice advice from the BPA app. Connect with your tribe!
• Think better by using the BPA app. This is where the best minds will be!

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

1:38 About ACT’s BPA and new BPA app.

3:17 Why the BPA app is important.

6:35 How to get the BPA app.

8:20 What the BPA app provides.

15:22 About TTT and Pro Coaching.

17:13 Find connection through the BPA app.

18:28 How the BPA app will help train and support your team.

21:07 Other key benefits of the BPA app.

23:17 Where to get the BPA app.

24:33 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.

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.

It takes years to build trust, and only seconds to break it. So, how do you strengthen and maintain such a fragile part of your practice? To help you cultivate trust between you, your team, and your patients, Kirk Behrendt brings back Ariel Juday, one of ACT’s amazing coaches, to share the six common ways trust is broken and the steps you can take to avoid them. To create the foundation of a healthy practice, listen to Episode 843 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Ariel:

• Send Ariel an email: [email protected] 
• Follow Ariel on ACT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actdental
• Send Gina an email: [email protected] 
• Email the ACT Team for their free resources: [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
• 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 843: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
• Download ACT’s How Trustworthy are You? tool: https://23476641.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23476641/How%20Trustworthy%20Are%20You.pdf
• Download ACT’s Building an Appreciative Workplace tool: https://23476641.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23476641/Building%20Appreciation%20in%20the%20Workplace-%20original%20(1).pdf
• Download ACT’s Communication Rhythms tool: https://23476641.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23476641/ACT_Dental_-_Communication_Rhythms_DL.pdf

Main Takeaways:

• Keep your word and manage expectations.
• Be upfront, transparent, and communicate clearly.
• Treat everyone fairly and give your team equal respect.
• Seek and listen to feedback, then follow through on them.
• Show accountability. Acknowledge and learn from your mistakes.
• Only set realistic expectations that you can deliver on consistently.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

1:11 Why this is an important topic.

4:33 Keep your word.

9:36 Be upfront and transparent.

15:07 Don't play favorites.

20:01 Listen to feedback.

27:33 Show accountability.

29:52 Under-promise and over-deliver.

31:48 Final takeaways.

Ariel Juday Bio:

Ariel has a master’s in healthcare administration and several years of dental experience in all aspects of the administrative roles within the dental office. Her passion is to work with dental teams to empower team members to realize their full potential in order to better serve patients, improve office systems to ensure a well-functioning team/office, and to help everyone have fun in the process!

Women have made progress in business and leadership. But they still face many challenges — especially when running a dental practice. If you are a woman struggling in this space, you are not alone! To help you thrive in work and in life, Kirk Behrendt brings back Allison Lacoursiere, founder of Clear Coaching, to share the secrets that will double your skill set, confidence, and income. To learn how to transform your practice and achieve work-life balance with AI, listen to Episode 842 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Allison:

• Send Allison an email: [email protected] 
• Follow Allison on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourclearalignercoach
• Follow Women in Digital Dentistry on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womenindigitaldentistry
• Learn more about Clear Coaching: https://www.yourclearalignercoach.com
• Learn more about Women in Digital Dentistry: https://www.womenindigitaldentistry.com

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

• Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listen
• Join The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
• 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 842: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
• Read 10x is Easier Than 2x by Dan Sullivan: https://10xeasierbook.com
• Try NotebookLM: https://notebooklm.google
• Try Pearl AI: https://www.hellopearl.com
• Learn more about EOS: https://www.eosworldwide.com

Main Takeaways:

• Dentistry is not men against women. It’s about moving forward together.
• Figure out what is truly important to you and prioritize those things.
• Learn about AI and how to use it ASAP. It is the way of the future.
• Utilizing digital tools will free up time for the things that matter.
• Don't just do more. Do things differently and strategically.
• As you think, you get. Think better and stay positive.
• Slow down in order to speed up progress.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

1:29 Allison’s background.

2:57 Don't do more — do differently.

5:31 The struggles of women in business and leadership.

7:47 It’s not men against women.

11:14 About Women in Digital Dentistry.

13:24 Why understanding AI is important.

15:33 How AI helps with human connection.

17:54 How AI can make you a better dentist.

21:33 Align your actions with your vision.

23:14 Know what is important to you.

27:04 The pain gap, explained.

29:15 Slow down to speed up.

30:45 Final thoughts.

32:35 More about Women in Digital Dentistry.

Allison Lacoursiere, RDA, OA, CPC, ELI-MP Bio:

Allison Lacoursiere, the creator of the Clear Aligner Systemization methodology and founder of Clear Coaching, is a leading expert in Clear Aligner Operations. With over a decade of dental experience and multiple certifications, including Registered Dental Assistant and Orthodontic Assistant, Allison collaborates with dental practices to optimize efficiency and boost productivity.

As a dedicated female leadership coach, Allison is passionate about empowering women in dentistry and helping them reach their full potential. She has a deep commitment to advancing women's roles within the field. Allison is a respected faculty member of Align Technology, Upgrade Dental, and the Dental Speakers Institute. Her passion for coaching and consulting extends to helping dental offices enhance their culture and revenue by streamlining operations and improving team dynamics.

People want six-packs and Lamborghinis. But those don't lead to a better life! To share the foundation for satisfaction and fulfilment, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Uche Odiatu, one of ACT’s favorite health and wellness gurus, to explain the three pillars of self-improvement for the new year and beyond. To learn how to care for your mind, body, and soul, listen to Episode 841 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Dr. Odiatu:

• Join Dr. Odiatu on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UcheOdiatu
• Follow Dr. Odiatu on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fitspeakers
• Learn more on Dr. Odiatu’s website: http://www.druche.com
• Register for the Bulletproof Health Retreat (February 20-23, 2025): https://www.tickettailor.com/events/bulletproofdentalpractice/1399192
• Register for Dr. Odiatu’s Transform Your Body – Transform Your Life! course (August 2, 2025): https://www.pccdental.com/products/product/transform-your-body-transform-your-life

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
• 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 841: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
• Listen to The Peter Attia Drive podcast: https://peterattiamd.com/podcast
• Read Outlive by Peter Attia: https://peterattiamd.com/outlive
• Read Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself by Joe Dispenza: https://drjoedispenza.com/product-details/Breaking%20the%20Habit%20of%20Being%20Yourself
• Learn more about the Gottman Method: https://www.gottman.com
• Try the Oura Ring: https://ouraring.com

Main Takeaways:

• Slow and steady wins the health race. There is power in consistency.
• Don't have an all-or-nothing mindset when it comes to your health.
• Make time for moments of quiet. This is where your ideas flow.
• Strengthen relationships to improve your mental well-being.
• Most successful people choose to exercise regularly.
• Keep a little bit of inconvenience in your life.
• No amount of alcohol is safe for you.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

1:15 Dr. Odiatu’s background.

3:26 The three pillars, explained.

5:25 What we get wrong about New Year’s resolutions.

6:36 Slow and steady wins the race.

9:33 A little inconvenience is good for the body.

11:34 Insights come in moments of quiet.

14:44 85% of CEOs exercise regularly.

16:09 Work on your relationships.

22:13 Final thoughts.

24:04 Dr. Odiatu’s future courses.

Dr. Uche Odiatu Bio:

Dr. Uche Odiatu has a DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine). He is a professional member of the ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine), a Certified Personal Trainer (National Strength & Conditioning Association) NSCA, and the Canadian Association of Fitness Professionals (canfitpro). He is the co-author of The Miracle of Health (c) 2009 John Wiley (hardcover) & (c) 2015 Harper Collins, and has lectured in Canada, the USA, the Caribbean, the UK, and Europe. He is an invited guest on over 400 TV and radio shows, from ABC 20/20, Canada CTV AM, Breakfast TV, to Magic Sunday Drum FM in Texas. This high-energy healthcare professional has done over 450 lectures in seven countries over the last 15 years.

You have ideas of what makes a good leader. But some of those are myths — and they're holding you back! To dispel those myths and help you grow as a leader, Kirk Behrendt brings back Adriana Booth, one of ACT’s amazing coaches, to share the truth about great leadership and how to do it right. To learn how your leadership can unleash your team’s true potential, listen to Episode 840 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
• Email the ACT team for their free resources: [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
• 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 840: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
• Download ACT’s Fostering a Culture of Productive Conflict resource: https://23476641.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23476641/Fostering%20a%20Culture.pdf
• Download ACT’s How Trustworthy Are You? resource: https://23476641.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23476641/How%20Trustworthy%20Are%20You.pdf
• Download ACT’s Leadership Health Score resource: https://23476641.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23476641/Leadership%20Health%20Score.pdf
• Get to know your personality with DiSC: https://www.thediscpersonalitytest.com
• Uncover your instinctive strengths with Kolbe: https://www.kolbe.com
• Discover your gifts with Working Genius: https://www.workinggenius.com
• Read How to Know a Person by David Brooks: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/652822/how-to-know-a-person-by-david-brooks
• Learn about Gino Wickman’s IDS: https://www.eosworldwide.com/clarity-break/how-can-your-team-solve-issues-in-half-the-time

Main Takeaways:

• You don't need to do everything alone. Empower your team to help you.
• Great leaders show vulnerability and are open about their weaknesses.
• A good leader asks good questions. They don't have all the answers.
• Conflict isn't always bad. It can be productive when you do it right.
• Stop micromanaging your team! They are smart and capable.
• Growing as a leader benefits you as well as your team.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

1:32 Why this is an important topic.

2:37 Get rid of limiting beliefs.

4:02 Don't try to do it all alone.

8:26 Show your weaknesses.

11:25 Conflict is important.

20:55 You don't have to be in control.

25:21 No one has all the answers.

30:15 Final thoughts.

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.