The Best Practices Show with Kirk Behrendt

By ACT DentalBusiness

The Best Practices Show with Kirk Behrendt episodes

January 22, 2025839: Creating the Ultimate Patient Experience – Dr. Barrett Straub
Loyal patients are your greatest assets. Not only are they your best patients — they are your best ambassadors! To help you attract more of these people to your practice, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Barrett Straub, ACT’s CEO, with clear, simple steps to provide the ultimate patient experience. To learn how to increase patient satisfaction, trust, and positive referrals, listen to Episode 839 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
Register for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (January 24, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-january-24-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1012960511157
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 839: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
Watch ACT’s webinars: https://www.actdental.com/125
Read How to Know a Person by David Brooks: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/652822/how-to-know-a-person-by-david-brooks

Main Takeaways:
Give each patient a personalized greeting.
Assess your practice through the patients’ eyes.
Avoid labeling your patients or making assumptions.
Connect with patients by being comforting and attentive.
Complete the patient experience with an elegant hand-off.
Signal that you care through verbal and non-verbal behaviors.

Snippets:
0:00 ACT’s TTT, BPA, and Pro Coaching.
6:57 Why it’s important to create an intentional patient experience.
9:57 Word-of-mouth drives growth.
12:04 Trust and loyalty build long-term relationships.
13:13 How many patients do you actually need?
16:31 Assess your physical environment.
22:30 Be selective about what you put on your monitors.
24:28 Greet patients with warmth and positivity.
29:36 Avoid labels and assumptions.
35:42 Make patients feel special.
46:11 Practice active listening and rapport building.
48:22 Be attentive to patients’ needs and promote comfort.
51:51 Finish the patient experience with an elegant hand-off.
55:30 Final takeaways.
56:22 Conclusion.
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.
1 hr 2 min
January 20, 2025838: 4 Scheduling Hacks for More Profit – Robyn Theisen
Are you always feeling busy, but not being productive? Then it’s time to fix your schedule! To help you have more meaningful and profitable days at work, Kirk Behrendt brings back Robyn Theisen, one of ACT’s amazing coaches, to share four scheduling hacks that will organize your time. To learn how you can produce more without working more days, listen to Episode 838 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]
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 838: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
Download ACT’s Color Coding and Block Scheduling guide: https://23476641.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23476641/Color%20Coding%2c%20Block%20Scheduling%2c%20and%20Ideal%20Day%20Scheduling.pdf

Main Takeaways:
Don't just fill slots. Plan your day based on the revenue you want to generate.
Schedule your high-production blocks in the first five hours of your day.
Dovetail doctor time and assistant time to maximize productivity.
Appoint team members to protect your schedule.
Give assistants ownership of the schedule.
Block out time for new patients.

Snippets:
0:00 Introduction.
0:53 Why this is an important topic.
2:53 Set a daily production goal.
5:46 Block scheduling, explained.
7:04 Have someone who protects your time.
7:44 Are you overbooking your schedule?
8:54 Don't override the power you give team members.
9:47 Schedule high-production blocks in the first five hours.
11:36 People will make time for what they value.
13:29 Block out emergencies.
14:35 Dovetail the dentist’s and assistant’s time.
17:15 Block out time for new patients.
17:49 Challenges in scheduling new patients.
23:15 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.
28 min
January 17, 2025837: Are You Playing Checkers or Chess With Patients? – Dr. Jim McKee
If dentistry were a game, it’s checkers and chess. But how do you know when a case is one or the other? To help you win no matter which game you're playing, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Jim McKee, founder of Chicago Study Club, to share how to distinguish simple from complex cases so you can increase treatment success. Stop playing chess with the rules of checkers! To learn how to master the game you're playing, listen to Episode 837 of The Best Practices Show!
Learn More About Dr. McKee:
Send Dr. McKee an email: [email protected]
Join Dr. McKee on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jim.mckee.104
Register for Dr. McKee’s Occlusion in Everyday Practice seminar (April 11-12, 2025): https://campus.speareducation.com/in-person-seminars/occlusion-in-everyday-practice/details/syllabus
Register for Dr. McKee’s Advanced Occlusion workshop: https://campus.speareducation.com/workshops/advanced-occlusion/details/syllabus
Register for Dr. McKee’s occlusion seminar: https://campus.speareducation.com/seminars/demystifying-occlusion-1/details/syllabus
Register for Dr. McKee’s TMD Online course: https://courses.phelandentalseminars.com/tmd-pds
Learn about Chicago Study Club: https://chicagostudyclub.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 837: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos

Main Takeaways:
Know whether your cases are like checkers or chess. Is it simple or more complex?
Learn how to give patients realistic expectations when discussing treatment.
Become a physician of the masticatory system, not just a tooth carpenter.
Develop your occlusion and TMD skill sets to boost practice growth.
No one wants to do TMD and occlusion. So, be the one to do it!
Occlusion and TMD are in more demand than you realize.

Snippets:
0:00 Introduction.
0:55 Playing chess versus playing checkers.
5:51 Frame your patients’ expectations.
10:00 Learn about occlusion and TMD.
16:44 Don't play chess with the rules of checkers.
23:26 Change how you talk to patients.
29:03 The fastest way to boost your practice.
32:04 Occlusion and TMD isn't as difficult as you think.
36:43 Final thoughts.
39:30 Dr. McKee’s future courses and Chicago Study Club.
Dr. Jim McKee Bio:
Dr. Jim McKee is a member of the Spear Resident Faculty. He has maintained a private practice since 1984 in Downers Grove, Illinois, where he treats a wide variety of cases with a focus on predictable restorative dentistry. He is a member of the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry and former president of the American Equilibration Society. He has lectured both nationally and internationally for over 25 years and directs several study clubs. Dr. McKee graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1980 and earned his dental degree from the University of Illinois College of Dentistry in 1984.

(Audio) (Need to update timestamps)
836: 3 Reasons to Stop Adding Chairs – Christina Byrne
Growth can be exciting. But bigger isn't always better! To explain why you should think twice before adding more chairs, Kirk Behrendt brings back Christina Byrne, ACT’s director of operations, with advice for maximizing the chairs, patients, and time that you already have. Get better, not bigger! To learn the right questions to ask yourself before trying to expand, listen to Episode 836 of The Best Practices Show!
Learn More About Christina:
Send Christina an email: [email protected]
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 836: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
Download ACT’s GAPs At a Glace resource: https://23476641.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23476641/47%20The%20Financial%20GAPs%20at%20a%20Glance%20-%2005.pdf
Download ACT’s PPO Roadmap resource: https://23476641.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23476641/ACT%20Dental%20PPO%20Roadmap.pdf

Main Takeaways:
Bigger isn't necessarily better for your practice.
Understand and correct your practice’s inefficiencies.
Start by maximizing the use of chairs you already have.
Stick to your blocked schedule to keep your hours profitable.
Reactivating existing patients is easier than attracting new ones.
Put a system in place to increase your date-of-service collections.
Be clear about why you want to expand. What are your motivations?
Avoid unnecessary overhead expenses. What is the cost of expansion?

Snippets:
0:00 Introduction.
0:41 Why this is an important topic.
7:38 Maximize the utilization of chairs you have.
10:07 Honor your blocked scheduling.
10:43 Figure out how to reactivate patients.
11:35 Have everyone be accountable to their schedules.
13:35 Track hygiene reappointment percentage.
14:58 Know exactly what you're writing off.
17:13 Collect at least 99% of net production.
19:32 Give people grace when changing your systems.
20:24 Avoid unnecessary overhead expenses.
22:32 Expand for the right reasons.
22:56 Think about the tangible and intangible costs of expansion.
26:34 Final takeaways.
Christina Byrne Bio:
Christina Byrne has been involved in dentistry since 1985. Over the years, she has held many positions on the dental team, including dental assistant, business office, and dental hygienist. Christina’s extensive knowledge of the front office and clinical procedures is a great asset, and she loves to impart her knowledge to guide dental teams do the best they can to achieve a Better Practice, Better Life!
47 min
January 15, 2025836: 3 Reasons to Stop Adding Chairs – Christina Byrne
Growth can be exciting. But bigger isn't always better! To explain why you should think twice before adding more chairs, Kirk Behrendt brings back Christina Byrne, ACT’s director of operations, with advice for maximizing the chairs, patients, and time that you already have. Get better, not bigger! To learn the right questions to ask yourself before trying to expand, listen to Episode 836 of The Best Practices Show!
Learn More About Christina:
Send Christina an email: [email protected]
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 836: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
Download ACT’s GAPs At a Glace resource: https://23476641.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23476641/47%20The%20Financial%20GAPs%20at%20a%20Glance%20-%2005.pdf
Download ACT’s PPO Roadmap resource: https://23476641.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23476641/ACT%20Dental%20PPO%20Roadmap.pdf

Main Takeaways:
Bigger isn't necessarily better for your practice.
Understand and correct your practice’s inefficiencies.
Start by maximizing the use of chairs you already have.
Stick to your blocked schedule to keep your hours profitable.
Reactivating existing patients is easier than attracting new ones.
Put a system in place to increase your date-of-service collections.
Be clear about why you want to expand. What are your motivations?
Avoid unnecessary overhead expenses. What is the cost of expansion?

Snippets:
0:00 Introduction.
0:41 Why this is an important topic.
7:38 Maximize the utilization of chairs you have.
10:07 Honor your blocked scheduling.
10:43 Figure out how to reactivate patients.
11:35 Have everyone be accountable to their schedules.
13:35 Track hygiene reappointment percentage.
14:58 Know exactly what you're writing off.
17:13 Collect at least 99% of net production.
19:32 Give people grace when changing your systems.
20:24 Avoid unnecessary overhead expenses.
22:32 Expand for the right reasons.
22:56 Think about the tangible and intangible costs of expansion.
26:34 Final takeaways.
Christina Byrne Bio:
Christina Byrne has been involved in dentistry since 1985. Over the years, she has held many positions on the dental team, including dental assistant, business office, and dental hygienist. Christina’s extensive knowledge of the front office and clinical procedures is a great asset, and she loves to impart her knowledge to guide dental teams do the best they can to achieve a Better Practice, Better Life!
32 min
January 13, 2025835: From Recruitment to Retention: Nurturing Talent With Culture – Miranda Beeson
What's worth more than a good paycheck? It’s a strong, positive work culture! But what does it take to create one, and how do you know when you have it? To demystify what team members truly want in their work environment, Kirk Behrendt brings back Miranda Beeson, ACT’s director of education, with a framework for understanding and creating a great team culture. Paying people more won't solve your problems! To learn how to give your team the best emotional paycheck, listen to Episode 835 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
Register for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (January 17, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-january-17-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1012930712027
Register for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (January 24, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-january-24-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1012960511157
Register for ACT’s BPA: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
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 835: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
Download ACT’s Right People Scorecard resource: https://23476641.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23476641/Instructions%20for%20Right%20People%20Scorecard.pdf
Read Radical Candor by Kim Scott: https://www.radicalcandor.com/the-book
Read Thanks for the Feedback by Douglas Stone and Sheila Heen: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/313485/thanks-for-the-feedback-by-douglas-stone-and-sheila-heen

Main Takeaways:
Everything starts with your core values.
Find the right people who fit your core values.
Showcase your core values in the hiring process.
Integrate core values early in your onboarding process.
Get your team involved in the hiring and onboarding process.
Consistently measure your team’s performance with core values.
Keep your core values alive in the halls, not just hanging on the walls.

Snippets:
0:00 ACT’s TTT, BPA, and Pro Coaching.
3:02 Culture, explained.
7:40 Sometimes, 1 + 1 = 11.
10:45 Why culture is important in your dental practice.
13:09 The role of core values in recruitment.
14:47 Why core values matter in hiring.
21:10 Great culture leads to greater fulfilment.
24:17 Change the way you look at things.
25:34 How to showcase core values in the hiring process.
26:13 Ask intentional, value-based questions.
30:30 How to showcase core values in the hiring process.
31:45 Why you need to integrate core values early in onboarding.
33:52 How to integrate core values in onboarding.
37:18 Find your competitive advantage.
38:19 Why you need to use core values as a performance measure.
41:26 How to measure performance with core values.
50:54 Q&A: Is it best to address negative job performance when they occur, or at a check-in?
56:53 Q&A: How can we refocus the “I deserve to be paid more” conversation?
1:01:45 Q&A: Who should conduct check-ins and quarter reviews?
1:02:38 Conclusion.
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 7 min
January 10, 2025834: Hygiene Exam Essentials Part 2: AAP Staging & Grading – Katrina Sanders
Over half of your patients have some form of periodontitis — and they don't even know it! How many are you letting walk out of your doors? It’s time to empower patients by helping them to understand and treat their disease. In this final part of her Master Class, Katrina Sanders, The Dental WINEgenist, shares key tools and resources to help you build confidence in diagnosing, treating, and improving the clinical outcomes of your perio patients. To get patients closer to 100% health, listen to Episode 834 of The Best Practices Show!
Learn More About Katrina:
Send Katrina an email: [email protected]
Join Katrina on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheDentalWINEgenist
Follow Katrina on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedentalwinegenist
Learn more on Katrina’s website: https://katrinasanders.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 834: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
Try PDT’s hygiene kits: https://pdtdental.com/collections/hygiene-kits
Try PDT’s gingival inflammation kit: https://pdtdental.com/products/gingival-inflammation-kit
Try PDT’s debridement kit: https://pdtdental.com/products/gross-debridement-kit
Try the BioGaia Prodentis probiotics: https://www.biogaia.com/collections/all/Dental-health

Main Takeaways:
Incorporate the learnings from Part 1 of this lecture!
Stop waiting to recommend treatment until later stages of disease.
Periodontal disease can present differently from one patient to another.
Understand AAP’s staging and grading system to accurately diagnose patients.
Learn how to effectively communicate the urgency of your patients’ level of disease.
Empower patients to improve home care by recommending innovative oral health tools.

Snippets:
0:00 Introduction.
4:53 The prevalence of periodontitis.
15:33 Don't wait to tell patients about their level of disease.
25:25 Katrina’s background and objectives.
26:42 Staging and grading is not an exact science.
29:14 The framework for staging and grading.
40:06 The spectrum of clinical health.
43:58 Case example: Intact periodontium.
45:43 Case example: Reduced periodontium.
50:13 Case example: Reduced periodontium (non-periodontitis).
51:16 Case example: Reduced periodontium (successfully treated periodontitis).
52:43 Case example: Intact periodontium (incipient gingivitis).
56:10 Case example: Stable patient on reduced periodontium (non-periodontitis).
59:50 Case example: Stable patient on reduced periodontium (successfully treated perio).
1:03:11 Case example: Gingivitis on a reduced periodontium (successfully treated perio).
1:06:25 Effectively select the appropriate instruments.
1:07:48 PDT kit for hygiene.
1:11:39 Dental biofilm-induced gingivitis.
1:12:25 Non-dental biofilm-induced gingivitis.
1:14:29 Gingivitis, defined.
1:16:39 Case example: Moderate to severe gingivitis (intact periodontium).
1:18:44 Case example: Gingivitis on reduced periodontium (non-periodontitis).
1:20:51 PDT kit for gingival inflammation.
1:22:36 Patient empowerment: Stannous Fluoride.
1:25:16 Patient empowerment: Oscillating rotating-motion toothbrush.
1:28:13 The AAP guidelines for staging patients.
1:36:15 PDT kit for debridement.
1:37:59 The AAP guidelines for staging patients, continued.
1:39:37 The AAP guidelines for grading patients.
1:46:50 Patient empowerment: Dental-specific probiotics.
1:51:34 Katrina’s free webinar.
1:53:17 Q&A: How do we legally deal with patients who refuse periodontal treatment?
1:56:07 Q&A: How do you explain the cost difference of a prophy and perio maintenance?
1:59:08 Conclusion.
Katrina M. Sanders RDH, BSDH, M.Ed, RF Bio:
In the ever-changing world of dental science where research, technology, and techniques for patient care are constantly evolving, dental professionals look to continuing education to provide insight, deliver actionable steps, empower, and create a dramatic impact within their clinical practice.
With wit, charm, and a dash of humor, Katrina Sanders enchants dental professionals with her course deliverables, insightful content, and delightful inspiration. Her message of empowerment rings mighty throughout her lectures and stirs a deep sense of motivation amongst course participants.
Katrina is the Clinical Liaison for AZPerio, the country's largest periodontal practice. She performs clinically, working alongside Diplomates to the American Board of Periodontology in the surgical operatory. Katrina perfected techniques during L.A.N.A.P. surgery, suture placement, IV therapy, and blood draws. She instructs on collaborative professionalism and standard-of-care protocols while delivering education through hygiene boot camps and study clubs.
2 hr 3 min
January 06, 2025833: Hygiene Exam Essentials Part 1: Innovations in Periodontics – Katrina Sanders
Data shows some disturbing facts. Over 60% of patients don't trust their dentists’ diagnosis! When the disease in question doesn’t hurt patients, it complicates things even further. So, how do you build trust with skeptical patients who are reluctant to get treatment? In this lecture of a two-part Master Class, Katrina Sanders, The Dental WINEgenist, shares how to incorporate innovative tools, products, and thinking to build trust, maximize production, and improve clinical outcomes. To learn how to get patients closer to 100% health, listen to Episode 833 of The Best Practices Show!
Learn More About Katrina:
Send Katrina an email: [email protected]
Join Katrina on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheDentalWINEgenist
Follow Katrina on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedentalwinegenist
Learn more on Katrina’s website: https://katrinasanders.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 833: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
Learn more about Pearl AI: https://www.hellopearl.com
Try Paradise Dental Technologies UNC-12 probe: https://pdtdental.com/products/probe-unc-12
Mention Katrina to get 10% off your first lab fee from MicrobeLinkDX: https://microbelinkdx.com
Try Perio Protect custom periodontal trays: https://www.perioprotect.com
Try free samples of BioGaia Prodentis: https://www.biogaia.com

Main Takeaways:
Learn how to give patient-centric, customized care plans to meet your patients’ needs.
Incorporate advanced diagnostic tools such as AI to increase case acceptance.
Integrate objective diagnostics to get a more accurate assessment.
Build trust with integrity. Show your patients that you truly care.
Support patients to help them control their level of disease.
Educate patients about innovations such as probiotics.
Recommend Innovative tools such as water flossers.
Do the right thing, and production will follow.

Snippets:
0:00 Introduction.
1:02 Why this is an important topic.
8:37 Course overview.
9:57 The prevalence of periodontitis.
13:59 The challenges of a painless disease.
18:44 Don't let this be a drain on your core values.
22:13 The number one reason patients decline perio treatment.
25:25 Is something better than nothing?
34:07 Katrina’s background and free program.
35:35 Objectives.
39:16 Don't be afraid of innovation and technology.
42:04 Three steps to innovation: The assessment phase.
46:34 Your average patients don't understand radiographs.
48:14 About 60% of patients don't trust their dentists’ diagnosis.
49:59 The innovation of AI dental X-rays, explained.
55:12 Capture appropriate periodontal charting.
59:40 The importance of annual comprehensive periodontal assessments.
1:03:41 Integrate objective diagnostics.
1:07:22 Case examples.
1:12:57 Get customized reports and regimens with MicrobeLinkDX.
1:19:21 Integrate true wound care.
1:26:11 The benefits of Perio Protect custom trays.
1:28:29 Complications when treating periodontal wounds.
1:30:36 Probiotic influence on oral health.
1:34:09 Is there such a thing as healthy biofilm?
1:37:17 Are all probiotics the same?
1:40:54 Help support patients with their self-care.
1:42:03 Data around the benefits of water flossing with Waterpik.
1:45:30 The patient-centric workflow overview.
1:51:05 Summary and conclusion.
1:54:24 Q&A: Recommended treatment for 20% to 30% BOP patients.
1:56:16 Q&A: Thoughts on the recent “backlash” to hydrogen peroxide.
Katrina M. Sanders RDH, BSDH, M.Ed, RF Bio:
In the ever-changing world of dental science where research, technology, and techniques for patient care are constantly evolving, dental professionals look to continuing education to provide insight, deliver actionable steps, empower, and create a dramatic impact within their clinical practice.
With wit, charm, and a dash of humor, Katrina Sanders enchants dental professionals with her course deliverables, insightful content, and delightful inspiration. Her message of empowerment rings mighty throughout her lectures and stirs a deep sense of motivation amongst course participants.
Katrina is the Clinical Liaison for AZPerio, the country's largest periodontal practice. She performs clinically, working alongside Diplomates to the American Board of Periodontology in the surgical operatory. Katrina perfected techniques during L.A.N.A.P. surgery, suture placement, IV therapy, and blood draws. She instructs on collaborative professionalism and standard-of-care protocols while delivering education through hygiene boot camps and study clubs.
2 hr 2 min
January 03, 2025832: Crystal Clear Success: How Crafting a Vision Creates Success – Miranda Beeson & Heather Crockett
If you don't know where you're going, how do you know how to get there? Having a clear vision is the first step to success. But how do you find time and energy to plan? To give you some motivation, Miranda Beeson and Heather Crockett, two of ACT’s amazing coaches, share a simple framework for crafting your ideal vision for your practice and your life. If you fail to plan, then you plan to fail! To learn how a little bit of planning will skyrocket your success, listen to Episode 832 of The Best Practices Show!
Learn More About Miranda & Heather:
Send Miranda an email: [email protected]
Send Heather an email: [email protected]
Follow Miranda & Heather on ACT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actdental
Email Gina to learn about ACT’s Pro Coaching: [email protected]
Email the ACT Team for their free tools and resources: [email protected]
Register for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (January 17, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-january-17-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1012930712027
Register for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (January 24, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-january-24-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1012960511157

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 832: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
Watch Episode 814: 1 Move, Infinite Differentiation Power with Heather: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBD8mzLem88
Read What Got You Here Won't Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith: https://bookshop.org/p/books/what-got-you-here-won-t-get-you-there-how-successful-people-become-even-more-successful-marshall-goldsmith/8230849?ean=9781401301309
Read The E-Myth by Michael E. Gerber: https://www.michaelegerbercompanies.com/product/the-e-myth-revisited

Main Takeaways:
Great practices have strategic plans. Average practices just wing it.
A strategic vision will keep you and your team focused and motivated.
Having a plan will help you prevent burnout and have a more fulfilling career.
Create a vision for clinical, financial, team culture, and better practice/better life.
Make time to think and dream — and dream big! You don't have time not to do it.
Stop being your own dream-crusher. It’s time to get rid of your self-limiting beliefs!
No matter how stuck you feel, there is hope! A coach can help you reach your goals.

Snippets:
0:00 Introduction.
0:35 ACT’s TTT, BPA, and Pro Coaching.
4:20 Why this is an important topic.
6:20 Great practices have strategic plans.
11:13 ACT’s Strategic Vision Creator tool.
15:28 The four keys: Clinical vision.
19:43 The four keys: Clinical strategy.
24:37 The four keys: Financial vision.
26:41 The four keys: Financial strategy.
31:11 The four keys: Team culture vision.
35:17 The four keys: Team culture strategy.
38:47 The four keys: Better practice, better life vision.
46:25 The four keys: Better practice, better life strategy.
46:58 The elevation process of the vision stage.
49:16 Examples of successful outcomes and goals.
57:06 Final thoughts.
58:59 Why you need a coach.
1:02:36 Q&A: Do I prioritize clinical dentistry or business of dentistry with a limited CE budget?
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.
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.
1 hr 10 min
January 01, 2025831: Beyond Single-Tooth Solutions – Miranda Beeson
Patients don't know what they need — until you show them! Without talking about comprehensive care, they will never know that they want or need it for better overall health. To help you start the conversation with patients, Kirk Behrendt brings back Miranda Beeson, ACT’s director of education, to explain what it means to be comprehensive, why it’s important, and how it will transform patient care and your practice. To learn how to transition from reactive, single-tooth dentistry to proactive, comprehensive care, listen to Episode 831 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: [email protected]
Register for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (January 17, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-january-17-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1012930712027
Register for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (January 24, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-january-24-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1012960511157
Register for ACT’s BPA: https://www.actdental.com/bpa

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 831: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
Download ACT’s Identify Your Core Purpose tool: https://23476641.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23476641/Identify%20Your%20Core%20Purpose%20Tool.pdf

Main Takeaways:
You can't do it alone. Align with your team on what a comprehensive approach means.
Educate patients about your comprehensive philosophy in the new patient exam.
Your focus should be on how you can help patients, not on selling dentistry.
Share what you see, then let patients decide what to do for themselves.
Help patients understand the big picture with a proactive approach.
Don't forget about retired patients. They have dental needs too!
Stop assuming what treatment patients will or will not accept.
Offer financial options for patients with larger cases.

Snippets:
0:00 Introduction.
0:33 Why this is an important topic.
4:56 Why dentists default to single-tooth style treatment planning.
9:40 Comprehensive treatment planning, explained.
15:25 Get rid of self-limiting beliefs and assumptions.
17:14 Focus on being helpful, not on selling dentistry.
19:44 Give patients control and choice by sharing information.
26:55 Elevate your new patient exam.
28:30 Explain the why behind your recommendations.
30:47 Involve your entire team.
32:35 Create value for patients.
34:20 Don't forget retired or about-to-retire patients.
38:29 Align on what a true emergency patient is.
41:22 Have financial options available.
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.
47 min
December 30, 2024830: 3 Steps to Elevate Your Patient’s Experience – Heather Crockett
830: 3 Steps to Elevate Your Patient’s Experience – Heather Crockett
People buy things they want — not what they need! So, how do you make patients want your dentistry? One way is with a fantastic patient experience. To help you “wow” your new, existing, and future patients, Kirk Behrendt brings back Heather Crockett, one of ACT’s amazing coaches, with three steps to make your patients feel heard, valued, and understood. To learn how to make your practice the best dental home, listen to Episode 830 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 Gina an email: [email protected]
Email the ACT Team for their free tools and 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 830: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos

Main Takeaways:
You will sell more dentistry with your ears than your mouth. Start listening more!
Find out what motivates your patients by asking them open-ended questions.
Create a system to identify and document your patients’ goals and values.
Be confident in what you do, your verbal skills, and storytelling skills.
Learn how to slow down and truly connect with your patients.

Snippets:
0:00 Introduction.
1:28 Why this is an important topic.
3:28 Identify your patients’ goals and values.
8:48 Practice your verbal skills.
15:21 Practice your storytelling skills.
17:15 Learn how to connect.
20:24 Talk less, listen more.
31:12 Slow things down.
36:02 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.
40 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!