The Best Practices Show with Kirk Behrendt

In this special episode, Kirk Behrendt brings in Brad Arnett, his friend of 30 years and owner of NX Level Sports Performance, to talk about his journey as a trainer, growing the best athletes, and building NX Level. He also shares his philosophy on success, working hard, and the mindset you need to be your best. To take your thinking to the next level, listen to Episode 739 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Brad:

• Send Brad an email: [email protected] 
• Join Brad on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NXLevelSports
• Follow Brad on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nxarnett
• Learn more about NX Level: https://www.gonxlevel.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 739: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos

Main Takeaways:

• No matter what stage of life you're in, have your values and priorities in line.
• Everyone works hard. But it’s how long you stay at it that leads to success.
• Learn to consistently do the boring, monotonous, and mundane things.
• Sometimes, the “greener grass” on the other side is just field turf.
• Being proactive is always better than being reactive.
• Define success for yourself.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

1:42 Brad’s college life.

3:12 Life after college and starting his career.

16:17 Struggling with work-life balance.

18:09 Sometimes, the “green grass” is just field turf.

22:14 His career change and the start of NX Level.

39:08 His vision for NX Level.

43:13 Favorite stories from his time as a trainer.

53:34 Prehab, explained.

58:19 The problem of kids’ injuries in sports.

1:01:29 Multisport versus specializing.

1:04:50 The state of parenting in sports.

1:10:33 The future for Brad and NX Level.

1:13:38 Final thoughts.

Brad Arnett Bio:

Brad Arnett has been working professionally with athletes of all ages to meet their goals for more than 20 years. He was a four-year letter winner for the football team at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, two of which was as a starter. He earned All-Conference and All-American honors his senior season and was inducted into the UW-Whitewater Athletic Hall of Fame in the fall of 2013.

In late 1993, Brad began his career as a strength and conditioning coach for the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. After completing his degree in corporate and community health in 1995 at Whitewater and his master's degree in kinesiology in 1996 at the University of Minnesota, Brad remained with the university and worked for six years as the director of the Olympic Sport Strength and Conditioning Program. In 2000, Brad joined the University of Arizona and served as the assistant athletic director of strength and conditioning, working specifically with the men's football and basketball teams, as well as overseeing all aspects regarding the training of Arizona's 17 other athletic programs. He opened NX Level Sports Performance in May of 2005 and has trained athletes from every professional organization. 

When you have great chemistry, everything goes better. But seamless interactions don't just happen. You first need to put in some work. To help you lay the foundation for great chemistry between you and your team, Kirk Behrendt brings back Courtney Dalton, one of ACT’s amazing coaches, to share three keys that will improve efficiency, predictability, and your patients’ experience. To learn the secrets of great chairside chemistry, listen to Episode 738 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Courtney:

• Send Courtney an email: [email protected] 
• Follow Courtney 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 738: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
• Register for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (July 12, 2024): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/members-only-climb-with-us-register-for-july-12-2024-ttt-study-club-tickets-722281472327?aff=odcleoeventsincollection
• Register for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (August 2, 2024): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/members-only-climb-with-us-register-for-august-2-2024-ttt-study-club-tickets-722297861347?aff=odcleoeventsincollection

Main Takeaways:

• Pour your effort into your assistants. They want to help you succeed.
• Great chairside chemistry makes your workday more efficient.
• Patients can feel it when there is no chemistry or alignment.
• Having great chemistry starts with a morning huddle.
• Create checklists to create predictability.
• Master the flawless hand-off.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

2:09 Why chairside chemistry is important for your practice.

5:49 It starts with a morning huddle.

11:39 Creating checklists is extremely important.

20:25 Have a flawless hand-off.

27:39 Final thoughts. 

Courtney Dalton, BS, RDH Bio:

Courtney Dalton is a Lead Practice Coach who focuses on establishing a solid foundation in order for a practice to thrive. With over 15 years of experience in the dental industry, she is as passionate about patient care as she is about those who are providing it. 

737: 3 Ways to Turn Failure into Success – Heather Crockett

What's one thing all successful people do? They fail — a lot! To help you do it right, Kirk Behrendt brings back Heather Crockett, one of ACT’s amazing coaches, to share some insight into overcoming and embracing failure. Stop fearing your mistakes and shortcomings. Change your mindset and be excited to fail! To learn the three strategies to succeed from your failures, listen to Episode 737 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] 

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 737: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
• Read Traction by Gino Wickman: https://benbellabooks.com/shop/traction

Main Takeaways:

• You should fail often.
• Failure is where the learning is.
• Fear of failure won't get you anywhere.
• Identify and discuss your failures to solve it.
• Encourage experimentation to make progress.
• Plan to fail often. When you fail often, you learn often.
• When there's a failure, blame the system — not the person.
• Let your team see your failure first. Show them it’s okay to fail.
• Aim for GETMO — Good Enough To Move On — not perfection.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

2:09 Why this is an important topic.

4:16 Recognize and call out your failures.

5:19 Blame the system, not the person.

7:07 Take a deep breath and process.

9:05 Identify, discuss, and solve.

11:57 Learn from the failure you've identified.

15:47 Encourage experimentation.

16:58 GETMO (Good Enough To Move On).

17:57 An example of learning from failure.

21:36 Final thoughts.

Heather Crockett Bio:

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

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

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

736: The 5 Stages of My Dentistry Journey – Dr. Christian Coachman

Successful people experience adversity — and they learn to embrace it! Today, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Christian Coachman, founder of Digital Smile Design and one of the most successful people in dentistry, to share his inspirational story about overcoming his hardships, the origins of DSD, and his passion and love for this profession. We all struggle at some point in life. But you can get the most out of your suffering! To learn how to succeed at struggling, listen to Episode 736 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Dr. Coachman:

• 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
• Register for DSD Residency 1: https://digitalsmiledesign.com/dsd-residency-1-on-demand

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

Main Takeaways:

• Without adversity, you won't grow and develop.
• Learn, grow, and create. Don't stay in survival mode.
• Don't stay stuck in frustration. Use that energy to change.
• There is always light at the end of the tunnel. Never give up!
• Everyone has an “unfair advantage”. Discover yours and use it.
• Stop being a perfectionist. Be brave and put your work out there.
• Let your mind wander from time to time. It can be good for creativity.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

2:19 Fulfilling dreams through dentistry.

7:46 Dentistry wasn't always a passion.

11:34 Stage 1) Being in survival mode.

17:01 Stage 2) Learning, growing, and creating.

28:57 Stage 3) Becoming a communicator.

41:46 Stage 4) Turning passion into a business.

44:27 Stage 5) Becoming a delegator.

48:09 The future for Dr. Coachman and DSD.

50:20 Final thoughts.

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. 

735: Unlock the Secrets to a Thriving Dental Practice: Mastering the New Patient Experience! – Miranda Beeson

Patients don't love being in the office. So, how do you get them to come in — and to come back? There are two things you can focus on for that to happen, and Kirk Behrendt brings back Miranda Beeson, ACT’s director of education and amazing coach, to share those secrets. By mastering the new patient phone call and new patient visit, you will create raving fans who help your practice thrive. To learn how to give patients the “wow” experience, listen to Episode 735 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 Kirk a recording of your patient phone call for feedback: [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 735: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
• ACT’s 5 Success Strategies for Impactful New Patient Calls: https://23476641.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23476641/PDF/New%20Patient%20Call%20Success%20Strategies%20-%20Final%20-%2004.pdf
• Read The Power of Moments by Chip Heath & Dan Heath: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-power-of-moments-why-certain-experiences-have-extraordinary-impact-dan-heath/6707437?ean=9781501147760&ref=&source=IndieBound&title=

Main Takeaways:

• You have one chance at a first impression.
• Give patients a “wow” experience with your call and visit.
• Strengthen your team culture. Patients can feel when there's tension.
• Make patients feel cared about with your tone, language, and behaviors.
• Demonstrate active listening and focused attention. Don't try to multitask.
• Take time to discover patients’ needs, desires, concerns, and expectations.
• Practice new patient call conversations and visits so you can be intentional.
• A new patient experience doesn't end with the appointment. Do a follow-up.
• Don't leave out your existing patients. They also deserve a “wow” experience.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

0:55 About ACT’s TTT, BPA, and Pro Coaching.

5:17 Why this is an important topic.

8:57 Be aligned, smart, and healthy.

9:39 Intentionality, explained.

11:21 Two aspects of the new patient process.

13:02 Why the new patient call is so important.

16:51 Start with a gracious greeting.

20:38 Discover your patient’s objectives.

27:42 Sell relationships, not dentistry.

29:52 Practice your new patient conversations.

31:43 Schedule strategically.

35:15 Give a “wow” experience.

37:41 Focus on the patient, not the computer.

40:05 Leave the logistics for last.

41:47 How to have the insurance conversation.

44:55 Make patients feel welcome.

49:35 Evaluate your office from the patient’s perspective.

55:55 Stop labeling your patients.

56:35 Know your patient’s preferred name.

57:20 Honor the schedule.

57:51 Give patients a tour.

1:01:57 Consider a new patient interview.

1:05:07 Questions to ask before getting started.

1:05:54 Deliver personalized care.

1:09:03 Address your patient’s phobias and anxiety.

1:12:36 Do a memorable follow-up.

1:13:27 Nurture new patients that don't schedule.

1:13:48 Make patients feel connected.

1:18:41 Final takeaways.

Miranda Beeson, MS, BSDH Bio:

Miranda Beeson, MS, BSDH, 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.

734: Chronic Oral Wounds in Your Dental Practice – Tanya Dunlap

Getting patients healthy is your number-one role. But are you focusing on the disease that matters most? It’s time to address the most undiagnosed and untreated condition — gum disease — and now there's an easier way. To help you start the conversation, Kirk Behrendt brings in Tanya Dunlap, vice president of Perio Protect, to showcase Perio Tray, a convenient way to treat, prevent, and manage gum disease. To learn more about Perio Tray and how it can improve your patients’ lives, listen to Episode 734 of The Best Practices Show! 

Learn More About Tanya:

• Join Perio Protect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PerioProtect
• Follow Perio Protect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perioprotect
• Learn more about Perio Protect: https://www.perioprotect.com
• Register for a free product demo of Perio Protect: https://www.hatchbuck.co/NTUeJL

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

Main Takeaways:

• Patients need better home care.
• Brushing, rinsing, and flossing is not enough.
• Systemic antibiotics are not long-term solutions.
• Perio Protect makes home care easy and convenient.
• Be honest with patients about their gum disease findings.
• You have the opportunity to change patients’ lives for the better.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

1:32 Why this is an important topic.

6:24 The problem of diagnosis and treatment planning.

10:10 How to be honest with patients about gum disease.

12:46 Health benefits of treating gum disease.

15:04 Put periodontal disease into remission.

18:03 The Perio Protect process.

19:32 More about Perio Protect.

Tanya Dunlap Bio:

Tanya Dunlap, PhD, is the vice president at Perio Protect, where she has worked since 2005. For several years, she served as the research liaison for the company, working with researchers and investigators who were testing Perio Tray® therapy in controlled clinical trials and microbiological studies. Her expertise on this adjunctive periodontal therapy is grounded in the data, explaining how the prescription trays work and which patient candidates can benefit from them.

733: Health Habits to Wind Down for Deep Sleep – Dr. Uche Odiatu & Loren King

Are you exhausted before the day is done? Do you wish you had more sleep? Better health, a better life — even being a better dental professional — is tied to a more restful night. To help you be your best self at home and the office, Kirk Behrendt brings back one of ACT’s favorite health and wellness gurus, Dr. Uche Odiatu, and Loren King, an international speaker, life coach, and dental hygienist, to reveal a few simple hacks and habits to start sleeping better today. To learn the foundation for better sleep, listen to Episode 733 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Dr. Odiatu & Loren:

• 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 2024 Bulletproof Summit (June 14-15, 2024): https://reg.bravuratechnologies.com/events/47000020/ae8c3cd7-475c-2bb7-92f0-2pqr33700290/open
• Follow Loren on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorenthecoachforhumans
• Schedule a call with Loren: https://calendly.com/thehumanexperiencecoach/schedule-a-call?month=2024-05
• ·   Watch Loren’s Human Trafficking and Dentistry course: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNnOI7eGpd4

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 733: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
• Try the Oura Ring: https://ouraring.com
• Read Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari: https://bookshop.org/p/books/sapiens-a-brief-history-of-humankind-yuval-noah-harari/15277101?ean=9780062316110
• Learn about ToothPillow: https://www.toothpillow.com

Main Takeaways:

• Sleep is critical to overall health.
• A $10,000 mattress won't fix your problem.
• Proper sleep helps ward off chronic diseases.
• Limit, if not eliminate, your alcohol consumption.
• Eat light — if anything at all — shortly before bed.
• Reduce your exposure to blue light before bedtime.
• Be mindful of EMF exposure. It can disrupt your sleep.
• Keep your room and body temperature cool for better rest.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

3:18 Loren’s background.

4:20 Why this is an important topic.

7:44 The quick fix never works.

11:16 Eat light before bedtime.

13:47 The world is set up for morning larks.

15:39 Deep sleep versus REM sleep.

16:54 How EMF affects sleep.

18:48 How blue light and orange light affects sleep.

22:41 The ideal hours to sleep for men and women.

26:28 How alcohol impacts sleep.

30:43 How body temperature and room temperature affects sleep.

33:34 Final thoughts.

36:43 How to get in touch with Dr. Odiatu and Loren.

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.

Loren King Bio:

Loren King is an international speaker who brings awareness to topics such as human trafficking, airway health, and dental hygiene performance. She is a published author, registered dental hygienist, and life coach for women. She also happens to be a licensed skydiver who has jumped out of a perfectly good airplane — solo, 34 times – which speaks to her resilience to conquer hard things

732: Empowering the Owner-Associate Synergy – Dr. Sean Bahrami

For a practice to be successful, it needs great owner-associate synergy. But how do you find the right owner or associate? To guide both sides through this process, Kirk Behrendt brings in Dr. Sean Bahrami, founder of Dental Wellness Society, to share his strategies for becoming and finding the ideal candidate. To learn the secrets to a successful owner-associate relationship, listen to Episode 732 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Dr. Bahrami:

• Send Dr. Bahrami an email: [email protected] 
• Follow Dr. Bahrami on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drseanbahrami 
• Learn more about Dental Wellness Society: https://www.dentalwellnesssociety.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 732: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos

Main Takeaways for Owners:

• Have a clear vision for your practice.
• Find associates that believe in your vision.
• Choose associates who have drive and motivation.
• Test associates early to decide if they are the right fit.
• Empower associates through teamwork. Let go of your ego.
• Involve your team and associates in the decision-making process.
• Be open to new ideas. There will always be something you can learn.

Main Takeaways for Associates:

• Identify your area of interest in dentistry.
• Seek out mentorship. It is crucial in dentistry.
• Find a practice you want to make your dental home.
• Show up early, be an active member, and be a role model.
• Respectfully introduce new ideas, systems, and procedures.
• Do follow-up calls to show patients that you care about them.
• Focus on elevating the practice that you join, not just the money.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction. 

5:24 The owner-associate relationship, explained. 

7:57 Dr. Bahrami’s background. 

9:08 A tale of two dentists: Dr. Ben and Dr. Sean. 

13:53 The challenges of owning a practice. 

19:02 The challenges of DSOs. 

20:57 Things that make dentistry amazing. 

24:07 The four moments of associate onboarding. 

24:59 Moment 0 & 1: Build a clear vision and recruit accordingly. 

28:53 Moment 2: Test whether the associate is a good fit. 

38:09 Moment 3: Empower your associate. 

42:04 Moment 4: Partnership. 

43:40 The many challenges of recent grads and young dentists. 

47:20 The three moments of associate career development. 

48:11 Moment 1: “Getting your hands wet”. 

49:04 Moment 2: Find mentorship. 

50:58 Moment 3: Find your dental home.

52:56 How to become the ideal associate. 

53:53 Five techniques to become invaluable: Show up early. 

56:57 Five techniques to become invaluable: Be an active member and role model. 

57:21 Five techniques to become invaluable: Introduce new ideas and procedures. 

59:26 Five techniques to become invaluable: Do follow-up calls with patients. 

1:00:48 Five techniques to become invaluable: Think bigger picture. 

1:02:02 Summary, final thoughts, and how to get in touch with Dr. Bahrami. 

1:05:41 Q&A: Figure out how to make your dentistry unique. 

1:07:38 Q&A: The complexity of family in business. 

1:10:05 Q&A: How is associate compensation determined? 

1:11:26 Q&A: Vocalize your vision and goals. 

1:13:54 Q&A: You can't teach drive or motivation. 

1:17:11 Q&A: Your leadership is reflected in the success of your practice. 

1:17:46 Q&A: What is a realistic timeline to find the right associate? 

1:18:56 Q&A: How long should you be an associate prior to a partnership opportunity? 

1:19:41 Q&A: Adjust the value of your practice. 

1:20:52 Q&A: Should you split the team between dentists? 

1:22:16 Q&A: About Dental Wellness Society. 

Dr. Sean Bahrami Bio:

Dr. Sean Bahrami, a native of Germantown, Maryland, obtained his dental education at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. His academic and clinical achievements led to his acceptance into the Diamond Scholars program at the University of Maryland, where he received education on complex restorative dental procedures and full-mouth rehabilitation cases. Upon completing his dental degree, Dr. Bahrami embarked on his professional journey at Supertooth Dental Group, a practice founded by his uncle. Together, they successfully expanded the practice to four locations within a span of five years.

Dr. Bahrami's primary focus lies in cosmetic dentistry, where he integrates technical expertise with a deep commitment to enhancing a patient's smile. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Bahrami is the founder and president of the Dental Wellness Society, a nonprofit organization that focuses on inspiring and empowering dental professionals to achieve holistic well-being and career longevity through comprehensive health education, community support, and lifestyle advocacy. Dr. Bahrami maintains active membership in the American Dental Association, Omricon Kappa Upsilon, and the American Academy of Clear Aligners. 

731: Turning the Numbers into Dollars: Data Mastery in Your Practice! – Dr. Barrett Straub

Do you hate tracking numbers? Are you confused about what to track and why you need to track them? To help you change that, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Barrett Straub, ACT’s CEO, with another framework for mastering the key data in your practice. Start making better business decisions with the help of data! To learn which numbers to track and countermeasures to improve your profitability and culture, listen to Episode 731 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 Dr. Straub’s live workshop (August 23, 2024): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/act-dental-gaps-method-the-formula-for-financial-freedom-tickets-776572418007
• 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 731: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
• Register to access ACT’s PPO Roadmap: https://www.actdental.com/free-resources/ppo-roadmap/
• Register to access ACT’s Say This, Not That resource: https://form.jotform.com/221665137804153

Main Takeaways:

• Know your gross production and net collection numbers.
• Assess, categorize, and track all of your write-offs.
• Evaluate and maximize your schedule.
• Improve your communication skills.
• Upgrade your hand-off system.
• Rework your financial policies.
• Reassess your AR system.
• Don't do this on your own.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

2:07 About ACT’s TTT Study Club and BPA.

6:06 Why this is an important topic.

10:06 Data point #1: Net production.

13:54 Countermeasure #1 for low net production: Assess your write-offs.

15:13 How you handle adjustments will impact your data.

16:43 Elective write-offs, explained.

18:16 Don't lump all insurance write-offs under the same heading.

21:01 Countermeasure #2 for low net production: Assess your schedule.

23:37 Time is the new rich.

25:09 Schedule to maximize your mood, effort, time, and energy.

27:58 Data point #2: Net collections percentage.

32:26 Countermeasure #1 for low net collections: Assess your financial policies.

35:32 Countermeasure #2 for low net collections: Assess the AR system.

39:34 The beauty of systems and habits.

40:44 Data point #3: Case acceptance percentage.

46:16 Countermeasure #1 for low case acceptance: Improve your verbal skills.

51:33 Countermeasure #2 for low case acceptance: Assess your handoff.

55:35 Know why you're tracking the numbers.

57:52 Q&A: Help with getting clean numbers on Eaglesoft.

1:00:49 Q&A: Always bill your office rate.

1:05:49 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.

Do you feel stressed from running your practice? Are you ready to give up ownership? Before you do, listen to this episode! Kirk Behrendt and Dr. Christian Coachman bring in Dr. Jill Tanzi, president of Alliance of Independent Dentists, to explain the importance of staying independent and to offer solutions for struggling dentists. If you're feeling overwhelmed, help is out there! To learn more about Dr. Tanzi’s organization and how they can support you, listen to Episode 730 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Dr. Coachman & Dr. Tanzi:

• 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
• Register for DSD Residency 1: https://digitalsmiledesign.com/dsd-residency-1-on-demand
• Join Alliance of Independent Dentists on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AIDUnitedStates
• Learn more about Alliance of Independent Dentists: https://www.dentistalliance.org

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

Main Takeaways:

• Having ownership gives you more freedom.
• Staying independent is also great for patients.
• Independent dentists CAN compete with DSOs.
• Identify and leverage your strengths and advantages.
• Selling to a DSO won't make dentistry more enjoyable.
• Don't sell your practice out of frustration and desperation.
• If you're stressed from practice ownership, help is out there.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

4:05 Dr. Tanzi’s background.

4:59 Why this is an important topic.

6:58 Learning from trends in medicine.

8:34 The need to center patients.

14:23 Quality dentistry is not scalable.

16:19 You have choices in dentistry.

18:57 What makes dentists want to sell their practice?

19:54 How Alliance of Independent Dentists can help.

26:47 The benefits of practice ownership.

29:54 Set yourself up for success.

33:03 Are dentists happier after selling their practice?

38:25 Do things your way.

39:57 Final thoughts.

47:07 More about Alliance of Independent Dentists.

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. Jill Tanzi Bio:

Dr. Jill A. Tanzi originates from Oxford, Massachusetts, where she graduated valedictorian from Oxford High School. She obtained a BA cum laude in biology from the University of Rochester and a DDS from the University of Maryland, also with honors. During dental school, Dr. Tanzi performed research on salivary glands at the National Institute of Dental Research in Bethesda, Maryland. After graduation, she worked in private practice for three years in the Philadelphia area before returning to Massachusetts to open The Dentist at Hopkinton in 2003.

Dr. Tanzi is committed to continuing education and learning advanced dental procedures. She has taken classes at The Dawson Academy as well as The Spear Institute and attends a monthly Spear Education study club. In addition, she has completed the Midwest Implant Institute Surgical Implant Externship in Columbus, Ohio.