In this episode of the Dental Boardroom Podcast, Wes Read, CPA and CFP, breaks down the key elements of the newly passed House tax bill—H.R.1, also called the “One Big, Beautiful Bill Act.” While it still faces an uncertain path in the Senate, this bill aims to permanently extend many provisions of the 2017 Trump Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Wes walks dentists through what matters most, including the preservation of lower income tax rates, an increased standard deduction, and the continuation of the SALT deduction cap and mortgage interest limits—provisions that have significant implications, especially for practice owners in high-tax states.

He also explains temporary tax exemptions for overtime and tip income, a proposed auto loan interest deduction, and how these changes could affect employee expectations and HR management. Whether you’re a practice owner, associate, or independent contractor, Wes shares insights to help you prepare for what’s coming and highlights why staying proactive on tax strategy is more critical than ever.

• Overview of the "One Big, Beautiful Bill Act (H.R.1)", passed narrowly by the House on May 22, 2025.
• Focus on the tax policy provisions most relevant to dentists, associates, and independent contractors.
• Breakdown of the permanent extension of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, including lower tax rates, standard deduction changes, and SALT deduction caps.m
• Wes explains how blue-state dentists may continue to feel the pinch from SALT and mortgage interest deduction limits.
• Commentary on temporary tax exemptions for tips and overtime pay — and how it may lead to HR challenges and enforcement complexity.
• Discussion on a proposed auto loan interest deduction and increased standard deduction amounts.
• Practical insights for dental professionals on how these tax changes could impact your bottom line.
• Caution on the uncertainty of final Senate approval — changes are likely.

#DentalBoardroomPodcast #DentalCPA #TaxBill2025 #TrumpTaxPlan #DentalFinance #PracticeCFO #HRTaxTips #WesReadCPA #DentalPracticeOwners #DentistMoneyMatters #SALTdeduction #TaxStrategy

In this episode of The Dental Boardroom Podcast, Wes Read, CPA, CFP, sits down with Dr. Bob Marcus to unpack one of the most critical and misunderstood challenges in dentistry: case acceptance.

Dr. Marcus—seasoned clinician, educator, and practice management consultant—shares what separates practices that thrive from those that just get by. From mindset to method, he reveals how confidence, communication, and bundling treatment can elevate both patient care and profitability.

Together, Wes and Bob explore why many dentists unknowingly sabotage their own case presentations—and how to reverse that by shifting from features to feelings, and from hesitation to leadership. You’ll also learn how the financial structure of a practice makes case acceptance not just a clinical skill, but an economic necessity.

1. The Care Scale

Gauge the patient’s investment in their dental health. Ask something simple:

“Is it important to you to keep your teeth healthy?”

That first "yes" sets the tone.

2. Permission

Ask if it’s okay to share what you’ve found. This builds respect and reduces defensiveness.

“Would you mind if I walked you through what I’m seeing?”

3. Consequences

Communicate what happens if nothing is done—without fear tactics. Focus on clarity.

4. Outcomes

Frame your recommendation around benefits. What will life feel like afterward?

5. Feelings

People remember how you made them feel, not just what you said. Build trust and human connection.

• Ethical selling is essential: Private practice requires guiding patients toward smart, timely decisions—not just diagnosing.
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• Comprehensive care creates real value: Don’t settle for “cosmodontistry.” Reactive care keeps you busy, not profitable.
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• Confidence is contagious: If you believe in the treatment plan, patients are far more likely to say yes.
• 
  
• Track performance: Simple measurement of case acceptance and treatment conversions can spark major improvements.
• 
  
• Bundle treatment to boost margins: Fewer appointments, less overhead, and greater financial return—for both you and the patient.
• 
  

Connect with Dr. Bob Marcus

www.bobmarcusdmd.com

#DentalBoardroomPodcast #CaseAcceptance #DentalPracticeSuccess #PatientCommunication #DentalLeadership #BobMarcusDMD #ComprehensiveDentistry #DentalBusiness #DentistTips #PrivatePracticeGrowth #DentalEconomics

Many dentists feel trapped in the PPO system—working long hours, doing more dentistry, and still questioning, “Where’s the money going?”

In this episode of The Dental Boardroom Podcast, Wes Read, CPA and CFP, talks with Dr. Anissa Broussard about her powerful shift from PPO dependence to a thriving fee-for-service practice. Dr. Broussard shares how she reframed her mindset, leveraged social media to attract ideal patients, and built a brand rooted in authenticity and trust.

They also discuss the financial and emotional challenges of leaving insurance behind—and how purpose, leadership, and smart marketing can lead to lasting success.

Whether you're a dentist considering a fee-for-service model or want to better align your practice with your values, this conversation offers both inspiration and actionable insights.

• PPOs as marketing expenses: Most dentists don't realize they're essentially paying for patients by taking deep insurance write-offs.
• The mindset shift: Stop thinking in terms of discounts and desperation. Start thinking brand, leadership, and patient experience.
• Know your costs: Most dentists can’t answer how much a filling actually costs—this awareness is the first step to profitability.
• Your brand is your magnet: Patients will pay your full fee if they perceive your value. Build your online presence and authority.
• Dr. Broussard’s journey: From owning a dental practice to starting her own podcast, writing a book, and founding Digital Floss to help other dentists grow.
• The power of storytelling: Sharing results via video and social media is how modern patients choose their dentists.
• Leadership is key: Your team needs to hear your vision seven times before they believe it’s real. Stay consistent.
• You can’t pour from an empty cup: If your margins are thin, you can’t truly serve your team, patients, or yourself.

#FeeForServiceDentistry #DentalMarketing #DentalPracticeGrowth #DentistMindset #DentalLeadership #DigitalFloss #PracticeCFO #DentalBranding #BreakFreeFromPPO #DeliveringWow #PrivatePracticeDentistry #DentalConsulting #DentistPodcast

Wes Read, CPA and CFP, returns from the CDA Convention in Anaheim and sits down with Practice CFO’s lead CFO advisor, Paul Lipcius, and head of investments, Brandon Hobson, for an in-depth conversation on the current state of the economy and investing landscape in May 2025.

Together, they dive into the market’s reaction to global tariffs, recent signals from the Federal Reserve, macroeconomic trends, and how the Practice CFO investment committee is adjusting its strategies for clients amid uncertainty.

This is a must-listen for dentists and professionals looking to stay ahead of economic shifts that impact their financial independence and investment goals.

🔑 Key Discussion Points:

• Tariff Impact & Uncertainty
• 
  
• Federal Reserve Watch
• 
  
• Macroeconomic Trends in 2025
• 
  
• Practice CFO’s Investment Approach

#DentalBoardroomPodcast #PracticeCFO #DentistFinance #DentalInvesting #FinancialIndependence #EconomicUpdate #FederalReserve #JeromePowell #Tariffs2025 #InvestmentStrategy #Macroecono

If you're a dental practice owner—or planning to become one—this episode could save you thousands. Wes Read, CPA and CFP, breaks down the financial fundamentals every dentist needs to master, especially when it comes to getting money out of your business without triggering IRS penalties.

Wes unpacks the critical role of choosing the right business structure—S Corporation, LLC, or sole proprietorship—and how that decision directly impacts your taxes. You’ll learn why S Corps are often the go-to for dentists, and how your “stock basis” plays a central role in what you can legally distribute from your business.

What’s the danger? “Excess distributions”—taking more out of the business than your basis allows. Do this, and you could be looking at capital gains taxes and serious IRS scrutiny.

Wes explains the three primary ways dentists take money out of their practices—payroll, direct distributions, and personal expenses—and how to do it smartly. If you’re in the middle of a buildout, just bought a practice, or making big equipment purchases, this episode is a must-listen.

With clear explanations and actionable advice, Wes helps you sidestep costly tax traps and plan your cash flow more strategically.

What You’ll Learn:

• How excess distributions work—and why they’re a silent profit killer
• What “basis” really means, and how it affects your ability to take money out
• The pros and cons of S Corps, LLCs, and sole proprietorships for dentists
• The three most common ways money exits a dental practice—and the tax implications of each
• How to work with your CPA to avoid penalties and optimize your income

#DentalBoardroom #DentalCPA #DentalFinance #ExcessDistributions #SCorporation #DentalPracticeOwner #DentistTaxTips #DentalPo

Welcome back to The Dental Boardroom Podcast! 

Wes Read CPA, CFP dives deep into a critical and often misunderstood topic among dental practice owners: Should you buy or open a second location?

Wes breaks down the real economics, hidden challenges, and common myths behind scaling your dental business by adding a second office. Drawing from years of client experiences and financial data, he explains why many dentists struggle — and why some succeed — in making this leap.

Whether you’re at the peak of your first practice and itching to grow, or just curious about expansion, this episode will help you approach the decision with eyes wide open.

• The decision to open a second location is complex, especially for solo owners.
• Four common reasons dentists believe they should expand — and why they're actually myths.
• Fixed vs. variable costs in a dental practice — and why most costs are fixed.
• The power of increasing revenue within one practice versus opening another.
• Why delegation to associates often fails to meet expectations
• The true demands of managing multiple practices: leadership, operations, culture, and finances
• Scaling is possible — but only with the right business infrastructure and mindset
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#DentalBoardroomPodcast #DentalPracticeGrowth #SecondLocation #DentalEconomics #DentalBusinessTips #PracticeCFO #DentalOwnership #SoloPractice #DentalExpansion #AssociateDentist #DentalPracticeManagement #ScalingYourPractice #DentistryBusiness

In this episode, Wes Read CPA, CFP and founder of PracticeCFO dives into one of the most important financial terms in dentistry: EBITDA. Whether you're planning to sell your practice or simply want to manage it better, understanding EBITDA is essential. Wes explains what it is, how to interpret it from your P&L, and why every dental professional—owner or associate—should know the business side of dentistry.

This episode is designed to help you start thinking like a CEO of your dental practice. Because yes, it’s a practice—but it’s also a business, with payroll, debt, taxes, benefits, and financial planning responsibilities.

• EBITDA is a key financial metric every dental practice owner should understand.
• Even associates benefit from learning the business side of dentistry.
• Your dental practice operates like any other business—complete with payroll, taxes, and budgets.
• Understanding financials helps you become an effective CEO of your practice.
• Unlike large corporations, dentists provide services (not products), but the financial principles still apply.

#DentalBusiness #DentalPracticeManagement #EBITDA #DentalFinance #DentistryPodcast #DentalCEO #DentalAssociates #PracticeOwnership #DentalEntrepreneur #FinancialLiteracy #P&LExplained #BusinessOfDentistry

In this insightful episode of The Dental Boardroom Podcast, Wes Reed, CPA, CFP and founder of Practice CFO, breaks down the real financial impact of staying in-network with PPOs versus transitioning to a fee-for-service (FFS) model. Using a crown-focused case study, Wes illustrates how fewer procedures can yield significantly higher profits under FFS — even with some patient attrition. If you're a dental practice owner evaluating your profitability strategy, this episode will give you a clear-eyed view of the numbers that matter.

• The purpose of PPOs: high patient volume but lower profit margins.
• FFS model: fewer crowns, less overhead, but more profit.
• Why many dentists feel trapped in PPOs despite shrinking reimbursement rates.
• A detailed crown-based financial comparison: 30 PPO crowns vs. 20 FFS crowns.
• Key overhead costs: fixed vs. variable and their implications in each model.
• Why switching to FFS can potentially double your net profit.
• The long-term sustainability challenges of staying in-network.
• How patient relationships and brand strength affect attrition rates when transitioning out-of-network.
• Practical considerations for associate-driven vs. solo practices.

#DentalBoardroomPodcast #PracticeCFO #PPOvsFFS #DentalEconomics #FeeForService #DentalPracticeGrowth #DentalProfitability #OutOfNetworkDentistry #DentalCPA #DentalBusinessTips #CrownCaseStudy

Welcome back to The Dental Boardroom Podcast with Wes Read CPA, CFP!

In today's episode, we're pivoting from last week's discussion about reviewing your own financial statements to a powerful new focus: the 10 critical questions you should be asking your CPA every year — not just at tax time.

Why is this so important?

Most CPAs are historians by training — they look backward. But if you learn to engage them correctly, you can push your CPA into a more analytical, forward-thinking advisor role that will transform your practice’s financial success and help you build lasting personal wealth.

Key Points:

• Why Timing Matters: Waiting until year-end to talk with your CPA can cost you tax-saving opportunities. Meet proactively in Q2 and Q4!
• CPA as Historian vs. Planner: Most CPAs are trained to look backward, but with the right questions, you can push them to think forward.
• Financial Integration: The greatest value comes when your business cash flow planning connects directly to your personal financial goals.
• Personal Financial Independence: Route business profits smartly—either spend on personal expenses or build your balance sheet (assets).
• Avoid Financial Leaks: Without good cash flow control in the practice, money will leak away before strengthening your personal net worth.
• Schedule Smart Meetings: Ideal times to meet your CPA are after tax season (May-June) and after October 15th.
• 3 Sections for CPA Questions:

1. Profit & Loss: Understand your goals-based break-even and if you're hitting it.
2. Taxes: Stay ahead of tax liabilities, deductions, and strategic opportunities.
3. Financial Planning: Align your practice cash flow with your long-term personal financial goals.

• Key Concept: "Goals-Based Break-Even" — how much you must collect monthly to fund your current lifestyle AND save for financial independence.

#DentalBoardroomPodcast#DentalCPA#FinancialFreedom#PracticeCFO#DentistFinance#TaxPlanning#DentalPracticeManagement#FinancialIndependence#CPAQuestions#BusinessCashFlow#DentistWealth#DentalPodcast

The PTE Deductions: Don’t Miss Out!

If you're a dental practice owner in a state with state-level income taxes—this episode with is for you. Host Wes Read CPA, CFP dives deep into the Pass-Through Entity (PTE) Tax Election, a tax-saving strategy that can turn your state tax payments into a federal tax deduction.

This is especially important for dentists in high-tax states like California, New York, or any state with a 4%+ income tax. Wes breaks down what the PTE is, why it matters, and how to use it properly—so you’re not leaving money on the table.

Takeaways:

• Who needs to listen: Dentists in states with income taxes—especially high-tax states like CA, NY, NJ, etc.
• What is the PTE (Pass-Through Entity) Tax?
• A way to bypass the $10,000 SALT deduction cap on federal returns by paying state income tax through your business entity.
• Why it matters:
• Allows for a significant federal tax deduction for taxes you already have to pay.
• The IRS SALT Deduction Cap:
• Since the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, there's a $10,000 cap on how much state and local taxes you can deduct when itemizing.
• How PTE helps:
• Paying taxes at the entity level converts those state taxes into fully deductible business expenses on your federal return.
• Watch out:
• There are rules and deadlines, and not every CPA proactively elects this. Be sure to confirm your CPA is doing this correctly.
• Standard vs. Itemized Deduction:
• Wes breaks down how deductions work and why understanding them is crucial for maximizing the PTE benefit.

#DentalBoardroomPodcast #DentalCPA #PTETax #DentalPracticeTips #TaxStrategy #HighTaxStates #PracticeCFO #DentalFinance #DentalTaxPlanning #PassThroughEntity #DentistLife #DentalBusiness #PracticeOrbit