Dentistry is seeing some tough days - but is it worth sticking around and riding the wave of a $200 billion industry? In this episode of The Dental Economist Show, host Mike Huffaker sits down with Steve Bilt, CEO of Smile Brands, to explore the current state of the dental industry, strategies for sustainable growth, and the future of AI in dentistry.

What You’ll Learn: 

• Customer retention and service excellence as strategies for navigating economic turbulence in dentistry 

• Why building a dental business for long-term sustainability trumps short-term exit strategies

• The critical importance of maintaining strong cash flow to preserve strategic options in challenging markets

• How DSO models can help bridge the care gap for the 50% of Americans not receiving regular dental care

• Why simplifying your business agenda and focusing on 2-3 core priorities leads to better execution

• How to leverage AI strategically in dental practices, from patient communications to revenue cycle management

• Why understanding your balance sheet is crucial in today's market environment

• The importance of building strong relationships with providers and investing in talent acquisition during uncertain times

As dental professionals and DSOs brace for turbulence, this episode offers a hopeful reminder of the potential of dentistry - today and in the future. 
Episode Highlights:
01:37 - 04:07 Less Is More: Simple Agendas, Maximum Impact Steve emphasizes that during challenging times, the key to success is identifying core strengths and doubling down on them. While dentistry offers numerous opportunities, trying to pursue too many initiatives simultaneously can dilute effectiveness and resources. He recommends taking your existing list of initiatives and cutting it in half, then cutting it in half again to focus on just 2-3 key priorities that can truly make a difference. This disciplined approach provides a clear framework for strategic decision-making.
06:22 - 10:30 Build for Longevity, Not Quick ExitsSteve shares a crucial insight about building sustainable dental businesses by focusing on long-term value creation rather than quick exits. He explains that trying to time the market for a sale is dangerous and likens it to gambling, where you need to be right about both direction and timing. The key is to build a business with strong fundamentals that you theoretically would never need to sell, which paradoxically creates the best opportunities for favorable exits when the timing is right. 
10:39 - 12:16 The Untapped Potential in Dental Care Access Steve highlights a critical market opportunity in dentistry, noting that 50% of Americans still lack regular dental care access, representing a business opportunity as well as a significant healthcare challenge that DSO models are uniquely positioned to address through increased efficiency and accessibility. He emphasizes that this isn't about disrupting successful private practices but rather about expanding the market to serve previously unreached populations.
12:18 - 14:49 Using AI Strategically, Not For the Sake Of ItSteve offers a pragmatic perspective on AI adoption in dentistry, comparing it to the early internet boom where direction was right but timing and hype were misaligned, highlighting specific high-impact areas for AI implementation, including voice agents for patient communication and revenue cycle management automation. He suggests that the focus should be on finding measurable impact points that make teams more efficient and improve patient experience rather than adopting AI for its own sake. 
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What if you could build a dental organization focused on preserving local practices while delivering exceptional growth? In this episode of The Dental Economist Show, host Mike Huffaker sits down with Dr. Greg White, President and CEO of PepperPointe Partnerships, to explore a unique doctor-owned DSO model that’s achieving 50% profitability increases across its practices and has grown to support over 130 locations while protecting doctor ownership, patient care, and local community roots. 

What You’ll Learn: 

• How to structure a doctor-owned DSO that preserves true ownership while enabling collaborative growth
  
  
• Why geographic concentration creates stronger negotiating power with insurance companies and vendors
  
  
• How to balance individual practice autonomy with group decision-making in multi-practice organizations
  
  
• The three-generation approach to dental practice valuation and ownership transition
  
  
• Why technology investments should follow strategy, not lead it
  
  
• How to create sustainable practice profitability through personal accountability and clear metrics
  
  
• Why cultural alignment and shared long-term vision matter more than group size in practice partnerships
  
  

Dr. Greg White is the President and CEO of PepperPointe Partnerships, a unique doctor-owned dental service organization focused on preserving local practices through a cooperative model. With over 30 years of experience in orthodontics and entrepreneurship, Dr. White transformed his 20-location orthodontic practice into an innovative DSO that now supports over 130 locations while maintaining doctor ownership and community integration. His vision for preserving dentist autonomy while building multi-generational practices has led to remarkable results, including 50% profitability increases across member practices in challenging market conditions.

Tune in for a guide of actionable strategies on taking dental technology and your practice’s security to the next level!

Episode Highlights:

• 07:05 Founding PepperPointe Partnerships
  
  

PepperPointe Partnerships was built to protect the legacy of dentistry by keeping ownership in the hands of dentists, not private equity. Instead of competing, practices came together under one innovative structure that safeguards true ownership, ensures retiring doctors can maintain their lifestyle, and opens affordable pathways for new graduates. The lesson? Stop seeing each other as competitors and start building together.

• 13:08 The Power of Partnership
  
  

When you stop chasing quick exits and start building for the long term, everything changes. Dr. White’s model shows that by aligning doctors around shared ownership, accountability, and reinvestment, you can increase profitability even through crises like COVID, supply chain shortages, and high interest rates. Instead of squeezing value for three to five years, his groups focus on creating enduring businesses that last for generations, attract new talent, and share profits directly with doctors. This creates stronger cultures, better patient care, and a 50% rise in profitability in just six years.

• 24:27 Why Most Groups Fail
  
  

Running a group with dozens of equal partners isn’t easy. Different voices, perspectives, and effort levels make alignment tough. But that’s also what creates resilience and opportunity. Success in this model comes down to the only three things you can truly control: your attitude, your choices, and your effort. When partners lean into those, they unlock growth far beyond what they could achieve alone. When they don’t, results vary.

• 31:51 The Future of Dentistry
  
  

The future of dentistry is powered by two forces: patient demand for aesthetics and the smart use of technology. Patients will continue to spend more on looking good, driving growth in dental care. For practices, success isn’t about chasing every new tool but about building a strong culture, clear strategy, and then using technology to amplify that vision. Focus on culture, accountability, respect, and digital-first workflows, and you’ll not only attract new patients but also the next generation of dental talent.




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As dental practitioners, do you invest enough capital into protecting your practice with robust IT and security systems? The latest episode of The Dental Economist Show uncovers the reality of dental security today and why 70% of dental practices are at risk of a security breach. Tune in to hear host Mike Huffaker and Tom Barberio, Chief Information Officer at Thinc Forward, chat about the evolving landscape of dental technology and IT security. 

What You’ll Learn: 

• How to leverage dental technology as a growth driver and business enabler

• Why dental practices need specialized "dental IT" support versus general IT services

• How to evaluate AI solutions in dentistry beyond the buzzwords

• Why cloud solutions can reduce hardware costs and extend equipment lifecycles

• The framework for successfully implementing new technology without disrupting operations

• How to avoid common pitfalls of product sprawl and redundant IT services

• The strategic advantages of consolidating IT services across multiple locations

Tune in for a guide of actionable strategies on taking dental technology and your practice’s security to the next level! 
Episode Highlights:
01:35-7:00 The Evolution of Dental Technology StrategyTom reveals how dental practices have transformed from viewing technology as a basic necessity to leveraging it as a strategic business driver. This shift, particularly accelerated post-COVID, shows practices now actively seeking ways to use technology to enhance patient experience and drive revenue growth. He suggests that modern dental organizations recognize that staying competitive requires viewing IT as an enabler rather than just a cost center. Strategic technology implementation helps practices improve operational efficiency while meeting rising patient expectations for digital experiences. 
07:11-12:30 The How, What and Why of “Technical Debt” Tom introduces the concept of "technical debt" and its impact on dental practice operations. He explains - practices often prioritize purchasing new clinical equipment while neglecting core infrastructure updates, creating a compounding technology deficit. He recommends implementing a quarterly budget approach for consistent technology updates rather than facing large, unexpected costs. By compartmentalizing IT investments into manageable portions, practices can maintain modern infrastructure while still investing in revenue-generating equipment.
15:44-18:49 The Reality of AI Implementation & What Needs to Happen Tom emphasizes the importance of looking beyond AI buzzwords to identify specific operational needs and solutions. Rather than seeking a one-size-fits-all AI solution, practices should prioritize their specific needs across clinical, administrative, and patient engagement areas. The key to successful AI implementation lies in understanding exactly how each solution will address concrete business challenges. By carefully evaluating vendors against prioritized needs, practices can avoid wasting resources on unnecessary features. This focused approach helps practices select AI solutions that deliver measurable improvements in efficiency and patient care.
18:50-21:30 Successful Technology Implementation 101Tom emphasizes that successful technology rollouts require thorough planning and buy-in from all stakeholders. Many implementations fail because organizations rush deployment without proper vetting from front office, back office, and clinical perspectives. Organizations should prioritize proper communication and training to ensure staff adoption and prevent negative perception of new technologies, which significantly increases the likelihood of successful technology adoption and positive ROI.
21:33-26:20 Optimizing IT Investments and Avoiding RedundancyTom addresses the common problem of "product sprawl" where practices accumulate redundant software solutions. Many organizations unknowingly pay for multiple products with overlapping features, particularly as they grow through acquisitions. Conducting regular audits of technology solutions can identify opportunities to consolidate vendors and reduce costs. Streamlining IT services across multiple locations can achieve significant economies of scale. This optimization strategy often reveals thousands in potential savings per location while improving operational efficiency.
Cyber threats in dental are on the rise. Tom Barberio shares practical ways to protect your practice and stay ahead—listen now! 

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“Take care of yourself so you can take care of others,” is a common adage that everyone would do well to remember. Especially healthcare professionals. This episode of The Dental Economist Show examines healthcare and leadership through a different lens, as host Mike Huffaker welcomes Tim Perreria - Founder & Men’s Coach, PER Wellness and a mental health advocate walking across America to raise awareness for men's mental health.

What You’ll Learn: 

• The importance of creating psychologically safe workplaces by modeling vulnerability and emotional intelligence

• Why accepting help is a sign of strength and how it impacts team dynamics

• How music can help you tap into emotions and drive personal transformation

• Why corporate wellness programs need to evolve beyond surface-level solutions to create lasting impact

• The power of surrender in leadership: maintaining calm and clarity while driving results

• How outdoor experiences and disconnecting from technology can enhance mental wellness and leadership effectiveness

• The importance of having visible role models who openly discuss mental health challenges in professional settings

As every DSO tries to scale and grow, empathetic leadership and mental health advocacy are critical to professional, patient and business health. Tune in to be the leader everyone needs today. 

Episode Highlights:
16:05-21:00 It’s Okay to Ask For Help: The Power of Vulnerability 
Tim reveals how accepting help from others is often misinterpreted as weakness, when it actually demonstrates strength and emotional intelligence. Healthcare leaders who model vulnerability automatically create psychologically safer workplaces where team members feel comfortable seeking support. By intentionally practicing acceptance of help, leaders can build stronger connections and demonstrate that it's safe for others to do the same, enabling a culture of trust in the organization.  
24:52-28:00 Music & Emotions: The Vision Playlist Framework
Tim shares his powerful "Vision Playlist" technique for using music to tap into specific emotional states and reinforce personal and professional goals. For healthcare leaders struggling with burnout or motivation, creating a curated playlist of songs that evoke desired emotional states can be a powerful tool for maintaining focus and energy. He suggests that each song should connect to a specific aspect of your vision - whether that's confidence, compassion, or other leadership qualities. This framework provides a practical way to intentionally shape your mindset and emotional state during challenging times. 
34:35 - 43:50 Why Leaders Need to Be Their Authentic Selves Tim emphasizes that men often "heal shoulder to shoulder" rather than face-to-face, highlighting the importance of leaders who openly discuss their challenges. In healthcare environments where emotional strain is common, having visible role models who normalize discussing mental health creates psychological safety, meaning that leaders must "go first" in showing vulnerability and seeking support through coaching or other resources. As Time suggests, breaking down stigma is critical and shows team members that seeking help is a sign of strength rather than weakness. 
43:59 - 48:40 The Power of Surrender in Leadership
Tim reframes "surrender", from a sign of giving up to releasing the need to control everything through fear and stress. For healthcare leaders dealing with constant pressure, this mindset shift allows better decision-making from a place of clarity rather than anxiety. It doesn't mean accepting poor outcomes, but rather maintaining a calm presence while addressing challenges. Healthcare professionals who learn to "surrender" often find they perform better while experiencing less burnout.
Listen now for a story about resilience, vulnerability, and taking the first step. 

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What happens when the world goes to sleep? A legacy DSO conference gets built. Tune into the latest episode of The Dental Economist Show with host Mike Huffaker, as he welcomes Brian Colao, Director of Dykema's DSO Industry Group, and DSO big shot, to explore the upcoming Dykema Definitive DSO Conference.

What You’ll Learn: 

• How to maximize networking opportunities at Dykema, from strategic breakfast meetings to late-night conversations at the fire pits

• All about the conference's unique approach to delivering fresh, relevant content for the DSO industry

• The essential first-timer's guide to navigating Dykema, including networking best practices

• How to leverage the comprehensive vendor showcase to explore everything from AI solutions to practice management systems

• How to balance business meetings with educational sessions to maximize your conference ROI

• Why staying for the full conference duration, including Friday's sessions with John McEnroe, is crucial for complete value

Tune in for an all-you-need-to-know guide to dental’s most iconic DSO conference.

Episode Highlights:
03:10-10:30 Making the Most of the Dykema Conference  Brian emphasizes that Dykema's unprecedented 2,400-person attendance creates unique networking opportunities that require strategic engagement throughout the entire event. He explains that even seemingly optional events, like early breakfast sessions, frequently result in unexpected yet valuable business connections, offering ways in which attendees can maximize value. Brian recommends attending every scheduled event, including the Women in DSO gathering, opening reception, and dinner reception. For dental industry professionals looking to expand their network, this "always present" approach ensures they don't miss crucial connection opportunities.
10:35-17:05 Quality Control in Conference Programming Brian reveals his passionate commitment to maintaining high standards for both vendors and content at Dykema. The conference faces the challenge of balancing commercial interests with genuine educational value, requiring careful curation of presentations and exhibitors. Brian personally oversees stage content, rejecting purely promotional presentations even from major sponsors, while ensuring vendors receive genuine value through direct access to decision-makers. He implements strict quality control by screening potential participants and maintaining a selective approach to sponsorship opportunities. This commitment to quality has resulted in unprecedented attendance numbers and consistently positive feedback from both DSO representatives and vendors.
28:50-31:00 A Technology Solutions Showcase Like No Other  Brian highlights how Dykema serves as a one-stop educational platform for exploring every major dental technology solution, from AI to practice management systems. Many dental organizations struggle with evaluating and selecting technology solutions in isolation, often missing opportunities for integration and optimization. The conference addresses this by bringing together verified, value-adding vendors across every major technology category, allowing attendees to efficiently compare solutions. Attendees can transform from having zero knowledge about a particular technology to understanding all available options in just three days, enabling dental organizations to make informed technology decisions while saving months of independent research time.
31:25-34:20 Supporting the First-Timers Brian shares how the conference has developed specific support systems for first-time attendees, addressing the common challenge of feeling overwhelmed at large industry events. Through initiatives like Sarah Ruberg's pre-event webinars and DVIN's orientation sessions, new attendees receive guidance on maximizing their conference experience. These support systems provide structured introductions to the event format, helping newcomers navigate the extensive networking and learning opportunities. First-time attendees gain confidence through these preparatory sessions, enabling them to take full advantage of the conference from day one. This structured support system has become a crucial element in ensuring positive experiences for the growing number of new attendees.
Discover what sets Dykema apart in the dental space—insights, connections, and real value. If you enjoy the episode, follow and share! 

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In many cases, it helps to follow the roadmap to success laid down by those before us. In most cases, it helps to observe what people have done differently, and be inspired by the uniqueness of it all! The latest episode of The Dental Economist Show with host Mike Huffaker brings a dynamic conversation to the table as Mike sits down with Dr. Alex Sharp, CEO of Shared Practices Group, to explore how a dental podcast evolved into a thriving 38-location DSO.

What You’ll Learn: 

• How to build a successful dental organization by focusing on a specific niche

• Why human capital and cultural alignment are crucial for scaling a dental organization, especially in a remote environment

• The "De Novo vs. Acquisition" framework for determining the best growth strategy for your dental organization

• How to create effective marketing funnels and patient acquisition strategies for specialty dental practices

• Why market selection and demographic analysis are critical success factors for new practice launches

• The "Microculture" principle for balancing standardization with practice-level autonomy in a multi-location organization

• How to leverage technology and visibility tools to effectively manage remote dental practices

• Why phone performance and patient communication remain critical despite technological advances in dentistry

• The importance of continuous learning and on-site visits for maintaining practice excellence and team engagement

Tune in to discover how you can scale your dental practice in today’s day and age, without compromising on excellence
Episode Highlights:
04:46 - 10:24 Find Your Niche, Find Your Success Dr. Sharp reveals how focusing deeply on a niche - implants and dentures - has enabled exponential growth versus “trying to be everything to everyone”. This specialized approach allows practices to develop mastery and deliver consistently excellent outcomes that patients can visibly appreciate, addressing a growing market need while avoiding the increasingly pressured middle ground of general dentistry. By consciously narrowing their scope, practitioners can achieve higher proficiency and create more meaningful patient impact. This focused model has helped Shared Practices Group expand to 38 locations across 23 states while maintaining clinical excellence.
10:25 -15:30 Hire Carefully To Build Future-Proof Culture Sharp emphasizes the critical importance of screening for the humility and ownership mindset during the hiring process through targeted open-ended questions. Leaders should look beyond technical skills to assess how candidates handle challenges, learn from mistakes, and collaborate with teams, while the interview process should evaluate a candidate's self-awareness, coachability, and ability to contribute to a culture of continuous improvement. This approach helps build cohesive teams aligned with core values while avoiding the "god complex" that can derail healthcare organizations.
25:42 - 30:05 Managing Microcultures in Multi-Location Organizations Rather than enforcing rigid standardization, Sharp advocates for balancing consistent core standards with flexibility in day-to-day operations. This approach allows individual locations to develop their unique "microculture" while maintaining alignment with the organization's mission and values. He suggests that the focus should be on achieving consistent patient outcomes across locations while empowering doctors and staff to put their stamp on practice operations, which further helps maintain quality while boosting employee engagement and retention.
44:08 - 46:25 The Six-Month Launch Sequence for New PracticesSharp outlines a comprehensive countdown approach starting six months before opening a new location, treating it like a NASA mission launch. The process involves careful market analysis, team building, marketing preparation, and operational setup coordinated across multiple workstreams. Success depends heavily on selecting the right market, as even excellent teams cannot overcome poor location choice. This systematic approach helps organizations minimize risks and maximize the chances of success when expanding to new markets.
Follow the show for more conversations like this, and feel free to share the episode with someone who’d enjoy Alex’s insights. 

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This is the dream - put your core values front and centre, get culture right and watch your dental practice flourish. This is reality - dental practices get comfortable, complacent and resistant to change, causing them to stagnate. In the latest episode of The Dental Economist Show, host Mike Huffaker welcomes Len Schiavone, CEO of CORDENTAL Group, to explore the strategies that enable the dream.

What You’ll Learn: 

• How to balance centralized and decentralized revenue cycle management to maintain patient relationships while improving efficiency

• Why dental practices should rethink treatment plan accuracy and patient financing in today's economic climate

• The framework for evaluating and implementing AI solutions based on current pain points versus future capabilities

• How to maintain cultural alignment during practice acquisitions through CORDENTAL's "Collaborate, Optimize, Respect" principles

• How dental practices can lead healthcare innovation by leveraging their entrepreneurial spirit and fewer regulatory barriers

• The strategy for implementing radiographic AI to build patient trust and improve treatment acceptance

• Why reframing dental "insurance" as a maintenance plan can set better patient expectations and improve collections

Tune in to discover why dentistry is uniquely positioned to lead healthcare innovation and how practices can balance profitability with purpose. 
Episode Highlights:
05:08 - 09:52 Practice Culture is a Non-Negotiable 
Len shares his perspective on the “basics” of practice growth and why it’s so important to get them right. At the centre of this, lies culture and a practice’s core values. He emphasizes that DSOs can only help practices to a certain extent, but true growth lies in getting culture right, focussing on it with intention and consistency, and why articulating one’s practice values at the very beginning is a non-negotiable. His revelation of CORDENTAL’s philosophy and the unique way they keep values at the forefront of their business highlights the strategic advantage of being culture-focussed in today’s day and age. 

14:34 - 19:39 Predictive Analytics for Schedule Management
Len shares how CORDENTAL uses historical data and statistical analysis to predict patient behavior patterns and optimize scheduling. Practice leaders struggling with no-shows and schedule gaps can leverage predictive analytics to identify high-risk time slots and strategically overbook accordingly, moving beyond rigid cancellation policies to instead use data-driven insights that maintain both practice efficiency and positive patient relationships. For dental organizations looking to maximize chair time while minimizing disruption, this systematic approach offers a practical solution that has proven successful in both dental and medical settings.
24:16 - 27:09 Radiographic AI as a Patient Education Tool 
Len emphasizes how AI-enhanced imaging serves primarily as a powerful patient education and trust-building tool. The technology transforms complex dental images into clear visual explanations by highlighting key areas with colored indicators that patients can easily understand. This visual clarity helps bridge the communication gap between clinical findings and patient comprehension, leading to better treatment plan acceptance. CORDENTAL has found that patients, especially younger demographics, view practices using AI technology as more modern and trustworthy. 
47:03 - 50:15 Strategic Technology Implementation Framework
Len outlines CORDENTAL's three-phase approach to evaluating and implementing new technology solutions: addressing current pain points, planning for near-term needs, and maintaining flexibility for future innovations. This structured framework helps practices avoid getting overwhelmed by the constant stream of new technology options in dentistry. Rather than chasing every new solution, the approach focuses on identifying specific operational challenges and piloting targeted solutions, providing a practical way to evaluate options and prioritize implementations that will have the most impact.


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For healthcare providers, insurance is a necessary business strategy. For patients, it’s stress inducing and often, unsupportive. In this episode, host Mike Huffaker sits down with Ben Baenen, Director of Healthcare and Life Sciences at West Monroe, to explore the evolving landscape of dental technology, real-time claims processing, and the impact of AI on the industry.

What You’ll Learn: 

• Why dental is becoming a more integral window into overall wellness and healthcare integration

• How the dental ecosystem is shifting from fragmentation to collaboration between payers and providers

• The roadmap to achieving real-time claims processing and why it's closer than you think

• Why data standardization and clean architecture are crucial for private equity investment in dental

• How AI is transforming dental operations, from fraud detection to patient experience

• The emerging trend of membership plans and their role in simplifying the dental benefits landscape

• Why vertical integration and ecosystem collaboration are driving industry transformation

• How technology modernization is creating new opportunities for practice growth and efficiency

Tune in for actionable insights on how to solve for trust erosion and friction in the world of dental insurance claims.
Episode Highlights:
09:25 - 12:36 The Integration of Dental Care into Overall Wellness Ben shares how dental care is becoming a critical window into overall wellness, representing 5-6% of US healthcare spending with expectations for growth. The integration allows dentists to conduct broader health screenings and coordinate care across the healthcare ecosystem, creating more value for patients - a shift driven by increasing patient interest in dental care and growing recognition of oral health's connection to overall wellness. This is further enabled by technology that provides better access to patient histories and health data at providers' fingertips, offering dental practices the opportunity to become central players in patients' complete healthcare journeys. 
16:47 -18:18 Building Trust Through Benefits Transparency Ben emphasizes how the historical "black box" approach to dental benefits has eroded trust throughout the ecosystem. The complexity of benefits verification creates friction between providers, payers, and patients, often leading to unexpected costs and damaged relationships. Modern technology solutions are emerging to help normalize and structure benefits data, making it more accessible and understandable. Payers are increasingly recognizing the need to help members better understand their coverage before treatment, representing a significant opportunity to rebuild trust and improve the patient experience.
21:06 - 25:17 Technology Readiness Assessment for Growth Ben discusses how private equity firms evaluate dental technology investments based on scalability, security, and data capabilities. The assessment looks at whether systems can handle doubling or tripling in size while maintaining performance and security standards. Technology debt is evaluated not in terms of if it exists, but rather how much exists and its impact on growth potential. Modern architecture and clean data become key value drivers for practices looking to scale or attract investment, creating opportunities for practices to strategically modernize their technology stack for future growth.
25:18 - 30:49 The Evolution of AI in Dental Ben reveals how AI has quietly been present in dentistry for years through fraud detection and radiographic imaging, though broader awareness is only now emerging. The dental industry shows increasing appetite for AI applications, particularly in areas like call centers and claims processing. Data standardization and cleanliness remain critical challenges for implementing AI solutions effectively. Healthcare organizations are approaching AI adoption cautiously but with growing interest, particularly in low-hanging fruit use cases. This measured approach to AI adoption allows practices to start small while preparing for bigger opportunities ahead.
Ready to rethink what’s possible? Listen now and subscribe for more dental business insights! 

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In any relationship, the foundation of trust makes or breaks the success and longevity of it. So, why should dental practices be any different? In the latest episode of The Dental Economist Show, host Mike Huffaker welcomes Mark Musso, CEO of Specialty Smile Partners, to explore leadership lessons from retail to dentistry, building trust in DSO partnerships, and navigating industry evolution.

What You’ll Learn: 

• The foundational business principles to transition successfully from corporate leadership to healthcare management 

• The "Trust Triangle" framework for building lasting relationships between DSOs, doctors, and patients

• Why transparency and early communication are crucial for successful doctor partnerships

• The strategic approach to implementing standardized systems while maintaining clinical autonomy

• Why people development and mentorship are crucial for sustainable organizational growth

• The balanced approach to exploring AI and new technologies in dental practices

• Why centralized support services need to remain flexible to accommodate local practice needs

• How to maintain sustainable growth in dental practices amid changing economic conditions

Tune in for a reminder on why it’s vital to set the tone early on and start building the foundation of trust from Day 1, in dentistry and in life. 
Episode Highlights:
06:16 - 09:57 Clear the Runway, Build Trust Mark shares how Target's "fast, fun, and friendly" mantra translates into dental practice management through his concept of "clearing the runway" for team success. The foundation of successful dental organizations rests on creating an environment where clinical teams can focus entirely on patient care while business operations run smoothly in the background. Leaders must actively remove obstacles and provide resources that enable their teams to deliver exceptional patient experiences, allowing them to grow sustainably while maintaining high standards of care across their practices.
13:57 - 17:54 Setting Clear Expectations from Day OneMark emphasizes the critical importance of transparency and setting clear expectations at the very beginning of any partnership or hiring process. Rather than promising perfection, Snickers and slushies, successful dental organizations should openly discuss both opportunities and challenges, creating an environment where team members feel comfortable raising concerns early, helping build authentic relationships based on mutual understanding. Regular check-ins and open dialogue help maintain alignment between organizational goals and individual expectations, fostering long-term success.
29:48 -34:29 Evolving with the Dental Evolution Mark discusses how dental practices must evolve beyond traditional service models to thrive in today's changing marketplace. With household savings at historic lows and shifting demographics affecting patient volumes, successful practices are exploring creative ways to expand services and leverage technology. The key is identifying opportunities that align with existing capabilities while meeting emerging patient needs - whether through expanded treatment options, teledentistry, or AI-enabled care delivery. Organizations that embrace innovation while maintaining focus on sustainable growth position themselves for long-term success.
34:40 - 37:08 What’s the Next Dental Practice Model Looking Like? Mark shares his excitement about the dental industry's growth potential, particularly in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics where DSO consolidation remains under 15%. This fragmentation creates opportunities for organizations that can help independent practices access advanced technology and operational expertise while maintaining clinical autonomy. Forward-thinking groups are using their scale to accelerate adoption of new technologies and best practices across multiple locations. This collaborative approach benefits both providers and patients by combining clinical excellence with business efficiency.
Tune in to The Dental Economist Show wherever you get your podcasts! Don't forget to like, leave a review, and subscribe to the episode. 

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Giving back is rarely seen as the road to success, but in Emily Letran’s case, that’s exactly what happened. In this episode of The Dental Economist, host Mike Huffaker sits down with Dr. Emily Letran, a remarkable dentist and now Executive Coach, who journeyed from being a refugee to establishing herself as a successful practice owner and philanthropy leader.

What You’ll Learn: 

• How to leverage clarity as the foundation for preventing burnout and making strategic practice decisions
• Why identifying your true goals is essential for sustainable practice growth and personal fulfillment
• The "Let Go" principle for embracing new technologies and delegation in modern dental practices
• How to implement effective giving-back initiatives that energize your team and build community connection
• The power of peer learning and strategic mastermind groups in accelerating practice success
• Why embracing technological advancement while maintaining human connection is crucial for future practice value
• How to use the "Circle Exercise" to identify and eliminate practice bottlenecks that prevent scaling
• The framework for creating joy in dentistry through purposeful practice management and clear priorities

Tune in for the critical reminder that slowing down is the key to moving forward in your dental journey.
Episode Highlights:
02:45-09:06 The Power of Strategic Giving in Business GrowthDr. Emily shares how giving back can even be a strategic advantage in the world of dentistry, where something like implementing a free dentistry day creates ripple effects throughout the entire practice culture. The strategy addresses the common challenge of creating meaningful impact while building a sustainable business model. She recommends starting with just one dedicated day per year, making it a regular workday where the team provides free services to those in need. The results extend beyond community goodwill, as staff voluntarily participate and become more invested in the practice's mission. 
14:07-24:15 Clarity Is the Antidote to BurnoutDr. Emily reveals how lack of clarity in goals and priorities is often the root cause of professional burnout. This insight helps professionals understand why they might feel stressed even when seemingly successful. She recommends identifying no more than three core priorities and ensuring all activities align with these goals -  practical framework for making decisions and maintaining focus in a complex business environment.
29:43-32:52 The Art of Letting Go for Practice Growth Dr. Emily discusses how resistance to change, particularly around automation and AI, often stems from an inability to let go of traditional methods. This mindset shift is crucial for practice growth and adaptation to modern healthcare delivery, highlighting that letting go doesn't mean losing control, but rather evolving how control is maintained. The solution involves starting with small changes, like implementing hybrid automation systems, and gradually expanding comfort zones. 
40:46-42:18 The Circle Exercise for Business OptimizationDr. Emily introduces a powerful exercise where practitioners list daily activities, mark those that generate revenue, and circle tasks only they can perform. This practical tool helps identify areas where leaders might be creating bottlenecks in their organization's growth. The goal is to have no circles, indicating that all revenue-generating activities can be performed by multiple team members. She explains how this exercise reveals opportunities for delegation and system improvement, making it easier to scale operations. 
Success in dentistry starts with clarity—and the courage to let go. Hear Dr. Emily’s powerful story now. 

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