What if becoming your town’s trusted dentist had less to do with technical skill and more with being the first name on everyone’s lips when dental questions arise?

This episode uncovers the real secret behind becoming the community’s go-to practice: building unmistakable authority where it matters most. Drawing from real-life examples and actionable strategies, we'll zero in on how public recognition, social mentions, and word-of-mouth from local leaders shape your reputation, often before patients even step foot in your office.

From nailing down your unique message to showing up on the right stages, online and in-person, we break down the four essential pillars of authority: clarity, visibility, education, and consistency. You’ll learn how to teach rather than promote, leverage collaborative partnerships, and roll out educational initiatives that make you a household name. Discover five quick-start authority plays you can implement today and follow a step-by-step 90-day action plan designed to transform your practice into a trusted resource for your entire community. Bottom line? Trust, built through education and presence, determines who gets the call when dental needs arise (not just the flashiest ad or fanciest equipment.)

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The four pillars dentists must establish to command community authority
• How to clarify your niche and message so patients know what you stand for
• Best practices for getting visible in local events, digital channels, and collaborating with area influencers
• Why teaching, not just promoting, builds trust and cements your reputation
• Five fast-track strategies to increase word-of-mouth and public recognition
• An actionable 90-day plan to boost your standing and become top-of-mind
• Tips for developing partnerships with other trusted local experts
• Ways to create signature offerings, like community classes or myth-busting series, that position you as a thought leader

Press play and discover how to make your dental practice the community’s first choice (without relying on endless promotions or noisy ads.)

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Learn More About the Ground Marketing Course Here:

Website: thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/the-ground-marketing-course-open-enrollment

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Host: Michael Arias

Join my newsletter: https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/newsletter/‍

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What if you could reach your biggest practice goals in half the time you planned, without sacrificing your well-being along the way?

In this episode, Dr. Justin Baik reveals how he rapidly transformed his vision of dental practice ownership into reality, smashing his five-year plan in just two and a half years. Driven by the weight of student debt, Dr. Baik didn't wait for the "perfect moment." Instead, he seized unique opportunities presented during the COVID-19 pandemic, optimizing financial strategies and decisively launching his practice in a prime retail location outside Chicago.

Dr. Baik shares the blueprints behind his accelerated success, from leveraging low-interest rates and student loan refinancing to painstaking demographic research and data-driven site selection. He opens up about the practical sacrifices, the value of focusing on growing income (not just saving) and why prioritizing staff satisfaction and operational efficiency are non-negotiable for long-term success. Through honest reflection, Dr. Baik demonstrates how calculated risks, meticulous planning, and adaptable leadership can not only jumpstart your professional journey but also create space for a healthier work-life balance down the line.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Smart strategies for paying off student loans in record time
• How to leverage economic cycles and low-interest rates for financial growth
• The step-by-step process of using data and demographics to select a winning practice location
• Why increasing income outperforms simply cutting expenses for rapid debt payoff
• Tactics to boost staff happiness and retain top talent
• The importance of relentless operational improvement
• Navigating the mental challenges and sacrifices of early practice ownership
• Creating robust systems that eventually give you more personal freedom
• The mindset shifts needed for sustainable, accelerated growth
• Practical resources Dr. Baik used to get ahead

Hit play to discover Dr. Baik’s proven path to achieving dental practice success, faster and smarter!

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Sponsors:‍

Net32: Founded by a dentist, for dentists. Net32 is the leading online marketplace for dental supplies, helping dental and medical professionals save on high-quality products for over 25 years. Start saving today at: net32.com/dentalmarketer

Guest: Dr. Justin BaikPractice Name: Fox Pediatric DentistryCheck out Justin's Media:‍

Website: foxpediatricdentistry.com

Email: [email protected]

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Host: Michael Arias

Join my newsletter: https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/newsletter/‍

Join this podcast's Facebook Group: The Dental Marketer Society

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Are your ground marketing events driving real results or just foot traffic with no follow-through?

Let's learn the secret to transforming your dental practice’s ground marketing efforts by focusing on the numbers that truly matter. In this episode, we unravel the common traps that derail dental teams, like mistaking positive interactions for meaningful impact or tracking a flood of metrics that don’t actually move the needle. Instead, we break down the five essential numbers every team should measure: contacts captured, same-day appointments booked, 24-hour conversions, show rate, and 30-day revenue. You’ll learn why your marketing events should function as mini-labs, designed to capture data, test new tactics, and fine-tune your approach for maximum patient growth.

We’ll guide you step-by-step through capturing leads more effectively, creating urgency for same-day bookings, and turning opportunities into real appointments within 24 hours. Discover practical language tweaks and reminder systems that boost your show rate and ensure new patients walk through your door. Plus, find out how to track 30-day revenue so you know which efforts yield actual ROI—and when it’s time to double down or walk away from a partnership. You’ll leave with a proven framework for assessing, adjusting, and amplifying your ground marketing strategies (all rooted in actionable data and smart experimentation.)

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why focusing on five core metrics outperforms tracking vanity data
• The step-by-step system for capturing quality leads at every event
• How to create urgency and book more same-day appointments
• Techniques for converting leads within 24 hours for higher success
• Scripts and strategies to improve your show rate dramatically
• How to tie each event to measurable, 30-day revenue outcomes
• Diagnosing weak spots (what your data tells you about your marketing gaps)
• The formula for running controlled, effective marketing experiments
• How to run productive team meetings for ongoing ground marketing success
• Clear benchmarks for deciding when to invest in or drop partnerships

Tune in now to turn your ground marketing events into real, revenue-generating engines for your practice!

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Learn More About the Ground Marketing Course Here:

Website: thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/the-ground-marketing-course-open-enrollment

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Host: Michael Arias

Join my newsletter: https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/newsletter/‍

Join this podcast's Facebook Group: The Dental Marketer Society

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Ever felt that awkward moment when it’s time to talk dollars and cents with a patient, only to watch their interest in treatment vanish on the way to the front desk?

In this episode, we’re tackling one of the biggest bottlenecks in dental practice efficiency, "the dreaded financial discussion," and why it’s time to get your entire clinical team fluent in handling money conversations.

Michael is joined by dental efficiency expert Susan Leckowicz to unpack strategies that empower dental assistants and hygienists to confidently handle treatment costs and scheduling right in the operatory. Susan shares why cross-training staff and implementing standardized financial agreement forms can dramatically cut down on patients changing their minds post-consult, while also making life easier for your team. Hear how direct, early, and clear financial conversations (supported by scripts, flexible payment options, and simple forms) remove uncertainty for patients, build trust, and foster more accepted treatment plans. If you’ve struggled with lost revenue or team discomfort when discussing finances, this episode is packed with practical, step-by-step solutions!

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why relying solely on a treatment coordinator can hinder case acceptance
• Step-by-step tips for cross-training dental assistants and hygienists to discuss finances
• How to create and leverage a standardized, auto-populated financial agreement form
• Effective scripts your team can use for confident financial conversations with patients
• How to seamlessly present payment options like CareCredit and upfront discounts
• Strategies for building trust and increasing patient commitment to treatment plans
• Ways to reduce patient drop-off between operatory and front desk
• Training methods to help your team feel comfortable discussing money
• The positive impact of streamlined processes on patient experience and productivity

Hit play now to discover actionable ways to simplify money talks and boost confidence in your treatment plans for your team and your patients!

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Sponsors:‍

CallRail: Never miss a call again! Voice Assist answers and qualifies every inbound call 24/7, so you capture every new patient. Try the 14 day free trial for our listeners at: sta.mx/m2wx

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Click the image for a 14 day free trial!
Guest: Susan LeckowiczBusiness Name: Dental CoachesCheck out Susan's Media:‍

Website: dentalcoaches.com

Email: [email protected]

Book a Call with Susan! calendly.com/susan-dentalcoaches/podcast-fa-form

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Host: Michael Arias

Join my newsletter: https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/newsletter/‍

Join this podcast's Facebook Group: The Dental Marketer Society

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Love the Podcast? Let Us Know How We're Doing on Apple Podcasts!

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Is there a one-size-fits-all way to build genuine relationships in both bustling cities and close-knit small towns?

This episode reveals how authentic, face-to-face interactions can weave your practice into the fabric of both urban and rural communities.

Instead of relying on impersonal ads or digital campaigns, we explore how presence, repetition, and genuine connection in everyday spaces build trust that no billboard can match. In urban environments, you’ll learn how to naturally fit into the rhythm of busy lives—showing up at the gym, the coffee shop, and even apartment complexes, always with a friendly smile and zero sales pressure. For rural areas, it’s about heartfelt gestures and authentic participation in community events—think local school gatherings, farmers’ markets, and neighborly thank-yous. Throughout, we’ll highlight practical ways to be recognized not as a promoter, but as a vital part of the community, while measuring your impact with metrics that actually matter.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How ground marketing transforms practices into familiar, trusted faces
• Differences between urban and rural ground marketing (and why they matter)
• Real-life tactics for showing up in busy city spaces without being intrusive
• Ways to connect meaningfully at rural events and schools
• The importance of reciprocity and creating genuine value for your community
• How to use thoughtful gestures, from appreciation bags to local spotlights
• Designing engaging community walls and offers using QR codes
• Steps to begin your ground marketing journey, one location at a time

Ready to become a part of your community, not just another practice? Press play to learn the best way to promote your practice in urban and rural settings!

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Learn More About the Ground Marketing Course Here:

Website: thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/the-ground-marketing-course-open-enrollment

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Host: Michael Arias

Join my newsletter: https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/newsletter/‍

Join this podcast's Facebook Group: The Dental Marketer Society

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Love the Podcast? Let Us Know How We're Doing on Apple Podcasts!

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Why do some dental practices have teams that go the extra mile while others struggle with high turnover and mediocre results?

In this episode, Dino Watt unveils the secrets behind building a vibrant practice culture that doesn’t just improve patient experience—it transforms every facet of your business. Drawing from an extraordinary journey that started in Hollywood and led to dental practice consulting, Dino shares unique strategies grounded in business principles, storytelling, and real-world experience, illustrating how practice owners can foster tighter-knit teams and higher-performing offices.

From crafting vision statements to living out core values, Dino explains why successful cultures don’t happen by accident (and how dentists can intentionally shape theirs for long-term success.) You’ll discover actionable tips on hiring the right people (and letting go of the wrong ones), providing feedback that strengthens rather than divides, and creating a magnetic workplace where every team member feels essential. Whether you’re grappling with tough conversations, looking to boost morale, or striving to attract and retain top talent, Dino’s practical wisdom will equip you to cultivate a dental practice where patients and staff alike genuinely want to stay.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The essential elements of a practice vision and how it attracts the right team members.
• Why core values are non-negotiable for building high standards and unity.
• How to approach tough conversations and give constructive feedback that motivates change.
• Ways to foster a culture where every employee feels needed, valued, and engaged.
• The importance of being inquisitive rather than accusatory in team dynamics.
• How to improve hiring practices for lasting team success.
• Strategies to quickly address problematic behavior before it impacts culture.
• Steps to create a magnetic work environment that both retains and attracts talent.

Press play to discover Dino Watt’s proven strategies for turning your dental practice into a place where both patients and team members truly want to be.

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Sponsors:‍

CallRail: Never miss a call again! Voice Assist answers and qualifies every inbound call 24/7, so you capture every new patient. Try the 14 day free trial for our listeners at: sta.mx/m2wx

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Click the image for a 14 day free trial!
Guest: Dino WattBusiness Name: Dino Watt ConsultingCheck out Dino's Media:‍

Consulting Website: dinowattconsulting.com

Speaking Website: dinowatt.com

Dino's Books:

The Practice Rx: Second Edition

The Magnetic Culture Equation

Instagram: instagram.com/dinowatt

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Host: Michael Arias

Join my newsletter: https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/newsletter/‍

Join this podcast's Facebook Group: The Dental Marketer Society

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Love the Podcast? Let Us Know How We're Doing on Apple Podcasts!

Picture this: Your practice and the shop next door becoming your neighborhood’s favorite duo!

Too many local practices chase new patients when they could be building networks that bring them in by the dozen. This episode pulls back the curtain on a smarter strategy: focusing on partnerships that make other businesses shine, so your reputation (and client list) grows naturally. You’ll learn how ground marketing isn’t just about being visible—it’s about creating value for others first, and letting reciprocity and trust do the work for you.

Michael breaks down exactly how to select and approach the right local vendors, using three simple filters that cut through the noise. You’ll walk away knowing how to identify partnership opportunities with coffee shops, gyms, salons, and more, and why starting small can actually get you bigger wins faster. With tangible examples, we’ll show how to create irresistible win-win offers and how spotlight strategies can boost your partners’ reputation while opening doors for your own success. By the end, you’ll have a ready-to-use pitch framework and the motivation to launch your first partnership today!

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The critical mindset shift from seeking patients to championing your partners
• How the psychology of reciprocity, social proof, and identity fuel lasting partnerships
• Three must-have filters for selecting ideal vendor partners
• Why smaller, local businesses are your best first targets
• Creative ideas for perks and recognition that delight vendors and their customers
• Strategies for crafting a partnership pitch that lands every time
• How to track, optimize, and scale your local partnership results
• Action steps to move from planning to real-world progress

Start building the kind of partnerships that make local businesses (and your reputation) unforgettable by tuning in now!

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Learn More About the Ground Marketing Course Here:

Website: thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/the-ground-marketing-course-open-enrollment

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Host: Michael Arias

Join my newsletter: https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/newsletter/‍

Join this podcast's Facebook Group: The Dental Marketer Society

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Love the Podcast? Let Us Know How We're Doing on Apple Podcasts!

Wondering if now’s the right time to modernize your dental workflows? Here’s how to decide AND rally your staff behind tech upgrades for the office.

Step inside a family-owned prosthodontic office in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, where Ashley Whinery, the dedicated practice manager, shares her journey of navigating demanding clinical work, an experienced (and older) staff, and a major technology overhaul. From handling intricate dental cases to reversing negative patient experiences, Ashley opens up about the real-life struggles and triumphs of leadership in a small but mighty dental team.

This episode delves deep into how compassion, teamwork, and the right tools make all the difference in a high-pressure environment. Ashley reveals the common trap of dentists overextending themselves for patients’ sake, risking burnout, and why open lines of communication matter more than ever. She also breaks down the practice’s strategic leap from Eaglesoft to Dentrix Ascend, sharing the challenges of upgrading from outdated systems and the smooth, cloud-based features that transformed their daily operations. If you’re searching for actionable advice on team dynamics, technology transitions, or simply trying to preserve a positive work culture, this candid conversation is for you!

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Actionable strategies for balancing patient care with staff well-being
• How to foster open communication and collaboration in a close-knit dental team
• The warning signs and prevention tactics for burnout
• Lessons from transitioning to a cloud-based dental practice management system
• Real-world workflow improvements after adopting Dentrix Ascend
• Overcoming IT setbacks and resistance to change in your practice
• Why a supportive team is crucial during major operational shifts
• Helpful advice for practices tackling big technological or procedural updates
• The value of taking chances and prioritizing family-work balance

Tune in now to hear Ashley’s firsthand playbook for thriving through change and prioritizing your team’s well-being.

Listen on your favorite streaming platform here!

Sponsors:‍

Dentrix Ascend: Smarter System, Smarter Practice: Dentrix Ascend Cloud-Based Dental Software Break free from software hassles and come with us to the cloud. Spend less time managing your practice and more time caring for your patients. Request a free 30 minute or less demo at: dentrixascend.com/promo/explore

Guest: Ashley WhineryPractice Name: Lux White Dental GroupCheck out Ashley's Media:‍

Website: luxwhitedental.com

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Host: Michael Arias

Join my newsletter: https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/newsletter/‍

Join this podcast's Facebook Group: The Dental Marketer Society

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Can "no" from a stranger eventually turn into your loyal patient? It did for Dr. Pak!

In this episode, Dr. Taesu Pak pulls back the curtain on his journey to rapidly building Pak Dental, candidly sharing the gritty behind-the-scenes actions and mindset shifts required to open a practice in just three months.

Dr. Pak reveals how he hit the pavement a month before opening, embracing the hustle of ground marketing by meeting people, handing out goodie bags, and gathering sign-ups (regardless of how many "nos" he heard.) He opens up about the pivotal mistake of not following up quickly with leads, what changed after he corrected course, and why engaging directly with the community through events and strategic partnerships proved more effective than any ad campaign. Dr. Pak offers actionable insights on overcoming setbacks, harnessing reciprocity, and creating buzz from day one, especially if you dream of building not just any practice, but a busy, community-centered one with real impact.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Proven strategies for ground marketing before your practice even opens
• How to turn rejections and "nos" into opportunities for growth
• The power of timely follow-up in boosting patient conversions
• Insider tips on leveraging community events and benefits fairs for visibility
• Creative ways to attract families and key partnerships using giveaways and games
• Why direct, in-person engagement beats traditional marketing for local practices
• Essential resources for mastering the psychology of community outreach
• Dr. Pak's vision for building large-scale, high-traffic dental offices

Press play to discover the real-world secrets behind launching a successful, community-driven dental startup!

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Learn More About the Ground Marketing Course Here:

Website: thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/the-ground-marketing-course-open-enrollment

‍

Host: Michael Arias

Join my newsletter: https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/newsletter/‍

Join this podcast's Facebook Group: The Dental Marketer Society

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Love the Podcast? Let Us Know How We're Doing on Apple Podcasts!

Growing a practice (or multiple practices) isn’t about working harder; it’s about empowering your people to lead with you.

In this episode, you'll get an insider’s look at how Dr. Ben Liu built SuperKids Pediatric Dentistry into a multi-location success story, all while maintaining a strong focus on patient care and team connection. Dr. Liu shares the mindset shifts and practical systems that helped him step back from micromanaging, empowering his team to deliver standout service and dependable results.

Listen as Dr. Liu breaks down the organizational blueprint that keeps his practices running smoothly, revealing how clear communication, dedicated roles, and robust processes made all the difference—especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. From strategic marketing and mastering Google reviews to navigating negative feedback with grace, he offers real-world tactics for sustainable growth. Most importantly, he opens up about finding balance, taking calculated risks, and remembering that true success includes quality time with family and a culture of trust at work.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How letting go of perfectionism fuels sustainable business growth
• Practical steps to delegate daily operations without sacrificing quality
• Building a team culture where ownership and accountability thrive
• The critical roles and systems needed for multi-location success
• Proven marketing tactics—Google reviews, SEO, social media, and more
• How to investigate and resolve negative patient feedback effectively
• Tips for polishing your new patient intake process for seamless experiences
• Partnering with specialized services to scale your dental practice
• When (and how) to know you’re ready to open a second practice
• Strategies for maintaining work-life balance and avoiding burnout

Hit play and discover how to build a dental practice that grows on trust, systems, and a little more freedom for yourself.

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Sponsors:‍

Net32: Founded by a dentist, for dentists. Net32 is the leading online marketplace for dental supplies, helping dental and medical professionals save on high-quality products for over 25 years. Start saving today at: net32.com/dentalmarketer

Guest: Dr. Ben LiuPractice Name: SuperKids Pediatric DentistryCheck out Ben's Media:‍

Website: superkidsdentistry.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ben-liu-42593583

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Host: Michael Arias

Join my newsletter: https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/newsletter/‍

Join this podcast's Facebook Group: The Dental Marketer Society

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Love the Podcast? Let Us Know How We're Doing on Apple Podcasts!