The Dental Marketer

The difference between good care and unforgettable care often comes down to one thing: personal touch.

In this episode, Michael brings on Dr. Kris Bano to unpack the revolutionary strategies behind his standout fee-for-service practice in southwest Michigan. Dr. Bano reveals how his team works in harmony, crafting a seamless, “high-touch” patient experience that starts with the initial phone call and extends well beyond the treatment room.

Dr. Bano’s journey is deeply personal, rooted in his passion for art and transforming smiles through cosmetic dentistry. Here, he shares the bold decision to eliminate all insurance contracts, putting personalized care above volume, and dives into the systems his practice uses to set itself apart: from detailed communication workflows and an innovative “triangle” approach to patient care, to smart tech adoption for marketing and call tracking. Hear Dr. Bano’s candid reflections on building a team based on empathy and continuous learning through coaching and how he balances being a leader, entrepreneur, and family man. He proves it’s possible to design a practice that is financially robust, patient-focused, and personally fulfilling.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How a team of dentists with varied specialties collaborates for comprehensive care
• Why dropping insurance contracts can elevate patient relationships and practice vision
• The secret behind Dr. Bano’s “triangle” approach to personalized patient care
• Best practices for high-touch communication and efficient patient intake
• The key personality traits to look for when hiring exceptional team members
• How data-driven tools like CallRail enhance marketing and monitor patient calls
• Insights into choosing the right coaching or marketing agency for your practice
• Strategies for maintaining work-life balance as a dental practice owner
• The role of consistent vision and trust in building patient loyalty
• Actionable steps to becoming a high-performing, fee-for-service dental practice

Tune in now to discover how you can create a patient-focused dental practice (and a more balanced life) straight from Dr. Bano’s playbook!

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Sponsors:‍

CallRail: Call tracking + AI that turns calls into campaigns that convert, quality patients, and cost savings. Click our link to start a free trial today! https://www.callrail.com/dentalmarketer

Click here for a special offer!
Guest: Dr. Kris BanoPractice Name: Centreville Family DentistryCheck out Kris's Media:‍

Website: https://www.smilecentreville.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kbdentistry/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ClinicalClimb

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drkrisbano

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Host: Michael Arias

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Imagine if every patient story could become your most persuasive marketing tool, without a single sales pitch.

Too many dental practices rely on generic promises of care, but in today’s world, heartfelt testimonials and genuine success stories make all the difference. In this episode, we unpack exactly how practices can move beyond merely collecting reviews to strategically leveraging patient stories that spark trust and attract more of the right patients. Through practical examples and scripts, you’ll discover how to turn ordinary interactions into story-worthy moments and make your practice the obvious choice in a crowded market.

We’ll walk through five proven systems designed to make testimonials your marketing secret weapon. From capturing reviews at “micromoments” of relief to showcasing emotional transformations on your Witness Wall, these approaches show how every step of the patient journey can provide unique, relatable proof of your care. Plus, you’ll learn how to tag and repurpose reviews for maximum impact, create new leads with experiential outreach, and measure what actually moves the needle. Whether you’re looking to boost word-of-mouth or refresh your entire referral engine, this episode reveals exactly how authentic patient voices can drive your practice’s growth.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The five essential systems for capturing and capitalizing on impactful patient testimonials.
• Why timing and emotion are critical for gathering the most persuasive reviews.
• Conversational scripts staff can use to naturally request reviews at peak moments.
• Creative ways to generate story-worthy experiences outside the dental chair (and why it matters.)
• How to build and leverage a review bank that supercharges your marketing materials.
• Techniques for displaying reviews to highlight emotional transformations and attract ideal patients.
• The most important metrics for understanding your review strategy’s true impact.
• Strategies to convert one-time testimonials into a sustainable stream of new patients.

Listen now to discover how real patient stories can become your dental practice’s most powerful source of growth and trust.

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Learn More About the Ground Marketing Course Here:

Website: https://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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Is your dental schedule leaving you exhausted while STILL not delivering the quality care your patients deserve?

In this episode, Ashley Whinery, an experienced practice manager, challenges the high-volume, double-booking mentality so many practices fall into, revealing how a mindful approach to scheduling can elevate both patient satisfaction and practice sustainability.

Ashley dives deep into why prioritizing meaningful patient interactions over relentless quantity leads to lasting trust, more referrals, and a healthier workplace. You’ll hear her proven strategies for structuring your day: heavy procedures in the morning, easier appointments after lunch, and learn why flexibility for true emergencies is non-negotiable. Ashley also shares the delicate art of pre-screening for ideal patients, setting upfront expectations, and leveraging technology like Dentrix Ascend as a supportive tool for communication and efficiency, making sure tech serves your human connections instead of replacing them.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why overbooking leads to burnout and costly mistakes
• How to structure your schedule for maximum efficiency and lower stress
• The importance of balancing appointment types for sustainable production
• Proven methods for building trust that increases patient referrals
• How to use technology to support, not overshadow, patient relationships
• Strategies for pre-screening patients who are the best fit for your practice
• Tips for setting clear boundaries around fees and payment models
• Ways to keep your team communication consistent and on-track
• How to maintain flexibility for emergencies without derailing your day

Hit play now to discover how a patient-focused schedule can transform your practice and your peace of mind!

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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: http://dentrixascend.com/promo/explore

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

Website: https://www.luxwhitedental.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashley.schaufel

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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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In a city packed with dental options, are you remembered or just another name?

The difference comes down to ground marketing that creates genuine connections, not just quick deals. In this episode, we explore how dental practices can break free from the endless cycle of discounts and competition by building relationships rooted in trust, affection, and visibility in the community.

Michael reveals a strategic approach to ground marketing that shifts from transactional tactics to authentic engagement. Instead of simply distributing coupons, you’ll learn to cultivate "psychological gravity" (making your practice a place where people feel both seen and appreciated.) Discover practical methods like thoughtful gifting to local businesses, collaborative content creation, and personalized outreach that make your dental practice irreplaceable. With step-by-step examples, from coffee shop partnerships to school involvement, this episode outlines four indispensable skills: 1. psychological gravity, 2. position power, 3. participation loops, and 4. proof cycles, empowering you to foster real loyalty and stand out as your community’s trusted dental home.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How to turn ground marketing into a systematic reputation-builder, not just a to-do list
• The meaning of "psychological gravity" and how to create it in your neighborhood
• Ways to use thoughtful gifts and gestures to engage local businesses and build trust
• How to use storytelling to position your dental practice as irreplaceable
• Simple participation loops that ensure ongoing community engagement
• Setting up proof cycles to showcase your reliability and gratitude
• Real-world examples including partnerships with coffee shops, gyms, and schools
• Moving from transactional to authentic, community-embedded marketing strategies

Press play to discover how you can reimagine ground marketing and turn your dental practice into the community’s local favorite!

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Learn More About the Ground Marketing Course Here:

Website: https://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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Securing the perfect location for your dental practice isn’t just about finding space... It’s a strategic decision that can make or break your business.

In this episode, Michael sits down with Max Burrows from Practice Real Estate Group to unravel the unique challenges dental tenants face on their path to establishing successful practices. Max, whose firm exclusively represents healthcare clients, arms listeners with clear guidance on navigating the sometimes overwhelming process of site selection, contrasting the approaches taken by first-time startup owners and multi-site groups. He reveals actionable insights that empower new practice owners to adopt the data-driven mindset typically reserved for seasoned groups, stressing that investing in an A+ location is non-negotiable, even if it means paying a little more in rent.

Max and Michael also dig into the make-or-break details of co-tenancy and why your neighbors matter as much as your square footage. Learn why being adjacent to a grocery store could turn your practice into a local destination or how picking the wrong neighbor can create endless headaches. As the episode wraps, Max shares why engaging a tenant representation broker early is the secret weapon that costs clients nothing, yet can save them from costly pitfalls. He finishes with his hard-won advice on resilience, innovation, and managing the financial curveballs that come your way, making this episode a must-listen for anyone serious about launching their practice.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The essential differences between site selection for startups versus established practice groups
• How to think like a multi-location group when opening your first practice
• Why prime real estate locations are worth the investment for long-term growth
• The impact of co-tenancy and what to look for in neighboring businesses
• Strategic tips to avoid common real estate pitfalls that plague dental startups
• The value of hiring a tenant representation broker (at no extra cost to you)
• Crucial lease terms that protect you from competitors and costly mistakes
• Max’s proven strategies for managing working capital and unexpected expenses
• The importance of consistent effort and creative problem-solving in business
• How to access Practice Real Estate Group’s exclusive tools, like their startup cost calculator

Ready to uncover the real estate strategies that set successful dental practices apart? Hit play and take your first step toward a smarter, more profitable practice location!

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Sponsors:‍

Practice Real Estate Group: healthcare real estate experts with over a century of experience in medical real estate across hundreds of transactions. Visit their site and mention "The Dental Marketer" for a FREE demographic and competition study for your new location! https://practicerealestategroup.com/

Guest: Max BurrowsBusiness Name: Practice Real Estate GroupCheck out Max's Media:‍

Website: https://practicerealestategroup.com/

Max's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-burrows-b086351a2/

Practice Real Estate Group's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thepracticecompanies/

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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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Are you missing out on the 70% of new movers ready to switch dentists?

Moving to a new city is both exciting and overwhelming for families, and the decisions they make about healthcare providers often hinge on who they know and trust. In this episode, Michael shares the game-changing strategy of collaborating with real estate agents to secure dental patient referrals. He breaks down why realtors hold unique influence: nearly 70% of movers switch healthcare providers within six months of relocating. Instead of relying on impersonal postcards or blanket marketing, Michael explains how realtors’ endorsements create an authentic sense of belonging and trust (essentials for converting newcomers into long-term patients.)

You’ll hear about three actionable partnership approaches: the heartfelt Welcome Gift Model, the visibility-focused Preferred Partner Model, and community-building Agent Appreciation Event Model. Michael details a step-by-step roadmap for launching these collaborations, from identifying the right realtors to employing value-driven scripts and maintaining strong, ongoing connections. Plus, you’ll learn the crucial missteps to avoid and how hospitality, rather than hard-sell tactics, is the true secret to building both lasting relationships and a thriving dental practice.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why realtors are essential connectors for acquiring new patients
• The critical mistakes most dental practices make with local partnerships
• How to implement the Welcome Gift, Preferred Partner, and Agent Appreciation Event models
• A five-step framework for executing successful realtor partnerships
• Scripts and templates to start value-added conversations with realtors
• The follow-up formula to keep relationships warm and productive
• Why tracking results and ongoing engagement matter more than one-time efforts
• How to align your outreach with what motivates real estate agents
• Key ways to replace generic marketing with genuine hospitality
• How this referral system can transform your patient base and practice growth

Don’t miss this episode if you’re ready to build real, lasting relationships that grow your dental practice!

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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: https://www.net32.com/dentalmarketer

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Learn More About the Ground Marketing Course Here:

Website: https://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!

Imagine carving out a dental practice that puts principles and patient well-being above insurance red tape.

That’s exactly what Dr. Kristen Self set out to do in New Braunfels, Texas, building her pediatric dental clinic from the ground up (outside the confines of traditional insurance models.) In this episode, Dr. Self opens up about the emotional rollercoaster and practical challenges of staying independent, describing how she crafted a thriving, holistic, and minimally invasive practice tailored to families who value prevention, transparency, and genuine care.

Discover the pivotal decisions that shaped the fate of her business, from navigating a licensing hurdle that forced a rebrand to leveraging local storytelling for powerful, trust-building marketing. Dr. Self gets candid about the financial uncertainty and the payoff that comes with running a values-driven clinic, all while developing strong team foundations and a unique patient experience. You will walk away with actionable insights on authentic leadership, transparent communication, and creative marketing that connects deeply with your community!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How to establish a successful out-of-network, holistic dental practice
• The pros and cons of rejecting traditional insurance-based care models
• Ways to use local storytelling and authentic content for impactful marketing
• Building and maintaining transparent communication with both patients and staff
• Strategies for facing business setbacks and staying aligned with your ethics
• Systems that support a calm, reliable, and values-based dental environment
• The importance of community connection for patient engagement and loyalty
• Tools and ideas for effective local advertising and branding
• How adaptability and authenticity drive growth in independent practices
• Leadership lessons for nurturing a resilient, dedicated team culture

Tune in to uncover how authentic vision and creative strategy could be your next step to success!

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Sponsors:‍

Practice Real Estate Group: healthcare real estate experts with over a century of experience in medical real estate across hundreds of transactions. Visit their site and mention "The Dental Marketer" for a FREE demographic and competition study for your new location! practicerealestategroup.com

Guest: Dr. Kristen SelfPractice Name: River Smiles DentalCheck out Kristen's Media:‍

Website: riversmilesnb.com

Email: [email protected]

Kristen's Free Downloads: stan.store/DrSelf

Practice Instagram: instagram.com/riversmilesnb

Practice TikTok: tiktok.com/@riversmilesnb

Kristen's Instagram: instagram.com/kristenkself

Kristen's TikTok: tiktok.com/@kristenkself

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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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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/‍

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

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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

‍

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!