The Dental Marketer

What if you could build a 200+ patient waitlist without a single ad before seeing your first patient?

In this episode, Michael sits down with Dr. Joanna Gamble, founder of Wildberry Pediatric Dentistry, to uncover the remarkable path from food truck dreams to owning one of Wake Forest’s most eagerly anticipated dental offices. Joanna shares how grassroots marketing, hands-on community involvement, and strategic social media helped her spark local excitement (long before her chairs were even in place.)

Joanna opens up about the realities behind her success, tackling the obstacles of launching a new practice, from leaky pipes to the tough balance between managing a team and providing great care. You'll hear Joanna’s honest take on designing her practice for families, her passionate belief in connecting intentionally with her community, and the hands-on hiring approach she refined alongside her HR-savvy husband. Her story is a playbook for anyone looking to break the mold, blending heartfelt connection, operational smarts, and a relentless dedication to her patients.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How grassroots marketing can drive patient demand before opening day.
• Joanna’s favorite ways to authentically engage local families and kids.
• Step-by-step tactics for getting noticed at community events and farmers' markets.
• The real-world challenges and rewards of starting a new dental practice.
• Joanna’s best advice for organizing workflows and reducing stress as an owner.
• Why personality and values matter more than technical skills in hiring.
• Creative ways to use social media to build trust and excitement locally.
• Tips for balancing practice growth with a fulfilling family life.
• How to develop systems that keep teams aligned and informed.

Hit play now to discover how authentic connections and creative tactics can turn your startup practice dreams into reality, right in your own backyard!

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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. Joanna GamblePractice Name: Wildberry Pediatric DentistryCheck out Joanna's Media:‍

Website: wakeforestpediatricdentist.com

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 703-835-5905

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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 your dental practice could swoop in and become the highlight of every senior community’s month—making you the hero residents and staff look forward to seeing?

This episode reveals actionable, proven strategies to transform your approach from being “just another dental provider” into an indispensable highlight of the month for senior communities. The secret lies in becoming truly “calendar worthy” by designing unique, enriching experiences that require zero extra effort from community staff but deliver immediate comfort, joy, and value to residents.

Inside, you’ll discover how to creatively rebrand your traditional dental services into friendly, engaging activities that spark curiosity and trust, instead of resistance. We dive deep into persuasive (yet genuine) ways to pitch your presence to activities directors, emphasizing convenience and tangible resident benefits. The episode walks you through sample scripts, outlines enticing activity themes like "Smile and Comfort Corners" and "Memory Care Magic," and breaks down how to maintain ongoing excitement by rotating your offers. By the end, you’ll have a toolkit for building recurring relationships with senior communities, positioning your practice as the go-to dental resource trusted by residents, families, and staff alike.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How to become a must-have presence on senior living activity calendars
• Ways to rebrand dental checkups as comforting, engaging experiences
• Sample scripts and dialogues for pitching to activities directors
• Ideas for fun, easy-to-run dental activities that staff will love
• Techniques for creating lasting relationships with both residents and staff
• Strategies for presenting dental care as entertainment and relief
• The power of micro-commitments to gain recurring calendar slots
• How to vary your activities to sustain interest month after month
• How to access deeper resources and scripts to advance your ground marketing

Tune in now to unlock the strategies that will help your dental practice become the highlight of every senior community’s calendar!

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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’s it really like to lead a practice where every decision is rooted in doing the right thing for your patients AND your team, even when it's hard?

In this episode, Dr. Lance McGavin takes us on his extraordinary journey from military dentistry to opening White Palm Dental in the heart of Florida’s rapidly expanding Space Coast. Dr. McGavin reveals how his early experiences in the military shaped his patient-first philosophy and inspired a practice that feels uniquely personal in a sea of corporate clinics. He candidly shares the creative process behind naming and branding his office, a heartfelt collaboration with his wife to ensure the practice truly represented both the Florida spirit and their family’s values.

Dr. McGavin dives deep into the realities of launching a private dental practice in a competitive market, discussing the roadblocks that threatened his timeline and how unforeseen delays became golden opportunities for growth. You’ll hear inside stories of filling every role in his office (from front desk management to the nuances of social media) and the unwavering leadership principles that keep his team united and motivated. Listen as Dr. McGavin opens up about setbacks, successes, and what it really takes to serve a diverse community with integrity, empathy, and excellence.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How military values shape patient-first care in private dentistry.
• The creative process of developing a brand that stands out locally.
• Distinguishing a solo practice in a corporate-dominated market.
• Dr. McGavin’s real-world strategies for team-building and leadership.
• Lessons learned from overcoming construction delays and startup hiccups.
• The importance of mastering every role in a small business.
• Ways to use social media to attract new patients and build trust.
• How to create a positive, no-drama work environment.
• The value of adaptability and hands-on management in private practice.
• Everyday business lessons that translate from the military to dentistry.

Tune in now to discover the real-life challenges and rewards of building a integrity-driven dental practice from scratch!

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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. Lance McGavinPractice Name: White Palm DentalCheck out Lance's Media:‍

Website: whitepalmdental.com

Instagram: instagram.com/whitepalmdental

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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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If ground marketing leaves you facing closed doors, it’s time to discover a new path in with the ARENA strategy!

In this episode, we unpack the ARENA Framework—an actionable decision-making tool uniquely designed for ground marketers facing objections and rejections in the field. You’ll discover how to Assess the true reason behind a "no," Reframe perceptions to position yourself as a valuable partner, Exchange useful leave-behinds to build rapport, secure the Next step with micro-commitments, and maintain Accountability to foster trust. Through relatable stories, hands-on tactics, and insightful examples, we break down how you can turn every challenge at the door or front desk into an opportunity to start a real conversation.

You’ll hear how to creatively address resistance, from navigating “no soliciting” signs to building relationships with property managers and gatekeepers. Real-world examples illustrate how pivoting your approach (from cold selling to genuine value exchange) can earn you a lasting spot in your potential patient's mind. Plus, we highlight game-changing resources from The Ground Marketing Course so you can practice scripts and real-life scenarios before heading out into the field. This episode will give you the structure and confidence you need to face rejections with a new sense of possibility.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The five-step ARENA Framework for handling in-person objections and rejections.
• How to uncover the true reason behind initial pushbacks.
• Techniques to shift perception and be seen as a partner, not just a vendor.
• What to leave behind to make yourself memorable—without being salesy.
• Ways to secure small commitments that keep your foot in the door.
• Why accountability and consistent follow-up are key to earning trust.
• Creative ways to handle "no soliciting" policies and gatekeepers.
• Tips for approaching property managers and HOAs successfully.

Tune in now to discover how the ARENA Framework can transform every ground marketing challenge into your next breakthrough!

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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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Change is never easy, but every bold decision shapes the story of your entrepreneurial journey—just ask Dr. Jessica Pushee, who returns to share the honest highs and lows of her first year running a dental practice in Foxboro, Massachusetts. From the start, Dr. Pushee made gutsy moves, including staying out of network with a major insurance company, Delta Dental. She pulls back the curtain on how these choices have both tested her resolve and ultimately benefited her business, underscoring the delicate art of balancing uncompromising care with savvy operations.

In this candid interview, Dr. Pushee opens up about her transformation from a hands-on micromanager to an empowering leader committed to supporting her team. She recounts pivotal learning moments, like the fallout from missed consent forms, that sparked essential changes in her workflow and culture. You’ll also hear her best and worst ideas for patient acquisition, from the surprisingly powerful impact of cozy office details to the hard lessons learned from ineffective advertising spends. Dr. Pushee’s reflections culminate in her top advice for practice owners: focus less on obsessing over numbers and more on nurturing your team, because happy staff means happier patients (and sustainable growth.)

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The real effects of opting out of insurance networks on a new dental practice
• How owning mistakes can lead to better systems and a stronger team culture
• Strategies for delegating effectively and letting your staff grow from experience
• Practical tips for creating a welcoming environment that delights patients
• Which marketing experiments failed and what consistently drives new referrals
• Why investing in your team’s needs pays off in patient satisfaction and retention
• The benefits of shifting from financial obsession to purposeful leadership

Hit play now to discover Dr. Pushee’s hard-won wisdom on building a practice (and a culture) that truly lasts.

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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. Jessica PusheePractice Name: Charm DentalCheck out Jessica's Media:‍

Website: dentistinfoxboro.com

Instagram: instagram.com/charmdentalma

Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560009046083

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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!

How do top dental practices fill their chairs without spending thousands on ads?

This episode is your practical roadmap for launching an effective ground marketing strategy on a razor-thin budget, leveraging your time in the community instead of spending big. We’ll demystify the process, showing you how to dedicate just 90-120 minutes per week, split into manageable sprints, to create a steady stream of trusted local connections. From simple permission tools like business cards and flyers to proven, step-by-step scripts, you’ll discover exactly how to build lasting community relationships that work for you long after you’ve left a location.

You’ll get the inside scoop on the reciprocity ladder: a powerful system for giving micro-values to local businesses, tagging them on social media, and leaving value-packed resources. Learn the art of outreach through the spotlight, insider, and connector formulas, designed to naturally open doors and facilitate real collaboration. By the end of the episode, you’ll understand how to sidestep common pitfalls, tailor your approach to any local business, and repeat your efforts each month for compounding trust and visibility. If you're ready for a marketing approach that prioritizes relationships over spend, this episode is your starting line!

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How to ground market your practice effectively on a tight budget
• A weekly structure for maximizing impact in just 90-120 minutes
• The key “permission tools” that quietly work for you 24/7
• The reciprocity ladder: a strategy for giving before asking
• Concrete scripts for opening doors with local businesses
• Targeting and rotating business types for consistent recognition
• Common ground marketing missteps and how to avoid them
• How to tailor strategies to gyms, offices, schools, stores, and more
• Why consistency and trust-building outcompete one-off efforts

Ready to turn a few focused hours each week into a steady stream of new local patients? Press play and plot your path to genuine community growth!

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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!

Still relying on “How did you hear about us?” as your only source of patient insights? It’s time for a smarter way to track!

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of marketing with Amanda Kepshire, a senior vertical marketing manager at CallRail, who reveals how industry-specific insights can revolutionize the dental marketing game.

Amanda breaks down why understanding the unique challenges of dental marketing (like accurately tracking patient sources and enhancing patient experiences) matters more than ever in today's competitive landscape. She explains the pitfalls of outdated manual tracking methods and uncovers how advanced tools, including call and form tracking, unlock the full patient journey. From smarter budget allocation to training front-desk teams and adapting to a rapidly evolving industry, Amanda offers practical strategies for practices to leverage technology, like CallRail’s premium features and AI-driven insights, for superior marketing results and lasting patient loyalty. The discussion wraps up with Amanda’s personal tips on what patients truly value and her expert advice on embracing compliance and data ownership during industry shifts.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The fundamentals of tracking and why it’s essential in healthcare
• Common tracking mistakes that lead to lost opportunities and missed insights
• How automated tools can pinpoint exactly how new patients find your practice
• Ways to use call and form tracking data to refine your messaging and marketing spend
• The power of transcription analysis and AI tools to train staff and improve consistency
• Amanda’s personal checklist for choosing a provider
• How to build trust and retention by understanding the full patient journey
• Strategies to stay ahead of privacy regulations and technology changes
• Why owning your marketing data is critical for HIPAA compliance
• Actionable steps to start upgrading your marketing (no overwhelming tech required)

Let's unlock smarter dental marketing today! tune in now and empower your practice with the strategies that set leaders apart.

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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! callrail.com/dentalmarketer

Click here for a special offer!
Guest: Amanda KepshireBusiness Name: CallRailCheck out Amanda's Media:‍

Website: callrail.com/dentalmarketer‍

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/amandakepshire

CallRail LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/callrail

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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!

How can you connect your dental services to a community already obsessed with personal wellness?

In this episode, we explore how fitness centers are filled with community-focused, wellness-driven members, and can become your office’s most fruitful referral partner. We break down the deep psychological and behavioral alignment between gym-goers and serious dental patients, explaining why their lifestyle choices make them some of the most qualified leads for preventive and cosmetic treatments. You’ll hear fresh tactics for entering the gym ecosystem, from tailored outreach based on gym type (big box, boutique, or medical wellness) to value-add collaborations that make gyms invite you with open arms.

Step by step, the episode walks you through conversation starters, partnership scripts, and unique event ideas that position your practice as part of the larger wellness movement—not just another advertiser. You’ll discover how to offer genuine value to gym management and members alike, so your brand stands out for the right reasons. Filled with actionable advice, this episode will leave you inspired to transform gym partnerships into a reliable, low-competition patient acquisition channel, all while elevating your dental practice’s reputation in the community.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why gym members are the perfect target market for dental services
• The psychology behind fitness communities and how it aligns with oral health
• Differences in marketing to big box gyms, boutique studios, and medical wellness centers
• Step-by-step scripts for connecting with gym owners and managers
• Creative partnership ideas that enhance both gym member experiences and your practice visibility
• How to offer perks or co-host events gyms can’t refuse
• Ways to build high-trust connections that lead to long-term patient loyalty

Ready to uncover the untapped patient potential hiding within your community’s fitness centers? Hit play and get the blueprint!

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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!

Want to stand out in a crowded dental landscape? It might all come down to when you start learning.

In today's episode, Dr. Chad Johnson opens up about the bold decisions and defining moments that set his dental career apart from day one. With an unwavering commitment to learning, Chad jumped straight into post-grad education, quickly making his mark by adopting advanced procedures like dental implants and mastering specialized technologies. He also reveals the entrepreneurial leap of opening his own practice immediately after dental school (a risk that paid off thanks to both market conditions and his vision for what dentistry could be.)

Chad offers us a behind-the-scenes look at how he’s integrated cutting-edge tools and management systems, such as same-day crowns, laser dentistry, and the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) he follows from the book "Traction." Beyond clinical skills, he dives into practical lessons on marketing, organizational health, and balancing personal ambitions with the demands of running a busy dental practice. Chad’s story underscores the value of continuous learning, bold action, and intentional leadership at every stage of your career.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The power of pursuing continuing education immediately after graduation.
• What it takes to start a dental practice right out of school.
• Strategies for adopting new dental technologies and advanced services.
• How implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) transforms team culture and efficiency.
• The value of setting a clear vision and actionable goals for your practice.
• Insider tips on work-life balance for high-achieving dentists.
• Effective approaches for in-house marketing and measuring return on investment.

Hit play now to discover the unique strategies that Dr. Chad Johnson has applied during his journey through dentistry!

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Sponsors:
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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! callrail.com/dentalmarketer

Click here for a special offer!
Guest: Dr. Chad JohnsonPractice Name: Veranda DentistryCheck out Chad's Media:‍

Website: verandadentistry.com

Chad's Podcast "Every Day Practices Dental Podcast": productivedentist.com/podcasts/everyday-practices-dental-podcast

EOS: eosworldwide.com

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drchadjohnson

YouTube: youtube.com/c/VerandaDentistry

Facebook: facebook.com/VerandaDentistry

Instagram: instagram.com/verandadentistry

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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!

What if the secret to filling your practice with loyal patients isn’t online; it’s waiting right in your neighborhood?

In today's episode, Michael sits down with Dr. Kapil Kella of Lakeshore Dental Studio to uncover the often-overlooked art of ground marketing. Dr. Kella takes us behind the scenes of his thriving practice’s journey, sharing the step-by-step tactics that transformed casual community encounters into enduring relationships and business growth. From manning booths at bustling local gyms to connecting with neighbors at street festivals, Dr. Kella reveals how genuine face-to-face connections can outshine even the shiniest digital ads.

But this episode isn’t just about attracting new patients, it’s about building authentic community roots and staying innovative in a competitive market. Alongside stories of street-level marketing wins, Dr. Kella introduces his latest project, Kaila, an AI tool poised to revolutionize dental note-taking. He also opens up about balancing professional drive with family life, sharing the role that supportive groups like Next Level Fathers play in his success. Whether you’re launching a new practice or seeking a fresh approach to marketing, Dr. Kella’s wisdom will inspire you to step outside your comfort zone and into your community.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Step-by-step ground marketing tactics for dental practices.
• How to choose and train the right team members for community events.
• Real-world examples of promotions that brought in new patients.
• Ways to connect with local gyms, festivals, and neighborhood businesses.
• Tips for building authentic relationships within your local community.
• The benefits and practicalities of ground marketing versus digital advertising.
• Strategies for maintaining work-life balance as a business owner.
• Actionable advice for new practices getting started with ground marketing.

Tune in now to unlock powerful, proven strategies you can use to grow your practice, one handshake at a time!

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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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Guest: Dr. Kapil KellaPractice Name: Lakeshore Dental StudioCheck out Kapil's Media:‍

Website: lakeshoredentalstudio.com

Dr. Kella's AI Note-Taker "Kaila": hellokaila.com

Email: [email protected]

Dr. Richard Low's Instagram: instagram.com/dr.richard.low

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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

‍

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

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