The Dental Marketer

Have you considered selling your practice to your associate? Listen to this episode before you do!

This episode of the "Fail Forward" series takes you on a journey with Dr. David Phelps, as he shares a significant setback he faced in selling his practice, where due to his hurried decision, he ended up selling to an associate with excellent clinical skills, but lacking business knowledge. This lack of insight led to volatility and loss of staff and patients; forcing him to retake control. But the silver lining? This was a transformational moment that pressured him to take a different approach in recruitment and empowering associates while gradually transitioning into ownership, resulting in the sale he aimed at. Listening to this episode will teach you how to navigate associate transitions more effectively while avoiding common pitfalls.

‍

‍

Listen to David's Other Episodes Here:

361: Dr. David Phelps | The Best & Worst Things You Can Do as a Practice Owner Who's Trying to Accumulate Wealth – The Dental Marketer Podcast

‍

Host: Michael Arias

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

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

‍

Love the Podcast? Follow on Your Favorite App! https://lnkfi.re/TDMPod

What does it really take to turn a neighborhood dental practice into a must-visit brand no matter the competition next door?

In this episode, Dr. Chaz Vittitow shares the real story of launching and growing The Local Dentist in a market packed with competitors all while balancing family life with four kids and navigating today’s unique challenges for dentists. Chaz explains the origin of his practice’s name and how it shaped everything from branding to partnering with local businesses. He also digs into the seldom-discussed realities: intense staffing pressures, skyrocketing expenses, and the myth that owning a practice guarantees financial success.

Chaz reveals how he grew by aggressively marketing, earning patient referrals, and, most notably, breaking free from PPO insurance networks, once facing $500–$600K annual write-offs on $1.1M collected. He delivers a practical guide for dropping insurance: scripting patient conversations, offering membership alternatives, and controlling the story to retain quality care (and your best patients). Through powerful communication tweaks and lessons learned on team-building, leadership, and profitability, Chaz equips us with a blueprint to build not just a profitable practice, but a truly resilient one.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How to craft a dental brand that resonates in your community and stands out
• The key differences (and new complexities) of dental ownership today versus prior generations
• Creative growth strategies for practices in saturated markets, from ground-level marketing to referral systems
• Why and how to drop insurance networks without losing your patient base (or your mind)
• The real financial impact of insurance write-offs (and how to regain control)
• Step-by-step tactics for transitioning patients off PPO plans, minimizing attrition and complaints
• Transformative language and communication shifts that boost case acceptance and patient loyalty
• Operational insights: hiring, team training, profitability strategies, and smart tech adoption

Tune in to learn how Dr. Chaz builds an unstoppable brand that resonates with his local community!

‍

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

‍

Click here for a special offer!Oryx: All-In-One Cloud-Based Dental Software Created by Dentists for Dentists. Patient engagement, clinical, and practice management software that helps your dental practice grow without compromise. Click or copy and paste the link here for a special offer! https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/oryx/Click here for a special offer!Guest: Dr. Chaz VittitowPractice Name: The Local DentistCheck out Chaz's Media:

Practice: https://localdentistbellingham.com/

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

The Dental Jumpstart YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJvqs2_HMAkGq2ki__Gv-jQ

‍

Host: Michael Arias

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

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

‍

Love the Podcast? Follow on Your Favorite App! https://lnkfi.re/TDMPod

‍

Feeling a rift between your team and struggling on how to address it?

Join Dr. Paul Etchison of the Dental Practice Heroes Podcast as he recounts a challenging situation that sparked real change in his practice. Sharing his story of tension between the front desk and clinical teams, Paul opens up about stalling, fumbling, and ultimately succeeding in having a much-needed conversation. He reveals how the magic of validating one's perspective (even without agreeing completely) can bring down walls and pave the way for constructive solutions. Tap into this episode if you want to improve your communication, leadership skills, and overall practice dynamics! You'll learn that difficult conversations are not obstacles but the gateway to better relationships, growth, and success in your dental practice.

‍

‍

Check out Paul's Media:

Website: https://www.dentalpracticeheroes.com/

Podcast: https://www.dentalpracticeheroes.com/podcast

‍

Listen to Paul's Other Episodes Here:

479: Are You on the Road to Effective Dental Leadership? The Blueprint for Teamwork | Dr. Paul Etchison – The Dental Marketer Podcast

300: Dr. Paul Etchison | Nelson Ridge Family Dental – The Dental Marketer Podcast

MMM [Internal Marketing] Small Details That Make a Big Difference in Team Communication – The Dental Marketer Podcast

The First Episode of 2023 & The Advice and Reflections Some of Our Guests Have Had! – The Dental Marketer Podcast

"What is 1 thing You Wish You Knew Before You Opened Your Start-up/ Acquisition?" – The Dental Marketer Podcast

455: Dr. Paul Etchison | Achieving Peace of Mind: Embracing Delegation for a Harmonious Dental Team – The Dental Marketer Podcast

‍

Host: Michael Arias

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

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

‍

Love the Podcast? Follow on Your Favorite App! https://lnkfi.re/TDMPod

‍

Discover the practice-changing power of a unified team guiding every patient from check-in to checkout!

In this episode, Dr. Jaspreet Gill opens up about the mental and strategic balancing act of guiding Countryside Smiles, sharing how time, patient experience, and ROI intertwine in daily decisions around hiring, technology, and workflow design. You'll hear firsthand how the focus shifted from setting up operations to facing nuanced choices: should you invest in tech, hire another team member, or build the next system to scale? Dr. Gill brings clarity to what it means to “pick your headaches wisely,” ensuring every move supports both the patients and her team.

What sets her practice apart? Around year two, Dr. Gill rewrote the playbook by unifying the traditionally divided front and back office, creating patient care coordinators who guide each person seamlessly from intake through billing and beyond. This personalized model, made possible with cloud-based tech and a hand-picked team, eliminates friction and elevates quality care. She dives into performance-based incentives, salary solutions to retain talent, and hyperlocal marketing, all while sustaining profit, minimizing turnover, and keeping compassion at the center. Whether you’re a new practice owner or aiming to future-proof your office, Dr. Gill’s candid insights and tested strategies offer a blueprint for sustainable and human-centered growth!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How to evaluate owner-level decisions for ROI in time, money, and care quality
• The step-by-step breakdown of a patient care coordinator workflow model
• Strategies for reducing communication gaps between clinical and administrative staff
• Why selective hiring and performance-based bonuses matter for retention
• How to implement cloud-based systems for efficiency and fewer software headaches
• Approaches to detailed insurance verification for upfront financial transparency
• Secrets to profitable marketing within your immediate community radius
• Tips for managing team compensation and benefits to lower turnover
• Building a brand rooted in personal connection: asking patients “What’s your story?”

Ready for practical strategies that put people before processes? Listen now for real-world lessons on practice ownership!

‍

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

‍

Click here for a special offer!Guest: Dr. Jaspreet GillPractice Name: Countryside SmilesCheck out Jaspreet's Media:

Practice: https://countrysidesmiles.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Countrysidesmiles

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

‍

Host: Michael Arias

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

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

‍

Love the Podcast? Follow on Your Favorite App! https://lnkfi.re/TDMPod

Dreaming of landing big, full-mouth rehab cases in your practice?

In this episode of Fail Forward, Dr. Andy Tran shares his sobering story of chasing high-ticket dentistry, only to find his foundation and personal life taking a toll. Hear how redefining success allowed him to save and strengthen his practice, offering valuable lessons about choosing the right patients, putting front-line systems in place, and balancing ambition with reality. Don’t fall for the shiny red object—tune into this episode to learn from Dr. Andy's missteps and fortify your foundation for sustainable growth!

‍

‍

Listen to Andy's Other Episodes Here:

Just Listen... Dr. Hieu Pham & Dr. Andy Tran – The Dental Marketer Podcast

Just Listen... Dr. Andy Tran & Dr. Richard Low – The Dental Marketer Podcast

83: Dr. Andy Tran & Linda Phan | What's the most important thing to know when owning a dental office? – The Dental Marketer Podcast

315: Dr. Andy Tran | It's Been 2 Years Since He's Opened His Start-Up... – The Dental Marketer Podcast

Just Listen... Dr. Andy Tran & Linda Phan | Apex Dental Studio – The Dental Marketer Podcast

Day 2: Dr. Richard Low & Dr. Andy Tran | The Breakaway Series | Business Masters Edition – The Dental Marketer Podcast

‍

Host: Michael Arias

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

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

‍

Love the Podcast? Follow on Your Favorite App! https://lnkfi.re/TDMPod

Can a $5,000 marketing budget over 90 days genuinely bring new patients through your front door is it a waste of money?

In this episode, Michael sits down with Lamar Woods of Adhere Patient Management to strip away the guesswork. Lamar shares what truly moves the needle in dental practice marketing (and here's a hint: it’s not just impressions or clicks.) He unpacks the exact metrics that signal a win by the 90-day mark, focusing on predictable lead flow that turns into real-life appointments and patient visits, not just empty calls or unqualified leads.

Lamar dives deep into the essentials every dental practice must have before investing a dime, like a trustworthy, conversion-ready website and robust call tracking. Discover common pitfalls that sabotage new patient bookings, especially at the front desk, and why scripts, coaching, and call reviews are non-negotiable when call volumes spike. You’ll walk through the recommended $5,000 marketing playbook, from campaign breakdowns on Google Search to step-by-step expectations at 30, 60, and 90 days, plus the realities of ad spend and diminishing returns. Whether you’re frustrated by flat results or hungry for predictable patient growth, you’ll leave this episode ready to take control of your marketing ROI.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The specific “winning” metrics that make or break a dental marketing investment
• How to define and set realistic new patient goals for your budget
• Essential website and call tracking fundamentals for higher conversions
• The most common front desk mistakes costing you patient bookings (and how to fix them)
• A proven Google Ads campaign breakdown for maximum new patient flow
• Why and how to monitor campaign results at each stage (30/60/90 days)
• The truth behind doubling ad spend and market limits in your area
• Practical patient production projections based on real ad budgets
• How to hold your marketing agency accountable with lead and booking reports
• Critical tools and systems for tracking, measuring, and scaling patient growth

Hit play and find out exactly how to turn your marketing spend into real new dental patients. No more guesswork, just clear action steps!

growth!

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://sta.mx/vz69

Click here for a special offer!Guest: Lamar WoodsBusiness Name: Adhere Patient ManagementCheck out Lamar's Media:

Website: https://www.adherepatient.com/

‍

Host: Michael Arias

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

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

‍

Love the Podcast? Subscribe on Your Favorite App! https://lnkfi.re/TDMPod

Ever faced a setback in your practice that challenged your mindset? Learn how to escape scarcity thinking and navigate tough situations with abundance and strength!

In this episode of the Fail Forward series, CJ DuBe' shares the painful story of a lowball buyout after scaling from 0 to 8 million in three years that left her questioning her worth. However, CJ didn’t let this setback define her, as she embarked on a spectacular journey, learning to channel her unique abilities in teaching, facilitating, and coaching. Listen in to discover how shifting from a scarcity mindset to an abundance outlook, and focusing on love and trust, can help overcome setbacks and bring about phenomenal growth. Don't miss out on this inspiring tale of resilience and transformation, crucial lessons for any dentist or practice owner!

‍

‍

Listen to CJ's Other Episodes Here:

287: CJ DuBe | The simple concepts and tools to gain TRACTION in your practice. – The Dental Marketer Podcast

‍

Host: Michael Arias

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

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

‍

Love the Podcast? Follow on Your Favorite App! https://lnkfi.re/TDMPod

What happens when you stop seeing neighboring dentists as rivals and start building authentic alliances instead?

In this episode, Michael sits down with Dr. Chethan Chetty, fresh from a transformative three-year term as president of the Academy of General Dentistry. Having balanced his “second job” of intense advocacy with the demands of running his practice and raising a family, Dr. Chetty reflects on the unique pressures and privileges of leadership. He shares why organized dentistry is crucial for every dentist and reveals the advocacy battles few dentists realize are unfolding behind the scenes with legislators and policy makers. Hear firsthand stories of how professional unity can safeguard dentistry’s future and protect patients from disruptive policy changes.

The conversation dives into the realities facing today’s dental practice owners: mounting student debt, the lure of DSO positions, insurance headaches, and shifting patient expectations. Dr. Chetty unpacks real mistakes and leadership lessons learned while scaling his practice from “mom and pop” operation to a team of four associates, all while keeping culture and communication at the heart of growth. He details practical strategies for building collaborative relationships with neighboring dentists, managing staff dynamics, implementing technology, and responding to accelerated changes in the industry, including labor law shifts, AI-driven tools, and practice management innovations.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why organized dentistry is every dentist’s responsibility, not just for “joiners”
• How legislative changes can reshape your practice overnight—and what you can do
• Real-world strategies for balancing advocacy, practice ownership, and family life
• Approaches to healthy competition and building a local dental community
• Why student debt is reshaping the career landscape for new dentists
• The pros and cons of DSO and private ownership models today
• Keys to scaling a practice while preserving its culture and patient experience
• Lessons learned from leadership missteps—and how to resolve team conflict
• The impact of post-COVID labor law changes and innovative tech solutions
• How to future-proof your practice with smart systems and adaptable workflows

Ready to see the bigger picture and seize control of your dental career? Tune in now and learn how advocacy, leadership, and community could be your next big move!

‍

Sponsors:‍Oryx: All-In-One Cloud-Based Dental Software Created by Dentists for Dentists. Patient engagement, clinical, and practice management software that helps your dental practice grow without compromise. Click or copy and paste the link here for a special offer! https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/oryx/

‍

Guest: Dr. Chethan ChettyPractice Name: Eagle Rock Family DentistryCheck out Chethan's Media:

Website: https://www.eaglerockdentistry.com/

Instagram (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/drchettydds/

Instagram (Practice): https://www.instagram.com/eaglerockdentistry/

Host: Michael Arias

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

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

‍

Love the Podcast? Follow on Your Favorite App! https://lnkfi.re/TDMPod

Are you unknowingly stifling your team's growth by constantly providing solutions?

In this episode, Shane Simmons shares his experience of unintentionally becoming a roadblock in his dental marketing company, Crimson Media, due to his quick-fix problem solving approach. Discover how he pivoted his leadership style to empower his team through the 1-3-1 method, and how this can foster critical thinking, enhance team skills, and ultimately drive your dental practice growth. If you’re ready to step back and allow your team to emerge empowered and innovative, dive into today's episode!

‍

‍

Listen to Shane's Other Episodes Here:

MMM [Google Ads] How to Easily Attract New Patients with Predictability – The Dental Marketer Podcast

MMM [Internal Marketing] Using Social Media Ads & Email Marketing to Target Existing Patients for Unscheduled Treatment & Referrals – The Dental Marketer Podcast

MMM [Google Ads] The Best Way to Attract More Dental Implant Patients on a Limited Budget – The Dental Marketer Podcast

174: Shane Simmons | The Type of Marketing That Intrigues Human Beings – The Dental Marketer Podcast

MMM [Social Media] 3 Aspects of a Social Media Ad That New Patients Want to See – The Dental Marketer Podcast

MMM [Uncommon] The Power of Local Business Groups and the Reciprocity Effect – The Dental Marketer Podcast

MMM [Internal Marketing] Ramping Up Patient Referrals With an Annual Community Event! – The Dental Marketer Podcast

MMM [Google Ads] 3 Steps You Should Take with Every Ad Campaign, From Initial Call to Scheduled Patient – The Dental Marketer Podcast

MMM [Websites] 3 "Must Haves" Your Website Needs to Be Seen by Google & New Potential Patients – The Dental Marketer Podcast

MMM [SEO] Most SEO Campaigns Are Missing This One Single Most Important Strategy – The Dental Marketer Podcast

‍

Host: Michael Arias

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

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

‍

Love the Podcast? Follow on Your Favorite App! https://lnkfi.re/TDMPod

What happens when you stop letting insurance define your patient experience in one of the world’s toughest markets?

In this episode, Dr. Fatina Shtivelman opens up about what it takes to not only build a pediatric dental practice from scratch in Manhattan, but also completely reinvent its business model. She describes the emotional and mental “second baby” her practice became, alongside the constant juggle of refining systems, surviving a pandemic, and keeping both her team and vision aligned in the heart of New York City. Dr. Shtivelman shares the pivotal decision to leave insurance networks behind, revealing why she shifted toward a boutique, fee-for-service model and how this move (while nerve-wracking) ultimately elevated every aspect of her practice.

You’ll hear honest stories about hiring and leadership, from tracking interview punctuality in a city obsessed with time to watching her office manager grow from assistant to hygienist to leader. Dr. Shtivelman details the exact systems she’s built to safeguard consistency, minimize burnout, and empower every team member. She shows us the marketing, review, and tech strategies that help her attract the right families, boost profitability, and reclaim peace of mind. If you’re a dental practice owner or dreaming of becoming one, her practical insights will help you create a practice that’s both deeply personal and truly exceptional.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The mental realities of running a high-stakes pediatric dental practice in Manhattan
• Considerations and steps for shifting from in-network to out-of-network models
• Strategies for managing patient expectations and navigating tough financial conversations
• How to build and align a cohesive, growth-minded dental team
• Practical hiring methods for finding staff who fit your vision and values
• Concrete systems for accountability, efficiency, and minimizing daily stress
• Ground marketing tactics and event best practices to attract ideal patients
• How to generate and track quality Google reviews every month
• Keys to integrating technology (Open Dental, Modento, Dental Intelligence) for smooth operations
• Dr. Shtivelman’s leadership routines for handling pressure and avoiding burnout

Let's listen to Dr. Shtivelman’s hard-won practice-building secrets today!

‍

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

‍

Click here for a special offer!

‍

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://sta.mx/vz69

Click here for a special offer!Guest: Dr. Fatina ShtivelmanPractice Name: Gramercy Kids SmilesCheck out Fatina's Media:

Practice: https://www.gramercykidssmilesnyc.com/

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

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

‍

Host: Michael Arias

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

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

‍

Love the Podcast? Subscribe on Your Favorite App! https://lnkfi.re/TDMPod

‍