The Dental Marketer

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.)

• 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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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

Website: dentistinfoxboro.com

Instagram: instagram.com/charmdentalma

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

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

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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!

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

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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.

• 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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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

Website: callrail.com/dentalmarketer‍

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/amandakepshire

CallRail LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/callrail

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

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

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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.

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

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

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

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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.

• 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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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

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

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

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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.

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

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Website: lakeshoredentalstudio.com

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

Email: [email protected]

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

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

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If you've ever felt the weight of ambition pull you away from personal fulfillment, this episode is your honest roadmap back to balance!

Dr. Simone Ellis opens up about her early years as a practice owner: navigating the pressures of rapid growth, leadership, and the unspoken toll of relentless hustle.

In this conversation, Dr. Ellis reveals how she recognized warning signs of burnout, the emotional and physical challenges of leading through turbulent times like the pandemic, and why she ultimately sold her thriving practice. She shares the leadership strategies and team systems that now drive her consulting work, all rooted in one philosophy: sustainable success starts with aligning business growth to personal values. Dr. Ellis empowers us to adopt self-awareness, set healthy boundaries, and foster cultures where dental teams (and their leaders) truly flourish.

• The real story behind rapid practice growth and its personal costs.
• How to spot and address burnout as a dentist.
• Why self-awareness and core values matter for sustainable success.
• The art of setting boundaries to protect both personal and professional well-being.
• Proven team motivation techniques inspired by top companies.
• How honest leadership and structured meetings can transform workplace culture.
• Concrete strategies Dr. Ellis uses to support and inspire her team.
• The benefits and intricacies of selling a high-performing dental practice.
• Key insights for pivoting from ownership to consulting.
• Practical advice for cultivating a resilient, growth-driven mindset.

Tune in now to hear Dr. Ellis’ unfiltered insights and discover how to redefine success as a dentist on your own terms!

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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

Website: drsimoneellis.com

Instagram: instagram.com/drsimoneellis

Email: [email protected]

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

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

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If your referral requests have ever felt forced or unfruitful, it may be time to switch gears!

In this part 2 episode on the Ground Marketing series, we reveal exactly how to transform referral relationships from awkward cold calls into genuine professional alliances through proven, effective scripts tailored for every type of specialist. You'll discover how to reshape conversations with general practitioners, pediatricians, hygienists, and other medical professionals to ensure your expertise becomes an essential resource for their patients, while making your colleagues feel valued and appreciated.

Today we're demystify how to amplify your visibility far beyond the clinic walls, turning your practice into a familiar community anchor that local families trust. From hands-on strategies like PTA sponsorships and school health events, to expert-level moves like contributing advice columns to local media, you’ll learn to build a trusted brand recognized for genuine community involvement. The episode wraps with a deep-dive into the “referral flywheel”: a simple but game-changing system for making referrals flow naturally month after month. Whether you want to boost word-of-mouth or become the go-to expert in town, these easy-to-implement tactics will set you apart in your community!

• Specific, customizable scripts to spark referrals without sounding salesy
• How to identify and connect with the right partners: doctors, hygienists, pediatricians, and more
• Techniques to make colleagues feel confident and valued when referring patients
• Real-world scenarios to apply your referral scripts for maximum impact
• How to establish visibility anchors in your community for top-of-mind awareness
• Ideas for educational contributions in local media and blogs to boost credibility
• Methods for measuring, tracking, and scaling the referral flywheel system

Ready to become your community’s most in-demand specialist? Tune in now and start building referral relationships that grow themselves!

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

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

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

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What happens when a dentist swaps the race for patient volume for a practice built on quality care and real satisfaction?

In this episode, Dr. Ahad Ahmed unveils his unique approach to running a general dental practice: from launching his first office in 2023 to opening a second, all while navigating the hidden challenges of patient volume and administrative overload. Sharing his story, Dr. Ahmed explores why clear communication and value-driven partnerships have been key to his business growth, and how collaborating with a younger dentist has shaped his leadership style. He shows how he outsources crucial administrative tasks, freeing up his team for what truly matters: providing excellent patient care.

But the journey hasn't been without tough lessons. Dr. Ahmed explains how a shift in priorities, from high turnover to quality care and workplace satisfaction, propelled him to drop low-paying insurance plans and refine his hiring process. He opens up about the pitfalls of hiring based on convenience over compatibility and dives into how adopting technology has streamlined operations and reduced costs. As the conversation wraps up, Dr. Ahmed offers actionable advice for fellow dentists: embrace change, learn from mistakes, and focus on building a practice that aligns with your personal values.

• The critical roles of partnership and clear communication in practice growth
• Strategies for managing high patient volumes without burning out your team
• Why and how to outsource administrative tasks like billing and insurance
• The benefits and challenges of dropping low-paying insurance plans
• The importance of hiring for personality fit and capability
• Lessons learned from past hiring mistakes and improving team retention
• How leveraging technology can lower overhead and improve services
• Shifting your business mindset from patient volume to quality care
• Balancing work-life demands in a rapidly growing practice

Listen today to hear Dr. Ahmed's journey from high-volume to high-value!

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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

Website: easybreezydental.com

Email: [email protected]

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

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

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How do top dental specialists quietly become the go-to experts without splashy ads or endless networking events?

In this episode, we peel back the curtain on ground marketing strategies crafted specifically for dental specialists. Think orthodontists, prosthetists, periodontists, and more, who rely on referrals rather than foot traffic. We dig into the nuances of micro-niche targeting and how pinpointing the real decision-makers (those who influence consistent referrals) will change the way you build your practice’s network. Using relatable examples, like ERs for endodontists or schools for orthodontists, you’ll discover how symptom-based segmentation and a referral signal map can transform the way you identify and connect with the environments that matter most.

Next, you’ll learn powerful outreach tactics, including how to use a sphere of influence map to rank and approach referral sources strategically. This ensures your time goes to high-yield relationships, not wasted appointments. You’ll understand how concentrating marketing efforts in areas rich with your ideal patients or gatekeepers can maximize your ROI. We also cover smarter, less intrusive ways to maintain momentum with referrers to make every touchpoint matter (without feeling annoying.)

• How to clearly define your micro-niche and identify prime decision-makers.
• Where to locate high-yield referral environments and map out key referral signals.
• Smart tactics to segment potential patients by symptoms and life stages.
• The step-by-step process for building your sphere of influence map.
• How to rank and schedule outreach for maximum referral impact.
• Using heat mapping and geo-zoning to concentrate efforts where ROI is highest.
• The "Don’t Be Annoying Plan" to stay top of mind without overwhelming referrers.
• Tips for psychographic personalization to connect with referrers on an emotional level.
• The essential art of asking the right questions and listening for referral cues.
• Strategies for building long-lasting, referral-rich relationships that sustain specialist practices.

Hit play now to discover proven strategies for becoming the referral magnet in your dental specialty. No hype, just results!

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

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

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

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