The Dental Marketer

Every dental practice claims to put patients first, but what does it mean to build a business where every interaction truly feels like family?

In this episode, Michael sits down with Tom Gonzalez, Business Facilitator at Ohana Dental Implant Centers, to reveal how a behind-the-scenes leader can shape both daily operations and the very culture of patient care. Drawing on his unique role, Tom illuminates how his COO-style guidance aligns marketing, patient experience, and operational strategy to create seamless, standout care for every patient who walks through their doors.

Tom shares how Ohana’s mission goes far beyond technical excellence by weaving personalized attention into every step of the patient journey. Through heartfelt stories (like the patient who drove hours seeking an expert revision), Tom illustrates how empathy, curiosity, and team empowerment drive not only patient satisfaction but also long-term success. Tune in as the conversation uncovers the nuts and bolts behind Ohana’s methods, the technology and training that keep their standards high, and the leadership philosophies that truly make their practice feel like Ohana (Hawaiian for "family") in every sense.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The real role of a business facilitator in a modern dental practice
• How Ohana Dental ensures consistently exceptional patient experiences across locations
• Why patient stories shape both practice reputation and internal culture
• Secrets to addressing failed implants with expertise and empathy
• Tools and metrics that drive operational excellence, including CallRail
• Balancing automation with a personal, human touch in patient interactions
• Strategies for training staff in empathy-driven care
• Lessons on empowering teams versus micro-managing
• The importance of curiosity in building personalized patient relationships
• The long-term vision of fostering a true family spirit within dentistry

Press play to discover how Ohana Dental turns everyday care into extraordinary patient experiences!

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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: Tom GonzalezPractice Name: Ohana Dental Implant CentersCheck out Tom's Media:‍

Website: ohanadentalimplants.com

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Host: Michael Arias

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

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

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Are your local marketing efforts working as hard online as they do in person?

In this episode, we break down exactly how dental practices can harness the combined power of ground marketing and local SEO to dominate their local market. From hosting engaging community events that foster genuine trust and visibility, to ensuring every handshake and conversation converts into online discoverability, you’ll learn strategies that build both credibility and patient numbers. We’ll reveal how your Google Business Profile acts as your virtual storefront, why authentic event photos and specific business categories are essential, and how to keep your profile fresh with real updates. The discussion zeroes in on location-based content, gathering glowing online reviews, and using savvy tools like QR codes to measure what actually works. Plus, find out how automating review requests and leveraging local backlinks can skyrocket your ranking and reputation!

If you’re a practice owner looking to fill more chairs, this episode arms you with step-by-step techniques to make your ground marketing events work overtime online. By the end, you’ll see exactly how every local encounter can turn into lasting online visibility (and new loyal patients.)

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How ground marketing and local SEO create a powerful loop of trust and visibility
• The pivotal role your Google Business Profile plays in new patient acquisition
• Why using real photos from events can boost credibility and local ranking
• Ways to craft location-based website pages and event recaps for SEO impact
• How testimonials and reviews mentioning events or neighborhoods help you stand out
• Effective tactics for maintaining accurate business details across directories
• Smart use of QR codes and trackable links to measure campaign ROI
• The value of publishing event blog posts and gaining local backlinks
• Practical steps to track online behaviors like search frequency and call usage

Let's listen in and learn how to turn every offline connection into an online patient!

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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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Are you trapped in the daily grind, or are you steering your practice towards real growth?

In this episode, we explore the heart and mind of dental practice success with Lisa Grogan, a respected dental coach whose journey began by chance and evolved into a passion for transforming practices.

Lisa pulls back the curtain on what it takes to elevate a dental practice beyond clinical excellence. She shows why dentists must step up as business leaders, not just healthcare providers, and how this shift influences everything from patient trust to practice profitability. Through relatable stories and practical strategies, Lisa reveals how communication, mindset coaching, and patient-centered visuals can dramatically increase treatment acceptance. She confronts common stumbling blocks like confusion around pricing, wavering confidence, and limiting beliefs, while spotlighting the use of social media and influencers to attract ideal patients. Above all, Lisa encourages dentists to embrace storytelling and holistic management as essential tools for sustainable growth.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The biggest mindset shifts that help dentists move from clinician to business owner
• How to use effective patient communication to build trust and boost treatment acceptance
• Practical ways to increase transparency and confidence when discussing pricing
• Strategies for leveraging social media and local influencers to grow your patient base
• The role of visual tools and storytelling in educating patients
• How belief systems can limit or expand your practice growth (and what to do about it)
• Step-by-step tactics for implementing mindset coaching in your practice
• Why working on your business matters as much as working in it
• The power of holistic practice management for long-term success

Discover how simple shifts that can make the difference in your dental practice! Press play and start leading your business forward!

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Sponsors:‍CareStack: Modern, Secure, Cloud-Based Dental Software for Growing Your Practice! With state-of-the-art features including Online Appointments, Integrated Payments, Text Reminders and more. Click the link here for a special offer: thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/carestack
Guest: Lisa GroganBusiness Name: Lisa Grogan Dental CoachingCheck out Lisa's Media:‍

Website: lisagrogandentalcoach.com

Instagram: instagram.com/lisagrogan_dentalcoach

Email: [email protected]

Lisa's Social Media Course: lisagrogancoaching.mvsite.app/products/courses/view/1179602/?action=signup

Lisa's Smile Assessment Form: lisagrogandentalcoach.com/online-dental-coaching-resources

Lisa's Social Media Masterclass Video: youtu.be/bDbZJHzilfw

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Want the Reception Call Conversion Kit from this episode? Find it here! thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/reception-call-conversion-kit

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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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How do you keep your team fired up for the daily grind of marketing when every door knocked or flyer handed out feels like a small battle?

This episode dives into the motivations that fuel ground marketing success, not just today, but for the long haul. Michael offers strategies that blend the science of internal drive with the enticing pull of external rewards, revealing why relying on only one kind of motivation just doesn’t cut it for ongoing, high-energy performance.

Discover practical ways to spark enthusiasm and resilience in your outreach teams, from turning mundane tasks into engaging challenges to celebrating even the smallest wins. The discussion breaks down how to set achievable micro-goals, link activities to deeper personal values, and reframe setbacks as stepping stones. By the end, you’ll walk away with a toolkit designed to keep your marketing engine running at full speed, without risking burnout or loss of purpose!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The crucial difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation (and why you need both.)
• Proven tactics like gamification, role rotation, and celebrating progress (not just outcomes.)
• How to reframe rejection and keep spirits high during persistent outreach.
• The process of anchoring activities to your team’s personal sense of purpose.
• Why setting micro-goals and visualizing impact can transform marketing results.
• The importance of tangible targets and layering immediate with delayed rewards.
• Preventing burnout while sustaining consistent ground marketing activity.
• Morning mental priming rituals that set your team’s tone for the whole day.
• How to build a motivation system, not just one-off hype.

Ready to energize your outreach and keep your marketing momentum strong? Hit play and level up your team’s motivation now!

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Learn More About the Ground Marketing Course Here:

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

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Host: Michael Arias

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

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

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Many infants and toddlers struggle with feeding, sleep, or jaw development, and your practice could offer the help they need!

In this episode, Michael sits down with Joy Lantz, an expert in myofunctional therapy and pediatric oral health, to reveal how early dental care can unlock happier, healthier outcomes for children long before their first permanent tooth appears.

Joy shares her groundbreaking approach to identifying issues like tongue ties and low oral muscle tone that often slip past traditional dental and medical screenings. By drawing on her experience as both a clinician and a mom, Joy explains why early screening, multidisciplinary teamwork, and building strong referral networks are critical for supporting whole-child health. You'll walk away with practical strategies to implement this, including team training, building family trust, and overcoming insurance or cultural barriers, all aimed at creating a future where every child receives the collaborative care they deserve.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Signs that oral issues in babies and toddlers frequently go unnoticed
• How early screening can catch hidden problems like tongue ties
• The crucial role of multidisciplinary referral networks (lactation, chiropractic, etc.)
• Practical tips for dental teams to support families with infants and toddlers
• Strategies for pediatric dental practices to manage insurance and outreach challenges
• Why a holistic, collaborative approach leads to better outcomes for young patients
• Insights from Joy’s personal journey as a mother navigating these challenges
• What the ideal, family-centered oral health practice looks like in action

Tune in now to discover how rethinking early dental care could transform lifelong health for children and peace of mind for families!

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The Pediatric Dental Marketing Course is open for enrollment!This comprehensive course, developed by Minal Sampat and myself, is tailored specifically for pediatric practice owners and their teams. It is designed to turn your pain points into stepping stones for success and to help you become the trusted dental home for countless children in your community. Head over to our site to enroll now! pediatricdentalmarketingcourse.com
Guest: Joy LantzBusiness Name: Joy LantzCheck out Joy's Media:‍

Website: joylantz.com

Joy's free study club: joylantz.com/dentalinnovationsstudyclub

Joy's Courses: joylantz.com/classes

Joy's Practice: oralfunctions.com

Facebook: facebook.com/JoyLantzPro

Instagram: instagram.com/joylantzpro

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/joylantzrdh

YouTube: youtube.com/@joylantz

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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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Have you ever felt like your practice’s ground marketing efforts are falling flat, no matter how many times you show up in your community? This episode uncovers exactly when (and why) it’s vital to make adjustments to your on-the-ground outreach before wasted time and resources start piling up.

We’ll break down the five telltale signs your ground marketing needs a fresh approach, from dwindling engagement and stalled ROI to resistance from your own team. Drawing on real examples and proven strategies, you’ll discover actionable ways to reignite interest, fine-tune your message, and even re-energize staff participation. By the end, you’ll know not just what to look for, but precisely how to pivot so your practice can maximize every handshake, conversation, and connection.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The five most important signals that your ground marketing strategy needs a reset
• Why personal outreach succeeds where automated ads often fall short
• How to interpret low engagement and what to do next
• Ways to clarify your offerings for stronger community resonance
• Techniques for boosting conversion rates above the dreaded 10% mark
• Methods to overcome both external apathy and internal team resistance
• Practical steps like gamification, campaign launches, and rotating staff roles
• The role of timely feedback and how it drives ongoing improvement
• Tips for ensuring every community interaction delivers measurable ROI

Don’t let your ground marketing go stale! Tune in now to learn how to refresh your strategy and spark real results.

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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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From hiring hundreds of top performers to opening 17 practice sites, here’s how one dental leader maintains cohesion, culture, and continuous growth.

Today we have Evelyn Lahiji, a veteran consultant and manager behind a pediatric orthopedic dental empire with 17 carefully-positioned offices around Los Angeles. Evelyn pulls back the curtain on the systems, strategies, and mindsets that fueled her team’s explosive growth—sharing candid stories, practical tactics, and the exact formulas that keep their practice ahead in patient care and profitability.

You’ll discover how localized expansion, dynamic staff engagement, and a laser focus on operational excellence create a ripple effect from happier employees to loyal patients and impressive margins. Evelyn breaks down her approach to hiring, marketing, and adopting cutting-edge AI technologies for both clinical and business efficiency. Whether you’re looking to open your first additional location or searching for ways to maximize efficiency, Evelyn’s insights on goal-setting, accountability, and embracing innovation are sure to spark new ideas for your own practice.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The strategic advantages of expanding within compact geographic regions
• Evelyn’s proven formula for recruiting and retaining enthusiastic, high-performing staff
• How localizing staff assignments boosts morale and operational flexibility
• The role of AI in improving patient care
• Financial benchmarks: aiming to break even within a year of opening a new site
• Key daily metrics to monitor for maximizing productivity and profit
• How to craft marketing strategies that attract and retain ideal patients
• Designing incentive and accountability structures that motivate your team
• Effective delegation and management roles for seamless multi-location operations

Press play to uncover Evelyn’s expert roadmap for building, scaling, and optimizing a multi-location dental practice!

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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: Evelyn LahijiPractice Name: Children's Dental FunZoneCheck out Evelyn's Media:‍

Website: childrensdentalfunzone.com

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/evelyn-lahiji-3566b6219

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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!

Stop waiting for the next big holiday—learn how summer camps, back-to-school buzz, and even heat waves can spark growth for your practice!

This episode unpacks the secret sauce behind high-impact seasonal ground marketing—going way beyond just holiday-focused promotions. Michael breaks down the psychology behind why these timely campaigns work so well, highlighting how shifting routines, local events, and changing interests throughout the year offer fresh and relevant opportunities to connect with your community.

Packed with practical inspiration, Michael walks you through inventive campaign ideas like the Summer Smile Hydration Campaign, partnerships with kids’ summer camps, and creative collaborations with neighborhood ice cream and coffee shops. He doesn’t just stop at ideas—each campaign comes with pro tips for branded swag, tried-and-true outreach scripts, and relationship-building strategies. The episode also covers back-to-school moves, hands-on pop-up events in gyms and co-working spaces, and weather-based promotions designed to spark instant engagement. By the end, you’ll have a game plan brimming with actionable steps, scripts, and long-term tactics that elevate your practice’s presence and real-world impact.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How seasonal ground marketing taps into shifting community needs and habits
• Step-by-step guidance for executing a Summer Smile Hydration Campaign
• Creative ways to collaborate with local kids’ camps, ice cream shops, and coffee shops
• How to craft winning outreach scripts and messages for local partnerships
• Tips for impactful back-to-school campaigns, including teacher gifts and sports mouth guards
• Techniques for using quarterly wellness pop-ups and weather-triggered flash promotions
• Follow-up strategies to nurture partnerships and convert connections into referrals

Hit play now to unlock proven seasonal campaigns and scripts you can use to power up your ground marketing all year long!

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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!

If building your own dental startup sounds overwhelming and expensive, here's a real-world look behind the curtain on tough decisions and smart spending as a practice owner!

In this episode, Dr. Katie Mathis shares her rollercoaster journey from ambitious associate to proud owner of Prairie Creek Dental, revealing what it really takes to bring a single-doctor practice to life in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. You’ll get a front-row seat to the pivotal decisions that shaped her path, from navigating complex construction logistics to choosing between an acquisition or a startup, all while forging a practice that truly reflects her standards and values.

Michael and Dr. Mathis delve into the daily realities of starting fresh—the anxieties of big loans, the strategic art of hiring, and the delicate balance of marketing to and caring for patients in a competitive landscape. Dr. Mathis opens up about practical systems she’s put in place, the vital role of a supportive community, and the power of smart financial planning (hint: don’t forget that dental-specific accountant!). Her real-world tips and candid anecdotes make this a must-listen episode for any dentists dreaming of practice ownership or looking to fine-tune their current practice.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• When to choose a startup over acquiring an existing dental practice
• Essential first steps for building your own dental startup
• Key factors that influenced Dr. Mathis’s decision to launch in Cedar Rapids
• How to hire and build a reliable practice team from day one
• The real challenges and rewards of taking on significant debt
• Effective marketing tactics for new dental practices in small communities
• Practical ways to manage patient expectations and treatment plans
• The importance of a dental-specific accountant and strong financial systems
• Advice for maintaining an emergency fund and preparing for unexpected costs
• Real-life lessons learned and actionable advice from Dr. Mathis’s journey

Hit play to uncover the behind-the-scenes realities and practical strategies of building your own successful dental practice!

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Sponsors: DocSites: Do you need a new website or marketing agency with no long-term contracts? Visit DocSites' website here and be sure to mention The Dental Marketer for $500 off! docsites.com

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Guest: Dr. Katie MathisPractice Name: Prairie Creek DentalCheck out Katie's Media:‍

Website: pcdiowa.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!

Why do some pediatric practices become local favorites while others fade into the background?

In this episode, Michael delves into the psychology of ground marketing tailored for pediatric dental practices, revealing why trust is the foundation for building lasting relationships with local families. He unpacks the dual priorities facing dentists: winning over discerning parents with micro trust-building moments, while making sure kids feel safe and comfortable from the first hello. Through real-world stories and tested tactics, you'll discover how influencing word-of-mouth and creating educational opportunities puts your practice in the conversation of every parent group.

Michael doesn’t stop at the basics—he explores actionable strategies you can launch tomorrow for deep community engagement. Learn how partnerships with daycare centers and schools, creative health talks, and unique events like hidden book treasure hunts or teacher recharge stations set your practice apart. He also gives you the operational playbook: capturing valuable data at every touchpoint, deploying targeted follow-up, and transforming positive community impressions into appointments. By the end, you’ll have a blueprint to elevate your in-office experience, ensuring your ground marketing efforts translate into ongoing loyalty and genuine patient trust.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How to build trust with both parents and children in pediatric settings
• Effective word-of-mouth marketing techniques for local influence
• Community partnership ideas with schools, libraries, activity centers, and pediatricians
• Creative in-person events to educate and engage families
• Unique reciprocity strategies, like mouth guard scholarships and recharge stations
• Best practices for gathering and using data at events
• Robust follow-up systems to convert leads into actual appointments
• Differentiating your in-office experience to reinforce marketing gains
• Operational tactics for maximizing your ROI on ground marketing
• The must-have steps for tracking, measuring, and optimizing each outreach

Jump in now to discover how your pediatric practice can become the go-to spot for families in your community!

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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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The Pediatric Dental Marketing Course is open for enrollment!

Head over to our site to enroll now! pediatricdentalmarketingcourse.com

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Host: Michael Arias

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

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

‍

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