Technology can be copied. Marketing can be copied. Even your chairs and handpieces can be copied. The only thing that truly separates you from the office down the street? Your people.
This episode will show you how HR becomes your most powerful growth strategy.
This week, Dr. Len is joined by HR expert Alan Twigg, president of Bent Erickson & Associates — one of dentistry's most trusted partners in HR systems, compliance, and team development.
HR may not seem like the "sexiest" part of dentistry… but it's one of the most important. Every patient experience, every production goal, every system — they all rely on people.
Alan helps practice owners shift their mindset:
✔️ Your team is your greatest competitive advantage ✔️ HR isn't paperwork — it's culture, longevity, and protection ✔️ Compliance matters more than ever — and it changes constantly ✔️ Hiring is marketing… and your employee experience is your brand
Whether you're a solo practice or a multi-location empire, this episode breaks down the HR essentials you can't ignore in 2025 and beyond.
What You'll Learn
-
Why once you hire ONE employee, 95% of labor laws apply to you
-
How to craft a Unique Employment Proposition (UEP) that attracts top talent
-
The biggest 2025 HR law changes you need to know (pregnancy protections, paid leave, state sick rules)
-
The truth about unemployment claims and why they're not worth fighting
-
What dentists must know about paying staff for CE events (and the exact labor code to reference) The HR risks when expanding into multi-location or multi-state practices
-
Why appreciation is a strategic system, not a personality trait
Key Takeaways
00:40 Welcome, sponsor shoutout & event reminder
03:11 Meet Alan Twigg + Who Bent Erickson Helps
06:20 The New Hiring Reality & Standing Out as an Employer
11:29 Reputation, Reviews & Recruitment
12:50 Why HR Compliance Drives Practice Success
16:41 Labor Law Changes Every Dentist Must Know
19:40 Unemployment Claims: What Really Matters
24:50 CE, Overtime & What Practices Must Legally Cover
29:33 Multi-Location & Multi-State HR Risks
33:33 Creating a Culture of Appreciation
35:40 Lightning Round Q&A with Alan
40:40 Listener Offer: $500 Off HR Director Package
41:30 Closing: Protect Your Reputation
—
Connect with Alan
Learn more about how Bent Erickson & Associates can support your practice with HR compliance, team development, and leadership training:
🌐 Website: https://bentericksen.com/
📞 Contact Page: Available directly on the website 📚 Free HR resources + education available online
💡 Listener Offer: Save $500 on the HR Director Package when you sign up before year-end — exclusively for Raving Patients listeners.
—
Learn proven dental marketing strategies and online reputation management techniques at DrLenTau.com.
This podcast is sponsored by Dental Intelligence. Learn more here.
This podcast is sponsored by CallRail, call tracking & lead conversion software for dentists. Find out more here.
Raving Patients Podcast is your go-to place for the latest and best dental marketing strategies that will help you skyrocket your practice. Follow us for more!