Your first impression used to happen at the front desk. Now, it happens online—before a patient ever calls. In this episode, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah break down how your website, reviews, and Google profile shape trust in 2025. They explain how small online problems (like a slow site or outdated reviews) can silently push new patients away—and how to fix them. You'll also hear how to make your site faster, easier to use, and more welcoming—with tools like video, real photos, and better content. If you're ready to turn your website into your practice's best conversion tool, this episode is packed with clear, actionable tips to help you start now.

In this episode of The Thriving Dentist Show, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah explore how dental teams can not only handle change - but thrive through it. From new technology to shifting patient behavior, change is everywhere. Gary shares real-life stories, mindset tips, and team strategies that help practices stay flexible, focused, and future-ready. You'll also hear a powerful marketing tip from Naren on the 3 biggest SEO mistakes most practices make (and how to avoid them). If you're looking to build a stronger, more confident team that grows with your practice - this episode is packed with simple, actionable advice you can use right away.

In this episode of The Thriving Dentist Show, host Gary Takacs sits down with Dr. Chris Phelps, dentist, entrepreneur, and certified trainer at the Cialdini Institute, to explore the science behind ethical persuasion and how it applies to dentistry. Dr. Phelps shares how understanding principles such as reciprocity, scarcity, consistency, liking, and social proof can elevate patient trust, improve case acceptance, and strengthen team communication. He also discusses the difference between persuasion and coercion, the power of creating the right mindset before communication (persuasion), and how to ethically apply these concepts in daily practice. Listeners will gain actionable insights into transforming their practice culture through psychology-driven communication and learn how to access training directly from the Cialdini Institute.

In this episode of The Thriving Dentist Show, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah share how to fast-track your dental team's performance in just 90 days using a focused framework inspired by The 12-Week Year. Discover how short-term goals drive long-term success as Gary explains how to prioritize the right objectives, motivate your team through purpose-driven leadership, and use check-ins to sustain accountability. From improving case acceptance and handling emergencies effectively to measuring KPIs like the Accounts Receivable Ratio, this conversation offers practical, proven steps to help your team work smarter, stay aligned, and achieve measurable growth.

In this episode of the Thriving Dentist Show, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah share real-world strategies to fix a weak dental schedule and keep your practice thriving all year long. Learn how to overcome slow months, reactivate hygiene patients, follow up on unscheduled treatment, and use same-day dentistry to fill your chairs fast. You'll also hear a powerful Clinical Tip from Dr. Raabiha Maan of London on how to build stronger patient trust by slowing down your exams and focusing on connection over pressure. Whether your schedule feels light or you just want to grow production, this episode gives you simple, proven steps to boost appointments, reduce stress, and achieve steady dental practice growth.

In this eye-opening episode of The Thriving Dentist Show, host Gary Takacs uncovers a shocking truth about dental insurance that most professionals aren't aware of — only 2.8% of patients with dental insurance use their full annual benefit. Gary explains why this matters, how insurance companies profit from unused benefits, and what steps dentists can take to better educate their patients. He also discusses practical strategies for reducing insurance dependence, improving call conversion rates, and creating stronger patient connections. This episode sheds light on the hidden dynamics of dental insurance and empowers dental professionals to take proactive steps toward greater independence and profitability. If you're ready to understand the real impact of dental insurance on your practice and how to create long-term success, this is an episode you don't want to miss.

In this episode of the Thriving Dentist Show, host Gary Takacs welcomes Dr. Wardah Inam, CEO and Co-Founder of Overjet, the global leader in AI-powered dental technology. Discover how artificial intelligence is transforming modern dentistry - from analyzing x-rays with remarkable precision to improving case acceptance, insurance verification, and credentialing workflows. Dr. Inam reveals how Overjet's cutting-edge innovations are helping dental professionals deliver better patient care, reduce administrative stress, and increase profitability. Whether you're a dentist, hygienist, or dental team member, this episode will give you actionable insights into how AI can simplify workflows, enhance diagnostics, and help patients truly understand their oral health. Tune in now to learn how Overjet is helping practices work smarter, save time, and elevate the overall patient experience.

In this powerful episode of The Thriving Dentist Show, Gary Takacs reveals the common traits shared by thriving dental practices. Drawing from over 45 years of coaching and consulting experience, Gary outlines the seven goals of a thriving practice—from achieving financial independence and reducing insurance dependence to strengthening leadership and team satisfaction. You'll learn how to measure what matters, build a high-performance dental team, and leverage AI-driven marketing to stay ahead in 2025. Whether you're a solo practitioner or leading a multi-doctor office, this episode offers a proven framework to create your own version of success. Tune in now to discover what it really takes to build a thriving, profitable, and fulfilling dental practice!

In this episode of the Thriving Dentist Show, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah reveal how patients decide within seconds whether your dental office is the right choice for them. Discover why attention spans are shrinking, how website design and trust cues shape first impressions, and which visual elements instantly turn browsers into booked patients. You'll learn actionable strategies to help your practice stand out - including: • Using authentic team photos and full-face smile transformations • Adding short, friendly welcome videos to build patient trust • Creating a mobile-first website that converts visitors fast • Leveraging Google reviews (10+ "love letter" reviews per month!) to boost credibility and social proof Whether you want to attract more high-quality patients, improve SEO performance, or increase call conversion rates, this episode is packed with insights to help your practice thrive in today's digital world. Listen now and transform your website into a patient-converting powerhouse!

Running a successful dental practice in 2025 takes more than production numbers. In this episode of the Thriving Dentist Show, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah share the five essential metrics every dentist should track to build a profitable, patient-focused, and stress-free practice. Learn how to shift from production to profitability, reduce PPO dependence, boost patient loyalty, and keep a high-performing dental team you truly enjoy working with. We'll also cover practical strategies to protect your work-life balance so you can thrive in and out of the office. If you're ready to grow your dental practice, strengthen patient relationships, and achieve lasting financial freedom, this episode is for you.