Patients don't love being in the office. So, how do you get them to come in — and to come back? There are two things you can focus on for that to happen, and Kirk Behrendt brings back Miranda Beeson, ACT’s director of education and amazing coach, to share those secrets. By mastering the new patient phone call and new patient visit, you will create raving fans who help your practice thrive. To learn how to give patients the “wow” experience, listen to Episode 735 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Miranda:

• Send Miranda an email: miranda@actdental.com
• Follow Miranda on ACT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actdental
• Send Kirk a recording of your patient phone call for feedback: kirk@actdental.com
• Send Gina an email: gina@actdental.com

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

• Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listen
• Join The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
• Join ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/ttt
• See the ACT Dental/BPA Live Event Schedule: https://www.actdental.com/event
• Get The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazine
• Please leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218

Episode Resources:

• Watch the video version of Episode 735: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
• ACT’s 5 Success Strategies for Impactful New Patient Calls: https://23476641.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23476641/PDF/New%20Patient%20Call%20Success%20Strategies%20-%20Final%20-%2004.pdf
• Read The Power of Moments by Chip Heath & Dan Heath: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-power-of-moments-why-certain-experiences-have-extraordinary-impact-dan-heath/6707437?ean=9781501147760&ref=&source=IndieBound&title=

Main Takeaways:

• You have one chance at a first impression.
• Give patients a “wow” experience with your call and visit.
• Strengthen your team culture. Patients can feel when there's tension.
• Make patients feel cared about with your tone, language, and behaviors.
• Demonstrate active listening and focused attention. Don't try to multitask.
• Take...

734: Chronic Oral Wounds in Your Dental Practice – Tanya Dunlap

Getting patients healthy is your number-one role. But are you focusing on the disease that matters most? It’s time to address the most undiagnosed and untreated condition — gum disease — and now there's an easier way. To help you start the conversation, Kirk Behrendt brings in Tanya Dunlap, vice president of Perio Protect, to showcase Perio Tray, a convenient way to treat, prevent, and manage gum disease. To learn more about Perio Tray and how it can improve your patients’ lives, listen to Episode 734 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Tanya:

• Join Perio Protect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PerioProtect
• Follow Perio Protect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perioprotect
• Learn more about Perio Protect: https://www.perioprotect.com
• Register for a free product demo of Perio Protect: https://www.hatchbuck.co/NTUeJL

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

• Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listen
• Join The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
• Join ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/ttt
• See the ACT Dental/BPA Live Event Schedule: https://www.actdental.com/event
• Get The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazine
• Please leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218

Episode Resources:

• Watch the video version of Episode 734: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos

Main Takeaways:

• Patients need better home care.
• Brushing, rinsing, and flossing is not enough.
• Systemic antibiotics are not long-term solutions.
• Perio Protect makes home care easy and convenient.
• Be honest with patients about their gum disease findings.
• You have the opportunity to change patients’ lives for the better.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

1:32 Why this is an important topic.

6:24 The problem of diagnosis and treatment planning.

10:10 How to be honest with patients about gum disease.

12:46 Health benefits of treating gum disease.

15:04 Put periodontal disease into remission.

18:03 The Perio Protect process.

19:32 More about Perio Protect.

Tanya Dunlap Bio:

Tanya Dunlap, PhD, is the vice president at Perio Protect, where she has worked since 2005. For several years, she served as the research liaison for the company, working with researchers and investigators who were testing Perio Tray® therapy in...

733: Health Habits to Wind Down for Deep Sleep – Dr. Uche Odiatu & Loren King

Are you exhausted before the day is done? Do you wish you had more sleep? Better health, a better life — even being a better dental professional — is tied to a more restful night. To help you be your best self at home and the office, Kirk Behrendt brings back one of ACT’s favorite health and wellness gurus, Dr. Uche Odiatu, and Loren King, an international speaker, life coach, and dental hygienist, to reveal a few simple hacks and habits to start sleeping better today. To learn the foundation for better sleep, listen to Episode 733 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Dr. Odiatu & Loren:

• Join Dr. Odiatu on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UcheOdiatu
• Follow Dr. Odiatu on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fitspeakers
• Learn more on Dr. Odiatu’s website: http://www.druche.com
• Register for the 2024 Bulletproof Summit (June 14-15, 2024): https://reg.bravuratechnologies.com/events/47000020/ae8c3cd7-475c-2bb7-92f0-2pqr33700290/open
• Follow Loren on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorenthecoachforhumans
• Schedule a call with Loren: https://calendly.com/thehumanexperiencecoach/schedule-a-call?month=2024-05
• · Watch Loren’s Human Trafficking and Dentistry course: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNnOI7eGpd4

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

• Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listen
• Join The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
• Join ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/ttt
• See the ACT Dental/BPA Live Event Schedule: https://www.actdental.com/event
• Get The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazine
• Please leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218

Episode Resources:

• Watch the video version of Episode 733: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
• Try the Oura Ring: https://ouraring.com
• Read Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari:

732: Empowering the Owner-Associate Synergy – Dr. Sean Bahrami

For a practice to be successful, it needs great owner-associate synergy. But how do you find the right owner or associate? To guide both sides through this process, Kirk Behrendt brings in Dr. Sean Bahrami, founder of Dental Wellness Society, to share his strategies for becoming and finding the ideal candidate. To learn the secrets to a successful owner-associate relationship, listen to Episode 732 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Dr. Bahrami:

• Send Dr. Bahrami an email: bahramidds@gmail.com
• Follow Dr. Bahrami on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drseanbahrami
• Learn more about Dental Wellness Society: https://www.dentalwellnesssociety.com

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

• Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listen
• Join The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
• Join ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/ttt
• See the ACT Dental/BPA Live Event Schedule: https://www.actdental.com/event
• Get The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazine
• Please leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218

Episode Resources:

• Watch the video version of Episode 732: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos

Main Takeaways for Owners:

• Have a clear vision for your practice.
• Find associates that believe in your vision.
• Choose associates who have drive and motivation.
• Test associates early to decide if they are the right fit.
• Empower associates through teamwork. Let go of your ego.
• Involve your team and associates in the decision-making process.
• Be open to new ideas. There will always be something you can learn.

Main Takeaways for Associates:

• Identify your area of interest in dentistry.
• Seek out mentorship. It is crucial in dentistry.
• Find a practice you want to make your dental home.
• Show up early, be an active member, and be a role model.
• Respectfully introduce new ideas, systems, and procedures.
• Do follow-up calls to show patients that you care about them.
• Focus on elevating the practice that you join, not just the money.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

5:24 The owner-associate relationship, explained.

7:57 Dr. Bahrami’s background.

9:08 A tale of two dentists: Dr. Ben and Dr. Sean.

13:53 The challenges of owning a practice.

19:02 The challenges of DSOs.

20:57 Things that make dentistry...

731: Turning the Numbers into Dollars: Data Mastery in Your Practice! – Dr. Barrett Straub

Do you hate tracking numbers? Are you confused about what to track and why you need to track them? To help you change that, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Barrett Straub, ACT’s CEO, with another framework for mastering the key data in your practice. Start making better business decisions with the help of data! To learn which numbers to track and countermeasures to improve your profitability and culture, listen to Episode 731 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Dr. Straub:

• Send Dr. Straub an email: barrett@actdental.com
• Join Dr. Straub on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barrett.d.straub
• Register for Dr. Straub’s live workshop (August 23, 2024): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/act-dental-gaps-method-the-formula-for-financial-freedom-tickets-776572418007
• Send Gina an email: gina@actdental.com

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

• Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listen
• Join The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
• Join ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/ttt
• See the ACT Dental/BPA Live Event Schedule: https://www.actdental.com/event
• Get The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazine
• Please leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218

Episode Resources:

• Watch the video version of Episode 731: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
• Register to access ACT’s PPO Roadmap: https://www.actdental.com/free-resources/ppo-roadmap/
• Register to access ACT’s Say This, Not That resource: https://form.jotform.com/221665137804153

Main Takeaways:

• Know your gross production and net collection numbers.
• Assess, categorize, and track all of your write-offs.
• Evaluate and maximize your schedule.
• Improve your communication skills.
• Upgrade your hand-off system.
• Rework your financial policies.
• Reassess your AR system.
• Don't do this on your own.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

2:07 About ACT’s TTT Study Club and BPA.

6:06 Why this is an important topic.

10:06 Data point #1: Net production.

13:54 Countermeasure #1 for low...

Do you feel stressed from running your practice? Are you ready to give up ownership? Before you do, listen to this episode! Kirk Behrendt and Dr. Christian Coachman bring in Dr. Jill Tanzi, president of Alliance of Independent Dentists, to explain the importance of staying independent and to offer solutions for struggling dentists. If you're feeling overwhelmed, help is out there! To learn more about Dr. Tanzi’s organization and how they can support you, listen to Episode 730 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Dr. Coachman & Dr. Tanzi:

• Join Dr. Coachman on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christiancoachman
• Follow Dr. Coachman on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chriscoachman
• Learn more about Digital Smile Design: https://digitalsmiledesign.com
• Register for DSD Residency 1: https://digitalsmiledesign.com/dsd-residency-1-on-demand
• Join Alliance of Independent Dentists on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AIDUnitedStates
• Learn more about Alliance of Independent Dentists: https://www.dentistalliance.org

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

• Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listen
• Join The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
• Join ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/ttt
• See the ACT Dental/BPA Live Event Schedule: https://www.actdental.com/event
• Get The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazine
• Please leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218

Episode Resources:

• Watch the video version of Episode 730: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos

Main Takeaways:

• Having ownership gives you more freedom.
• Staying independent is also great for patients.
• Independent dentists CAN compete with DSOs.
• Identify and leverage your strengths and advantages.
• Selling to a DSO won't make dentistry more enjoyable.
• Don't sell your practice out of frustration and desperation.
• If you're stressed from practice ownership, help is out there.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

4:05 Dr. Tanzi’s background.

4:59 Why this is an important topic.

6:58 Learning from trends in medicine.

8:34 The need to center patients.

14:23 Quality dentistry is not scalable.

16:19 You have choices in...

729: The Speaker's Evaluation Chart – Dr. Christian Coachman

Whether you're taking a course or giving a course, there's a way to do it efficiently. To help you save time in becoming a better speaker or learner, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Christian Coachman, founder of Digital Smile Design, to share his framework for identifying great CE and educators, and ways for speakers to improve their craft. To learn how to decide who deserves your time, listen to Episode 729 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Dr. Coachman:

• Join Dr. Coachman on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christiancoachman
• Message Dr. Coachman to register for his World Class Communication Program: https://www.instagram.com/chriscoachman
• Learn more about Digital Smile Design: https://digitalsmiledesign.com
• Register for DSD Residency 1: https://digitalsmiledesign.com/dsd-residency-1-on-demand

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

• Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listen
• Join The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
• Join ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/ttt
• See the ACT Dental/BPA Live Event Schedule: https://www.actdental.com/event
• Get The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazine
• Please leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218

Episode Resources:

• Watch the video version of Episode 729: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos

Main Takeaways for Speakers:

• Have humble confidence.
• Understand your audience.
• Master the art of storytelling.
• It all starts with the introduction.
• Control your nerves by rehearsing.
• Identify your strengths as an educator.
• Be aware of your ego and learn to control it.
• Don't cram 20 years of experience into one lecture.

Main Takeaways for the Audience:

• Know your priorities with learning.
• Choose wisely about who you listen to.
• Understand the qualities of a good lecture.
• Be mindful of speakers’ biases, ethics, and egos.
• It’s okay to want to be entertained but do it consciously.
• Don't waste time with things that don't deserve your time.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

4:20 The origin of this framework.

6:51 The five components of a lecture.

12:50 Is there an optimal “pizza” combination?

15:58 The controlled ego, explained.

17:28 Qualities of a great...

728: How to Fail Hiring an Associate – Bob Spiel

Most associateships — 75% of them — are doomed to fail. If you want to be part of the 25%, don't miss this episode! Kirk Behrendt brings back Bob Spiel, founder of Dentist Partner Pros, to share his expertise in building successful associate relationships, no matter what stage of your dental career. Are you ready to commit? To learn how not to fail when hiring an associate, listen to Episode 728 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Bob:

• Send Bob’s business partner an email: bryton@dentistpartnerpros.com
• Learn more about Dentist Partner Pros: https://dentistpartnerpros.com
• Request your free report, Gaining a Wingman: 7 Signs an Associate Should Be in Your Future: https://report.dentistpartnerpros.com

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

• Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listen
• Join The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
• Join ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/ttt
• See the ACT Dental/BPA Live Event Schedule: https://www.actdental.com/event
• Get The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazine
• Please leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218

Episode Resources:

• Watch the video version of Episode 728: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
• Read Flip Your Focus by Bob Spiel: https://bookshop.org/p/books/flip-your-focus-igniting-people-profits-and-performance-through-upside-down-bob-spiel/11933736?ean=9781544765419

Main Takeaways:

• Understand why the majority of associateships fail.
• Before anything, be ready to commit to an associateship.
• Be clear about what you and your team want in an associate.
• Clearly communicate onboarding, mentoring, and salary expectations.
• Set aside formal time to give and receive feedback from your associates.
• Synergy is your goal. Don't view your associates as a threat or competition.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

2:34 Why this is a problem in dentistry.

5:24 Why 75% of associateships fail.

9:53 Are you ready for an associate?

14:55 Clarify your givens/wants and get your team’s input.

18:39 Be clear to get buy-in.

21:22 Create synergy, not competition.

22:15 Be clear about mentoring expectations.

23:05 Great associates are out there.

25:31 Onboarding,...