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Start Your Dental Practice

In every episode, we aim to demystify the “how to start a dental practice” problem by bringing on world-class influencers and consults in the dental industry to pick their brain about how to get past the barriers involved from no practice, to practice owner, to successful practice.
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Now displaying: 2017
Dec 21, 2017

Ambitious dentists,

Hey ambitious dentists, Jonathan VanHorn here, I hope you have some exciting plans lined up for the holidays and get to enjoy some much-needed rest and relaxation. I recently had the pleasure of being interviewed by the man, the myth, the legend Dr. Mark Costes himself on the Dentalpreneur Podcast and had a ton of fun.

If you have some spare time while you’re preparing meals or out and about shopping, give the interview a listen.

The episode is reposted with Dr. Costes permission. I hope you enjoy!

I’ve always loved how Dr. Costes is always able to get the best nuggets of wisdom from his guests, and I think our interview turned out pretty great. We cover some of the major implications of the new tax cuts and discuss why they might not be so great for dentists. Worry not, we try and end the interview on a high note!

Nov 27, 2017

Can we get an encore? Today I am very excited to have dental consultant Kiera Dent back on the SYDP podcast for episode 101.

You may remember when we had Kiera on the show for episode 92 where she shared how to choose the right dental consultant for your practice.

And since we last talked a few months ago, it’s safe to say she’s done more than most people do in years.  She’s currently involved in a handful of really cool projects, as well as continuing to run her own business, dental placement pros.

So I asked her to come back on the show and share what’s new in her world, important metrics to track, and how to genuinely inspire your team.

 

Here are a few things you'll learn! 

  • Now here’s my interview with Kiera Dent. And have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
  • How Kiera is able to do so much professionally, without spreading herself too thin or burning out.
  • The one metric that has the strongest correlation with dental practice success.
  • Why same day treatment is so powerful for patient satisfaction and improving your bottom line.
  • The exact metrics you should have your front desk staff track…
  • And the many lessons Kiera has learned from working in multiple office roles and how it has helped her get where she is today.

Kiera really brings the knowledge to this interview. It’s one you definitely don’t want to miss.

Nov 17, 2017

Ambitious dentists,

Today I am very excited to share with you episode 100 of the Start Your Dental Practice podcast. What an incredible journey it has been.

When I started the SYDP podcast just a few years ago, I had no idea what to expect, and I couldn’t be more happy with the community we have built.

I’m incredibly grateful for the support of the DentistMetrics team, my friends and family, the amazing guests, and all those who have tuned into SYDP.

I’ve learned a lot over the last few years since launching SYDP, and for episode 100 I wanted to share my 7 biggest takeaways.

Whether you’ve considered launching a podcast yourself, or are just looking to grow your dental practice, I hope these 7 lessons point you in the right direction and help you build the dental practice and business of your dreams.

To celebrate episode 100, I've also put together the 7 Lessons I've Learned from 100+ Hours of Interviewing the World's Best Dental Practice Owners And Consultants Guide. The guide breaks down everything I've learned as well as highlights all past guest episodes for easy consumption. If you're looking to catch up on some missed episodes, you won't want to miss the guide.

Oct 20, 2017

Hello ambitious dentists,

Today I’m very excited to share with you my conversation with Dr. Mike Dolby, founder of Practice in Your Pocket which helps you clearly understand the areas in which your dental practice is underperforming through leveraging technology.

A practicing dentist himself, Dr. Dolby has an incredibly unique take on what it takes to build a successful practice in the year 2017, and he holds nothing back into today’s interview.

Here are a few things you'll discover in today's episode

  • Dr. Mikes tips on how to stand out as a dentist and really WOW your patients.
  • The most common challenges many dentists face, and Dr. Mike’s tips to avoid them.
  • A simple trick to making a great first impression…
  • What virtually all successful dental practices have in common...

And much more.

If you’re looking to build better systems, improve your culture, or become a better leader, you’ll love today’s interview.

Now here’s my conversation with Dr. Dolby.

Oct 11, 2017

Hello ambitious dentists,

Today I have a fantastic interview with Samantha Leonard co-founder of Stream Dental which provides services to help dentists solve the age-old problem of HR.

For most dentists, HR remains an unsolved mystery and if we’re being honest, is very often an afterthought in the endless list of todos throughout your day.

Heck, despite being so important, even simply defining HR can be a struggle for many dentists. But it’s no secret, human resources are important, and how you interact, communicate, and motivate your staff has a huge impact on the success of your practice.

Which is why I’m so excited to have Samantha Leonard on the show. In our conversation, she breaks down why HR is so important and how to start taking it seriously in your practice.

Here are a few things you’ll learn on today’s show...

Here are a few things you'll discover in today's episode

  • How to find your dream team and retain top talent...
  • Why processes are so important when it comes to HR… and how to implement them the right way
  • The many misconceptions of “HR” and how Samantha defines human resources...
  • Mistakes many dental practices make with onboarding new employees that can costs you thousands of dollars...

And much more.

With human resources being such a complex process, I know you’ll get a lot out of today’s conversation.

Now here’s my interview with Samantha Leonard.

Oct 6, 2017

Hello ambitious dentists,

For many dental practice owners, running a practice is often a lifelong dream. Despite the thousands of hours of education and hard work, there’s no better feeling than knowing you help your patients ultimately live a better life.

But as we know, the journey to running a practice is filled with both ups and downs, and you don’t always get to hear about everything that goes into making a dream, reality.

Which is why I’m so excited to share today’s incredibly inspiring interview with Dr. Ashley Joves. After many years of an associateship that left Dr. Ashley wanting more, she recently started her very own practice and has quickly seen some incredible success.

Her story is one of the most inspiring I’ve heard in awhile, and in our interview, she shares openly about the many things she’s learned from running a practice over the last few months.

Here are a few things you'll discover in today's episode

  • How a simple social media post went viral and helped her quickly build her brand and create a loyal following.
  • Why Dr. Ashley gives each patient an office and her tips to creating a trusting office atmosphere.
  • Dr. Ashley’s approach to doing “dentistry” differently, and how it has helped her stand out.
  • Why Dr. Ashley recommends all aspiring dentists create a startup business plan.
  • How Dr. Ashley has managed to grow her practice while still making time for her family.

And much more...

Whether you’re also just starting out on your dental practice journey, or have been around for awhile, I know you’ll find our conversation both incredibly inspiring and informative.

 

Sep 27, 2017

Hey, ambitious dentists,

I have a really special treat for you today. Today, I’m on the other side of the mic yet again with Dr. Panks Dhingra.

Dr. Dhingra and I recently became friends, when he reached out to learn a little more about the “dental podcasting community.”

And he has recently launched a really cool platform called Podcasts of Dentistry. Basically, it’s like a search engine where you can find all of your favorite podcasts by dental professionals by searching their name on the site.

In addition to being a really great search engine of the best dental podcasts around, Dr. Dhingra has listed the many books and resources your favorite podcasts recommend. I know it’s going to be a great resource now and in the future.

Dr. Dhingra asked to interview me and I happily said yes.

We cover a TON in our conversation, from podcasting to my accounting business, to the state of the dental community. I think you’ll really enjoy this interview posted with his permission.

Here are a few things you'll discover in today's episode

    • The lessons I’ve learned from producing over 90 episodes for my podcast.
    • How I became involved in the dental industry as a CPA.
    • Why podcasting is the best way to improve as a public speaker.
    • And some of the tools and resources I use for my podcast and business.

And much more...

Sep 25, 2017

[This interview was published with permission from Alan Mead]

Interested in attending the voices of the dentistry event? Use vod200 get 200 dollars off of 897 -- the discount goes until October 18th.

Hey ambitious dentists, 

I recently had a great time being on the other side of the mic with Alan Mead on the Alan Mead Dental Experience podcast. Alan Mead likely doesn't need much of introduction, as he's one of the most respected people in the dental industry and is a cohost of the very popular podcast DentalHacks as well.

As we near over 100 episodes published here on SYDP, it's always fun to be in the hot seat for a chance. Alan and I cover a wide range of topics such as discussed productivity, my life as a "dental accountant" and how both Alan and I are both terrible at coming up with names for businesses. I really enjoyed being on the show, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Here are a few things you'll discover in today's episode

    • What I've learned from being a dental account, and the biggest problems I see dentists face.
    • Why I started the Start Your Dental Practice Podcast
    • The power of the "podcasting community" in the dental space and why it matters
    • How podcasting has changed my life both personally and professionally
    • My experience with voices of dentistry.

And much more...

Today's Show Was Brought To You By Gusto - Your One Stop Payroll Solution

Spend less time managing your payroll and focus on what you do best -- dentistry.

As a sponsor of the show, I’ve negotiated a deal with Gusto.com to get you 3 full free months for your dental practice.
 
Yes… 3 free months.
 
Of course, it’s a no-risk trial that you can cancel anytime - but I’m confident after giving them a try, you won’t want to use anything else.
 
They are that good.
 
Just head to Gusto.com/dentistmetrics for your free trial of an easy to use and efficient payroll solution.

Support The Show

Without you, Ambitious Dentists, this show wouldn’t exist.

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please go here to give the show an honest rating and review in iTunes.

This allows me to evolve the show as it goes on, and also helps spread the word to other podcast listeners since iTunes promotes shows with active engagement.

Sep 18, 2017

Hey ambitious dentists,

I have a super short episode for you today, but I think the message is incredibly powerful.

Today I wanted to share a few quick thoughts on the power of vacation. It's no secret that building a successful dental practice requires a ton of time and energy, but I genuinely believe taking time off can be a powerful tool to not only recharge but also come back fresh and motivated when you return.

So if you are one of those dentists who could use a little break, I think you'll get a lot out of today's episode.

Here are a few things you'll discover in today's episode

  • Why it's so important to take time off... especially if you think you don't have the time
  • What to do on vacation to come back refreshed and ready to take action
  • How vacation can help you solve problems or issues that have kept you stuck.
  • The permission you need to finally take that much-needed break... ;-)

And much more...

Today's Show Was Brought To You By Gusto - Your One Stop Payroll Solution

Spend less time managing your payroll and focus on what you do best -- dentistry.

As a sponsor of the show, I’ve negotiated a deal with Gusto.com to get you 3 full free months for your dental practice.
 
Yes… 3 free months.
 
Of course, it’s a no-risk trial that you can cancel anytime - but I’m confident after giving them a try, you won’t want to use anything else.
 
They are that good.
 
Just head to Gusto.com/dentistmetrics for your free trial of an easy to use and efficient payroll solution.

Support The Show

Without you, Ambitious Dentists, this show wouldn’t exist.

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please go here to give the show an honest rating and review in iTunes.

This allows me to evolve the show as it goes on, and also helps spread the word to other podcast listeners since iTunes promotes shows with active engagement.

Sep 4, 2017

Hey ambitious dentists,

I hope you had a relaxing Labor Day weekend and were able to put your extra day off to good use. I know I really enjoyed spending time with family and friends.
 
Today I wanted to share a self-hosted episode where I talk about the differences between a general CPA and a dental CPA, and how to choose which one is right for you.
 
Over the last few months, I've noticed a slight uptick in the amount of emails I've received asking for which route to take.
 
Being a dental CPA myself, I may be slightly biased, but in all honesty whether or not you use a general CPA or a dental CPA comes down to a lot of factors.
 
I put this episode together to share my thoughts on the pros and cons of each and how to make the best choice for your practice.
 
I had a ton of fun putting this episode together for you, and I hope you find it helpful.
 

Here are a few things you'll discover in today's episode

  • Why there is no one size fit all for your CPA needs and how to choose the one right for you.
  • Common misconceptions about both general and dental CPA's
  • What I've Learned From Being a general CPA and a dental CPA
  • The pros and cons of both general and dental CPA's./li>And much more....

 Support The Show

Without you, Ambitious Dentists, this show wouldn’t exist.

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please go here to give the show an honest rating and review in iTunes.

This allows me to evolve the show as it goes on, and also helps spread the word to other podcast listeners since iTunes promotes shows with active engagement.

Aug 25, 2017

Hey Ambitious Dentists,

I have a really exciting interview for you today, with the one and only Weston Lunsford, CEO of Dental Intel…

Dental Intel is one of the most popular tools used by dentists to help track the metrics and numbers that matter, so you can focus on dentistry.

In addition to running Dental Intel, Weston is very active in the dental community and is always looking for ways to help dentists make breakthroughs in their practice.

As a numbers guy myself, I couldn’t be more excited about our conversation today.

In today’s interview, you will learn...

And much more.

If you’re looking to make better use of your metrics, and increase case acceptance for your practice, you won’t want to miss our conversation.

Here are a few things you'll discover in today's episode

  • How Weston has seen some of his clients see case acceptance by 5,10 or even 15% in a little as just a few weeks.
  • Why knowing your numbers is only the first step… and how to turn your metrics into actionable insights
  • How Weston got into the dental industry and what he’s learned running Dental Intel
  • Weston’s view on failure… and how it’s helped him find success.
  • The golf club analogy and how it applies to your practice.

Now here’s the interview, with Weston Lunsford.

Aug 17, 2017

Ever run into this problem?

A patient comes into your office with a major tooth ache. Within minutes you know they need a procedure done. Problem is… the procedure is a bit on the expensive side.

You explain the situation to your patient, and the patient agrees, they WANT the treatment... But simply can’t afford the cost.

So they ask you to do the minimal amount to make the pain go away. Of course, within a few months, they will be back sitting in the chair right where they started.


The truth of the matter is, as a dentist you provide services that can change a patient's lives, but that doesn’t always come cheap.

Fortunately, there are some alternatives out there today that allow you to provide the care you recommend while not forcing the patient into financial ruin.

How? By providing quality patient financing.

They keyword there is quality.

Of course, there are a few bad apples in the financial space who offer those in need predatory interest rates, but with today’s technology and information at hand, there ARE options and services that aim to create win-win- situations for all those involved.

The lenders can make money, you generate more revenue for your practice, and the patient gets the service they deserve.

Today’s guests Brad Bailor and Dave Roehr of Proceed Finance have a very interesting background and I think you’ll find their view of patient financings interesting, even if you don’t plan to offer patient financing.

Here is some of what you will learn today: 

  • Why quality patient financing can create additional revenue for you and your practice AND help your patients afford the care they need.
  • Brad and Dave’s “risk shared model” and why they believe it’s changing the world of dental financing.
  • How to decide if patient financing is right for your practice.
  • Common misconceptions of patient financing as well as the pros and cons.

And much more.

Now here’s my interview with Brad Bailor and Dave Roehr.

 
Aug 9, 2017

Whether you’re just about to start your dental practice or looking to take your current practice to the next level, it all starts with building a good team.

In dental school, you learned how to fill a cavity and spent thousands of hours studying dentistry… but I’m guessing you didn’t have to take a course on how to build a great team.

Which is why I’m so excited to introduce today’s guest  Alex Nottingham, CEO of All-Star Dental Academy.

For those of you who haven’t heard of Alex, he is one of THE experts when it comes to building a great team and has provided hundreds of dentists all across the world the training and resources to set your dental practice up for success.

As I mention in the interview, Alex and I have been wanting to do this interview for over two years, and I think it was definitely worth the wait!

Here are a few things you'll learn:

  • Why building a team is so important, and the 2-3 things it takes to succeed.
  • The importance of “coaching” and why you need to make it a priority.
  • Alex’s “Business Growth Formula” and how you can apply it to your practice.
  • Why not investing in employee training now, can actually cost you thousands of dollars down the road.

And much more.

Quotes

"Price is important… but you’re changing lives. You’re SAVING lives." - Alex Nottingham

Resources

All-Star Dental Academy 

LAST Chane To Enter The 4 Books Every Dentist Should Read Giveaway!

We're excited to announce our very first book giveaway here at Start Your Dental Practice, my way of saying thanks for being a part of the SYDP community! To enter the contest just text " fourbooks " to 33444 and you'll be entered to receive four of my favorite books that I recommend to my clients. This is your last chance to enter before our drawing on Thursday.

There's no catch to join and in a few weeks I'll be picking a subscriber at random and sending the books their way!

Already have a copy of the books? No worries -- if you win I'll send you a $50 dollar gift card instead.

Again, to enter the contest just text " fourbooks " to 33444 and you'll be entered to win! I'll also immediately send you the list of books in case you can't wait and want to invest in the books today.

Support The Show

Without you, Ambitious Dentists, this show wouldn’t exist.

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please go here to give the show an honest rating and review in iTunes.

This allows me to evolve the show as it goes on, and also helps spread the word to other podcast listeners since iTunes promotes shows with active engagement.

Jul 24, 2017

Today I'm really excited to be sharing part two of my self-hosted episode on how to acquire a dental practice. There's a lot that goes into buying a practice successfully, and in today's episode, I'll expand on what it takes to ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible.

If you enjoy these self-hosted episodes, be sure to let me know what you would like me to cover in the future and I will do my best to do so!

We also only have a few more weeks to enter the "4 Books Every Dentist Must Read" book give away! Be sure to listen to the entire episode to find out how to enter!

  • The Exact Steps of Buying A Practice And The Best Practices A Long The Way.
  • How To Find The Right Practices For Sale That Will Save You Both Time And Money.
  • The Importance of Knowing Your Strengths and Weaknesses When Buying A Practice.
  • Why Looking ONLY at Cost Can End Up Hurting You In The Long Run.
  • Some of The Most Common Frustrations Many of My Clients Have Faced And How To Avoid Them

And much more.

 

Quotes

"Understanding your strengths and weakensesses is very important when buying a dental practice." - Jonathan VanHorn

"Don't always start with the lowest costing practice" - Jonathan VanHorn

Enter The 4 Books Every Dentist Should Read Giveaway!

We're excited to announce our very first book giveaway here at Start Your Dental Practice, my way of saying thanks for being a part of the SYDP community! To enter the contest just text " fourbooks " to 33444 and you'll be entered to receive four of my favorite books that I recommend to my clients.

There's no catch to join and in a few weeks I'll be picking a subscriber at random and sending the books their way!

Already have a copy of the books? No worries -- if you win I'll send you a $50 dollar gift card instead.

Again, to enter the contest just text " fourbooks " to 33444 and you'll be entered to win! I'll also immediately send you the list of books in case you can't wait and want to invest in the books today.

Support The Show

Without you, Ambitious Dentists, this show wouldn’t exist.

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please go here to give the show an honest rating and review in iTunes.

This allows me to evolve the show as it goes on, and also helps spread the word to other podcast listeners since iTunes promotes shows with active engagement.

Jul 19, 2017

One of my favorite ways to stay “up to date” with the dental industry is to be active in a few high-value Facebook groups. And though “social media” often gets a bad rap for being a waste of time, I often find the discussions and comments highly valuable.

When done correctly, Facebook groups help you stay on top of the latest trends and build meaningful connections with other dentists and professionals.

Were it not for Facebook groups, I wouldn’t be introducing today’s two very special guests, Dr. Glenn Vo and Dr. Vinh Nguyen of Nifty Thrifty Dentists.

When I first joined the Nifty Thrifty Dentist Facebook group a while back, I wasn’t sure what to expect. “Nifty thrifty dentists?!?!” but I quickly learned that Dr. Glenn and Dr. Vinh are the real deal and have created an amazing community in a short period of time.

I’m excited to share my conversation with them and what they have learned from building such an incredible community.

Here are a few things you'll discover in today's episode

  • How Their Popular Dental Facebook Group Transformed into A Podcast and Beyond
  • What it means to be a “nifty and thrifty” dentist.
  • Why you should always seek out “veteran” docs… and what they can teach you.
  • The “Dental Brand” tax and how to get your essential items for significantly cheaper…

Nifty Thrifty Dentists - Time Tested Strategies For Building A Successful Dental Practice

Quotes:

"Anyone can be a cheap, not not everyone can be thrifty" - Dr. Glenn

Enter The 4 Books Every Dentist Should Read Giveaway!

We're excited to announce our very first book giveaway here at Start Your Dental Practice, my way of saying thanks for being a part of the SYDP community! To enter the contest just text " fourbooks " to 33444 and you'll be entered to receive four of my favorite books that I recommend to my clients.

There's no catch to join and in a few weeks I'll be picking a subscriber at random and sending the books their way!

Already have a copy of the books? No worries -- if you win I'll send you a $50 dollar gift card instead.

Again, to enter the contest just text " fourbooks " to 33444 and you'll be entered to win! I'll also immediately send you the list of books in case you can't wait and want to invest in the books today.

Support The Show

Without you, Ambitious Dentists, this show wouldn’t exist.

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please go here to give the show an honest rating and review in iTunes.

This allows me to evolve the show as it goes on, and also helps spread the word to other podcast listeners since iTunes promotes shows with active engagement.

Jul 14, 2017

As we gear up for some exciting new changes coming to the SYDP podcast, I wanted to share a self-hosted episode I put together discussing everything you need to know about how to acquire a dental practice.

Having talked with dozens of dentists about the process, I think you'll find this solo episode a great resource if you're in the process of acquiring your first practice or needing some guidance.

Even if you've already had a few acquisitions under your belt, I cover some common mistakes as well.

Many dentists I've spoken with equate the acquisition process to having your first child... you won't know what it's like until it happens, but being prepared goes a long way.

Here are a few things you'll discover in today's episode

  • How To Know When You're Ready To Acquire A Practice. And When To Hold Off
  • Why Choosing The Right Location Is So Important, And How to Ensure You Choose A "Winning" Location
  • The Best Tips And Tricks For Finding The Perfect Practice On Sale
  • Why Not All Practices Are Created Equal And What To Look For When Buying
  • The Importance of Having A Wide Diversity Options To Purchase

And much more.

How To Acquire A Dental Practice

Quotes:

"The greatest acquisition opportunities come from personal relationships.." - Jonathan VanHorn

Enter The 4 Books Every Dentist Should Read Giveaway!

We're excited to announce our very first book giveaway here at Start Your Dental Practice, my way of saying thanks for being a part of the SYDP community! To enter the contest just text " fourbooks " to 33444 and you'll be entered to receive four of my favorite books that I recommend to my clients.

There's no catch to join and in a few weeks I'll be picking a subscriber at random and sending the books their way!

Already have a copy of the books? No worries -- if you win I'll send you a $50 dollar gift card instead.

Again, to enter the contest just text " fourbooks " to 33444 and you'll be entered to win! I'll also immediately send you the list of books in case you can't wait and want to invest in the books today.

Support The Show

Without you, Ambitious Dentists, this show wouldn’t exist.

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please go here to give the show an honest rating and review in iTunes.

This allows me to evolve the show as it goes on, and also helps spread the word to other podcast listeners since iTunes promotes shows with active engagement.

Jul 5, 2017

Aside from graduating dental school, there are very few moments in the course of your dental career that are more important than when you sign the lease for your 1st (or 3rd) dental practice location.

It’s scary. It’s exciting. And if we’re being honest, a little overwhelming.

Did you pay too much? Did you choose the right location? Did you protect yourself legally if anything goes wrong?

At the same time, purchasing a practice means you have tremendous opportunity to grow and scale your services and patient base.

Which is why I’m excited to introduce today’s guest Norman Gelfand. Norman is the founder and president of Gelfand Group and is an expert in commercial real estate with over 20+ years of experience. He’s helped hundreds of dental practice owners negotiate a lease that gives them the best chance to succeed.

In our chat today, he shares everything he knows about how to ensure you sign a lease that makes sense for you.

[su_note note_color="#028000 " text_color="#ffffff " radius="5"] Looking to lock down your dental practice lease? Make sure you ask these questions first. Click here to get access. [/su_note]

Here are a few things you'll discover in today's episode

  • The 3-4 things Norman looks for in every dental practice lease when helping dentists find their new location.
  • Why Norman insists on asking several very specific questions when working with his clients.
  • The biggest mistakes most dentists make when choosing their lease terms and how to avoid them.
  • How Norman has helped dentists save hundreds of thousands of dollars in the life of their lease.

And much more.

This Episode Was Brought To You By...

As a CPA for dentists, I get a lot of questions about which banks offer both the best rates and service for current and future practice owners and I virtually always recommend Bank of America. As such, I've teamed up to with Bank of America because I believe they are the best at what they do and want to help you get the best dental loan possible.

If you're interested in learning more based on what I discussed on the show, simply text "BankLoan" to the number 33444, and I'll put you in touch with my direct contact at BOA. There's no catch, or obligation if you decide it's not for you after learning more. I'm also happy to answer any questions you might have.

Full disclosure -- If you move forward with this goes to help me continue making the Start Your Dental Practice podcast the best podcast and resource for dental practice owners.

Free Episode Bonus

Negotiating a dental lease is a complicated process, and just one mistake can affect you for many years to come. Fortunately, there’s the information and resources out there that can help you make the right call.

As a bonus for today, Norman has offered to share his article “The Questions You Must Ask Before You Sign Your Lease.” If you’re in the process of purchasing a new dental practice location, you’ll definitely want to check out the tips he shares.

To get the bonus, simply text PRACTICE to 33444. Again, that’s PRACTICE to 33444 or visit startyourdentalpractice.com/bonus if you’re outside of the US.

You’ll also receive updates on the latest episodes of Start Your Dental Practice, helpful tips for owning and running a practice, and promotional opportunities direct to your inbox.

Click here to access bonus.

 

Resources:

Support The Show

Without you, Ambitious Dentists, this show wouldn’t exist.

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please go here to give the show an honest rating and review in iTunes.

This allows me to evolve the show as it goes on, and also helps spread the word to other podcast listeners since iTunes promotes shows with active engagement.

Jun 27, 2017

Chances are if you’re listening to this podcast, you have some student loan debt.

Having worked exclusively with dentists for most of my professional career, it’s not common for me to see aspiring practice owners coming out of school with 400-500k in student loan debt, and that’s only for a dental license!

While we can debate whether or not the large costs are justified, the reality is, without a student loan plan of attack, you’ll be stuck making payments for the rest of your life.

Which is why I’m excited to share my conversation with Travis Hornsby, founder of StudentLoanPlanner.com

Travis has helped hundreds of professionals take control of their finances and student loan debt -- and has an incredible track record of helping his clients become debt free.

Even if you’re fortunate to have paid off your student loans, I know you’ll find a lot of actionable insight from our conversation.

[su_note note_color="#028000 " text_color="#ffffff " radius="5"] Need help staying on top of your student loans? You'll love Travis's Student Loan Calculator designed to help you pay off debt faster. Click here to get access. [/su_note]

Here are a few things you'll discover in today's episode:

  • How Travis got into helping others with their student loan debt (hint: it involves his significant other)
  • How being featured in Business Insider skyrocketed his career.
  • What he’s learned from advising over 82 million in student loan debt collectively amongst his clients.
  • Practical ways anyone can save money to help pay off their student loans faster.

And much more.

This Episode Was Brought To You By...

As a CPA for dentists, I get a lot of questions about which banks offer both the best rates and service for current and future practice owners and I virtually always recommend Bank of America. As such, I've teamed up to with Bank of America because I believe they are the best at what they do and want to help you get the best dental loan possible.

If you're interested in learning more based on what I discussed on the show, simply text "BankLoan" to the number 33444, and I'll put you in touch with my direct contact at BOA. There's no catch, or obligation if you decide it's not for you after learning more. I'm also happy to answer any questions you might have.

Full disclosure -- If you move forward with this goes to help me continue making the Start Your Dental Practice podcast the best podcast and resource for dental practice owners.

Free Episode Bonus

A special thanks for Travis coming on the show. Chances are good, you may need a hand with your student loan debt.

While many choose to “worry about it later” as Travis shows, taking action now can save you a ton of time and headaches later down the road.

Travis obviously knows what he’s doing, having helped hundreds of people pay down their debt and as a bonus for today, he’s offered his incredibly popular student loan debt calculator which helps you get clear on how to pay your debt off.

I spent some time playing around with it, and it’s fantastic.

Click here to access bonus.


Quote: 

Being debt free is incredibly powerful psychologically - Travis Hornsby

Resources:

Support The Show:

Without you, Ambitious Dentists, this show wouldn’t exist.

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please go here to give the show an honest rating and review in iTunes.

This allows me to evolve the show as it goes on, and also helps spread the word to other podcast listeners since iTunes promotes shows with active engagement.

Jun 21, 2017

According to recent statistics, 55% of American’s don’t have dental insurance. And if your practice is only serving the 45% of patients that do, you’re leaving a ton of money (and profit) on the table.

One way to serve those without insurance is to offer an in-house membership plan, but when done improperly, it can often be more of a headache than a plus.

Fortunately, there’s a method to the madness when it comes to in-house membership plans, which is why I’m excited to have today’s guest Jordon Comstock on the show. Jordon is the founder of BoomCloud a membership plan software that helps you focus on what matters.

If Jordon's name sounds familiar, you may have heard Jordon and his partner Ben have me on the Navigating Dental Insurance podcast in which discussed dental insurance.

What I love about Jordon’s story is how he created a software based on his own needs, and in our conversation, we discuss in-house membership plans in depth.

Here are a few things you'll discover in today's episode

  • How Jordan got involved in the dental industry.
  • The biggest problems most practices face who have in-house membership plans.
  • Why Jordan’s love of technology and dentistry allowed him to create a product that dentists need.
  • The many benefits of recurring revenue and why that should be a focus.
  • What Jordon learned from developing and testing his software and how it applies to growing your own dental practice.

And much more.This Episode Was Brought To You By...

As a CPA for dentists, I get a lot of questions about which banks offer both the best rates and service for current and future practice owners and I virtually always recommend Bank of America. As such, I've teamed up to with Bank of America because I believe they are the best at what they do and want to help you get the best dental loan possible.

If you're interested in learning more based on what I discussed on the show, simply text "BankLoan" to the number 33444, and I'll put you in touch with my direct contact at BOA. There's no catch, or obligation if you decide it's not for you after learning more. I'm also happy to answer any questions you might have.

Full disclosure -- If you move forward with this goes to help me continue making the Start Your Dental Practice podcast the best podcast and resource for dental practice owners.

Free Episode Bonus:

A special thanks to Jordon for coming on the show.

Whether you already have an in-house membership plan or are considering adding one to your practice, knowing what mistakes to avoid can help save you both time and money.

As Jordan mentions, staying organized is one of the key factors in having a successful membership plan. Don’t be that person keeping everything in a google doc.

For a bonus today, Jordan has offered his free membership plan ebook which walks you through the dos and dont's of membership plans.

Trust me, just by doing one or two of his suggestions will save you a ton of headaches in the future.

Also be sure to request a demo with Jordon and his team at BoomCloud if it’s something you might be interested in.

Click here to access bonus.


Resources:

Support The Show:

Without you, Ambitious Dentists, this show wouldn’t exist.

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please go here to give the show an honest rating and review in iTunes.

This allows me to evolve the show as it goes on, and also helps spread the word to other podcast listeners since iTunes promotes shows with active engagement.

Jun 15, 2017

As technology continues to transform the dental industry, the world of insurance and credentialing has become increasingly complex. As a result, dentists are spending more and more of their valuable time trying to figure things out.

And if we’re being honest, most dentists don’t exactly get excited about dealing with insurance and properly codifying their services.

Which is why I’m so excited about today’s SYDP guest Harold Gornbein, Harold is the founder of Apex Reimbursement Specialists, which helps put money back in dentists pockets and saves tons of the time in the process.

With over 20 + years of dealing with insurance, Harold knows exactly what it takes to give dentists the winning edge. I think you’ll enjoy his refreshingly honest take on the world of insurance and negotiation.

[su_note note_color="#028000 " text_color="#ffffff " radius="5"] Want to learn more about negotiation? Check out Harold's super helpful 5 Steps To Negotiating PPOs Guide here. [/su_note]

Here are a few things you'll discover in today's episode:

  • How to get the most reimbursements back from insurance companies.
  • The mistakes most dental practices make that can cost your practice tens of thousands of dollars.
  • The proper way to codify your services, and why it’s so important.
  • How to put money back into your practice have it work for you.
  • The biggest lessons Harold has learned from dealing with insurance for over 20 years.

And much more.

This Episode Was Brought To You By...

As a CPA for dentists, I get a lot of questions about which banks offer both the best rates and service for current and future practice owners and I virtually always recommend Bank of America. As such, I've teamed up to with Bank of America because I believe they are the best at what they do and want to help you get the best dental loan possible.

If you're interested in learning more based on what I discussed on the show, simply text "BankLoan" to the number 33444, and I'll put you in touch with my direct contact at BOA. There's no catch, or obligation if you decide it's not for you after learning more. I'm also happy to answer any questions you might have.

Full disclosure -- If you move forward with this goes to help me continue making the Start Your Dental Practice podcast the best podcast and resource for dental practice owners.

Free Episode Bonus:

A special thanks to Harold coming on the show. Just making a few tweaks in how you deal with insurance and negotiations can have a lasting effect on your practice's bottom line.

As a bonus for today, Harold has shared his 5 Steps To Negotiating PPOs Guide, which is super valuable regardless if you’re a new practice owner, or have been around the block a few times.

I highly suggest you take a look.

Click here to access bonus.


Quotes: 

"Everyone needs to understand, the time frame for credentialing negotiations are 30-90 days."  -Harold Gornbein

Resources:

Support The Show:

Without you, Ambitious Dentists, this show wouldn’t exist.

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please go here to give the show an honest rating and review in iTunes.

This allows me to evolve the show as it goes on, and also helps spread the word to other podcast listeners since iTunes promotes shows with active engagement.

Jun 7, 2017

One of the best parts about running the Start Your Dental Practice podcast is all the interesting opportunities that it has created for me, both personally and professionally.

I get emails and phone calls from listeners all the time sharing their successes, failures, and all the big things they want to accomplish. It’s such a great feeling and an incredible honor.

On occasion, some listeners will reach out in hopes of coming on the show and to pitch their latest product or service, but as you know, that would go against everything I believe here at SYDP.

However, sometimes I get a request from a listener who absolutely blows me away with their story and accomplishments, and that would be today’s guest Dr. Darold Opp.

Dr. Darold is a  now retired, former practice owner, who was able to see some great success over the years in the dental industry. He now spends his time helping other dentists get to where they want to go.

In our chat we cover a lot of ground, mistakes he’s made, things he did well, and why creating a family-friendly practice is one of the best things you can do.

[su_note note_color="#028000 " text_color="#ffffff " radius="5"] Enjoyed my conversation with Dr. Darold Opp and want to learn more? Get the How To Create A Successful Dental Practice PDF here. [/su_note]

Here are a few things you'll discover in today's episode:

  • The unbelievable story of how Dr. Darold went on to became a dentist.
  • Why searching for shortcuts can actually hurt your dental practice, and what to do instead.
  • How Dr. Opp went from 500,000 in debt in 2010 to building a wildly successful practice
  • Why making your office kid friendly should be your number one priority.
  • How being creative can really set you apart from your competition.

And much more.

This Episode Was Brought To You By...

As a CPA for dentists, I get a lot of questions about which banks offer both the best rates and service for current and future practice owners and I virtually always recommend Bank of America. As such, I've teamed up to with Bank of America because I believe they are the best at what they do and want to help you get the best dental loan possible.

If you're interested in learning more based on what I discussed on the show, simply text "BankLoan" to the number 33444, and I'll put you in touch with my direct contact at BOA. There's no catch, or obligation if you decide it's not for you after learning more. I'm also happy to answer any questions you might have.

Full disclosure -- If you move forward with this goes to help me continue making the Start Your Dental Practice podcast the best podcast and resource for dental practice owners.

Free Episode Bonus:

A special thanks Dr. Darold for coming on the show. I really enjoyed his approach on how to make your dental practice family friendly and think doing so can help your practice a ton.

Sometimes we get so caught up in our “bottom line” we forget about truly serving our patients.
As a bonus for today, Dr. Darold has shared his super in-depth powerpoint on how to build a successful practice. There are over a dozen gems that I know you’ll find valuable.

Click here to access bonus by just following the instructions.


Quotes: 

“If you want to be successful… Life is work.” - Dr. Darold Opp
“You have to be creative” - Dr. Darold Opp

Resources:

Support The Show:

Without you, Ambitious Dentists, this show wouldn’t exist.

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please go here to give the show an honest rating and review in iTunes.

This allows me to evolve the show as it goes on, and also helps spread the word to other podcast listeners since iTunes promotes shows with active engagement.

Jun 1, 2017

There are many things that go into building a successful dental practice.

Good marketing helps get patients in the door.

A high-quality team makes sure things run smoothly.

And delivering great service ensures your patients leave happy.

But there’s a huge factor, that many small businesses owners, especially dental practices, often neglect, that can have a huge impact on your bottom line.

What’s that? Your office design.

Look, the second your patients step into your office, you want to make sure you’re leaving a good impression.

Which is why I’m excited to have Cheryl Janis founder of Cheryl Janis Designs on the show. Cheryl specializes in building high nurturing environments for purpose-driven physicians and healthcare businesses helping them get the most out of their office space.

While we talk a lot about increasing revenues, marketing, and SEO, here on SYDP, I really think Cheryl will make you rethink the importance of design and your office environment. 

[su_note note_color="#028000 " text_color="#ffffff " radius="5"] Looking to make some tweaks to your office? Learn what colors are right for your practice here. [/su_note]

Here are a few things you'll discover in today's episode:

  • The biggest mistakes most practice owners make when designing their office, and how to fix them.
  • How to humanize your dental practice and make people love the
  • Why good office design can have a direct impact on your practice revenues.
  • The color that inspires “trust” and how you can implement it in your office today.
  • How just a few additions to your office can transform your patient experience.

And much more.

This Episode Was Brought To You By...

As a CPA for dentists, I get a lot of questions about which banks offer both the best rates and service for current and future practice owners and I virtually always recommend Bank of America. As such, I've teamed up to with Bank of America because I believe they are the best at what they do and want to help you get the best dental loan possible.

If you're interested in learning more based on what I discussed on the show, simply text "BankLoan" to the number 33444, and I'll put you in touch with my direct contact at BOA. There's no catch, or obligation if you decide it's not for you after learning more. I'm also happy to answer any questions you might have.

Full disclosure -- If you move forward with this goes to help me continue making the Start Your Dental Practice podcast the best podcast and resource for dental practice owners.

Free Episode Bonus:

A special thanks for Cheryl coming on the show. Office design is something that isn’t talked about much in the dental industry, but as Cheryl shares, it can really make a difference.

Not knowing much about office design myself, I really enjoyed Cheryl’s perspective and hope you came away with a few takeaways as well.

As a bonus for today, Cheryl has generously offered her free report on how to choose the right paint colors for your office.

If you’ve been meaning to make some office modifications, I highly recommend you give it a look.

Click here to access bonus by just following the instructions.


Quotes: 

“Building relationships is key in building a profitable practice.” -  Cheryl Janis

Resources:

Support The Show:

Without you, Ambitious Dentists, this show wouldn’t exist.

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please go here to give the show an honest rating and review in iTunes.

This allows me to evolve the show as it goes on, and also helps spread the word to other podcast listeners since iTunes promotes shows with active engagement.

May 24, 2017

We all know, getting on the front page of Google or Bing can have a huge impact on your business, especially when it comes to getting more patients in the chair.

But how exactly can you improve your practices SEO? That’s not quite as clear.

With no shortage of SEO advice and grand promises from shady marketers, it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction with regard to SEO.

Which is why I always love talking with marketers and SEO experts who have the results to show.

Justin Morgan is one of those experts. He’s the founder and CEO of Dental Marketing Guy and has helped hundreds of dental practice owners improve their SEO.

If you’re active on DentalTown or any of the other popular dentist Facebook you’ve likely seen him adding value and engaging with the community.

Justin doesn’t just share a bunch of theory of what works, he has the clients and testimonials to back it up.

I think you’ll find Justin’s approach to SEO easy to understand and very actionable.

 Get The Intro To Invisalinks SEO Video Here

Here are a few things you'll discover in today's episode:

  • How to generate high-quality backlinks without being spammy.
  • The right time to “focus” on SEO and why it’s important.
  • How a strong SEO presence can help you get top dollar if you ever decide to sell your practice.
  • The latest SEO tweaks that actually work…
  • How to get into the psychology of patients to deliver them a better service and experience.

And much more

This Episode Was Brought To You By...

As a CPA for dentists, I get a lot of questions about which banks offer both the best rates and service for current and future practice owners and I virtually always recommend Bank of America. As such, I've teamed up to with Bank of America because I believe they are the best at what they do and want to help you get the best dental loan possible.

If you're interested in learning more based on what I discussed on the show, simply text "BankLoan" to the number 33444, and I'll put you in touch with my direct contact at BOA. There's no catch, or obligation if you decide it's not for you after learning more. I'm also happy to answer any questions you might have.

Full disclosure -- If you move forward with this goes to help me continue making the Start Your Dental Practice podcast the best podcast and resource for dental practice owners.

Free Episode Bonus

A very special thanks for Justin coming on the show. I hope you enjoyed our conversation as much as I did. If you’ve been slacking with your SEO efforts, it’s time to start putting the work in so you can get results.

As a bonus for today, Justin has offered an exclusive 41-minute introduction video for his upcoming course Invisalinks Dental SEO.

It’s jam packed with value, even if you end up not purchasing his course, I highly recommend you give it a watch.

To get the bonus, simply text PRACTICE to 33444. Again, that’s PRACTICE to 33444 or visit startyourdentalpractice.com/bonus if you’re outside of the US.

You'll also receive updates on the latest episodes of Start Your Dental Practice, helpful tips for owning and running a practice, and promotional opportunities direct to your inbox. 

 

Click here to access bonus by just following the instructions.


Quotes: 

“ Getting into the psychology of the search is the future of SEO.” - Justin Morgan

“ One of the best ways to improve your SEO, is get links through high quality website.” - Justin Morgan

Resources:

Support The Show:

Without you, Ambitious Dentists, this show wouldn’t exist.

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please go here to give the show an honest rating and review in iTunes.

This allows me to evolve the show as it goes on, and also helps spread the word to other podcast listeners since iTunes promotes shows with active engagement.

May 18, 2017

Anyone can grow a successful practice with the right strategy, attitude, and a little bit of luck. I truly believe that.

But being a dentist is about more than just padding your pockets. It’s about service. It’s about community. It’s about making a difference, while also building a life of financial freedom.

No one starts their dental practice wanting to just get by. But unfortunately, that’s exactly where many practices end up. And I want to help change that.

Of course, everyone has different metrics of success, but at the end of the day, you want to make a difference while being financially free.

Which is why I’m so excited to have Dr. Chris Phelps back on the show… you may remember him from episode 6 over two years ago…

Not only is he an incredibly successful practice owner, he is truly one of the “good guys” in the dental space…

Dr. Chris is the owner of Carolinas Dental Center of Matthews, and founder of Call Tracker ROI.

And since we last talked, he’s continued to grow his practices and give back to the community.

I think you’ll really enjoy our conversation.

[su_note note_color="#028000 " text_color="#ffffff " radius="5"] Learn How To Increase Case Acceptance Through Ethical Persuasion   Click here! [/su_note]

Here are a few things you'll discover in today's episode:

  • How To Reduce No Shows And Increase Your Revenues Virtually Overnight
  • Dr. Chris’s Best Tips And Tricks For Effectively Managing A High Performing Team
  • How To Ethically Persuade Your Patients And Team
  • Why Dr. Chris Started Golden Goose Scheduling
  • The biggest challenges dentists face with scheduling… and how to overcome them.
  • How To Do More With Less… And Why It’s Important For Your Practice

And much more…

Free Episode Bonus

A special thanks to Chris for coming back on the show. It’s been great to see how much he’s done in the two years since we’ve last talked. And it just goes to show, when you focus on the right things… you can see great success with your dental practice.

As a bonus today, he's offered to share some of his best tips and strategies to increase case acceptance.

To get the bonus, simply text PRACTICE to 33444. Again, that’s PRACTICE to 33444 or visit startyourdentalpractice.com/bonus if you’re outside of the US.

You’ll also receive updates on the latest episodes of Start Your Dental Practice, helpful tips for owning and running a practice, and promotional opportunities direct to your inbox.

Click here to access bonus by just following the instructions.


Resources:

Support The Show:

Without you, Ambitious Dentists, this show wouldn’t exist.

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please go here to give the show an honest rating and review in iTunes.

This allows me to evolve the show as it goes on, and also helps spread the word to other podcast listeners since iTunes promotes shows with active engagement.

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