The Dental Practice Heroes Podcast With Dr. Paul Etchison

Discover the secrets to transforming your dental practice with data-driven insights in our latest episode featuring Dr. Aditi Agarwal, co-founder of Practice by Numbers. Imagine having a dashboard that serves as your practice's diagnostic tool, similar to dental x-rays for patient care. Dr. Agarwal walks us through her personal journey of creating this revolutionary approach, sharing how crucial metrics can pinpoint issues and lead to actionable improvements in workflow and team efficiency.We also uncover the power of the hygiene pre-appointment rate and its ability to forecast future revenue and patient behavior. Maintaining a high pre-appointment rate isn't just about numbers; it's about ensuring steady growth and managing practice capacity efficiently. By focusing on this key performance indicator, you'll learn how to plan for necessary expansions and optimize both hygiene and restorative services, setting your practice up for long-term success.Finally, we examine the shift from traditi

Can transforming your front desk employees into true managerial powerhouses make a difference in your dental practice? Join Dr. Paul Etchison, Dr. Steve Markowitz, and Dr. Henry Ernst as they discuss the pivotal role of trust and leadership in developing effective office managers. Learn how implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) can empower your team and why investing in the development of a well-rounded individual can lead to a stronger, more successful practice.Discover the secrets behind building a culture of accountability, even in the face of rapid growth. Dr. Henry Ernst shares his firsthand experience of expanding from four to thirteen chairs in just two and a half years. Hear about the chaos that ensued and the structural changes required to maintain order and productivity. This episode emphasizes the importance of servant leadership, vulnerability, and transparent communication to create a cohesive and supportive work environment.Clarity is key to office manager success, and this epi

What happens when you decide to take your dental practice out of network with major insurance providers like Delta? We'll take you through our unique journey and the strategic moves we made to ensure a smooth transition. From navigating patient retention to leveraging insurance participation for growth, we share the real-world impacts and successes we experienced. Learn how to maintain profitability while still working with PPOs, and understand the critical timing for dropping certain insurance plans. Plus, discover the pivotal role your team's mindset plays in communicating your practice’s unique value and experience to patients.We also delve into the logistical challenges we encountered, such as evolving dental fee structures.   Hear about the lessons we learned from initial issues with inaccurate estimates and lower-than-expected reimbursements, and how aligning fee schedules with realistic operating costs led to a 12% increase in total fees. Through trial and error, we found ways to ease the tra

Unlock the hidden potential of your dental practice with insights from Dr. Justin Bhullar and Dr. Etch! Ever wondered if you're maximizing patient acquisition, profit, and productivity? Join us as Justin meticulously breaks down his robust auditing framework, revealing how key metrics like marketing spend, new patient flow, and treatment conversion rates can transform your practice. We'll share actionable tips on setting realistic targets and measuring these metrics, aiming to revolutionize your practice’s efficiency, team dynamics, and financial success. Dive into this wealth of knowledge and discover how a comprehensive audit can make all the difference in your dental practice's journey to excellence.But that's not all! We also explore the profound impact of self-reflection and interpersonal relationships on leadership. By evaluating our relationships with those closest to us, we uncover valuable insights into our emotional intelligence and leadership skills. Navigate the complex interpl

Ever wondered how hiring an associate dentist can revolutionize your practice? Join us on this compelling episode of Dental Practice Heroes as we sit down with Dr. Paul Goodman, a multi-practice owner and the visionary behind Dental Nachos. From his seven-year journey in dental school to his transformative experience at Albert Einstein, Dr. Goodman opens up about the milestones that shaped his career. Alongside our co-host Steve Markowitz, we dive into the personal and professional benefits of bringing an associate on board, and the profound impact it can have on both patient care and your bottom line. Unlock the secrets to achieving rapid growth and financial success through strategic investments in modern dental technology and human resources. Dr. Goodman shares real-life examples, like how the right mindset and preparedness can turn initial hesitations into lucrative, long-term advantages. Hear stories of patients and dentists who have reaped the benefits of these investments, and learn why resisting chang

Discover the secrets to running a thriving dental practice with effective team meetings as Dr. Paul Etchison, Dr. Stephen Markowitz, and Dr. Henry Ernst reveal their strategies for maintaining a cohesive and high-performing team. Tune in and learn about the power of consistent meeting cadences, the transition from morning huddles to structured weekly L10 meetings, and the creation of pod meetings to address both patient-specific details and broader office themes. This episode promises to equip you with the insights needed to foster a culture of continuous improvement within your practice.Our guests share their journey of transforming team meetings from casual morning gatherings to carefully structured, agenda-driven sessions that have significantly boosted their practice's efficiency. Hear firsthand how the EOS model and its customized implementations like pod meetings have helped tackle issues promptly and drive the team's ongoing development. We also discuss the financial and team-building benefit

Could believing you can control every outcome in your life and business do more harm than good? Join me, Dr. Paul Etchison, as I share a deeply personal story about my daughter's struggle with anxiety in competitive cheerleading and how it mirrors the challenges of managing a dental practice. We'll explore the concept of extreme ownership and its impact on both personal and professional realms, delving into self-doubt, mental blocks, and anxiety's effect on performance. Learn how addressing these issues can lead to better outcomes and a more balanced approach to life and leadership.In the second part of the episode, we navigate the complex journey of managing employee turnover over 12 years in a dental practice. From the early days of minimal turnover due to life events to the post-COVID "firing phase" and the challenging "exodus" phase, I'll share my reflections on balancing accountability with self-compassion. We'll question the effectiveness of an internal locus

Ready to transform your dental practice from good to great? Join us as we unlock the secrets to propelling your practice to a staggering $1 million and beyond. With expert insights from renowned dental business mentor Dr. Justin Bhullar, we'll guide you through the essential steps to achieve this substantial growth. Learn why the right location with in-migration is crucial, how to master both internal and external marketing, and the pivotal role your front office staff plays in this journey. We'll also discuss the foundational systems every thriving practice needs, such as getting two full-time hygienists and a solo doctor busy, and the game-changing power of an excellent online reputation. Understand the challenges of expanding capacity and refining your systems as you scale. Plus, we'll cover the importance of demographic research and the perils of poorly managed lease expenses. With real-world examples and success stories, discover how consistent execution of these strategies can lead to rem

Unlock the potential of your dental practice with Dr. Aaron Nicholas as we dissect the art of merging speed and skill to amplify your efficiency without compromising care. Our engaging conversation peels back on the layers that often hinder dental practices. We offer practical, actionable advice that will revolutionize how you and your team operate daily—providing a roadmap for dentists at all levels to refine their procedures and maximize their time in the clinic.From the importance of organization and multitasking to fostering strong dentist-assistant collaborations, we delve into streamlining your workflow in ways that will leave your patients smiling wider. Dr. Nicholas shares invaluable strategies for timing treatments to ensure you're not just working faster, but smarter. You'll glean insights from our own experiences on improving procedural efficiency that can transform a hectic schedule into a harmonious one, where quality and patient satisfaction are never compromised.Wrap up your listening

Ever had to make the tough call of showing a patient the door? We've been there too and this episode is a candid reflection on upholding respect within dental practices. When a recent encounter with inappropriate patient behavior forced me to take action, it sparked a broader conversation with Dr. Steve and Dr. Henry about the delicate balance between providing care and maintaining a healthy work environment. We dissect the complex dance of managing difficult patients, the moments that test our boundaries, and the critical nature of clear communication in fostering a team that feels valued and protected.Running late can be the bane of any dental practice, yet it's an almost inevitable part of our day. How do we keep the cogs turning without turning our patients away? We're sharing the strategies we've employed to keep our schedules running like clockwork - or as close to it as possible in the unpredictable world of dentistry. From transparent conversations to small tokens of appreciation f

Have you ever faced the edge of a cold pool, shivering with anticipation and exhaustion, only to find that the leap was exactly what you needed? That's the story I, Dr. Paul Etchison, share with you today, drawing a heartwarming parallel between a memorable daddy-daughter trip and the challenges of dental practice management. In navigating both personal and professional realms, we often encounter moments that call for a leap beyond comfort zones, moments that promise joy and fulfillment once overcome. My anecdote about reluctantly diving in with my daughter serves as a poignant reminder of how even dental professionals can push through weariness to achieve success and satisfaction within their practices. This episode is about embracing those plunges into uncertainty—whether it's the literal cold water or the metaphorical challenges of fostering a team-driven practice for the sheer pleasure of life and the promise of financial freedom.In the realm of incremental steps leading to grand triumphs, this

Ever considered the complex dance of decision-making that comes with expanding a dental practice? Justin and I tackle this very subject, peeling back the layers on whether hiring specialists is a smart move or if it’s more strategic to invest in the talents of general practitioners. Together, we examine the potential perks and pitfalls—from navigating the financial landscape to ensuring the move matches patient demand. It’s a compelling discussion that bridges the gap between cost and culture, where we weigh the advantages of in-house procedures against the necessity of external expertise. This episode isn’t just about the current state of affairs; it's a candid look into the future of dental education. Here, I open up about embracing the uncomfortable feeling of being a student again, confronting the rapid advances in technology that are reshaping our profession. We debate how learning curves, like integrating the Nexus IOS system and pursuing orthodontic courses, can revolutionize a practice. Join us f

Unlock the secrets to transforming patient communication and boosting treatment acceptance with Dr. Chris Bowman's unique insights. On our show, the mastermind behind the Getting to Yes Masterclass joins us, alongside my co-host Dr. Steve Markowitz, to reveal how a nuanced approach to case presentation can revolutionize your dental practice. From the first interaction with a new patient to the final agreement on a treatment plan, we'll guide you through strategies that promise to align your practice's goals with the patients' needs for a harmonious and successful dental journey.Ever wondered why some patients hesitate to follow through with their dental treatments? We tackle this head-on by dissecting the 'new patient connection interview,' a tool that's reshaping how we interact with patients and understand their oral health aspirations. Expect to walk away with a new perspective on pre-empting objections, a chapter straight out of Dr. Robert Cialdini's playbook, and h

Ever found yourself at a loss for words when confronted by a particularly challenging patient? Well, you're far from alone. In our latest podcast episode, Dr. Henry Ernst, Dr. Stephen Markowitz, and I, Paul Etchison, get up close and personal with the nitty-gritty of managing difficult patients in a dental practice. We don't just commiserate; we strategize, sharing tales from the trenches alongside actionable advice that's been tried and tested. From defusing tension with a touch of Nordstrom's conflict resolution finesse to knowing when it's time to bid farewell to a patient for the greater good, we've got your back on transforming tricky situations into triumphs for your team and your practice.But it's not all serious business. We bring a dose of humor and heart to the conversation, acknowledging that empathy is key and sometimes, a genuine apology or a small gesture—like buying a patient a coffee—can make all the difference. And for those of us in the field who've br

Have you ever found yourself lost in a maze of your own thoughts, especially those that chew away at your confidence as a dental professional? I get it, and that's why I'm peeling back the layers of overthinking and self-doubt in our latest Dental Practice Heroes podcast. I'll share a particularly haunting dental case from my past that led me down a rabbit hole of negativity, and we'll explore the techniques that can help us escape these mental traps. This isn't just about finding peace of mind; it's about safeguarding the stability of our practices and our personal well-being.Then, we shift gears, and I'll tell you how a Kanye West anecdote from Dave Chappelle sparked a revelation about the power of positive self-perception. How would that change your professional outlook? I'll challenge you with three questions to interrogate those inner critics and we'll look at how this shift in mindset can uplift your entire week. It's time to tune out the negativity and

Join us as we peel back the curtain on dental practice ownership nightmares and the unexpected victories that can emerge from the rubble. Justin's saga of a partnership disaster serves as a cautionary tale, unraveling the critical importance of due diligence and the clarity that comes from evaluating potential partners against your own values. It's a candid recount of how the darkest days can sometimes spark the most remarkable transformations in business and in life.But the journey doesn't end at overcoming; it's also about the people who help you rebuild. This episode is not just a dive into the past—it's a playbook for the future of hiring and team empowerment. Discover how listening more and speaking less reshaped my leadership style and how involving your team in the hiring process can be a game-changer. From personality tests to delegating HR responsibilities, we explore strategies to weed out workplace toxicity and foster a vibrant, team-oriented environment. It's an hones

Are you ready to transform your dental practice into a powerhouse of productivity and positivity? This is exactly what you'll achieve after tuning in to our latest conversation with the dental dynamo herself, Kiera Dent. Together, we navigate the choppy waters of the dental labor market, providing you with the life rafts of strategy and support you need to build an unshakable team. Get ready to embrace the change with open arms and a well-prepared plan, as Kira illuminates the path to creating a resilient practice culture that can weather any storm.This episode isn't just about survival; it's about thriving in an industry that's constantly evolving. We tackle the tough topics head-on, from the emotional trials of team turnover to the exhilaration of fostering a workplace that buzzes with engagement. Discover the art of crafting an environment where both respect and fun coexist, transforming everyday routines into opportunities for growth and team bonding. And when it comes to the personal

They say the early bird catches the worm, but what happens when your team members consistently arrive late, well after the worm’s been caught? Together with my esteemed colleagues, Dr. Steven Markowitz and Dr. Henry Ernst, we delve into the complexities of managing tardiness in a dental practice, sharing tried-and-true strategies for maintaining a punctual, productive team. We dissect the intricate dance of valuing an employee's skills while upholding the non-negotiable tenet of reliability, and you won't want to miss Dr. Ernst's innovative approach to incentivizing on-time arrivals. Navigating the choppy waters of workplace behavior, this episode doesn't shy away from the hard truths about habitual lateness and its ripple effects. We confront the sobering reality that sometimes, despite our best efforts, an employee's behavior may not change, forcing difficult decisions for the health of the practice. Tune in for an unflinching look at leadership resolve, as we discuss everything fro

Embarking on the path to early retirement while owning a dental practice is no mere dream—it's an achievable reality with the right strategies, and I'm here to guide you through it. With over a decade of experience in the trenches, I share my personal journey and insights to arm you with the tools for success. We tackle the tough choices practice owners face, from expanding operations to fine-tuning insurance plans, all while keeping an eagle eye on the prize: a thriving business that doesn't demand your constant attention. This heartfelt episode isn't just about the numbers; it's a blueprint for harmonizing profit with well-being, and a testament to how your practice can flourish, offering you the liberty to step back and breathe.Then, prepare to redefine your concept of retirement and business growth. I've teamed with experts like Relevance Online Marketing to lift the weight of digital marketing off your shoulders, leaving you free to focus on what matters most. As we navigate

Ever wondered if the grass is truly greener on the practice ownership side of dentistry? Join me, Dr. Paul Etchison, and my colleague Dr. Justin Bhullar, as we dissect the alluring yet daunting leap from a cushy associateship to the helm of your own dental practice. Making big life decisions is no small feat, especially when it involves trading in a significant paycheck for the unpredictable yet potentially rewarding world of business ownership. In our candid conversation, we lay bare the facets of such a transition, examining the tenacity and aspirations needed to embark on this journey. We also consider the stark reality that initial years may not be as financially rewarding as one might hope—yet for those driven by the desire to shape their destiny in dentistry, this episode is an essential listen.As we pivot to discussing the concept of junior partnerships, we illuminate an alternative path that combines the stability of employment with the taste of entrepreneurship. Hear the story of a dentist who dared