
Hosted by Michael Dinsio & Paula Quinn | Dental industry coaches & Education leaders · EN

Accounts Receivable | Dental Practice Acquisition | Dental BillingStop the post-sale cash flow crunch. Learn how to navigate the "hot mess" when transitioning ARs. Protect your new practice from the #1 cause of post deal lawsuits. We discuss with billing expert Stafani Sandoval, Front Office Consultant at NEXT LEVEL CONSULTANTS.Episode OverviewIn this episode, hosts Mike Dinsio and Paula Quinn sit down with Stafani Sandoval, to break down the technical chaos of accounts receivable during a dental practice acquisition. We reveal why brokers often avoid the truth about AR's and the value and how a "First In, First Out" (FIFO) software default can accidentally drain your working capital within the first 30-60 days of ownership.What You’ll Get From This Episode:The #1 Lawsuit Trap: Why AR disputes are the primary reason for post-sale litigation and how to avoid them.7 Payment Streams: How to track everything from virtual credit cards and EFTs to CareCredit and merchant services.The 90-Day Cash Hack: A strategic framework for holding seller funds to subsidize your initial practice cash flow.Software Hacks: Technical tips for Dentrix and Open Dental to ensure accurate provider allocation post-close.Neutral Party Solutions: Why a third-party biller eliminates the "loyalty conflict" between your new team and the old seller.Patient vs. Insurance AR: How to value different aging buckets during your final negotiations.Perfect For: Acquisition buyers, and anyone focused on practice transitions, and dental practice ownershipSpecial Guest on Today's Show: Stefani Sandoval brings years of specialized dental billing experience to the table. As the Front Office Consultant & Billing Department Manager at Next Level Consultants, she manages outsourced revenue cycles for hundreds of acquisitions, startups, and private practice owners across the country. Connect with Stafani: https://nxlevelconsultants.com/front-office-support/remote-dental-billing/ Key Takeaway:The transition of money is the most volatile part of a dental sale. Success isn't just about clinical production; it’s about mastering the meticulous tracking of every dollar to ensure your business remains profitable from the moment you take the keys.Stay Connected to Get More Topics Covered by Dental Unscripted: accounts receivable, dental practice acquisition, dental billing, dental practice management, practice transition, dental cash flow, dental lawsuits, buying a dental practice, dental broker secrets, dental financial tips, next level consultants, michael dinsio, paula quinn, startup dentist, dental entrepreneurship .

In the current dental market, DSOs (Dental Support Organizations) have shifted their acquisition strategies to mitigate financial exposure, a move described as "de-risking". This shift has significant implications for dentists looking to sell their practices, particularly regarding how much cash they receive at the closing table.The End of the "Heyday"Previously, dental transitions were often "home runs" for sellers, who could expect to receive significantly more at closing than they would from a private buyer. During the "fast and furious" pre-COVID era, money was cheap, and private equity-backed groups were buying practices aggressively.However, this market has undergone a correction:Vanishing FOMO: The "Fear Of Missing Out" that drove sellers has largely disappeared as market conditions have tightened.Expensive Capital: Money is no longer "cheap," causing private equity funding to dry up for many groups.Margin Pressures: Rising costs for hygienists and dental assistants have squeezed profit margins, making it harder for DSOs to service debt.DSOs are now focusing on de-risking by pushing more of the transaction's financial risk onto the selling doctor.Decreased Cash at Closing: While sellers used to expect roughly 80% of the enterprise value in cash at closing, that figure has frequently dropped to between 50% and 60%.Rollover Equity Risks: A larger portion of the practice value is being held back as equity in the parent company. Attorneys note that some DSOs have recently informed partners that their internal shares currently have "zero value".Stock-Based Earn-Outs: Future payouts (earn-outs) that were previously paid in cash are now often being structured as 50% cash and 50% stock.Unique Holdbacks: Buyers are implementing new types of holdbacks, such as those for Accounts Receivable (AR), that were not common in previous yearsShifting Payout StructuresDSOs are now focusing on de-risking by pushing more of the transaction's financial risk onto the selling doctor.Decreased Cash at Closing: While sellers used to expect roughly 80% of the enterprise value in cash at closing, that figure has frequently dropped to between 50% and 60%.Rollover Equity Risks: A larger portion of the practice value is being held back as equity in the parent company. Attorneys note that some DSOs have recently informed partners that their internal shares currently have "zero value".Stock-Based Earn-Outs: Future payouts (earn-outs) that were previously paid in cash are now often being structured as 50% cash and 50% stock.Unique Holdbacks: Buyers are implementing new types of holdbacks, such as those for Accounts Receivable (AR), that were not common in previous years.Increased Retention RequirementsTo further de-risk the acquisition, DSOs are requiring sellers to stay on as providers for longer periods.Clinical Stability: A practice is considered a safer acquisition as long as the seller remains on-site to maintain patient and team stability.Longer Commitments: While three-year stay-on periods were standard, many DSOs now require five-year commitments from the selling doctor.Team Continuity: DSOs fear that if the owner leaves too soon, the dental team—and the patients—will follow.The Private Buyer AdvantageBecause DSOs are offering less cash upfront and requiring longer work commitments, the gap between corporate and private offers has narrowed. Private practice buyers now have a solid chance to compete by appealing to the seller's desire to protect their staff and legacy, offering a simpler transition compared to complex DSO equity structures.

Buying a Dental Practice | Selling a Dental Practice | Dental Practice Acquisition Stop gambling with your retirement. Learn why 7 separate DSOs just told partners their shares are worth zero and how to protect your equity in the current market correction with titans Ali Oromchian and David Cohen. In this episode, Michael Dinsio and Paula Quinn sit down with dental attorneys Ali Oromchian (DM Counsel) and David Cohen (Cohen Law Firm, PLLC) to discuss the shifting dental industry. As the era of "cheap money" vanishes, our guests reveal how DSOs are de-risking by offering less cash at closing and pushing more risk onto dental practice ownership through complex rollover equity. What You'll Find Out:DSO Red Flags: How to spot clinical interference and financial opacity before signing an LOI. Equity Realities: Why "rollover equity" can plummet to zero and how to evaluate recapitalization. Vetting Secrets: The "Random Call" strategy for performing true due diligence on potential buyers. Market Correction: Why cash at closing has dropped from 80% to 50-60% in current dental transitions. Private Advantage: How individual dentists can outmaneuver DSOs when buying a dental practice. Special Guests:Ali Oromchian, JD, LL.M., co-founder of DM Counsel, specializes in dental transitions and employment law, providing expert dental industry advice to thousands of practitioners. David Cohen, JD, founder of Cohen Law, is a leader in dental practice acquisition and high-stakes DSO partnerships across the East Coast. Connect at: https://www.dmcounsel.com and https://cohenlawfirmpllc.com/Key Takeaway:DSO partnerships are no longer a guaranteed "home run." Success in the modern practice ownership journey requires moving past FOMO to conduct rigorous, data-driven due diligence on your future partner's EBITDA and operational support. Perfect for: Startup dentists, established owners planning a 7-figure exit, and anyone focused on dental practice financial tips and strengthening dental practices. Stay Connected to Get More Topics Covered by Dental Unscripted:buying a dental practice, dental business, dental consulting, dental industry, dental practice acquisition, dental tips, dentist journey, dental practice management, selling a dental practice, dental startup, dental practice financials, dental practice revenue, running a dental practice, dental industry advice, dental solutions

Is your team running the show while your grinding away to pay the bills? In this episode, Mike Dinsio, MBA and Paula Quinn, BSDH sit down with Jill Hasselman to expose the silent killers in dental ownership. If you are afraid to correct staff or rely too much on an outdated and generic employee handbook, you are exposing yourself to risk. This episode breaks down the exact dental practice operations needed to protect your license, fire toxic staff safely, and finally sleep at night. Stop being held hostage and avoid toxic situations. And why the "Document or Didn't Happen" strategy prevents lawsuits from sinking your practice.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN• Why "borrowing" a colleague's handbook is actually legal suicide for your practice.• The psychological "Popup" trick that stops employee tardiness immediately.• Why fighting unemployment claims often triggers expensive wage and hour lawsuits.• How to document performance issues without being a "jerk."• The "Document or Die" framework: Why if it isn't written down, it didn't happen.• Understanding the massive gap in EPLI insurance that leaves most dentists exposed.PERFECT FOR: Dental practice owners feeling held hostage by their staff, dental startup doctors establishing culture, and anyone seeking dental entrepreneur advice on navigating labor laws and dental teams.SPECIAL GUEST Special Guest on Today’s Show: Jill Hasselman is the Chief Growth Officer for HR for Health. With nearly 12 years of experience protecting doctors, she specializes in customized HR compliance and software solutions specifically for the dental industry. HR for Health was founded by an employment attorney to help doctors prevent lawsuits before they happen.🔗 Connect with HR for Health: https://www.hrforhealth.comKEY TAKEAWAY Consistency is your best defense. HR isn't just about following rules; it's about regaining your freedom. By implementing consistent documentation and state-specific policies, you stop being a hostage in your own business and build a dental practice culture that respects your leadership.STAY CONNECTED FOR MORE INFO ON: dental practice management, dental business, dental team optimization, dental practice leadership, dental practice operations, running a dental practice, dental practice ownership, dental startup, dental hr, dental entrepreneur advice, dental practice challenges, dental industry insights, dental practice protection, dental leadershipDENTAL UNSCRIPTED:Website: https://nxlevelconsultants.com/resources/dental-podcast/WORKING WITH MICHAEL & PAULA:Michael Dinsio, MBA and Paula Quinn, BSDH are dental practice consultants specializing in startups, acquisitions, and practice management optimization. Their proven frameworks help dentists navigate ownership, improve profitability, and build sustainable practices everywhere! Website: https://nxlevelconsultants.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/nxlevelconsultants/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nxlevelconsultants/PRODUCTIONDental UnscriptedHosted by Mike Dinsio, MBA & Paula Quinn, BSDH©2025 NEXT LEVEL CONSULTANTS. All Rights Reserved.

In this episode, Mike and Paula are joined by executive coach Michael Clark with Next Level Consultants—to dive deep into Patient Financing. They discuss how patient financing boosts case acceptance practice profitability, they tackle the challenges and opportunities that define modern day practices. They dish out practical tips, compelling stats, and stories from the trenches that’ll inspire you to rethink how you approach your practice.The trio explores the power of patient financing—why it’s a game-changer for case acceptance, how it bridges the gap for patients unprepared for treatment costs, and why practices often miss the mark on offering it. With shoutouts to tools like Candid Pro (a clear aligner system designed for general dentists) and a candid look at options like the giant in patient financing CareCredit and other up and coming fintech lenders, this episode is packed with strategies to get more "yeses" from your patients.0:00 Intro4:26 Why Use Patient Financing7:46 Statistics, and Opportunities in Your Practice13:20 Case Acceptance Rate, Verbal Skills, & Options14:47 Why Offices Are Using Patient Financing20:47 Why patients NEED Financing 25:01 Increase Patient Care Option27:38 Which Financing Companies to Use?Show Hosts: Michael Dinsio, MBA & Paula Quinn, BSDH, RDH both founded and manage a dental practice management consulting firm together. You can learn more about Next Level Consultants at https://nxlevelconsultants.comTune in for a fresh take on practice management, startup struggles, and acquisition adventures—all consolidated under one dynamic brand (say goodbye to Startup Unscripted and Acquisition Unscripted—this is your new go-to channel!). Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube, and join the conversation on socials. Rate us, follow us, and let’s build a better dental practice together! Watch the Live streams on Facebook Instagram and LinkedIn Or on the YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOkX3xm3uG0Check the exclusive offer from show sponsor Candid Pro to supercharge your clear aligner system in your practice today!https://candidpro.com/nxlevel

Feeling like you're herding cats instead of leading a team? Managing a dental practice is challenging enough without the added stress of dealing with difficult employees, personality clashes, and performance issues. But what if there was a way to transform your team from a source of frustration into a powerful engine for growth?In this episode of Dental Unscripted, Mike Dinsio and Paula Quinn pull back the curtain on the art of dental team management. They share their hard-won wisdom and practical strategies for:Taming the "Wild": Learn how to effectively manage different personality types, address conflict, and create a harmonious work environment.Building a Culture of Ownership: Discover how to inspire your team to take responsibility, go the extra mile, and feel invested in the success of the practice.Driving Results: Uncover the secrets to setting clear expectations, motivating your team to achieve goals, and celebrating accomplishments.Creating a Fun and Engaging Workplace: Find out how to foster a positive atmosphere where your team enjoys coming to work and feels valued.This episode is packed with actionable advice, real-world examples, and insightful tips that you can implement immediately to improve your team dynamics and boost your practice's productivity.Plus, hear about the latest innovations in clear aligner therapy from our sponsor, Candid Pro, and get a special discount just for our listeners! Don't miss this opportunity to transform your dental team and create a thriving practice.KEY TOPICS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE0:00 Episode Intro6:04 Biggest Challenge Managing a Team11:53 How Do You Get Your Team Onboard18:25 Why Are 'Systems' So Important22:19 How To Create a Practice 'Culture'28:27 Where Do You Even Start? 🔗 Important Links:Plus, don't miss our special offer from Candid Pro for clear aligner therapy! https://candidpro.com/nxlevelSubscribe to Dental Unscripted: https://dental-unscripted.transistor.fm/subscribeALSO – Learn more about Next Level Consultants, Michael and Paula's Dental Consulting Group. They offer valuable services to doctors who are looking for support in a variety of ways. https://www.nxlevelconsultants.comFollow us on social media:Lke, comment, and subscribe for more valuable insights on dental practice management, ownership, startups, and transitions! 👍

Are dental consultants worth it? 🤔 This episode of Dental Unscripted, Mike Dinsio and Paula Quinn explore the first person perspective of dental consulting, helping docs see key factors the benefits and also the challenges that come with working with a consultant! We explore:The REAL value of a consultant: Do they actually bring expertise and fresh perspectives or cookie cutter approach that can be found on podcasts, facebook groups, and online programs? The cost factor: Are consultants worth the investment or are they overpaid and underdeliver?When to hire (and when NOT hire) a consultant: Make the right decision for your practice. Make the right move when the time is right. We talk about when you shouldn't hire a consultant. Plus, we discuss consulting from a consultants perspective and give our firsthand insights into how we approach the process of consulting. ➡️ Watch now to discover the potential of working with consultants in your dental practice! ⬅️0:00 Intro - Sponsored by CandidPro4:43 The Value In Hiring a Dental Consultant8:41 Reasons for Hiring a Dental Consultant13:10 Why NOT to Hire a Dental Consultant16:28 What Working w/ a Consultant Looks Like19:46 Getting Your Team Onboard with Consulting27:26 The Real Reason Consulting Works#DentalConsultant #DentalPractice #PracticeManagement #DentalUnscripted #Podcast #DentalIndustry #DentalBusiness #PracticeGrowth #DentalSuccess #Consultants #MikeDinsio #PaulaQuinn🔗 Important Links:Get a Candid Pro Deal Stopper Through Next Level Consultants: https://candidpro.com/nxlevelSubscribe to Dental Unscripted: https://dental-unscripted.transistor.fm/subscribeLearn more about Next Level Consultants, Michael and Paula's Dental Consulting Group. They offer valuable services to doctors who are looing for support in a variety of ways. https://www.nxlevelconsultants.comFollow us on social media:Lke, comment, and subscribe for more valuable insights on dental practice management, ownership, startups, and transitions! 👍

Ever wondered what day one of owning a dental practice really looks like? In this candid episode of Dental Unscripted, hosts Mike Dinsio and Paula Quinn reveal what often gets overlooked in the excitement of becoming a practice owner and realities of transitioning into practice ownership.Paula, draws from her experience as a new owners, and together they reveal the crucial "Things You Just Don't Know You Don't Know" that can make or break your initial days. They tackle the overwhelming feeling of taking over a practice post close and the importance of strategic scheduling, and the often-necessary art of navigating communication with sellers and brokers.Key takeaways from this episode:The Shock of Day One: What to expect when you finally get the keys and the reality of being a practice owner sets in.Scheduling Strategies: Why Paula recommends a light schedule (or even blocked-out time) for the first few days, and how to manage hygiene versus restorative appointments.Communicating with Sellers and Brokers: How to tactfully handle scheduling requests and manage expectations during the transition.The Importance of Administrative Time: Why prioritizing administrative tasks over patient care in the initial days can be beneficial.Real-World Insights: Paula shares her personal experiences and advice from working with numerous dental practice owners.0:00 Intro3:00 Day One of Ownership!9:18 Making Changes in Acquisition?13:06 Team Member Expectations19:44 Getting to Know The Patients27:57 Transitioning Clinically w/ Team & Patients32:59 Just Relax, Breathe, & Go Slow35:35 Ownership is Not Just Doing Dentistry Catch up with Michael & Paula by contacting them and visiting their website http://www.nxlevelconsultants.com

Join us for this Episode of Dental Unscripted with host Mike Dinsio, co-host Paula Quinn, and special guest Stefani Sandoval as they dive deep into the complex world of dental credentialing during practice acquisitions. Connect with Next Level Consultants Team to learn more about their Dental Credentaling ServiceCALL: (253) 234-5288 EMAIL: admin@nxlevelconsultants.comhttps://www.nxlevelconsultants.com/front-office-support.html0:00 Intro music - Episode intro1:00 Credentialing canbe ChallengingOur front office expert breaks down what every dentist needs to know about this crucial but often complex and frustrating process of getting credentialed We even discuss the differences between a practice ownership transition and simply moving from one practice to another as an associate.Common credentialing pitfalls to avoidEssential documentation you needThe truth about insurance company timelinesCritical differences between associate and owner credentialing3:00 The Credentialing ProcessWhen purchasing a dental practice, understanding both your current credentialing status and the seller's network participation is crucial. Credentials and reimbursements can vary per location so it can be insightful and strategic to mirror what the seller's existing insurance arrangements for a smoother transition.6:00 How to Prepare to Get Credentialed Getting accurate credentialing information during a practice transition can be challenging since brokers don't handle these details. Moreover, sellers are often unfamiliar with their own status. Front office team members manage this information and sellers may not request this information for fear of revealing a pending sale?! To verify individual doctor's credentialing status, dentists should proactively maintain copies of their insurance contracts. Direct contact with insurance networks to verify, and, when possible, inquire with front office staff about existing credentialing contracts. 14:50 Common Roadblocks and ChallengesCommon delays in the credentialing process for dentists include expired malpractice insurance, reliance on employer-provided coverage. Insurance companies often require a finalized bill of sale before approving contracts, further delaying the process. Keeping dental licenses and CAQH profiles updated is crucial, especially when transitioning between states. Working with professionals early on helps streamline the process, ensuring all necessary documents are in place to avoid unnecessary delays.19:10 How Long Does it Take to Get CredentialedWhile some claim it can be completed in as little as two weeks, the reality depends on factors like whether the provider is joining an existing practice or establishing a new entity with its own tax ID and NPI. The process involves multiple contracts, including terminating old agreements, which can cause delays. A best-case scenario suggests a 12-week turnaround, but errors in applications or insurance company delays can extend the process. Proper expectations and persistence are key to navigating credentialing successfully.28:20 What Does Being Out of Network Mean?! Failing to properly prepare for network credentialing can create significant issues for dental practices, especially when patients realize they are unexpectedly out of network. This can lead to frustration, distrust, and potential financial concerns. But many offices make the transition harder than necessary by not fully understanding, in the interim, they can still honor network fees while awaiting credentialing. Proper planning and clear patient communication are key to ensuring a smooth transition and avoiding unnecessary complications. The importance of working with a trusted, experienced professional over the anecdotal advice given by peers who probably lack the firsthand experience involved in the credentialing processes. 36:05 Working With Credentialing CompaniesThe extensive effort and tracking involved in credentialing, underscoring that their goal is to complete the process as quickly and smoothly as possible. Despite misconceptions, delays often stem from insurance companies rather than credentialing firms, and the representatives frontline callers interact with may not have access to accurate information. Ultimately, they urge more understanding and patience, reinforcing that passion and expertise drive Next Level Consultants to achieve the best outcomes for their clients.

Joining us on this Podcast Episode are some incredible guests who are shaping the future of dental practices. We have Nicole Yount, an executive coach and ortho specialist at Next Level Consultants, sharing her expertise on integrating orthodontics into general practice. Also joining us is Nick Greenfield, the CEO of Candid, introduces us to Candid Pro, a clear aligner system designed specifically for general dentists, promising predictability, efficiency, and profitability. And from Tacoma, Dr. Arvind Petri, a seasoned dentist who has transformed his practice with Candid Pro, offers a real-world perspective on how this partnership has been a game changer for his business.The episode kicks off with some really exciting news. We explore how CandidPro is tailored specifically for General Practitioner Dentists, offering a unique blend of technology and expert support that reduces the number case of office visits, enhances patient compliance, and ultimately boosts your practice's bottom line!CandidPro is specifically designed to help general dentists deliver predictable outcomes, work efficiently, and drive more profit per case. We’ll hear from Nick Greenfield about the value this clear aligner system can bring to practices of all sizes and get a first-hand account from Dr. Petrie, who has already earned over $600k in revenue working with CandidPro.Learn More about our SPECIAL OFFER by visiting the link below and connecting with CandidStart your CandidPro experience with over 30% off your first 3-4 cases and experience the difference!https://www.candidco.com/nxlevelWhether you're a startup looking to incorporate orthodontics from day one, or an established practice aiming to expand your services, this episode is packed with insights on how to leverage this innovative partnership to grow your practice. We'll discuss the importance of team training, clinical confidence, and how Candid's system can be a cornerstone in your practice's success story.0:00 Intro2:00 Introducing CandidPro Guest speakers7:10 What is Candid? and Candid's Market Impact9:44 Why CandidPro is a Game Changer: Predictability and Efficiency12:30 A Dentist's Experience w/ CandidPro clear aligners17:18 Typical Pitfalls GPs Face Offering Clear Aligner Therapy26:08 How Does CandidPro Increase Revenue compared to Competition35:22 Candid's Partnership in Empowering Docs w/ Clear Aligner Therapy38:04 Team Integration: Rally the Troops Implementing Clear Aligners Therapy43:33 Why CandidPro is the Clear Solution.