Podcast
Shared Practices | Your Dental Roadmap through Practice Ownership
Hosted by Dr. George Hariri | Shared Practices Network · EN
A bootcamp in small business ownership and practice management for dentists, giving the new graduate a roadmap to successful practice ownership. We interview the best dentists, experts, consultants and more on our weekly show. Here's the topics we will be covering in our 8 Seasons:
1. First Years as a Dentist
2. Think Like a Business Owner
3. Money and Numbers
4. Startups, Acquisitions, and Partnerships
5. Internal Systems
6. Marketing & Growth
7. Leadership, Vision and Culture
8. Beyond Dentistry
Go to SharedPractices.com to download the 8 Season Roadmap.
34episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The #1 Reason Dental Practice Ownership Enters an Ugly Duckling Phase and How to Survive It
Mar 2300:32:19Tap to summarizeAdding an associate to your team should be the ultimate win for dental practice ownership, but it is often the exact moment where your existing systems begin to break. In this episode, Andrew Clingan and Caitlin Embree unpack the "ugly duckling" stage—that uncomfortable transition where your previous business strategies no longer scale to support multiple doctors. If you are navigating the complexities of dental practice ownership, this episode is your survival guide for the inevitable systems failures and team tension that occur when scaling toward a sustainable dental practice.As we discuss in this segment, entrepreneurship for dentists is about developing people as much as it is about fixing teeth. Andrew gets vulnerable about the "super solo" trap: trying to out-produce your problems rather than fixing the underlying systems. We dive into the specific financial management for dentists necessary to weather the "stings" of growth—like losing $15,000 cases because the team wasn't ready to present new clinical codes.Ready to take the next step in your dental practice journey? Visit https://sharedpractices.com to learn more about our Buyer Representation and Coaching services, designed to help dentists buy, grow, and optimize profitable practices. You can also use our Free Look to evaluate dental practice opportunities with real data before making a decision. For daily Dental Moneyball insights, strategy tips, and updates, follow us across our social channels.
Transcribe →Ask George - Why Dental Practice Management Fails When Your CPA Is Your Only Advisor
Mar 1600:37:29Tap to summarizeAre you stuck in the "defensive" trap of dental practice ownership? In this episode of Ask George, Dr. George Hariri breaks down a controversial reality: your CPA should not be your most trusted advisor if your goal is growth. While dental CPAs are essential for tax compliance and embezzlement prevention, their inherent bias toward historical data often creates a "growth ceiling" for ambitious owners. This episode serves as a survival guide for the transition from clinician to CEO, helping you identify when to listen to the brakes and when to hit the gas.We dive deep into the world of dental practice management to explain why traditional accounting metrics like staff cost percentages can be misleading. George shares his personal "Dental Moneyball" story of growing a practice from $90k to $150k and how listening to a defensive advisor during a dip could have stifled his long-term success. You will learn about the "deposit ratio"—a critical tool for spotting embezzlement—and why your CPA is the gold standard for historical accuracy but a poor guide for future projections.If you are currently navigating dental practice ownership, you need to understand the difference between offensive and defensive strategies. We discuss how to use dental growth strategies to justify temporary spikes in overhead, such as hiring a new hygienist or investing in marketing, which a standard CPA report might flagged as "red." This episode challenges you to become your own most trusted advisor, using financial management for dentists as a data point rather than a final decision.We also explore the future of dental practice profitability in the age of AI and why using tools like ChatGPT can prepare you for more nuanced conversations with your professional team. Whether you’re an associate in transition or a seasoned owner, this roadmap ensures your business decisions are fueled by vision, not just tax efficiency. Stop letting the "brakes" drive your vehicle and start mastering the levers of dental practice management today.
Transcribe →The Anchor Dentist Plan: A Dental Partnership Strategy for Sustainable Growth | Nate
Mar 900:34:12Tap to summarizeThe wait is over for the conclusion of Nate’s journey from a solo practitioner to a multi-million dollar dental group practice owner. In Part 2 of this Practice Underwater special, Dr. George Hariri reveals the high-leverage recommendation that will allow Nate to escape the "yo-yo" effect of clinical scheduling and finally achieve sustainable growth. While Nate’s practice is already a financial powerhouse—grossing over $3.15M with elite-level systems—the missing piece isn't operational; it’s a specific human resource strategy that bridges the gap between a solo clinician and a true CEO.George breaks down the "Anchor Dentist" concept: the necessity of finding a high-caliber, workhorse provider who is incentivized through a minority equity stake. This episode acts as a survival guide for practice management in secondary or tertiary markets where doctor attraction is the primary bottleneck. You will learn why typical associate recruitment often fails in these areas and how to structure a transition that aligns a new doctor’s clinical drive with your own need for long-term stability and reduced chair time.As Nate considers his practice's terminal velocity of $4–5M, the conversation shifts to aggressive recruitment volume. George challenges Nate to move beyond local ads and use "megaphones" to find doctors willing to relocate for a significant dental financial opportunity. If you are navigating entrepreneurship and feeling stuck in the whirlwind of daily production, this episode provides the blueprint for using minority partnership as a tool for longevity, allowing you to maximize your practice valuation without selling prematurely.Ready to take the next step in your dental practice journey? Visit https://sharedpractices.com to learn more about our Buyer Representation and Coaching services, designed to help dentists buy, grow, and optimize profitable practices. You can also use our Free Look to evaluate dental practice opportunities with real data before making a decision. For daily Dental Moneyball insights, strategy tips, and updates, follow us across our social channels.
Transcribe →The Anchor Dentist Plan That Can Unlock a $4–5M Dental Practice | Nate
Mar 200:26:44Tap to summarizeTransitioning from a solo clinician to a CEO is a journey fraught with operational hurdles, particularly when navigating the "yo-yo" effect of doctor turnover. In this episode of Practice Underwater, Dr. George Hariri sits down with Nate, a 2011 grad who successfully grew his office from $700k to over $3.1M. Despite this massive financial success, Nate finds himself back in the "whirlwind" of daily clinical operations, struggling with the common industry Achilles' heel: attracting and retaining productive associates. This conversation serves as a survival guide for any future dental practice owner looking to build a sustainable group practice without being tethered to the chair for the next twenty years.The transcript reveals a common paradox in dental practice management: having world-class systems—including a 97% reappointment rate and an impressive AR ratio—yet still facing a revolving door of providers. George analyzes Nate’s history with five different associates to determine the difference between a "good leave" and a "bad leave". For dentists pursuing sustainable dental practice growth, understanding these nuances is critical. Are you settling for the wrong cultural fit because the candidate pool feels thin? George challenges the listener to move beyond the desperation of hiring and into a phase of selective patience.As Nate looks toward an associate to owner transition or an eventual dental practice valuation for a DSO sale, the focus shifts to long-term profitability and cash flow. George argues that many owners sell too early, missing out on years of EBITDA. Instead, the discussion explores whether offering a minority equity stake is the key to stability. This episode is a masterclass in entrepreneurship for dentists, emphasizing that while doctor turnover is a natural part of the business, it shouldn't dictate your personal life or your clinical schedule.Ready to take the next step in your dental practice journey? Visit https://sharedpractices.com to learn more about our Buyer Representation and Coaching services, designed to help dentists buy, grow, and optimize profitable practices. You can also use our Free Look to evaluate dental practice opportunities with real data before making a decision. For daily Dental Moneyball insights, strategy tips, and updates, follow us across our social channels.
Transcribe →Ask George - Does Dental Practice Ownership Still Make Sense Today?
Feb 2600:33:49Tap to summarizeIs dental practice ownership still a viable path for aspiring dentists in today's rapidly changing landscape? Join Dr. George Hariri as he navigates the complexities of dental practice ownership in the latest episode of Shared Practices. This enlightening discussion delves into the critical factors that every dentist must consider when contemplating their career trajectory in the field of dentistry.Dr. Hariri emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and self-reflection for dental professionals, urging them to assess whether dental practice ownership aligns with their personal and professional goals. With the realities of increased competition and rising operational costs, particularly in a post-COVID world, understanding the nuances of ownership is more crucial than ever.The episode outlines essential principles for a successful dental career, including job satisfaction, income needs, and the importance of asset accumulation. Dr. Hariri also contrasts traditional dental practice ownership with the growing appeal of Dental Support Organizations (DSOs), which present attractive opportunities for those who may prefer a non-ownership track. This is particularly relevant for dentists who are exploring their options in the face of changing dynamics within the profession.For those considering a leap into dental practice ownership, Dr. Hariri provides invaluable insights into entrepreneurship for dentists, offering guidance on how to buy a dental practice and navigate the complexities of dental practice acquisition. He discusses key topics such as dental practice valuation methods, due diligence red flags, and financial management for dentists, equipping listeners with the knowledge needed to excel in their ownership journey.As Dr. Hariri articulates, ownership is increasingly suited for those with an entrepreneurial mindset who are willing to actively engage in the business side of dentistry. He encourages listeners to reflect on their leadership in dental practice and consider strategies for scaling their practices while avoiding common ownership mistakes.This episode is a must-listen for any dentist contemplating their career path, offering a comprehensive overview of the dental landscape and practical advice on navigating ownership transitions. Whether you're a first-time buyer or an established owner looking to refine your dental practice marketing strategy, this episode provides a roadmap to success.Don't miss out on this opportunity to gain insights from a seasoned expert in the field.
Transcribe →Ask George | Are You Making These 3 Leadership Mistakes In Your Dental Practice Management Systems?
Feb 2300:32:18Tap to summarizeIn this masterclass episode of Ask George, Dr. George Hariri pulls back the curtain on the "invisible" side of dental practice management—the leadership dynamics that dictate your take-home pay and your team’s sanity. For most, the associate to owner transition is a shock to the system because dental school teaches you how to prep a crown, not how to lead a human being. George provides a survival guide for the future owner, breaking down the essential shift from clinical technician to high-level CEO.True dental practice management isn't about micro-managing every tray setup; it is about strategic resource allocation. George identifies the "Goodwill Bank Account" concept, explaining how leaders must deposit trust through leading by example before they can withdraw effort during high-stress growth phases. We dive deep into the "unspoken culture" of a practice—what you tolerate becomes your standard. If your dental business ownership journey feels like a constant uphill battle with staff, the bottleneck is likely your relational leadership, not your clinical skill.This episode covers the "Vision Avatars" necessary for sustainable dental practice growth, helping you decide if you are building a productive solo or a mega group. George also breaks down the "Operational Rhythm"—the cadence of huddles and meetings that transform dental practice management from a reactive chore into a proactive engine for dental practice profitability. By the end of this episode, you will understand how to audit your own self-leadership, set non-negotiable standards for what you tolerate, and empower an office manager to handle the details so you can focus on entrepreneurship for dentists. Whether you are currently in the middle of acquisitions or just starting your roadmap, this is the blueprint for leading a team that actually wants to follow you.
Transcribe →Coaches Corner - Dental Staffing Solutions That Protect Revenue While Allowing for Growth
Feb 1600:37:14Tap to summarizeIf you’re investing in marketing but missing calls, you’re leaking revenue. Learn how dental virtual assistants can boost conversions, improve verifications, and stabilize staffing.
Transcribe →Practice Under Water – How an $8M Multi-Location Owner Gains Clarity and Reclaims Control – Part 2
Feb 900:33:42Tap to summarizeIs rapid growth always worth it? This $8M dental owner reveals the stress, mistakes, and boundary-setting required to grow without sacrificing lifestyle.
Transcribe →Practice Under Water – How an $8M Multi-Location Owner Gains Clarity and Reclaims Control – Part 1
Feb 200:33:26Tap to summarizeWhat happens when you let your P&L get ugly on purpose? This dentist explains how he scaled to $8M fast—and why profitability became the next big challenge.
Transcribe →Ask George - When Achieving Your Goals Still Feels Hollow
Jan 2600:37:24Tap to summarizeIn this Ask George episode, George breaks down how to set practice ownership goals you’ll actually be happy you hit. He walks through the three stages of a dental career, how to align qualitative lifestyle goals with quantitative income targets, and why bottlenecks and “surface area of luck” matter more than arbitrary production numbers. If you’re a dentist who wants to grow your income without hating Mondays, this episode gives you a practical roadmap from today to your ideal Point B.
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