Podcast
The Best Practices Show with Kirk Behrendt
Hosted by ACT Dental · EN
Welcome to The Best Practices Show, hosted by Kirk Behrendt, founder of ACT Dental (https://www.actdental.com/) and a leader in dental practice coaching. This podcast is your gateway to discovering the hidden gems and tactics used by the most successful dental practices worldwide.
At ACT Dental, we have meticulously curated strategies that have consistently proven effective in elevating dental practices. Our podcast, The Best Practices Show, extends our commitment to sharing this wealth of knowledge. Each episode features interviews with renowned dental professionals and industry leaders who have made significant strides in their practices. They share their experiences, insights, and the challenges they've overcome, offering a unique perspective that you won't find anywhere else.
Why should you listen to The Best Practices Show? Whether you're a seasoned dentist, a new practice owner, or somewhere in between, this podcast is tailored to inspire and educate. Our goal is not just to provide you with information but to transform the way you think about and run your dental practice. We delve into topics ranging from advanced clinical techniques and practice management to leadership skills and personal growth.
Kirk Behrendt, a respected figure in the dental community, brings his vast experience and infectious enthusiasm to each episode, making complex topics both understandable and engaging. As the CEO of ACT Dental, Kirk has helped countless dental practices thrive by focusing on holistic development - professionally, personally, and within their community.
Our commitment to authenticity and practical advice sets The Best Practices Show apart. We don't just talk about theories; we dive into real-life applications you can implement immediately in your practice. Our community-centric approach means we're always listening to our audience and constantly evolving our content to meet your needs.
In addition to the invaluable insights from our guests, we also provide access to exclusive resources available through ACT Dental. These resources complement the podcast topics and give you a more comprehensive understanding and practical tools to apply in your practice.
By subscribing to The Best Practices Show, you're not just gaining access to a podcast; you're joining a community of like-minded professionals committed to excellence in dentistry.
So, are you ready to transform your practice and be the best version of yourself? Join us on this journey, and let's grow together. Hit subscribe and never miss an episode of The Best Practices Show – where we uncover the secrets to the success of the world's best dental practices, one episode at a time.
Subscribe to The Best Practices Show on Apple Podcasts
Join our community and start your journey towards a more innovative, more successful dental practice today!
88episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
1026: Why Working Harder Isn’t Paying Off: The Billing Breakdown No One Talks About - Ashley Bond
Mar 2700:38:17Tap to summarizeOne of the hardest parts of running a dental practice is producing dentistry consistently while cash flow stays unpredictable because you’re not collecting what you’re actually owed. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings in Ashley Bond, founder of Wisdom Dental Billing, to explain where revenue leaks happen inside the billing and collections process and how to tighten up your systems so production turns into real collections. You’ll learn how to calculate your collection percentage, what numbers to watch every month, where missing money usually hides, and which daily workflows keep claims moving and prevent write-offs that shouldn’t happen. Listen to Episode 1026 of The Best Practices Show!Main Takeaways:Track your collection percentage monthly by dividing total collections by net production (after adjustments) and multiplying by 100, aiming for 98% or higher.When collection percentage is below 98%, the missing money is typically found in adjustments, patient accounts receivable, or insurance accounts receivable.Relying on one “hero” biller is risky; practices need repeatable systems that don’t collapse when turnover happens.Most denied claims are tied to office administrative errors, often due to missing or incomplete documentation and attachments.Posting insurance payments accurately is critical because incorrect write-offs and misposted EOBs can trigger audits and slow payment timelines.Rejected claims can sit unseen in the clearinghouse and never reach insurance unless someone works rejections daily.Claims should be followed up every 14 days with complete claim notes (date, rep, outcome, action taken, reference number, initials) until paid.Snippets:00:00 Welcome and Revenue Leak01:17 Meet Ashley Bond02:26 Ashley Origin Story03:59 Why She Built Wisdom05:26 Insurance Keeps Changing06:42 Production vs Collections Reality08:17 Calculate Collection Percentage09:37 Find the Missing Money15:45 Systems Not a Hero17:13 Insurance Verification Time Sink18:42 Insurance Breakdown Reality19:18 What Outsourced Billing Means20:24 Why Teams Lose Money22:16 Core Systems And Cadence26:18 Clean Claims And Notes28:08 How Long To Get Paid30:52 EOB Audits And Risk34:07 Final Metrics To Track35:00 Wisdom Services And Contact36:40 Wrap Up And Next StepsGuest Bio/Guest Resources:Ashley Bond, Co-Founder & Chief Dental Billing Officer at Wisdom, leads our billing team, focusing on innovative solutions and training for enhanced service quality and efficiency. Previously, Ashley founded Bond Dental Billing, where she developed a nationwide billing service from her initial experience in her father's dental practice. Ashley is a proud member of the ASCA, SCN, demonstrating her commitment to professional development and excellence in the dental billing community. Ashley is passionate about continuing education in the dental community, and contributes in both editorial, and speaking capacities.Guest Resources: https://www.withwisdom.com/More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaUpcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.comSubscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com
Transcribe →1025: Would You Hire Her? - Katrina Sanders
Mar 2501:00:27Tap to summarizeDental teams are feeling the hygienist shortage, and many practices are reacting with shortcuts instead of fixing what’s actually driving clinicians away. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt sits down with Katrina Sanders, a dental hygienist, educator, and clinician with AZ Perio, to unpack what’s behind the shortage, why “oral preventive assistant” roles miss the point, and what leaders can change right now to attract (and keep) high-performing hygienists. You’ll learn what the data says, what “respect from leadership” really looks like in day-to-day practice, and how core values and humility shape the culture that determines who you can hire. Listen to Episode 1025 of The Best Practices Show!Main Takeaways:The hygienist shortage is tied to training pipeline shifts: dental school graduations rising while hygiene graduations decline, creating a sustainability gap for practices staffed with multiple hygienists per doctor.Many hygienists cite leaving for reasons that practices can influence directly: limited growth opportunities, toxic work environments, inflexible scheduling, and lack of respect from leadership.Creating “oral preventive assistant” roles can further devalue hygienists and distract from fixing the actual causes of turnover.Leaders who feel threatened by clinical pushback often create cultures that repel proactive hygienists and attract clinicians who won’t challenge outdated protocols.A sustainable hygiene model requires clarity on expectations and systems that support diagnosis support, perio protocols, utilization, and production—not just filling chairs.Practices that retain top talent invest in development, collaboration, and shared learning rather than relying on ego or “this is the way we’ve always done it.”The future of independent dentistry requires intentional choices about culture, values, and team development rather than letting external forces dictate direction.Snippets:00:00 Podcast cold open01:20 Meet Katrina Sanders03:25 Panel story setup05:48 Hygienist shortage data10:19 OPA debate and applause12:02 Would you hire her16:36 Ego and leadership respect24:47 Silver tsunami and workforce trends28:04 Building growth and flexibility30:17 Ego Versus Growth31:03 Core Values Alignment32:53 Prophy Princess Problem33:51 Hygiene Metrics Math37:38 You Attract Your Team39:11 Building Values Nucleus40:09 Why She Stays42:40 Pick Your Direction45:08 Max Bet Contrarian48:49 Curiosity Over Ego50:55 Would You Hire Her51:27 Hire Thought Leaders53:42 Where To Find Katrina54:11 Exchange Perio Workshop56:26 Team Learning Together59:45 Final SendoffGuest Bio/Guest Resources:In the ever-changing world of dental science where research, technology, and techniques for patient care are constantly evolving, dental professionals look to continuing education to provide insight, deliver actionable steps, empower, and create a dramatic impact within their clinical practice.With wit, charm, and a dash of humor, Katrina Sanders enchants dental professionals with her course deliverables, insightful content, and delightful inspiration. Her message of empowerment rings mighty throughout her lectures and stirs a deep sense of motivation amongst course participants.Katrina is the Clinical Liaison for AZPerio, the country's largest periodontal practice. She performs clinically, working alongside Diplomates to the American Board of Periodontology in the surgical operatory. Katrina perfected techniques during L.A.N.A.P. surgery, suture placement, IV therapy, and blood draws. She instructs on collaborative professionalism and standard-of-care protocols while delivering education through hygiene boot camps and study clubs.Resources mentioned:Website: www.katrinasanders.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedentalwinegenist/Program: https://katrinasanders.com/speaking/https://smilesource.com/exchangeMore Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaUpcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.comSubscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com
Transcribe →1024: Metric Mondays: If Overhead Is High, Where Should I Look Before Cutting Costs? - Miranda Beeson
Mar 2300:19:06Tap to summarizeOverhead feels too high, and many dentists try to fix it by cutting costs in the wrong places. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt talks with co-host Miranda Beeson about how to evaluate overhead through two lenses—spending and collections—so you can reduce overhead without compromising the practice. You’ll learn what “high overhead” actually looks like, where practices typically leak revenue, what to review inside your overhead buckets, and the specific actions you can implement today to strengthen collections and control supply and lab spend.Listen to Episode 1024 of The Best Practices Show!Main Takeaways:Overhead should be evaluated through two lenses: spending and collections.Cutting costs reactively can create team frustration and does not fix the root cause of high overhead.If collections are below 100%, the practice is chasing money, accounts receivable grows, and overhead percentage rises.High overhead is often tied to inconsistent expense review and emotional purchasing decisions instead of systematic ones.Strong overhead performance includes consistent review of overhead buckets and budgeting supplies and lab as a percent of collections.Same-day financial closure and clearer ownership of accounts receivable improve collection performance.Assigning an ordering and inventory “champion” with a defined budget helps prevent overspending and product waste.Snippets:00:00 Metric Mondays Intro01:30 Overhead Problem Framing02:33 Two Lenses Overview04:37 Common Overhead Mistakes07:59 What Good Looks Like10:57 Fix Collections Today12:51 Control Spending Systems14:20 Supply Budget Benchmarks16:15 Labs And Invoice Checks17:26 Wrap Up And Next StepsGuest Bio/Guest Resources:Miranda Beeson has over 25 years of clinical dental hygiene, front office, practice administration, and speaking experience. She is enthusiastic about communication and loves helping others find the power that words can bring to their patient interactions and practice dynamics. As a Lead Practice Coach, she is driven to create opportunities to find value in experiences and cultivate new approaches.Miranda graduated from Old Dominion University, and enjoys spending time with her husband, Chuck, and her children, Trent, Mallory, and Cassidy. Family time is the best time, and is often spent on a golf course, a volleyball court, or spending the day boating at the beach.Resources mentioned in this episode:Smile Source Marketplace: https://smilesource.com/Smile Source Transform membership: https://smilesource.com/membership-benefits-for-private-dental-practice-growth-and-successMore Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaUpcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.comSubscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com
Transcribe →1023: The Meeting You’re Not Having (But Should Be Weekly) - Carlie Einarson
Mar 2000:29:07Tap to summarizeWeekly team meetings often get skipped, squeezed into lunch, or treated as optional — and that creates misalignment, unresolved issues, and reactive decision-making. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back ACT Dental coach Carlie Einarson to explain why a structured weekly team meeting is the key rhythm for “practice care” (not patient care). You’ll learn when to schedule it, what to cover, how to use KPIs to course-correct quickly, and how consistent meetings build an aligned, smarter, healthier team over time — listen to Episode 1023 of The Best Practices Show!Main Takeaways:The daily morning huddle is for patient care, and the weekly team meeting is for practice care.Weekly meetings prevent misalignment by giving the team a consistent space to communicate, prioritize, and solve problems together.“As-needed” meetings don’t work because issues pile up, side conversations grow, and small problems become big ones.The best weekly meeting time is typically Tuesday or Wednesday morning, not Monday, not Thursday, and not over lunch.Reviewing KPIs weekly turns data into decisions and allows faster course corrections when systems aren’t working.A healthy culture isn’t conflict-free; weekly meetings create structured time for healthy conflict, recognition, and connection.Progress comes from consistency over time, especially by breaking annual goals into quarterly priorities and working them weekly.Snippets:00:00 Intro01:24 Meet Carlie Einarson02:45 Why Weekly Meetings05:45 Team First Mindset06:36 Weekly Beats Monthly09:04 Best Time To Meet12:31 Alignment Through Vision15:57 KPIs Make Teams Smarter20:08 Healthy Culture And Conflict24:51 Airplane Maintenance Wrap27:02 Resources And Next Steps28:35 Final Thanks And SignoffGuest Bio/Guest Resources:Carlie Einarson is a lead practice coach who has a passion for helping others succeed in the dental field. She loves helping to create a stable foundation for practices so both professionals and patients have a great experience every time they walk in the door!Carlie graduated from Utah College of Dental Hygiene. She has ten years of experience in the dental field, including clinical dental hygiene, front office, and leading teams.In her free time, she enjoys spending quality time with loved ones, traveling, skiing, playing volleyball, and golfing.Resources mentioned in this episode:Best Practices Association (BPA) resources and guides:https://www.actdental.com/free-resources/More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaUpcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.comSubscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com
Transcribe →1022: Taking Care of People vs. Making People Feel Cared For - Dr. Bryan Laskin
Mar 1800:33:38Tap to summarizeDo your patients feel cared for — or are you just taking care of them? In this episode, Kirk Behrendt interviews Dr. Bryan Laskin, dental author, tech entrepreneur, and patient-advocacy leader, about why dentistry is losing patient trust and what to do about it. You’ll learn how private equity and spreadsheet-driven decisions can quietly degrade the patient experience, why “clarity” is the biggest lever for rebuilding trust, and how simple systems and technology can help patients feel listened to, informed, and confident. Listen to Episode 1022 of The Best Practices Show!Main Takeaways:Taking care of people is different than making people feel cared for, and patients primarily feel listened to, communicated with, and given clarity.Private equity has accelerated aggregation in dentistry, and tighter margins can increase the risk of decisions that ignore how patients experience care.Patients may still trust their own dentist, but broader trust in dentists is eroding, making transparency and clarity more important than ever.Building “care more, make more” requires systems that create connection, reinforce clarity, and build confidence to improve recall and referrals.Treatment plans are often accepted at the kitchen table, so practices need to share information that patients can review after leaving the office.Removing human variability by automating “robotic” tasks frees the team to do what humans do best: welcome, connect, and care.When evaluating technology, the first question should be how it makes people feel, because patient experience drives growth.Snippets:00:00 Huge difference between taking care of people and making people feel cared for.00:03 Bryan’s background: practice ownership, CAD/CAM training, scaling a patient engagement solution, and standards work.00:05 “Care more, make more” and the clarity, confidence, connection framework.00:06 Why dentistry’s recurring hygiene model attracted private equity and accelerated DSO growth.00:09 What spreadsheets miss: the patient experience and the “silent killer” of lost confidence.00:10 “Patients still trust their dentist, but patients don’t trust dentists.”00:14 The biggest problem: patients are confused, and confusion destroys confidence.00:16 Transparency as the flip side of trust and why everyone “Googles” their care.00:22 New patient intake as a systems problem and how automation improves the human welcome.00:25 The pathway to trust: connection, clarity, then confidence.00:31 The technology question: “How does it make people feel?”00:32 Where to learn more: cair.net, toothapps.com, and Bryan’s books.Guest Bio/Guest Resources:Dr. Bryan Laskin has spent over two decades at the intersection of healthcare, technology, and patient advocacy. As a practicing dentist, he witnessed firsthand the artificial barriers separating dental and medical care despite their profound connections. As a healthcare technology entrepreneur, he's developed innovative solutions to improve care coordination, enhance patient communication, and increase healthcare transparency.Resources mentioned:Cair (patient-facing): https://cair.net/ToothApps (practice side): https://www.toothapps.com/Brian’s website: https://bryanlaskin.com/Books: The Patient First Manifesto https://bryanlaskin.com/patient-first-manifestoMore Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaUpcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.comSubscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com
Transcribe →1021: Metric Mondays: Hygiene Production Is Built Months Before the Appointment - Ariel Siegel
Mar 1600:20:37Tap to summarizeHygiene production problems don’t start this week — they were built months ago through leading indicators you can track and influence. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt sits down with ACT Dental coach Ariel Siegel to explain why hygiene production is a lagging indicator and how to improve it by focusing on reappointment rate, perio diagnosis, and perio acceptance. You’ll learn what hygiene breakdown looks like in real time, what predictable stability looks like when systems are working, and the simplest numbers to start tracking today so you can engineer future results instead of reacting to past ones.Listen to Episode 1021 of The Best Practices Show!Main TakeawaysHygiene production is a lagging indicator that is built three to six months before the appointment through daily behaviors and tracking.Reviewing last week or last month’s numbers shows where you were, but it doesn’t give you a chance to change those results now.Reappointment rate, perio diagnosis, and perio acceptance are leading indicators that drive future hygiene production.When hygiene is built poorly, teams scramble to rebuild schedules, cancellations feel disruptive, and there is little depth in future hygiene.Perio diagnosis will vary by provider when the department lacks alignment, consistent protocols, and consistent verbal skills.Tracking real reappointment data (patients seen vs. patients scheduled) immediately increases awareness and improves performance.Focusing on one KPI for 30 days creates clarity for the team and compounds into stronger, more predictable hygiene production.Snippets:00:00 Hygiene production problems are built months before today.02:16 Hygiene production is a lagging indicator driven by leading indicators.04:22 What it looks like when hygiene is built wrong: scrambling, inconsistency, and a weak schedule.06:33 What it looks like when you build hygiene right: stable, predictable hygiene three to six months out.09:23 Engineer hygiene production by tracking reappointment, perio diagnosis, and perio acceptance.11:16 The actionable first step: track patients seen vs. patients reappointed.13:08 Use perio diagnosis by provider to find alignment gaps and improve consistency.15:49 Pick one KPI at a time to create focus and compounding improvement.17:13 Data removes emotion and lets the team solve the problem together.18:35 New BPA resources added for hygiene systems and metrics.Guest Bio/Guest Resources:Ariel has a master’s in healthcare administration and several years of dental experience in all aspects of the administrative roles within the dental office. Her passion is to work with dental teams to empower team members to realize their full potential in order to better serve patients, improve office systems to ensure a well-functioning team/office, and to help everyone have fun in the process!Resources mentioned in the episode:Best Practices Association (BPA) resources: https://www.actdental.com/free-resources/More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaUpcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.comSubscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com
Transcribe →1020: Cash Isn't The Only Things Dental Thieves Steal - David Harris
Mar 1300:44:40Tap to summarizeEmbezzlement can feel like a cash-only problem—until it isn’t. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt sits down with David Harris of Prosperident to explain what dental thieves steal besides cash, why modern payment methods create new vulnerabilities, and what behaviors can signal elevated risk inside your practice.You’ll learn how thieves think, where they tend to steal (revenue vs. expense), why comparing collections to deposits matters, and how to reduce risk by trusting systems—not people. listen to Episode 1020 of The Best Practices Show!Main Takeaways:Cash is still a thief’s first choice, but declining cash payments force thieves to adapt to other methods of stealing.If you don’t compare collections in your practice management software against bank deposits, even an unsophisticated thief can steal undetected.Checks are easier to monetize than many dentists assume because banks scrutinize them less than they used to.Electronic funds transfers can be redirected by a fraudster, and staff often post EFTs “blind” without confirming the money actually hit the account.Virtual credit cards from insurers create added fees and theft risk because they function like prepaid card numbers that can be monetized.Thieves are typically driven by either need (financial pressure) or greed (entitlement), and their behavior often changes as they steal.Background checks, credit checks, and drug testing should be standardized for roles with access to money and sensitive systems.Snippets:00:00 Cash isn’t the only thing dental thieves steal.05:00 “I don’t take much cash” is not a theft prevention plan.06:40 Why thieves have adapted as cash collections decline.08:10 How check processing changes made theft easier.11:20 Why it’s “way easier” to steal now than 20–40 years ago.12:30 EFTs aren’t bulletproof—and how redirecting deposits happens.15:00 A safer EFT setup: separate account + monthly sweep + read-only access.18:20 Virtual credit cards: why they’re bad and what to do about them.21:40 Thieves are driven by need or greed.24:00 Why access determines whether theft happens on revenue or expense.25:10 “Compare collections against deposits” as a non-negotiable control.28:00 Why “nice,” religious, long-tenured, or small-town staff can still steal.29:20 Red flags: working alone early/late, weekend “catch-up,” and avoiding vacation.31:00 How an absence exposed a $600,000 theft.32:10 Why consultants can trigger sudden resignations.34:40 Background checks, credit checks, drug testing, and driving records.37:20 A real example: “Trust systems, not people.”40:10 Why audits should be stealthy—and why telegraphing concerns is risky.42:50 How to contact Prosperident.Guest Bio/Guest Resources:David Harris is a dental-exclusive forensic investigator who has spent more than three decades investigating employee theft and embezzlement in dental practices. He works with a team that conducts forensic audits and investigations focused exclusively on dentistry, helping practice owners identify risk and implement systems to reduce opportunity for theft.Resources mentioned:Prosperident: www.prosperident.comPhone: 888-398-2327Episode 1013: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/1013-the-6-divisions-of-duties-to-prevent/id1223838218?i=1000751483020More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaUpcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.comSubscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com
Transcribe →1019: 4 Communication Tips to Have BEFORE You Do Treatment - Dr. Dennis Hartlieb
Mar 1100:43:23Tap to summarizeIn dentistry, many problems aren’t caused by the procedure itself—they come from what wasn’t discussed before treatment started. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Dennis Hartlieb, a general dentist and educator, to share four communication tips that help you set expectations, reduce misunderstandings, and protect the practice before you ever pick up a handpiece. You’ll learn how to give patients clearer choices, document risk the right way, talk through outcomes without creating fear, and spot red flags before they become bigger problems—listen to Episode 1019 of The Best Practices Show!Main Takeaways:Give patients two options to simplify decisions and prevent overwhelm.Explain material choices in simple terms (composite as “plastic,” porcelain as “glass”) and connect each to tradeoffs.Set yourself up for success by having the key conversations before you start treatment, especially on higher-risk cases.Sell the benefits of the recommended treatment before you explain what can go wrong.Use photos and brief chart notes (like “reviewed photograph of crack with patient”) to document the condition and the conversation.Watch for red flags like patients who fight you on treatment, arrive with multiple splints, or evaluate dentistry with magnification.Manage expectations for single-tooth esthetics by defining “social distance” success and planning for follow-up adjustments.Snippets:00:00 Why communication before treatment matters.01:00 Meet Dr. Dennis Hartlieb and what he teaches.02:10 Dennis explains his practice focus and Dental Online Training.04:10 Dennis shares his connection to Buddy Mopper and composite dentistry.06:10 The two-option framework for a chipped anterior tooth.07:20 “Plastic vs. glass”: how to explain composite vs. porcelain in patient language.09:35 What Dennis says when patients ask, “What would you do, doc?”12:45 Managing cracked teeth: using pre-op photos to document unpredictability.16:25 Sell the benefits first, then discuss the risks.18:05 Missing tooth conversations: step-by-step options without overwhelming patients.20:35 Why Dennis limits choices to two options at a time.25:10 Red flags: patients who resist treatment or “know dentistry too well.”28:05 Splints, magnifying mirrors, and when to step back from treatment.31:20 Setting expectations for single-tooth matching in the esthetic zone.34:45 Fee levels based on esthetic difficulty and patient expectations.36:20 Why Dennis prefers composite veneers for control and predictable revisions.39:00 Final lesson: ask questions, truly listen, and pull on the thread.41:15 Where to find Dennis: Dental Online Training and YouTube.Guest Bio/Guest Resources:Dr. Dennis Hartlieb is a graduate of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. He maintains a full-time practice, Chicago Beautiful Smiles, in the Chicago suburb of Glenview, Illinois. Dr. Hartlieb is an instructor at the Center for Esthetic Excellence in Chicago and is an Adjunct Associate Professor at the Marquette University School of Dentistry in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He lectures extensively to dentists throughout the U.S. on the art and science of anterior and posterior direct resin techniques. Dr. Hartlieb is an Accredited Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He is also a member of the prestigious American Academy of Restorative Dentistry, and the American Dental Association. He is the president of the Chicago Academy of Interdisciplinary Dentofacial Therapy, and officer for the Chicago Academy of Dental Research study club. His dentistry has been seen in many dental publications and he has contributed articles on his techniques in restorative dentistry.Dental Online Training: https://www.dothandson.com/Dr. Hartlieb’s email: hartliebdds@dothandson.com Dr. Hartlieb’s Facebook: / dennishartliebdds Dr. Hartlieb’s social media: @hartliebddsMore Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaUpcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.comSubscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com
Transcribe →1018: Metric Mondays: If the Numbers Look Good, Why Does the Practice Still Feel Heavy? - Ariel Siegel
Mar 900:19:00Tap to summarizeDo your numbers look good on paper, but the practice still feels heavy day-to-day? In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back ACT coach Ariel Siegel to explain why “busy” doesn’t automatically mean “healthy,” and how the effort gap between gross production and net production creates exhaustion, tight cash flow, and a constant hamster-wheel feeling. You’ll learn how to calculate your effort gap, translate it into an “energy quotient,” and start managing write-offs so your schedule is built around profitable dentistry—not just busy dentistry. Listen to Episode 1018 of The Best Practices Show!Main Takeaways:Gross production can look successful while net production reveals whether the practice is actually healthy.The “effort gap” is the difference between what you produce and what you will realistically collect after adjustments and write-offs.When the effort gap is high, the team isn’t lacking effort—it’s performing dentistry that won’t be collected, which creates the feeling of heaviness.You don’t get paid on gross production, but you still pay overhead on gross production, which makes the gap more damaging as the practice grows.Converting the effort gap into “days worked for free” helps quantify how much time and energy is being donated to adjustments.Tracking both gross and net production allows you to see the effort being spent and the money actually retained, so you can make informed decisions.Breaking adjustments into categories (membership, elective discounts, and insurance by plan) creates transparency and shows exactly where to start improving.Snippets:00:00 Intro01:15 Why “numbers look good” can still feel heavy.02:15 The effort gap: gross production vs. net production.03:15 Why gross production is a false proxy in today’s dentistry.04:20 You don’t get paid on gross production, but you pay out on it.07:05 Bigger isn’t always better: adjusted EBITDA and what a large practice is really worth.08:10 Turning the effort gap into an “energy quotient.”10:55 Track both gross and net production to manage effort and collections.12:10 How to calculate your effort gap using the last 12 months.13:20 Break adjustments into categories to find the biggest drivers.15:00 Clean reporting: track insurance adjustments by plan, not one bucket.16:40 The first step is finding where the heaviness is coming from.Guest Bio/Guest Resources:Ariel has a master’s in healthcare administration and several years of dental experience in all aspects of the administrative roles within the dental office. Her passion is to work with dental teams to empower team members to realize their full potential in order to better serve patients, improve office systems to ensure a well-functioning team/office, and to help everyone have fun in the process!More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaUpcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.comSubscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com
Transcribe →1017: The #1 Thing Dentists Get WRONG About Occlusion (It’s Not the Teeth) - Dr. Jim McKee
Mar 600:49:10Tap to summarizeOcclusion cases stall when dentists focus only on how the teeth fit, instead of why the bite doesn’t fit in the first place. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Jim McKee to explain the #1 thing dentists get wrong about occlusion—and why it’s not the teeth. You’ll learn how to redefine occlusion beyond tooth contacts, how disc displacement changes the bite, why many “malocclusions” should be considered joint-driven until proven otherwise, and how better diagnosis can create a restorative diagnostic practice model that attracts the right patients. listen to Episode 1017 of The Best Practices Show!Main TakeawaysOcclusion must be defined as both how the teeth fit together and how the joints fit together, because joint position drives tooth position.Many cases that stall in treatment planning stall because the dentist doesn’t know how to manage occlusion and TMD variables.Clicking and popping joints are most often ligament tears that create a disc displacement, not “stretching” that resolves on its own.Instead of asking how to remove a posterior interference, the better question is why the interference exists in the first place.Class II malocclusions are often related to joint conditions, and the disc-condyle relationship can explain why the mandible isn’t forward enough.If you wait for TMJ pain to appear, you are often late, because many adult TMD presentations started during growth years.Diagnosis requires appropriate imaging, and evaluating only hard tissue can miss the disc-condyle interface that drives growth and occlusal change.Snippets:00:00 Podcast Welcome01:10 Meet Dr Jim McKee02:25 Young Dentist Challenges04:17 Why Occlusion Stalls Cases07:02 Redefining Occlusion08:26 Class Two Joint Clues11:34 Disc Displacement Basics13:25 Injury Causes Clicking14:47 Gasket Analogy Explained17:39 Posterior Interference Rethink21:00 Reading Patient Red Flags22:53 Growth Airway MRI Debate26:16 Supporting Orthodontists Better27:21 Malocclusion Is Joint Driven28:02 Prevalence And Planting Seeds30:29 Diagnostic Records Practice Model31:50 Fees And Low Stress Workflow33:15 Rethinking Orofacial Pain36:40 Bruxism And Sympathetic Drive38:50 Patients Are Not Crazy40:01 Imaging Before Appliances41:37 TMD As Practice Growth Engine43:19 Referrals And Study Clubs44:33 Chicago Study Club And Courses47:52 Wrap Up And ResourcesGuest Bio/Guest Resource:Dr. Jim McKee is a restorative dentist and educator focused on occlusion, TMD, and restorative diagnosis. He is a member of the Spear Resident Faculty. He has maintained a private practice since 1984 in Downers Grove, Illinois, where he treats a wide variety of cases with a focus on predictable restorative dentistry. He is a member of the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry and former president of the American Equilibration Society. He has lectured both nationally and internationally for over 25 years and directs several study clubs. Dr. McKee graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1980 and earned his dental degree from the University of Illinois College of Dentistry in 1984. More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaUpcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.comSubscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com
Transcribe →