On today’s episode, Ashlee Hirschfeld hosts a lively discussion with Dr. Ben Kacos, founder of Freeport Dental Solutions and Chief Clinical Officer for Dental Success Partners. They dive into the topic of "How to Be Everyone’s Favorite Dentist," sharing practical strategies that can be immediately implemented to improve patient relationships and satisfaction.
Dr. Kacos emphasizes the importance of the new patient phone call as a critical step in building rapport and trust before patients even step into the office. He also discusses the power of active listening, understanding patient preferences, and tailoring treatment plans to meet individual needs. The conversation highlights the value of asking the right questions, offering monthly payment plans, and the significance of providing patients with clear, tailored choices rather than overwhelming them with options.
As they wrap up, Ashlee and Dr. Kacos touch on upcoming webinars, including a session on thriving during a recession and tips on team retreats. Dr. Kacos shares a discount code for an upcoming DSI event in Dallas, encouraging listeners to invest in continuous learning and practice growth.
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On today’s episode, we welcome three enthusiastic D4 dental students from Midwestern University: Christian Putegnat, Andy Palacios, and Sydnie Weis. They discuss their dental school experiences, future goals, and the challenges they face as they transition into the world of practice ownership.
Christian shares his journey from mechanical engineering to dentistry, balancing his studies with family life, and his aspirations for practice ownership. Andy, with a strong foundation in faith, talks about his dream of opening a startup practice and his interest in surgery. Sydnie, who combines her love for art and dentistry, plans to own multiple practices and is focused on gaining experience in cosmetic procedures.
The conversation delves into the importance of demographic selection for startups, the value of mentorship in associateships, and strategies for managing student loan debt. Dr. Costes offers invaluable advice, emphasizing the need for growth-minded communities and strategic planning for long-term success in dentistry.
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On today’s episode, we sit down with Tom Barberio, CIO of Think Forward, to discuss the critical importance of cybersecurity in the dental industry. With over 20 years of experience in delivering technology and security solutions, Tom shares insights on how cybercriminals target small dental practices and why data protection is essential for maintaining trust and avoiding devastating breaches. They explore real-world examples of cyberattacks, the evolving nature of threats, and practical steps dental practices can take to safeguard their operations. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to protect their practice from the growing dangers of cybercrime.
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On today’s episode, we sit down with Greg Essenmacher, founder of GNA Consult, to discuss the complexities of integrating full-arch procedures into general dental practices. Greg shares his journey from the medical device industry to becoming an expert in dental practice optimization, particularly in the full-arch space. The conversation delves into the importance of proper team structure, marketing strategies, and the patient journey for successful case acceptance. Greg also highlights the critical role of education and training in achieving long-term success in this specialized area. Tune in to learn actionable insights that can help take your practice to the next level.
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On today’s episode, we welcome back Ashlee Hirschfeld, the COO of the Dental Success Network (DSN) and a key contributor since the podcast's inception. They dive into DSN's growth, discussing how the platform provides a safe space for dental professionals to get valuable feedback without the negativity common in other forums. Ashlee shares updates on DSN’s upcoming features and community enhancements, as well as her insights on leadership, accountability, and maintaining morale within dental practices. Tune in for a mix of dental strategies, team management advice, and a sneak peek at DSN’s future plans.
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On today’s two-part episode, we continue our deep dive into advanced surgical techniques with part two of his conversation with Dr. Taher Dhoon and Dr. Dan Briskeie, co-founders of the Colorado Surgical Institute. If you’re a surgery enthusiast, this episode is packed with valuable insights! Dr. Taher and Dr. Dan focus on the challenges of working with D1 bone, emphasizing the importance of accurately assessing bone density through CT scans, push tests, and drill thread analysis. They discuss the precision required in drilling for D1 bone, including the crucial practice of drilling two to three millimeters beyond implant depth to prevent spinning and ensure stability. Additionally, they introduce the 50-50 drilling protocol, a groundbreaking technique from the recent GPS summit. Whether you’re a seasoned surgeon or new to implant placement, this episode is filled with practical advice and innovative strategies to enhance your surgical outcomes.
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On today’s first part of a two-part episode, we have the co-founders of the Colorado Surgical Institute, Dr. Taher Dhoon and Dr. Dan Briskie. This is part one of a two-part series focused on advanced clinical and surgical topics. If you’re passionate about implant surgery, this episode is for you! Dr. Taher and Dr. Dan delve into drilling protocols for achieving optimal implant stability, specifically discussing how they consistently reach 45 Newton centimeters of stability with their preferred implant system. They also cover strategic approaches to handling various bone types and weigh the pros and cons of using different burrs in challenging D4 bone scenarios. Be sure to tune in for a deep dive into the technical aspects of implant placement, and don’t miss part two, where they’ll continue this insightful discussion.
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On today’s episode, we have Neo Positivity, a mindset specialist and advocate of the Law of Attraction. Neo shares his transformative journey from serving as a police officer in one of America’s most dangerous cities to retiring at 28 and dedicating his life to spreading positive mindset techniques. Throughout the episode, Neo discusses the importance of mental exercises, the power of affirmations, and how controlling your thoughts can lead to a more fulfilling and successful life. Mark and Neo also explore the impact of mindset on personal and professional growth, offering listeners practical strategies for improving their daily lives. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about overcoming challenges, harnessing the power of positivity, and creating a life that aligns with your goals and values.
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On today’s second part of a two-part episode, we continue our conversation with Dr. Summer Kassmel, a seasoned entrepreneur and one of DSI’s Black Belt coaches. Mark and her dive even deeper into the complexities of CEO time, discussing the discipline and strategies needed to make the most of this crucial, yet often overlooked, aspect of running a successful dental practice.
Dr. Kassmel and Mark start by exploring the challenges that arise when trying to carve out and protect CEO time. It’s not uncommon for this time to be filled with various tasks that seem urgent but are often low-value. Dr. Kassmel provides a clear framework for identifying and prioritizing tasks into low, medium, and high-value categories, emphasizing the importance of focusing CEO time on high-value tasks that can create significant and lasting improvements in the practice.
The conversation then shifts to practical steps for structuring CEO time effectively. Dr. Kassmel highlights the need for intentionality, sharing how she navigates through various departments of her practice, identifying areas where systems can be improved to eliminate recurring issues. By focusing on these high-impact tasks, practice owners can create more efficient systems that reduce daily frustrations and improve overall operations.
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On today’s first part of a two-part episode, we have Dr. Summer Kassmel, a highly successful entrepreneur and one of DSI’s Black Belt coaches. The conversation dives deep into a topic that resonates with many practice owners: the importance of CEO time and how to effectively fill that time once it's freed up.
Dr. Kassmel shares her journey and the pivotal moments in her career that highlighted the necessity of dedicating focused, intentional time to work on the business rather than just in it. She explains how transitioning from a clinical role to more of a leadership and strategic role can be challenging, particularly because it involves an identity shift for many dentists who are used to immediate results from their clinical work.
Throughout the episode, Dr. Kassmel and Mark discuss practical strategies for structuring CEO time, emphasizing the importance of scheduling it during your most productive hours, whether that be in the early morning or later in the day, depending on your personal rhythm. They also explore how to manage the guilt that often accompanies stepping away from patient care to focus on business strategy, and how this shift, while initially uncomfortable, can lead to exponential growth in both the efficiency and profitability of a practice.
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On today’s 2-part episode with Melinda Heryford, we dive into the challenges faced by both new and seasoned dental business owners. They discuss the importance of accountability, transparency, and using dashboards to track team performance. Melinda shares insights on overcoming resistance to accountability, guiding doctors to focus on the right priorities, and the crucial role of coaching in accelerating success. They also explore the mental health challenges in dentistry, emphasizing the need for mentorship and continuous learning to navigate the complexities of practice ownership.
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On today’s 2-part episode, we have Melinda Heryford, a practice management consultant with over three decades of experience in dentistry. Melinda shares her journey from starting in the clinical side of dentistry to becoming a leader in practice management, focusing on how to improve business operations and create more quality time for dental professionals and their teams. They discuss the importance of vision, leadership, and execution, emphasizing how systems and clear communication are key to achieving long-term success in dental practices.
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On today’s 2-part episode with Dr. Bill Keith, we dive deeper into the challenges of maintaining a positive culture within a large dental practice. Dr. Keith shares insights on how to ensure team members feel valued, the importance of leadership presence, and the role of team-building activities. The discussion also revisits the real estate and financial strategies involved in expanding a dental practice, including the use of SBA 504 loans and managing debt. We explore the operational adjustments necessary for scaling up, such as scheduling, managing multiple providers, and optimizing patient flow. Additionally, Dr. Keith offers his perspective on the growing trend of younger doctors selling their practices to private equity and DSOs, discussing the financial benefits and the potential long-term impact on the dental industry.
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On today’s 2-part episode, Dr. Bill Keith shares his remarkable journey from an accounting and finance background to becoming the owner and operator of a mega dental practice. Dr. Keith discusses the challenges and strategic decisions involved in expanding his father's dental practice, including the critical role of real estate in his growth strategy. He provides insight into the complexities of securing financing through an SBA 504 loan and the operational changes required to scale up to a 20-operatory practice. The conversation also delves into managing inventory and overhead in a large practice, emphasizing the importance of standardized procedures, centralized supplies, and regular audits to ensure efficiency and profitability.
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On today’s episode, Mark sits down with the dynamic Co-CEOs and Co-Founders of GoTu, Cary Gahm and Edward Thomas. GoTu is a cutting-edge software company based in Miami that is making waves in the tech industry by transforming how we think about and approach the future of work. Cary and Edward share their journey from the initial idea to the creation of a platform that is poised to redefine workplace collaboration and productivity.
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On today’s episode, recorded at Voices of Dentistry 2023, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Paul Edwards, the founder of CEDR HR Solutions, to delve into the critical role his company played during the pandemic. Paul shares insights on how CEDR HR Solutions expertly navigated complex HR issues that arose during this challenging time, including layoffs, furloughs, and the intricacies of PPP loans.
They discuss the common and significant mistakes business owners make when attempting to handle HR tasks independently. Paul emphasizes the importance of having professional HR support to ensure compliance and effective management, which can prevent costly errors. The conversation highlights how CEDR HR Solutions provides tailored assistance through their team of experienced attorneys and HR professionals, ensuring that business owners receive the right solutions for their unique challenges.
Additionally, Paul elaborates on the various ways CEDR HR Solutions supports business owners, including their informative podcast, "What the Hell Just Happened in HR," which offers valuable insights and updates on HR-related issues. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the vital importance of professional HR guidance in navigating the complexities of business management.
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On today’s 2nd part episode, we continue our conversation with Steve Hollingsworth, founder of Enlightening Media. We discuss the importance of personal development and continuous learning for the success and retention of team members at the Dental Success Institute (DSI). Steve shares his experiences with a video production consultancy, drawing parallels between it and DSI, and how this consultancy helped him enhance his business practices and proposals. We delve into the challenges and rewards of scaling a small business, including the necessity of systemization, managing growth, and the ultimate goal of creating a company that can operate independently of the owner’s technical expertise. Additionally, we reflect on the demanding nature of content creation and the strategies employed to maintain high output and quality, providing insight into the behind-the-scenes efforts that support our prolific content production.
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On today’s 1st of a 2-part episode, we dive into the fascinating journey of Steve Hollingsworth, founder of Enlightening Media. Starting from his early beginnings in video production, Steve shares how he transitioned from making skateboarding videos to managing a public access TV station at a remarkably young age. We also delve into Steve's musical journey, discussing his experiences playing in bands, securing a record deal, and facing the challenges and realities of the music industry. Steve gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the logistics and experiences of organizing and executing live events, emphasizing the importance of reliable AV equipment and their unique approach of bringing their own gear to ensure top-notch quality. Additionally, we reflect on the impactful mission trips Steve has participated in with the Dental Success Institute, sharing heartwarming stories of cultural experiences, the challenges faced, and the emotional and rewarding aspects of helping underserved communities.
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On today’s 2nd part episode, Kay discusses the importance of having robust systems in place to ensure efficiency and minimize the need for micromanagement. She shares her experience implementing a travel preference checklist that has streamlined Mark’s extensive travel schedule, ensuring all preferences are met and reducing stress.
The conversation shifts to the evolution of these systems, starting from the early days with Ashlee Hirschfeld, now COO of Dental Success Network (DSN), and how these processes have been refined over the years. Kay highlights the value of detailed checklists, not only for travel but for all operations, such as event management and office supplies. This meticulous approach ensures consistency and high standards across all aspects of the business.
Kay also reflects on the challenges of managing a young team, emphasizing the importance of hiring individuals with ambition and a willingness to learn. She credits the company's culture of personal development and continuous learning as key factors in the success and growth of team members. Mark and Kay agree that the biggest perk of working at Dental Success Companies is the access to invaluable resources and the opportunity for personal and professional growth.
Kay shares her strategies for managing stress and maintaining control over her workload, including excellent communication and thorough prioritization. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing that much of the stress is self-imposed and can be managed through effective planning and delegation.
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On today’s 1st of 2-part episode, we have a special guest, Kay Lange, the President of the Dental Success Companies. As Kay enters her eighth year with the company, Mark reflects on her journey from a personal assistant to her current role. Kay shares her unique story of joining the team through a Craigslist ad, emphasizing the importance of determination and willingness to learn despite lacking experience in the role she applied for.
Kay recounts her initial days at DSI, performing basic tasks and gradually earning trust to handle more significant responsibilities. She provides a glimpse into the company's intimate working environment, describing the Victorian house they operate from, which fosters a family-like atmosphere. Mark and Kay discuss the evolution of the company, including the early chaotic days when Mark balanced multiple dental practices and the consultancy's growth. They delve into Kay's entrepreneurial mindset and her role in streamlining processes, improving vendor relations, and digitizing client records.
The episode highlights Kay's adaptability, creativity in execution, and her contributions to the company's success. Mark praises Kay's ability to lead projects independently and her knack for bringing innovative ideas to life. They also touch on the importance of understanding the "why" behind initiatives, fostering a collaborative environment, and the balance between leadership and micromanagement. This episode provides valuable insights into the inner workings of a successful dental consultancy and the dynamic partnership between Mark and Kay Lange.
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On today’s episode, we have Chris Richards, the executive director of the Colorado Surgical Institute (CSI). With a background in operations, leadership, and marketing, Chris shares insights on how he transitioned into the dental world and the impact of his work at CSI. They discuss the growth of CSI, the logistics of running large-scale dental courses, and strategies for patient recruitment and case acceptance. Chris also talks about the unique aspects of CSI’s educational programs, including the use of temporary licenses for out-of-state and international dentists. They highlight upcoming courses, the integration of new procedures, and the expansion of CSI to new locations. The episode concludes with a look at their partnership with Neodent and their participation in the upcoming Neodent symposium in San Diego.
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On today’s 2nd part of a 2-part episode, "When to Bring on an Associate," Ashlee Hirschfeld, Dr. Summer Kassmel, and Mark Costes continue their exploration into the critical aspects of integrating a new associate into a dental practice. The discussion begins with the process of introducing an associate, emphasizing the importance of identifying key indicators and metrics such as patient flow, hygiene checks, and overall production capacity that suggest it's time to bring on additional support. They highlight the significance of effective delegation and mentorship to ensure the associate's successful integration and development within the practice. Additionally, the conversation addresses common fears and potential challenges, including concerns about the practice's reputation, financial impact, and team dynamics, providing practical insights and strategies for navigating these issues.
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