Dental Success: Beyond Chairside

Michelle Pritchard

Welcome to Dental Success: Beyond Chairside – the podcast for dental professionals looking to strengthen their practice. Join us as we talk with industry experts and share practical insights on HR, marketing, business strategies, and emerging tools like AI. Whether you run a general or specialist practice, this podcast offers real-world advice to help you run a more efficient, patient-focused, and profitable business.

  1. 1 day ago

    S5 EP9 Be The Voice, Not The Echo | Jackie Campbell

    In this conversation, Michelle Pritchard and Jackie Campbell discuss the significance of authenticity in leadership and communication. Jackie emphasises the importance of being true to oneself and aligning personal values with business practices. They explore how personal experiences shape professional identity and the impact of imposter syndrome on individuals in leadership roles. The discussion also highlights the need to create a positive work environment and to build trust and relationships with clients. The episode concludes with a powerful reminder to be the voice, not the echo, in one's professional journey. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Authentic Leadership 02:10 The Importance of Authenticity in Communication 06:10 Values and Their Role in Leadership 09:43 Personal Experiences Shaping Professional Identity 12:15 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome 14:55 Building a Supportive Team Environment 18:28 Final Thoughts on Being the Voice, Not the Echo Takeaways: - As a practice owner, you're more than a clinician. - Authenticity is crucial in leadership and communication. - People often curate their 'authentic' selves, complicating their interactions. - Showing up as your true self leads to better business outcomes. - Values alignment is essential for effective leadership. - Imposter syndrome can hinder authentic self-expression. - Building trust with clients is key to a successful practice. - Creating a positive work environment benefits both staff and clients. - Every business starts with its first client experience. - You have the freedom to run your business your way. For more information about Jackie Campbell and Arca Morai, please links to their social media pages below: Website: https://www.arcamorai.com.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JackieCampbellAU/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackiecampbell.freedomfirst LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquelineccampbell/ #DentalPracticeManagement #DentalLeadership #PracticeOwner #TeamCulture #ValuesBasedLeadership #Communication #BeyondChairside #AlignedBCPodcast #AlignedBusinessConsulting #MichellesView #ArcaMorai #JackieCampbell Send us Fan Mail Helping Dental & Specialist Practice Owners Build Systems That Work—So You Can Focus on Dentistry. Not sure where your practice stands financially? Take our FREE 5-Minute Practice Profitability Audit and uncover hidden profit leaks and quick-win strategies to boost revenue. ✔ Get your Profitability Score – Low, Medium, or High ✔ Identify inefficiencies that may be costing you money ✔ BONUS: Free copy of The Ultimate Guide to Practice Management Take the audit now: https://tinyurl.com/alignedbc-freeaudit Need expert advice? Book a complimentary 30-minute virtual coffee chat:  Connect with me: https://linktr.ee/alignedbusinessconsulting  Email: michelle@alignedbusinessconsulting.com.au Enjoying the podcast? Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more expert insights! https://www.youtube.com/@michellepritchard-alignedb9302 Stay tuned for more episodes from Dental Success: Beyond Chairside!

  2. 28 Aug

    S5 EP8 Operational Rhythms - How Huddles and Meetings Improve Practice Performance | Ameena Basile

    In this conversation, Michelle Pritchard and Ameena Basile discuss the critical role of communication in dental practices. They explore the importance of daily huddles, structured meetings, and timely feedback to enhance team dynamics and patient experience. Ameena shares her journey in practice management and emphasises the need for leaders to set an example in fostering effective communication. The discussion highlights how clear expectations and regular check-ins can prevent misunderstandings and improve overall practice success. Timestamps: 00:00 The Importance of Communication in Dental Practices 04:02 Daily and Weekly Rhythms for Team Success 10:11 Setting Expectations and Leading by Example 16:58 Enhancing Patient Experience through Effective Communication Takeaways: Daily huddles are essential for effective communication.Timely feedback helps in addressing issues promptly.Leaders must set an example for their teams.Clear expectations enhance team engagement.Regular check-ins improve the patient experience.Communication is key to preventing mistakes.Understanding the 'big why' motivates teams.Team dynamics are crucial for practice success.Structured meetings foster a high-performing environment.Effective communication impacts patient satisfaction.For more information about Ameena Basile and Dental Business Mastery, see the links below: Website: https://dentalbusinessmastery.com.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dentalbusinessmastery Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dentalbusinessmastery/ Ameena’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ameena-basile-05606662/ Send us Fan Mail Helping Dental & Specialist Practice Owners Build Systems That Work—So You Can Focus on Dentistry. Not sure where your practice stands financially? Take our FREE 5-Minute Practice Profitability Audit and uncover hidden profit leaks and quick-win strategies to boost revenue. ✔ Get your Profitability Score – Low, Medium, or High ✔ Identify inefficiencies that may be costing you money ✔ BONUS: Free copy of The Ultimate Guide to Practice Management Take the audit now: https://tinyurl.com/alignedbc-freeaudit Need expert advice? Book a complimentary 30-minute virtual coffee chat:  Connect with me: https://linktr.ee/alignedbusinessconsulting  Email: michelle@alignedbusinessconsulting.com.au Enjoying the podcast? Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more expert insights! https://www.youtube.com/@michellepritchard-alignedb9302 Stay tuned for more episodes from Dental Success: Beyond Chairside!

  3. 14 Aug

    S5 EP7 The Leadership Framework Behind High-Performing Dental Teams | Dr Edwin McDonald

    In this engaging conversation, Michelle Pritchard speaks with Dr Edwin “Mac”  McDonald, a seasoned dental practice owner and leadership coach. Dr Mac shares insights from his 40 years of experience in aesthetic, restorative, and implant dentistry, emphasising the importance of a holistic approach to dental practice management. He discusses how his upbringing and experiences shaped his focus on leadership and communication, highlighting the need for dental professionals to understand their team members as whole individuals. Dr Mac stresses that effective leadership involves clear communication, intentional relationship-building, and fostering a supportive team culture. As the conversation progresses, Dr Mac addresses common communication breakdowns in growing practices, advocating for one-on-one interactions to strengthen team dynamics. He also touches on the evolving landscape of dentistry post-COVID, emphasising the importance of adapting to new technologies and creating a culture that attracts and retains talented team members. The discussion culminates in practical advice for practice owners on investing in their teams through ongoing training and development, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling work environment for everyone involved. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Dr Mac McDonald 01:02 Dr Mac’s Journey in Dentistry 04:39 Common Communication Breakdowns in Growing Practices 07:55 The Role of Office Managers in Dental Practices 09:40 Onboarding the Right Team Members 12:56 Embracing New Technologies in Dentistry 15:47 The Importance of Ongoing Training and Development 17:35 Conclusion and Key Takeaways Takeaways 'Clear whims fuzzy doesn't win.''My role is to develop people.''Culture is who we are and how we work together.''We need to move from transactional to transformational.''Attract, retain, develop.'For more information about Dr Edwin McDonal and Line of Sight Coaching please see social media links below: Website: https://lineofsightcoaching.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lineofsightcoaching LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dredwinmcdonald/ Send us Fan Mail Helping Dental & Specialist Practice Owners Build Systems That Work—So You Can Focus on Dentistry. Not sure where your practice stands financially? Take our FREE 5-Minute Practice Profitability Audit and uncover hidden profit leaks and quick-win strategies to boost revenue. ✔ Get your Profitability Score – Low, Medium, or High ✔ Identify inefficiencies that may be costing you money ✔ BONUS: Free copy of The Ultimate Guide to Practice Management Take the audit now: https://tinyurl.com/alignedbc-freeaudit Need expert advice? Book a complimentary 30-minute virtual coffee chat:  Connect with me: https://linktr.ee/alignedbusinessconsulting  Email: michelle@alignedbusinessconsulting.com.au Enjoying the podcast? Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more expert insights! https://www.youtube.com/@michellepritchard-alignedb9302 Stay tuned for more episodes from Dental Success: Beyond Chairside!

  4. 31 Jul

    S5 EP6 From Practice to Purpose: Leadership and Mental Health | Parul Bhatia

    In this episode, Michelle Pritchard engages in a heartfelt conversation with Dr Parul Bhatia, a seasoned dentist who shares her journey through burnout and the sale of her practice. Parul emphasises that leading a dental practice is not just about systems and workflows, but fundamentally about the relationships built with team members and patients. She reflects on the challenges faced during the transition of selling her practice, highlighting the importance of transparent communication and the emotional impact of change on her team. Parul’s experience reveals the complexities of leadership, especially in times of uncertainty, and the need for authenticity in communication. As Parul navigates her post-practice life, she focuses on helping other dentists address similar challenges, particularly those related to mental health and burnout. She advocates for open discussions about these issues, which are often stigmatised in the dental profession. The conversation also touches on evolving workplace dynamics, where financial concerns can overshadow the importance of workplace culture and support. Parul’s insights serve as a reminder of the critical role that empathy and connection play in effective leadership and team dynamics. Timestamps 01:00 The Essence of Leadership in Dentistry 01:57 Parul's Journey: From Burnout to New Beginnings 04:29 Navigating Change: Communication During Transitions 08:59 Building a Supportive Team Environment 12:02 Promoting Mental Health and Resilience in Dentistry Takeaways Leading a practice is about relationships, not just systems.Transparent communication is crucial during transitions.Burnout can stem from personal and professional misalignments.When financial priorities dominate, culture and support often suffer.Open discussions about mental health in dentistry are essential.  For more details abut Dr Parul Bhatia see her social media pages below: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parul.bhatia.5?mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=ImNDLGEmdfyrnNko&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1CphTnF9qa%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr# Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parulbhatia_official/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/parul-bhatia-4a9a1759/ Send us Fan Mail Helping Dental & Specialist Practice Owners Build Systems That Work—So You Can Focus on Dentistry. Not sure where your practice stands financially? Take our FREE 5-Minute Practice Profitability Audit and uncover hidden profit leaks and quick-win strategies to boost revenue. ✔ Get your Profitability Score – Low, Medium, or High ✔ Identify inefficiencies that may be costing you money ✔ BONUS: Free copy of The Ultimate Guide to Practice Management Take the audit now: https://tinyurl.com/alignedbc-freeaudit Need expert advice? Book a complimentary 30-minute virtual coffee chat:  Connect with me: https://linktr.ee/alignedbusinessconsulting  Email: michelle@alignedbusinessconsulting.com.au Enjoying the podcast? Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more expert insights! https://www.youtube.com/@michellepritchard-alignedb9302 Stay tuned for more episodes from Dental Success: Beyond Chairside!

  5. 17 Jul

    S5 EP5 Patient Recall Success : Strategies for Dental Practice Growth | Nosh Hands

    In this episode, Nosh Hands from Re-engagement Consultants shares expert insights into how dental practices can optimise their patient recall systems, improve communication, and boost long-term patient engagement. Discover practical tips on language, process, and data management to drive sustainable growth. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 04:52 Communication Gaps in Dental Practices 09:00 Navigating High-Value Treatments 11:31  Building Trust and Understanding Patient Needs 15:06 Data Clean-Up and Its Impact on Dental Practice Efficiency Key Topics: The importance of human touch in patient re-engagement beyond automated texts/emailsHow dentist-patient communication at the point of treatment impacts recallCommon breakdowns between the front desk, clinician, and patient communicationThe role of language and clarity in securing patient commitment to follow-up appointmentsStrategies for handling high-value and cosmetic treatment follow-upsThe significance of timely data cleanup and database managementBuilding trust through open questions and transparent conversationsPractical approaches to softening resistance based on financial concernsThe benefits of assigning dedicated staff for recall follow-up and re-engagement Connect with Nosh Hands and Re-engagement Consultants Website:  https://www.reenco.com.au/ Send us Fan Mail Helping Dental & Specialist Practice Owners Build Systems That Work—So You Can Focus on Dentistry. Not sure where your practice stands financially? Take our FREE 5-Minute Practice Profitability Audit and uncover hidden profit leaks and quick-win strategies to boost revenue. ✔ Get your Profitability Score – Low, Medium, or High ✔ Identify inefficiencies that may be costing you money ✔ BONUS: Free copy of The Ultimate Guide to Practice Management Take the audit now: https://tinyurl.com/alignedbc-freeaudit Need expert advice? Book a complimentary 30-minute virtual coffee chat:  Connect with me: https://linktr.ee/alignedbusinessconsulting  Email: michelle@alignedbusinessconsulting.com.au Enjoying the podcast? Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more expert insights! https://www.youtube.com/@michellepritchard-alignedb9302 Stay tuned for more episodes from Dental Success: Beyond Chairside!

  6. 3 Jul

    S5 EP4 The Art of Ethical Sales | Ashley Latter

    In this conversation, Michelle Pritchard and Ashley Latter discuss the challenges dentists face in communicating treatment value to patients. Ashley shares his journey in dental sales training, emphasising the importance of building rapport, understanding patient needs, and avoiding common communication mistakes. He highlights that effective communication skills are crucial for increasing treatment acceptance and achieving success in dentistry. The discussion also covers practical advice for dentists to enhance their communication strategies and ultimately improve patient outcomes. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Ethical Sales in Dentistry 04:40 Common Communication Mistakes Dentists Make 09:17 Building Rapport and Understanding Patient Needs 13:52 The Importance of Communication Skills 18:28 Final Thoughts and Advice for Dentists Takeaways - Most dentists struggle to communicate value effectively. - Building rapport is essential for patient trust. - Many dentists reduce fees without realising the impact. - Patients often want to discuss their needs, but aren't asked. - Effective communication can significantly increase treatment acceptance. - Dentists should focus on patient destinations, not technical details. - Discounting fees can lead to significant revenue loss. - Understanding buying signals is crucial in consultations. - Developing communication skills early in a career is vital. - Patients benefit greatly from effective treatment discussions. For more information about Ashley Latter and his Dental Sales Training, please see the links below: Website: https://www.ashleylatter.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AshleyLatter64 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-latter-9614589/ Send us Fan Mail Helping Dental & Specialist Practice Owners Build Systems That Work—So You Can Focus on Dentistry. Not sure where your practice stands financially? Take our FREE 5-Minute Practice Profitability Audit and uncover hidden profit leaks and quick-win strategies to boost revenue. ✔ Get your Profitability Score – Low, Medium, or High ✔ Identify inefficiencies that may be costing you money ✔ BONUS: Free copy of The Ultimate Guide to Practice Management Take the audit now: https://tinyurl.com/alignedbc-freeaudit Need expert advice? Book a complimentary 30-minute virtual coffee chat:  Connect with me: https://linktr.ee/alignedbusinessconsulting  Email: michelle@alignedbusinessconsulting.com.au Enjoying the podcast? Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more expert insights! https://www.youtube.com/@michellepritchard-alignedb9302 Stay tuned for more episodes from Dental Success: Beyond Chairside!

  7. 19 Jun

    S5 EP3 Beyond the Script - Supporting TCs in Meaningful Conversations | Brooke Oliphant

    In this episode, Michelle Pritchard speaks with Brooke Oliphant, founder of Rise Up Coaching, about the pivotal role of treatment coordinators in orthodontic practices. Brooke emphasises the need for these coordinators to communicate with clarity and confidence, moving away from scripted dialogues to more authentic conversations that resonate with patients. She discusses how the orthodontic industry has been slow to modernise, and how practices can better support their coordinators to foster genuine connections with potential patients, ultimately leading to higher treatment acceptance rates. Brooke shares insights on the importance of understanding the new patient journey, highlighting that today's consumers are well-informed and often come with preconceived notions about their treatment options. She advocates for a more personalised approach, where treatment coordinators act as guides, asking open-ended questions to uncover patients' needs and concerns. By doing so, they can create a more comfortable environment that encourages patients to accept treatment, thereby enhancing the overall patient experience and practice success. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Treatment Coordinators' Role 01:20 The Shift from Scripts to Authentic Communication 03:12 Understanding the New Patient Journey 05:34 Empowering Treatment Coordinators 07:44 The Importance of Listening 10:48 Connecting with Patients' Emotional Needs 14:15 Same-Day Acceptance Strategies 17:29 The Impact of Treatment Coordinators on Practice Success Takeaways - "The treatment coordinator is the CEO of conversion." - "Listening is so important; we can't just ask questions to fill in the blank." - "Today's consumer is a lot more savvy, researched, educated than years ago." - "There are so many micro yeses, buying yeses or small commitments that happen before they even walk through the door." For more information about Brooke Oliphant and Rise Up Coaching, see their social media links below: Website: https://www.riseuporthocoaching.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/orthodonticcoaching Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orthodonticcoaching LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-oliphant/ Send us Fan Mail Helping Dental & Specialist Practice Owners Build Systems That Work—So You Can Focus on Dentistry. Not sure where your practice stands financially? Take our FREE 5-Minute Practice Profitability Audit and uncover hidden profit leaks and quick-win strategies to boost revenue. ✔ Get your Profitability Score – Low, Medium, or High ✔ Identify inefficiencies that may be costing you money ✔ BONUS: Free copy of The Ultimate Guide to Practice Management Take the audit now: https://tinyurl.com/alignedbc-freeaudit Need expert advice? Book a complimentary 30-minute virtual coffee chat:  Connect with me: https://linktr.ee/alignedbusinessconsulting  Email: michelle@alignedbusinessconsulting.com.au Enjoying the podcast? Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more expert insights! https://www.youtube.com/@michellepritchard-alignedb9302 Stay tuned for more episodes from Dental Success: Beyond Chairside!

  8. 5 Jun

    S5 EP2 Build Patient Trust that Converts, Communication that Patients Remember | Dr Sugz Maha

    In this episode, Michelle Pritchard speaks with Dr Sugz Mahalingam, a general dentist and communication strategist, about the critical role of patient trust in dental practice. Dr Sugz emphasises that while patients may not remember every detail of their visit, they will always recall how they felt during their appointment. He shares insights from his experience in both clinical dentistry and persuasive psychology, highlighting the importance of understanding patients' underlying motivations for seeking treatment. By asking open-ended questions and tailoring treatment options to individual needs, dentists can foster a more trusting and engaging environment. The conversation delves into practical strategies for improving patient communication, such as the 'problem-agitate-solution' framework, which helps dentists articulate the consequences of inaction while providing clear treatment options. Dr Sugz also discusses the importance of active listening and avoiding preconceived notions about patients' needs. He encourages dentists to focus on one big idea at a time when presenting treatment plans, ensuring that patients feel guided rather than overwhelmed. This episode is a valuable resource for dental professionals looking to enhance their communication skills and build stronger relationships with their patients. Timestamp: 00:00 Introduction to Patient Trust 01:51 Building Trust Through Understanding 04:59 Tailoring Treatment Options 07:55 The Balance of Informed Consent 10:53 Active Listening in Dentistry 12:46 Sales vs. Service in Dental Care 13:31 Practical Communication Strategies 17:36 The One Big Idea Concept 19:08 Conclusion and Key Takeaways Takeaways - "Patient trust is everything, and yet it's often the hardest thing to build." - "Not everybody wants the same thing; we need to uncover the drivers behind treatment." - "You can't paint everyone with the same brush; understanding individual motivations is key." - "Patients often feel railroaded when recommendations lack a clear basis." - "Focus on one big idea rather than overwhelming patients with multiple treatment options." For more information about Dr Sugz and his book, The Core Conversion Principles, see his social media profiles below: Website: https://theconversioncollective.kit.com/tccp Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmaha.dental/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-sugz-maha-106336131/ Send us Fan Mail Helping Dental & Specialist Practice Owners Build Systems That Work—So You Can Focus on Dentistry. Not sure where your practice stands financially? Take our FREE 5-Minute Practice Profitability Audit and uncover hidden profit leaks and quick-win strategies to boost revenue. ✔ Get your Profitability Score – Low, Medium, or High ✔ Identify inefficiencies that may be costing you money ✔ BONUS: Free copy of The Ultimate Guide to Practice Management Take the audit now: https://tinyurl.com/alignedbc-freeaudit Need expert advice? Book a complimentary 30-minute virtual coffee chat:  Connect with me: https://linktr.ee/alignedbusinessconsulting  Email: michelle@alignedbusinessconsulting.com.au Enjoying the podcast? Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more expert insights! https://www.youtube.com/@michellepritchard-alignedb9302 Stay tuned for more episodes from Dental Success: Beyond Chairside!

About

Welcome to Dental Success: Beyond Chairside – the podcast for dental professionals looking to strengthen their practice. Join us as we talk with industry experts and share practical insights on HR, marketing, business strategies, and emerging tools like AI. Whether you run a general or specialist practice, this podcast offers real-world advice to help you run a more efficient, patient-focused, and profitable business.