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. 1D AGO

    S4 EP7 Balancing Numbers And Patient Experience In Orthodontics | Sunil Purba

    In this episode of Dental Success Beyond Chairside, Michelle Pritchard interviews Sunil Purba, Founder of the Integrated Executive, a chartered accountant and healthcare executive, about the financial metrics that orthodontic practices should analyse to ensure growth and sustainability. Sunil shares his journey in the industry, the challenges faced by practices post-COVID, and the importance of understanding key performance indicators. He emphasises the need for tailored strategies based on individual practice goals and highlights the significance of patient experience in a competitive landscape. Sunil also discusses economic indicators that suggest a more favourable business environment in the coming year and encourages practice owners to start planning for future success. Timestamp: 01:00 Introduction to Financial Metrics in Orthodontics 03:36 Sunil Purba's Journey and Industry Insights 06:12 Challenges in the Orthodontic Industry Post-COVID 09:03 Key Metrics for Practice Performance 11:04 The Importance of Patient Experience 13:47 Navigating Competition in Orthodontics 14:25 Looking Ahead: Economic Indicators and Planning Takeaways - Understanding financial metrics is crucial for practice owners. - Every practice has different goals and priorities. - Post-COVID, orthodontic practices face unique challenges. - Consumer spending habits have changed significantly. - Key metrics include treatment conversions and cost of sales. - Patient experience is a key differentiator in competition. - Practices need to adapt to increased competition from GDPs. - Economic indicators suggest a better year ahead. - Planning for the future is essential for practice success. - Consulting can provide valuable outside perspectives. For more information about Sunil Purba and The Integrated Executive, follow their social media accounts: Website: https://www.theintegratedexec.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunil-purba-21aa1021/ Send a text 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!

    17 min
  2. FEB 13

    S4 EP6 Wealth Creation Strategies For Dental Practices | Kelly King

    In this episode of Dental Success Beyond Chairside, Michelle Pritchard and Kelly King discuss the importance of intentional financial planning for dental practice owners. They explore how the right business structure can minimise taxes and support long-term growth, the significance of proactive tax planning and superannuation strategies, and the various options for generating passive income. The conversation emphasises the need for collaboration between financial planners and accountants to ensure a comprehensive approach to wealth creation and succession planning. Timestamps: 01:00 Introduction to Wealth Creation in Dentistry 03:00 The Importance of Business Structure 08:30 Tax Planning and Superannuation Strategies 11:27 Exploring Passive Income Options 15:28 The Role of Financial Advisors 18:16 Long-Term Planning and Avoiding Costly Mistakes Takeaways - Wealth creation is the ultimate goal for dental practice owners. - Intentional planning can create stability and support growth. - The right business structure is crucial for minimising taxes. - Proactive tax planning is essential for long-term success. - Superannuation should be prioritised early in financial planning. - Diversification is key in investment strategies, especially with SMSFs. - Passive income options should be explored beyond property investments. - Building a strong relationship with financial advisors is vital. - Accumulating wealth requires a long-term perspective. - Understanding the implications of business decisions can prevent costly mistakes. Connect with Kelly King and Iconic Wealth: Website: https://iconicwealth.net.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IconicWealthMandurah/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellykingiconicwealth/ LinkedIn - Kelly King : https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-king-b12746b7/ #DentalSuccessBeyondChairside #AlignedBusinessConsulting #AlignedBC #MichellePritchard #PracticeManagement #PodcastforDentalPractice #KellyKing #FinancialPlanning #DentalConsulting #DentalBusiness #PracticeGrowth #DentalLeadership #DentalFinance #WealthCreation #TaxPlanning #Superannuation #PassiveIncome #DentalPracticeOwners #DentalPracticeManagement #DentalPodcast #DentistryBusiness #DentalSuccess #DentalCoa Send a text 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!

    20 min
  3. JAN 30

    S4 EP5 Mastering Financials for Dental Success | Arthur Addinall

    In this episode of Dental Success Beyond Chairside, Michelle Pritchard speaks with Arthur Addinall, a chartered accountant specialising in helping dental professionals understand their financials. They discuss the importance of looking beyond tax time to manage a dental practice effectively, emphasising the need for strategic planning and the value of having a supportive team. Arthur shares insights on how to track key financial metrics, the significance of cash flow, and the necessity of investing in people to ensure long-term success and sustainability in the dental industry. Timestamps: 01:00 Understanding Financials in Dental Practices 07:51 The Importance of Strategic Planning 13:58 Building a Supportive Team for Success Takeaways - Understanding financials is crucial for sustainable dental practices. - Many dental owners overlook their numbers until tax time. - Regularly reviewing financials helps limit risks and plan for the future. - Strategic planning should encompass personal and business goals. - Investing in advisors can save time and enhance business performance. - Monthly reviews of business performance can guide strategic decisions. - Cash flow management is essential for business sustainability. - Tracking personnel costs is vital for understanding expenses. - Building a supportive team is key to reducing stress and enhancing success. - A proactive approach to business planning leads to better outcomes. Connect with Arthur Addinall and Keays Forrest: Website: https://keaysforrest.com.au/ Arthur Addinall - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arthurjaddinall/ Send a text 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!

    17 min
  4. JAN 16

    S4 EP4 Building a Strong Legal Foundation for Dental Practices | David McMullen

    In this episode of Dental Success Beyond Chairside, Michelle Pritchard speaks with David McMullen, a commercial lawyer specialising in the dental sector. They discuss the critical importance of establishing solid legal foundations for dental practices, particularly for first-time buyers. David emphasises the need for formal agreements, understanding business structures, and the ongoing legal responsibilities that come with running a dental practice. The conversation also covers the intricacies of buying and selling dental practices, highlighting the importance of being prepared and organised. Finally, they emphasise the importance of maintaining ongoing legal housekeeping and staying informed about evolving legal obligations, particularly in relation to privacy laws. Timestamp: 01:00 The Importance of Legal Foundations in Dentistry 04:25 Navigating Business Structures for First-Time Buyers 10:28 Key Considerations in Buying and Selling Dental Practices 13:42 Ongoing Legal Housekeeping for Dental Practices Takeaways: - Legal foundations are often overlooked but essential for success. - First-time buyers should understand their personal circumstances and business structure. - Formal agreements are crucial when entering partnerships. - Ongoing legal housekeeping is necessary for practice sustainability. - Privacy laws are evolving and require attention from dental practices. - Investing in legal advice is a small price for future success. - Understanding your legal obligations is vital as a business owner. - Be prepared and organised when selling a practice. - A good lawyer can help navigate complex legal landscapes. - Establishing a relationship with a lawyer can prevent future issues. For more information, follow David McMullen and Panetta McGrath Lawyers on their social media accounts: Website: https://www.pmlawyers.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmcmullen1/ Send a text 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!

    19 min
  5. JAN 2

    S4 EP 3 The Future of Dental Assistants' Classification | Kristy-Lee Billet

    In this episode of Dental Success Beyond Chairside, Michelle Pritchard and HR expert Kristy-Lee Billett discuss upcoming changes to the Health Professionals and Support Services Award, particularly focusing on the classification and pay of dental assistants. They explore the implications of these changes, the importance of preparing for potential increases in staff costs, and the need for dental practices to enhance efficiency and productivity. The conversation also touches on the broader context of gender pay gaps and the need for compliance in the dental industry. Timestamp: 01:02 Introduction to Upcoming Changes in Dental Awards  02:33 Understanding the Fair Work Commission's Review  05:47 Implications for Dental Assistants' Classification  09:08 The Impact of Qualifications on Classification Levels  12:05 Sustainability and Cost Management in Dental Practices  15:33 Potential Changes for Health Professionals  19:15 Final Thoughts and Preparing for Change  Takeaways - The Fair Work Commission is reviewing the Health Professionals and Support Services Award. - Changes may lead to higher classifications and pay for dental assistants. - Practices should prepare for potential increases in staff costs. - Consultation with industry is ongoing before final determinations are made. - Efficiency and productivity are crucial for managing costs in dental practices. - Investing in qualified staff may be more beneficial in the long run. - Technology can help reduce staffing overheads and improve productivity. - The impact of changes will vary based on current staffing structures. - Awareness of potential changes is important for practice owners. Follow Kristy-Lee and People Powered Business on their social media: Website: https://www.peoplepoweredbusiness.com.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFootprintGroup Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristy.lee.billett/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristyleebillett Send a text 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!

    18 min
  6. 12/19/2025

    S4 EP2 Change That Sticks - Getting Your Team Onboard The Right Way | Ro Gorell

    In this episode of Dental Success: Beyond Chairside, Michelle Pritchard is joined by Ro Gorell, experienced change strategist and founder of Grow Talent Pty Ltd. Together, they explore why change efforts in dental practices often fall short and how to get your team on board from the start. Ro shares insights grounded in behavioural science, highlighting the importance of communication, context, and collaboration when implementing new systems or strategies. Whether you're introducing new technology or refining your workflows, this conversation will help you lead change that sticks. Timestamp: 01:00 Introduction to Change Management 01:57 Engaging Teams in Change Takeaways - I've worked with small businesses where there's a founder involved. - They spend months developing this cunning plan. - They haven't even communicated their plan before getting the plan together. - Everything is context-dependent. - What works in one environment might not work in another. - It does make much more sense to understand your own context first. - Find out what's going on with your people first. To know more about Ro Gorell and Grow Talent Pty Ltd, follow their social media accounts: Website: https://growtalentro.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrowTalentRo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rogorell/ Ro Gorell’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogorell/ Send a text 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!

    18 min
  7. 12/05/2025

    S4 EP1 Sustainability Starts with You - A Practice Owner's Journey | Parul Bhatia

    In this conversation, Michelle Pritchard speaks with Dr Parul Bhatia about her journey as a dental practice owner, the challenges of balancing personal and professional life, and the importance of support systems in managing a successful practice. Parul shares her insights on sustainability, the need for business management, and how success can be defined differently for each practitioner. The discussion emphasises the significance of aligning values, seeking help, and preparing adequately before entering the business. Chapters 01:00 The Journey of Practice Ownership 03:40 Finding Balance and Sustainability 06:08 The Role of Support in Practice Management 08:46 Defining Success in Dentistry 11:19 Lessons Learned and Advice for Future Owners Takeaways - Practice ownership can be overwhelming without proper support. - Finding balance is crucial for personal and professional success. - Women in leadership roles often carry additional emotional burdens. - Hiring a dedicated practice manager can alleviate stress. - Business coaching can empower practice owners to implement effective systems. - Success in dentistry is not one-size-fits-all; it varies by individual. - Understanding financials is essential for practice management. - Building strong relationships with team members enhances practice sustainability. - Defining personal values is key to a fulfilling practice ownership experience. - Preparation and research are vital before starting a business. Follow Parul Bhatia on her social media accounts: Website: https://www.butlerdental.com.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parul.bhatia.5 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parul37 LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/parul-bhatia-4a9a1759/ Send a text 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!

    17 min
  8. 11/21/2025

    S3 EP16 AI Scribes | Lauren Cawthorne

    In this episode of Dental Success Beyond Chairside, Michelle Pritchard interviews Lauren Cawthorne, a treatment coordinator from Harris Orthodontics, about the integration of AI scribes in dental practices. They discuss Lauren's journey into the dental field, the benefits of automating tasks to save time, and how AI technology enhances patient communication and care. Lauren shares her experiences with the AI platform Heidi Health, explaining how it assists in note-taking, generating reports, and improving overall efficiency in consultations. The conversation underscores the significance of technology in contemporary dental practices and its influence on patient relationships. Timestamp: 01:00 Introduction to AI in Dental Practices 02:20 Lauren's Journey in Dentistry 05:34 Understanding AI Scribes 10:46 Time-Saving Benefits of AI 16:16 Enhancing Patient Communication with AI 18:03 User Experience and Learning Curve Takeaways - Automation can significantly enhance patient interaction time. - AI scribes help in managing overwhelming information loads. - Using AI platforms can streamline the note-taking process. - AI can provide templates for reports and referrals. - Transcription services can reduce administrative burdens. - AI helps in maintaining accurate patient records. - The learning curve for AI tools is manageable. - Patient privacy is a priority with AI technology. - AI can simplify complex treatment options for patients. - Technology can enhance professionalism in dental practices. To learn more about Heidi Health and Lyrebird, please check their website: Heidi Health: https://www.heidihealth.com/en-au Lyrebird Health: https://www.lyrebirdhealth.com/au Send a text 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!

    18 min

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.