Beyond Bitewings Edwards & Associates, PC

In this episode of Beyond Bitewings, Ash and Lynn welcome Paul Edwards to discuss the complexities of the recent ruling concerning exempt employees. They talk about the court decision that allows for a salary raise effective July 1st. The discussion explores strategies for managing salary adjustments, particularly the implications of shifting employees from exempt to nonexempt status and the importance of transparent communication during such transitions.
The conversation also touches on broader HR advice, emphasizing the crucial role of consulting experts in navigating employee classifications accurately. They also discuss the need to manage overtime carefully and the strategic importance of proper employee classification to meet both compliance and business needs. Paul shares insights on the upcoming raise in minimum salary requirements and the varied regional impacts of these changes on businesses. Lynn highlights the need for small business owners to seek professional HR guidance while also recommending additional resources for staying informed and compliant.
To connect with Paul and listen to his podcast, visit: https://www.cedrsolutions.com/hr-podcast/
If you have specific questions about embezzlement or if you'd like to have another question answered on a future podcast, please reach out to the Edwards & Associates team. (https://www.EandAssociates.com)
Key Topics Discussed:
Court ruling on salary raiseChallenges of salary adjustment retractionEmployee status change from exempt to nonexemptImportance of transparent communicationManaging overtime for nonexempt employeesEvaluating exempt statusImpact of minimum salary increasesHR advice for small businessesEmployee classification and payroll considerationsResources for additional HR guidance

The conversation continues as we jump into part 3 of this 3 part series discussing some of the biggest issues dentists are facing, and what you can do about them.
The conversation kicks off with a deep dive into the mental well-being of dentists and the pervasive issue of burnout. Erin shares her views on hustle culture, emphasizing the importance of intentional rest and a balanced approach to work and personal life. Both highlight the necessity of efficient time management and implementing systems for a more streamlined workflow.
The discussion also explores the transformative role of AI in dentistry, from streamlining patient relationships to aiding in diagnosis and treatment planning. Ash and Erin talk about the rapid advancements in AI technology. The episode wraps up by addressing practical business concerns such as patient no-shows, adapting to new dental technologies, and securing patient data against cyber threats. The importance of having a reliable support staff and strategic marketing efforts to retain patients is also discussed, providing listeners with actionable insights to implement in their practices.
If you have specific questions about embezzlement or if you'd like to have another question answered on a future podcast, please reach out to the Edwards & Associates team. (https://www.EandAssociates.com)
Key Topics Discussed:
Mental well-being and burnout in dentistryHustle culture and work-life balanceEfficient time management techniquesAI advancements and their impact on dentistryTechnologies like 3D printing, digital impressions, and laser dentistryIntraoral cameras for better diagnosis and treatment planningManaging last-minute patient cancellationsNavigating insurance plans and reimbursement ratesImportance of support staff and marketing efforts

In this episode of Beyond Bitewings Ash and Erin continue their discussion on some of the biggest challenges dentists face today. Picking up from where they left off, Ash and Erin discuss how independent dental practice owners can compete with corporate dental organizations (DSOs) and private equity firms. The conversation shifts to the importance of focusing on the qualitative aspects of business, such as relationship dentistry, job satisfaction, and patient care, which can give smaller practices an edge over DSOs that are driven by numbers.
The episode also discusses the growing demand for cosmetic procedures and the need for dental practices to adapt to these trends. Ash shares insights on how incorporating new technologies and equipment can not only keep practices up-to-date but also make them more cost-effective. Finally, they discuss the crucial role of patient communication and engagement, highlighting the importance of continuous staff training and maintaining a user-friendly online presence for scheduling and other services.
If you have specific questions about embezzlement or if you'd like to have another question answered on a future podcast, please reach out to the Edwards & Associates team. (https://www.EandAssociates.com)
Key Topics Discussed:
Competing with Corporate Dental OrganizationsImportance of Qualitative Aspects in DentistryPersonal Touches in Patient CareIncentivizing and Engaging StaffFinancial Metrics and Team PerformanceShift from Routine Care to Cosmetic ProceduresInfluence of Social Media on Cosmetic DentistryStatistics and Market Growth in the Dental IndustryAdapting to Patient Needs and TrendsPartnering with Distribution Vendors

Dentistry can be rewarding, but just like with any other business, it comes with some obstacles. So how do you overcome some of the biggest challenges?
This episode is part 1 of a 3-part discussion covering some of the biggest challenges dentists face. Ash is joined by Erin Gregor, and they talk about the importance of standing out by creating meaningful experiences in the workplace. Emphasizing personalized interactions and the idea that employees should feel integral to a larger mission, extending beyond mere job duties. They also talk about impactful strategies such as the use of incentives and bonuses to encourage staff, the role of personalized client interactions, and the increasing demand for cosmetic dentistry, including potential expansions into Botox treatments.
They also discuss creative hiring practices, such as targeting flexible-working mothers, utilizing job boards like Indeed and ZipRecruiter, and leveraging non-traditional recruitment avenues, including closed Facebook groups and local study clubs. The episode unpacks the pandemic’s effects on the dental world, including the significant hygienist shortages and the rising staffing costs. Ash and Erin also stress the importance of focusing on company culture, offering competitive benefit packages, and staying current with technological advancements. By understanding the evolving landscape, dental practices can better align with customer needs and maintain a competitive edge.
If you have specific questions about embezzlement or if you'd like to have another question answered on a future podcast, please reach out to the Edwards & Associates team.
Key Topics Discussed:
Creating meaningful experiences at workImportance of personalized client interactionsIncentives and bonuses for staff engagementGrowth of cosmetic dentistry and potential for BotoxInnovative hiring practices, including flexible work optionsImpact of the pandemic on dental staffing and rising costsOffering competitive benefits and compensation

Are you paying more than 2.2% for your payment processing fees? If the answer is yes, you may be losing a lot of money.
In this episode of Beyond Bitewings, Ash welcomes Jeremy Lessari, founder of Payment Brokers. Jeremy shares his entrepreneurial journey and how he negotiated his payment processing fees down after discovering companies kept raising rates.
After selling his last company, he decided to utilize AI technology and created Payment Brokers, a service that monitors payment processors' fees for small businesses. The company will notify businesses of increases, and also help to negotiate the lowest rates.
Jeremy and Ash also talk about why he became an entrepreneur and how so much changed once he found ways to make a difference vs. making money.
To connect with Jeremy, visit: PaymentBrokers.com
If you have specific questions about embezzlement or if you'd like to have another question answered on a future podcast, please reach out to the Edwards & Associates team.

Do you believe embezzlement would never happen within your business? 
Well, unfortunately, the chances of it happening to you are actually a lot greater than you think. In fact, 75% of dental practice owners will experience embezzlement in their office before their career is over.
So what can you do to prevent embezzlement, and what are the signs that you should look for to see if this might be happening to you? The team at Edwards and Associates is joined by David Harris. David is a Certified Fraud Examiner and a Licensed Private Investigator, certified in Financial Forensics. He’s also the author of Dental Embezzlement: The Art of Theft and Science of Control. 
David discusses what every dental practice owner should understand about embezzlement and the two types of people who decide to take money from their employer.
He also discusses the signs you can look for, including behaviors, or things going on in someone’s life that may make them a prime candidate to embezzle. Plus he talks about what you should be looking at in your practice on a frequent basis to make it harder for someone to take money from you.
This is definitely something you shouldn’t be sitting on, thinking it’s not going to happen to you, and as your practice starts to grow, the greater chance you have of becoming a statistic. 
If you’re interested in learning more about David, visit: www.prosperiden.com or call: (888) 398-2327.
If you have specific questions about embezzlement or if you'd like to have another question answered on a future podcast, please reach out to the Edwards & Associates team.