Beyond the Operatory

Dental City
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Management
  • Updated Weekly

Beyond the Operatory by Dental City cuts through the noise of modern dentistry with authentic conversations featuring industry leaders and clinical experts. Guided by host John Stamper, each episode explores a variety of topics critical to succeeding in today’s evolving dental landscape, including leadership development, smart business systems, financial health and more. Join us each week for fresh perspectives (and a little fun) as we break down these vital ideas and how they can help take your practice to the next level.   Dental City is a leading dental distributor based in Green Bay, WI with a drive to help practices reach their full potential—and  then keep growing. We’re excited to share these conversations with you!

  1. 22h ago

    You Don't Need All the Answers: How to Lead During Change | Ep. 30

    "It's not rocket science. None of this is rocket science. All of it is based on basic human behavior." – Betsy Mitchell In this episode of Beyond the Operatory, host John Stamper sits down with leadership expert Betsy Mitchell to explore one of dentistry's biggest challenges in 2026: leading teams through constant change. From DSO integration and regulatory shifts to technology adoption and staffing shortages, dental practices face a growing number of operational pressures that require adaptive leadership rather than rigid management. The conversation focuses on practical strategies that help dental owners, office managers, hygienists, and team leaders create stability during uncertainty. Key lessons include managing ambiguity, preventing burnout, improving employee retention, building psychological safety, communicating with transparency, and creating frameworks that help teams remain resilient while dentistry continues to evolve. In this episode, we cover: Chapters 00:00:00 Why Leadership Matters During Change 00:01:07 Welcome & Episode Overview 00:02:32 DSO Integration and Practice Growth Decisions 00:05:01 Regulatory Changes Affecting Dentistry 00:07:25 Technology Overload and Innovation Fatigue 00:11:00 Leadership Versus Resistance 00:11:15 Managing Staff Shortages and Burnout 00:14:23 Employee Retention Strategies 00:15:19 Practical Change Management Frameworks 00:17:35 Celebrating Small Wins During Change 00:20:04 Why Dental City's Culture Stands Out 00:22:28 The Future of Dentistry and Innovation About the Guests: Betsy Mitchell is a leadership consultant, executive coach, and longtime advisor to dental organizations. Throughout this series, she shares expertise on culture, leadership development, organizational change, employee retention, and creating resilient teams during periods of uncertainty. Shop Dental City’s September Specials: (https://dentalcity.com/category/3825/september-specials)

    You Don't Need All the Answers: How to Lead During Change | Ep. 30

  2. Sep 4

    Why Every DSO Needs a Trusted Supplies Distributor Partner Before Scaling

    In this special episode of Beyond the Operatory, host John Stamper sits down with John, Jordan, and Riley from Dental City, a dental supplies distributor, during the 2026 Dykema Conference, to discuss the realities of dental group growth, DSO expansion, manufacturer partnerships, and the infrastructure required to keep dental practices supplied with the products they need. The conversation highlights how consolidation continues to reshape the profession, creating new pressure around forecasting, inventory management, dental supply distribution, procurement, and supplier accountability. The discussion also explores Dental City's investments in robotics, warehouse automation, vertical lift technology, and scalable logistics systems that support the distribution of dental supplies and products nationwide. Leaders explain how accurate inventory positioning, real-time integrations, same-day fulfillment, and strategic manufacturer partnerships help practices—from independent offices to rapidly expanding DSOs, maintain reliable access to the dental products they depend on every day. A key takeaway is that successful growth requires operational systems that reduce chaos before scale amplifies it, supported by dependable dental supply distribution and strong manufacturer relationships. In this episode, we cover: Chapters 00:00:00 Dykema 2026 and Dental Industry Growth 00:02:02 Dental City's CEO Announcement 00:04:32 Building True Strategic Partnerships 00:04:36 Why Every DSO Is Different 00:05:47 The Reinvention of Dentistry 00:06:09 Warehouse Automation and Robotics 00:06:33 Integrating with Growing DSOs 00:07:56 Manufacturer Partnerships Explained 00:08:45 Delivering Products in Two Days 00:09:55 Inventory Forecasting Challenges 00:10:48 Scaling Without Supply Chain Chaos 00:13:06 Why Dental Leaders Should Attend Dykema About the Guests: John Mathys is the co-owner of Dental City. He’s helped guide the company's strategic investments in automation, technology integrations, and distribution infrastructure to support future growth. Jordan Lorenz is the new CEO of Dental City, focused on strategic growth, DSO partnerships, special markets, and strengthening operational integration across expanding dental organizations. Riley Berg is Dental City’s Business Development Manager. She’s a leader within Dental City's special markets initiatives, helping DSOs and group practices align goals, supplier partnerships, forecasting strategies, and scalable procurement systems. Shop Dental City’s September Specials: (https://www.dentalcity.com/category/3825/september-specials)

    Why Every DSO Needs a Trusted Supplies Distributor Partner Before Scaling

  3. Aug 28

    How Kulzer’s iCEM® Universal Plus Supports Predictable Clinical Outcomes | Ep. 28

    "Technology will help the end product. But it's not only technology. The technique is important to take advantage of that technology." Prosthodontist Dr. Roberto Macedo shares how he achieves predictable restorative outcomes using standardized adhesive cementation protocols and Kulzer's ISM Universal Plus cement system. Drawing on more than 25 years of clinical experience, Dr. Macedo explains why long-term success in restorative dentistry comes from combining proven products, repeatable workflows, and team-wide consistency rather than constantly changing materials. In this episode of Beyond the Operatory, hosted by John Stamper and proudly brought to you by Dental City, a dental supplies distributor, listeners gain practical insights into simplifying restorative procedures while improving clinical efficiency and reliability. The conversation explores how clinicians evaluate restorative materials, standardize inventory, reduce procedural complexity, and improve efficiency through integrated cementation systems like Kulzer's iCEM® Universal Plus. Key takeaways include reducing inventory complexity, minimizing material waste, increasing productivity, and selecting trusted manufacturer-backed products that support long-term clinical success and patient satisfaction. In this episode, we cover: Chapters 00:00:00 Welcome to Beyond the Operatory 00:02:40 Why Materials Dictate Technique 00:04:21 Selecting Materials With Confidence 00:05:20 Why Dr. Medo Chose Adhesive Cementation 00:07:40 Understanding iCEM® Universal Plus Technology 00:10:33 Practical Tips for Faster Adoption 00:13:20 The Business Case for Standardization 00:15:00 What Patients Actually Care About 00:19:12 Evaluating New Dental Technologies 00:23:04 Technology vs Technique About the Guest: Dr. Roberto Macedo, DDS, MS is a prosthodontist and the owner of RM Advanced Center for Cosmetic Dentistry in St. Petersburg, Florida. With more than 25 years of clinical experience, Dr. Macedo focuses on prosthodontics, adhesive dentistry, restorative protocols, and clinical workflow standardization. Product Spotlight: Kulzer’s iCEM® Universal Plus is a resin-based adhesive cement for the bonding of indirect dental restorations, prosthetic devices, and dental cores. Shop iCEM® Universal Plus: https://dentalcity.com/product/22895/kulzer-icem-universal-plus-syringe

    How Kulzer’s iCEM® Universal Plus Supports Predictable Clinical Outcomes | Ep. 28

  4. Aug 21

    Strategic Planning for Dentists: The Framework for Sustainable Growth | Ep. 27

    "We're not doing it for the systems part. We're doing it to operate efficiently so we actually reduce stress in the practice." – Ken Mathys In this episode of Beyond the Operatory, hosted by John Stamper and proudly brought to you by Dental City, Ken Mathys breaks down the operational frameworks that separate high-performing dental practices from those constantly fighting fires. From strategic planning and annual business reviews to KPI tracking and daily huddles, this conversation provides a practical roadmap for practice owners who want greater predictability, healthier teams, and stronger financial outcomes. Listeners will learn how to establish measurable goals, communicate expectations clearly, deliver timely feedback, and create accountability systems that build a winning culture. The discussion also explores formula bonuses, monthly reporting, delegation, and leadership lessons that help dentists spend less time managing chaos and more time serving patients. In this episode, we cover: Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction to Dental Business Management 00:02:15 Why Strategic Planning Matters 00:06:18 Building an Annual Business Plan 00:11:12 KPIs Every Practice Should Track 00:16:09 Assigning Ownership and Accountability 00:17:24 Formula Bonuses and Performance Systems 00:19:52 Daily Huddle Best Practices 00:21:27 Celebrating Team Success 00:25:15 Structure Creates Predictability 00:26:55 Leadership Lessons From Ken Mathys 00:27:04 The Importance of Timely Feedback 00:28:55 Final Takeaways About the Guest: Ken Mathys is the founder of Dental Practice Advisors and has spent over three decades helping dentists master the business systems behind their clinical work. He specializes in leadership, operations, and practice transitions. Product Spotlight: Standardizing glove inventory reduces ordering complexity, eliminates clinical interruptions, and helps assistants and hygienists maintain consistency throughout the day. Shop Dental City Nitrile Exam Gloves: (https://dentalcity.com/category/1223/nitrile-powder-free)

    Strategic Planning for Dentists: The Framework for Sustainable Growth | Ep. 27

  5. Aug 14

    From Insurance Dependence to Practice Growth with Gary Takacs | Ep. 26

    "A $1,000 annual maximum once covered 13 to 14 crowns. Today, it may only cover one crown." In this episode of Beyond the Operatory, host John Stamper sits down with Gary Takacs, widely known as dentistry's "Podfather," to examine the growing movement toward reduced PPO dependence and fee-for-service dentistry. Drawing from more than 45 years of experience and exposure to over 1,800 dental practices, Gary explains why many offices are reevaluating insurance participation and why a reported 78% of dentists surveyed considered resigning from at least one PPO plan. The discussion explores stagnant insurance annual maximums, patient perception of dental benefits, financial pressure created by PPO discounts, and strategies practices can use to develop stronger patient relationships. Gary also highlights a key operational reality: many patient complaints and negative reviews stem not from clinical care, but from financial confusion surrounding insurance coverage and reimbursement. In this episode, we cover: Chapters 00:00:00 Welcome to Beyond the Operatory 00:01:15 Meet Dentistry's Original Podcaster 00:03:25 Why 78% of Dentists Are Considering PPO Changes 00:04:55 The Fear of Leaving Insurance Networks 00:05:40 Changing Workforce Trends and Patient Demographics 00:08:15 How Insurance Shapes Patient Expectations 00:09:55 Who Really Benefits from Today's Insurance Model? 00:12:50 Building Stronger Patient Relationships 00:14:12 Membership Plans and Patient Financing Options 00:15:15 The $1,000 Annual Maximum Reality Check 00:17:05 Insurance Reform and Legislative Momentum 00:20:40 Preparing Your Practice for Reduced PPO Dependence About the Guest: Gary Takacs is known throughout dentistry as the "Podfather," Gary launched the first dental podcast and has spent more than 45 years helping practices improve operational performance, patient relationships, and business systems. He brings firsthand experience from working with over 1,800 dental practices across the United States. Shop Dental City August Specials: (https://dentalcity.com/category/3798/august-specials)

    From Insurance Dependence to Practice Growth with Gary Takacs | Ep. 26

  6. Aug 7

    How Pulpdent’s Smart Restorative Materials are Reshaping Dentistry

    "70% of restorations that we now place today are replacements for existing restorations." In this episode of Beyond the Operatory, hosted by John Stamper and proudly brought to you by Dental City, Dr. Neville Hatfield joins Michael Jeffery, Director of Product & Strategy at Pulpdent, to discuss the role of bioactive restorative materials in modern dentistry. The conversation explores recurring restoration failures, adhesive margin breakdown, remineralization science, and why clinicians are increasingly looking beyond passive materials toward therapeutic restorative solutions. The discussion also examines patient expectations, AI-driven healthcare research, implant education trends, and the evolution of restorative materials from traditional composites to bioactive systems like ACTIVA. Listeners gain practical insight into how manufacturers and clinicians collaborate to identify workflow challenges, improve treatment outcomes, and meet the expectations of increasingly informed patients. In this episode, we cover: Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction & Podcast Welcome 00:03:52 What Bioactivity Means in Restorative Dentistry 00:09:34 Explaining Bioactive Restorations to Patients 00:11:46 Product Launch: ACTIVA Bulk Flow 00:13:25 Evolution of Composite Materials & Innovation 00:24:49 AI, Patient Expectations & Dentistry's Future 00:29:52 Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up About the Guests: Dr. Neville Hatfield Private-practice clinician practicing five days per week in Northern New Jersey. Dr. Hatfield is recognized for his focus on restorative materials science, evidence-based clinical decision-making, and adoption of bioactive treatment philosophies that prioritize long-term patient outcomes. Michael Jeffery Director of Product & Strategy at Pulpdent. Michael works at the intersection of R&D, clinician feedback, and product innovation, helping guide the development of restorative materials focused on patient benefit and clinical efficiency. Featured Product: ACTIVA BioACTIVE Bulk Flow According to Pulpdent's product strategy team, ACTIVA Bulk Flow expands the company's bioactive treatment system by providing a low-viscosity, self-leveling restorative option that prioritizes both clinician efficiency and patient benefit. Why Practices Should Consider Standardization Supports bioactive restorative philosophy Simplifies restorative decision-making Helps reduce workflow variation between providers Creates consistency across operatories Aligns restorative protocols with preventive dentistry goals Shop ACTIVA BioACTIVE Bulk Flow here: https://dentalcity.com/product/22385/pulpdent-activa-bioactive-bulk-flow

    How Pulpdent’s Smart Restorative Materials are Reshaping Dentistry

  7. Jul 31

    The Hygienist Mindset Shift that Increases Treatment Acceptance

    "You're not taking money from them [patients] to gain more production for your office. You're doing care for them to get them into a healthier state." — Brenda Alberts In this episode of Beyond the Operatory, host John Stamper sits down with Brenda Alberts, RDH, MS, Dental Hygiene Program Director at Midstate Technical College, to explore one of dentistry's most debated topics: the relationship between patient care, treatment acceptance, and production. Brenda explains why hygienists should view their role through a clinical health lens rather than a financial lens and why patient education remains the foundation of ethical treatment acceptance. The conversation covers hygiene wages, burnout, patient communication, career growth, and the technologies that improve case acceptance. Brenda shares practical strategies for discussing periodontal disease, using intraoral cameras and visual diagnostics, creating stronger dentist-hygienist partnerships, and helping patients make informed decisions about their care. In this episode, we cover: Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction: Patient Care vs. Production 00:03:12 Reframing Production Around Patient Outcomes 00:08:25 Patient Education and Periodontal Pocketing 00:12:45 How Technology and Intraoral Cameras Drive Acceptance 00:17:03 The Hygiene Wage Debate: Are Hygienists Worth the Money? 00:22:25 What Separates High-Value Hygienists from Mediocre Ones 00:28:00 Practice Culture, Leadership, and Retaining Hygienists 00:31:30 Preventing Burnout and Managing Team Dynamics 00:35:05 Addressing the "Dead-End Career" Misnomer 00:38:00 Final Actionable Takeaways for Dentists and Hygienists About the Guest: Brenda Alberts, RDH, MS, is the Dental Hygiene Program Director at Midstate Technical College in Wisconsin. Before transitioning into academia, Brenda spent over three decades in private practice. She has served as a CODA site visitor, contributed directly to the statewide expanded functions curriculum development task force, and is a certified Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFA). Product Spotlight: Patient Education & Diagnostic Visualization Tools One of the strongest operational insights from this episode is that visual education drives treatment acceptance. When patients see radiographs, intraoral photos, and clinical findings on-screen, conversations become collaborative rather than confrontational. Brenda describes how visual tools encourage patients to ask questions and take ownership of their oral health. To let your tools do the talking, keeping high-touch diagnostic equipment and lines protected between patients is critical. Standardizing your operatories with Dental City 3-Way Barrier Sleeves provides a clear, reliable infection barrier for X-ray sensors, syringe handpieces, Cavitrons, and jet polishers. These disposable, single-use sleeves slide on effortlessly without pre-cut holes, protecting your sensitive tech so hygienists can focus on patient care rather than tedious cleanups. Shop Dental City 3-Way Barrier Sleeves here: https://dentalcity.com/product/20073/dental-city-3-way-barrier-sleeves

    The Hygienist Mindset Shift that Increases Treatment Acceptance

  8. Jul 24

    Stop Losing Chair Time: How Solmetex Systems Drive Dental Practice Efficiency | Ep. 23

    “Time is money, but in dentistry, it’s chair time—and that’s everything.” In this episode of Beyond the Operatory, host John Stamper sits down with Brian Mergentime, Director of Dealer Partnerships at Solmetex, to unpack one of the most overlooked drivers of practice performance: waterline compliance, efficiency, and environmental responsibility. What starts as a conversation about EPA regulations quickly evolves into a bigger truth—every minute your operatory is down costs more than you think. From amalgam separation to waterline maintenance and vacuum efficiency, Solmetex has built a full “water in, through, and out” ecosystem designed to eliminate inefficiencies, reduce risk, and simplify compliance. The result? Less time spent troubleshooting equipment and more time delivering patient care—without compromising safety or regulatory standards. In this episode, we cover: Chapters 00:00:00 Why Waterline Efficiency Impacts Practice Profitability 00:04:30 The EPA Dental Rule and What It Means for Your Practice 00:09:00 How Solmetex Built a “Water In, Water Out” System 00:14:00 Improving Suction and Vacuum Line Performance 00:19:00 Simplifying Waterline Maintenance and Compliance 00:24:00 Patient Safety, Marketing, and the “Safe Water Office” Advantage About the Guest: Brian Mergentime Director of Dealer Partnerships at Solmetex, Brian brings over 20 years of dental industry experience, specializing in dealer relationships, compliance solutions, and operational efficiency. He leads strategic initiatives across domestic and international markets, helping practices implement solutions that improve environmental responsibility while reducing operational complexity. Product Spotlight: Turning Compliance Into a Competitive Advantage One of the biggest operational risks discussed in this episode is unplanned downtime caused by poor maintenance, inefficient systems, or compliance gaps. The Solmetex NXT Hg5 Amalgam Separator directly addresses this by delivering a fully closed-loop system—from collection to recycling and certification—so your practice remains compliant without adding administrative burden. Pair that with PowerScrub Vacuum Line Cleaner, which actively removes debris (not just maintains flow), and Citrisil Shock Tablets, which eliminate biofilm and ensure waterline compliance, and you create a complete system that protects uptime, efficiency, and patient confidence. For practices ready to reduce risk and streamline operations: Shop Solmetex NXT Hg5 Amalgam Separator here: https://dentalcity.com/product/18756/solmetex-nxt-hg5-amalgam-separator

    Stop Losing Chair Time: How Solmetex Systems Drive Dental Practice Efficiency | Ep. 23
See All (33)

About

Beyond the Operatory by Dental City cuts through the noise of modern dentistry with authentic conversations featuring industry leaders and clinical experts. Guided by host John Stamper, each episode explores a variety of topics critical to succeeding in today’s evolving dental landscape, including leadership development, smart business systems, financial health and more. Join us each week for fresh perspectives (and a little fun) as we break down these vital ideas and how they can help take your practice to the next level.   Dental City is a leading dental distributor based in Green Bay, WI with a drive to help practices reach their full potential—and  then keep growing. We’re excited to share these conversations with you!

Information

  • Creator
    Dental City
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Dental City, Inc.
  • Show Website
    Beyond the Operatory