Beyond the Operatory

Dental City
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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. Best of 2026 (So Far) Highlights

    21h ago ·  Bonus

    Best of 2026 (So Far) Highlights

    "Sometimes you just have to start and make mistakes. Overplanning is never something that benefits you." Welcome to a special summer highlight episode of Beyond the Operatory, brought to you by the team at Dental City. We are taking a brief two-week summer break from our regular scheduling to bring you a curated masterclass featuring the best clinical, operational, and macroeconomic insights from the first half of 2026. In this highlight reel, we reflect on the rapidly changing dental landscape—from how forward-thinking distributors and manufacturers are finding new ways to connect with practices to the major cultural shift toward internal accountability and patient satisfaction driving practices forward. We also dive into structural changes in the industry, including the consolidation of traditional solo practices, navigating post-COVID macroeconomic conditions, and how artificial intelligence is completely changing how patients find and choose their dentists. Beyond the Operatory will return with brand-new, full-length guest episodes starting on July 17th!  In this episode, we cover: Chapters 00:00:00 Welcome: Beyond the Operatory 2026 Summer Highlights Recap 00:00:23 Jordan Lorenz: The Transformation of Content & Connecting with Dental Practices 00:02:33 Betsy Mitchell: Celebrating Clinical Satisfaction & The Power of Team Roles 00:04:50 Ken Mathys: Navigating Debt, Career Planning, and Solo Practitioner Trends 00:05:38 Brian Colao: Post-COVID Macroeconomics, Inflation, and Same-Store Growth 00:08:40 Bill Neumann: A 12-Year Retrospective on DSO Consolidation & Dental Support Organizations 00:13:03 Dr. Ed Lin: Technology in Dental Schools & Navigating the Educator Tech Gap 00:14:17 Conclusion: Regular Weekly Guest Episodes Return July 17th! Meet the Guests Jordan Lorenz is the Chief Executive Officer at Dental City. With extensive experience in dental distribution, he focuses on transforming traditional business frameworks into modern, content-driven B2B connection channels. Betsy Mitchell has over 25 years of experience in the dental industry, specializing in leadership development, team dynamics, and practice management strategies. Notably, she served as the Vice President of Organizational Development for the Green Bay Packers, allowing her to bring elite sports management strategies to the world of dentistry. 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. Brian Colao is the Director of the DSO Industry Group at Dykema. He is widely regarded as one of the foremost authorities on dental support organizations (DSOs) and has served as counsel to hundreds of dental organizations nationwide. Dr. Ed Lin, DDS, MS, is an industry-respected orthodontist and internationally recognized speaker on advanced 3D orthodontic technologies, including SureSmile®, 3D imaging, intraoral scanning, 3D printing, and clear aligner treatment. Bill Neumann is the CEO and Co-Founder of Group Dentistry Now. With over two decades of experience in the dental space, Bill has uniquely positioned his platform to provide news, education, and insights to dental professionals navigating the shifting landscape of practice consolidation.

    15 min
  2. The Creation & Evolution of the Dykema DSO Conference (with Brian Colao) | Ep. 21

    Jun 26

    The Creation & Evolution of the Dykema DSO Conference (with Brian Colao) | Ep. 21

    "We are not pay-to-play. The stage is not for sale, it’s never been for sale, and you can’t buy your way onto it." In this final installment of a special three-part interview series on Beyond the Operatory, host John Stamper sits down with Brian Colao, Member and Director of the DSO Industry Group at Dykema. Brought to you by the team at Dental City, this episode pulls back the curtain on the origins, unprecedented scaling, and future of the largest and most influential DSO event in the history of the dental industry: the annual Dykema DSO Conference. Brian shares a deeply candid look at how a masterclass idea born while floating in the ocean in 2013 went from a modest, 41-person dusty room in Dallas to an industry-shaping juggernaut drawing over 2,600 attendees. Moving far beyond basic event logistics, Brian breaks down the strict content discipline required to turn away millions of dollars in sponsor pitches to protect educational integrity, the "Moneyball" analytics behind building highly optimized networking environments, and how the post-COVID "companionship honeymoon" has shifted into a market that strictly demands extreme value and real practice-level return on investment.   In this episode, we cover: Chapters 00:00:00 Born in the Ocean: The 2013 Origin of the Dykema DSO Conference 00:04:13 Year One Realities: Scaling From a 41-Person Room to 2,600+ Attendees 00:11:21 The Discipline of Content: Why the Dykema Stage is Never For Sale 00:16:15 The DSO Ecosystem: Expanding Beyond Legal to Tech and Private Equity 00:22:18 "Moneyball" Analytics: Tracking Demographic Ratios to Guarantee Sponsor ROI 00:33:27 The Future of Dental Events: The Shift to High-Impact Workshop Blueprints About the Guest: Brian Colao is the Director of the DSO Industry Group at Dykema. He is widely regarded as one of the foremost authorities on dental support organizations (DSOs) and has served as counsel to hundreds of dental organizations nationwide. Brian is also the architect behind the annual Dykema DSO Conference, the largest and most influential event in the DSO industry.

    40 min
  3. The Latest & Greatest: Meet MultiMatch™ Flow | Ep. 20

    Jun 19

    The Latest & Greatest: Meet MultiMatch™ Flow | Ep. 20

    “We’ve got strength, we’ve got beauty. Now we’re going to start talking about long-term protection of restorations." In this special episode of *Beyond the Operatory*, host John Stamper sits down with Dr. Troy Schmedding, a practicing clinician with 30 years of clinical experience. Brought to you by the team at Premier Dental, this conversation explores a technological leap forward in composite dentistry: the launch of MultiMatch™ Flow with BioArmor™ antimicrobial protection. Dr. Schmedding explains how modern composite materials are evolving past traditional benchmarks of strength and aesthetics to tackle the challenge of secondary decay and marginal demineralization. They discuss the unique chemical properties of octenidine dihydrochloride (OCT) and how they fight against bacteria that can reduce the life of restoration, how single-shade universal systems eliminate complex shade-matching overhead, and how to comfortably use cutting-edge material innovations to build clinical authority and generate patient referrals. In this episode, we cover: Chapters 00:00:00 The Evolution of Composite Dentistry and Restoration Protection 00:00:54 Welcome and Introduction of Dr. Troy Schmedding 00:02:20 Combating Secondary Caries: The Problem MultiMatch™ Flow Solves 00:03:39 Deep Dive into BioArmor™ and Octenidine Dihydrochloride (OCT) Science 00:06:12 Light Diffusion Tech: Maximizing Aesthetics with Single-Shade Material 00:07:35 Leveraging Restorative Materials to Drive Patient Referrals 00:09:14 The Reality of "Dr. Google": Educating Post-COVID Dental Patients 00:11:18 Streamlined Workflows: Zero Technique Curve for the Clinician 00:13:03 Manufacturer & KOL Feedback Loops: The Premier Dental Partnership About the Guest: Dr. Troy Schmedding, DDS, is an accomplished clinical dentist with three decades of private practice experience based in Walnut Creek, California. He serves as a prominent Key Opinion Leader (KOL) and clinical liaison for major dental manufacturers, including Premier Dental, helping translate raw technological material advancements into practical, real-world operatory success. Known for his forward-thinking approach to bioactive materials and patient communication, Dr. Schmedding focuses heavily on leveraging advanced restorative tech to maximize the long-term clinical outcomes of everyday restorative dentistry.

    15 min
  4. Choosing the Right Handpiece: Dr. Marc Geissberger Relies on NSK Innovation | Ep. 19

    Jun 12

    Choosing the Right Handpiece: Dr. Marc Geissberger Relies on NSK Innovation | Ep. 19

    "If my handpiece isn't functioning, I am not working that day. That is the absolute reality of practicing dentistry." In this episode of Beyond the Operatory, host John Stamper sits down with Dr. Marc Geissberger, DDS, a practicing dentist with 35 years of clinical experience, to dive deep into how NSK Handpieces are a critical tool for his practice. While some dentists may take for granted that all handpieces can get the job done equally, Dr. Geissberger explains how massive shifts in materials and engineering have completely changed the clinical landscape—and how NSK handpieces set him up for success. They unpack the ongoing clinical debate between air-driven and electric handpieces, breaking down how clinicians can leverage both depending on the situation to maximize ergonomics, access limited operating spaces, and achieve the exact torque required for complex restorations. Dr. Geissberger also shares high-value tips on how using NSK handpieces in his practice allow for easier maintenance and more reliable long-term handpiece use. In this episode, we cover: Chapters 00:00:00 NSK Re-Engineered Power Upgrade 00:01:42 Welcome and Introduction of Dr. Marc Geissberger 00:03:40 Clinical Selection Criteria: The three pillars of handpiece selection that every practicing dentist must prioritize: cutting efficiency, lightweight ergonomics, and long-term reliability. 00:04:40 Team-Side Maintenance: Why ease of setup, breakdown, lubrication, and sterilization processes make or break the daily workflow for dental assistants. 00:05:44 The Hybrid Operatory Setup: Why a dual-chair setup utilizing both high-speed air-driven and high-speed electric handpieces is the smartest clinical strategy. 00:07:14 The Air-Driven Re-Engineering: How NSK's re-engineered turbines achieve up to 44 watts of power, giving doctors electric-level cutting efficiency in a lightweight, on-site repairable air-driven model. 00:09:04 The Anti-Rotation Quick Stop: How NSK’s quick-stop valve engineering eliminates bur wind-down, instantly halting rotation the moment you stop the handpiece. 00:11:00 Pennywise, Pound-Foolish Clinicians: Why dull or over-autoclaved burs tax handpiece turbines and how switching to single-use diamonds protects your larger equipment investments. 00:12:45 Autoclave Lifecycle Strategy: How leveraging manufacturer promotions to build a larger inventory pool reduces turbine heat-fatigue and limits practice downtime. About the Guest: Dr. Marc Geissberger, DDS, is an accomplished practicing dentist based in Northern California with over 35 years of clinical and educational experience in the dental industry. Known for his deep understanding of dental mechanics, ergonomics, and materials, Dr. Geissberger lectures widely to help clinicians optimize their everyday equipment configurations for better physical longevity and superior patient outcomes.

    20 min
  5. The Business of Dental Hygiene: Staffing Shortages, Rising Wages & Patient Care | Ep. 18

    Jun 5

    The Business of Dental Hygiene: Staffing Shortages, Rising Wages & Patient Care | Ep. 18

    "You learn how to do all the clinical functions in school, but the business of dental hygiene is a completely learned skill on the job." In this episode of Beyond the Operatory, host John Stamper sits down with Brenda Alberts, Program Director at Midstate Technical College, to unpack the evolving landscape of dental hygiene. With over 20 years of full-time clinical experience under her belt, Brenda provides a highly insightful look into the current hygiene staffing shortage, surging clinician wages, and the heavy operational responsibilities weighing on today's practice owners. They dive deep into the ultimate balancing act: helping hygienists understand their financial worth to a business without reducing patient care strictly to a production metric. Brenda breaks down how a transparent, business-minded dentist completely transformed her own clinical career and shares her firsthand experience developing curriculum for some of the most disruptive roles in modern dentistry—Expanded Function Dental Assistants (EFAs) and Dental Therapists. In this episode, we cover: Chapters 00:00:00 The Business of Dental Hygiene: Staffing Shortages, Rising Wages & Patient Care 00:02:47 Setting the New Standard: Brenda's journey from a 20-year clinical hygienist to building Midstate Technical College’s brand-new dental hygiene program from the ground up. 00:05:33 The Business of Hygiene: Why dental hygiene school leaves out critical business training, and how to teach clinicians to look through the lens of a practice owner. 00:07:11 The Workforce Shortage Crunch: Unpacking the macro-effects of the hygiene staffing crisis, skyrocketing wages, and the push for schools to increase enrollment cohorts. 00:11:04 Total Scope Transparency: How monthly financial huddles can align a hygiene team with corporate overhead margins and change a job into a career. 00:16:08 The Impact of Dental Therapy: Explaining the 3-year curriculum structure of a Dental Therapist and how it acts as an opportunity—not a threat—to solo practitioners and DSOs. 00:20:17 Defining the EFA Role: A clear breakdown of what an Expanded Function Dental Assistant can safely execute to maximize doctor workflows and same-store productivity. 00:27:17 Profiling Today's Hygiene Student: Understanding the tactical struggles, career goals, and programmatic constraints facing the next generation entering the workforce. 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).

    41 min
  6. The 2026 Dental Roadmap: AI, Staffing, and Practice Scaling | Ep. 17

    May 29

    The 2026 Dental Roadmap: AI, Staffing, and Practice Scaling | Ep. 17

    In this episode, John Stamper welcomes back Bill Neumann, founder of Group Dentistry Now, to provide a strategic roadmap for the modern dental practice. As the industry faces "solution overload," Bill and John discuss how to cut through the noise and identify the tools that actually drive growth and efficiency. From the evolution of digital labs and in-office 3D printing to the "unsexy" but essential world of cybersecurity, this conversation covers the critical categories every dental entrepreneur needs to understand in 2026. Whether you are a solo practitioner or leading an emerging group, learn how to prioritize your tech stack and staff resources to better serve your patients. In this episode, we cover: Chapters 00:00:00 The 2026 Dental Roadmap: AI, Staffing, and Practice Scaling 00:05:59 Virtual Staffing: How to leverage offshore resources for non-patient-facing tasks like insurance verification and RCM. 00:13:43 Financial Flexibility: The rise of operating leases that allow practices to pay flat monthly fees for technology with built-in upgrades. 00:33:59 Diagnostic AI: Using color-coded AI findings to simplify case presentation and increase patient trust. 00:46:32 Risk Management: Why specialized cybersecurity is now a requirement, not an option, to prevent catastrophic downtime and lawsuits. About the Guest: Bill Neumann is the CEO and Co-Founder of Group Dentistry Now, the leading media outlet and educational resource dedicated to DSOs and dental group practices. With over two decades of experience in the dental space, Bill has uniquely positioned his platform to provide news, education, and insights to dental professionals navigating the shifting landscape of practice consolidation.

    53 min
  7. 26 Years of Orthodontic Innovation with Dr. Ed Lin | Ep. 16

    May 15

    26 Years of Orthodontic Innovation with Dr. Ed Lin | Ep. 16

    What happens when a passion for technology meets the "digital explosion" of the dental industry? In this episode of Beyond the Operatory, host John Stamper continues his conversation with Dr. Ed Lin. They discuss Dr. Lin’s 26-year journey as an early adopter of game-changing dental technologies, from being the first certified Invisalign doctor in Wisconsin to implementing robotically bent wires and 3D printing in his practice. This episode is a must-watch for clinicians looking to bridge the gap between traditional dentistry and the 3D digital future. Dr. Lin shares his "perfect storm" story and offers direct advice to the next generation of dentists on where to invest their capital for the highest value.   In this episode, we cover: Chapters 00:00:00 26 Years of Orthodontic Innovation with Dr. Ed Lin 00:06:37 The Case for CBCT: Why Dr. Lin believes every practice should own a Cone Beam CT for better diagnostics in airway, sinuses, and eruptive paths. 00:03:43 Active Therapeutics: The history of SureSmile and how robotically bent wires provide customized treatment with fewer appointments. 00:08:43 The Tech-Savvy Gap: A look at why dental schools and older clinicians struggle with tech adoption and how the "digital workflow" is evolving. 00:12:28 The 3D Future: Dr. Lin’s take on the "battle" between milling and 3D printing, and why he's betting on resins and 3D printing for restorations. 00:22:15 Advice for Young Clinicians: Why investing in an intraoral scanner and a small field-of-view CBCT is the best move for a new practice. About The Guest: Dr. Edward Y. Lin, DDS, MS, is an industry-respected orthodontist and internationally recognized speaker on advanced 3D orthodontic technologies, including SureSmile®, 3D imaging, intraoral scanning, 3D printing, and clear aligner treatment. He serves on the clinical advisory board for SureSmile and is a Key Opinion Leader for American Orthodontics, Imaging Sciences International, Desktop Health, uLab Systems, and Hu-Friedy. He is also a past member of the technology committee for the American Association of Orthodontists and an honorary member of the South African Society of Maxillo-Facial Oral Surgeons. Dr. Lin has lectured for orthodontic residency programs worldwide and authored numerous articles in leading dental and orthodontic journals. He serves on the editorial boards of OrthoTown and Orthodontic Practice. In his community, he volunteers with the Northeast Wisconsin Community Dental Clinic and has served on the boards of the Breast Cancer Family Foundation and Cerebral Palsy Center.

    30 min
  8. Inside the DSO Shift with Bill Neumann of Group Dentistry Now | Ep. 15

    May 8

    Inside the DSO Shift with Bill Neumann of Group Dentistry Now | Ep. 15

    "Yesterday's solo practitioner is today's dentist entrepreneur." In this episode of Beyond The Operatory, host John Stamper is joined by Bill Neumann, co-founder of Group Dentistry Now, to explore the massive structural shifts reshaping the dental profession. Operating as the "Switzerland" of the industry, Bill shares his unique vantage point on the evolving relationship between private practices, emerging DSOs, and dental manufacturers. Driven by a landscape of higher interest rates and a cooling M&A market, the era of rapid consolidation has given way to a heavy focus on "same-store growth". Bill breaks down the eye-opening data behind the decline of the solo practitioner, the explosion of regional "dentist entrepreneurs," and why offering equity is now essential to retain top clinical talent. Finally, they discuss the ongoing HR crisis and how practices can leverage AI without falling victim to "tech overload". In this episode, we cover: Chapters 00:00:00 Inside the DSO Shift with Bill Neumann of Group Dentistry Now 00:04:24 The Birth of Group Dentistry Now: How a lack of positive content around group practices led to a premier industry resource with over 250 podcast episodes and 10,000 weekly subscribers. 00:09:39 The M&A Slowdown: Why the top 100 DSOs went from a staggering 24% growth rate down to 4%, and how groups are pivoting to digest their acquisitions. 00:13:48 The Decline of the Solo Practice: Analyzing ADA data that shows solo, one-doctor practices dropping from 65% of the market in 1999 to just 33% in 2025. 00:18:40 The Partnership Mandate: Why emerging groups (3-10 locations) are thriving, and why pathway-to-partnership programs are critical for clinician loyalty. 00:23:08 The Vendor Shift: How dental manufacturers have had to pivot from marketing solely to clinicians to selling to C-suite executives and procurement boards. 00:33:24 Solving the HR Crisis: Overcoming "The Great Resignation" and navigating "tech overload" by focusing on one core operational issue per quarter. About the Guest: Bill Neumann is the CEO and Co-Founder of Group Dentistry Now, the leading media outlet and educational resource dedicated to DSOs and dental group practices. With over two decades of experience in the dental space, Bill has uniquely positioned his platform to provide news, education, and insights to dental professionals navigating the shifting landscape of practice consolidation.

    49 min
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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!

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  • Creator
    Dental City
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Dental City, Inc.
  • Show Website
    Beyond the Operatory