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. 1d ago

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. Jul 17

    Everyone Can Lead: Mentorship, Resilience, & Knowing When to Say "No" | 22

    You didn't get into the room by accident. You earned your spot. In this episode of Beyond the Operatory, host John Stamper sits down with leadership expert Betsy Mitchell to tackle the personal side of professional growth. They dive deep into the silent killers of leadership: decision fatigue and imposter syndrome. Betsy shares a powerful analogy from her time working with the Green Bay Packers about moving from a "fan" to a "peer" in the locker room. They also discuss practical strategies for setting boundaries when you are overwhelmed and why asking for mentorship is actually a compliment, not a burden. In this episode, we cover: Chapters 00:00:00 Everyone Can Lead: Mentorship, Resilience, & Knowing When to Say "No" 00:02:30 Time Management vs. Self-Knowledge: Why "balance" isn't about the clock, but about knowing what works for your current season of life. 00:05:20 The "Menu" Problem: Understanding decision fatigue and why too many choices can lead to burnout. 00:09:40 How to Say "No": A specific script to use when a boss or partner asks you to do "just one more thing" without sounding uncooperative. 00:11:00 Executive Presence: The "Rookie in the Locker Room" lesson—how to stop feeling like an imposter and own your seat at the table. 00:15:00 Demystifying Mentorship: Why you don't need a formal program—you just need to ask for a coffee. 00:17:15 Building Resilience: The simple mental shift of remembering, "I've figured it out before, I can do it again." About the Guest: 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.

    Everyone Can Lead: Mentorship, Resilience, & Knowing When to Say "No" | 22

  7. Jul 10 ·  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.

    Best of 2026 (So Far) Highlights

  8. 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.

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

Information

  • Creator
    Dental City
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Dental City, Inc.
  • Show Website
    Beyond the Operatory