Dental Drills Bits

Sandy Pardue & Michael Arias
Dental Drills Bits

Sandy Pardue of Classic Practice Resources & Michael Arias of The Dental Marketer discuss issues facing the dental practice owner of today. This is the podcast where you will want a pen and paper to take notes on every single procedure, system, step by step process, and lessons Sandy shares that she has accumulated in 40 years. Enjoy the fun, laid-back vibe as things get real. Sandy is an energetic lecturer and consultant in the area of dental practice management. She is Director of Consulting with Classic Practice Resources and has over 40 years of “hands-on” experience.

  1. 5 DAYS AGO

    Creating Strong Vendor Relationships

    In this episode of Dental Drill Bits, we're exploring the dynamics of a healthy vendor-client relationship as Sandy delves into an inspiring conversation with Megan Lohman from Plan Forward. Together, they unlock the powerful components of successful partnerships, from the nuances of clear communication to fostering mutual respect. The duo emphasizes the importance of setting realistic expectations and maintaining open lines of communication to ensure vendor relationships become long-term, growth-oriented collaborations. Sandy further highlights the benefits of her Front Desk Pro seminars, a series promising transformative engagement for entire dental teams across the U.S., offering practical tools to enhance their practice management skills. The discussion takes a practical turn as Megan shares valuable tips, rooted in personal experience, on navigating the challenges of vendor implementation while optimizing business efficiency. Sandy rounds off the episode by stressing the importance of a teamwork-driven approach, where practice leaders must transparently relay goals and expectations to their teams, ensuring seamless adoption of new services. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The key ingredients of a successful vendor-client relationship in dental practices. Tips for setting realistic expectations and maintaining fruitful communication with vendors. Strategies for viewing vendors as long-term business partners. Insights on the value of regular feedback and being open to change. Practical steps for improving vendor implementation and business efficiency. How effective team communication can enhance the adoption of new tools and services. Listen in today to take your vendor relationships to new heights! Sponsors: Don’t just look ahead. Plan Forward. Discover the dental membership plan partner that empowers your entire office. Created by a team in your shoes. Find out more here, and be sure to mention Dental Drill Bits for a special offer! https://www.planforward.io/ Mentions and Links: Communities/Groups: Dental Gumbo Group Dentaltown Events: Front Desk Pro - February 7, 2025 Houston, Texas (Use code "Secret Sauce" at checkout for $100 off!) Businesses: Burbank Dental Lab Software: Dentrix Zoom Terms: KPIs - Key Performance Indicators PMS - Practice Management Software

    28 min
  2. DEC 11

    Overcoming Team Obstacles: Boosting Morale in Dental Teams

    Managing a successful dental practice often hinges on the seamless collaboration and communication of its team. In this episode, Michael and Sandy explore the vital elements of effective team management that can transform your practice into a harmonious and high-functioning operation. They reveal how strong systems for hiring and onboarding are not just administrative necessities but foundational strategies that influence the overall success of the practice. Sandy shares her insights into building a clear vision that resonates across the team, emphasizing how consistent communication can break down barriers and foster an environment where everyone works towards common objectives. As the conversation unfolds, Michael and Sandy turn their focus to the human elements of practice management, emphasizing the importance of motivation and acknowledgment during times of change. Whether it's integrating new technologies or adapting to policy changes, they offer practical advice on how to maintain morale and encourage cooperation among team members. By the end of the episode, you’ll have a toolkit of strategies to reinforce your practice's vision, ensuring that your team is not only aligned but invigorated to achieve shared goals. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The critical role of structured hiring and onboarding processes. How to establish and communicate a clear vision within your team. Techniques for overcoming common team management obstacles. The importance of motivation and acknowledgment during practice transitions. Practical steps to ensure team alignment with new policies and technologies. Tune in now to unlock key strategies for transforming your dental practice through effective team management! Sponsors: Don’t just look ahead. Plan Forward. Discover the dental membership plan partner that empowers your entire office. Created by a team in your shoes. Find out more here, and be sure to mention Dental Drill Bits for a special offer! https://www.planforward.io/ Mentions and Links: Communities/Groups: Dental Gumbo Group Dentaltown Events: Front Desk Pro - February 7, 2025 Houston, Texas (Use code "Secret Sauce" at checkout for $100 off!) People: Dr. Howard Farran

    21 min
  3. DEC 4

    Navigate No-Shows: Proven Scheduling Techniques You Need

    Are broken appointments disrupting the flow of your dental practice and impacting your bottom line? In this episode of Dental Drill Bits, Michael and Sandy dive deep into a chronic challenge faced by many dentists: managing broken appointments. Sandy, drawing from her wealth of expertise, sheds light on effective strategies to tackle this issue head-on. She discusses how proper appointment confirmations can make all the difference and shares her sharp observations on recognizing patterns that often lead to last-minute cancellations. Sandy stresses the imperative of clear and consistent communication as well as the establishment of effective control mechanisms within the practice. She discusses assigning a dedicated scheduler to manage appointments prudently and to ensure patients show up. Sandy shows us actionable verbal techniques, empowering practice owners to see immediate improvements in patient compliance. Wrapping up with key insights, she reminds listeners of the importance of truly understanding patient needs and maintaining well-regulated schedules, offering a roadmap to improved practice efficiency and patient satisfaction. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Techniques for reducing the rate of broken appointments. The impact of proper appointment confirmations on practice workflow. How to detect patterns and triggers that lead to cancellations. Methods for categorizing different types of patient cancellations. The importance of effective communication within your practice. How a dedicated scheduler can boost patient adherence. Verbal strategies to encourage patients to keep their appointments. Ready to enhance your practice's efficiency? Tune in now to stop those no-shows! Sponsors: Do you need a new website or marketing agency? Check out what DocSites can do for you: DocSites.com/landing-pages/ddb Mentions and Links: Communities/Groups: Dental Gumbo Group Front Desk Pro Dentaltown People: Taylor Swift Dr. Robert Westerman Software: Dentrix

    30 min
  4. NOV 27

    From Hesitant to Yes: Strategies for Better Treatment Acceptance

    Is your practice struggling with low treatment acceptance rates? Tune in to this enlightening episode of the Dental Drill Bits podcast, where Michael and Sandy unravel proven strategies to help you turn patient hesitance into commitment. Sandy opens up about the power of mindset, sharing how a positive and empathetic approach can transform the way patients view necessary treatments. By diving into effective communication and questioning strategies, Sandy provides invaluable advice on steering conversations towards understanding patient reluctance, even before they set foot in the office. But that's not all—this episode is rich with practical tools to boost your practice's effectiveness in patient interactions. Discover how education, confidence, and teamwork play crucial roles in presenting treatment plans that resonate. Sandy discusses trust-building techniques involving visual aids like patient photos and educational videos, coupled with addressing financial concerns through customized payment plans. Break down common barriers such as fear, cost, and lack of understanding with tailored approaches that emphasize emotional intelligence and compassionate listening. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The role of a positive mindset in enhancing treatment acceptance. Strategic questions and phrases to reveal patient hesitance. The impact of cohesive team efforts in presenting treatment plans. Techniques for building trust through visual aids and educational tools. Approaches to handling financial objections effectively. Overcoming barriers such as fear, cost, and misunderstanding in dental care. Utilizing emotional intelligence to connect with patients on a deeper level. Listen now to equip yourself with actionable strategies to boost your treatment acceptance rates! Sponsors: Don’t just look ahead. Plan Forward. Discover the dental membership plan partner that empowers your entire office. Created by a team in your shoes. Find out more here, and be sure to mention Dental Drill Bits for a special offer! https://www.planforward.io/ Mentions and Links: Communities/Groups: Dental Gumbo Group Events: Front Desk Pro - February 7, 2025 Houston, Texas (Use code "Secret Sauce" at checkout for $100 off!) Financing: CareCredit Veridi Tools: DDS GP People: Dr. Harold Wirth Brands: Disney Louis Vuitton Studies: ADA Study on Cost of Treatment Henry Schein Treatment Acceptance Quotes: “Man will not test the depth of water with both feet”

    26 min
  5. NOV 20

    Marketing and Sales in Dentistry: What Should I Focus On for 2025?

    Are you equipped to transform your dental practice from good to great as 2025 draws near? In this episode, Michael, Sandy, and Ali embark on a dynamic discussion about the evolving landscape of dental practice management and marketing. Ali, founder of DocSites, takes the floor to break down how his company is revolutionizing dental marketing with a focus on transparency, affordability, and exceptional customer service. The trio dives deep into the significance of managing online reviews and optimizing internal systems to not only attract, but also retain, new patients. As marketing strategies become ever more critical, Ali shares invaluable insights for dental practices on the brink of 2025, advising a pivot from complex branding to simplicity and patient-focused content. He emphasizes the critical nature of maintaining fresh, relevant online content, while ensuring the whole team is fully briefed on ongoing marketing campaigns. With a keen eye on the nitty-gritty of staff training, Ali underscores the balance between marketing and sales, detailing how tracking new patient sources can significantly enhance a practice's marketing efficacy. What You'll Learn in This Episode: How simplifying branding can enhance patient engagement. The role of updated website content in attracting new patients. Strategies for effective staff training and marketing harmonization. The importance of tracking new patient sources to measure success. Insights on balancing marketing and sales efforts. How to optimize internal systems to boost online reviews. Upcoming marketing trends to focus on for 2025. Details on DocSites' flexible service offerings and special deals. Tune in to discover innovative strategies to boost your dental practice's growth today! Sponsors: Do you need a new website or marketing agency? Check out what DocSites can do for you: https://www.DocSites.com/landing-pages/ddb/(Don't miss out on their Black Friday Deal of -$750 off your website! Just mention Michael, Sandy, Dental Drill Bits, or Dental Gumbo!) Mentions and Links: Communities/Groups: Dental Gumbo Group Front Desk Pro Implantology Meeting in Atlanta Businesses/Brands: Burbank Dental Lab Nordstrom Invisalign Oreck Electrolux Nike Amazon Tools: Google Review Cards Places: Aria - Los Vegas

    34 min
  6. NOV 13

    Have Them at "Hello": 6 Steps to Effective Phone Calls in Dental Practices

    Imagine transforming potential inquiries into loyal patient relationships with just a phone call. In this episode, Michael and Sandy dive deep into mastering effective phone communication for dental practice front office staff, a critical yet often overlooked skill. Sandy begins by highlighting the significance of first impressions, presenting a powerful six-step guide designed to seamlessly manage new patient calls. From crafting a welcoming greeting to confidently promoting the practice, Sandy breaks down each step with clarity and precision, ensuring your front office team is well-equipped to handle any conversation with ease. Throughout the conversation, Sandy sheds light on common pitfalls, such as overwhelming potential patients with excessive dental history probes or premature price discussions. By focusing on scheduling appointments and fostering an inviting atmosphere, front office staff can set the stage for meaningful face-to-face interactions. Sandy underscores the value of being a good listener and familiarizing oneself with financing solutions when cost concerns arise. This episode is a must-listen for anyone aiming to elevate their patient communication skills to drive practice growth and satisfaction. What You'll Learn in This Episode: How to create a positive first impression on phone calls. The six crucial steps to handle a new patient inquiry effectively. Strategies to avoid scaring off potential patients with complex details. Common communication mistakes and how to prevent them. Tips for confidently promoting the practice and services. Ways to emphasize consultation over phone-based decisions. Importance of listening and adapting to patient needs. Utilizing financing options to address cost concerns. Listen in now to discover the secrets to exceptional phone communication in your dental practice! Sponsors: Don’t just look ahead. Plan Forward. Discover the dental membership plan partner that empowers your entire office. Created by a team in your shoes. Find out more here, and be sure to mention Dental Drill Bits for a special offer! https://www.planforward.io/ Mentions and Links: Communities/Groups: Dental Gumbo Group Events: Front Desk Pro - February 7, 2025 Houston, Texas (Use code "Secret Sauce" at checkout for $100 off!) People: Cory Pinegar (Reach) Businesses/Brands: Walmart Amazon Prime Netflix Goodwood Hardware

    29 min
  7. NOV 6

    Unraveling Myths: The Real Impact of False Information in Dentistry

    Does the truth always prevail when rumors run rampant in the dental community? In this eye-opening episode, Michael and Sandy confront the damaging effects of rumors and misinformation that pervade the dental industry. They tackle the common pitfalls of comparing oneself or one's practice to others, emphasizing how this can erode confidence and productivity. Delving into specific scenarios such as production numbers and appointment cancellations, Sandy and Michael illustrate how external benchmarks often mislead rather than motivate, highlighting the perilous journey of false comparisons. With social platforms like Facebook and Dentaltown serving as breeding grounds for misinformation, Sandy sheds light on how these spaces can exacerbate fears and quash morale. Her key message? Look inward. Dentists should optimize their internal systems and focus on teamwork to drive success, instead of seeking solace in unreliable sources. The duo offers practical advice to reclaim control, foster positivity, and nurture a practice culture built on verified insights and self-assured growth. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The risks of comparing your dental practice to others. How rumors and misinformation impact morale and decision-making. Effective strategies for improving internal systems and team dynamics. The role of social media in spreading falsehoods within the dental community. Ways to build confidence by focusing on internal measures and outcomes. Tune in to discover how to shield your practice from the clutches of damaging rumors and boost your team's morale! Sponsors: Do you need a new website or marketing agency? Check out what DocSites can do for you: https://www.DocSites.com/landing-pages/ddb/ Mentions and Links: Communities/Groups: Dental Gumbo Group Dentaltown People: Dr. Bob Westerman

    19 min
  8. OCT 30

    Silence the Rumors: Building a Gossip-Free Practice

    Is gossip silently drilling holes in your dental practice, eroding trust and harmony? In this episode of Dental Drill Bits, Michael and Sandy embark on a candid exploration of gossip within dental offices. Sandy dives deep, demystifying the corrosive nature of workplace chatter, sharing eye-opening stories, and offering firsthand insights. With the lively discussion, they expose how gossip not only deteriorates team morale but also impacts patient care subtly yet significantly. Sandy's storytelling captures the gravity of gossip as she narrates the poignant poem "Nobody's Friend," serving as a stark reminder of its potential damage. Michael and Sandy arm you with actionable strategies to cultivate a gossip-free work environment. The episode underscores the power of clear communication, fostering team agreements, and how leaders can actively counter gossip's spread. This episode promises to enlighten dental teams on the path to nurturing a more cohesive, trusting workplace where everyone thrives. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The hidden costs of gossip on team morale and patient care. Practical strategies for fostering a gossip-free work environment. The importance of clear communication in preventing workplace gossip. How to implement team agreements to strengthen workplace harmony. The critical role leaders play in addressing and mitigating gossip. Tune in now to eliminate gossip and build a healthier, more united practice! Mentions and Links: Communities/Groups: Dental Gumbo Group Events: Front Desk Pro - November 15, 2024 New Orleans, Louisiana (Use code: "Secret Sauce" at checkout!) Poems: Nobodies Friend poem Hotels: The Ritz-Carlton Saint Hotel Hamton Inn Courtyard - Marriott People: Julia Child Ina Garten - Interview

    25 min
4.8
out of 5
37 Ratings

About

Sandy Pardue of Classic Practice Resources & Michael Arias of The Dental Marketer discuss issues facing the dental practice owner of today. This is the podcast where you will want a pen and paper to take notes on every single procedure, system, step by step process, and lessons Sandy shares that she has accumulated in 40 years. Enjoy the fun, laid-back vibe as things get real. Sandy is an energetic lecturer and consultant in the area of dental practice management. She is Director of Consulting with Classic Practice Resources and has over 40 years of “hands-on” experience.

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