Beyond the Operatory

Dental City
  • 5.0 (1)
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  • 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. Choosing the Right Handpiece: Dr. Marc Geissberger Relies on NSK Innovation | Ep. 19

    3d ago

    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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. The Evolution of Orthodontics: Trust, Tech, and Teamwork with Dr. Ed Lin | Ep. 14

    May 1

    The Evolution of Orthodontics: Trust, Tech, and Teamwork with Dr. Ed Lin | Ep. 14

    In this episode of Beyond the Operatory, host John Stamper sits down with Dr. Ed Lin, a renowned orthodontist and international lecturer based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. With over 26 years of experience, Dr. Lin shares his unique journey from being one of the first dentists mentored by Heartland Dental founder Dr. Rick Workman, to building a high-tech, boutique orthodontic practice. Dr. Lin dives deep into the fundamentals that haven’t changed—like the necessity of functional occlusion—while addressing the massive shifts in how patients research treatments using AI and digital reviews. We also discuss the "controversial" side of aligners, the rise of 3D printing, and why the orthodontist must act as the "quarterback" for restorative dental teams. In this episode, we cover: Chapters 00:00:00 The Evolution of Orthodontics: Trust, Tech, and Teamwork with Dr. Ed Lin 00:08:34 Consultation Philosophy: Why Dr. Lin disagrees with "one-step" treatment consultations and prefers a second visit for complex cases. 00:12:04 The AI Reality Check: Using AI tools like Overjet and Pearl as indicators, not absolute truth, and the role of "Dental Monitoring" in eliminating unnecessary office visits to save time for both patients and the practice. 00:15:34 3D Printing vs. Milling: Why 3D printing provides more accurate margins and less material waste than traditional milling. 00:18:34 General Dentist & Specialist Relations: How to utilize Zoom and digital records to improve communication between restorative dentists and orthodontists. 00:26:13 The "Mini-MBA" Lessons: How mentorship from Dr. Rick Workman shaped Dr. Lin's understanding of teamwork and business fundamentals. 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.

    47 min
  7. Building Your Dream Team: How to Hire for Character & Train for Skill | Ep. 13

    Apr 24

    Building Your Dream Team: How to Hire for Character & Train for Skill | Ep. 13

    Your obituary won't list your bank statements—it will list the lives you touched. In this episode of Beyond the Operatory, host John Stamper welcomes back Ken Mathys for a vulnerable conversation about the "human side" of the dental business. After decades as a CPA and controller, Ken shares his personal transformation from a "Type-A Bean Counter" to a people-first leader. They discuss why financial success is a lagging indicator of a healthy culture, how to build a "Dream Team" that anticipates problems before you do, and the delicate art of sharing financial goals with your staff (without making them feel like just a number). In this episode, we cover: Chapters 00:00:00 Building Your Dream Team: How to Hire for Character & Train for Skill 00:02:15 Confessions of a Former Controller: Ken’s transition from a rigid "numbers guy" to a leader who understands the value of empathy. 00:05:50 The North Star: Why setting a clear vision is the only way to get your team to row in the same direction. 00:08:25 The Two Pillars of Leadership Ken highlights the importance of being tuned into staff as individuals and ensuring they know exactly where they stand. 00:11:55 The Private Equity Question: Can you maintain a "family feel" in a DSO environment? (Ken says yes, if you demand latitude). 00:14:40 Honor the Past: How to take over a practice without alienating the legacy staff who built it. 00:16:45 Managing Change & Communication How to lead a team through transitions by engaging them in the plan and rewarding successes beyond just monetary incentives. 00:19:40 Sharing the Numbers: A safe way to introduce financial transparency to your team without overwhelming them. 00:22:15 Defining the "Dream Team": Why the best teams don't ask "What should I do?"—they just handle it. 00:25:30 Pay for Performance Transitioning a practice from longevity-based pay to a performance-based model with clear expectations and pay ranges 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.

    31 min
  8. The Macroeconomic Shift and Its Impact on the DSO M&A (Mergers & Acquisitions) Space | Ep. 12

    Apr 17

    The Macroeconomic Shift and Its Impact on the DSO M&A (Mergers & Acquisitions) Space | Ep. 12

    "The era of buying your way to profitability is over. Welcome to the new reality of the DSO space."  In this episode of Beyond The Operatory by Dental City, host John Stamper welcomes back Brian Colao, Director of the DSO Industry Group at Dykema, to dissect the macroeconomic forces that have reshaped the dental industry.  From the "Great Resignation" and soaring inflation to the interest rate spikes that triggered an M&A drought, Brian breaks down how these changes have forced the industry into an "unnatural state." With the days of cheap capital and hyper-inflated valuations behind us, Brian discusses how this affects Private Equity, the reality of delayed recapitalizations, and why the "Costco model" of deep operational understanding is the only way forward for dental organizations.  In this episode, we cover: Chapters 00:00:00 The Macroeconomic Shift and Its Impact on the DSO M&A (Mergers & Acquisitions) Space 00:04:40 The Year of "What Didn't Happen": Why the expected M&A recovery of 2025 stalled out due to stubborn interest rates and inflation. 00:08:45 The M&A Drought & Future Outlook: Why the market saw a massive slowdown in transactions and why Brian predicts a slow, steady recovery through 2028. 00:11:05 The "Dry Powder" Reality: Why Private Equity won't just blindly pour unprecedented capital into dentistry anymore. 00:13:25 Dentistry's "Unnatural State": Why the inability to pass rising costs onto patients (unlike a plumber or electrician) makes innovation the only true equalizer. 00:16:45 The "Recap" Crunch: The tension building between dentists waiting for their second equity event and PE groups desperate to recycle their funds. 00:21:10 The New Normal for Multiples: Why the days of 15x-16x multiples are over and what solo practices and groups can realistically expect today. About the Guest: Brian Colao is the [SS1] (#_msocom_1) 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.

    33 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!

Information

  • Creator
    Dental City
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Dental City, Inc.
  • Show Website
    Beyond the Operatory

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