Deep Dives with Dr. Dan, powered by Orthobrain

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Welcome to Deep Dives with Dr. Dan, where the future of dentistry is built one conversation at a time. Powered by OrthoBring, we bring you the leaders and innovators shaping the modern practice. I am your host, Dr. Dan. Let's dive in.

  1. Oct 26

    Jake Goates on Wealth, Sales & the Goat CMO Story

    Wondering how much you should actually spend on dental marketing? Goat CMO founder and CEO Jake Goates joins Dr. Dan for a wide-ranging deep dive that starts with wealth and ends with hard numbers. Jake — who's worked with an estimated 6,000 dentists over his 13+ years in the industry — unpacks a definition of wealth rooted in gratitude and relationships before getting tactical about DSO rollups, patient personas, and why "the fundamentals of marketing" still matter even as AI reshapes how patients find a practice.   From there, the conversation turns personal and practical. Jake opens up about growing up with undiagnosed ADHD and dyslexia, how that shaped his approach to sales and communication, and why he believes good salespeople are guides, not heroes. He closes with concrete marketing budget benchmarks by growth stage, a look inside Goat CMO's patient persona reports, and a preview of his upcoming panel at the Orthodontist Growth Summit in Cleveland. Guest: Jake Goates, Founder and CEO of Goat CMO, a data-driven dental marketing agency; has worked in dentistry for over 13 years. Key Takeaways Wealth = gratitude and relationships, not just a bank balance Dentistry is a vehicle to wealth, not the only wealth strategy Vulnerability builds real connection — with patients and mentors alike Sales is guiding the patient, not manipulating them (hero vs. guide mindset) No silver bullet in marketing — reactive gimmicks lose to intentional planning Marketing spend should scale with growth goals: 3% to maintain, up to 9–11%+ for hyper-growth Quote of the Week "We are not the hero of their story. We are the guide that allows them and empowers them to recognize that they are the hero of their own story." — Jake Goates (00:32:55) Resources Mentioned Goat CMO — https://www.goatcmo.com/ The Five Lessons a Millionaire Taught Me About Life and Wealth by Richard Paul Evans - https://bit.ly/45Umr19 The Psychology of Selling by Brian Tracy - https://bit.ly/4ckPRsQ Story Brand 2.0 by Donald Miller - https://bit.ly/4qO5Nd8 Raving Patients podcast — Dr. Len Tau - https://www.drlentau.com/podcast Orthodontist Growth Summit, Cleveland (October 7–9) — https://ogs-2026.orthobrain.com/ Weber State University Professional Sales Program - https://www.weber.edu/majors/professional-sales.html "GOAT Event Experience" full-arch conversion event — Goat CMO - https://www.goatcmo.com/ Timestamped Chapters [00:00:03] – Welcome & meet Jake Goates, founder of Goat CMO [00:00:48] – From a family of 13 to a career in sales and marketing [00:03:28] – The real story behind the "Goates" name [00:04:44] – Redefining wealth beyond the bank account [00:08:38] – Lessons from interviewing 6,000+ dentists [00:12:32] – Chasing wealth to create impact, not just accumulate it [00:16:56] – Dentistry as a vehicle to wealth in the DSO rollup era [00:21:06] – Overcoming ADHD and dyslexia to find his voice [00:25:27] – Vulnerability, connection, and diagnosing a plateaued practice [00:29:22] – Reframing sales: you're the guide, not the hero [00:34:51] – Leveling up sales skills: books, journaling, and role-play [00:38:14] – Why dentists chase gimmicks instead of building intentionally [00:39:58] – Are marketing fundamentals changing with AI and culture? [00:45:25] – What dentists should actually spend on marketing [00:49:31] – Inside Goat CMO's services and the GOAT Event Experience [00:52:43] – Speaking at the Orthodontist Growth Summit in Cleveland [00:55:54] – The legacy Jake hopes makes his parents proud   Call to Action Loved this deep dive with Jake Goates? Subscribe to Deep Dives with Dr. Dan so you never miss an episode, and share it with a colleague who's rethinking their marketing budget.

  2. Oct 12

    Get Paid for Who You Are: How Dr. Brad Hughes Built a 12-Practice Empire by Leading Like a Coach

    EPISODE SUMMARY What separates a dentist who runs a practice from one who builds an empire? According to Dr. Brad Hughes — founder of Vision Dental Partners and a third-generation dentist running 12 locations — it comes down to one thing: you. In this raw, high-energy conversation with Dr. Dan, Brad pulls back the curtain on the mindset shifts, hard coaching lessons, and leadership principles that took him from a single inherited practice to a thriving DSO — and what he wishes he'd known from day one. From cigar-smoke little league coaches to Bob Knight's motion offense, Brad draws vivid parallels between elite sports and elite dentistry. He breaks down exactly how dentists get commoditized, why the 4-to-5 practice range is a danger zone, and why the most powerful thing you can do for your brand has nothing to do with Google ads or insurance panels. If you've ever felt like you were the ceiling of your own practice — this episode will blow the roof off. 3. KEY TAKEAWAYS Process beats goal-setting. Setting goals without building a daily process is just wishful thinking. Brad's team sets a goal and then lets it go — trusting the process to deliver the outcome, just like championship sports programs do. You are the limiting factor. It took Brad 2–3 years after taking over his dad's practice to realize the ceiling was him. The day he accepted full accountability — no excuses — everything changed. The 3-or-10 rule for scaling. Don't get stuck at 4–5 practices. Either stay at three or fewer (manageable without a full management team) or commit to scaling past seven, where the infrastructure investment finally makes sense. The middle is the danger zone. Charisma is a learnable skill. Brad grew up shy. He built his on-camera presence through sheer repetition. His advice to introverts: pick up your phone, turn it around, and start recording. Awkward is the price of admission. Get paid for who you are, not what you do. Patients who know, like, and trust you say yes — not because of a $79 new patient special or an insurance network, but because of who you are. That's brand. That's unlimited upside. Hire for leadership potential, then build it. Promoting from within works — but only if you recruit people who already want to lead. You can't manufacture that ambition after the fact. 4. QUOTE OF THE WEEK "Get paid for who you are, not what you do. The patient that comes in that knows, likes, and trusts you will say yes to the work they need — not because you had a $79 new patient special, not because you're in that MetLife — because of who you are." — Dr. Brad Hughes | Timestamp: 00:36:36 5. RESOURCES MENTIONED Jay Geier & The Scheduling Institute — the coaching organization Brad credits as the catalyst for his mindset breakthrough and practice growth OrthoBrain — the platform powering the Deep Dives with Dr. Dan podcast Orthodontist Growth Summit (Cleveland, October) — live event where Dr. Brad Hughes will present his "Get Paid for Who You Are" talk BPC 157 — peptide Brad uses for recovery and performance TB500 — peptide Brad uses alongside BPC 157 for recovery 6. CHAPTERS WITH TIMESTAMPS Timestamp Chapter 00:00:02 Welcome & Guest Introduction 00:01:06 IU Sports, Family Bonds & What Sports Teaches Us 00:05:55 Coaching Principles Applied to Business & Dentistry 00:08:46 The Bob Knight Philosophy: Preparation Over Plays 00:11:02 Leveraging Your Superpowers: Soft Skills & Charisma 00:13:07 Brad's Fitness Journey & The Case for Physical Standards 00:19:49 Taking Over Dad's Practice & The First Hard Lessons 00:22:07 The Scheduling Institute & the Accountability Moment 00:25:41 Leadership at Scale: Single Practice vs. Multi-Practice DSO 00:27:30 The 3-or-10 Rule for Growing a Group Practice 00:30:12 Hiring & Promoting from Within 00:32:52 Building On-Camera Confidence from Scratch 00:34:29 Advice for Introverts Who Want to Build a Brand 00:36:36 "Get Paid for Who You Are" — The Core Philosophy 00:38:20 Three Generations of Dentistry & the Cost of Commoditization 00:41:30 What Would Make His Family Most Proud 00:42:21 Closing Thoughts & Call to Action 7. CALL TO ACTION If this episode challenged how you think about leadership, brand, and what's really holding your practice back — don't keep it to yourself. Share it with your team. Subscribe to Deep Dives with Dr. Dan so you never miss a conversation like this one, and if something hit home, drop us a review — it helps more dentists find the show. Until next time, let's keep diving deeper.

  3. Sep 28

    31 Aligner Starts in ONE Day: The Culture Playbook Behind Franklin Street Dental

    Episode Summary What does it take to start 31 clear aligner cases in a single day — without a hard sell in sight? In this episode of Deep Dives with Dr. Dan, host Dr. Dan sits down with Dr. Chad Ashley and marketing director Maria Alcantor of Franklin Street Dental to pull back the curtain on their now-legendary "Simply Clear Day." Spoiler: the magic wasn't a discount or a gimmick. It was months of preparation, a team that fully believed in the work, and patients who already trusted every doctor in the building before they ever walked in the door.   But this conversation goes deeper than one blockbuster day. Dr. Ashley shares how he grew a small 1996 startup into a thriving four-doctor practice — and why he's turned down two chances to open satellite offices to protect the one thing he refuses to compromise: culture. You'll hear how the right words change a patient's entire perception of treatment, why "just" is a banned word in a great practice, and the mentorship (from Pete Dawson to Ken Runkel) that keeps a 30-year veteran learning faster than ever. Whether you're building a team, launching an aligner program, or just trying to lead better, there's a pearl in here for you. Key Takeaways Protect culture before you chase growth. Franklin Street passed on two satellite-office opportunities because splitting the doctor team would dilute the culture that makes everything work. Any future expansion will be into an adjacent building — keeping everyone under one roof. A themed "aligner day" can produce outsized results. The team started 31 pre-qualified clear aligner cases in a single Hawaiian-themed day — palm tree in the lobby, food truck at lunch, team tailgate after — while seven hygienists ran their normal schedule. Pre-qualify everything. Every patient arrived already knowing their insurance coverage, discount, and monthly-vs-paid-in-full options — and had already committed to move forward. The day was a celebration of starts, not a sales pitch. The right words change patient perception. Reframing the conversation to "Dr. Ashley is going to work with an orthodontist to develop the perfect case for you" was a game-changer — it signals a custom case built for the patient, not a product being ordered. Ban the word "just." Dr. Dan's "Danism": words like "just a general dentist" or "just a retainer" minimize the value you deliver. Cut them from the practice vocabulary. Vet the staff, not just the doctor. Dr. Ashley's advice to young dentists evaluating a practice: the team tells the real story. A recruit learned more watching the office play co-ed softball than he did assisting in a procedure. Quote of the Week "It's not about selling, it's about doing the right thing." — Dr. Chad Ashley (09:13) Resources Mentioned orthobrain® — clear aligner partner and podcast sponsor; case reviews that told the team when to pass on a case, not just proceed Paragon / Ken Runkel — practice-transition mentorship; host of the Longboat Key events referenced throughout Linda Miles — early customer-service and practice-management education Pete Dawson series — occlusion and restorative education the practice worked through Pankey series — continuing education Dr. Ashley started his son on Oral-B iO6 electric toothbrush — patient giveaway on the Simply Clear Day Simply Clear Day — Franklin Street Dental's themed clear aligner event Chapters 00:00:02 — Welcome to Deep Dives with Dr. Dan 00:01:26 — Meet the duo: Dr. Chad Ashley & Maria Alcantor 00:03:21 — From a small 1996 startup to four full-time doctors 00:04:39 — The mentors who shaped the practice (Linda Miles, Pete Dawson) 00:05:44 — Why they chose culture over a second location 00:07:40 — Bible study, quarterly dinners & the camaraderie at the top 00:08:38 — How patients describe Franklin Street Dental 00:10:11 — Building the brand: showing patients the people behind the practice 00:11:27 — The Simply Clear Day is born 00:13:21 — Dr. Ashley's reaction: turning the practice "off" to turn it on 00:14:55 — 31 cases and the trust that made it possible 00:15:42 — Inside the Hawaiian-themed event day 00:16:32 — The timeline, the Oral-B rep & flawless execution 00:17:46 — What "pre-qualified" really means 00:18:27 — The giveaways, discounts & payment options 00:19:40 — Growth mindset: how to do it even better next time 00:21:57 — Team belief and the orthobrain® partnership 00:22:49 — Knowing when to pass: clinical judgment & honest answers 00:23:56 — "Just a general dentist" and the case for orthodentistry 00:27:12 — The parking-lot Zoom and the verbiage pearl that changed everything 00:29:47 — Longboat Key, Ken Runkel & staying hungry to learn 00:33:39 — Relationships over sales: when vendors become friends 00:34:55 — Leading as a "managing partner" in a four-doctor model 00:36:20 — Advice for young dentists vetting a practice 00:38:38 — Sports, the national-champion Hoosiers & a baseball family 00:42:09 — Parenting pearls: the batting cage, being available & having a plan 00:45:20 — What made their parents proud & closing reflections 00:47:42 — Sign-off: keep diving deeper Subscribe & Keep Diving Deeper If this one challenged your thinking or sparked an idea for your own practice, don't keep it to yourself. Hit subscribe so you never miss an episode of Deep Dives with Dr. Dan, leave a review to help more dental leaders find the show, and share it with a colleague or your team. Until next time — let's keep diving deeper.

  4. Sep 14

    Braces, Aligners & Confidence in the Chair | Dr. Maria Jackson | Deep Dives with Dr. Dan

    1. Episode Summary What do a golf scholarship, a fourth-generation dental legacy, and a global pandemic have in common? They all shaped one of the most energetic dentists you'll meet. In this episode of Deep Dives with Dr. Dan, host Dr. Dan sits down with Dr. Maria Jackson — the only female dentist in a family full of them, a former University of Kansas golfer, and a practice owner who built her office in 2019 only to watch the world shut down while it was still under construction. Ten years into her career, Maria brings a rare mix of clinical confidence and refreshing honesty about the highs, the lows, and everything nobody warns you about in dental school.   If you've ever felt alone in your operatory, overwhelmed by the business side, or unsure whether to start offering ortho, this conversation is your permission slip to begin. Maria breaks down why continuing education (like a GPR and her Academy of General Dentistry fellowship) changed her career, how the mental game of golf keeps her calm in the chair, why "ortho your way" beats a one-size-fits-all approach, and how to protect your body and your peace of mind for the long haul. It's practical, it's punchy, and it just might change how you show up to work tomorrow. 2. Key Takeaways Dental school teaches the basics — continuing education teaches the reality. A GPR and her Academy of General Dentistry path gave Maria the surgical confidence and hands-on comfort to handle worst-case scenarios solo in private practice. The golf mindset is the dentist mindset. Stay levelheaded, don't let your emotions run the round, and accept that perfection isn't the goal. As the books put it: "swing hard" and "take dead aim." Career longevity is built on self-care. Pilates, yoga, cardio, good ergonomics (thank you, loops), and regular massage or chiro work keep you in the chair for decades. Start small and make it routine. "Ortho your way" — there's no wrong answer. Match braces or aligners to the patient's lifestyle and compliance, not the other way around. Not choosing aligners isn't "failing." GPs can and should keep ortho in-house. Patients trust you and don't want to be referred out. Lean on a support system (Maria uses orthobrain®) and never be too proud to ask questions. Draw a hard line between clinical and business. Empower a great office manager, protect your headspace, and remember the "Q-tip": Quit Taking It Personally. 3. Quote of the Week "You'll never regret starting. You'll be mad that you waited so long to start." — Dr. Maria Jackson (00:22:56) 4. Resources Mentioned orthobrain® — ortho support system and podcast sponsor Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) — fellowship and mastership education path Academy of GP Ortho — Texas event where Maria is speaking Orthodentistry Growth Summit — conference Maria attended in Cleveland (and is speaking at again) Rock and Roll Hall of Fame — Cleveland landmark visited during the Growth Summit University of Kansas (KU) — Maria's undergrad (attended on a golf scholarship) UMKC — Maria's dental school Tiger Woods — referenced on the evolution of golf fitness and technology Books referenced by Dr. Dan: Tiger Trait It's Not a Game of Perfect Harvey Penick's Little Red Book and Little Green Book — source of the "swing hard" and "take dead aim" lessons 5. Chapters 00:00:02 — Welcome to Deep Dives with Dr. Dan 00:01:08 — Meet Dr. Maria Jackson: Fourth-Generation Dentist 00:02:04 — From Golf Scholarship to Dental School 00:03:04 — Why a GPR Was a Game-Changer 00:05:19 — The Academy of General Dentistry & Family Rivalry 00:06:14 — Who's the Best Dentist in the Family? 00:09:44 — Golf Lessons That Build Better Dentists 00:14:19 — Books, Perfectionism & "Take Dead Aim" 00:16:59 — Staying Healthy: Fitness, Ergonomics & Self-Care 00:19:15 — How to Actually Start (Keep It Realistic) 00:23:10 — Speaking, Teaching & Identifying Patient Types 00:25:30 — Braces vs. Aligners: "Ortho Your Way" 00:29:10 — Getting Started With Ortho as a Young Dentist 00:32:32 — The Growth Summit & the Power of In-Person Learning 00:35:28 — Advice to Her Younger Self 00:37:51 — The Business Side of Dentistry 00:39:22 — What Makes Her Parents Most Proud 00:40:33 — Closing Thoughts & Sign-Off 6. Call to Action Loved this one? Don't keep it to yourself. Subscribe to Deep Dives with Dr. Dan so you never miss an episode, leave a review to help more dentists find the show, and share it with a colleague or your team who needs the nudge to just start. Until next time — keep diving deeper.

  5. Aug 24

    Dental Done Differently — Inside Tend's Model with CDO Dr. Chris Salerno | Deep Dives with Dr. Dan

    1. Episode Summary Some dentists spend a career perfecting one thing. Dr. Chris Salerno collected hats instead — clinician, national speaker, chief editor of Dental Economics, ADA committee chair, and now Chief Dental Officer at Tend. But here's the twist: none of it was planned. In this episode of Deep Dives with Dr. Dan, Chris pulls back the curtain on a career built one curious step at a time, and hands over the exact take-home lessons from each chapter — how he found lecture traction in a "sub-sub-niche," why showing his "C+ cases" made audiences lean in, and how "emotional deposits before emotional withdrawals" turned networking into opportunity.   If you've ever felt your practice trying to be everything to everyone, this conversation is your permission slip to focus. Chris breaks down the frameworks he actually uses: Osterwalder's Business Model Canvas for defining who you serve, his own "Three Ps" (Pay, Praise, Promote) for turning culture off the wall and into behavior, and Tend's "Three Es" (Excellence, Efficiency, Experience) for hiring the right people. Whether you're a new grad, a practice owner, or an enterprise leader, you'll walk away with a clearer business model, a sharper leadership lens, and the single best question to ask before you ever sign on with a new employer. 2. Key Takeaways Niche down to stand out. Lecturing on broad topics is a "red ocean." Chris built momentum in a sub-sub-niche (implant complications) — and by openly showing his imperfect "C+ cases," which made him more compelling, not less. Network by giving first. Powerful networking means working the exhibit floor as hard as the lectures, meeting as many people as you can, and making "emotional deposits before emotional withdrawals" — not just asking for favors. Enterprise leadership is a different sport. Running one great practice you touch daily doesn't automatically translate to multi-site leadership. Scaling requires buy-in, feedback loops, and bottom-up leadership — not just top-down emails. Nail your business model first. Get clear on your target demographic and unique value proposition (Osterwalder's framework). Stop trying to be everything to everyone and be something special to a target few. Turn culture into action with the Three Ps. Pretty words on a wall aren't culture. How you Pay, Praise (and critique), and Promote (or terminate) is what actually shapes the environment your team lives in. Interview your interviewer. You're evaluating each other. Be a little bold and ask a prospective employer about their business model — who they serve and how — to find out if it's truly the right fit. 3. Quote of the Week "Stop trying to be everything to everyone and be something really special to a target few." — Dr. Chris Salerno (00:20:13) 4. Resources Mentioned Business Model Generation — book by Alexander Osterwalder (2010) on building a business model from the ground up. Business Model Canvas (Osterwalder) — a free framework; searchable on Google and available in-depth on YouTube. Harvard Business Review (hbr.org) — roughly $20 an issue with access to a large online catalog; case studies on leadership, culture, and business. The Netflix Culture Deck — the well-known culture slide deck (15+ years old), available online, including its Enron value-statement cautionary tale. Simon Sinek — leadership content referenced by the host on confident vulnerability. The Curious Dentist — Dr. Chris's blog, launched around 2009–2010. Dental Economics — the publication where Chris served as chief editor for seven years. ASDA (American Student Dental Association) and the ADA (American Dental Association) — organizations central to Chris's early involvement and leadership development. Tend — the dental company where Chris serves as Chief Dental Officer ("dental done differently"). Net Promoter Score (NPS) — the customer-experience metric Tend uses in training and role-play. OrthoBrain / OrthoBrain University — the podcast's sponsor. Orthodentistry Growth Summit (this October) — event where Chris is slated to speak on business-model frameworks. AAO Annual Meeting (American Association of Orthodontists) — referenced re: the long-running "Prioritize Your Ps for Practice Prosperity" course. 5. Chapters with Timestamps 00:00:02 — Welcome & Meet Dr. Chris Salerno 00:02:00 — A Career of Many Hats (and Why It Was Never the Plan) 00:04:16 — The Curious Dentist: Curiosity as Fuel 00:05:51 — Finding a Niche & the Power of Showing Your "C+ Cases" 00:08:46 — Networking, Writing & Editing Dental Economics 00:10:20 — From Top Producer to Enterprise Leader at Tend 00:14:08 — Confident Vulnerability in Leadership 00:19:05 — Building a Business Model: Osterwalder, HBR & Ruthless Focus 00:26:07 — Culture That Sticks: Mission, Vision & the Three Ps 00:35:52 — Inside Tend: "Dental Done Differently" & the Three Es 00:44:28 — The Smartest Question to Ask a Future Employer 00:47:36 — Best Questions, Vulnerable Confessions & Making Parents Proud 00:52:11 — Closing Thoughts 6. Call to Action Loved this one? Don't miss the next dive. Subscribe to Deep Dives with Dr. Dan so you never miss an episode — and if something here resonated, share it with a colleague or your whole team and leave us a review. Until next time, let's keep diving deeper.

  6. Aug 10

    Why Dentistry's Silent Crisis Demands Better Leaders — J.M. Ryerson | Deep Dives with Dr. Dan

    1. Episode Summary   Dentistry has the highest suicide rate of any occupation in the country — a staggering, sobering fact that reframes this entire conversation. In this deeply personal episode of Deep Dives with Dr. Dan, powered by orthobrain®, host Dr. Dan sits down with J.M. Ryerson, founder of Let's Go Win, whose path into the dental world began with unimaginable loss: the suicide of his father. What follows isn't your typical "grow your practice" pep talk. It's a raw, honest look at why so many high-achieving doctors are quietly falling apart behind picture-perfect practices — and what it actually takes to lead, and live, from a place of strength.   If you've ever felt the pressure of wearing every hat, the loneliness of being "the one who has to do it," or the addictive pull of go-go-go with no off switch, this one's for you. J.M. and Dr. Dan trade hard-won lessons on leadership, delegation, mentorship, and the burnout that hides in plain sight — plus the practical daily and quarterly habits that keep them grounded. You'll walk away with a permission slip most doctors never get: it's okay to not be okay, and there's a better way to build a practice without breaking yourself in the process.   2. Key Takeaways   Mental health is the missing conversation in dentistry. With the profession carrying the highest suicide rate of any occupation, J.M. makes the case that thriving as a doctor starts with how you're doing holistically — not just how your practice performs. His message: "It's okay if you're not okay." Perfection is the enemy of greatness. The same straight-A perfectionism that makes doctors great clinicians can sabotage them as leaders. You'll fail, you'll scrape your knees — that's the only way you grow. Delegation isn't enough — empowerment is the unlock. Handing off tasks while micromanaging caps your growth. Truly trusting your team (and being okay when they don't do it "your way") is where freedom lives: "It's amazing what can get accomplished if no one cares who gets the credit." Great leaders drop the ego and ask for feedback. Telling your team "I'm working to be a better leader — help me" accelerates growth faster than any course. The ego is the downfall. Success on the outside can mask a crisis on the inside. Watch for the warning signs — constant negativity, no excitement to go to work, and the five people you surround yourself with (they either lift you up or bring you down). Grounding habits tame the drive. J.M.'s antidote to adrenaline addiction: a daily 40 minutes of "sacred time" (breathwork, meditation, yoga, qigong), a quarterly 2–3 day tech detox, and daily journaling to "brain dump" — because every "I have to" is really a choice.   3. Quote of the Week   "It's okay if you're not okay." — J.M. Ryerson (05:16)   4. Resources Mentioned   Let's Go Win — J.M. Ryerson's company and his book, Let's Go Win: The Keys to Living Your Best Life, originally written for his two sons. Ray Dalio — cited as the source of the "radical transparency" leadership philosophy. Henry Ford — referenced for the "whether you think you can or you can't, you're right" mindset. Ben Johns — mentioned as the top pickleball pro (used as an analogy for skill-building through practice). orthobrain® — the show's presenting partner. Grounding practices referenced: breathwork, meditation, yoga, and qigong ("40 minutes of sacred time"); daily journaling / brain dumps; and quarterly 2–3 day technology detoxes.   5. Chapters with Timestamps   00:00:02 — Welcome & Meet J.M. Ryerson 00:02:03 — The Book He Wrote for His Sons 00:03:51 — Losing His Dad & Dentistry's Silent Crisis 00:06:33 — Is Leadership Really Lonely at the Top? 00:09:07 — Why Dentists Are Never Taught to Lead 00:11:56 — Leadership Is a People Business 00:14:46 — Perfectionism, Ego & the Power of Feedback 00:17:30 — Delegation vs. True Empowerment 00:21:23 — Reciprocal Mentorship: Senior Meets Junior Docs 00:23:42 — Successful on the Outside, Empty on the Inside 00:27:51 — How Your Team Can Spot Burnout 00:30:23 — The Adrenaline Trap (Dr. Dan's Story) 00:34:56 — 40 Minutes of Sacred Time 00:36:55 — Victor, Not Victim: Everything Is a Choice 00:38:23 — Journaling: The Secret to Peace 00:40:37 — What Makes His Mom Proud & Sign-Off   6. Call to Action   Loved this conversation? Don't keep it to yourself. Subscribe to Deep Dives with Dr. Dan so you never miss an episode, leave a review to help more practice owners find the show, and share this one with a colleague or your team — especially anyone who might need the reminder that it's okay to not be okay. Until next time, let's keep diving deeper.

  7. May 25

    Train the Team, Grow the Practice: Ortho-First + Whitening with Dental Assistants | Shannon Pace Brinker

    In this episode of the Orthodentistry™ Today podcast, host Dr. Dan German welcomes Shannon Pace Brinker, a passionate advocate for dental assistants and a successful teeth whitening business owner. Shannon shares her journey from being a traditional dental assistant to becoming a champion for team education in dental practices. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration between general dentists and orthodontists, highlighting how a well-educated team can significantly enhance patient care and treatment acceptance. Shannon's insights on the integration of orthodontics and whitening as foundational steps in restorative dentistry provide a fresh perspective on patient management and treatment planning. Throughout the conversation, Shannon discusses her experiences working with various dentists and the lessons learned about patient trust and communication. She stresses the need for dental teams to engage with patients effectively, using tools like digital scans and photographs to enhance understanding and acceptance of treatment plans. The episode concludes with Shannon's advice for dental professionals to invest in their own education and to empower their teams, ensuring that they can provide the best possible care to their patients. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone in the dental field looking to elevate their practice and improve patient outcomes. Keywords orthodontics, dental assistants, patient care, teeth whitening, dental education, team collaboration, restorative dentistry, dental practice management, patient communication, dental team training Takeaways "The sky is the limit for dental assistants." "We need assistance coming with our doctors to learn how to do courses and learn how to do treatment together." "Patients trust us; they look to every team member for guidance." "Whitening is a great entryway into restorative dentistry." "Invest in yourself; nobody's going to invest more than you." "We need to celebrate the small wins with our patients." "If we can get the teeth in the right position, we can be more conservative with restorations." "The only thing more important than what you do is how you do it." "Let your team run with it; they can do amazing things." "Take photos, do a digital scan, and listen to your patients."   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Orthodentistry Today 01:00 Meet Shannon Pace Brinker: Champion of Dental Assistants 02:00 Shannon's Journey in Dentistry 05:48 The Importance of Team Education 09:46 Building Patient Trust and Communication 13:56 Integrating Whitening and Orthodontics 20:09 Identifying Missed Opportunities in Patient Care 23:49 Innovative Educational Programs for Dental Teams 27:52 Advice for Young Dental Professionals 32:06 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

  8. May 11

    40 Ortho Starts in Year 1: A New Dentist’s Playbook for Ortho, Tech & Trust | Dr. Deanna Skowronski

    In this episode of the Orthodentistry™ Today podcast, Dr. Dan German interviews Dr. Deanna Skowronski, a passionate young orthodontist who has successfully integrated orthodontics into her family dental practice just a year after graduating from dental school. Deanna shares her journey, highlighting her early exposure to dentistry through her family and her determination to succeed despite facing challenges in getting into dental school. She emphasizes the importance of building relationships with patients and the problem-solving aspect of dentistry, which fuels her passion for the profession. Throughout the conversation, Deanna discusses her approach to orthodontics, including the significance of early intervention and the use of technology like digital scanning and 3D printing in her practice. She also shares insights on the business side of dentistry, the value of mentorship, and the importance of continuous education. Deanna encourages her peers to embrace orthodontics, emphasizing that with the right support and resources, general dentists can confidently provide orthodontic care to their patients. Her story serves as an inspiration for both new and seasoned practitioners in the field. Keywords orthodontics, dental practice, mentorship, technology in dentistry, patient care, dental education, orthodontic success, general dentistry, early intervention, 3D printing Takeaways "If you find something you love, you never work a day in your life." "I really make a conscious effort to dial in and listen." "You don't have to reinvent the wheel; those processes are tried and true." "It's not what you do, it's what you are." "Make sure you're truly passionate about the profession." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Orthodentistry Today 01:31 Dr. Deanna Skowronski’s Journey to Dentistry 03:30 The Passion Behind Dentistry 06:28 Navigating the Business Side of Dentistry 08:41 The Importance of Mentorship and Consulting 10:27 Learning from Classmates and Staying Connected 11:13 Orthodontics Education and Practical Experience 13:34 Engaging Patients in Orthodontics 15:27 Leveraging Technology in Practice 19:24 The Role of Collaboration in Dentistry 22:00 Continuing Education and Future Goals 24:27 Advice for General Dentists in Orthodontics 27:12 Influences and Trends in Dentistry 30:22 Cautions in Modern Dentistry 32:57 Improving Dental Education

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Welcome to Deep Dives with Dr. Dan, where the future of dentistry is built one conversation at a time. Powered by OrthoBring, we bring you the leaders and innovators shaping the modern practice. I am your host, Dr. Dan. Let's dive in.

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