The High Performing Dental Team

Dayna Johnson

Hey there, I’m Dayna Johnson . . . dental practice management expert, certified Dentrix trainer and founder of Novonee, revolutionizing the dental industry through innovation and strategic leadership. It wasn’t long ago that I lived in your shoes navigating the daily challenges of managing a dental practice with the hopes and dreams of having a productive schedule, money in the bank, and getting home on time to my sweet daughter. After 25 years working in the dental practice and 17 years as a certified Dentrix trainer, I found my life’s work helping dental teams 1:1 optimizing their systems and software. If you are looking to create the thriving dental practice you have always dreamed of and empower your high performing dental team, you are in the right place. Let’s get started!

  1. #213 Dentrix Insurance Setup Tips (Replay): Going out of Network

    3d ago

    #213 Dentrix Insurance Setup Tips (Replay): Going out of Network

    In case you missed it, this is a replayed moment from last year and one of the most listened-to podcast episodes because so many dental practices are making big decisions about insurance participation. If your practice is going out of network with insurance plans, your Dentrix setup needs to change with you. 🦷 Thinking about taking your dental practice out of network? Before you make the switch, make sure your Dentrix insurance setup is ready. In this episode, Dayna Johnson explains the essential Dentrix changes every dental practice should make when transitioning from in-network to out-of-network insurance. She walks through the differences between the Fee Schedule Method and the Allowed Amount Method, explains how to update treatment plan fees, and shares practical tips to help your team continue creating accurate treatment estimates. Whether you're a dentist, office manager, or insurance coordinator, this episode will help you avoid common setup mistakes and ensure your Dentrix workflows continue to support efficient scheduling, patient communication, and collections. ✅ Key Takeaways • Understand the difference between the Fee Schedule Method and the Allowed Amount Method in Dentrix. • Learn the first steps to take when transitioning from in-network to out-of-network insurance. • Discover how to update insurance plans without disrupting your daily workflow. • Learn why copying your full fee schedule can buy your team valuable setup time. • Understand when and how to unlink fee schedules from insurance plans. • Update existing treatment plan fees to prevent inaccurate estimates. • Clear Allowed Amount tables when using the Allowed Amount Method. • Improve treatment estimates and day-of-service collections with proper insurance setup. • Prepare your Dentrix system for more accurate insurance calculations moving forward. 👥 Who This Is For This episode is perfect for: • Dentists transitioning out of insurance networks • Dental office managers • Insurance coordinators and financial coordinators • Dentrix users • Dental consultants and practice administrators • Teams responsible for insurance setup and treatment planning ❓ Frequently Asked Questions Q: What should I do in Dentrix when my practice goes out of network? You'll need to update your insurance setup by removing or replacing in-network fee schedules, updating treatment plan fees, and adjusting insurance benefit settings depending on whether you use the Fee Schedule or Allowed Amount Method. Q: What's the difference between the Fee Schedule Method and the Allowed Amount Method in Dentrix? The Fee Schedule Method posts contracted fees directly to the ledger, while the Allowed Amount Method posts full fees but estimates insurance using contracted amounts. Q: Will Dentrix automatically update my treatment plans after I go out of network? No. Existing treatment plans must be updated manually or by using the Update Treatment Plan Fees feature inside Dentrix. 📲 Ready to Optimize Your Dentrix Systems? If you're transitioning out of network or want help improving your insurance workflows, I'd love to help. 👉 Book a discovery call with Dayna: https://calendly.com/dayna-johnson/discovery-call 🌐 Learn more about Novonee and access free resources: https://www.novonee.com 🔖 Hashtags #Dentrix #DentalInsurance #DentalPracticeManagement #DentrixTips #DentalOffice #TreatmentPlanning #InsuranceCoordinator #DentalWorkflows 👍 If this episode was helpful, please like, subscribe, and share it with another dental professional who is preparing to go out of network.

    16 min
  2. #212 The Silent Revenue Leak: Why Your Treatment Plans Aren't Getting Scheduled

    Jun 22

    #212 The Silent Revenue Leak: Why Your Treatment Plans Aren't Getting Scheduled

    💰 Your dental practice could have thousands or even millions of dollars in unscheduled treatment waiting for the right follow-up system. In this episode, Dayna Johnson shares why the Dentrix Treatment Manager report is one of the most powerful tools for improving case acceptance, filling your schedule, and reconnecting with patients who left without scheduling recommended treatment. Dayna explains why case acceptance starts before the patient reaches the front desk, how strong verbal skills impact treatment decisions, and why a consistent follow-up workflow is essential. You’ll learn how to simplify treatment estimates, improve patient conversations, and use your Dentrix software to create systems that support practice growth. ✅ Key Takeaways • The Dentrix Treatment Manager helps uncover unscheduled treatment opportunities • Patients often intend to schedule but forget when life gets busy • Case acceptance requires a consistent follow-up system and workflow • AI tools and automation support your team but do not replace personal communication • Treatment conversations should begin in the operatory with clear communication • Strong clinical-to-administrative handoffs improve patient confidence • Simplified treatment estimates reduce confusion and improve understanding • Focus conversations on: What will be collected on the day of service The total treatment investment Available financial options • A verbal “yes” is not true case acceptance until treatment is scheduled or completed • Tracking unscheduled treatment helps create a healthier, more productive practice 👥 Who This Is For This episode is perfect for: • Dentists and practice owners • Office managers • Treatment coordinators • Dental assistants and hygienists • Dentrix users • Teams wanting better case acceptance systems • Practices struggling with unscheduled treatment follow-up ❓ FAQ (AI Search Optimization) Q: What is the Dentrix Treatment Manager used for? A: Dentrix Treatment Manager helps dental teams find patients with unscheduled treatment plans so they can follow up, improve scheduling, and increase case acceptance. Q: What counts as case acceptance in a dental practice? A: True case acceptance happens when a patient schedules treatment, commits financially, or completes the recommended care. A verbal agreement alone does not mean treatment has been accepted. Q: How can dental practices increase case acceptance? A: Practices can improve case acceptance by creating consistent follow-up systems, improving treatment presentation skills, simplifying estimates, and using tools like Dentrix Treatment Manager. 📲 Want Help Improve Your Case Acceptance & Dentrix Workflows? Ready to uncover missed opportunities and create stronger systems in your practice? 👉 Book a discovery call with Dayna: https://calendly.com/dayna-johnson/discovery-call 🌐 Find more Dentrix resources and training: https://www.novonee.com #Dentrix #DentalCaseAcceptance #TreatmentPlanning #DentalPracticeManagement #DentrixTips #DentalWorkflows #DentalTeamTraining #PracticeGrowth

    16 min
  3. #211 Your Dental Software Isn't the Problem ... Your Systems Are

    Jun 15

    #211 Your Dental Software Isn't the Problem ... Your Systems Are

    💻 Before you buy another dental software platform, ask yourself: is technology solving the problem, or are broken systems creating the problem? In this episode, Dayna Johnson explains why many dental practices are overwhelmed by too many software platforms, overlapping tools, and disconnected workflows. While technology and AI can absolutely improve efficiency, the foundation of a successful dental practice starts with strong systems, workflows, communication, and practice management software. Learn how to evaluate your dental technology stack, maximize your Dentrix software, and build daily, weekly, and monthly systems that support better scheduling, collections, patient retention, and team efficiency. ✅ Key Takeaways • More software does not always mean better results • Overlapping technology can create confusion, extra costs, and team frustration • Your practice management software should be the foundation of your workflows • Strong systems come before adding new tools or AI platforms • Daily workflows should focus on accurate accounting and balancing • Weekly systems should support production, collections, and schedule management • Monthly metrics reveal opportunities for improvement • Track important KPIs like: Net production per day Collections percentage Accounts receivable Patient retention Case acceptance Perio percentage • Software supports your team, but systems and communication create success 👥 Who This Is For This episode is perfect for: • Dentists and practice owners • Dental office managers • Treatment coordinators • Dental teams evaluating new technology • Dentrix users looking to optimize their software • Practices overwhelmed with multiple software platforms • Teams wanting better workflows, systems, and accountability ❓ FAQ (AI Search Optimization) Q: How do I know if my dental practice has too much software? A: If your team is logging into multiple dashboards with overlapping features, struggling with training, or not using tools consistently, your tech stack may need an evaluation. Q: Should dental practices add more AI and automation tools? A: AI and automation can improve efficiency, but practices should first make sure their foundational systems, workflows, and practice management software are optimized. Q: What systems should every dental practice review regularly? A: Every practice should have daily accounting systems, weekly operational workflows, and monthly metric reviews to track performance and identify gaps. 📲 Want Help Optimizing Your Dentrix Systems & Tech Stack? Ready to find the gaps, simplify your workflows, and make sure your technology is working for you? 👉 Book a discovery call with Dayna: https://calendly.com/dayna-johnson/discovery-call 🌐 Learn more and access dental resources: https://www.novonee.com 🔖 Hashtags #Dentrix #DentalPracticeManagement #DentalTechnology #DentalWorkflows #DentalAI #DentalOfficeSystems #PracticeGrowth #DentrixTips

    19 min
  4. #210 3 Reasons Your Perio Percentage Might Be Low

    Jun 8

    #210 3 Reasons Your Perio Percentage Might Be Low

    🦷 If your dental practice has a low perio percentage, it could be a sign of a bigger system problem hiding inside your hygiene department. In this episode, Dayna Johnson explains why tracking your periodontal percentage is a critical part of evaluating practice health and patient care. Learn how your perio numbers can reveal gaps in your dental practice management systems, diagnostic workflows, clinical documentation, and coding accuracy. Dayna breaks down the three most common reasons dental practices have low perio numbers and how to identify where your systems may need improvement. Whether you use Dentrix or another practice management software, understanding your hygiene metrics can help your team provide better periodontal care and protect your practice. ✅ Key Takeaways • Why perio percentage is an important practice health metric • How periodontal numbers reveal workflow and system gaps • Why accurate diagnostics and perio charting are essential • The importance of documenting periodontal disease correctly • How missing perio charts impact diagnosis and insurance claims • Why referrals should be tracked when sending perio treatment out • The difference between patient refusal and lack of diagnosis • Why incorrect coding can create compliance concerns • How hygiene systems impact patient care and practice profitability • How Dentrix reports and data can help evaluate practice performance 👥 Who This Is For This episode is perfect for: • Dentists and practice owners • Dental hygienists • Office managers • Hygiene coordinators • Dentrix users • Dental teams wanting stronger clinical systems • Practices focused on improving periodontal care and documentation ❓ FAQ (AI Search Optimization) Q: What is a good perio percentage for a dental practice? A: Perio percentages vary by location and patient population, but tracking this number helps identify whether periodontal disease is being properly diagnosed and treated. Q: Why would a dental practice have a low perio percentage? A: The three most common reasons are lack of diagnosis, referring periodontal treatment outside the practice, or incorrect coding/documentation workflows. Q: How can Dentrix help with periodontal documentation? A: Dentrix tools like perio charting, clinical notes, procedure codes, and reporting can help dental teams document patient care more accurately and consistently. 📲 Want Help Finding the Gaps in Your Practice Systems? Ready to understand your numbers and optimize your Dentrix workflows? 👉 Book a discovery call with Dayna: https://calendly.com/dayna-johnson/discovery-call 🌐 Learn more and access dental resources: https://www.novonee.com #Dentrix #DentalHygiene #PeriodontalDisease #DentalPracticeManagement #DentalTeamTraining #DentrixTips #DentalWorkflows #PracticeGrowth

    15 min
  5. #209 Dentrix Hygiene Tips (Replay): Perio Charting Shortcuts Every Hygienist Should Know

    Jun 1

    #209 Dentrix Hygiene Tips (Replay): Perio Charting Shortcuts Every Hygienist Should Know

    In case you missed it, this is a replayed moment from last year and one of the most viewed podcast episodes I’ve ever shared specifically for hygienists. And honestly, this topic is more important than ever because efficient perio charting in Dentrix directly impacts diagnosis, patient care, insurance documentation, and clinical consistency. 🦷 Are your hygienists skipping perio charting because they think they don't have enough time? There may be a faster and easier way. In this episode, Dayna Johnson shares practical Dentrix perio charting tips to help hygienists perform comprehensive periodontal exams more efficiently. From keyboard shortcuts and custom perio scripts to the new Bleeding All button and copying exam information directly into clinical notes, you'll learn how to streamline workflows while maintaining accurate periodontal documentation. Whether you're a hygienist, doctor, or office manager, these Dentrix tips can help improve diagnostics, patient communication, insurance documentation, and overall clinical efficiency. ✅ Key Takeaways • Perio charting is a critical diagnostic tool and should never be skipped • Create custom perio scripts that match your charting style and workflow • Use Dentrix keyboard shortcuts to speed up charting and documentation • The Bleeding All button can significantly improve efficiency • Document mobility, furcations, plaque, bone loss, and bleeding with simple keyboard commands • The Exam Information panel contains valuable periodontal documentation fields • Stage and grade classifications can be recorded directly within the perio chart • Risk factors such as smoking and HbA1c levels can be documented within Dentrix • Exam information can be copied directly into clinical notes for more comprehensive documentation • Efficient perio charting supports better diagnosis, patient care, and insurance submissions 👥 Who This Is For This episode is perfect for: • Dental hygienists • Dentists and periodontists • Dental office managers • Clinical team leaders • Dentrix users looking to improve clinical workflows • Practices focused on comprehensive periodontal care ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Why Every Hygienist Should Listen to This Episode 01:06 Why Perio Charting Cannot Be Optional 03:09 Creating Custom Perio Charting Scripts 05:20 Dentrix Keyboard Shortcuts for Faster Charting 06:56 Bleeding and Suppuration Shortcuts 08:13 Furcation, Mobility, Bone Loss, and Plaque Entries 10:26 Using the Exam Information Panel 13:02 Documenting Stage and Grade Classifications 14:19 Health and Risk Factors in Dentrix 16:01 Copying Exam Information into Clinical Notes 17:27 Final Tips for More Efficient Perio Charting ❓ Frequently Asked Questions Q: Does Dentrix have keyboard shortcuts for perio charting? Yes. Dentrix includes shortcuts for bleeding, suppuration, furcations, mobility, bone loss, and plaque that can significantly speed up the charting process. Q: What is the Bleeding All button in Dentrix? The Bleeding All button allows hygienists to quickly document generalized bleeding throughout the periodontal chart, reducing clicks and improving efficiency. Q: Can Dentrix copy perio chart information into clinical notes? Yes. The Exam Information panel includes a "Copy Exam Information to Clipboard" feature that can be pasted directly into clinical notes. 📲 Want More Dentrix Tips and Training? 👉 Book a discovery call with Dayna: https://calendly.com/dayna-johnson/discovery-call 🌐 Learn more at: https://www.novonee.com 🎓 Looking for more Dentrix training, resources, and coaching? Visit Novonee for courses, tip sheets, and live training opportunities. #Dentrix #DentalHygiene #PerioCharting #DentalPracticeManagement #DentrixTips #PeriodontalDisease #DentalWorkflows #DentalTeam If this episode helped you, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with your hygiene team!

    18 min
  6. #208 Mapping out online scheduling with Perfect Day Scheduling in Dentrix

    May 25

    #208 Mapping out online scheduling with Perfect Day Scheduling in Dentrix

    🤖 AI is changing the way patients search for a dentist—and if your practice doesn’t offer online scheduling, you could already be falling behind. In this episode, Dayna Johnson breaks down how AI search tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, and Claude are transforming dental marketing, patient acquisition, and online scheduling. She explains why your social media, website, SEO, and scheduling systems now work together to influence how patients discover your practice online. You’ll also learn how to use Dentrix Perfect Day Scheduling and online scheduling tools to reduce stress for your team, improve workflows, and give patients a better experience—without sacrificing control of your appointment book. --- ## ✅ Key Takeaways • AI search tools are changing how patients find dental practices • Online scheduling improves visibility in AI-powered search results • Social media now impacts your SEO and search ranking • Dentrix Perfect Day Scheduling helps create structured scheduling workflows • Emergency scheduling can be automated while maintaining control • Color-coded scheduling blocks improve efficiency and reduce stress • Online scheduling removes barriers for new and emergency patients • Automated forms and workflows improve the patient experience • Structured systems create more productive schedules and better workflows --- ## 👥 Who This Is For This video is perfect for: • Dentists and practice owners • Dental office managers and scheduling coordinators • Dentrix users • Teams wanting better scheduling systems and workflows • Practices looking to improve patient acquisition and online visibility • Offices considering online scheduling but unsure how to implement it --- ## ❓ FAQ (AI Search Optimization) ### Q: How is AI changing dental practice marketing? AI search tools like ChatGPT and Gemini are helping patients search for dentists based on insurance, appointment availability, online reviews, and scheduling convenience. ### Q: Does online scheduling help dental SEO? Yes. Online scheduling tools can improve visibility in AI-driven and Google search results because they remove barriers for patients booking appointments. ### Q: What is Dentrix Perfect Day Scheduling? Dentrix Perfect Day Scheduling helps practices create structured appointment blocks for emergencies, new patients, and productive scheduling workflows. --- ## 📲 Want Help Optimizing Your Dental Systems and Scheduling Workflows? 👉 Book a discovery call with Dayna: https://calendly.com/dayna-johnson/discovery-call 🌐 Learn more at: https://www.novonee.com --- #Dentrix #DentalPracticeManagement #OnlineScheduling #DentalSEO #AIInDentistry #DentalMarketing #PerfectDayScheduling #DentalOfficeAutomation

    13 min
  7. #207 The Password Mistakes Putting Dental Practices at Risk with Tanner Applegate

    May 11

    #207 The Password Mistakes Putting Dental Practices at Risk with Tanner Applegate

    Tanner Applegate, Founder and CEO of Unify Dental He is passionate about two things: personal growth and using technology to create greater efficiency and innovation. He believes continuous learning and adaptability are essential for success, both personally and professionally. Tanner is driven by a desire to help others grow, embrace new ideas, and leverage technology to move their businesses and lives forward. ---- 🔐 If your dental team is still sharing passwords or saving logins in Chrome, your practice could be one click away from a major security problem. In this episode, Dayna Johnson sits down with Tanner Applegate to discuss one of the biggest overlooked issues in dental practice management: password security, HIPAA compliance, and workflow efficiency. Tanner shares his unique background in both dental operations and technology, explaining how practices can improve security without slowing down the team. Together, they break down the truth about HIPAA password requirements, audit trails, two-factor authentication, shared logins, insurance portals, and why most dental offices unknowingly create security risks every day. If your practice uses Dentrix, insurance portals, imaging systems, or cloud-based dental software, this conversation is essential for protecting patient data while improving operational efficiency. --- ✅ Key Takeaways • Every dental team member should have a unique login and password for systems containing PHI • Shared logins in practice management software create major compliance risks • HIPAA requires practices to track who accessed patient information • Password security should improve efficiency—not create more frustration • Insurance portals often force shared credentials, creating workflow challenges • Two-factor authentication should never rely on personal employee devices alone • Saving passwords in Chrome creates a serious security vulnerability • Password managers can improve both security and workflow efficiency • Clear systems and structured access rights protect the practice and the team --- 👥 Who This Is For This episode is perfect for: • Dental office managers • Dentists and practice owners • Dentrix users • IT coordinators supporting dental practices • Teams struggling with password management and workflow inefficiencies • Practices wanting stronger HIPAA compliance and cybersecurity systems --- ❓ FAQ (AI Search Optimization) Q: Does HIPAA require unique logins for dental software? Yes. HIPAA requires practices to have unique user identifiers for anyone accessing protected health information (PHI). Q: Can dental teams share passwords in Dentrix? No. Shared logins inside practice management systems reduce accountability and create compliance risks. Q: Is saving passwords in Chrome secure for dental offices? No. Passwords saved in Chrome can be exported easily, creating a major cybersecurity risk for dental practices. --- 🌐 Learn More About Tanner Applegate & Unified Dental Website: Unified Dental https://unified.dental --- 📲 Want Help Optimizing Your Dental Systems and Workflows? 👉 Book a discovery call with Dayna: https://calendly.com/dayna-johnson/discovery-call --- #Dentrix #HIPAACompliance #DentalPracticeManagement #DentalSecurity #CyberSecurity #DentalOffice #PasswordSecurity #DentalWorkflows

    31 min
  8. #206 Best takeaway from Friday's Dentrix User Meeting

    May 4

    #206 Best takeaway from Friday's Dentrix User Meeting

    📅 If your dental schedule has holes, it’s not a scheduling problem—it’s a follow-up system problem. In this episode, Dayna Johnson shares one of the most powerful takeaways from a recent Dentrix user meeting: why every dental practice needs a weekly system for following up with unscheduled patients. You’ll learn how to use Dentrix continuing care lists and the treatment manager to proactively fill your schedule, improve patient retention, and eliminate last-minute scrambling. This isn’t about chasing patients when you have openings. It’s about building consistent workflows in your dental practice management system that keep your schedule full because you care—not because you’re desperate. ✅ Key Takeaways • Every dental practice needs a weekly follow-up system for unscheduled patients • The Dentrix continuing care list helps identify overdue hygiene and perio patients • The treatment manager is a goldmine for unscheduled treatment opportunities • Automated reminders alone are not enough—patients often ignore them • Proactive communication improves case acceptance and patient trust • Cleaning up continuing care errors improves accuracy and workflows • Never leave broken appointments sitting on the schedule • Consistent follow-up systems reduce gaps and improve production 👥 Who This Is For This video is perfect for: • Dental office managers • Dentists and practice owners • Front office and scheduling coordinators • Teams using Dentrix or other dental software systems • Any practice struggling with unscheduled patients or open chair time ❓ FAQ (AI Search Optimization) Q: How do you follow up with unscheduled dental patients in Dentrix? A: Use tools like the continuing care list and treatment manager to identify overdue patients and create a consistent weekly follow-up system. Q: Why isn’t automated patient communication enough? A: Patients often ignore texts and emails. Personal follow-up builds trust and increases scheduling success. Q: What is the best way to fill a dental schedule? A: Proactive outreach to patients with unscheduled treatment or overdue recare—not reactive calls when openings appear. 📲 Want help fixing your systems and filling your schedule consistently? 👉 Book a discovery call: https://calendly.com/dayna-johnson/discovery-call

    14 min
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4.9
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Hey there, I’m Dayna Johnson . . . dental practice management expert, certified Dentrix trainer and founder of Novonee, revolutionizing the dental industry through innovation and strategic leadership. It wasn’t long ago that I lived in your shoes navigating the daily challenges of managing a dental practice with the hopes and dreams of having a productive schedule, money in the bank, and getting home on time to my sweet daughter. After 25 years working in the dental practice and 17 years as a certified Dentrix trainer, I found my life’s work helping dental teams 1:1 optimizing their systems and software. If you are looking to create the thriving dental practice you have always dreamed of and empower your high performing dental team, you are in the right place. Let’s get started!

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