The Best Practices Show with Kirk Behrendt

ACT Dental
  • 4.8 (71)
  • Business
  • Updated Semiweekly

Welcome to The Best Practices Show, hosted by Kirk Behrendt, founder of ACT Dental (https://www.actdental.com/) and a leader in dental practice coaching. This podcast is your gateway to discovering the hidden gems and tactics used by the most successful dental practices worldwide. At ACT Dental, we have meticulously curated strategies that have consistently proven effective in elevating dental practices. Our podcast, The Best Practices Show, extends our commitment to sharing this wealth of knowledge. Each episode features interviews with renowned dental professionals and industry leaders who have made significant strides in their practices. They share their experiences, insights, and the challenges they've overcome, offering a unique perspective that you won't find anywhere else. Why should you listen to The Best Practices Show? Whether you're a seasoned dentist, a new practice owner, or somewhere in between, this podcast is tailored to inspire and educate. Our goal is not just to provide you with information but to transform the way you think about and run your dental practice. We delve into topics ranging from advanced clinical techniques and practice management to leadership skills and personal growth. Kirk Behrendt, a respected figure in the dental community, brings his vast experience and infectious enthusiasm to each episode, making complex topics both understandable and engaging. As the CEO of ACT Dental, Kirk has helped countless dental practices thrive by focusing on holistic development - professionally, personally, and within their community. Our commitment to authenticity and practical advice sets The Best Practices Show apart. We don't just talk about theories; we dive into real-life applications you can implement immediately in your practice. Our community-centric approach means we're always listening to our audience and constantly evolving our content to meet your needs. In addition to the invaluable insights from our guests, we also provide access to exclusive resources available through ACT Dental. These resources complement the podcast topics and give you a more comprehensive understanding and practical tools to apply in your practice. By subscribing to The Best Practices Show, you're not just gaining access to a podcast; you're joining a community of like-minded professionals committed to excellence in dentistry. So, are you ready to transform your practice and be the best version of yourself? Join us on this journey, and let's grow together. Hit subscribe and never miss an episode of The Best Practices Show – where we uncover the secrets to the success of the world's best dental practices, one episode at a time. Subscribe to The Best Practices Show on Apple Podcasts Join our community and start your journey towards a more innovative, more successful dental practice today!

  1. 2d ago

    1092: The Truth About Practice Ownership, DSOs, and Retirement - Dr. John Cranham

    What should dentists understand about practice ownership, selling to a DSO, planning for retirement, and building a career that stays aligned with their values? In this episode, Kirk Behrendt talks with Dr. John Cranham, restorative dentist, educator, and former clinical director of the Dawson Academy, about the decisions and transitions that shaped his career as he prepares to step away from clinical practice. You will learn what dentists should consider before selling a practice, why giving up control can be difficult, how practice models affect the way dentists deliver care, why retirement requires something meaningful to transition toward, and what Dr. Cranham believes the future holds for comprehensive and fee-for-service dentistry. To hear his perspective from nearly four decades in dentistry, listen to Episode 1092 of The Best Practices Show! Main Takeaways: Dentists should think about their eventual transition and end game early in their careers.Selling a practice to another dentist or a DSO involves tradeoffs, and every transition model carries potential risks.Dentists considering a DSO should carefully evaluate control, compensation, scheduling, practice philosophy, and the organization’s long-term stability.Practice environments become difficult when the dentist’s preferred style of care conflicts with the organization’s priorities or values.Dentists who want to provide relationship-based, comprehensive care need an environment that supports the time, training, and systems required to deliver it.Retirement is easier when dentists are transitioning toward meaningful work, relationships, service, or other activities rather than simply leaving clinical practice.Dr. Cranham believes fee-for-service dentistry remains viable for dentists who combine strong relationships, comprehensive treatment planning, technical excellence, and appropriate use of technology. Episode Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Dr. John Cranham’s retirement and practice transition. 01:23 Dr. Cranham prepares to step away from clinical dentistry. 04:23 His path from dental school to comprehensive dentistry and education. 06:04 Building a general practice focused on aesthetic, implant, and complex care. 07:04 Why Dr. Cranham sold his practice to Heartland Dental. 09:55 Comparing transitions to another dentist, group practice, or DSO. 13:27 The challenge of giving up control after selling a practice. 17:21 His daughter’s decision to reconsider her future within the DSO model. 20:35 Benefits and limitations of high-volume DSO practice. 22:40 Financial promises, compensation, and risks when evaluating DSOs. 25:39 Finding a practice model that aligns with your values. 28:40 What Dr. Cranham would tell himself on his first day of practice. 29:52 Why behavioral skills, relationships, delegation, and financial planning matter. 31:58 Why retirement should be a transition to something meaningful. 33:56 How Dr. Cranham became involved with the Pankey Institute. 38:39 Dr. Cranham’s view of the future of dentistry. 41:01 Why fee-for-service dentistry is not dead. 42:21 The next chapter for Dr. Cranham and Dental Mastery. 44:22 Final thoughts on challenges, changing direction, and asking for help. 47:00 Time boundaries lesson 48:25 Closing Encouragement Guest Bio: Dr. John Cranham graduated from dental school in 1988 and built a general dental practice in Chesapeake, Virginia, with a focus on aesthetic dentistry, implant dentistry, TMD, and complex restorative care. Early in his career, he completed advanced education through the Dawson Academy, the Pankey Institute, and programs associated with Kois and Spear. His Cranham Dental Seminars organization merged with the Dawson Academy in 2004, and he served as clinical director of the Dawson Academy from 2004 to 2020. He later developed Cranham Culp Digital Dental and has continued teaching comprehensive dentists how to translate traditional restorative and occlusal principles into digital workflows. He is also involved with the Pankey Institute and its educational programs. Resources: Good to Great by Jim Collins: https://www.amazon.com/Good-Great-Some-Companies-Others/dp/0066620996 Dental Mastery: https://dentalmastery.com/ More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life: Contact Gina to learn more about ACT: gina@actdental.comThe Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/Smile Source Community Hub: https://www.actdental.com/community-hubUpcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.comSubscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com

  2. 4d ago

    1091: How Do You Handle an Aging Employee Who Can't Meet Expectations? - Alan Twigg

    What should you do when a longtime team member can no longer meet the demands of their role? In this episode, Kirk Behrendt talks with Alan Twigg, president of Bent Eriksen & Associates and an HR professional with more than 20 years of experience, about how dental practice owners can address declining performance without making assumptions about age or medical conditions. You will learn how to establish objective job standards, document performance concerns, approach fitness-for-duty situations, involve an employee’s treating physician when appropriate, and navigate accommodations or transitions while reducing legal risk. For practical guidance on handling one of dentistry’s most difficult HR conversations, listen to Episode 1091 of The Best Practices Show! Main Takeaways: Employers should address an employee’s job performance rather than attempt to diagnose or manage the employee’s medical condition.Current job descriptions, HR policies, and standard operating procedures provide objective benchmarks for evaluating whether an employee is meeting role expectations.Regular check-ins can uncover performance concerns and give employees an opportunity to explain challenges before problems escalate.Leaders should separate observable facts from assumptions about why an employee’s performance has changed.A fitness-for-duty process can involve the employee’s treating physician in determining whether the employee can perform essential job duties and what restrictions may be necessary.Employers may have legal obligations to engage in an accommodation or interactive process when an employee discloses a protected medical condition.Documentation of performance expectations, conversations, restrictions, and accommodations is important when a practice may ultimately need to end employment. Episode Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:11 Alan Twigg’s background and Bent Eriksen & Associates. 04:23 Medical, cognitive, physical, and medication-related factors that can affect job performance. 06:52 Why employers should not act as an employee’s treating physician. 08:03 Using policies, job descriptions, and standards to establish performance expectations. 11:56 Keeping job descriptions current as technology and practice needs change. 15:28 Reviewing changing expectations as a dental practice grows. 18:22 Understanding the fitness-for-duty process. 21:21 Focusing performance conversations on standards, patients, and the team. 22:45 Managing longtime employees who resist changes or plan to retire soon. 28:35 Protected medical conditions and employer responsibilities. 32:43 Why dental practices benefit from qualified HR guidance. 35:00 How Bent Eriksen & Associates supports dental practices with HR issues. Guest Bio: Alan Twigg is the president of Bent Ericksen & Associates. For over 10 years, he has guided thousands of clients and consultants through the ever-changing world of HR and employment compliance. He is a speaker, consultant, and author who is passionate about bringing education and peace of mind to such a confusing topic. As a strong proponent of symbiotic employer-employee relations, Alan is passionate about teamwork and positive work cultures, with an emphasis on long-term personnel retention and employment compliance, where his solutions-oriented outlook excels. Episode Resources: https://bentericksen.com/ More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life: Contact Gina to learn more about ACT: gina@actdental.comThe Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/Smile Source Community Hub: https://www.actdental.com/community-hubUpcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.comSubscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com

  3. 6d ago

    1090: Metric Mondays: Same-Day Collection Percentage:Are We Collecting When Care Happens? - Robyn Theisen

    Are your financial systems helping you collect what patients owe when care happens—or are unexpected balances creating extra work for your team later? In this episode, Kirk Behrendt talks with Robyn Theisen, ACT Dental coach, about same-day collection percentage and why clear financial arrangements matter for both cash flow and the patient experience. You’ll learn what this metric measures, what low same-day collections can reveal about your systems, how stronger financial conversations reduce accounts receivable, and what your team can do to improve financial clarity before treatment begins. For practical ways to strengthen your financial systems and create more predictable collections, listen to Episode 1090 of The Best Practices Show! Main Takeaways: Same-day collection percentage measures how much of the patient portion owed for treatment is collected before the patient leaves the practice.Lower same-day collections often point to weaknesses in financial arrangements rather than a collections problem alone.Reviewing and signing treatment plans before appointments helps patients understand their financial responsibility in advance.Clear financial expectations reduce unexpected balances, collection calls, statements, and administrative follow-up.High-performing practices use consistent systems, payment options, and role-playing to help team members present financial arrangements confidently.A healthy same-day collection percentage can vary based on the practice model, including differences between fee-for-service and PPO-heavy practices.Teams can audit financial readiness during chart preparation by confirming that patients have signed financial arrangements and clear payment expectations. Episode Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to same-day collection percentage. 01:38 Why same-day collections matter as a practice metric. 05:08 Common signs that same-day collection systems are not working. 07:17 How prepared teams approach financial conversations. 10:17 Why collection benchmarks depend on the practice model. 12:39 Auditing financial expectations during daily chart preparation. 13:00 Final thoughts on improving financial systems. Guest Bio: Robyn Theisen brings an entire life and legacy of dental experience to the team and every team with which she works as the daughter and sister of dentists. With almost 20 years of experience in dentistry, her roles ranged from practice management to operations at Patterson Dental to coaching teams. Robyn’s passion is empowering teams to realize that they can dramatically impact the lives of the people they serve by implementing skills and systems to remove barriers to life-changing dental treatment. She has done it for decades and does it every day with dental teams. Outside of coaching, she enjoys time with her husband, Rob, and two daughters, Emerson and Ruby. She loves traveling, music, fitness, and cheering on the Michigan State Spartans. Episode Resources: Creating a Clear Financial Policy resource: https://hub.smilesource.com/c/resources/creating-a-clear-financial-policy-55-questions ACT Dental Community Hub: https://www.actdental.com/community-hub More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life: Contact Gina to learn more about ACT: gina@actdental.comThe Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/Smile Source Community Hub: https://www.actdental.com/community-hubUpcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.comSubscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com

  4. Aug 21

    1089: What Are Your KPIs Telling you? - Adriana Booth

    You may be tracking KPIs in your dental practice, but do you know what those numbers are actually telling you? In this episode, Kirk Behrendt talks with Adriana Booth, an ACT Dental coach, about how key performance indicators reveal the health of your systems, team, patient care, and business. You’ll learn how to interpret KPIs as diagnostic tools, identify the systems influencing your numbers, focus your team on meaningful improvements, and make steady progress without chasing perfection. To understand what your practice data is really telling you, listen to Episode 1089 of The Best Practices Show! Main Takeaways: Every KPI is influenced by multiple systems and should not be interpreted as having only one cause.KPIs can help measure both the health of the practice and the quality of patient care.Teams should ask which system produced a result instead of assigning blame to an individual.New patient growth can be affected by referrals, phone conversion, the first-visit experience, treatment presentation, and follow-up systems.High numbers of unscheduled active patients can indicate weaknesses in reappointment, recare, or other patient-retention systems.Tracking KPI trends over time provides more useful information than relying on assumptions or memory.Practices can create meaningful improvement by selecting a few important KPIs and improving the systems that influence them quarter over quarter. Episode Chapters: 00:00 What KPIs can reveal about a dental practice. 03:01 Using KPIs as feedback instead of judgment. 05:40 Why every KPI is influenced by multiple systems. 06:38 Systems that can affect new patient growth. 08:30 What unscheduled active patients can reveal about a practice. 09:32 KPIs as measures of practice health and patient health. 11:12 How periodontal percentages can reflect patient-care outcomes. 12:45 Stop asking who is responsible and start examining the system. 14:38 Using collection percentage to identify system improvements. 17:38 What a high broken appointment percentage can indicate. 22:44 Focusing on progress rather than perfection. 24:48 Choosing a few KPIs to improve each quarter. 26:34 Using the KPI analysis activity to better understand practice metrics. 28:50 Resources for KPI improvement and coaching support. Guest Bio: Adriana Booth is a Lead Practice Coach who partners with dentists and their teams to cultivate leadership skills, drive practice growth, and streamline business practices. With nearly three decades of experience in the dental industry, Adriana brings a deep passion for professional development, high-level training, and systems creation to her coaching. As a dental hygienist committed to continuing education and personal growth, she thrives on helping practices achieve their full potential. Adriana holds a BS in Dental Hygiene from West Liberty University/O'Hehir University and remains actively engaged in the dental community through study clubs and professional networks. Now based in Teays Valley, WV, Adriana enjoys fitness, reading, quality time with family, and exploring the outdoors with her Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Beau Duke. Episode Resources: KPI Analysis Activity: https://join.actdental.com/c/resources/kpi-analysis-activity More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life: Contact Gina to learn more about ACT: gina@actdental.comThe Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/Smile Source Community Hub: https://www.actdental.com/community-hubUpcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.comSubscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com

  5. Aug 19

    1088: Want a Stronger Team? Start With Self-Awareness - Michelle Wakeman

    What does it take to build a stronger team that can think, collaborate, and perform without the dentist stepping in for every decision? In this episode, Kirk Behrendt talks with Michelle Wakeman, ACT Dental coach, about why stronger leadership starts with self-awareness. They explain how your behavior affects team culture, the four leadership tendencies based on care and challenge, why clarity and accountability strengthen trust, and how pausing before reacting can help you lead more effectively. Learn how to recognize your leadership patterns, give clearer feedback, and create a healthier, more accountable team — listen to Episode 1088 of The Best Practices Show! Main Takeaways: Self-awareness requires understanding your strengths, shortcomings, and impact on other people.The leader’s behavior and emotional state influence the climate of the entire practice.High care with low challenge can lead leaders to avoid difficult conversations and over-function for their team.Low care with high challenge can reduce psychological safety and make team members afraid to speak up or make mistakes.High care with high challenge combines genuine support with clear expectations, honest feedback, and accountability.Pausing before responding under stress helps leaders choose a more effective response instead of reacting automatically.Consistent, proactive conversations prevent small performance issues from becoming larger cultural problems. Episode Chapters: 00:00 Why stronger teams start with self-awareness. 01:03 Building a team that can think and work together. 02:31 Why self-awareness starts with understanding your impact on others. 04:00 Using assessments and coaching to better understand yourself. 06:29 Balancing care and challenge as a leader. 09:19 The four leadership tendencies. 20:26 The power of pausing before responding. 23:18 Identifying your leadership tendency and practicing accountability. 24:00 Kirk’s “today’s the day” leadership story. 29:00 Final thoughts on self-awareness and leadership development. 30:00 To The Top Study Club and closing remarks. Guest Bio: Michelle Wakeman, BSDH brings nearly 20 years of clinical dental hygiene, administrative, managerial and sales experience to the table. She has a passion for people and a natural aptitude for communication that has led her to develop meaningful relationships throughout her career in dentistry. As a coach, she seeks to help dental practices develop systems that enable them to enhance their patient experience, leading to better relationships among owners, team members and patients along with profitable outcomes. In her off time, Michelle can usually be found at the ice rink supporting her son, Hunter in hockey, the ball field cheering on her son, Carter, or the gym, reliving her days as a gymnast with her daughter, Leighton. Episode Resources: Radical Candor: https://www.radicalcandor.com/DISC Assessment: https://www.discprofile.com/what-is-discTo The Top Study Club: http://actdental.com/ttt More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life: Contact Gina to learn more about ACT: gina@actdental.comThe Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/Smile Source Community Hub: https://www.actdental.com/community-hubUpcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.comSubscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com

  6. Aug 17

    1087: Metric Mondays: Diagnostic Percentage: Are You Seeing the Care Patients Need? - Miranda Beeson

    Are gaps in your schedule really a case acceptance problem, or are you simply not diagnosing enough of the care your patients need and want? In this episode, Kirk Behrendt and Metric Mondays co-host Miranda Beeson explain diagnostic percentage, why it is an important leading indicator for future production, and how inconsistent exams, assumptions about patients, and excessive “watching” can limit both care and opportunity. You’ll learn how to evaluate diagnostic percentage by provider, create greater consistency in your comprehensive exams, and identify opportunities to better serve existing patients without turning treatment conversations into a sales process. To improve your diagnostic consistency and help more patients understand their options, listen to Episode 1087 of The Best Practices Show! Main Takeaways: Diagnostic percentage measures the percentage of patients receiving an exam who are diagnosed or treatment planned with new treatment in the practice management software.A low diagnostic percentage can indicate inconsistent exams, incomplete documentation, communication challenges, or assumptions about what patients will accept.Practices should diagnose consistently and allow patients to decide whether and when they want to proceed with treatment.A strong clinical philosophy and standardized examination process help patients receive consistent information regardless of which provider they see.Reviewing diagnostic percentage by provider can reveal variations that should be explored rather than immediately judged as right or wrong.Miranda identifies 45% or higher as a useful benchmark while noting that percentages in the teens, 20s, or low 30s may indicate missed opportunities.Comprehensive exams for existing patients and regular review of conditions being “watched” can uncover changes in patient needs, wants, and appropriate treatment. Episode Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Metric Monday and diagnostic percentage. 02:53 Diagnostic percentage as a measure of consistent patient care. 05:51 Avoiding assumptions about a patient’s willingness or ability to pursue treatment. 07:00 Common causes of low diagnostic percentage. 10:18 How consistent standards support stronger diagnosis. 12:00 Helping patients plan proactively for future dentistry. 14:56 Reviewing diagnostic percentage by provider and using benchmarks. 17:21 Re-evaluating existing patients with comprehensive exams. 19:00 Using improved skills and technology to better evaluate patients over time. 20:00 Untapped treatment opportunities within the existing practice. 21:00 Closing thoughts. Guest Bio: Miranda Beeson has over 25 years of clinical dental hygiene, front office, practice administration, and speaking experience. She is enthusiastic about communication and loves helping others find the power that words can bring to their patient interactions and practice dynamics. As a Lead Practice Coach, she is driven to create opportunities to find value in experiences and cultivate new approaches. Miranda graduated from Old Dominion University, and enjoys spending time with her husband, Chuck, and her children, Trent, Mallory, and Cassidy. Family time is the best time, and is often spent on a golf course, a volleyball court, or spending the day boating at the beach. Episode Resources: The Wallet Biopsy: https://www.actdental.com/blog/the-procedure-to-always-avoid-wallet-biopsy More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life: Contact Gina to learn more about ACT: gina@actdental.comThe Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/Smile Source Community Hub: https://www.actdental.com/community-hubUpcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.comSubscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com

  7. Aug 14

    1086: What Dental Practices Need Before Hiring an Office Manager - Lorie Streeter

    Hiring an office manager can add leadership and structure to a dental practice, but the title alone will not solve problems with communication, accountability, or culture. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt talks with Lorie Streeter, a longtime dental office management advocate and MaxAssist team member, about what practices need to have in place before adding an office manager. They discuss when the role becomes necessary, the leadership qualities to look for, how to define decision-making authority, why regular communication matters, and how dentists can protect strong managers from burnout. To better understand what makes the dentist-office manager relationship work, listen to Episode 1086 of The Best Practices Show! Main Takeaways: A practice should consider adding an office manager when greater leadership and coordination are needed between the clinical and front teams.A strong office manager needs leadership ability, business awareness, level-headedness, and the capacity to manage multiple areas of the practice.Longevity in a practice does not automatically qualify a team member to become the office manager.Dentists and office managers should have consistent business-focused meetings in addition to their daily patient and team communication.Dentists need to clearly define which decisions an office manager can make independently, which require discussion, and which remain the dentist's responsibility.Trust between the dentist and office manager should include appropriate oversight of KPIs, scheduling issues, unscheduled treatment, and other important business indicators.Office managers need support, communication, continued education, and clear boundaries to reduce the risk of burnout. Episode Chapters: 00:00 What dental practices should know before hiring an office manager. 01:37 Lorie Streeter's background in dental office management. 05:19 AADOM and Office Manager Support 07:00 Why an office manager will not automatically solve practice problems. 11:20 Indicators that a practice may need an office manager. 13:08 Leadership skills and responsibilities of an effective office manager. 16:13 Office manager workload and the risk of burnout. 19:07 Communication rhythms between dentists and office managers. 21:52 Defining decision-making authority and responsibilities. 24:23 Managing communication in multi-doctor practices. 27:13 Balancing trust with appropriate oversight. 31:00 Qualities to consider in a prospective office manager. 31:04 Transitioning from clinical roles into practice administration. 35:00 How MaxAssist supports practice teams and tracks team activity. 38:00 Final guidance for dentists and office managers. Guest Bio: With nearly three decades in the dental industry, Lorie blends deep field experience with a passion for growth and connection. As a former dental office manager and past Vice President of The American Association of Dental Office Management (AADOM), she understands firsthand the challenges and opportunities practices face. Her focus at MaxAssist is to expand impact through relationship-driven strategy, smart technology, and a heart for office managers. Episode Resources: AADOM: https://learn.dentalmanagers.com/Dental Assistant to Practice Administrator course from AADOM: https://learn.dentalmanagers.com/products/dental-assistant-to-practice-administrator-da-to-pa-curriculumMaxAssist: https://maxassist.com/lorie/https://www.instagram.com/loriestreetermaxedout/linkedin.com/in/loriestreeterhttps://www.tiktok.com/@loriestreetermaxedout More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life: Contact Gina to learn more about ACT: gina@actdental.comThe Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/Smile Source Community Hub: https://www.actdental.com/community-hubUpcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.comSubscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com

  8. Aug 12

    1085: What Is Working In Dental Marketing? - Minal Sampat

    Dental marketing has changed significantly, but the goal is still to connect with the right patients and give them a reason to care. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt talks with Minal Sampat, marketing strategist, social media coach, dental hygienist, best-selling author, and founder of Marketologist, about what is working in dental marketing today. You will learn how to use AI without losing trust, create content around patient outcomes, improve local and social marketing, track where patients actually come from, and evaluate your marketing budget based on your audience and competition. For practical ways to make your marketing more effective, listen to Episode 1085 of The Best Practices Show! Main Takeaways: Marketing platforms and techniques continue to change, but effective marketing still depends on connecting with people and giving them something they care about.AI should be used as a tool rather than a substitute for human communication, and practices should be transparent when AI-generated avatars or content are being used.Dental content builds more trust when it shows the patient outcome of treatment instead of focusing only on procedures.Practices can expand their local reach by supporting nearby businesses and organizations and collaborating with them through social media content.Marketing budgets should be based on the competitive environment, the patients the practice wants to serve, and the activities that produce a measurable return.New patient forms can help identify the patient journey by allowing patients to select every marketing source that contributed to their decision.Internal marketing should emphasize patient appreciation and practice culture, while external marketing should create a consistent experience across reviews, social media, websites, ads, and patient communication. Episode Chapters: 00:00 What is working in dental marketing today. 02:39 Minal’s background in marketing and dental hygiene. 05:40 Creating a Guinness World Record campaign. 10:11 How dental marketing changed after COVID-19. 13:26 The growing role of AI in marketing. 14:55 Using AI while maintaining trust. 17:00 Humanizing AI-generated communication. 21:05 Social media content and Google search visibility. 22:30 Creating dental content that builds trust. 28:49 A simple local marketing strategy for dental practices. 30:59 Combining ground marketing with social media. 33:11 Leveraging existing marketing to reduce unnecessary spending. 35:37 Understanding your target audience. 36:52 Marketing KPIs and tracking patient sources. 40:07 Internal versus external marketing. 42:29 Evaluating the potential patient journey. 44:15 Final thoughts on using marketing tools effectively. 44:47 Minal’s Exchange session. 45:43 Podcast Wrap Up Guest Bio: Minal Sampat, RDH is the bestselling author of Why Your Marketing Is Killing Your Business, And What To Do About It. She is the founder of Marketologist® - an online marketing strategy & training course & community, a renowned marketing strategist, sought-after speaker, and social media coach extraordinaire. Minal is the founder of the popular CE on The Beach™ event! She hosts CE events & workshops on beautiful islands around the world. This event has sold out every single time! Plus, she is the Co-founder of the Pediatric Dental Marketing Course & Pediatric Dental Growth Summit! P.S. Many call Minal the "Marketing Therapist." Episode Resources: https://www.minalsampat.com/https://ceonthebeach.com/https://marketologist.com/https://www.instagram.com/minalsampatllc/https://www.facebook.com/RealTalkWithMinalSampatHeyGen: https://app.heygen.comChatGPT: https://chatgpt.com/Perplexity: https://www.perplexity.ai/ More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life: Contact Gina to learn more about ACT: gina@actdental.comThe Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/Smile Source Community Hub: https://www.actdental.com/community-hubUpcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.comSubscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com

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About

Welcome to The Best Practices Show, hosted by Kirk Behrendt, founder of ACT Dental (https://www.actdental.com/) and a leader in dental practice coaching. This podcast is your gateway to discovering the hidden gems and tactics used by the most successful dental practices worldwide. At ACT Dental, we have meticulously curated strategies that have consistently proven effective in elevating dental practices. Our podcast, The Best Practices Show, extends our commitment to sharing this wealth of knowledge. Each episode features interviews with renowned dental professionals and industry leaders who have made significant strides in their practices. They share their experiences, insights, and the challenges they've overcome, offering a unique perspective that you won't find anywhere else. Why should you listen to The Best Practices Show? Whether you're a seasoned dentist, a new practice owner, or somewhere in between, this podcast is tailored to inspire and educate. Our goal is not just to provide you with information but to transform the way you think about and run your dental practice. We delve into topics ranging from advanced clinical techniques and practice management to leadership skills and personal growth. Kirk Behrendt, a respected figure in the dental community, brings his vast experience and infectious enthusiasm to each episode, making complex topics both understandable and engaging. As the CEO of ACT Dental, Kirk has helped countless dental practices thrive by focusing on holistic development - professionally, personally, and within their community. Our commitment to authenticity and practical advice sets The Best Practices Show apart. We don't just talk about theories; we dive into real-life applications you can implement immediately in your practice. Our community-centric approach means we're always listening to our audience and constantly evolving our content to meet your needs. In addition to the invaluable insights from our guests, we also provide access to exclusive resources available through ACT Dental. These resources complement the podcast topics and give you a more comprehensive understanding and practical tools to apply in your practice. By subscribing to The Best Practices Show, you're not just gaining access to a podcast; you're joining a community of like-minded professionals committed to excellence in dentistry. So, are you ready to transform your practice and be the best version of yourself? Join us on this journey, and let's grow together. Hit subscribe and never miss an episode of The Best Practices Show – where we uncover the secrets to the success of the world's best dental practices, one episode at a time. Subscribe to The Best Practices Show on Apple Podcasts Join our community and start your journey towards a more innovative, more successful dental practice today!

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