Who’s picking up your office phone—and are they turning callers into loyal patients or missed opportunities? In this episode, we meet Eric Hubbard, founder of Pain-Free Dental Marketing, to uncover the remarkable origin story behind his company. Eric shares raw memories from his rural Oklahoma upbringing, his mother’s courageous fight with cancer, and the pivotal moment when a compassionate dentist, Dr. John Barroso, offered more than just dental care—he offered hope. Years later, this gratitude fueled Eric’s mission to help dentists thrive, leading to the creation of a marketing agency that now champions dental practices across the country. We take a candid look at what truly moves the needle for practices looking to grow. Our conversation goes beyond traditional marketing by spotlighting the critical impact of front desk staff, patient interactions, and the systems that track every touchpoint, like CallRail and integrated CRMs. Eric pulls back the curtain on how real results come from training, honest feedback, and rewarding proactive communication—not from racing to the bottom on price. The conversation closes with Eric reflecting on personal lessons learned, the value of clear communication, and his journey toward confidence and authenticity, leaving us inspired and equipped to rethink how we define success in dentistry. What You'll Learn in This Episode:Essential strategies for attracting the right dental patients in a competitive marketWhy front desk staff are the key to patient conversions and retentionThe role of call tracking and analytics in pinpointing missed opportunitiesActionable tips for training teams to communicate with empathy and curiosityHow top practices set themselves apart by leading with value, not priceWhy rewarding effective communication is more powerful than punishing mistakesInsights on integrating CRM systems for seamless patient follow-upTune in now for an inspiring look at how empathy, strategy, and storytelling can change the game for dental practices—and those they serve. Sponsors:CallRail: Call tracking + AI that turns calls into campaigns that convert, quality patients, and cost savings. Click our link to start a free trial today! callrail.com/dentalmarketer Click here for a special offer!Guest: Eric HubbardBusiness Name: Pain-Free Dental MarketingCheck out Eric's Media:Website: painfreedentalmarketing.com Love the Podcast? Let Us Know How We're Doing on Apple Podcasts! Host: Michael AriasWebsite: The Dental Marketer For more helpful tips, strategies, ideas, and marketing advice, join my weekly newsletter here. Join this podcast's Facebook Group: The Dental Marketer Society p.s. Some links are affiliate links, which means that if you choose to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you. Please understand that we have experience with these products/companies, and I recommend them because they are helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions we make if you decide to buy something. Please do not spend any money unless you feel you need them or that they will help you with your goals.
