ZenOne Podcast

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ZenOne Podcast

ZenOne Podcast is a place where we combine our 2 passions. One is to help improve dental practices through efficiency (think of streamlined process, organization, Zen in your office life) and interviewing interesting people.

  1. Behind the Scenes of Dental GPOs: The Pros and Cons with Karla-Marie Santiago,

    FEB 4

    Behind the Scenes of Dental GPOs: The Pros and Cons with Karla-Marie Santiago,

    Summary In this episode of the Zen One Podcast, Tiger Safarov interviews Karla-Marie Santiago, a senior director of strategic partnerships at SupplyDoc, to discuss the role of Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs) in the dental industry. They explore the benefits of GPOs for independent practices, the different types of GPOs, and the importance of procurement strategies. Karla shares insights on evaluating GPOs, the challenges of adoption, and the significance of customer service in ensuring a positive experience for members. In this conversation, Karla-Marie Santiago and Tiger Safarov delve into the complexities of Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs) in the dental industry. They discuss the challenges of adoption, the importance of relationships in negotiations, and the critical factors to consider when evaluating GPOs. The conversation highlights the role of vendor relationships, the significance of pricing and utilization, and when practices should consider engaging with GPOs based on their growth goals and procurement strategies. Takeaways GPOs leverage collective buying power for better pricing. Independent practices can benefit significantly from joining GPOs. Different GPOs have unique value propositions and structures. Understanding the types of GPOs is crucial for making informed decisions. Customer service and communication are vital for GPO success. Procurement encompasses more than just purchasing; it's about strategy. Adoption of GPOs can be challenging due to various factors. GPOs should provide tools to simplify data management for members. Evaluating GPOs requires understanding their offerings and contracts. The relationship between GPOs and vendors is key to member satisfaction. Adoption of GPOs can be challenging due to data gathering issues. Having a single point of contact is crucial for effective relationship management. Investment in relationships is key to achieving ROI with GPOs. Evaluating GPOs requires understanding their partnerships and pricing structures. Utilization of contracts is essential for maximizing savings. Strong relationships can lead to better pricing negotiations. Reps play a significant role in maintaining vendor relationships. Practices should assess their growth goals before engaging with GPOs. A dollar saved is often more impactful than a dollar earned. The transition from emerging to mid-market is a critical time to consider procurement strategies. Chapters (00:00) Introduction to GPOs and Their Importance (03:05) Understanding Different Types of GPOs (05:58) Evaluating GPOs: Examples and Their Value Propositions (09:04) Why Join a GPO? Benefits for Independent Practices (11:47) Navigating Product Choices and Vendor Relationships (14:55) The Role of Procurement in Dental Practices (17:59) Pros and Cons of GPO Structures (21:00) Challenges and Risks of Joining a GPO (23:52) Customer Service and Communication in GPOs (27:10) Best Practices for GPO Adoption (28:06) Evaluating GPOs: Key Considerations (30:10) Understanding Pricing and Utilization (32:33) The Role of Relationships in Negotiation (34:39) The Value of Reps in GPOs (39:49) When to Consider GPOs for Your Practice (45:08) Growth Goals and Procurement Strategies

    46 min
  2. JAN 22

    “The Fortune is in the Follow Up" with Shaundra Bobo (RCM Expert, Owner of Star Dental Solutions)

    Summary In this conversation, Shaundra discusses the intricacies of Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) in dental practices, emphasizing its evolution and the growing importance of financial awareness among dentists. She highlights the challenges faced with insurance claims, the role of AI, and the dynamics of patient billing. The conversation also touches on the benefits of outsourcing billing solutions versus in-house management, the impact of being out of network, and the significance of follow-up in claims management. Shaundra encourages dentists to be proactive in understanding their finances and offers her expertise in navigating these complexities. About: - I offer Customized Solutions - while most companies are based on a one-size-fits-all model, I recognize that every Dentist / Business Owner is going to have a unique situation that they need a solution for.  Especially the practices that we make the biggest impact for - the mom & pop private practice.  Rather than seeking to build a business on the backs of corporate dental conglomerates, I focus on finding private practices that we can help.  Knowing that we are providing serenity of mind to dentists who have personally poured their blood, sweat and tears into building their private practice means that we are both coming from the same playing field of entrepreneurship and makes me feel even more passionate about our mutual success!  - I'm a born Recruiter - I've professionally networked and recruited for a dental billing company for the last decade - before that I was building up dental practices around the Austin area as a practice administrator and coach.  What that means is that I've built a huge network over two decades of the top tier pros in the dental RCM industry.  I've taken the leg work out of attracting and retaining the people that offices need to manage their dental and patient billing processes and hired them myself!  The benefit to the practice is a nationwide network of top talent with all the expertise, but without the salary price tag of a local robust resume.  I'm confident that my approach of leveraging my organic network of hard working experts is what sets me apart from other outsourced dental billing companies.   Please feel free to visit my website for additional information about services offered. Star Dental Solutions  Email: shaundra@stardentalsolutions.net  Takeaways: RCM is essential for the financial health of dental practices. The rise of DSOs has changed the landscape of dental billing. Many dentists lack awareness of their insurance collections. Outsourcing billing can alleviate administrative burdens. AI can assist but cannot replace human oversight in billing. Insurance companies often have automated systems that can reject claims. Effective communication with patients about insurance is crucial. Follow-up is key to successful claims management. Being out of network can lead to better financial outcomes for practices. Consultation and software evaluation can benefit dental practices. Chapters (00:00) Understanding Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) (02:51) The Evolution of Dental Practices and RCM (05:33) Challenges in Private Practice Management (08:16) The Role of Technology in RCM (10:54) Navigating Insurance Claims and Payments (13:44) The Importance of Active Management in RCM (16:21) Balancing Patient Care and Administrative Duties (19:12) Key Metrics for Successful RCM Management (21:51) Claim Management Strategies (22:08) Common Reasons for Claim Rejections (23:15) The Dance of Denials (25:00) Understanding the Appeal Process (26:24) The Business Mindset of Dentists (28:04) Winning Appeals and Follow-Up (29:13) The Importance of Out-of-Network Practices (30:18) Navigating Insurance as a Patient (32:32) The Financial Dynamics of Dental Practices (35:11) Bringing Value to Dental Practices (37:25) Evaluating Outsourced Solutions (39:47) Consultation and Collaboration

    42 min
  3. 12/24/2024

    "There's a monumental shift in the dental industry!"| Mike McCarthy (ex: vTail VP, Marketing)

    Summary In this episode of the ZenOne Podcast, Tiger Safarov interviews Michael McCarthy, a passionate advocate for dentistry and private practice ownership. They discuss the evolution of the dental industry over the past 25 years, the challenges faced by independent dentists, and the importance of communication and leadership in practice management. McCarthy emphasizes the need for dentists to adapt to changing dynamics, including the rise of DSOs and the shift towards peer-to-peer learning. The conversation also touches on the role of distributors and manufacturers in supporting dental practices, as well as the future outlook for the industry, particularly in relation to the prevalence of dental diseases like cavities. Takeaways Michael McCarthy has been passionate about dentistry for 25 years. The dental industry has evolved, but independent practices still face challenges. Successful dentists often learn through trial and error. Peer-to-peer learning is becoming more important in dentistry. Communication skills are lacking in dental education. Independent dentists need to adapt to changing market dynamics. Delegation and leadership are crucial for practice owners. The relationship between manufacturers and distributors is complex. Cavities are the most prevalent disease globally, highlighting the need for preventive care. The future of dentistry will require innovative solutions and adaptability. 50% of Dental practices in the US will stay Private There a lot of successful private practice owners that no one knows about Great and successful practice owners are first great communicators The Value of Peer to Peer learning  Shit in female graduation  Chapters (00:00) Introduction to Dentistry Passion (02:09) The Evolution of Dental Practices (06:10) The Psychology of Independent Dentists (10:08) Navigating Resources for New Dentists (13:46) Communication Challenges in Dentistry (16:02) Keys to Success for Practice Owners (19:59) The Role of Leadership in Dental Practices (23:51) Finding Success in Independence (25:55) The Importance of Dental Education (27:17) Differential Marketing for Growth (28:51) Tensions in the Distribution Chain (30:51) Changing Dynamics in Sales and Distribution (34:10) The Future of Dental Equipment Distribution (36:11) Building Relationships with Manufacturers (39:22) Service and Support Challenges (42:50) Creating Tomorrow's Customers (48:26) The Future of Dentistry (50:26) Emerging Voices in Dentistry Referenced: AADOM - https://www.dentalmanagers.com/members/ Alliance of Independent Dentist - https://aid-ma.org/ Michael McCarthy Linked:https://www.linkedin.com/in/medadman/  Clinician’s Report: https://www.cliniciansreport.org/  Facebook Group: Dental Nachos - https://www.dentalnachos.com/

    53 min
  4. 11/19/2024

    "Leadership Principles that actually work!" with Dr. Dave Maloley

    Summary In this engaging conversation, Tiger Safarov and Dr. Dave Maloli explore the themes of leadership, personal growth, and the importance of creating a positive team culture in dentistry. They discuss the concept of flow-driven leadership, emphasizing the need for a balance between challenge and skill, and how this can lead to higher productivity and job satisfaction. The conversation also touches on the challenges dentists face in leadership roles, the significance of assertive communication, and the necessity of establishing a culture of feedback. Dr. Maloli shares insights on the importance of personal values and the need for dentists to carve out time for leadership development. The discussion concludes with reflections on the nature of leadership skills and the dangers of overused terminology in the workplace. Chapters Spotify: (00:00) Celebrating Milestones and Friendships (01:45) The Journey of Writing a Book (04:32) Understanding Flow-Driven Leadership (08:48) Real-Life Examples of Flow in Dentistry (10:55) The Balance of Work and Play (15:14) Challenges Faced by Dentists (17:41) Navigating Generational Differences in Dentistry (19:20) Effective Communication in Leadership (22:05) Scaling Leadership and Human Connection (25:43) Defining Success Beyond Financial Gains (29:00) Creating Meaningful Habits (34:29) Embracing Life's Contradictions (38:51) The Commodity Problem in Dentistry (42:08) Self-Inflicted Challenges in Dental Practices (45:45) The Nature of Leadership (48:50) The Misuse of Terminology in Leadership (53:11) Final Thoughts on Leadership and Growth

    56 min
  5. Navigating the Challenges of Private Dental Practice

    11/08/2024

    Navigating the Challenges of Private Dental Practice

    In this episode of the ZenOne Podcast, host Tiger Safarov engages with Daniel Jimenez and Marvin Rodriguez, who share their unique journey from corporate environments to running private dental practices. They discuss the challenges of implementing change in the dental industry, the importance of defining success, and the role of technology and data in modern dentistry. The conversation also delves into the nuances of insurance, particularly Medicare and Medicaid, and how these can impact practice profitability. The trio emphasizes the need for a strong support team and the potential for growth in private practices, while also addressing the realities of private equity in the dental field. Takeaways The transition from corporate to private practice can be challenging but rewarding. Defining success in dentistry varies greatly among practitioners. Implementing change in established practices requires patience and strong leadership. Technology and data can significantly enhance operational efficiency in dental practices. Understanding the differences between Medicare and Medicaid is crucial for practice success. A strong support team is essential for managing multiple practices effectively. Private equity may not always align with the goals of private practice owners. Efficiency is key to profitability, especially in Medicaid practices. Common sense practices can lead to better patient outcomes and satisfaction. Continuous learning and adaptation are vital in the evolving dental landscape. Chapters Spotify  (00:00) Introduction to the Team and Their Journey (03:52) Daniel's Transition from Corporate to Dentistry (09:48) Marvin's Experience and Role in the Team (13:50) The Impact of Amazon's Culture on Operations (17:54) Challenges in Dentistry and the Importance of Teamwork (22:28) Defining Success in Dentistry (24:43) The Importance of Team Dynamics (26:34) Navigating Growth and Resources (28:47) Learning from Others' Mistakes (30:44) The Reality of Practice Ownership (32:25) Creating a Unique Practice Experience (36:08) Measuring Success Beyond Numbers (37:54) Future Aspirations and Private Equity (41:17) The Impact of Private Equity on Dentistry (42:48) Building Sustainable Dental Practices (44:22) Corporate Culture and Employee Value (46:14) Modernization and Opportunities in Dentistry (50:08) The Role of Medicare in Dental Practices (53:46) Understanding Medicaid vs. Insurance (56:55) Defining Success in Dental Practices

    1h 2m
  6. What do you NEED to know about dental marketing

    09/10/2024

    What do you NEED to know about dental marketing

    In this conversation, Tiger Safarov interviews Grace Rizza, CEO of Identity Dental, about the changing landscape of marketing and advertising for private dental practices. They discuss the impact of AI on content creation, the importance of fine-tuning AI-generated content, and the need for human oversight. They also touch on the changes in Google's algorithm and the challenges of staying compliant with Google's best practices. Grace emphasizes the importance of custom real content on social media and the benefits of outsourcing technical marketing tasks. They also discuss the advertising potential of Meta (formerly Facebook) and the need for realistic expectations in dental marketing. In this conversation, Grace Rizza discusses the importance of brand building and long-term reputation in dental marketing. She emphasizes the need to use meta ads strategically, depending on the goals of the practice. Rizza provides examples of when to use meta ads for lead generation and when to use them to communicate something unique or special about the practice. She also highlights the significance of brand positioning, brand message, and logo design in creating a strong brand identity. Additionally, Rizza touches on the role of reviews, the relevance of blogs in dental marketing, and the challenges of email marketing. More information or schedule a call with Grace: https://go.oncehub.com/grace Coca Cola the logo History: https://www.brandcrowd.com/blog/the-logo-history-of-coca-cola/  Video editing Software: Opus.pro Chapters (00:00) Introduction and Reconnecting (01:49) The Changing Landscape of Marketing and Advertising (04:11) The Impact of AI on Content Creation (07:26) Fine-Tuning AI-Generated Content (12:46) Using AI to Respond to Negative Reviews (17:17) Navigating Google's Algorithm and Best Practices (21:09) Outsourcing Technical Marketing Tasks (25:21) Advertising on Meta: Setting Realistic Expectations (27:11) Strategic Use of Meta Ads (35:45) Building a Strong Brand Identity (43:42) The Role of Reviews and Video Testimonials (48:48) The Relevance of Blogs (51:10) Challenges and Considerations in Email Marketing

    53 min
  7. “You are not supposed to do just surgery!” with Dr. Thomas Graf

    09/03/2024

    “You are not supposed to do just surgery!” with Dr. Thomas Graf

    Dr. Thomas Graf shares his journey from being a general dentist to specializing in surgery and owning his own practice. He discusses the challenges and growth he experienced as an entrepreneur and the importance of restructuring his business. Dr. Graf also talks about building a strong team and the roles and responsibilities within his practice. He emphasizes the need for clear vision and finding associates who are driven by the right reasons. He shares his insights on finding associates and the importance of keeping them busy and fulfilled in their roles. In this conversation, Thomas Graf and Tiger Safarov discuss the challenges and opportunities of private practice ownership in the dental industry. They emphasize the importance of finding the right associates and creating a supportive and empowering environment. They also highlight the need for private practice owners to think like entrepreneurs and run their practices as businesses. Thomas shares his experience of restructuring his practice's operations and the lessons he learned along the way. They both express their love for dentistry and the satisfaction that comes from being an entrepreneur. More information: https://www.graf.dental/meet-dr-graf  Takeaways Entrepreneurship comes with challenges, but with hard work and restructuring, it can lead to growth and success. Building a strong team with clear roles and responsibilities is crucial for the smooth operation of a dental practice. Finding associates who are driven by the right reasons and align with the practice's vision is essential for a successful partnership. Keeping associates busy and fulfilled in their roles is important for their growth and the success of the practice. Dental schools can be a valuable resource for finding potential associates, and reaching out directly to graduates can yield positive results. Finding the right associates and creating a supportive environment is crucial for the success of a private dental practice. Private practice owners should think like entrepreneurs and run their practices as businesses. Restructuring operations and investing in systems and processes can lead to improved efficiency and profitability. Being an entrepreneur in the dental industry requires hard work, outside-the-box thinking, and a willingness to learn and adapt. Chapters:  (00:00) Introduction and Meeting Dr. Thomas Graf (01:29) Challenges and Growth of Entrepreneurship in Dentistry (05:06) Transition from General Dentist to Surgery Specialist (08:49) Building a Strong Team and Dealing with Cultural Issues (13:54) Roles and Responsibilities in Dr. Graf's Practice (18:11) Finding Associates Driven by the Right Reasons (23:52) Utilizing Dental Schools as a Resource for Finding Associates (29:08) The Readiness for an Associate and Keeping Them Busy (34:13) The Challenges of Dental Education and Finding the Right Associates (36:38) Thinking Like an Entrepreneur in Private Practice Ownership (42:39) Flexibility and Empowerment in Practice Operations (48:25) The Importance of Organization and Preparedness in Private Practice Ownership (53:36) The Rewards and Satisfaction of Being an Entrepreneur in Dentistry

    59 min

About

ZenOne Podcast is a place where we combine our 2 passions. One is to help improve dental practices through efficiency (think of streamlined process, organization, Zen in your office life) and interviewing interesting people.

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