Episodes

When the pace of dentistry accelerates, how do you ensure excellence and connection don’t get lost in the rush? In this episode, Michael reunites with Dr. Sundar Jagadeesan of Dentiq to explore how he has navigated big changes within his practice while keeping quality care at the core. Following a wave of associate departures and team restructuring, Dr. Jagadeesan has set his sights on the future: planning for 2026 and adapting his practice to not just survive, but stand out with a renewed focu...

Ever felt like you're the bottleneck in your busy dental practice? Listen to how Dr. Meghna Dassani, from Dassani Dentistry, transformed her role from being the go-to problem solver to the architect of her practice. Hear about her realization that she was actually hindering her team's autonomy and shrinking her own life in the process. This episode uncovers the profound nuggets of wisdom found in Dr. Dassani's journey from overwhelmed micromanager to truly invaluable leader. Discover how restru...

Can trimming overhead expenses open the door to lasting patient relationships and steady, meaningful growth in your practice? In this interview, Dr. Andy Brito shows us the secrets behind his steady growth at Brito Family Dental: a beloved, family-run practice serving South Boston. From day one, Dr. Brito prioritized low overhead and resource efficiency, opting for conservative treatment plans that build trust and keep patient costs accessible. His approach to dentistry goes beyond filling cavi...

In the world of dentistry, rapid progress can sometimes be mistaken for sustainable growth. In this episode of The Fail Forward series, Joshua Scott, from Studio 8E8, explores the challenges he faced while expanding his team and how his impatience impacted the quality of their work. Joshua shares a valuable lesson about understanding the importance of balanced progress and creating reasonable deadlines. By doing so, he inspires those in the dental industry to prioritize harmony, long-term succe...

Filling your chairs is one thing; filling them with patients who value your expertise and fee-for-service model is another! This episode peels back the curtain on Dr. Rahul Kallianpur’s first year as the founder of Hudson Dental Co., revealing the realities behind the glossy finish of cosmetic and surgical dentistry in Pleasantville, New York. Discover how Dr. Kallianpur navigates the unique challenges of running a fee-for-service practice, from crafting laser-focused marketing strategies that ...

Is your team harmonious yet unproductive? It's time to redefine team dynamics in your practice! In this episode, Andre Shirdan from thecrewprocess.com challenges traditional notions about team building in dental practices. After a significant setback, Andre deconstructed the idea of a harmonious team, and instead harnessed individual strengths to aim for a unified goal. Find out how reframing players in your practice as a crew can cultivate growth and productivity, beyond personal bonding. Tun...

Are missed patient calls causing headaches for your front desk and costing your practice money? This episode unveils a game-changing solution for practice owners and staff: integrating AI and Voice Assist technology to optimize phone call conversions. Michael sits down with Ryan Johnson from CallRail, who brings over a decade of expertise in call tracking and attribution. Together, they explore how next-gen AI is revolutionizing the traditionally manual (and often chaotic) world of front office...

Ever feel like you're giving too much in your dental practice, to the point of exhaustion? In this episode of Fail Forward, Dr. Joshua Austin describes how he used to pour all of his energy into his practice, neglecting an essential aspect of success: self-care. Listen as Dr. Austin shares the transformational insight that has led him to balance giving to his patients with taking care of his personal well-being. Adopt his learned mindfulness practice to revitalize your personal and professional...

What are the real-world secrets behind building a successful fee-for-service dental practice in New York City? In this inspiring episode, Dr. Arti Jagirdar reveals the unexpected path from aspiring physician to celebrated Manhattan dentist (one deeply shaped by her roots as the child of immigrants and entrepreneurs.) She opens up about how discovering art in high school transformed the way she approaches dentistry and why her own open heart surgery became a pivotal moment, fueling a new level o...

Running on empty doesn't drive you forward; it brings you to a halt. In this first episode of the Fail Forward series, Kiera Dent, founder of Dental A Team consulting company, exposes the burnout that almost left her life and career in ruins. Working relentlessly from 2 AM to 11 PM, she ground herself to the point of collapse and was forced to reevaluate her work until she found a healthy, sustainable formula for success. Now, discover how her failure-fueled turnaround can help prevent overload...

What’s the secret ingredient to happier patients, empowered teams, and tech that works for you in pediatric dentistry? In this episode, Dr. Jackie Wingate lifts the curtain on her transformative journey from rushed, high-volume dentistry to a deeply personal, low-volume approach that puts children and their families at the heart of every visit. Dr. Jackie shares what prompted her to step away from traditional models and meticulously build a practice in Philadelphia’s suburbs around quality time...

Can a year’s worth of hard-won ground marketing lessons help you escape inconsistent patient numbers for good? This episode challenges everything you think you know about ground marketing. Michael unpacks why true, sustainable growth isn’t about charming scripts or one-off tactics, it’s about building an external operating system for your practice. Discover how moving from random “hit or miss” outreach to a structured model transforms conversations into appointments, and appointments into loyal...

Launching your own dental practice in a competitive market takes more than just clinical skill: it demands vision, grit, and a willingness to challenge convention. In this episode, Dr. Conor Perrin shares his candid journey from being a young dentist without connections, facing skepticism in the industry, to establishing his own thriving dental practice in Irvine, California. The path wasn’t easy: after plans to acquire an existing clinic fell through, Dr. Perrin made the bold decision to build...

Are you ready for seismic shifts in your 2026 new patient acquisition? In this episode, Michael breaks down the three crucial levers of ground marketing that will shape successful practices in 2026. These strategies go far beyond generic tips. Learn how to tap directly into the places where trust and engagement already exist, and transform the way your practice connects with communities. Discover how to find and leverage the right ecosystems (trust, identity, and access) to fast-track your out...

When big dental chains focus on numbers and efficiency, what happens when patients crave genuine connection instead? In this episode, Dr. Whitney and Steve Sebree share their journey building a private dental practice in Surprise, Arizona, known for its warm, personalized approach. They discuss the importance of community connection, how they foster long-term patient relationships, and why putting Dr. Whitney’s face front and center in their marketing helps attract retirees seeking attentive, n...

What if your next raffle didn’t just collect names, but actually filled your practice schedule? This episode debunks the myth that any raffle will attract new patients, revealing why most fall flat and what truly works to grow your patient base. Dive into the four common pitfalls that sabotage traditional raffle efforts, from off-the-mark prizes to a lack of follow-up, and discover why simply collecting names isn’t enough to fill your chairs. Instead, learn about the GOLD framework: Give, Obse...

The difference between good care and unforgettable care often comes down to one thing: personal touch. In this episode, Michael brings on Dr. Kris Bano to unpack the revolutionary strategies behind his standout fee-for-service practice in southwest Michigan. Dr. Bano reveals how his team works in harmony, crafting a seamless, “high-touch” patient experience that starts with the initial phone call and extends well beyond the treatment room. Dr. Bano’s journey is deeply personal, rooted in his p...

Imagine if every patient story could become your most persuasive marketing tool, without a single sales pitch. Too many dental practices rely on generic promises of care, but in today’s world, heartfelt testimonials and genuine success stories make all the difference. In this episode, we unpack exactly how practices can move beyond merely collecting reviews to strategically leveraging patient stories that spark trust and attract more of the right patients. Through practical examples and scripts...

Is your dental schedule leaving you exhausted while STILL not delivering the quality care your patients deserve? In this episode, Ashley Whinery, an experienced practice manager, challenges the high-volume, double-booking mentality so many practices fall into, revealing how a mindful approach to scheduling can elevate both patient satisfaction and practice sustainability. Ashley dives deep into why prioritizing meaningful patient interactions over relentless quantity leads to lasting trust, mo...

In a city packed with dental options, are you remembered or just another name? The difference comes down to ground marketing that creates genuine connections, not just quick deals. In this episode, we explore how dental practices can break free from the endless cycle of discounts and competition by building relationships rooted in trust, affection, and visibility in the community. Michael reveals a strategic approach to ground marketing that shifts from transactional tactics to authentic engag...

Securing the perfect location for your dental practice isn’t just about finding space... It’s a strategic decision that can make or break your business. In this episode, Michael sits down with Max Burrows from Practice Real Estate Group to unravel the unique challenges dental tenants face on their path to establishing successful practices. Max, whose firm exclusively represents healthcare clients, arms listeners with clear guidance on navigating the sometimes overwhelming process of site select...

Are you missing out on the 70% of new movers ready to switch dentists? Moving to a new city is both exciting and overwhelming for families, and the decisions they make about healthcare providers often hinge on who they know and trust. In this episode, Michael shares the game-changing strategy of collaborating with real estate agents to secure dental patient referrals. He breaks down why realtors hold unique influence: nearly 70% of movers switch healthcare providers within six months of relocat...

Imagine carving out a dental practice that puts principles and patient well-being above insurance red tape. That’s exactly what Dr. Kristen Self set out to do in New Braunfels, Texas, building her pediatric dental clinic from the ground up (outside the confines of traditional insurance models.) In this episode, Dr. Self opens up about the emotional rollercoaster and practical challenges of staying independent, describing how she crafted a thriving, holistic, and minimally invasive practice tail...

What if becoming your town’s trusted dentist had less to do with technical skill and more with being the first name on everyone’s lips when dental questions arise? This episode uncovers the real secret behind becoming the community’s go-to practice: building unmistakable authority where it matters most. Drawing from real-life examples and actionable strategies, we'll zero in on how public recognition, social mentions, and word-of-mouth from local leaders shape your reputation, often before pati...