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Dental Drills Bits

Dental Drills Bits

Sandy Pardue & Michael Arias

Sandy Pardue of Classic Practice Resources & Michael Arias of The Dental Marketer discuss issues facing the dental practice owner of today. This is the podcast where you will want a pen and paper to take notes on every single procedure, system, step by step process, and lessons Sandy shares that she has accumulated in 40 years. Enjoy the fun, laid-back vibe as things get real. Sandy is an energetic lecturer and consultant in the area of dental practice management. She is Director of Consulting with Classic Practice Resources and has over 40 years of “hands-on” experience.
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Top 10 Dental Drills Bits Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Dental Drills Bits episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Dental Drills Bits for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Dental Drills Bits episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Dental Drills Bits - Productivity Killers in Dentistry Unveiled | Part 1
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10/16/24 • 35 min

Imagine transforming the daily chaos in your practice into a streamlined and efficient operation. In this episode of Dental Drill Bits, Michael and Sandy tackle some of the most disruptive productivity killers facing dental practices today—late patients, broken appointments, no-shows, and cancellations. Sandy brings her expert perspective by emphasizing the necessity of a dedicated scheduler who can artfully manage appointments to minimize chaos and boost productivity. They delve into actionable strategies, such as enhancing patient education, solidifying financial arrangements, and enhancing verbal skills, all designed to ensure patients respect and honor their scheduled times.

As they unravel the complexities behind missed appointments, Sandy challenges common misconceptions, like the idea of penalizing patients, by shifting the focus towards proactive solutions and realistic production goals. Michael and Sandy create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, inviting you to reflect on your current practices and consider new approaches.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

  • Effective strategies to minimize late arrivals and cancellations.
  • The importance of having a dedicated appointment scheduler.
  • Techniques for enhancing patient communication and financial arrangements.
  • Insights into setting realistic production goals for dentists.
  • Common misconceptions about penalizing patients for missed appointments.

Tune in now to discover the secrets to maintaining a productive dental practice!

Sponsors:

Do you need a new website or marketing agency? Check out what DocSites can do for you: https://www.DocSites.com/landing-pages/ddb/

Mentions and Links:

Communities/Groups:

Dental Gumbo Group

Events:

Front Desk Pro - November 15, 2024 New Orleans, Louisiana (Use Code "Secret Sauce" at Checkout!)

Sauces:

RAO's

Establishments/Brands:

Costco

The-Ritz-Carlton

Uber

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How can you master the art of insurance collections and minimize outstanding claims? In today's episode, Michael and Sandy dive deep into the essentials of managing insurance collections with expert insights that can save your practice valuable time and resources. Sandy explains the critical importance of timely and consistent follow-up on insurance claims and recommends designating a specific day each week for this task to streamline operations.

Meticulous tracking of claims—whether using spreadsheets or software reports—and conducting follow-up every three weeks are essential strategies Sandy advocates for. Sandy warns about the pitfalls of outsourcing insurance management without proper oversight, emphasizing that understanding and smoothly handling these processes within your own practice can lead to tremendous benefits.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

  • Why timely and consistent follow-up on insurance claims is crucial
  • Best practices for designating specific days for managing collections tasks
  • The benefits of tracking claims meticulously using spreadsheets or software
  • The recommended frequency for following up on claims
  • What you need to know before considering outsourcing insurance management
  • The significance of electronic payments in streamlining your practice operations

Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your practice's efficiency—tune in now!

Sponsors:

Do you need a new website or marketing agency? Check out what DocSites can do for you: https://www.DocSites.com/landing-pages/ddb/

Mentions and Links:

Communities/Groups:

Dental Gumbo Group

Tools/Software:

Excel

Dentrix

Brands:

Five Guys

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How transformative can employee training be for your practice? In this episode of Dental Drill Bits, Michael and Sandy delve into the critical role of structured training programs and their immense benefits on profitability, employee satisfaction, and patient care. Sandy illuminates the stark contrast between trained and untrained employees, revealing how targeted investments in specialized programs can significantly enhance your practice’s performance and efficiency.

The duo also shares a wealth of practical advice on implementing effective training within your office, covering everything from verbal skills and role-playing exercises to comprehensive onboarding protocols. Sandy makes a compelling case for the necessity of consistent training, emphasizing how it leads to predictable outcomes, boosts employee retention, and propels overall practice success. They remind practice owners that despite budget challenges, investing in training is pivotal and suggest starting with free resources like podcasts to begin the journey toward excellence.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

  • How structured training programs boost profitability and employee satisfaction.
  • The significant differences between trained and untrained employees.
  • Practical steps for effective employee training within a dental office.
  • The long-term benefits of consistent training and its impact on practice success.
  • How to utilize free resources like podcasts for initial training investments.

Ready to elevate your dental practice through strategic training? Don’t miss out on this episode of Dental Drill Bits!

Sponsors:

Elevate Patient Care with Automation: Are you looking for dental software that puts your patients first? From online scheduling to online forms, patient communication, and office coordination – Yapi simplifies every step of the patient experience. Find out more here, and be sure to mention Dental Drill Bits for a special offer! https://yapiapp.com/ Mentions and Links: Events: Front Desk Pro - Friday, August 23rd - Boston, MA - Use Promo Code: Secret Sauce Community/Groups: Dental Gumbo Group Products: CEREC
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How can your practice ensure a seamless and enjoyable patient experience from start to finish? In this episode, Michael and Sandy delve into the critical role of effective communication and smooth handoffs in transforming dental visits into positive experiences. They unravel the nuances of ensuring clear, empathetic communication at every touchpoint during the patient's journey, especially during transitions between different stages of their appointments. The conversation is packed with actionable insights on implementing structured handoffs, involving patients in the process, and the importance of using plain language.

Empowering your dental team with tools like detailed scripts and role-playing exercises can dramatically improve patient interactions and build a patient-centered culture. By fostering an environment of empathy, understanding, and clear follow-up communication, practices can elevate their service and retain more patients.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:
  • The impact of clear and empathetic communication on patient experience
  • How to involve patients in their care transition process
  • Techniques for structuring handoffs within the dental team
  • Importance of avoiding technical jargon with patients
  • Strategies to validate patient experiences and build trust
  • How to ensure clear and effective follow-up on treatments and appointments
  • The role of role-playing in refining team communication skills
  • Tips for creating a patient-centered culture in the dental office

Don't miss this episode to transform your patient's dental experience from routine to remarkable!

Sponsors:

Do you need a new website or marketing agency? Check out what Docsites can do for you: https://www.docsites.com/landing-pages/ddb/

Mentions and Links:

Communities/Groups:

Dental Gumbo Group

Events:

Front Desk Pro - November 15, 2024 New Orleans, Louisiana

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Puzzled by a sudden slowdown in your practice after a period of steady growth? In this episode of Dental Drill Bits, Michael and Sandy tackle this very dilemma, driven by a listener's concern about a drop in activity despite continuous marketing efforts. Sandy shines a light on the inevitable ebbs and flows of the dental business, detailing how peaks and valleys are quite common. While it's tempting to look at external factors, she emphasizes that the real key lies with internal operations—how well your team navigates daily tasks, engages with patients, and adheres to promotional schedules can make or break your growth momentum.

With unshakeable opinion and experience, both Michael and Sandy underscore the importance of a rock-solid front office, the urgency of consistent follow-ups, and impeccable communication. They delve into actionable strategies and best practices for maintaining top-notch performance, regardless of external fluctuations. By the end, Sandy empowers practice owners to reclaim the reins of their success, conveying that much of what determines business growth is within their control.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:
  • Why your dental practice might experience sudden drops in activity despite ongoing marketing
  • The significance of internal factors—appointment handling, teamwork, and consistent promotional efforts
  • How urgent, organized front-office operations contribute to maintaining growth
  • Methods for effective communication within a dental team to tackle periods of low activity
  • Encouraging insights about controlling your practice's success through proactive management

Ready to turn unpredictable slowdowns into steady growth for your dental practice? Tune into today's conversation!

Sponsors:

Do you need a new website or marketing agency? Check out what DocSites can do for you: https://www.DocSites.com/landing-pages/ddb/

Mentions and Links:

Communities/Groups:

Dental Gumbo Group

Marketing:

Google Ads

People:

Taylor Swift

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Imagine transforming potential inquiries into loyal patient relationships with just a phone call. In this episode, Michael and Sandy dive deep into mastering effective phone communication for dental practice front office staff, a critical yet often overlooked skill. Sandy begins by highlighting the significance of first impressions, presenting a powerful six-step guide designed to seamlessly manage new patient calls. From crafting a welcoming greeting to confidently promoting the practice, Sandy breaks down each step with clarity and precision, ensuring your front office team is well-equipped to handle any conversation with ease.

Throughout the conversation, Sandy sheds light on common pitfalls, such as overwhelming potential patients with excessive dental history probes or premature price discussions. By focusing on scheduling appointments and fostering an inviting atmosphere, front office staff can set the stage for meaningful face-to-face interactions. Sandy underscores the value of being a good listener and familiarizing oneself with financing solutions when cost concerns arise. This episode is a must-listen for anyone aiming to elevate their patient communication skills to drive practice growth and satisfaction.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

  • How to create a positive first impression on phone calls.
  • The six crucial steps to handle a new patient inquiry effectively.
  • Strategies to avoid scaring off potential patients with complex details.
  • Common communication mistakes and how to prevent them.
  • Tips for confidently promoting the practice and services.
  • Ways to emphasize consultation over phone-based decisions.
  • Importance of listening and adapting to patient needs.
  • Utilizing financing options to address cost concerns.

Listen in now to discover the secrets to exceptional phone communication in your dental practice!

Sponsors:

Don’t just look ahead. Plan Forward. Discover the dental membership plan partner that empowers your entire office. Created by a team in your shoes. Find out more here, and be sure to mention Dental Drill Bits for a special offer! https://www.planforward.io/

Mentions and Links:

Communities/Groups:

Dental Gumbo Group

Events:

Front Desk Pro - February 7, 2025 Houston, Texas (Use code "Secret Sauce" at checkout for $100 off!)

People:

Cory Pinegar (Reach)

Businesses/Brands:

Walmart

Amazon Prime

Netflix

Goodwood Hardware

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Dental Drills Bits - Productivity Killers in Dentistry Unveiled | Part 2
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10/23/24 • 22 min

Have you ever wondered why some practices struggle with last-minute cancellations while others maintain a steady flow of happy patients? In this part 2 of the Productivity Killers in Dentistry Unveiled series, Michael and Sandy pull back the curtain on one of the biggest challenges in the dental industry: broken appointments. Sandy dives deep into the tactics for addressing this issue head-on, offering invaluable advice on the "appointment wrap-up" process. From ensuring seamless handoffs between your technical and front office teams to mastering patient interactions, especially with newcomers, Sandy's strategies are a game-changer.

This episode isn't just about maintaining a schedule; it's about transforming how your practice approaches patient management. Michael and Sandy stress the critical role of verbal techniques in appointment confirmations and the necessity of understanding patient behavior. By tightening the reins on scheduling and honing communication skills, you will see a noticeable decrease in broken appointments. Whether you're a dentist, office manager, or anyone involved in patient management, these insights could revolutionize your daily operations, maintaining a professional environment that's both efficient and patient-friendly.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

  • The "appointment wrap-up" process to prevent broken appointments.
  • Techniques for effective handoffs between technical and front office teams.
  • Strategies for minimizing cancellations by understanding patient behavior.
  • Verbal techniques to improve appointment confirmation.
  • The importance of rigorous training and communication in scheduling.

Tune in now to discover how to successfully minimize broken appointments in your dental practice!

Sponsors:

Don’t just look ahead. Plan Forward. Discover the dental membership plan partner that empowers your entire office. Created by a team in your shoes. Find out more here, and be sure to mention Dental Drill Bits for a special offer! https://www.planforward.io/

Mentions and Links:

Communities/Groups:

Dental Gumbo Group

Events:

Front Desk Pro - November 15, 2024 New Orleans, Louisiana (Use code: "Secret Sauce" at checkout!)

Organizations:

ADA

Places:

The Ritz-Carlton

People:

Taylor Swift

Businesses:

Amazon

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Dental Drills Bits - Are You Asking the Right Questions While Interviewing?
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05/29/24 • 34 min

Can you really find the perfect fit for your practice through better interviewing techniques? In this episode of Dental Drill Bits, Michael and Sandy uncover effective hiring strategies that can transform how you build your team. They explore the essentials of preparation, from the types of questions that reveal a candidate’s true nature to the value of incorporating personality and intelligence tests. You'll learn how to uncover what candidates expect in terms of salary and work environment, and why having a comprehensive policy manual and organized systems are non-negotiable for running a smooth operation. But it’s not just about the mechanics of interviewing. This episode also sheds light on the softer side of hiring—like creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere that retains top talent and the benefit of involving your team in hiring decisions. With practical advice tailored for dental practices, Michael and Sandy offer a masterclass in aligning your hiring practices with your practice’s culture and long-term goals. What You'll Learn in This Episode:

  • Key strategies for effective interview preparation.
  • The types of interview questions that uncover a candidate's true nature.
  • Importance of personality and intelligence tests in the hiring process.
  • How to identify candidates' expectations about salary and work environment.
  • The role of a policy manual and organized systems in hiring.
  • Questions to ask (and avoid) to assess candidate fit.
  • Creating a welcoming and inclusive work environment to retain staff.
  • Integrating team opinions in the hiring process.
  • Practical advice for improving your dental practice’s hiring process.

Don’t miss out on these game-changing insights—tune in to the full episode now!

Sponsors: Do you need a new website or marketing agency? Check out what Docsites can do for you: https://www.docsites.com/landing-pages/ddb/

Mentions and Links:

Communities/Groups:

Dental Gumbo Group

Events:

Boston 2024 Front Desk Pro Seminar

Tools/Resources:

DentalPost

Indeed

ZipRecruiter

2024 Salary Survey

Hirewise

Cedar HR

Wonderlic Personality Test

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How can cutting-edge technology streamline the entire patient journey in your practice? In this episode, Michael and Sandy sit down with Dr. Gina Dorfman, the visionary founder of Yapi, to explore how this comprehensive dental software solution is transforming the industry. Dr. Dorfman passionately discusses the latest Yapi updates, such as a sleek new interface, enhanced appointment reminders, and innovative tools like insurance verification, credit card processing by text, and two-way patient texting. Each feature is designed to streamline practice management, improve patient care, and boost the efficiency of your front office. But that's not all—Dr. Dorfman shares her broader contributions to the dental community, including her active involvement in the Dental Gumbo Facebook group and a special offer for our listeners. Whether you're a dental professional eager to modernize your practice or someone intrigued by the latest advancements in healthcare technology, this episode is a goldmine. What You'll Learn in This Episode:

  • What new features are included in the latest Yapi update and how they benefit dental practices
  • How Yapi’s enhanced appointment reminders and internal communication tools work
  • The advantages of Yapi’s insurance verification and text-based credit card processing
  • How the two-way texting feature with patients can improve patient engagement

Ready to transform your dental practice with the latest technology? Listen in to discover how Yapi can elevate your practice to new heights!

Sponsors:

Elevate Patient Care with Automation: Are you looking for dental software that puts your patients first? From online scheduling to online forms, patient communication, and office coordination – Yapi simplifies every step of the patient experience. Find out more here, and be sure to mention Dental Drill Bits for a special offer! https://yapiapp.com/ Mentions and Links: Community/Groups: Dental Gumbo Group Dentaltown Terms: SAAS Insurance Companies: TDIC (The Dentists Insurance Company) Practice Management Software: Dentrix Open Dental Eaglesoft Products/Brands: Invisalign Starbucks Amazon
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Are you struggling to streamline your practice’s front office operations while juggling departments, patients, and metrics? In this episode, Michael and Sandy delve into the essentials of managing a successful practice, starting with the highlights of Sandy's recent webinar and her upcoming seminar in Boston.

The conversation quickly transitions into a focused discussion around a listener's question on maintaining consistent department meetings and tracking pivotal metrics. Sandy offers an actionable guide on conducting effective meetings, complete with tips on following up on assignments, gathering feedback, and defining clear objectives. Specific topics like tracking new patient conversions, handling broken appointments, and managing production and collections metrics take the forefront. By the end of this episode, you'll grasp the importance of accountability, clear communication, and performance metrics in leading your practice to success.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:
  • How to run effective and consistent department meetings.
  • Tips for following up on previous assignments and setting clear goals.
  • Key metrics to track for the smooth operation of a dental practice.
  • The importance of tracking new patient conversions and handling broken appointments.
  • Best practices for managing production and collection metrics.
  • Strategies for efficiently managing insurance claims and ensuring accountability.
  • Benefits of in-person training and special promotions for upcoming seminars.

Tune in today to learn about department meetings, metrics, and paying attention to what matters in your practice!

Sponsors:

Do you need a new website or marketing agency? Check out what Docsites can do for you: https://www.docsites.com/landing-pages/ddb/

Mentions and Links:

Communities/Groups:

Dental Gumbo Group

Events:

Front Desk Pro - Friday, August 23rd - Boston, MA - Use Promo Code: Secret Sauce

Books:

The No Complaining Rule

The Energy Bus: 10 Rules to Fuel Your Life, Work, and Team with Positive Energy

Services:

Practice by Numbers

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FAQ

How many episodes does Dental Drills Bits have?

Dental Drills Bits currently has 188 episodes available.

What topics does Dental Drills Bits cover?

The podcast is about Dentistry, Training, Team, Management, Classic, Practice, Podcasts, Education, Resources, Dental, Business and Manager.

What is the most popular episode on Dental Drills Bits?

The episode title 'Why Dental Membership Plans Are NOT Only for Low-Income Patients' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Dental Drills Bits?

The average episode length on Dental Drills Bits is 26 minutes.

How often are episodes of Dental Drills Bits released?

Episodes of Dental Drills Bits are typically released every 7 days.

When was the first episode of Dental Drills Bits?

The first episode of Dental Drills Bits was released on Jan 16, 2017.

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