Jill Nesbitt on Getting the Technology Right So You Can Get the Business Right

02/20/25 • 54 min

On the latest episode of The Dental Economist Show, host Mike Huffaker welcomes Jill Nesbitt, a seasoned expert in dental consulting and practice management and Independent Consultant at Optimize Dental Consulting for an eye-opening conversation on how technological implementation done right can transform dental businesses for the better. Together, they unpack:

The need for a robust tech and software implementation strategy to guide successful management
Why consultants are best placed to support and enable the transformation and operations of a business
Unique approaches to creating efficient and scalable processes tailor-made to each practice’s unique requirements
The need for high quality automation in day-to-day operations and how to identify what can and cannot be automated

If you thought technological application had hit its peak in the world of dentistry, think again. Tune in for valuable takeaways and stay ahead of the curve! Episode Highlights:2:40 - 12:40 - From Spanish to Dentistry & The Implementation Niche Jill Nesbitt discusses her unique journey from pursuing a major in Spanish to finding joy in maximizing operational efficiency at dental practices and the vast experience it gave her in the field of operational management. She further traces the path to software implementation as a niche, emphasizing the need for strategic, process-driven technology implementation in dental practices.
12:42 - 29:00 - The Making of a Successful Implementation Project From transparent conversations with leadership and stakeholders to change management content, the ace consultant underscores the steps in taking an implementation project to fruition. She also reveals some of the biggest missteps made in the introduction of software to a dental practice. 29:01 - 41:24 - Consultancy, Dentistry & Ensuring an ROI on Investment

Getting an accurate ROI on software investment can be difficult but it’s a worthy attempt at strengthening a dental business’ capabilities. Jill reflects on why the consultancy approach is perfect for guiding software implementation and making the best of this unique intersection.
41:25 - 52:54 - Automation & Enabling Tech-Led Change

While Jill remains most optimistic about the change that automation continues to bring to the table, she also spotlights some key reasons for why dental businesses should move into the future with a tech-first approach and how the can stay agile to make the most of the moment.
Tune in to discover how to make data-driven decisions that drive growth. Don't forget to follow, rate, and review the show!
The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

The need for a robust tech and software implementation strategy to guide successful management
Why consultants are best placed to support and enable the transformation and operations of a business
Unique approaches to creating efficient and scalable processes tailor-made to each practice’s unique requirements
The need for high quality automation in day-to-day operations and how to identify what can and cannot be automated

Previous Episode

Mike Baird on Creating a Dental Ecosystem by Dentists, for Dentists

On the latest episode of The Dental Economist Show, host Mike Huffaker welcomes Founder and CEO of Accelerate Dental, Mike Baird - a serial entrepreneur and visionary leader with a remarkable track record of building and scaling transformative businesses in healthcare and technology. Through the engaging discussion, they cover eye-opening insights on:

Why the dental ecosystem needs an overhaul, with dentists leading the charge
How the ‘Perpetual Model’ can encourage higher levels of ownership and participation from dentists
Increasing majority ownership, facilitating a shift towards dentist-first businesses
The intersection of technology and dentistry, and how it will revolutionize patient care in the near future

If you’re looking for fresh perspectives and actionable ways to challenge the traditional DSO model and reimagine the future for dentists and patients alike, tune into this episode!Episode Highlights:1:18 - 10:55 - Choosing Dentistry & Reimagining the Industry

Mike Baird discusses how his tech background played into his choice of venturing out into the dentistry industry, why the space is “simple but not easy” and the importance of creating partnerships with a dentist-first approach. 10:56 - 27:49 - The Perpetual Model and Autonomy in Work

Rethinking partnerships in the dental business requires fresh perspective and a radical approach. According to Mike Baird, that approach is giving dentists complete autonomy, changing majority stakes in DSOs, and implementing the ‘Perpetual Model’.
28:17 - 38:13 - Leadership by Influence & The Culture Quotient

Crafting a culture to encourage leadership can elevate the day-to-day operations, enhancing patient care and the dentistry experience overall. There are certain culture codes, backed by strategy that must be followed in order to create long-standing partnerships that are beneficial for all parties. 38:15 - 48:25 - Scaling for Success & Using Technology

Technology is here to revolutionize dental businesses in the near future - from billing to patient care, dentists have the opportunity to take their practices to the next level.
The future of dentistry is changing—are you ready? Tune in as Mike Baird shares expert strategies for success in the industry. Don’t forget to subscribe and join the conversation!
The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Next Episode

Vince Dilley on Dentistry Growth Strategies That Actually Work

The latest episode of The Dental Economist Show brings together the best of both worlds - exponential growth and meaningful impact. Join host Mike Huffaker as he welcomes Founder and CEO of Platinum Dental Services, Vince Dilley, for a dynamic conversation on the actionable ways one can identify the unique potential of independent practices and make them a part of a booming collective. Together, they discuss:

The power of patient reactivation and creative financing strategies in growing a dentistry empire
Platinum’s road to acquiring and transforming underperforming practices
The critical role of standardization and using technology to drive growth through consistency across practices
The unique hybrid centralization model, maintaining an efficient 6.5%-7% corporate overhead while driving double-digit same-store growth

If you’re looking for ways to create a robust ecosystem that prioritizes the growth of both your practice and the individuals that make it, this is a conversation you need to tune into!
Episode Highlights:1:53 - 7:58 - The Origin of Platinum & Innovative StrategyVince Dilley describes the dynamic journey of moving from patient reactivation to applying innovative acquisition and financing strategies to grow Platinum Dental Care Services into a 41-practice brand.
7:59 - 15:37 - Navigating the Challenges & Opportunities of Acquisitions The right growth strategies are critical to forming and maintaining successful acquisitions. Vince Dilley shares his experience in identifying these strategies, knowing what to look for and his learnings from initial acquisitions. 15:38 - 24:19 - The Power of Technology & Standardization

Using technology efficiently to facilitate an ecosystem of standardization within and across practices ranks high on Vince’s to-do list. He shines a light on this criticality and the pitfalls of not paying close attention to it. 24:20 - 37:17 - The Ins and Outs of Private Equity Partnership

Vince shares the strategies that led the company to a successful private equity partnership, the importance of defining clear roles prior to the partnership and the right formula to cracking organization structure.
37:18 - 48:40 - Meaningful Impact & Staying the Course

Referring to himself as a “student of leadership,” Vince shines a light on his biggest sources of learning, mentorship, and knowledge. He also emphasizes the importance of prioritizing meaningful impact through Platinum’s free dentistry initiatives.
Don’t miss this insightful episode—follow the show and start transforming your practice today!
The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so