Daily Dental Podcast

Dr. Killeen reflects on a Cambridge graduate's realization that his doctoral ceremony was far more than a formality. Surrounded by centuries of tradition, friends, and family, he discovered that certain moments do not simply mark change. They become passages that alter how we see ourselves and the lives we are building. It is easy to rush past milestones in our practices and personal lives while focusing on what comes next. This is a reminder to pause, recognize the significance of these thresholds, and be fully present for them. Some moments only have the power to change us if we slow down long enough to let them.

Dr. Killeen shares a story about a family whose newborn spent weeks in the NICU. Although friends generously brought flowers, meals, and food for the house, the family was rarely home to use them. What they really needed was something much simpler: takeout gift cards and the flexibility to grab a meal at the hospital. The story captures the heart of the core value “Have Each Other's Backs.” Real support begins by asking what someone actually needs, rather than offering what is easiest or most convenient to give. Dr. Killeen also explores how strong teams balance compassion with accountability by both catching people when they fall and telling them the truth so they can improve.

Dr. Killeen shares a story from Rory Sutherland's Alchemy about a hotel that replaces its doorman with an automatic sliding door to save money. While the change looks efficient on paper, the hotel loses countless small but meaningful services that the spreadsheet never measured. The story offers a valuable lesson about ego, humility, and leadership. Before making a decision, ask, “What am I not seeing here?” Dr. Killeen explores how being hungry to grow, humble enough to keep learning, and confident enough to commit can lead to better decisions and stronger teams.

Dr. Killeen explores what money really means to us beyond the practical needs it meets. While money can provide security, freedom, and opportunity, it can also become tied to deeper questions about worth, belonging, and whether we are doing enough. He discusses why dentists can fall into the trap of constantly producing and chasing a bigger number, even when their financial needs are already met. The challenge is to recognize what money can genuinely provide, what it never can, and whether the pursuit of more is helping you build the life you actually want.

Dr. Killeen shares the story of a highly successful dental practice that slowly lost momentum after its owner decided to take his foot off the gas. He explains why great practices rarely decline overnight and how small lapses in focus can quietly compound into major setbacks over time. In this episode, you'll learn why the mindset of "Always Be Improving" is essential for long-term success. Dr. Killeen discusses the difference between relying on motivation and building systems that drive continuous improvement, helping your practice keep moving forward one intentional step at a time.

Dr. Killeen shares an insightful lesson from advertising legend David Ogilvy, who believed that the best ideas don't come from forcing them, but from creating space for them to surface. He explores why creativity often appears during a walk, a bike ride, or a quiet moment away from the desk, and why stepping back can be just as productive as pushing harder. Learn why solving your biggest clinical, business, and leadership challenges requires both focused effort and intentional rest. Discover how giving your mind time to wander can unlock fresh ideas, better decisions, and a clearer vision for your practice.

Dr. Killeen explores a powerful marketing lesson from Jonah Berger's book Contagious: people don't share ordinary experiences, they share remarkable ones. He explains the concept of social currency and why word of mouth remains one of the most effective ways to grow a dental practice. Today, you'll learn why simply meeting expectations isn't enough to create referrals. Dr. Killeen shares how small, thoughtful moments throughout the patient experience can leave a lasting impression, encourage patients to share their stories, and help turn exceptional care into your practice's most valuable marketing tool.

Dr. Killeen reflects on his experience completing the Unbound 200 gravel race and the lasting impression it left long after crossing the finish line. From registration to race-day surprises, he shares how every touchpoint contributed to a memorable experience and why the final moments mattered most. In this episode, he explores the Peak-End Rule and how dental practices can create unforgettable patient experiences by intentionally designing the moments that matter most. Learn why great service isn't just about good intentions, but about building systems that consistently deliver a Fantastic Guest Experience every single day.

Dr. Killeen discusses one of the most overlooked decisions practice owners make: choosing the people they do business with. From bankers and business partners to vendors and dental reps, the character of the people you surround yourself with has a lasting impact on your practice and your future. He shares a simple but powerful test for evaluating character, why long-term relationships matter more than quick wins, and how the values of those around you inevitably shape your own. Learn how choosing trustworthy, service-minded people can strengthen both your business and your leadership for years to come.

Dr. Killeen explores why curiosity may be one of the greatest predictors of long-term success. He shares how lifelong learners, tinkerers, and problem solvers develop the confidence to tackle new challenges, and why believing you can "figure it out" is a skill that compounds over an entire career. From troubleshooting old technology to navigating complex clinical and business challenges, this episode highlights the importance of strengthening your curiosity instead of always looking for the easy answer. Learn how embracing the mindset that everything is figureoutable can help you become a better leader, dentist, and lifelong learner.

Dr. Killeen shares one of John Wooden's most enduring leadership lessons: championships are built on mastering the smallest details. From teaching players how to properly put on their socks and tie their shoes to prevent blisters, Wooden understood that excellence starts with the fundamentals long before game day. In this episode, Dr. Killeen explores how that same mindset applies in dentistry. Whether it's clinical precision, sterilization protocols, treatment planning conversations, or the materials and techniques you use every day, the little things add up to exceptional patient care. Learn why revisiting the basics may be the biggest step you can take toward building a championship practice.

From operatory setup and sterilization to new patient visits and daily routines, this episode explores how checklists turn great systems into reliable habits. Dr. Killeen shares one of the simplest tools for creating consistency in a dental practice: the humble checklist. Inspired by Atul Gawande's The Checklist Manifesto, he explains how even the most experienced professionals can miss important steps when days get busy, and why a well-designed checklist helps prevent small mistakes from becoming bigger problems. Learn why the goal isn't to remember more, but to create processes that help your team deliver excellent care every single day.

Dr. Killeen explores a simple leadership truth that many of us learn the hard way: delaying a difficult conversation never makes it easier. Whether it's addressing an underperforming team member, resolving conflict, or setting expectations, avoiding the issue only allows it to grow, making the eventual conversation even more challenging. As your practice grows, so do the complexity of your problems and the number of tough conversations you'll need to have. In this episode, Dr. Killeen explains why handling difficult conversations early is one of the most valuable leadership skills you can develop and shares a mindset that helps you face them with confidence instead of avoidance.

Dr. Killeen unpacks Patrick Lencioni's The Ideal Team Player framework and explains why the best hires bring much more than technical ability. He explores the three qualities every great team member should have: humble, hungry, and smart, and how missing just one of those traits can have a lasting impact on your practice culture. In this episode, you'll learn why hiring based on character creates stronger teams than hiring based on experience alone. Dr. Killeen shares practical insights to help you evaluate future candidates, protect your culture, and build a team that's motivated, collaborative, and committed to long-term success.

Today, Dr. Killeen explores Jim Collins' powerful flywheel concept from Good to Great and explains why lasting success is rarely the result of one big breakthrough. Instead, it's built through small, consistent actions that may seem insignificant on their own but create unstoppable momentum over time. From morning huddles and appointment confirmations to treatment follow ups and patient reviews, this episode highlights the importance of sticking to the fundamentals. Learn why consistency beats chasing the latest strategy and how keeping your team focused on the same key actions day after day is what truly drives long-term growth.

Dr. Killeen shares a simple mindset that can transform the way you think about your time, money, and daily decisions. Every choice falls into one of two categories: you're either investing in something that creates long-term value or you're spending on something that offers only a short-term reward. Learning to recognize the difference can have a powerful impact on both your practice and your personal life. From continuing education and technology investments to training your team and protecting your focus, this episode explores why the best returns often require discomfort upfront. Dr. Killeen encourages listeners to pause before their next big decision and ask one question: Is this an investment that will compound over time, or am I simply spending?

Dr. Killeen sits down with executive and leadership coach Darren Macfee, who has been a trusted advisor for more than a decade. Drawing on years of experience coaching CEOs across a wide range of industries, Darren shares why the biggest leadership challenges are often rooted in unclear expectations rather than difficult conversations. Together, they explore practical ways to develop leaders, navigate complex decisions, and build stronger teams. The conversation dives into creating a culture of accountability through clear expectations, timely feedback, and strong core values. Darren explains why regular coaching conversations reduce anxiety for both leaders and employees, how to reset expectations when performance slips, and why the right people often rise to the challenge when given honest feedback. It's packed with leadership lessons that apply to every dental practice.Darren will be speaking at the Dental CEO Bootcamp in November hosted by Dr. Killeen in Lincoln, NE. Tickets are limited, grab yours today at https://www.addisonkilleen.com/events/

After an expensive trip to a used bookstore, Dr. Killeen shares why he happily spent more than expected and why he believes books are one of the highest-return investments you'll ever make. A single idea, lesson, or perspective can transform the way you lead your practice, care for patients, or live your life. Today, Dr. Killeen encourages dentists to think differently about investing in themselves. While it's easy to spend money on equipment and technology, the greatest long-term returns often come from growing your own knowledge. Books, courses, and mentors don't cost money as much as they create opportunities that can pay dividends for years to come.

What does it really mean to lead? Dr. Killeen reflects on a powerful perspective from LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault, who views leadership not as owning success, but as caring for something that will outlast him. It's a mindset that challenges leaders to think less about personal achievement and more about leaving people, systems, and organizations stronger than they found them. He explores the difference between building a legacy of privilege and preserving a legacy of craftsmanship. Whether you're mentoring an associate, developing your team, or shaping your practice culture, true leadership is about passing on your knowledge and raising up the next generation. The greatest measure of success is not what you keep, but what you leave behind.

In a world built around convenience, Dr. Killeen makes the case for intentionally choosing a little hardship. From vacations without cell service to simple alarm clocks for his kids, he shares how adding small amounts of friction can lead to greater presence, deeper focus, and stronger relationships. He explores why easier isn't always better, both at home and in the dental practice. By creating space away from constant notifications and distractions, you can become a more thoughtful leader, a more engaged parent, and a more intentional person. Sometimes the best way to move forward is to choose the harder path on purpose.

What if the biggest thing holding your practice back isn't a lack of time, but a lack of focus? In this episode, Dr. Killeen reflects on a timeless quote from the Earl of Chesterfield and explains why trying to tackle too many priorities at once often leads to frustration instead of progress. Using the analogy of sports seasons, Dr. Killeen shares why the best leaders choose one key initiative, give it their full attention, and let everything else wait its turn. Whether you're improving clinical systems, marketing, or team performance, focusing on one priority at a time helps your practice make lasting progress instead of spinning its wheels.

What if your biggest setback is actually preparing you for your greatest success? In this episode, Dr. Killeen shares the inspiring story of Tenzing Norgay's failed 1952 attempt to summit Mount Everest and the simple phrase that carried him through the toughest moments: ça va bien, or "it's going well." Drawing lessons from the mountain to the dental practice, Dr. Killeen explores why failure is never wasted when you're willing to learn from it. Whether it's a difficult case, a hiring mistake, or a disappointing season in your practice, every challenge leaves behind valuable lessons that make the next attempt stronger. The goal is not to avoid failure, but to keep climbing with a positive attitude and the confidence that every experience is moving you forward.

Back to school season is a great reminder that learning should never stop. Today, Dr. Killeen encourages dentists to embrace the mindset of a lifelong student and asks an important question: what are you learning right now? Whether it's improving your clinical skills, becoming a stronger business owner, or investing in your personal life, growth starts with choosing to keep learning. He shares why standing still in dentistry is really falling behind and challenges listeners to enroll in something that will move them forward. Sometimes the best investment you can make is simply picking up your backpack and getting back in the classroom.

What separates wishful thinking from meaningful progress? In this episode, Dr. Killeen shares the timeless fable of Hercules and the farmer to explore the idea of active optimism. It's not enough to believe things will work out. Real optimism is paired with action, and that combination is what creates lasting results. He also looks at research showing the impact optimism can have on success and longevity, while explaining why passive optimism can be just as limiting as pessimism. Whether you're facing challenges in your practice or your personal life, this episode offers a simple reminder to stop waiting for change and take the first step toward making it happen.

What if the biggest risk isn't failing, but never trying? In this episode, Dr. Killeen shares a personal story about encouraging a talented dental assistant to pursue dental school and reflects on the parable of the talents and the danger of playing it safe with the gifts you've been given. He also shares a simple question from an old Dear Abby column: if your dream will take seven or ten years, how old will you be at the end of that time if you don't pursue it? Time is going to pass either way. The real question is what you'll have to show for it. This episode is a reminder to stop waiting for the perfect timeline and put your talents to work.

Why do some people consistently do the things they don't want to do? Dr. Killeen explores Albert Gray's idea that the difference isn't discipline, talent, or even enjoyment of hard work. Successful people have a purpose strong enough to make the uncomfortable work worth doing. From following up on treatment to studying your practice numbers or having difficult conversations with your team, the hard parts of practice ownership aren't going away. He explains why a stronger purpose can make those tasks easier to face and turn them into habits that move you toward the life and practice you're trying to build.

Dr. Killeen explores the law of entropy and what it can teach us about running a great dental practice. Just like a garage gets messier when nobody maintains it, practice systems naturally drift over time. Scheduling protocols get skipped, standards slip, and good habits slowly disappear unless someone actively puts energy back into them. The good news is that this isn't a sign of failure. It's simply the reality of leadership. It's explained why maintaining a strong practice requires continuous reinforcement through training, accountability, reminders, and regular check-ins. The goal isn't to build perfect systems once, but to keep putting energy into them so they stay strong.

How many new patient appointment slots does your practice really need to hit its monthly goals? Dr. Killeen sits down with Ryan Gross to break down the numbers behind new patient scheduling, why a one-to-one ratio doesn't work, and how cancellations, limited hygiene availability, and emergency exams all impact your ability to grow. They discuss strategies like dedicated hygiene and emergency blocks, the 24 to 48 hour scheduling rule, ghost columns, and why every practice needs to find the scheduling formula that fits its unique setup.They also explore how your schedule can become the biggest bottleneck in your new patient funnel, referencing concepts from The Goal and explaining why practices may need 30, 40, or even 50 percent more available appointment blocks than their monthly target. A preview of Ryan's session at the Fall Dental CEO Bootcamp coming up in November is discussed, where he'll share practical ways to improve marketing, optimize KPIs, and use AI to drive practice growth one percent at a time. Visit https://www.addisonkilleen.com/events/ to learn more and sign up for the limited spots available for this event.

What if the questions we're most afraid to ask are actually the ones that could teach us the most? Today, Dr. Killeen shares a lesson from Randall Munroe's What If? and explores why curiosity and asking "why" are essential to becoming a better dentist, leader, and practice owner. Whether it's a clinical technique, a business system, or something you've been doing for years without really understanding, questioning the familiar can lead to better decisions and deeper knowledge. Dr. Killeen challenges listeners to pick one thing they've never questioned and simply ask why. Staying curious may be one of the best ways to keep improving throughout your career.

What if the best way to manage your dental practice isn't day by day or month by month, but week by week? In this episode, Dr. Killeen explains why seven days may be the perfect window for spotting meaningful patterns without getting distracted by daily noise or waiting too long to make a change. He also shares how his weekly scorecard helps him stay ahead of production, new patients, reappointment rates, collections, and other key metrics. By reviewing the numbers consistently between Friday and Monday, you can walk into each new week with a clear picture of what happened and a plan for what to improve next.

In this episode, Dr. Killeen shares how he is developing leadership within his own practice by teaching his Team Leader, Stephanie, not only how to lead, but how to teach leadership to the leaders beneath her. The goal is to move beyond an owner-centered practice where every decision runs through one person. He breaks down the three layers of this approach: clarity, ownership, and multiplication. When leaders understand the vision, have real authority to make decisions, and learn how to develop other leaders, the impact can spread throughout the entire organization. The goal isn't to become the best leader in the practice. It's to build a practice full of leaders.

What do a group of canoe paddlers trapped by wildfires have to teach dentists and practice owners? Dr. Killeen shares a remarkable real-life story about decision-making under extreme pressure and the habits that helped a team stay calm, work together, and make smart choices when everything around them was changing. Unexpected challenges are inevitable in dentistry and in life. Dr. Killeen explains why the best leaders don't avoid adversity, they develop a process for responding to it. By gathering the facts, leaning on trusted people, and making thoughtful decisions instead of emotional ones, you can navigate uncertainty with confidence, no matter what comes your way.

Why does your practice exist beyond providing dental care? In this episode, Dr. Killeen explores Simon Sinek's idea of starting with your "why" and explains how a clear purpose can shape every patient interaction, every team decision, and the culture of your practice. Using Capital Dental's mission to make dentistry different as an example, he shares how small actions, like greeting patients with a genuine smile and bringing positive energy to every phone call, reinforce your purpose. When your team understands the "why" behind what they do, creating exceptional patient experiences becomes a natural part of everyday practice.

What if achieving your goals wasn't about doing more, but about becoming someone different? Today, Dr. Killeen explores the powerful connection between identity and habits, explaining why lasting change starts with how you see yourself, not with another checklist or to-do list. From leading a successful practice to improving your health or becoming a more intentional parent, he shares how adopting the right identity makes consistent habits feel natural instead of forced. When you focus on becoming the person you want to be, the actions that support your goals become part of who you are.

What keeps you moving when motivation fades? In this episode, Dr. Killeen shares why signing up for a challenging 150-mile gravel race is less about cycling and more about creating a goal that demands preparation. Sometimes the best way to build better habits is to put something meaningful on the calendar that pushes you outside your comfort zone. The same principle applies to dentistry and practice ownership. Whether it's mastering a new procedure, improving key metrics, or tackling a long-delayed challenge, having a clear goal with a deadline creates focus, accountability, and momentum. The goal itself matters, but the discipline it builds is what creates lasting growth.

As a dentist, your time is your most valuable asset. In this episode, Dr. Killeen explores why so many practice owners spend too much of their day on tasks that could be handled by someone else, creating unnecessary bottlenecks that limit growth and increase stress. Learn why working at the top of your license is essential for both your practice and your quality of life. Dr. Killeen shares how effective delegation, team training, and trust can free you to focus on the work only you can do, while empowering your team to perform at their highest level.

Finding new patients is important, but what if some of your best opportunities are already sitting in your practice management software? In this episode, Dr. Killeen explains why inactive patients are one of the most overlooked growth opportunities and how reconnecting with people who already know and trust your practice can deliver a better return than constantly chasing new leads. He shares a simple system for identifying patients who have fallen off the schedule and reaching out with a genuine message that makes them feel welcomed back. Small efforts to reactivate existing relationships can strengthen patient care, fill the schedule, and help your practice grow without increasing your marketing budget.

This episode explores a simple lesson inspired by grilling steaks. While most people focus on the center cut, the best bites are often found around the edges. Dr. Killeen explains how the same idea applies to dental conferences, CE events, and study clubs, where the most valuable insights often come from conversations outside the lecture hall. He also shares why the Dental CEO Bootcamp in Lincoln, NE was intentionally designed to create those meaningful connections in a small group setting. Whether you're attending an event this year or considering one in the future, you'll learn why the relationships you build can have just as much impact as the education you receive.

Today, Dr. Killeen explains why one of the biggest opportunities for practice growth is often sitting right in the chair. When patients are already in the office and ready for treatment, offering same-day care can eliminate extra trips, reduce delays, and make it easier for patients to say yes. He also shares how creating a schedule with built-in flexibility allows your team to capture these moments without adding stress. Small operational changes can improve patient care, increase production, and help your practice grow without spending another dollar on marketing.

Talking about treatment costs doesn't have to be uncomfortable. In this episode, Dr. Killeen explains why the financial conversation is one of the most important moments in the patient journey and how the way your team presents fees can make the difference between a patient moving forward or walking away. Learn how confidence, empathy, and clear payment options can help patients feel comfortable saying yes to the care they need. A smooth handoff from the operatory to the front desk doesn't just improve case acceptance, it builds trust and creates a better experience for everyone involved.

What if one simple mindset could strengthen your relationships with patients, your team, and even complete strangers? In this episode, Dr. Killeen shares a lesson inspired by aerospace CEO Peter Coffman: "Go positive, go first." It's a simple idea that can transform the way you connect with the people around you. From dropping his son off at summer camp to greeting patients in the operatory, Dr. Killeen explains why taking the first step with kindness, encouragement, and genuine positivity often creates the same response in return. Small actions can build trust, create stronger relationships, and set the tone for a better day both inside and outside the practice.

For many potential patients, your Google Business Profile is the very first interaction they have with your practice. In this episode, Dr. Killeen explains why this free marketing tool plays such a critical role in attracting new patients and why keeping it updated can have a bigger impact than many paid advertising efforts. From photos and office hours to reviews and practice information, small details can make the difference between earning a new patient or being overlooked. Learn how a few simple updates can help your practice stand out when patients are searching for a dentist.

One of the most important marketing assets for your practice isn't your website or your advertising budget. It's your Google Business Profile. Today, Dr. Killeen explains why this often overlooked listing is the first impression many new patients have of your practice and how it can influence whether they call you or the office down the street. Keeping your profile complete and up to date, with accurate information, great photos, and strong reviews, is one of the easiest ways to attract more patients. A few simple updates can make a big difference in how your practice stands out when people are searching for a dentist.

The highest quality new patients usually aren't coming from ads or marketing campaigns. They're coming from the people who already love your practice. Dr. Killeen explains why patient referrals remain the most powerful form of marketing and how they create trust long before a new patient walks through the door. Discover how a genuine conversation can encourage more referrals without feeling awkward or salesy. By delivering a great patient experience and confidently asking for referrals at the right moment, you can build a practice that grows through trust, loyalty, and word of mouth.

In this episode, Dr. Killeen explains why your Google reviews have become one of the most important factors in attracting new patients and why they often have a bigger impact than your marketing budget. Before a new patient ever picks up the phone, they've probably already looked you up online. A simple, consistent process for asking happy patients to leave reviews can strengthen your online reputation and build trust before someone ever walks through your doors. Small daily habits can lead to hundreds of five-star reviews and help your practice stand out for years to come.

Not every problem in a dental practice is obvious. In this episode, Dr. Killeen highlights one of the biggest hidden drains on growth: patients leaving hygiene appointments without scheduling their next visit. While many practices focus on attracting new patients, keeping the ones you already have is often the highest return investment. He explains why tracking your hygiene reappointment rate is one of the most important metrics in your practice and how a simple, consistent pre-appointment process can create a healthier schedule, stronger patient retention, and long-term growth. Small improvements in this area can compound into big results over time.

Every new patient relationship begins with a phone call, and those first 90 seconds can determine whether someone schedules an appointment or calls the next office on their list. In this episode, Dr. Killeen explains why the new patient phone call is one of the highest value moments in your practice and why it deserves more attention than it often gets. Learn what makes a great first impression, from answering the phone warmly to guiding the conversation toward a scheduled appointment. A well-trained front desk team can turn every marketing dollar into long-term patient relationships and set the tone for an exceptional patient experience from the very first hello.

A great day at the practice often starts before the first patient walks through the door. In this episode, Dr. Killeen explains why the morning huddle may be the highest return meeting your team has and how just 10 to 15 minutes of preparation can prevent hours of confusion and stress. Learn what makes a morning huddle effective, from reviewing the schedule to identifying opportunities and setting the tone for the day. A simple, consistent routine can improve communication, strengthen teamwork, and help your practice stay proactive instead of constantly reacting.

Dr. Killeen explores how creating intentional constraints can sharpen your skills, improve your focus, and help you find smarter ways to deliver excellent patient care without sacrificing quality. What if becoming more efficient wasn't about working harder, but about working within better limits? From timing routine procedures to challenging yourself with realistic goals, small constraints can uncover wasted motion and streamline your workflow. A simple shift in mindset can benefit your patients, support your team, and make your practice more productive and enjoyable to run.

In this episode, Dr. Killeen reflects on why there is no universal timeline for growth, success, or change, and why comparing your current chapter to someone else's or to your own past can keep you from making the most of where you are today. Every dental practice and every life moves through different seasons. Whether your focus is hiring, improving your clinical skills, strengthening your finances, or simply navigating a challenging personal season, each stage has a purpose. Dr. Killeen encourages you to identify the season you're in, embrace it fully, and discover the lessons and opportunities it has to offer instead of always looking ahead to what's next.

A quick text can mean something very different to the person receiving it than it does to the person sending it. In this episode, Dr. Killeen shares a simple interaction with a hygienist that became a reminder of how easily tone can be lost in digital communication and why leaders need to be especially intentional with their words. Drawing on insights from Digital Body Language, Dr. Killeen explains how clear, thoughtful communication builds trust in a busy dental practice. We can learn why a few extra seconds spent adding warmth to a message can strengthen relationships, reduce misunderstandings, and help your team feel supported instead of second guessing your intent.