The Authentic Dentist

In this powerful episode of The Authentic Dentist podcast, Dr. Allison House and Shawn Zajas tackle one of the most challenging aspects of authentic leadership: finding the courage to speak truth when it's uncomfortable. Drawing from Dr. House's real experiences confronting unethical practices in dental associations, they explore the tension between our natural desire for agreeableness and the moral imperative to stand up for what's right.The conversation reveals how Dr. House's willingness to question a confusing budget report at an Arizona Dental Association meeting—despite her fear of conflict—ultimately launched her leadership career and led to meaningful systemic change. They discuss the modern paradox of online courage versus real-world accountability, and how avoiding difficult conversations provides short-term relief but ensures long-term suffering.Through vulnerable storytelling, both hosts examine the price of silence and the power of asking difficult questions with respect and integrity. This episode offers practical wisdom for dental professionals navigating ethical dilemmas while maintaining their authentic voice in an increasingly polarized world.

In this enlightening episode of The Authentic Dentist Podcast, Dr. Allison House and Shawn Zajas explore the multifaceted nature of risk-taking throughout different life and career stages. They examine how our relationship with risk evolves over time—from the bold, physical risks of youth to the calculated professional and emotional risks of maturity.The hosts share personal experiences to illustrate how authentic leadership often requires stepping beyond comfort zones, whether opening a practice, starting a new venture, or making emotional connections. Dr. House emphasizes that perfection is a myth that paralyzes progress, while Shawn highlights that the greatest risk might be not taking any risks at all.Their conversation illuminates how dentists can differentiate themselves by embracing their authentic approach to risk, creating sustainable success models that honor their values while acknowledging the inevitability of failure as part of growth. This episode offers wisdom for the whole practitioner—addressing not just clinical decisions, but who dentists are and how they show up in their practice and life when faced with uncertainty.

In this emotionally powerful episode, Dr. Allison House shares the recent tragedy of a dental school classmate whose practice was destroyed in an accident that left him severely burned and hospitalized. This unfortunate event serves as a catalyst for an authentic and vulnerable conversation about the critical importance of proper insurance planning for dental professionals.Dr. House and Shawn examine the complex challenges facing dental practices during unexpected tragedies - from patient care continuity to team member employment, from insurance claims to practice data recovery. They highlight the importance of own occupation disability insurance for sole providers, offsite data backups, and forming disability coverage groups within dental communities.Through sharing this real-world example, Dr. House demonstrates how proper preparation can provide a safety net during life's most challenging moments, balancing professional responsibilities with personal wellbeing. The episode offers wisdom for the whole practitioner by addressing not just technical practice management aspects but the human realities of vulnerability and interdependence within dental communities.

In this thoughtful exploration of professional identity, Dr. Allison House and Shawn Zajas revisit the foundational topic of authenticity in dental practice. They examine how cookie-cutter practice models and standardized expectations create a confining "box" that leads many practitioners to imposter syndrome and burnout.Dr. House shares her personal journey of breaking free from professional constraints, revealing how the 2008 recession became a pivotal moment for discovering the power of vulnerability with patients. This authentic connection not only transformed her practice dynamics but led to one of her most successful years following the economic downturn.The hosts explore how aligning your practice with your authentic self creates resonance with patients who can intuitively sense when someone isn't being genuine. They discuss the importance of creating systems that allow you to practice according to your values and natural tendencies rather than forcing yourself into a model that isn't sustainable for your wellbeing.The conversation bridges clinical excellence with personal fulfillment by addressing the courage required to deviate from perceived "best practices" and embrace your unique approach to dentistry. Dr. House shares how bringing her team into her home for annual planning meetings—against conventional wisdom—strengthened connections and created a more meaningful work environment.This episode offers wisdom for the whole practitioner by emphasizing that authenticity isn't just a buzzword but a practical strategy for creating a sustainable, fulfilling career and meaningful patient relationships in dentistry.

In this episode of The Authentic Dentist podcast, Dr. Allison House and Shawn Zajas discuss the challenging topic of embezzlement in dental practices. Dr. House shares her personal experience with a trusted employee who stole approximately $100,000 over an 18-month period. The conversation begins with Dr. House recounting a call from a young dentist who recently purchased a practice and noticed discrepancies in the financial records, with an office manager behaving secretively.Dr. House explains how she discovered her own embezzlement situation during COVID when money was taken from a stimulus check, and how she ultimately hired professional help from Susan Gunn to conduct a thorough investigation. She emphasizes that many dental professionals face similar situations, and that it's important to have proper systems in place to detect financial irregularities.The hosts also discuss the challenges of trusting employees, especially in the era of remote work, and the difficulty of balancing trust with appropriate oversight. Dr. House mentions the frequency of calls she receives from other dentists facing similar issues, and her ability to provide resources and guidance based on her 25 years of experience.Toward the end of the episode, Shawn mentions Dr. House's recent honor of hosting a live podcast at the UOP alumni meeting, where she interviewed influential graduates, including Brian Harris.

Dr. Allison House and Shawn Zajas, discuss the uncomfortable relationship many healthcare providers have with "sales" and why it's actually a moral obligation to effectively communicate treatment options to patients. She explores how dentists must overcome their aversion to being perceived as "salespeople" while recognizing their responsibility to help patients understand possibilities they may not know exist. The conversation delves into pricing psychology, the importance of genuine belief in what you're offering, and how proper value communication leads to better patient outcomes. Dr. House emphasizes that effective "selling" in healthcare isn't about manipulation but about helping patients envision and achieve better health outcomes they might not realize are possible.

Dr. Allison House and Shawn Zajas explore the evolution of branding in dentistry, moving beyond traditional visual elements like logos to focus on authentic storytelling and human connection. They discuss how modern branding requires dentists to align their practice with their true identity rather than performing to market expectations. Using examples from consumer brands like Power Bar versus Cliff Bar, they illustrate how authentic storytelling builds trust and attracts the right patients. The conversation emphasizes that successful dental branding isn't about following trends or implementing systems, but rather about clearly communicating who you are and building genuine connections with patients who resonate with your approach.

In this episode, Shawn Zajas and Dr. Allison House dive deep into the challenges and strategies of transitioning away from dental insurance to a fee-for-service model. Drawing from years of experience, Dr House shares the critical steps to analyzing patient data, understanding financial implications, and communicating with patients to ensure a smooth transition. She also discusses the emotional challenges of letting go of beloved patients and how to balance profitability with patient care. Whether you're considering dropping an insurance provider or simply curious about optimizing your practice, this episode is packed with actionable insights and real-life examples.

Dr. Allison House discusses the challenging financial landscape facing new dentists today, focusing on the staggering $500,000+ student debt burden from dental school tuition alone. She reveals why she advises her own children against entering dentistry and explores the limited career options for recent graduates, including potentially predatory DSO contracts and low-paying associate positions. The episode details how new dentists often struggle for their first five years, facing challenges with loan repayment, finding sustainable employment, and establishing their careers. While solutions like military scholarships exist, they're limited and come with their own tradeoffs. The discussion highlights a concerning cycle in modern dentistry where high education costs, insurance reimbursement rates, and corporate involvement create a challenging environment for new professionals.

In this sobering discussion, Dr. Allison House and Shawn examine the shocking murder of UnitedHealthcare's CEO and the unprecedented reaction from the medical community. The conversation delves into the deep-seated frustrations within the healthcare system, from insurance claim denials affecting patient outcomes to the crushing administrative burden on healthcare providers. The hosts explore how the incident reflects broader systemic issues, including the impact of profit-driven healthcare decisions, astronomical insurance costs, and the unsustainable combination of massive medical school debt with declining reimbursements. While condemning vigilante justice, they discuss how this tragic event has exposed the healthcare system's fundamental brokenness and the complex challenges of reform. The discussion touches on concerns about potential copycat incidents and emphasizes that meaningful change requires addressing multiple interconnected issues in healthcare, from insurance practices to medical education costs.

In this podcast episode, Dr. Allison House and Shawn Zajas discuss the importance of acknowledging and celebrating significant moments in both personal and professional life. The conversation is sparked by the lack of celebration for Olivia Reeves' Olympic weightlifting gold medal win in Paris. They explore how modern society often rushes past achievements without proper recognition, from major accomplishments like publishing books to smaller workplace victories. The hosts discuss how different people prefer different types of recognition, using examples from their dental practice, family members, and professional experiences. They also reflect on how digital technology has changed the way we capture and value moments, comparing modern phone photography to traditional film cameras. The episode emphasizes the importance of intentional celebration and recognition in building stronger relationships and organizational culture, while acknowledging that the approach to celebration should be tailored to individual preferences.

Are you ready to set some serious goals, break through your limits, and discover the power of self-awareness? Our latest episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss! Join Dr. Allison House and Shawn Zajas as they dive into: ✨ Setting clear, achievable goals for success ✨ Overcoming the dreaded "upper limit problem" ✨ Harnessing self-awareness for personal and professional growth Connect with Shawn ZajasIG: @zanadentalConnect with Dr. Allison HouseIG: @housedental

Hey everyone! Dr. Allison House and Shawn Zayas are back with Part 2 of our deep dive into the power of language on The Authentic Dentist Podcast.Ever wondered how the words you use can shape your reality? This episode is packed with more eye-opening insights and practical tips on transforming your personal and professional life through the power of positive language.Connect with Shawn ZajasIG: @zanadentalConnect with Dr. Allison HouseIG: @housedental

Hey everyone!

In this episode of The Authentic Dentist Podcast, Dr. Allison House and Shawn Zajas dive deep into the multifaceted concept of success. From personal stories about family and career to the importance of authenticity, this conversation will inspire you to redefine what success means in your life. Connect with Shawn ZajasIG: @zanadentalConnect with Dr. Allison HouseIG: @housedental

Our 75th episode just dropped, and it's a must-listen!

Exciting News!A brand new episode of The Authentic Dentist podcast has just dropped! Join hosts Dr. Allison House and Shawn Zajas as they dive deep into the world of dental continuing education and the crucial steps needed for successful implementation. Don't miss out on this enlightening discussion! Here's a teaser: "Discover the key to bridging the gap between learning and action in dentistry." Tune in now on your preferred streaming platforms!Connect with Shawn ZajasIG: @zanadentalConnect with Dr. Allison HouseIG: @housedental

Hey Dentists!

Join us as Dr. Allison House and Shawn Zajas delve into the world of dentistry, discussing the importance of defining success on your own terms.

Join us as we unpack the dangers of comparison, the power of authenticity, and how to navigate the twists and turns of life with a smile. Connect with Shawn ZajasIG: @zanadentalConnect with Dr. Allison HouseIG: @housedental

Dive into the latest episode of the Authentic Dentist Podcast with Shawn Zajas and Dr. Allison House. Discover the impact of personality tests on dental practices, uncover actionable insights for effective leadership, and explore the psychology of pricing and decision-making in the industry. Connect with Shawn ZajasIG: @zanadentalConnect with Dr. Allison HouseIG: @housedental

In our latest podcast episode, of The Authentic Dentist podcast, join Dr. Allison House and Shawn Zajas as they dive into the high-stakes decision-making process of investing in a coaching program for her dental practice.Connect with Shawn ZajasIG: @zanadentalConnect with Dr. Allison HouseIG: @housedental

Dive into the intriguing world of dentistry as Shawn and Dr. Allison House discuss "Narcissism in Dentistry" on the Authentic Dentist Podcast. Discover the delicate balance between confidence and empathy, and how it shapes success in the field.Connect with Shawn ZajasIG: @zanadentalConnect with Dr. Allison HouseIG: @housedental

Discover the transformative power of effective coaching and leadership, and how Coach Prime's approach can resonate with professionals across various fields, including dentistry. Connect with Shawn ZajasIG: @zanadentalConnect with Dr. Allison HouseIG: @housedental

In our latest episode, Dr. Allison House and Shawn tackle the pressing challenges dental practitioners face amidst a changing economy and rising inflation. Connect with Shawn Zajas IG: @zanadental Connect with Dr. Allison House IG: @housedental

Tune in to our latest podcast episode and discover how to turn your personal and professional journey into an exciting game, just like your favorite video games.Connect with Shawn ZajasIG: @zanadentalConnect with Dr. Allison HouseIG: @housedental

Join Shawn Zajas and Dr. Allison House on the Authentic Dentist podcast as they dive into a captivating discussion inspired by "Ted Lasso." Gain actionable insights on challenging self-judgment, practicing open communication, and extending grace to others. Connect with Shawn Zajas IG: @zanadental Connect with Dr. Allison House IG: @housedental

In this podcast episode of The Authentic Dentist, hosts Shawn Zajas and Dr. Allison House discuss how personal brands evolve over time while still staying true to who you are. They draw examples from musicians like Meghan Trainor and Pink who have been consistent with their brand, despite evolving over time.

Join us as we discuss mental health, burnout, and the devastating reality of suicide among dentists. It's time to shed light on this important issue and start having real conversations.

In this podcast, Dr. House and Shawn discuss the importance of reassessing goals and ensuring they are scheduled in order for them to happen. They discuss their own experiences with procrastination and perfectionism, and how they have had to learn to get out of their own way.

Dr. Allison House sits down with Dr. Maestras, host of "New Dentist on The Block" podcast, to discuss her journey to becoming a dentist and the inspiration behind her new podcast. @newdentistsontheblock Dr. Maestras shares her experiences working in public health and how that led her to start a podcast that focuses on sharing the stories and experiences of new dentists.

Dedicated sleeping implants overcomes the financial barrier, of patients who desperately need sleep treatments. It's a specialty Medical Group, which is unique and available in all 50 states. We have board-certified sleep physicians and board-certified oral surgeons who are on our team and they oversee and oversight, all of the cases. 

Dr. Avi Patel is a man on a mission, and his passion for dentistry is contagious. He has been making waves in the industry, and at the Voices of Dentistry conference, he caught the attention of Dr. Allison House and Shawn Zajas with his impressive story and personable nature. Let's take a closer look at Dr. Patel's journey and the valuable lessons he has learned along the way

Dr. Chris Majors, a dentist who graduated in 1998, spoke to Dr. Allison and Shawn at the Voices of Dentistry conference. During their conversation, Dr. Majors emphasized the importance of having margin in one's life, including emotionally, physically, and financially. Margin is the leeway space between our load and our limits, and it applies to all aspects of life. Dr. Majors stated that dentistry is not a game of volume but of margin, and spending more time with patients often leads to better dentistry. He also discussed how young dentists need permission to know that they can be successful without overworking themselves, as overworking can lead to physical and emotional breakdowns. Dr. Majors is now focused on creating a digital platform for an alternative to dental insurance and coaching both young and senior dentists on investing in people beyond their dental career.

At the Voices of Dentistry conference, Dr. Allison House and Shawn Zajas met up with Dr. Richard Lowe. Dr. Lowe, has been podcasting since 2016 and he was inspired by other great podcasters in dentistry and today owns eighteen dental practices. Listen along and pick up the keys to success that he shares here.

Overjet is an artificial intelligence company that automatically analyses radiographs in real-time, with really three main goals; we want clinicians to be more confident, more accurate, and more clinically precise. So, they want to improve patient outcomes by helping clinicians evaluate the radiographs more consistently and they do that in real-time as X-rays are taken. It's a cloud-based platform, so everything lives in a browser tab, super easy to integrate.Join Dr. Allison House and Shawn Zajas as they explore this technology.

As a dentist you can get rich, but can you truly attain wealth? The basic form of leverage a dentist can employ is the leverage of human labor... but true wealth is now built on code and media. How can dentists use these new forms of leverage to transcend riches and become wealthy?Join Dr. Allison House and Shawn Zajas as they explore this topic.

Join Dr. Allison House and Shawn Zajas as they explore the challenging waters of how to deal with difficult employees. We've all had them - how do you navigate the challenge and lead your practice towards success this year in spite of difficult team members?

Join Dr. Allison House and Shawn Zajas as they explore the recent holiday meltdown that Southwest Airlines experienced. Discover what went wrong and how you can take the lessons learned to help your dental practice grow in 2023.

Michael Dinsio is a Dental Practice Consultant and Strategist that has helped over 500 doctors start, buy, and grow their practices for almost a decade. He is a leader, Speaker, Consultant, and Advocate in the Dental Industry. Michael is the Founder & Co-Owner of Next Level Consultants where he and his team can help new dentists become owners or ready to grow an existing dental practice. For a Free, Business Assessment reach out to him at Next Level Consultants and schedule a 45-minute call. In Shawns interview with Michael Dinsio, we uncovered three bites of knowledge: Creating a CEO mindset. “In general, most dentists don't like numbers they are clinical and money freaks them out. They have to learn how to manage the business through money and also learn how to influence people in a positive way to lead. A great leader is someone who can teach someone to be a good leader. Three levels deep...so think about how you can make your team members phenomenal leaders.” - Dinsio 2. Embracing risk is the name of the game. Good dentistry is all risk. Business is about risk management. Risk is inevitable but your mindset must allow you to have a good relationship with risk management. “As a dentist, in someone's mouth, you don't want to play games...but in business, you want to experiment and see what patients respond to when it comes to running your business” Zajas. “When it comes clinical be 100% but when it comes to business, fail all day long” - Dinsio. 3. Experiences for your patients have to be true and authentic. “Dentistry is a people-to-people business, every 15 minutes in a dental office is crazy...but the reality is, if you're not creating experiences with the people that are walking through your door, then you are treating them like cattle...fake smiles, everyone is pleasant but if you aren't creating experiences for your patient, you're not growing, your kind of existing and need to really make impacts with the people that you're serving” - Dinsio. “Dentistry is in the business of dealing with people. If your patients are opening up their mailbox and see the rock bottom specials from other dentists in the hood, that is probably working with an agency to break patient loyalty...if you are a commodity to them then lowest price wins. But if they think of the face of the hygienists, dentist, and they feel a connection and feel engaged, and have a sense of belonging... then they aren't going anywhere” - Zajas Dinsio thinks “the future of dentistry is all about the private practice...making a personal touch, that compassion, the communication, the community” this is what is going to set you apart from the corporate dental companies and private practice. We would love to know your thoughts and encourage your feedback on this podcast and what else you would like to hear about in dentistry. For more interviews and ideas to grow your dental practice, connect with us at myzana.com or email us at info@myzana.com. Connect with Michael DinsioConnect on Instagram: @nxlevelconsultantsConnect on Facebook: Next Level ConsultantsConnect on YouTube: Next Level Consultantshttps://www.nxlevelconsultants.comConnect with ZanaConnect on Instagram: @zanadentalConnect on Facebook: ZanadentalConnect on YouTube: Zanahttps://myzana.com/

Ever struggled with a bad mindset that held you back from the success you wanted in Dentistry? How about one that was flat out embarrassing? Join Dr. Allison House and Shawn Zajas as they share the embarrassing mindsets that they've personally struggled with in their pursuit of excellence in both dentistry and business.

Join Dr. Allison House and Shawn Zajas as they discuss the current recession and how to recession proof your practice.

Join Dr. Allison House and Shawn Zajas as they share some of the unique benefits they've both personally received from having a business coach. Let's face it, Dentistry is challenging, especially building and growing your own practice. In this episode you'll discover that a coach does more than just provide accountability, they will help you uncover foundational aspects of running your dental practice that may not even be on your grid.

Join Dr. Allison House and Shawn Zajas as they share all about how to create an indemnity group, a great safety net for your dental practice. Ever wondered what would happen to your practice if you personally experienced a negative health event that caused a short term disability? What do you do with all of the scheduled patients that you are legally required to treat if you aren't able to treat them? Listen to this podcast to discover one of the greatest safety nets you can create for your practice!

Join Dr. Allison House and Shawn Zajas as they discuss the ethics of Dentistry and share a specific and current case study in Dr. Houses practice.