The Operatory Podcast by Upgrade Dental

At what point does imitation cross the line from flattery to appropriation?  In this episode of The Patient First Podcast, I highlight various pieces of evidence that prove how a core concept I engineered years ago has started a movement in the dental industry. As people continue to get on board with the concept of Connected Dentistry®, they need to be informed of the true origins of this registered trademark. I'm Dr. Bryan Laskin—dentist, author, entrepreneur, CEO of Toothapps® and the engineer behind the original concept of Connected Dentistry®.  Read Dental Disorder. Subscribe to the Connected Dentistry® Newsletter by following Toothapps® on LinkedIn.

As a practicing dentist, Dr. Khamir Patel is all too familiar with the challenges of juggling manual data entry with treatment time and the typical vigors of running a business and managing a team. He's also passionate about integrating innovative technology into healthcare, making him an ally of the Connected Dentistry® movement. Dr. Patel's experience and insights ultimately led to the development of SmartChair.AI, a literal stopwatch for dental chairs that makes tracking appointment times a no-brainer. With SmartChair.AI, practices can easily collect highly accurate data, analyze it for patterns, and leverage it to make informed decisions. As you'll learn in this interview, tracking chair time is about more than simply making dentistry faster and more profitable—it's about elevating the dental treatment experience for everyone involved. In this episode of The Patient First Podcast, I'm joined by Dr. Patel, Founder of SmartChair.AI to talk about how his innovation is benefiting practice owners across the country. I'm Dr. Bryan Laskin—author and fellow dentist and innovator fascinated by technologies that make dentistry more efficient and accessible. Learn more about Dr. Patel's solution by visiting SmartChair.AI.

What if everything you've heard about entrepreneurship in dentistry is wrong? According to one of the most successful business people in our space, entrepreneurship is something every dentist should aspire to and it is about far more than striving for more money. Emily Letran, DDS is not just a successful clinician—she's also a seasoned business person who readily shares her wealth of knowledge with others through coaching and consulting. In this episode of The Patient First Podcast, Dr. Letran and I exchange insights from our similar entrepreneurial experiences, and she shares some gems that can help all dentists achieve their professional aspirations. I'm Dr. Bryan Laskin—author, dentist and entrepreneur who believes that the next era of dentistry is going to be owned by the clinicians who know what it truly means to embrace an entrepreneurial spirit. Contact Dr. Letran or browse her online courses: DrEmilyLetran.com

Few people in oral healthcare have the rich and storied background of Ann-Marie DePalma, CDA, RDH, MEd. Ann-Marie has extensive experience in clinical practice, education, dental software, and volunteering, and her experience lends valuable insight into the interoperability challenges we face in dentistry today. Ann-Marie joined me on The Patient First Podcast to share her story as an oral health speaker and educator, as a clinician, and as a patient herself. In this episode, Ann-Marie and I talk about how dental teams can successfully implement new technology, the need for increased awareness of the connection between oral health and women's health, and how solutions like Toothapps® are exactly what we need to bridge the gap between medicine and dentistry. I'm Dr. Bryan Laskin—dentist, author, entrepreneur and innovator of solutions that connect dentistry to overall health. Learn more about what Ann-Marie does and how she can help educate your team:  depalmaannmarie(at)gmail(dot)com depalmaannmarie.com  Read the book that inspired this podcast: The Patient First Manifesto Read the book that addresses the divide in the dental industry: Dental Disorder 

There's always another aspect of dentistry that can be improved through innovation, and this is perfectly demonstrated by Debora Carrier, RDH of The CPR Sisters. Deb and her sister have developed an innovative and highly personalized CPR training curriculum that helps dental professionals get the maximum benefit from the training without added performance anxiety. In this short and sweet episode of The Patient First Podcast, I interview Deb on-location at the Chicago Midwinter Meeting to learn more about how her team is helping dental teams everywhere experience a higher quality of CPR training. If you like learning at your own pace and learning online or want to offer these training methods to your practice team members, contact The CPR Sisters! Fill out the form to set up training for your team: CPRSistersTraining.com

Just as advances in technology are moving the practice of dentistry forward, so advances in clinical care are making a huge impact in the quality of care patients today receive. And sometimes, more advanced clinical care means going back to deceptively simple basics. The dynamic Aimee Vail, RDH, MHA/Ed and Special Markets Manager for Centrix joined me in the Toothapps® booth at the 2025 Chicago Midwinter Meeting to record this lively interview for The Patient First Podcast. In this episode, we talk about what she has been doing to help make more patients and providers aware of the benefits of minimally invasive dentistry and some modalities that can lower caries risk. I'm Dr. Bryan Laskin—author, entrepreneur and dentist who supports all initiatives that make dentistry easier, faster, more comfortable and more accessible for more people. Connect with Aimee Vail on LinkedIn Explore preventive dental solutions: CentrixDental.com 

In this current climate of healthcare worker shortages, many dental practice owners struggle to find and retain the talent they need to sustain efficient operations while delivering high-caliber care to their patients. As a result, most dentists understandably feel they can't afford to be picky when it comes to hiring temp workers. Fortunately, the highly rated Kwikly Dental Staffing takes care of the vetting for you so you can rest easy knowing that you'll get high-quality workers right when you need them. In this episode of The Patient First Podcast, I interview Kwikly's Head of Growth Pouria Nastaean on location at the 2025 Chicago Midwinter Meeting to learn how his team is transforming the face of the dental temp agency industry. I'm Dr. Bryan Laskin—a dentist, author and entrepreneur with extensive experience in dental practice ownership and in the development of tech-based solutions that elevate dentistry for everyone involved. Learn more about Kwikly: JoinKwikly.com 

I always say that the two greatest charlatans in dentistry (after dental insurance companies, of course) are marketers and consultants. But this one marketing consultant breaks the mold. In fact, she's the one who set the bar in the first place. Nancy Lashley Sullivan began her rich and storied career 25 years ago when “dental marketing” wasn't yet a concept. While the landscape of marketing in dentistry has changed over the years, Nancy's approach has remained solidly grounded in authenticity. Her success has earned her the well-deserved title of “Dental Marketing Specialist.” In this episode of The Patient First Podcast, Nancy tells her story of how she got into this very special line of consulting and explains where taking her own advice has gotten her today. I'm Dr. Bryan Laskin—author, dentist and entrepreneur who has personally benefited from Nancy's sage advice in the past and who enthusiastically recommends her to other dentists and business leaders in our industry. Learn more marketing insights from Nancy: AthenaMarketing.com 

The third-party payer system for healthcare in the United States isn't as broken as you think…it's much, much worse. Although virtually every American citizen has had to contend with the needlessly yet deliberately complex circus of healthcare insurance, few have dug down as deep as author Frank Lobb to uncover the truth of how the system works. In this episode of The Patient First Podcast, Frank and I discuss the chronic illness afflicting the American Healthcare System and exchange insights from our unique perspectives and experiences. As Frank explains in this interview—and details in his latest book—healthcare providers across the nation owe it to patients everywhere to understand what we are all really up against. This is an episode that anyone who has ever been a dental or medical patient absolutely must watch. I'm Dr. Bryan Laskin—author, dentist, entrepreneur, patient and advocate for Standards that regulate every process in our healthcare system. Read Frank Lobb's book: The Big Lie in My Healthcare Bill Explore the only app designed to empower dental patients: Toothapps.com  P.S. Apologies in advance for the flickering camera on my side in this interview. We didn't notice this technical error until the interview was all wrapped up.

More important than being a skilled clinician is being a caring one. Dr. Michael Sonick is an internationally renowned periodontist who has learned this through personal experience, as both a patient himself and as a very successful practitioner. And what's really interesting is how technology like Toothapps® can actually support dentists in experiencing the benefits of being caring, people-centric providers. Instead of de-personalizing care, technology saves time for busy dentists and specialists who can, in turn, spend more time showing personal interest and hospitality to their patients. You're in for a real treat with this episode of The Patient First Podcast in which Dr. Sonick shares one gem after another that can help practices build solid teams and loyal patient bases. We talk culture versus strategy, AI, how to choose team leaders, and much more in this captivating interview. I'm Dr. Bryan Laskin—a fellow author and dentist who believes in patient-first care, and an engineer of solutions that support it.  Connect with Dr. Sonick: MichaelSonick.com  Read Dr. Sonick's book: Treating People, Not Patients Watch more tips from Dr. Sonick on his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/+@michaelsonick   Explore how Toothapps® solutions can give you more time to spend with people, aka, your patients: Toothapps.com 

Although the concept of “teledentistry” has taken off in recent years, many dentists are still in the dark about its potential and the surprisingly simple ways they can begin implementing it. At this year's Yankee Dental Congress, I sat down with the dynamic dental personality Melissa K. Turner to talk about the benefits of teledentistry and what she is doing to help more practices and patients benefit from it. In this episode of The Patient First Podcast, you'll get some insider tips from Melissa herself and learn about the opportunities she is creating for more voices in dentistry to be heard and celebrated. I'm Dr. Bryan Laskin—dentist, author, entrepreneur and pioneer of virtual oral healthcare solutions that improve access to care while improving production opportunities for practices. Learn more from Melissa K Turner: MelissaKTurner.com Connect on Instagram: @thetoothgirl Connect on LinkedIn: MelissaKTurner Check out The Denobi Awards: DenobiAwards.com

Toothapps® is solving problems and bridging gaps in communication and in the continuum of care in dentistry.  In fact, it's developing new ways to do this so rapidly, even current users of the Toothapps software are surprised to learn about what it can do. In this interview with Corey Hastings, DDS, MS, MBA and Owner and Operator of Blue Sage Management Group, you'll learn how Toothapps is helping his team execute his vision for dental care and deliver successful outcomes to patients. I'm Dr. Bryan Laskin—dentist, author, CEO of Toothapps, engineer of Connected Dentistry® and entrepreneur who partners with truly innovative organizations like Blue Sage Management Group to advance the kind of care that benefits patients and practices alike. Get in touch with Dr. Hastings: BlueSageManagementGroup.com Explore Toothapps for yourself: Toothapps.com

HIPAA training and talk about data security might not be the most exciting topics in dentistry, but they could lead to more excitement than you want, if you neglect them. In this episode of The Patient First Podcast, Copper Penny Consulting CEO Amy Wood shares her own horrifying true story of what can happen when a dental patient's personal information makes it out onto the Internet. She explains how this experience drove her to fight for the protection of dental patients and practices everywhere, and led to the founding of Copper Penny Consulting. We debate whether digital records are inherently more or less safe than traditional paper ones, given the possibility of data theft (HINT: it's more about how strong the “door” to your practice is than what's inside it), and Amy shares some helpful recommendations that practices everywhere should follow to protect their patients' lives and their own businesses. I'm Dr. Bryan Laskin—dentist, author and entrepreneur who champions solutions and services that enhance data security while improving accessibility for those entitled to it. Contact Amy: CopperPennyConsulting.com Learn more about the information gap in the dental industry, the issues contributing to it, and what you can do to fight back: DentalDisorder.com

It's that time of year again where I share my predictions for 2025 regarding Connected DentistryⓇ, and this time, I'm going bolder than ever before.  I had Dave Pryor of Planet DDS join me in the studio for this episode of The Patient First Podcast where we had a great time exchanging and debating ideas about trends in 2024 and trends we can expect in 2025. We discuss medical-dental integration, AI, interoperability, software pricing and much more. We also hint at how the company ToothappsⓇ is going to play a pivotal role in the rapid-fire evolution of oral healthcare over the next year and beyond. This discussion was a long one, but it was also emblematic of the kind of conversations our industry needs more of. Share your thoughts after listening to our predictions in this podcast! I'm Dr. Bryan Laskin—dentist, author, and entrepreneur with a big-picture view that drives the development of solutions that future-proof dental practices while sustaining the standard of care. See how Toothapps is already shaping the future of dentistry: Toothapps.com Get a copy of my first book that addresses the gap between patients and providers, The Patient First Manifesto.   Read my second book that addresses the divide in the dental industry, Dental Disorder.

We expect advances in clinical dentistry to make our jobs easier on us and to make outcomes more satisfactory to patients. Why shouldn't we expect similar advances in other areas, like payment processing? Faster and more convenient payment methods are not only easier on patients—they're easier on your team and on your practice's bank balance. In this episode of The Patient First Podcast, I give a high-level overview of what Dentistry 3.0 means for dentistry and, more specifically, what it means for payments in dental practices. I'm Dr. Bryan Laskin—dentist, entrepreneur, author and engineer of solutions designed to help dentists thrive in the current age of Connected DentistryⓇ. Stay tuned for more episodes in this series where I explain how key concepts are transformed by Dentistry 3.0! Visit Toothapps.com to learn more.

It's time to rethink what you know about dental practice management software. There's no denying we practice owners are all increasingly dependent on digital solutions both to render dental services and to manage the business side of our practices. However, we are well into an age I like to call “Dentistry 3.0,” or the age of Connected DentistryⓇ. This means that we're now living in a time when we need the digital solutions we use to have the ability to work together so that we can freely exchange vital information between them. Unfortunately, the vast majority of dental software out there does not support the interoperability we need to do our best work as care providers. In this episode of The Patient First Podcast, I expose seven myths about the dental software industry and explain how you can accomplish much more now than ever before simply by leveraging the right solutions. I'm Dr. Bryan Laskin—dentist, author, and architect of solutions that support true interoperability between dental practices, between medicine and dentistry and between dental software programs. Get more insights into why these dental software myths persist and the practical steps you can take to combat them by reading Dental Disorder.

Holly Doherty is the Founder, President and CEO of VIF, a team that has developed a groundbreaking tool to support families in getting the personalized care that their loved ones with special needs deserve.  Far from leading the charge in name only, Holly brings decades of personal experience with caregiving to the table and champions the use of technology and interoperability between medical disciplines to foster communication between caregivers and medical professionals. In this episode of The Patient First Podcast, I ask Holly about the impact the VIF app is having on families everywhere, filling a void in healthcare and dentistry, and we discuss how such technology elevates care for those most in need. I'm Dr. Bryan Laskin—dentist, author and fellow entrepreneur and pioneer of solutions that leverage technology and data to put the patient first. Get involved with VIF today: VIFCare.com Read the HEADs UP Act: https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/2417  Learn more about the IEC (Institute for Exceptional Care): IE-Care.org

Cybersecurity is a topic that pops up with increasing frequency in the oral healthcare space. Practices and networks of all sizes are prime targets for cyberattacks, as CEO of Black Talon Security Gary Salman explains. But the unfortunate reality is that, despite the immense target on the backs of dental practice computers, too many practice owners overestimate the security of their systems and remain in blissful ignorance to the signs of possible compromise. In this episode of The Patient First Podcast, Gary helps clarify the scope and the implications of cyberattacks on oral healthcare establishments and we discuss practical steps business owners can take to protect their organizations and their patients. I'm Dr. Bryan Laskin—dentist, author, entrepreneur and engineer of solutions designed to balance the security and accessibility of dental patient data. Learn more about Black Talon Security: BlackTalonSecurity.com

Are you interested in taking your dental practice to the next level but are not sure where to start? DSOs have been around for quite a number of years now, but they are no longer the only option for practice owners who want to experience greater business success. In this episode of The Patient First Podcast, I sat down with Ian McNickle, CEO and one of multiple founders of ICON Dental Partners, to talk about the advantages of both the DSO (dental service organization) and DPO (dental partnership organization).  This interview sheds light on the differences between the models, and highlights how ICON Dental Partners has achieved success by taking a non-conventional path that prioritizes true doctor autonomy and supports innovation that unlocks a higher quality of care. I'm Dr. Bryan Laskin—author, dentist and entrepreneur who's always on the lookout for solutions that make dentistry more lucrative by putting the patient first.  Find out if ICON is a good fit for you: ICONDentalPartners.com 

Hate doing dentures? This is the episode for you. Voyager Dental is pushing the limits of restorative dentistry with a surprising application of artificial intelligence to the design of dentures. As a result, patients and dentists alike are experiencing phenomenal benefits. In this short but very special episode of The Patient First Podcast, I talk with Steve Floe, the CEO of Voyager Dental, about how his company helps dentists provide their patients with a consistently high quality of care while enjoying a faster and more streamlined denture fabrication process. Steve also explains how ToothappsⓇ has played an instrumental role in helping Voyager Dental help their customers. I'm Dr. Bryan Laskin—dentist, author, entrepreneur and full-throated supporter of dental innovations that truly put the patient first. Learn more about how Voyager Dental is helping dentists help patients: Voyager.Dental Learn more about how Toothapps can help you: Toothapps.com Get in on the special offer from Voyager Dental: Voyager.Dental/free

Many people wear smartrings, smartwatches and other wearable health technology like continuous glucose monitors to gain insights about their health and to support physicians in rendering more timely and individualized care. Can you imagine the ways oral healthcare would be transformed by a dental health wearable? Lura Health is working on an intriguing solution: a continuous saliva monitor. In this episode of “The Patient First Podcast,” I sit down with Daniel Weinstein, the CEO and Co-Founder of Lura Health, on-location at SmileCon, to talk about the potential applications and benefits of an oral health wearable that will give dentists access to real-time data about the health of their patients' mouths. I'm Dr. Bryan Laskin—author, dentist, entrepreneur and fellow engineer of solutions that champion better healthcare by leveraging data. Visit LuraHealth.com to learn more about the world's first continuous saliva monitoring platform. See what Toothapps is currently capable of: Toothapps.com 

Dentists face an enormous amount of pressure when it comes to making real estate decisions. Should you lease or purchase a site for your practice? What factors should you consider when selecting the ideal location? Is buying real estate for your business really the best investment strategy for you? Austin Hair, Managing Partner at Leaders Real Estate helps unpack some insider information that dentists need to know to make these weighty decisions. I'm Dr. Bryan Laskin—author, entrepreneur, dentist and dental practice owner who wishes I had someone like Austin to help me years ago. In this episode of The Patient First Podcast, Austin and I sit down together again on the podcast to talk about what dentists should consider before making real estate moves and where they can get help. Connect with Austin on LinkedIn Email: ahair(at)leadersre(dot)com

If EBITDA is still a mystery to you, don't worry—you're far from alone. Plus, Matt Ornstein from Dental Pitch Brokerage is here to help with a phenomenal book and insights that he shares with us in this episode of “The Patient First Podcast.” Matt has extensive experience with the business side of dental practice ownership and he explains, not only the basics of EBITDA, but the importance of balancing it with a positive cash flow to ensure a healthy business. I'm Dr. Bryan Laskin—author and business owner and a dentist who has learned much about EBITDA and cash flow through trial-and-error. Check out Matt's book by looking up “Matt Ornstein” on Amazon, where 100% of the proceeds are sent to youth college scholarships.

It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the vast array of dental software solutions there are to choose from. But going all in on the latest “all-in-one” program isn't necessarily the answer. In fact, solutions that claim to be one-size-fits-all could potentially hinder your practice's ability to adopt new innovations later on down the road. In this episode of The Patient First Podcast, I interview Mike Huffaker, the CRO of Planet DDS and we discuss why interoperability is integral to innovation in dentistry and to raising the standard of care. I'm Dr. Bryan Laskin—dentist, author, entrepreneur and engineer and advocate of digital solutions that make dentistry easier for patients and providers alike. Explore Planet DDS solutions or request a demo: PlanetDDS.com  Connect with Mike Huffaker on LinkedIn: Mike Huffaker on LinkedIn Check out Mike's podcast “The Dental Economist Show”: The Dental Economist Show  See how ToothappsⓇ can help you leverage interoperability and data-based insights: Toothapp.com

Dental clinicians are trained and licensed individuals who must keep up with their CE requirements, but what about those in non-clinical roles?  Managers, treatment coordinators and other front desk team members may not directly generate revenue, but they are still essential to the smooth day-to-day functioning of dental practices.  This is where SPS Dental Academy steps in to bridge the gap and provide the resources practices need to build knowledgeable and capable teams. In this episode of The Patient First Podcast, I interview Courtney Mead and Cheryl Wellman of SPS Dental Academy to discuss how they're breaking the sink-or-swim status quo of front desk personnel and helping practice owners turn their teams into profit-generating powerhouses. I'm Dr. Bryan Laskin—author, entrepreneur and dentist who understands the challenges and intricacies of hiring people with the personalities and skill sets needed to build a thriving practice. Visit SPSDentalAcademy.com to learn more.

For any dentist out there who feels that maintaining a social media presence for the practice is an utterly hopeless endeavor, I want you to know that I hear you and that this episode is for you. Rita Zamora of Connect90 helps dental practices maximize the results of a social media presence with minimal effort. In this interview, we discuss some of the solutions her company offers, as well as the latest techniques that have proven effective for dental practices today. I'm Dr. Bryan Laskin—author, dentist, entrepreneur and a supporter of all digital solutions that make dentistry more accessible and understandable to patients. Tell Rita you heard about Connect90 on The Patient First Podcast and get a 30-day free trial: Connect90.com 

David Pryor of Planet DDS is back on “The Patient First Podcast,” and in this episode, we discuss a hot topic: how to successfully implement a new technology in a dental practice or DSO network to unlock its full potential. Overwhelmed with the vast array of innovative technologies currently available to choose from, it's all too easy for the well-intentioned decision-makers of dental care organizations to invest in solutions and systems which then don't get properly executed, and the benefits are never realized. In this interview, Dave and I excavate the core truth that sometimes gets buried by stats, figures and overthinking, and we render it down into actionable steps that decision-makers can take to ensure the successful implementation of technology across their network. I'm Dr. Bryan Laskin—dentist, entrepreneur, author and champion of technological solutions that make dentistry easier for both patients and providers. Learn more about Apteryx: PlanetDDS.com Explore dental software solutions that make sense: Toothapps.com

This is the episode I wish someone had made for me to watch back when I sold my practice to a DSO. My biggest regret from the sale? Trying to go it alone.  Many dental practice owners today feel as overwhelmed by their options as I did back then, and it can be challenging to navigate negotiations to secure a deal that protects your interests. That's why I was so excited to have Ryan Mingus, Managing Director for TUSK Practice Sales, join me on this episode of “The Patient First Podcast.” Ryan shares a mother lode of advice and tips that can help practice owners to get the best deal that supports their future goals and plans. I'm Dr. Bryan Laskin—author, entrepreneur and dentist who has tried (and regretted) selling my practice without understanding all of my options. I hope this interview with Ryan helps dentists today to avoid that mistake! Learn more about how TUSK can help you and schedule a free meeting: TUSKPracticeSales.com 0:00 Meet Ryan Mingus 1:38 Where is this sector headed? 5:00 Is the M&A growth trend for DSOs ending? 6:21 The art of matching buyers and sellers 11:06 How to protect your interests while negotiating 13:32 Navigating the variation in valuation

All dental clinicians who care about providing their patients with the best treatment are interested in scientific advances that elevate the standard of care. Can you imagine the possibilities that you could unlock through non-invasive and easy saliva testing? In this interview with Diane Larson, RDH, BSDH, the Director of Clinical Education for OralDNA Labs, you'll learn about the unique benefits of salivary diagnostics. Diane's more than two decades of experience in dentistry and her journey to becoming an advocate for evidence-based treatment planning are a testament to the significance that salivary diagnostics has for dentistry. OralDNA Labs has exciting plans for expanding its diagnostic testing services. Oral healthcare providers will want to watch this space so that they can keep up with the scientific innovations that will enable them to diagnose more accurately, present more tailored treatment plans, increase case acceptance, and experience more predictable outcomes. I'm Dr. Bryan Laskin—author, dentist and entrepreneur who embraces all innovations in dentistry, clinical and technological.  Become a provider with no upfront costs: OralDNA.com

Is AI in dentistry here to stay? If so, is that a good or bad thing for patients and practice owners? Whatever your stance on artificial intelligence (AI) in dentistry may be, one thing is perfectly clear: we need more conversations to happen in order to understand what the future holds. I had just such an insightful conversation with Florian Hillen, the Founder and CEO of VideaHealth. In this interview, we discuss what AI really means for dentistry right now and its potential applications in the future. Many dental practice owners and care providers may be surprised to realize just how powerful (and not in a scary way) AI can be in dental care. I'm Dr. Bryan Laskin—author, dentist, entrepreneur and tech-enthusiast who loves learning about innovations that make dentistry better for patients and providers alike. Explore VideaHealth case studies, recordings, demo options and more: Videa.ai Read my book: PatientFirstBook.com

Given the massive leadership gap in dentistry and the unique challenges facing dentists today, Dr. Kevin Kremer's insights and guidance are a breath of fresh air. Dr. Kremer has spent more than 25 years building a successful practice, Kremer Dental Care, and shares the secrets to his success by coaching dentists through the Kremer Leadership Institute. As Founder and CEO of the institute, Dr. Kremer helps dentists rediscover a passion for learning and a willingness to lead others.  In this episode of The Patient First Podcast, I interview Dr. Kremer and we discuss why and how experienced coaches are so vital to our industry and the secrets to achieving success and living a life that aligns with your values. I'm Dr. Bryan Laskin—author, dentist, entrepreneur and firm believer that more leadership, more coaching and more reliable guidance in the dental industry will lead to better patient-first care. Get on the waitlist to read Dr. Kremer's new book: KevinKremer.com/book 

RDH Aimee Vail has been campaigning for a long time to bring back a nearly forgotten secret weapon against caries that should be in every dental professional's arsenal: silver diamine fluoride (SDF). Why has SDF fallen out of popularity, relegated to pediatric restorative dentistry and public health dentistry? Are the undesirable cosmetic effects of SDF really as bad as many dentists believe? What are the potential applications for this extremely effective substance and how can it help dentists provide patient-first care? Find out by watching this enthusiastic interview in which Aimee reveals all the behind-the-scenes work that went into bringing SilverSense SDF™ to market and securing FDA approval. Aimee also shares what she is doing to help raise awareness of the benefits of SDF among more general dentistry practices in the United States. I'm Dr. Bryan Laskin—an author, entrepreneur and dentist who isn't afraid of silver diamine fluoride and the life-changing impact it can have on patients. Learn more about the benefits of SDF in general dentistry: CentrixDental.com   Connect with Aimee on LinkedIn: Aimee Vail, RDH, MHA/Ed.

Did you know that periodontal disease is more of an inflammatory one and less of an infection? Most of us dentists struggle to keep up with the latest advances in understanding of this complex disease and the treatment modalities proven to control it. That's why I interviewed Dr. William Levine, the Chief Scientific Officer of PeriActive and a specialist in periodontal disease and implantology. Dr. Levine explains why some dentists may need to take a new approach to the management of periodontal cases in their practices and explains how doing so is easier than you might think. We talk about how a very special formula he has developed could help providers treat periodontally involved patients with a reduced need for mechanical debridement. I'm Dr. Bryan Laskin—author, entrepreneur and a fellow dentist in search of the most effective innovations in technology and medicine that help dental professions put the patient first. How patients and dentists can shop PeriActive: GetPeriActive.com

We're moving into an unprecedented era of dentistry, and without the right Standards and regulations in place to maintain order, our industry will essentially become the Wild West. In this episode of The Patient First Podcast, I summarize the biggest problem that the dental industry is facing today and explain what steps leaders in the space can take to start bridging the gap for a more connected future that benefits patients and providers alike. I'm Dr. Bryan Laskin—dentist, author, entrepreneur and engineer of solutions and Standards that foster interoperability and innovation in dentistry. Get involved with the development of dental Standards: DentalStandardsInstitute.com Learn more about solving the Dental Disorder: DentalDisorder.com  Experience Connected Dentistry™ today: Toothapps.com 

How much should you let your hygienists do in your dental practice? There's a hot debate going on in dentistry over whether hygienists should have the option to expand their skill set to include some restorative functions.  Some practice owners feel strongly that we shouldn't be blurring the lines between areas of expertise. But RRDH Irene Iancu makes a compelling case for expanding the functions of dental hygienists.  In this engaging interview, she explains how expanded functions not only result in greater job satisfaction for hygienists, but can also benefit a practice's bottom line and improve access to care for patients. I'm Dr. Bryan Laskin—author, entrepreneur, dentist, host of “The Patient First Podcast” and advocate for all innovations and advancements in our industry that help improve access to oral healthcare while opening doors for increased profitability. Follow Irene: https://www.instagram.com/toothlife.irene/  

You don't have to be a data geek like Jordan and I to leverage the power of data analytics in your dental practice.  In this episode of The Patient First Podcast, I interview the Director of Product Management for beBright Jordan Trentacosta and we talk about how data accessibility can help practice owners identify and focus on the metrics that really matter. Since data is undeniably the key to enhancing the patient experience, building trust that leads to greater treatment plan acceptance rates and improving the efficiency of network operations, owners and leaders of practices and groups of all sizes will benefit from considering the many exciting up-and-coming solutions for data analysis and accessibility in the dental space. I'm Dr. Bryan Laskin—dentist, author, innovator and data geek who wants to help others experience the magic that results from the hard science of data. Learn more about ToothappsⓇ Insights: Toothapps.com

Do you have an innovative idea that you believe will transform the way we do dentistry? Are you interested in investing in a dental tech startup but need more risk mitigation? Are you simply curious about what's going on in the field of dental innovation? Whatever your area of focus, you'll enjoy this insightful interview with an industry veteran. In this episode of The Patient First Podcast, I ask Dental Innovation Alliance Co-Founder and Managing Partner Doug Brown how his team helps match investors with promising startups in the dental space. We discuss common industry challenges, how DIA helps practice owners to overcome them, and trends in dental innovation that have the most exciting potential. I'm Dr. Bryan Laskin—dentist, author, entrepreneur and innovator keen to explore any and all solutions that make the practice of dentistry a better experience for everyone involved. Contact Doug Brown with queries about DIA:  DIAlliance.com Doug(at)DIAlliance(dot)com

It turns out I was wrong about the 21st Century Cures Act. But only in technical terms, really. The reality of the situation that dental practice owners are in is still a dire one, perhaps even more serious than we previously realized. In this episode of The Patient First Podcast, I explain why we need a correction in our understanding of the federal legislation pertaining to the handling of dental patient information. In short, dentists and DSOs of all sizes are obligated by HIPAA to make patient data accessible to their patients, and the 21st Century Cures Act prohibits actions that unnecessarily limit accessibility to data. I also explain what is currently the ONLY solution that allows dental practices to comply with both HIPAA and Cures Act regulations. Learn what my team and I currently know about patient data accessibility in this episode and follow this space to stay up-to-date with new clarifications. I'm Dr. Bryan Laskin—entrepreneur, author, dentist and advocate for the dental Standards and innovations that will continue to make oral healthcare more efficient, effective and patient-focused. Learn more about the biggest issues fragmenting our industry: DentalDisorder.com Get your practices compliant with the only solution that gives patients access to their own dental data: Toothapps.com

With her entire career spent in the nonprofit sector, there's no one else more qualified to be leading the amazing organization of Dental Lifeline Network.  I interview DLN's President and CEO Lynda Ricketson to discuss how her organization helps the disabled, elderly, military veterans and other disadvantaged individuals to access life-changing treatment provided by volunteer dentists. We discuss the benefits that dental practices can experience by joining DLN's list of providers, and how the organization makes it easy for dentists to give back to their communities. In this episode of The Patient First Podcast, you'll not only learn more about this incredible opportunity to be a volunteer dental care provider, but you'll also learn how Connected Dentistry™ is key to improving access to oral healthcare for everyone.  I'm Dr. Bryan Laskin—an author, entrepreneur, innovator and dentist who can personally attest to the life-changing power of offering volunteer dental treatments. Get involved by signing up at: WhyIDental.org

Climbing the corporate ladder might be a tale as old as time, but it's a relatively new concept in the world of dentistry. Many of the hard-working people on dental teams in DSOs are uniquely qualified to serve in positions of leadership within their organizations, but they may need a hand in realizing their full potential. CEO of Kennedy Dental Care Shelia Taylor's story may provide just the boost these folks need to begin their journey upward through the ranks. Decades of experience proved to Shelia Taylor that a love for helping people combined with a ‘can-do' attitude are all that's needed to achieve previously unimaginable success.  In this episode of The Patient First Podcast, I interview Shelia to hear how she went from a disillusioned dental assistant to the CEO of a highly successful dental network and what advice she has for DSOs who want to strengthen their organizations through organic growth. Anyone in dentistry who loves what they do will find Shelia's experience entertaining, relatable and inspirational, just as I did. I'm Dr. Bryan Laskin—author, entrepreneur, dentist and a fellow advocate of patient-first care for people everywhere.  Contact Shelia: SheliaT(at)kennedydentaltx(dot)com Kennedy Dental Care: KDCSmiles.com

Which is more important to the success of a dental practice or network: the team or the patients? In a fresh take on the classic chicken-versus-egg debate of the business side of dentistry, Founder of Active Dental Dr. Kalpesh Patel and I talk about what it really means to put the patient first and what steps dental practice owners can take to stay ahead of the competition. In this interview, Dr. Patel and I also talk about what the near future holds for the dental industry and why the trend towards great consolidation and commercialization of dental care could be a good thing for patients and providers alike. I'm Dr. Bryan Laskin—an author and a fellow dentist and visionary who loves talking with forward-thinking leaders like Dr. Patel to gain even greater insight into the definition of Patient-First care. Contact Dr. Patel to learn more about his successful de novo strategy: ActiveDentalDFW.com

What does “transparency” mean for your organization? How could transparency improve efficiencies, increase profitability and deliver greater value to patients all while raising the standard of care? I explore the topic of transparency with Karla-Marie Santiago, Director of Operations at OakpointⓇ, to discover how this core value of her DSO has strengthened their value proposition and guided the decision-making process. In this episode of The Patient First Podcast, Karla-Marie shares some priceless insights that other DSO leaders won't want to miss. We also discuss how a lack of interoperability is the biggest problem in the dental industry and how the solution to this problem lies in a patient-first approach to care. I'm Dr. Bryan Laskin—author, entrepreneur, dentist and engineer of solutions to the interoperability problem many DSOs are struggling with today. Contact Karla-Marie: oakpoint.us or karla(at)oakpoint(dot)us Learn more about the dental industry's massive disorder and its solution: DentalDisorder.com Explore solutions for DSOs who want to leverage interoperability for greater transparency: Toothapps.com

Imagine the possibilities if you started completing more full-arch dental implant cases. How much would your practice grow? Would you be able to work shorter days? Retire earlier than expected? There are more patients out there who stand to benefit from multiple implants than you may realize. This means there are more opportunities to improve lives and your production potential than you may know. But whether you've previously thought about offering full-arch implant treatments or not, the real trick lies in getting started, and this is where my friend Greg Essenmacher comes to the rescue. In this episode of The Patient First Podcast, I interview seasoned consultant Greg Essenmacher on how he helps dental practice owners break into the market of full-arch implant dentistry, build rock-solid business plans for growing their practices on the foundation of this lucrative service offering and understand how to connect with patients to help more of them experience an elevated quality of life through dental implant treatment. I'm Dr. Bryan Laskin—author, entrepreneur and a dentist working to help other dentists provide their patients with better care. Start building your dental implant empire: Dentalconsult4u.com Explore the potential of teledentistry and more: Toothapps.com 

What does a DSO have in common with an FQHC (Federally Qualified Health Center)? Find out in this episode of “The Patient First Podcast.” I interview Dr. Mark Doherty, the brilliant CEO and Co-Founder of D4 Practice Solutions, and he shares some intriguing insights on what DSOs can learn from government-subsidized care to improve the quality and profitability of the care provided by their networks. As always, I pick my guest's brain to get further insight into what the near future holds for the dental industry. Dr. Doherty and I also talk about how DSOs can leverage culture to create alignment between leadership and the front lines. This is a must-see episode for any DSO leader today who wants to brace their organizations for the changes that lie just ahead. I'm Dr. Bryan Laskin—author, dentist and entrepreneur who's ever on the search for solutions and strategies that make dentistry more efficient and interconnected. Get the insights needed to start growing your DSO: D4PracticeSolutions.com

Sleep-disordered breathing affects more of your patients than you may realize, and no one is better positioned to help them than you are. By offering dental sleep treatment, you can help your patients experience a better quality of sleep, of health, of life, and you can help your practice benefit from a whole new revenue stream. In this episode of The Patient First Podcast, I interview President of Sleep Group Solutions John Nadeau on the experience he's gained from over two decades in this field, where oral healthcare has perhaps the most direct and profound impact on overall patient wellbeing. I'm Dr. Bryan Laskin—author, dentist and entrepreneur fascinated by any opportunity to provide our dental patients with more connected, integrated and comprehensive care. Everything you need to start offering dental sleep treatment: SleepGroupSolutions.com

Finally, 5 out of 5 dentists agree on SOMETHING. Unfortunately, there are influential powers that be in dentistry who do not agree on this, and that spells doom for a profession that believes in putting the patient first. When surveyed whether they would like to have access to relevant patient medical records for diagnosing and treatment planning purposes, 100% of the responding dentists said yes. The problem? As I explain in this episode of The Patient First Podcast, our industry does not have a viable solution that supports the secure and free exchange of patient health information between the medical and dental disciplines. Until now. I'm Dr. Bryan Laskin—author, dentist and an entrepreneur who's working hard to raise awareness of the sole solution in dentistry that helps dentists readily access the information they need to render the care their patients deserve. Explore the solution for yourself: Toothapps.com

David Pryor is BACK in this interview, and we have a blast sharing and comparing our predictions for dentistry in 2024. David Pryor of Planet DDS is the former host of The Patient First Podcast, a long-time friend and a trusted industry expert. In this interview, Dave returns to talk AI, cloud-based practice management systems and anticipated DSO growth trends. It was great to reconnect with Dave in the studio of The Patient First Podcast and I know that anyone who cares about better dentistry will be keen to listen in on our conversation. Learn more about the dental industry's biggest problems by reading my latest book: DentalDisorder.com 

Meet the secret weapon that private equity firms run to for help understanding clinical operations and optimizing their organizations: Kerry Straine of Straine Dental Consulting, Analytics and Management. With decades of experience working with thousands of dental practices and DSOs of all sizes, Kerry is THE expert to consult when it comes to planning network operations. In this fast-paced and in-depth interview, Kerry explains the importance of building a business around a clinic-focused model and sheds light on the current role of private equity on the DSO scene. I'm Dr. Bryan Laskin—author, entrepreneur and a dentist who can personally attest to Kerry Straine's expertise. Learn more about how Straine can help you implement the ideal data-based operations strategy:  Straine.com  kerry(at)straine(dot)com

We're at the start of a brand new year and it's a time for both reflection and projection: reflection on things that happened in dentistry in 2023 and projection, or calculation, of the changes we can expect to see in the industry moving into 2024 and beyond. In this episode of The Patient First Podcast, I reflect on the predictions I had made at the start of 2023 and discuss which ones came true and which ones did not. Additionally, I share my predictions for 2024 of the trends and changes that will continue to transform dentistry.  Whether you are a patient, a dentist, dental professional, the owner of a group practice or DSO or even an industry vendor, I welcome your thoughts on this episode!  Do you agree or disagree with my predictions? What others would you add to this list? I'm Dr. Bryan Laskin—dentist, author, entrepreneur and engineer of solutions that continue to revolutionize the delivery of dental care for both patients and providers. Learn more by reading Dental Disorder: DentalDisorder.com

The field of oral healthcare is poised to overlap closely with pathology, according to Dr. Mohammad Kamal, the CEO and Founder of OMNIPathology Lab. The connection between the mouth and overall health is garnering increasingly more attention in recent times, necessitating the need for improved collaboration and integration between medical and dental providers, particularly when it comes to screening for infections. One example of this is revealed by Dr. Kamal in this fascinating interview, as he explains an undeniably vital opportunity that offers significant benefits to patients and dental providers. In this episode of “The Patient First Podcast,” you'll learn exactly what this opportunity is and why you should be one of the first to leverage it in your practice or network. I'm Dr. Bryan Laskin—a dentist with a vision of a more interconnected network of healthcare that puts the patient first, and an entrepreneur with solutions for supporting interoperability between medical disciplines. Information on HPV throat testing for patients: https://www.omnipathology.com/throat-hpv-testing-for-patients   Start offering HPV throat testing in your practice: https://www.omnipathology.com/oropharyngeal-hpv-testing-for-dental-practices  Explore dental practice solutions that support interoperability: Toothapps.com