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In case you missed it, this is a replayed moment from last year and one of the most viewed podcast episodes I've ever shared specifically for hygienists. And honestly, this topic is more important than ever because efficient perio charting in Dentrix directly impacts diagnosis, patient care, insurance documentation, and clinical consistency.
Tanner Applegate, Founder and CEO of Unify Dental He is passionate about two things: personal growth and using technology to create greater efficiency and innovation. He believes continuous learning and adaptability are essential for success, both personally and professionally. Tanner is driven by a desire to help others grow, embrace new ideas, and leverage technology to move their businesses and lives forward. ----
In case you missed it, this is a replayed moment from last year and one of the most listened-to episodes in this series. And honestly, this is one of those topics that hasn't changed… if anything, it's become more important as practices try to improve cash flow and reduce accounts receivable.
In case you missed it, this is a replayed moment from last year that quickly became one of my most listened-to podcast episodes. And honestly, it's still just as relevant today because insurance hasn't gotten any simpler… if anything, it's gotten more complicated.
Rita Zamora is the founder of Connect90, an international speaker, the author of Get Found, Get Liked, Get Patients, and one of the smartest voices I know when it comes to dental social media. - www.ritazamora.com - www.connect90.com -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Claire Dickinson, Operations & Professional Relationships Director Claire has over 22 years of experience in dentistry and a bachelor's degree in Business Management and a master's in Organizational Management and Leadership
Laura Johnston is the founder of My Dental SOP, the software solution that helps dental practices create operational clarity, consistency, and confident teams through proven systems. She specializes in turning everyday chaos into streamlined workflows so practices don't just run, they thrive. If you want to check out MyDentalSOP and their getting-started resources, go to www.mydentalsop.com/resource-library
Claire Dickinson, Operations & Professional Relationships Director Claire has over 22 years of experience in dentistry and a bachelor's degree in Business Management and a master's in Organizational Management and Leadership
Dr. Eric Block is a practicing dentist, educator, speaker, and author focused on helping dental professionals reduce stress, prevent burnout, and build more fulfilling careers. He is the author of The Stress-Free Dentist and Stress-Free Dental Implants, with his work centered on wellness, leadership, and practice growth in dentistry.
✨ Did you know your team says more with their body language than their words? In this episode, Dayna Johnson breaks down the power of nonverbal communication and how dental teams can use it to build trust, reduce misunderstandings, and create stronger, more connected workflows. Nonverbal cues influence everything — from patient interactions to team collaboration — and mastering them can transform the way your practice functions. Dayna shares practical, easy-to-implement strategies you can start using immediately to enhance communication, even when no one is speaking. ✅ Key Takeaways: ~ Nonverbal communication is essential for effective teamwork ~ Teams can improve understanding without relying only on words ~ Body language has a major impact on team dynamics ~ Nonverbal cues can prevent conflict and misunderstandings ~ Practicing nonverbal techniques builds trust within the team ~ Awareness of body language supports a more inclusive culture ~ Nonverbal communication is powerful for both in-office and remote teams ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 The Importance of Treatment Planning 00:26 Effective Documentation Strategies
Transitioning from paper charts to digital records can feel like learning an entirely new language, and many dental professionals are still adjusting. In this episode, Dayna Johnson explores the real-world challenges teams face when moving to digital charting, from maintaining accuracy to finding ways to preserve creativity and detail in documentation. You'll learn why this shift requires more than just new technology, it demands new skills, workflows, and a team mindset focused on accuracy, clarity, and patient care. ✅ Key Takeaways: ~ Transitioning from paper to digital records comes with challenges and a learning curve. ~ Digital charting can feel limiting but offers long-term efficiency and accuracy. ~ The odontogram must always reflect the patient's mouth precisely. ~ Strong team communication improves consistency and accuracy in charting. ~ Training and adaptability are key to a successful digital transition. ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 Transitioning from Paper to Digital Records 00:43 Charting Techniques for Accurate Representation
Are manual case tracking systems slowing down your dental practice? In this episode, Dayna Johnson dives into the inefficiencies of traditional case tracking and how dental teams can modernize their workflows for better communication, accessibility, and patient outcomes. She explains why manual tracking methods—like whiteboards and spreadsheets—often create chaos instead of clarity and how adopting digital solutions can help your team stay organized and efficient. ✅ Key Takeaways: ~ Manual tracking systems waste valuable time and lead to errors. ~ Centralized, digital tracking improves accessibility and accountability. ~ Clear communication and regular updates keep everyone aligned. ~ Training your team is critical for successful system adoption. ~ Investing in technology enhances patient outcomes and clinical efficiency. ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 Inefficiencies in Lab Case Management 00:56 Streamlining Lab Case Creation
Want to improve your case acceptance and streamline treatment planning in your dental practice? In this episode, Dayna Johnson breaks down how to master treatment planning in Dentrix, covering everything from case dates and alternate cases to customizing treatment plans for better patient understanding. Drawing insights from a recent Dentrix User Meeting, Dayna shares how small adjustments in your treatment planning process can have a big impact on efficiency, communication, and production. ✅ Key Takeaways: ~ Treatment planning is the foundation of strong case acceptance. ~ Use case dates strategically for tracking expiration timelines. ~ Link alternate cases to present multiple options to patients clearly. ~ Customize treatment plans to focus on what patients really care about—their out-of-pocket costs. ~ Always accept or reject treatment instead of deleting it for accurate tracking. ~ Clear communication is essential for patient trust and workflow harmony. ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Treatment Planning 02:44 Understanding Case Dates and Their Importance 05:19 Linking Alternate Cases for Better Patient Options 08:34 Customizing Treatment Plan Estimates 11:21 Accepting and Rejecting Treatment Plans
Are you managing membership plans in your dental practice but not sure if you're doing it efficiently? In this episode, Dayna Johnson breaks down how to manage membership plans inside Dentrix—without creating chaos in your system. She walks you through the levels of membership management—from basic tracking to advanced setups—so you can choose what works best for your team. Whether you're just starting or optimizing your process, you'll get practical, real-world tips to simplify workflows, protect profitability, and keep your data accurate. ✅ Key Takeaways: ~ Understand your practice's unique needs for membership management ~ Learn how to track hygiene and discounts correctly ~ Avoid common Dentrix mistakes (like linking membership to insurance!) ~ Discover how to use fee schedules and custom codes effectively ~ Streamline your operations and save time using built-in Dentrix tools
Every year, millions of dollars in dental benefits expire unused, don't let your patients (or your practice) miss out. In this episode, Dayna Johnson dives into the importance of maximizing dental benefits before they reset in January. With the end of the year approaching, Dayna shares practical strategies for engaging patients who still have unused insurance benefits, highlighting how tools like Dentrix Treatment Manager can help teams track unscheduled treatments and fill the schedule. From outreach campaigns to proactive follow-ups, this conversation will give your practice the playbook to boost production and help patients get the care they need before it's too late.
Are you tracking the right metrics in your dental practice? In this episode, Dayna Johnson and Robin Smith, Solutions Consultant at Henry Schein One, dive into the 2025 Catalyst Index Report and uncover how understanding your numbers can transform your practice. Discover why patient retention and case acceptance are the most critical drivers of success, and what top-performing practices are doing differently. Learn proven strategies to strengthen patient relationships, improve treatment acceptance, and empower your team with actionable data. With 19 years of hands-on dental experience as a dental assistant, hygienist, front office team member, and technology specialist, Robin brings unique insights into the challenges and opportunities facing today's dental teams.
In this episode, Dayna Johnson breaks down what the end of Windows 10 support (October 14, 2025) means for dental practices and how to prepare for the transition to Windows 11. From upgrading workstations to customizing DENTRIX software for optimal functionality, Dayna walks through the exact steps every dental team should take to ensure a smooth transition. She covers critical workstation-specific settings, preferences, and tips to avoid downtime and frustration when moving to Windows 11. Whether you're an office manager, dentist, or IT lead in your practice, this episode will help you navigate the upgrade confidently and set your team up for success. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why Windows 10 support is ending and what that means for your practice How to properly set up new Windows 11 workstations for Dentrix Key Dentrix settings that must be customized after installation How to configure appointment book views, billing statements, ledger colors, and adjustment types Why consistent chart colors and procedure buttons improve efficiency How sharing workstation setup knowledge improves team performance Chapters: 00:00 – The End of Windows 10 Support 05:48 – Customizing Your New Workstation 11:00 – Setting Up DENTRIX for Optimal Use 16:34 – Final Thoughts and Recommendations
In this episode, Dayna Johnson shares why annual planning is one of the most powerful steps you can take to build a high-performing dental practice. From setting up your appointment book to mapping out production goals and involving your team in the process, Dayna breaks down a practical, results-driven approach to scheduling and goal setting. You'll learn how to use structured scheduling to keep your re-care patients on track, how to set production targets based on your actual overhead (not random percentages), and how to foster a culture of communication and feedback that drives consistent results. Whether you're a dentist, office manager, or part of the admin team, these strategies will help you kick off your year with a plan that boosts productivity, improves team alignment, and creates a better patient experience. Key Takeaways: Start your annual planning in June or July for maximum impact. Set up your appointment book early to secure re-care patient visits. Schedule days off and vacations in advance to avoid last-minute chaos. Base production goals on practice overhead instead of arbitrary increases. Keep your team informed and engaged in scheduling decisions. Adjust your “perfect day” schedule to meet new patient goals. Track production daily to maintain team focus and performance. Encourage team feedback to refine your scheduling approach. Commit to continuous improvement to build a high-performing team. Chapters: 00:00 – Kickstarting Annual Planning 02:35 – Setting Up the Appointment Book 05:39 – Establishing Production Goals 08:27 – Engagement and Support Please rate, review and share this episode with your colleagues. Book a call with Dayna: calendly.com/dayna-johnson/discovery-call
In this episode, dental software expert Dayna Johnson breaks down the complexities of estimating dental insurance coverage and how to navigate the challenges that come with today's evolving benefits landscape. She explains the key differences between the fee schedule method and the allowed amount method, shedding light on which approach may be right for your dental practice. From exceptions and downgrades to patient communication and the use of technology like Dentrix and Eligibility Pro, Dayna offers practical, real-world strategies to improve accuracy in insurance estimates and create more confident treatment presentations. You'll learn how to involve patients in understanding their coverage, handle difficult estimate scenarios, and streamline your process for better efficiency and profitability. If your dental team struggles with insurance estimation accuracy, this episode is packed with tips, tools, and insights to help you take control of the process. Key Takeaways: Understand the difference between the fee schedule and allowed amount methods. Learn why estimating insurance has become more complex over the years. Identify common exceptions that complicate estimates. Use Dentrix to manage calculations effectively. Navigate downgrades in coverage with confidence. Educate patients on their insurance coverage and responsibilities. Simplify syncing coverage details with Eligibility Pro. Use overrides in Dentrix for accurate treatment plan estimates. Improve patient conversations around insurance expectations. Commit to continuous training for better estimation accuracy. Chapters: 00:00 – Understanding Insurance Estimation Methods 02:41 – Navigating Exceptions in Insurance Coverage 05:21 – Fee Schedule vs. Allowed Amount Method 08:13 – Handling Downgrades in Treatment Plans 11:16 – Utilizing Dentrix for Accurate Estimates 13:54 – Enhancing Patient Communication and Involvement Please rate, review and share this episode with your colleagues. Book a call with Dayna: calendly.com/dayna-johnson/discovery-call
In this episode of the High Performing Dental Team podcast, Dayna Johnson interviews David Harris, a certified fraud examiner specializing in dental embezzlement. They discuss the importance of trust in dental practices, the need for thorough pre-employment screening, and strategies to prevent embezzlement through effective division of duties and financial controls. David shares key insights from his keynote presentation, 'How to Outsmart an Embezzler,' emphasizing the significance of hiring practices, daily balancing, and the necessity for dentists to engage with their practice management software. The conversation concludes with practical tips for protecting dental practices from fraud and the importance of ongoing training for dental teams. Contact David Harris directly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dentistryscrimefighter/ “The Prosperident Roundup” on Oct 18 in Irving TX. More information and registration is here -- https://www.prosperident.com/the-prosperident-roundup-october-18-2025 Takeaways -David Harris has the longest-standing embezzlement company in the dental industry. -Trust in dental staff should be periodically reevaluated. -70 million Americans have a criminal record, highlighting the need for thorough hiring practices. -Drug testing is essential and has become easier with saliva-based tests. -Only clinicians should enter treatment into practice management software. -No one person should handle more than two financial tasks to prevent embezzlement. -Dentists should print their own reports to avoid selective reporting. -Understanding practice management software is crucial for financial well-being. -Doctors need to know which reports are relevant for their practice. -Ongoing training for dental teams is essential for effective practice management. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dental Embezzlement 03:06 Understanding Trust in Dental Practices 05:56 Key Takeaways from Keynote Presentation 08:56 Pre-Employment Screening Essentials 12:04 Dividing Duties to Prevent Embezzlement 19:52 The Importance of Daily Balancing 28:40 Understanding Financial Controls in Practice Management 34:03 Embracing Practice Management Software 37:21 Final Thoughts and Resources Please rate, review and share this episode with your colleagues. Book a call with Dayna: https://calendly.com/dayna-johnson/discovery-call
In this episode, Dayna Johnson discusses the collaboration between FDI and Henry Schein on the integrated health records project, emphasizing the importance of transitioning from film to digital imaging in dental practices. She highlights the benefits of digital imaging, including improved accessibility for patients and the integration of AI for enhanced diagnostics. The conversation also covers the functionalities of Dentrix Imaging Center and the need for better documentation practices to facilitate patient access to their health records. Johnson concludes by encouraging dental professionals to embrace these technological advancements for a more efficient practice. Takeaways The integrated health records project aims to improve patient access to health information. Digital imaging is now the standard in dental practices. AI can assist in diagnostics, acting as a second pair of eyes. Patient portals will enhance accessibility to health records. Better documentation is essential for patient transparency. Dentrix Imaging Center offers integrated imaging solutions. Streamlined workflows can improve practice efficiency. Transitioning to digital imaging can significantly benefit practices. The collaboration with Henry Schein focuses on making health records accessible. Embracing technology is crucial for modern dental practices. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Integrated Health Records 00:56 The Shift from Film to Digital Imaging 06:22 Enhancing Patient Accessibility to Health Records 09:56 Utilizing Dentrix Imaging Center for Better Workflow 13:45 Conclusion and Future Directions Please rate, review and share this episode with your colleagues. Book a call with Dayna: https://calendly.com/dayna-johnson/discovery-call
In this conversation, Dayna Johnson discusses the importance of integrating health history into dental practices, emphasizing the need for modern technology to streamline patient interactions and improve data management. She highlights the role of Dentrix software in managing health history and encourages dental professionals to engage patients actively in reviewing their health information. The discussion also touches on the future of health history management and interoperability in healthcare. Takeaways ➡Health history integration is crucial for effective dental care. ➡Modern software can streamline patient data collection. ➡Patients prefer filling out forms on their mobile devices. ➡Engaging patients in their health history review is essential. ➡The Dentrix Health History Module is a living document. ➡Regular updates to health history can prevent legal issues. ➡Accessibility of health information is a priority for future software. ➡Technology can enhance patient experience in dental practices. ➡Interoperability in healthcare is finally progressing. ➡Dental professionals should embrace new software solutions. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to FDI and Henry Schein Collaboration 01:13 Exploring Health History Integration 02:48 The Importance of Health History in Dental Practice 09:22 Utilizing Technology for Health History Management 14:59 Future of Health History Accessibility Please rate, review and share this episode with your colleagues. Book a call with Dayna: https://calendly.com/dayna-johnson/discovery-call
In this episode of the High Performing Dental Team podcast, Dayna Johnson interviews Dr. Howard Polansky, a cash flow optimizer, who shares his personal journey from dentistry to financial coaching. The conversation delves into the importance of cash flow management for dental practices, practical tips for improving financial health, and strategies for families to enhance their cash flow. Dr. Polansky emphasizes the significance of understanding financial freedom and the need for a defensive approach to personal finance. He also introduces a cash flow quiz designed to help listeners assess their financial situation and make informed decisions. Takeaways ➡Cash flow is crucial for the success of any business. ➡Personal experiences can lead to significant career changes. ➡Understanding your financial situation is the first step to improvement. ➡Debt management is essential for financial freedom. ➡Utilizing lines of credit can help manage cash flow effectively. ➡Accounts receivable should be monitored closely to maintain cash flow. ➡Families can implement simple strategies to improve their financial situation. ➡It's important to have a financial defense strategy in place. ➡Financial advisors play a key role in managing personal finances. ➡Everyone has choices when it comes to their financial future. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Cash Flow Optimization 02:44 Personal Journey and Life Lessons 05:39 Transitioning from Dentistry to Cash Flow Optimization 08:22 Understanding Financial Freedom 11:10 Practical Tips for Improving Cash Flow 13:57 Managing Accounts Receivable Effectively 16:46 Strategies for Families to Increase Cash Flow 19:45 The Importance of Financial Defense 22:21 Conclusion and Resources Please rate, review and share this episode with your colleagues. Book a call with Dayna: https://calendly.com/dayna-johnson/discovery-call You can find the quiz and schedule a free Clarity Call with him at financiallyled.com. You'll walk away with a clear picture of what's possible—and a real strategy to get there.
In this episode, Dayna Johnson and Claire Dickinson discuss the significance of annual planning in dental practices. They emphasize the importance of team involvement, setting a clear vision, and creating an engaging planning process that fosters excitement and collaboration. The conversation covers strategies for pre-planning, the structure of the annual planning meeting, and the integration of virtual team members into the planning process. The episode highlights that while setting goals is essential, the real challenge lies in ensuring that the entire team is aligned and motivated to achieve them. Takeaways ➡Annual planning should be an exciting opportunity for the team. ➡Involve the entire team in the planning process for better buy-in. ➡Pre-event surveys can help gather team input before planning meetings. ➡Celebrate past achievements to motivate the team for the future. ➡Discuss personal goals of team members during planning sessions. ➡Focus on the practice's vision and how it aligns with team goals. ➡Address the importance of an abundance mindset in planning discussions. ➡Consider the impact of virtual team members in the planning process. ➡Create a structured agenda for the annual planning meeting. ➡The math of goal setting is straightforward, but alignment is key. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Annual Planning 03:16 The Importance of Team Buy-In 09:54 Preparing for Annual Planning 17:59 Conducting the Annual Planning Session 25:24 Post-Planning Reflections and Future Goals Please rate, review and share this episode with your colleagues. Book a call with Dayna: https://calendly.com/dayna-johnson/discovery-call
In this episode, Dayna Johnson discusses the importance of oral health indicators, focusing on prescription data as a critical component of patient management in dental practices. She emphasizes the need for a centralized prescription database to prevent adverse drug interactions and improve patient care. The conversation also covers how to effectively manage and document patient prescriptions using DENTRIX software, highlighting the significance of tracking medications for better oral health outcomes. Takeaways ➡Oral health risk assessments should include all relevant factors. ➡Centralized prescription databases can enhance patient care. ➡E-prescription systems help manage medications effectively. ➡Health history reviews are essential clinical tasks. ➡Patients may not disclose all medications they take. ➡Understanding patient prescriptions aids in treatment planning. ➡Documenting medications is crucial for oral health records. ➡DENTRIX can streamline the management of patient prescriptions. ➡Tracking medications helps identify potential oral health risks. ➡Sharing knowledge with colleagues enhances dental practice performance. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Oral Health Indicators 00:59 The Importance of Prescription Data 03:21 Managing Patient Prescriptions Effectively 10:25 Utilizing Dentrix for Health History Management Please rate, review and share this episode with your colleagues. Book a call with Dayna: https://calendly.com/dayna-johnson/discovery-ca
Running a dental practice comes with a lot of moving parts. From managing patients to keeping up with paperwork, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. But what if your software could make things easier? In this episode, we're joined by Dana Johnson, a dental software expert who shares how to use systems and technology to build a smoother, more profitable practice. If you're tired of feeling stuck in old systems… or just want to work smarter, not harder… you'll love the practical tips Dana shares in this episode. From training ideas to tech tools, this is your guide to creating a simpler, stronger dental practice — one that's built to grow, with or without insurance. Book your free marketing strategy meeting with Ekwa at your convenience. Plus, at the end of the session, get a free analysis report to find out where your practice stands online. It's our gift to you! https://www.lessinsurancedependence.com/marketing-strategy-meeting/ If you're looking to boost your case acceptance rates and enhance patient communication, you can schedule a Coaching Strategy Meeting with Gary Takacs. With his experience in helping practices thrive, Gary will work with you on personalized coaching, ensuring you and your team are prepared to present treatment plans confidently, offer financing options, and communicate the value of essential dental services. https://www.lessinsurancedependence.com/csm/