Podcasts about naren arulrajah

What if you could work just three days a week… and still run a thriving dental practice? In this episode of The Thriving Dentist Show, Gary Takacs and co-host Naren Arulrajah explore a powerful idea that's on the minds of many dentists today: how to create more free time without losing income or control of your practice. If you've ever felt burned out or just wish you had more balance in life, this episode is for you. Gary shares how he's helped many dentists make the three-day work week a reality. From smart scheduling to reducing insurance headaches, you'll hear real-world strategies that work. They talk about how two dentists can share the week and still keep the office running five days, or how a solo dentist can stay just as productive by working smarter—not longer. You'll also learn how to build a strong, happy team that loves the schedule as much as you do. Naren jumps in with simple marketing tips to help attract patients for high-value services like implants, Invisalign, or cosmetic dentistry. He explains why great landing pages, real patient stories, and search engine optimization (SEO) can help you get more of the right patients—without spending a lot on ads. These ideas make it easier to grow your income, even with fewer workdays. Whether you're just starting to think about a lighter schedule or you're ready to take action, this episode gives you a clear path forward. Gary and Naren break it all down in a way that's easy to follow and proven to work. It's not just a dream—you really can build a life and practice your love with more time, more freedom, and less stress.

In this episode of The Thriving Dentist Show, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah unpack a powerful question: Are you leaving money on the table? From same-day dentistry to expanded hygiene services and high-value procedures, they share practical, real-world insights on the most profitable services practices often overlook. Gary draws on decades of coaching experience to highlight services that not only boost revenue but also serve patients better. Whether you're looking to add same-day treatment, revive your perio program, or explore Invisalign and cosmetic dentistry, this episode will help you identify simple strategies to increase profitability without adding hours, team, or stress.

Ready to market smarter in 2025? In this episode of the Less Insurance Dependence Podcast, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah reveal the four essential marketing pillars your practice needs to grow without relying on PPO plans. Learn how to master organic SEO, build trust through Google reviews, improve call conversions, and optimize landing pages while attracting the right patients and boosting profitability.  Listen now and unlock your 2025 marketing strategy!     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/ 

Join Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah on The Thriving Dentist Show as they uncover the power of connecting with your local community to attract new patients and build trust. From sponsoring sports teams to offering free dental care for veterans, this episode is loaded with practical ideas to boost your practice while making a difference. Plus, catch Doctor Dennis Hartlieb's handy tip on preventing staining in composite restorations—don't miss it!  

How can your dental practice attract and retain the best Gen Z team members? Join Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah on The Thriving Dentist Show as they explore the unique traits of Generation Z—born 1997 to 2012—and reveal actionable strategies to build a workplace that inspires them. From leveraging purpose and growth opportunities to mastering Google reviews for patient attraction, this episode is packed with insights to strengthen your team and elevate your practice. Don't miss it!  

Can a hygiene-driven model thrive for PPO dental practices in 2025? Tune into The Thriving Dentist Show with Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah to uncover why a robust hygiene department is your practice's secret weapon—despite soaring costs and dwindling PPO fees. Discover proven strategies to skyrocket hygiene profits, break free from insurance constraints, and dominate dental SEO marketing. Don't miss this game-changing episode packed with expert insights to elevate your practice!

Are you spending money on marketing but not seeing results? In this episode of the Thriving Dentist Show, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah tackle 10 real dentist-submitted questions on effective marketing strategies for 2025. Learn why SEO for dentists is your secret weapon for high ROI, how Google reviews can boost your practice's credibility, and when digital ads make sense. They also reveal the hidden costs of PPO plans—those “insurance write-offs” could be your biggest marketing expense—and share how to redirect that budget to grow your practice. Packed with practical, no-nonsense tips in plain language, this episode is a must-listen for dentists ready to stop guessing and start thriving. Tune in now to transform your dental marketing! 

In this episode of the Less Insurance Dependence Podcast, hosts Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah break down the essential steps to developing a customized blueprint for success in your dental practice. Many dentists feel trapped by PPOs, working harder each year while losing a significant portion of their revenue to insurance write-offs. But the good news? There's a way out. Gary and Naren share a step-by-step approach to help you reverse engineer your success, transition away from PPOs, and build a thriving, profitable practice that provides personal, professional, and financial satisfaction. 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/ 

In this episode of the Thriving Dentist Show, we explore one of the most important—and often overlooked—topics in practice growth: how to increase case acceptance for high-value dentistry. Many dentists are holding back on presenting ideal care due to the fear of rejection or assumptions about what patients can afford. Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah break down the psychology behind why dentists hesitate to present ideal treatment and how to create a patient experience that naturally increases acceptance—without feeling like you're “selling.” From photos and websites to new patient calls and follow-up systems, this episode offers practical strategies to grow high-value care while building trust and long-term relationships with your patients. Whether you want to grow your Invisalign, implants, or cosmetic services, this episode will help you take confident steps forward. Listen Now!

In this episode Gary Takacs and co-host Naren Arulrajah discuss how to build a successful onboarding process that integrates new hires smoothly, reduces turnover, and sets them up for long-term success in your practice. Discover proven strategies to ensure every new team member becomes an asset from day one. Gary shares real-world examples of why employees leave, the importance of mentorship, and the key training areas every new hire must go through. Whether you're hiring now or preparing for future growth, this episode is packed with insights to help you attract, train, and retain top talent.   

In this episode of the Less Insurance Dependence Podcast, co-hosts Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah discuss what it truly means to achieve financial independence through your dental practice. They break down the steps to financial freedom, including how to grow revenue with high-quality new patients, why PPO write-offs limit your wealth, and smart financial strategies like pension plans and investments. Gary and Naren also highlight eye-opening statistics from the American Dental Association (ADA) about how few dentists can retire without lowering their lifestyle—and how you can ensure you're on the right track. 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/   

In an industry as competitive as aesthetics, having a great service and patient experience is only part of the equation. The reality is, your online presence can make or break your practice. In this episode, host Michael Walker sits down with returning guest Naren Arulrajah, CEO of Ekwa Marketing, to discuss what separates thriving aesthetic practices from those that fail to grow. Many practice owners underestimate the power of a structured marketing plan. Some rely on short-term tactics like paid ads, social media promotions, or word-of-mouth. While these can help, they aren't enough to build lasting visibility. The practices that dominate their markets do so because they invest in long-term marketing strategies, ensuring they consistently attract and retain high-value patients. A well-thought-out 6-month marketing plan allows aesthetic practices to: Build strong SEO rankings so they show up in patient searches Avoid overspending on paid advertising by leveraging organic reach Adapt to Google's ever-changing algorithms to stay ahead of competitors Track key performance metrics that drive patient growth Create a predictable and sustainable patient flow On the flip side, practices that operate without a structured marketing plan often struggle with visibility, patient retention, and unpredictable revenue. If your practice is experiencing fluctuating patient volume, low online engagement, or ineffective advertising, this episode will give you actionable insights to turn things around.

In this episode of The Thriving Dentist Show, we dive deep into The Complete Guide to Creating More Referrals in Your Practice. Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah explore the most effective strategies to increase patient referrals, including direct patient recommendations, professional referral networks, and leveraging online reviews. Special guest Dr. Stephanie Reinhardt shares a clinical tip on The Mindset Secret Behind Clear Aligner Success, emphasizing how confidence and education drive patient trust. You'll also hear insightful answers to pressing questions from dentists, such as how to encourage team members to ask for referrals, whether patient referral incentives work, and the role of social media influencers in modern-day referrals. Tune in for actionable insights to help you build a thriving, referral-based practice in 2025! ** Book your Free Personalized Marketing Strategy Meeting with Ekwa:  ** Book Your Coaching Session with Gary Takacs Now: 

Going out of network with insurance is a big decision for any dental practice, but timing is crucial. In this episode of The Less Insurance Dependence Podcast, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah break down the key mistakes practice owners make when transitioning away from PPO plans. They outline four critical factors to evaluate before making the move, including the strength of patient relationships, the effectiveness of marketing strategies, and scheduling demand. If your practice isn't prepared, dropping PPOs at the wrong time can lead to revenue loss, empty schedules, and unnecessary stress. But with the right approach, you can successfully transition while maintaining financial stability. This episode is essential for practice owners who want to take control of their profitability without risking their patient base. Tune in to learn practical steps to ensure your practice is truly ready to go out of network.   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/

In this episode of The Thriving Dentist Show, we explore the critical role of continuing education (CE) in shaping the future of dentistry. The dental profession is evolving rapidly, and those who invest in learning new skills, expanding their knowledge, and staying ahead of industry trends are the ones who thrive. Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah discuss how CE impacts clinical excellence, patient trust, and practice growth, along with how to choose the right CE courses for long-term success. Whether you're looking to refine your clinical skills, expand into high-value services, or position yourself as a leader in your community, this episode will provide actionable insights to help you make 2025 your best year yet. Book a Free Marketing Strategy Meeting → Schedule a Personal Coaching Strategy Meeting with Gary Takacs → 

Are you tired of PPOs cutting into your hard-earned revenue? Many dentists feel stuck relying on insurance companies for patients—while sacrificing profits. But what if you could take control and bring in patients on your own? In this episode, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah discuss the 5 key areas of a marketing audit that can help determine whether your practice is ready to reduce PPO dependence. You'll learn how to check your Google rankings, online consistency (NAP score), website performance (Lighthouse score), credibility (E-E-A-T), and review growth (Google Review Velocity). By understanding these essential marketing factors, you can replace insurance-driven patients with high-quality ones who value your care—all while lowering marketing costs. If you've ever wondered, “Is my practice ready to go out of network?” this episode gives you the answers. Tune in now and take the first step toward insurance freedom! 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/

Some patients stop coming back to your practice—not because they are unhappy, but because life gets busy. The good news? Many of them still see you as their dentist. They just need a little reminder to return. In this episode of The Thriving Dentist Show, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah share easy ways to bring back inactive patients and keep your schedule full—without spending money on ads. You'll learn how to reach out to patients, why texting works better than calling, and how to follow up on unscheduled treatments so they don't get forgotten. Plus, Naren shares a simple tip to attract more implant patients without spending a lot on ads. You'll also hear why people are more likely to say yes to treatment when they understand the cost of waiting too long. Listen Now!

In this episode of the Less Insurance Dependence Podcast, co-hosts Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah discuss "Three Tips to Significantly Increase Your Conversion Rate." They define conversion rate as the percentage of new patient calls resulting in booked appointments, sharing benchmarks, and grading scales for assessment. Highlighting the importance of tracking and training, they stress the need for recording and reviewing calls to identify improvement areas.  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/

Is private practice in dentistry becoming obsolete? In this insightful episode, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah dive deep into the future of private dental practices. Learn why relationship-driven, health-centered care is more important than ever, and discover key strategies to stand out from corporate dentistry. Plus, Dr. Matthew Asaro shares a powerful clinical tip on finalizing occlusion. Tune in for expert advice, actionable takeaways, and answers to common dentist questions! Book a Free Marketing Strategy Meeting →   Schedule a Personal Coaching Strategy Meeting with Gary Takacs →

This episode of "The Less Insurance Dependence Podcast" explores how staying in-network with PPO insurance can significantly impact a dental practice's profitability and overall net worth. Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah discuss the hidden costs of insurance adjustments, which can amount to 45-50% of collections, reducing practice profitability and valuation. They illustrate this with real examples, emphasizing how becoming out-of-network can dramatically increase a practice's profitability, making it more desirable and valuable in the market. 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/

This episode of the Less Insurance Dependence Podcast highlights the importance of proactive marketing when transitioning away from PPO plans. Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah discuss three key strategies: setting bold goals for collections and new patient numbers, implementing a comprehensive marketing plan, and targeting the resignation of at least one PPO plan in 2025. They emphasize the risks of neglecting marketing, likening it to unused muscles that atrophy, sharing real examples of practices successfully leveraging organic SEO for consistent patient growth, and urging listeners to plan to avoid disruptions and achieve sustainable success. 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/

This episode of the Less Insurance Dependence Podcast addresses the growing impact of AI-driven auto-denial insurance claims and how dental practices can adapt. Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah discuss how insurance companies use AI to increase profits by automating claim denials, making it challenging for dental practices to receive payments. They highlight the financial imbalance in the dental insurance model, where only insurance companies benefit, and urge dentists to reduce their dependence on PPO plans, as reform is unlikely. They also emphasize focusing on what practices can be controlled to achieve financial and operational stability. 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/  

In this highly anticipated episode, experienced host Dana Zeitler—founder and CEO of Deluxe Medspa explores into essential strategies for aesthetic professionals. She is joined by Naren Arulrajah, co-founder of the Business of Aesthetics community and CEO of Ekwa Marketing, along with Shelly Schultz, Director of Sales at Ekwa Marketing. Together, they provide invaluable insights into building a successful clinic.

Ever wondered how the journey of reducing insurance dependence began? In this episode of the Less Insurance Dependence Podcast, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah share the inspiring story behind the podcast's creation seven years ago. They discuss how a niche focus on helping dentists successfully resign from PPO plans has empowered over 400 practices nationwide. From the pitfalls of DIY strategies to the transformational impact of personalized coaching, this episode highlights steps to make 2025 your most profitable year yet. Tune in for more on building a thriving, fee-for-service practice and putting insurance dependence in the rearview mirror! 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/  

Welcome to this exciting episode of the Business of Aesthetics Podcast, where we spotlight Naren Arulrajah, founder of the Business of Aesthetics community and CEO of Ekwa Marketing. With over 18 years of expertise, Naren has transformed the digital marketing landscape for aesthetic professionals worldwide. This episode is a must-listen for aesthetic practitioners who want to thrive in 2025 by leveraging cutting-edge digital strategies to attract high-quality patients and build lasting trust. Naren shares insights on how digital marketing can revolutionize your practice, from optimizing SEO to harnessing the power of patient reviews. Discover the secrets to achieving a consistent flow of new patients while maintaining a low cost per acquisition. Whether you're a MedSpa owner, plastic surgeon, or dermatologist, this episode provides the tools and strategies to streamline your marketing efforts and create a robust online presence. Listeners will benefit from real-life success stories and learn how to implement game-changing tactics like creating impactful video content and mastering Google Reviews. If you're ready to boost your aesthetic practice and embrace sustainable growth, this episode delivers valuable guidance to help you succeed.

In this episode of The Less Insurance Dependence Podcast, co-hosts Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah discuss the growing trend of dental insurance claim denials. They explore how insurance companies are increasing claim rejections, requesting excessive documentation, and leveraging policies like wait periods to reduce benefits utilization. They emphasize that these practices prioritize profits over patient care, creating challenges for dentists and patients alike. Gary and Naren encourage dentists to reduce their reliance on Insurance, highlighting the benefits of resigning from PPO plans and attracting patients without Insurance, stressing the importance of building strong patient relationships to sustain a thriving, independent dental practice. 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/

In this episode of The Less Insurance Dependence Podcast, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah discuss whether dental insurance will undergo significant changes in 2025. Gary highlights the historical context and entrenched profit-driven practices of insurance companies and explains why a major overhaul is unlikely. However, minor legislative improvements, such as prohibiting insurers from setting fees on uncovered services, might occur. Book a free marketing strategy meeting with Ekwa and discover how we can help you leverage reviews to attract more patients! https://www.lessinsurancedependence.com/marketing-strategy-meeting/

Find out the impact of Google Reviews on reducing PPO dependence through this episode of The Less Insurance Dependence Podcast, where Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah share how modern consumer behavior is reshaping dental marketing. They explore why fewer patients rely on insurance company websites and instead turn to Google to find top-rated dental practices. Learn how having numerous positive reviews influences patient decisions and enhances your online presence, which is a mindset shift for dentists, focusing on Google strategies rather than PPO participation.   Book a free marketing strategy meeting with Ekwa and discover how we can help you leverage reviews to attract more patients! https://www.lessinsurancedependence.com/marketing-strategy-meeting/

Welcome to the latest episode of the Business of Aesthetics Podcast show. In today's episode, Michael Walker sits down with Naren Arulrajah, the Chief Visionary and CEO of Ekwa Marketing, to explore a pressing challenge faced by many aesthetic practices: missed opportunities. Together, they unpack how leveraging chatbots can help practices provide 24/7 engagement, reduce missed calls, and significantly enhance patient conversion rates. This episode is packed with strategies to transform your digital marketing efforts and boost your patient experience.

In this episode of The Thriving Dentist Show, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah talk about how to use systems and accountability to improve your dental practice. If you've ever felt like your workdays are chaotic or full of problems, this episode offers practical ways to take control and make your practice more enjoyable and efficient. They discuss simple strategies like creating systems to get more Google reviews, managing patient follow-ups, and setting up productive schedules. These tools help reduce stress and allow your practice to grow smoothly. They also talk about the importance of accountability and share tips on how to assign clear responsibilities to team members, so everyone knows their role and works toward common goals. With straightforward advice and real-life examples, this episode is a great resource for any dentist who wants to simplify their day-to-day tasks, improve their practice, and enjoy their work more. Tune in and learn how to build a high-performance practice!

In this episode, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah talk about one of the most common questions dental practices face from potential new patients: "Do you take my insurance?" They emphasize the importance of proper call training to address this question effectively and convert inquiries into appointments. Gary shares a case study of a practice that improved its call conversion rate from 25% to 75% through focused training, highlighting the impact on new patient numbers without increasing marketing costs. 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/

Are you considering adding adult orthodontics to your practice? In this episode of The Thriving Dentist Show, hosts Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah explore the rising trend of adult orthodontics and its potential to enhance your practice. With an increasing number of adults seeking orthodontic treatments, this episode will help you assess whether this valuable service aligns with your goals. You'll discover practical strategies to expand the adult orthodontics segment of your practice, including tips on internal marketing, effectively utilizing Google reviews, and setting appropriate pricing. If you're uncertain about incorporating adult orthodontics, this episode will provide the clarity and tools necessary to make an informed decision.

By popular demand, the exclusive "How to Incorporate Membership Plans to Grow Your Practice" webinar is now available as a podcast! In this insightful session, host Naren Arulrajah moderates a dynamic discussion with a panel of industry leaders: Stephen Boice, Adrienne Easterling, Sara Shikhman, and Ryan Davies. Each panelist brings their unique expertise and practical experience to help practices unlock the potential of membership models.

This episode of The Less Insurance Dependence Podcast focuses on "Recession Proofing Your Dental Practice." Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah share straightforward tips to help dental practices thrive during challenging economic times. They emphasize building patient trust, creating a relationship-driven environment, and providing unique reasons for patients to choose your practice, such as state-of-the-art technology and a focus on prevention. The episode also highlights the pitfalls of relying heavily on dental insurance networks and encourages practices to attract patients who value quality care. 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/

In this compelling episode of the Business of Aesthetics Podcast, host Michael Walker welcomes Naren Arulrajah, the visionary founder and CEO of Ekwa Marketing. Explore an engaging discussion that unpacks the transformative potential of digital marketing for aesthetic practices, from mastering local SEO to optimizing Google My Business and boosting online reviews. Whether you're a medspa owner, dermatologist, or aesthetic practitioner, you'll gain the insights needed to attract more patients and boost your online presence.

In this insightful episode of The Thriving Dentist Show, Gary Takacs and co-host Naren Arulrajah present 12 powerful takeaways from the 2024 Reducing Insurance Dependence Academy Summit. Designed for dental professionals at every stage of their journey—whether exploring the idea or fully committed to reducing insurance dependence—this episode offers actionable strategies to help you take control of your practice, deliver exceptional patient care, and achieve a fulfilling work-life balance. Tune in now to discover how you can apply these takeaways in your practice today!  

Naren and Megan speak about marketing your vet rehab practice and how important it is to have an online presence. They touch on reviews and ways to get them as well as how to handle negative ones  Learn more about Naren Arulrajah: https://www.ekwa.com/about-naren.html Listen to The Veterinary Business Podcast: https://www.veterinarybusinessinstitute.com/about-us/  Bookmark the Vet Rehab Summit: https://vetrehabsummit.com/ Learn more about CuraCore: https://curacore.org/vet/  To learn about Onlinepethealth, watch a free webinar, or join any of our Facebook groups, click here: https://onlinepethealth.com/podcast

In this episode, co-hosts Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah discuss the rising appeal of fee-for-service dental care as inflation and economic challenges strain insurance-based practices. They explore how increasing costs, especially in wages, and declining reimbursements from PPOs are pushing many dentists to consider dropping insurance plans altogether. By reducing insurance dependence, dentists can regain control over their fees, enhance practice profitability, and offer high-quality care. This episode highlights the benefits of transitioning to fee-for-service as a sustainable path to a thriving, independent dental practice.

Welcome to Episode 211 of the Business of Aesthetics podcast. Join co-host Naren Arulrajah as he sits down with renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Rod Rohrich. In this engaging conversation, they explore the latest innovations in cosmetic medicine, from noninvasive treatments to the future role of AI and bioengineering in aesthetic procedures. Tune in for expert insights on cutting-edge techniques, valuable advice for aesthetic practice owners, and practical tips for dermatologists, med spa owners, and plastic surgeons to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving field.

In this episode of the Less Insurance Dependence Podcast, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah explore whether potential new patients exist who are unaffected by a soft economy. They discuss how certain high-value dental services, such as implant restorations, smile makeovers, and sleep apnea treatments, remain in demand despite economic downturns. They emphasize the importance of attracting patients seeking specific solutions, regardless of financial conditions. Listeners will gain insights into how to build a recession-proof practice by focusing on patients who seek high-value procedures and leveraging SEO to reach them.

In this episode of the Business of Aesthetics podcast, co-host Naren Arulrajah speaks with Dr. Lauren Umstattd, a facial plastic surgeon from Kansas City who started her practice from scratch. Dr. Umstattd candidly shares how she built a successful practice, balancing a young family and a fast-growing business. Her journey is filled with valuable lessons on everything from personal branding to creating a sustainable work environment.

In this episode of the Less Insurance Dependence podcast, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah explore the concept of a hybrid dental practice model. They begin by discussing the definition of a hybrid model, which involves a mix of participating in some PPO insurance plans while also offering fee-for-service care. For many dental practices, the journey to a fully fee-for-service model may seem daunting, especially since around 90-95% of U.S. dentists are in-network with PPO plans. For these practices, transitioning to a hybrid model can serve as a stepping stone, allowing them to gradually reduce insurance dependence without fully stepping away from PPOs. The hybrid model can be a viable long-term strategy for practices wanting to balance PPO participation with fee-for-service offerings. It provides an opportunity to improve profitability and patient care gradually while maintaining some level of insurance participation when necessary.  

In this episode, we are joined by Naren Arulrajah, a seasoned expert in marketing and practice growth, and Sally Bevans, a respected leader in patient experience and healthcare innovation. Together, they explore the critical considerations for healthcare practitioners when investing in new technology and treatment devices. Their discussion emphasizes the importance of informed decision-making, understanding patient experiences, and strategic marketing to ensure that these investments benefit both the practice and the patients.  

In the latest episode of the Less Insurance Dependence podcast, co-hosts Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah explore what it truly means to be part of the top 1% of dental practices and how to reach that elite status.  Throughout the conversation, Gary shares seven key strategies that can propel practices to the top level, hinting at several specific goals that successful practitioners should aim for. He discusses the significance of achieving a healthy work-life balance and having a high-performance team, which are crucial for overall satisfaction and success in the dental field. This engaging episode offers listeners a glimpse into the path to practice excellence, with plenty of actionable insights to help elevate their practices.  

In this episode  of the Less Insurance Dependence Podcast, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah explore strategies for staying motivated as dental practices transition out of PPO networks. They emphasize that this journey is more of a marathon than a sprint, with practices seeing gradual improvements as they reduce their dependence on insurance. The key to success lies in maintaining a strong sense of motivation, both for doctors and their teams. Dentists must act as Chief Motivation Officers (CMOs), leading by example and keeping morale high during this challenging process. As the team stays motivated and patient concerns are handled with empathy, practices can successfully navigate the transition out of the network and thrive.  

In this episode, Ryan Davies and Naren Arulrajah discuss maximizing ROI and cost-effective digital marketing strategies for aesthetic practices. They highlight common pitfalls in digital marketing, such as needing to know the cost of marketing and having a poor phone experience. They also explore strategies for optimizing Google Ads and social media ads, as well as alternative digital marketing methods like SEO. The importance of tracking marketing efforts and comparing cost efficiency and effectiveness is emphasized. The episode concludes with a discussion on the value of a marketing strategy meeting.

In this episode of the Less Insurance Dependence Podcast, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah focus on the five major expense categories that, when managed effectively, can substantially improve a dental practice's profitability. These categories account for 85% of a practice's expenses.  They stress that effective management of these key expenses can lead to a thriving dental practice. One particular challenge is managing team wages, which have been impacted by rising inflation. However, growth can help offset these costs. By growing a practice by $100,000 annually, significant profitability gains can be achieved, especially when the practice maintains the same team and operational hours.  

In this episode of the Less Insurance Dependence Podcast, co-hosts Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah explore the concept of creating a memorable and impactful new patient experience in dental practices. They emphasize the importance of designing an experience that aligns with patient expectations while achieving the practice's goals for comprehensive care. The hosts discuss the significance of the first impression a dental practice makes on a new patient. A well-structured new patient experience can lead to five-star reviews, long-term patient retention, and increased case acceptance. The focus is on delivering an experience that balances the patient's desire for a cleaning with the practice's need for comprehensive records and a thorough examination. To help practices create this ideal experience, the hosts introduce a seven-step process.     

In this Episode of the Less Insurance Dependence Podcast, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah emphasize the importance of strategic growth for dental practices, especially those looking to reduce their reliance on PPO plans. The hosts stress that strategic growth is vital for any dental practice, as staying stagnant is not an option due to inflation and rising costs. Intentional growth ensures that a practice's income and value continue to rise over time. The episode highlights several methods to achieve strategic growth. One primary strategy is resigning from PPO plans, which allows practices to retain 45-50% more of their fees, even if some patients are lost in the process. Another effective approach is adding high-value services such as implants, adult orthodontics, and cosmetic dentistry, which can significantly increase revenue. For practices with sufficient demand, expanding the team by hiring an associate can also promote growth, provided it is carefully planned to support both the owner and the new associate.      

In this episode, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah discuss the critical topic of resigning from PPO plans to improve work-life balance. They explore why reducing insurance dependence is vital for dentists seeking a more fulfilling and sustainable practice. Dentists often face challenges such as low reimbursement rates and increased patient loads associated with PPO plans. By reducing their dependence on these plans, dentists can gain better control over pricing, enhance profitability, and provide higher-quality patient care. The episode features real-life success stories from dental practices that have successfully resigned from PPO plans. These testimonials highlight the positive impacts on patient satisfaction and practice profitability. Dentists who have made this transition report experiencing less stress, increased job satisfaction, and more time for personal and professional growth.