Podcasts about perio

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.

Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!Download "The Most Underused Codes in Dentistry - And How to Get Them Paid" checklist here:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxnnfSlNd0NPhMoBWq-1D_xU5R8LS4xPhHNKIjfLQwStOUag/viewform?usp=headerRegister for the free one-hour webinar on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, here:https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ABKZUAxNQEynSqUET8SwAgSchedule a billing chat with Ericka:https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30minDM Ericka on Instagram to join the wait list for Elevate Billing & Coding:@dental_billing_coach Email Ericka:ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.comEmail Jen:jen@dentalbillingdoneright.comGrab the Hygiene Billing and Coding Playbook Here:https://stan.store/hygieneunlockedEmail Ed:ed@dentalbillingdoneright.comSchedule a demo with MaxAssist to unlock scheduleing potential here:https://maxassist.com/book-a-demo-fortune-billing/Perio performance formula: (D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910)/(D4341+D4342+D...

Vancouver Consumer - May 16, 2026 - Dr. Ron Zokol with BC Perio

Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!Your billing should not feel like a surprise every month. When collections swing up and down, it's rarely because “insurance is just hard” it's usually because the foundation was never built correctly. I walk through the core projects I use to make dental billing predictable, measurable, and strong enough to support growth, not just survive the next slow week. We start where the money actually begins: UCR fee positioning. I explain why raising fees by a random percentage can backfire, how NDAS market percentile data helps you choose an intentional fee strategy, and how Fair Health can help you spot check codes using real claims trends. From there, we move into employer research so you stop signing PPO contracts based on guesswork and start aligning with the plans your patient base truly carries. Then we do the math most offices skip: fee schedule analysis that compares reimbursements to UCR and shows your real write off risk by procedure. Next, I zoom out into business model strategy: traditional in network PPO, a hybrid out of network approach with key plans, and the realities of fee for service based on local demographics and discretionary income. To make all this usable, I share how to build a billing command center, clean up practice management setup with clear write off and adjustment categories, and tighten procedure mapping and coding structure so compliance and revenue meet in the middle. If you want your dental revenue cycle to run on data instead of stress, hit play, then subscribe, share this with your office manager, and leave a review so more practices can build billing that actually gets paid.Download "The Most Underused Codes in Dentistry - And How to Get Them Paid" checklist here:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxnnfSlNd0NPhMoBWq-1D_xU5R8LS4xPhHNKIjfLQwStOUag/viewform?usp=headerRegister for the free one-hour webinar on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, here:https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ABKZUAxNQEynSqUET8SwAgSchedule a billing chat with Ericka:https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30minDM Ericka on Instagram to join the wait list for Elevate Billing & Coding:@dental_billing_coach Email Ericka:ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.comEmail Jen:jen@dentalbillingdoneright.comGrab the Hygiene Billing and Coding Playbook Here:https://stan.store/hygieneunlockedEmail Ed:ed@dentalbillingdoneright.comSchedule a demo with MaxAssist to unlock scheduleing potential here:https://maxassist.com/book-a-demo-fortune-billing/Perio performance formula: (D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910)/(D4341+D4342+D...

Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!If your practice feels slammed but collections still don't line up with production, that's not “just insurance.” That's a billing system problem, and it's fixable. We walk through the exact framework we've used to help hundreds of dental offices and group practices streamline dental billing, reduce denial chaos, and create predictable cash flow without gatekeeping or overcomplicating the work.We break billing down into six pillars that build on each other: foundation, roles, workflows, compliance, metrics, and growth. You'll hear what “foundation” really means in a dental revenue cycle, including practice management software setup, accurate codes, mapped procedures, fee schedules that match payer contracts, and credentialing that prevents avoidable delays. We also share why every practice needs a billing command center, a single source of truth for portals, passwords, processes, and payer details, so the department doesn't collapse when one person is out.Then we move into role ownership and workflow engine design so claim follow-up, denial management, and old AR cleanup stop being optional. We talk about using simple project management tools to keep billing work on a calendar, why consistency is what drives consistent insurance collections and patient collections, and how compliance and documentation protect everything you've built. We close with the metrics that matter, like insurance AR over 60 days, write-offs, and collection percentages, plus the reality that clean reports aren't always honest reports, and why a growth loop of training and auditing keeps your billing department future-proof.Subscribe for the next six weeks of step-by-step dental billing structure, share this with your team, and leave a review telling us which pillar you want to fix first.Download "The Most Underused Codes in Dentistry - And How to Get Them Paid" checklist here:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxnnfSlNd0NPhMoBWq-1D_xU5R8LS4xPhHNKIjfLQwStOUag/viewform?usp=headerRegister for the free one-hour webinar on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, here:https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ABKZUAxNQEynSqUET8SwAgSchedule a billing chat with Ericka:https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30minDM Ericka on Instagram to join the wait list for Elevate Billing & Coding:@dental_billing_coach Email Ericka:ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.comEmail Jen:jen@dentalbillingdoneright.comGrab the Hygiene Billing and Coding Playbook Here:https://stan.store/hygieneunlockedEmail Ed:ed@dentalbillingdoneright.comSchedule a demo with MaxAssist to unlock scheduleing potential here:https://maxassist.com/book-a-demo-fortune-billing/Perio performance formula: (D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910)/(D4341+D4342+D...

Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!Prop 56 is on the way out, and if your practice depends on Denti-Cal reimbursements, the impact won't be theoretical. I'm joined by Adriana, a seasoned dental billing pro who's built her reputation on getting Denti-Cal approvals by mastering what most offices miss: the documentation details, the authorization sequence, and the fine-print rules that don't show up in generic trainings. We talk candidly about what changes when add-on payments disappear and why offices that rely on Denti-Cal as their “bread and butter” need a plan before fee schedules snap back to lower base rates. We also break down the real Denti-Cal workflow for major treatment: how to think about the TAR process, what a NOAA is, why the DCN matters, and how a CIF fits in when Denti-Cal asks for more information. Adriana shares practical experience on authorizing complex cases like root canals with post and core buildups and crowns, plus why “just bill it like a PPO” is a fast track to denials. You'll hear the specific habits that help approvals come back faster, including the right x-rays, clear narratives, and knowing when the “safe route” is smarter than bundling everything at once. Finally, we get into the stuff that saves offices from painful surprises: emergency code misuse that can trigger scrutiny, provider-specific authorizations that may need deletion before another office can treat, and why eligibility checks must go deeper than a simple “eligible” status. We also highlight missed opportunities like disability-related time billing that often gets denied without the right narrative, even when the patient's aid code suggests coverage. If you work Denti-Cal claims, verify benefits, or manage a Medi-Cal patient base, this is the playbook you'll want open on your desk. Subscribe for more practical dental billing guidance, share this with a teammate who fights denials every week, and leave a review if these Denti-Cal breakdowns help your office. What's the most confusing Denti-Cal denial you want us to tackle next?Download "The Most Underused Codes in Dentistry - And How to Get Them Paid" checklist here:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxnnfSlNd0NPhMoBWq-1D_xU5R8LS4xPhHNKIjfLQwStOUag/viewform?usp=headerRegister for the free one-hour webinar on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, here:https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ABKZUAxNQEynSqUET8SwAgSchedule a billing chat with Ericka:https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30minDM Ericka on Instagram to join the wait list for Elevate Billing & Coding:@dental_billing_coach Email Ericka:ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.comEmail Jen:jen@dentalbillingdoneright.comGrab the Hygiene Billing and Coding Playbook Here:https://stan.store/hygieneunlockedEmail Ed:ed@dentalbillingdoneright.comSchedule a demo with MaxAssist to unlock scheduleing potential here:https://maxassist.com/book-a-demo-fortune-billing/Perio performance formula: (D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910)/(D4341+D4342+D...

Vancouver Consumer - April 18, 2026 - Dr. Ron Zokol with BC Perio

Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!Your medical insurance may be able to cover wisdom teeth extractions, and the reason most people never find out is painfully simple: nobody asks the right way. We sit down with Jen from Hygiene Unlocked and unpack a real, recent moment where a medical insurance rep insisted “that's dental” until Jen pushed for an actual code check. Once the CPT and diagnosis pairing was reviewed, the answer changed, and so did the entire cost picture.We get practical about dental medical billing: how to think in medical necessity instead of “dental vs medical”, how ICD-10 diagnosis codes tell the story that justifies treatment, and why cross-coding matters when an oral surgery plan only lists dental codes. We also talk about the everyday realities of calling payers, including how reps default to in-network benefits, how to confirm out-of-network coverage, and why you should always get a call reference number so you can appeal bad information later.The takeaway is bigger than wisdom teeth. When we treat the mouth like it's separate from the body, patients lose benefits they pay for and offices miss legitimate reimbursement. If you want a clearer, more defensible process for wisdom teeth extraction billing, CPT coding, ICD-10 documentation, and CMS-1500 claims, this conversation will change how you look at your next treatment plan. Subscribe, share this with a biller or office manager, and leave a review with your biggest medical billing question. Download "The Most Underused Codes in Dentistry - And How to Get Them Paid" checklist here:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxnnfSlNd0NPhMoBWq-1D_xU5R8LS4xPhHNKIjfLQwStOUag/viewform?usp=headerRegister for the free one-hour webinar on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, here:https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ABKZUAxNQEynSqUET8SwAgSchedule a billing chat with Ericka:https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30minDM Ericka on Instagram to join the wait list for Elevate Billing & Coding:@dental_billing_coach Email Ericka:ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.comEmail Jen:jen@dentalbillingdoneright.comGrab the Hygiene Billing and Coding Playbook Here:https://stan.store/hygieneunlockedEmail Ed:ed@dentalbillingdoneright.comSchedule a demo with MaxAssist to unlock scheduleing potential here:https://maxassist.com/book-a-demo-fortune-billing/Perio performance formula: (D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910)/(D4341+D4342+D...

Join me for look at the orthodontic -periodontal interface, the latest evidence looking at the effects of orthodontic tooth movement as well what periodontal surgery can offer in recession management. This podcast is a summary of Christos Kassaro and Anton Spurrier's excellent lecture, as part of the AngleNet Webinar Series. Timestamp0:44 – At 1-year recession risks of orthodontics 2:30 – At 15-year recession risks of orthodontics4:37 – Retainer relapse: "X" & "Twist" effects5:13 – Biomechanics: Using mixed bracket slots for torque6:17 – Perio surgery principles & donor sites7:54 – Flap designs: Full vs. split-thickness8:14 – Surgical techniques: MCAT vs. LCT9:27 – Timing: Surgery before vs. after ortho?10:33 – Surgical adjuncts: Hyaluronic acid   Orthodonticaetiology at 2 time points:1.    During active orthodonticmovement 2.    During retention phase  Kloukos2025 1year follow up study of adult orthodontic patients Vs  control ·     1 year post debond of non-extractiontreatment at 67% greater incidence of recession within the orthodontic group (IRR = 1.67,95% CI: 1.05, 2.67, P = 0.03). Five main findings:1.    Recessionlocation: canines and first premolars, 2.    Proclination:incisor proclination of 6.35o with no recession3.    Recessionin control group: increased but less than orthodonticgroup4.    Recessionquantity: Generally small at 1 mm 5.    Reductionin recession for some: Both groups showedsome patients had a reversal of their recession  Long term though what do we see?·     Gebistorf 2018 Swiss group·     At 15 years 77% of orthodonticpatients had 1-14 areas of recession, ·     Control group who had 62%.·     Greater recession on lingual aspectthan labial ·     2.73 x more recession with crossbitescorrected (95% CI, 0.28-5.17; P = 0.029)  ·     Crowding in controls: 3 mm =  3.29 x more recessions (95% CI, 0.73-5.68; P =0.012) Orthodontics onaverage does not compromise long term health or function, but may compromise aesthetics Fixed Braided Retainers  ‘X'effect (torque) or twist effect (proclination) unwanted movement from wire activation·     Not relapsed as new movement ·     Occurrence: 2.7% (n=221 patients) –Renkema 2011 Treatment‘X' effect 1-   Differentialslot side                                     i.     Affectedtooth - .18 slot with -17 degrees of torque                                   ii.     Remainingteeth.22 slot with 0 torque                                 iii.     Sideeffect of intrusion of incisor, due to slot differences  Periodontal Surgery concepts:Indication: inadequate gingiva =

Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!What if the number on your AR report is giving you false comfort and your patient ledgers are quietly wrong? We dig into a hard truth from dental billing and revenue cycle management: most practices have never audited their ledgers line by line, which means balances, credits, adjustments, and write-offs can be fundamentally inaccurate. That is not just a money problem. It is a patient trust problem, and it can become a compliance problem fast.We get practical about reading dental practice reports the right way, starting with the biggest mistake we see: lumping patient AR and insurance AR into one number. Those buckets behave differently, follow different rules, and demand different follow-up. We also talk about aging, why over-90-day AR often has low collectability, and why an AR cleanup project should be treated as a cleanup project so you can get clean reports and real visibility.Then we break down the biller levels that determine whether your practice protects revenue or leaks it: A players, B players, and C players. A player billers dissect the EOB, compare it to the breakdown of benefits, challenge underpayments and denials, and understand key rules like prompt pay law and the right to recovery. We also shine a light on the most neglected report in dentistry, the credit balance report, and why patient credits can turn into unclaimed property obligations depending on your state.If you want clarity on what is really happening in your billing system, take the next step: book the free billing strategy call, then share this with a practice owner who needs to hear it. Subscribe, leave a review, and tell us what part of your billing process you want to tighten up next. Download "The Most Underused Codes in Dentistry - And How to Get Them Paid" checklist here:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxnnfSlNd0NPhMoBWq-1D_xU5R8LS4xPhHNKIjfLQwStOUag/viewform?usp=headerRegister for the free one-hour webinar on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, here:https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ABKZUAxNQEynSqUET8SwAgSchedule a billing chat with Ericka:https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30minDM Ericka on Instagram to join the wait list for Elevate Billing & Coding:@dental_billing_coach Email Ericka:ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.comEmail Jen:jen@dentalbillingdoneright.comGrab the Hygiene Billing and Coding Playbook Here:https://stan.store/hygieneunlockedEmail Ed:ed@dentalbillingdoneright.comSchedule a demo with MaxAssist to unlock scheduleing potential here:https://maxassist.com/book-a-demo-fortune-billing/Perio performance formula: (D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910)/(D4341+D4342+D...

Kiera and Dana dive into the hygienist's mindset (which tends toward patient care over business numbers) and how a doctor can get a full hygiene team on board with metrics and measurables. They touch on the hygienist drought, growing your practice without stepping on your hygienists' toes, setting expectations everyone can agree on, and more. Dana also touches on a hygiene team she worked with for a couple years that went from struggling to hit its goals to hitting even their daily goals 95% of the time. Episode resources: Subscribe to The Dental A-Team podcast Schedule a Practice Assessment Leave us a review Transcript: The Dental A Team (00:00) Hello, Dental A Team listeners. This is Kiera and today is a great freaking day over there. I get the one and only Dana, Dynamite Dana over there. I did not say the other nickname. If you've been on the podcast for a while, you might know, but Dana, welcome to the show today. How are you?   DAT-Dana (00:16) doing pretty good. Thanks so much for having me. It's not always that I get dedicated, you know, Kiera time. So I'm excited to be here.   The Dental A Team (00:22) I know when Dana and I get a podcast, like it's not always common, but I mean, you guys might start seeing Dana a bit more. I've got a few plans and tricks up my sleeves for Dana. We've been together for a long time. Dana, like donuts with Dana tip. don't remember what that was like dentistry tips or something. You were on a roll. You used to, I think you still do them actually every single week. Um, but Dana, you were just a diehard dedicated and always without, will not share it.   DAT-Dana (00:39) Yeah.   The Dental A Team (00:49) but Dana always has the best story. So if you don't know Dana and you want like a good giggle in your life, you name it. And also Dana is the best with trivia. We do a company end of year party every year and it's always like trivia based. Dana whoops everybody. Like this woman knows facts and stats like nobody's business. So Dana, today's gonna be a fun day because not only is Dana dynamite this way, but we're gonna do a little bit of an office autopsy about a hygiene department. So if you don't know in Dana's Other Life,   Dana used to work at a prison as a hygienist and Dana that still is a trip to me. Like, did you ever get nervous that they were going to take their shackled hands and like stab you with an instrument? I'm truly curious because that's my fear. Let's just talk about that for one second.   DAT-Dana (01:27) Yeah, I mean, there were   a lot of like protocols in place for protection and for safety. But at the end of the day, you knew where you were. you know, yes, there was always I think just a niggling element of I just need to be careful, pay attention beyond my toes. Yeah.   The Dental A Team (01:44) Like you're working with sharp instruments.   I mean, it's not like you doled them out to take them in there. Like we're not going to have a sharp scaler. You get a doled one. Like you got to be in there. But yeah, cause I remember I worked in an office and they would bring in inmates and they would be like handcuffed top to bottom. And the girl would always be like, so what were you in prison for? And I'm like, why are we, why are we poking the bear? Like, why don't we just keep them calm? And like, I don't even want to know. Like, but she did it every time. I was only up there a couple of times consulting them, but.   DAT-Dana (02:04) Thanks.   The Dental A Team (02:13) Anyway, beyond prison, also is an incredible hygienist. So today we wanted to kind of office autopsy because Dana had a practice that she worked with for several years on hygiene and their number one motive and their number one objective was hygiene. And I think that this is such a, it's very delicate because I think dentists want hygienists to produce and as a practice, we want hygienists to produce. And Dana, as a hygienist, you feel, I'm not gonna put words in your mouth, but the assumption I get from a lot of hygienists is   We want to just do great work and we don't want to always have to be looking at numbers. Maybe that's true or not, but like Dana, I want to hear what's kind of like the mindset of hygienist and then how do doctors approach this? And then we'll dig into the practice that you worked with that like really freaking crushed it. But I think like, this is such a, I don't know. I feel like it's a sliver in a practice. Like no one wants to talk about it. Like let's just not touch it so it doesn't hurt. But then it like blows up and people are like, my freaking hygienist aren't producing and they don't want to like tick them off because no one's there.   So let's talk about it, because is that how hygienists feel and how do you win over hygiene?   DAT-Dana (03:12) Yeah,   I think it's a mindset. I think it's a difference in mindset, right? I think dentists are always looking at the business side of it because oftentimes the dentists are the business owners and hygiene, their mindset is patient care. And so the easiest way I think to get alignment on that is you actually are caring about the same thing. You just don't realize it. And so it is getting alignment in like numbers tell us   how we are doing in patient care truly. So getting a hygiene team to understand that, getting them aligned that.   No numbers aren't everything, but actually numbers tell you exactly the thing that you care about most. ⁓ And so I feel like they look at it from different angles. And if you can get them aligned and actually it is the same thing and numbers tell you hygienist, the thing that you care about most, which is patient care and making sure that every patient leaves your chair happy, healthier than when they walked in. Understanding that the numbers will tell you how well you're doing at that. ⁓   It's definitely a mindset shift, but I think once you can get them aligned with that and then understand that you're truly talking the same thing, it's a game changer.   The Dental A Team (04:25) I love that Dana and as you were saying that it made me think of like when we do a practice assessment with a practice when they're reaching out to work with us or just wanting clarity the first question one of our first questions is like do you have a 10-year vision that you and your team are rallied around and as you were saying that Dana I thought about okay well if our hygiene department has a vision that we're all rallied around so let's say it's patient care well then the next question always that follows is how do we know if we're having excellent patient care and it's something that can't be a feeling   because we've got to be able to track and measure just like I can't say that I'm the best basketball player, but I have no way to prove that and measure it. My husband's in pharmacy and he's always like, if you're the best, then just freaking prove it, like stats and number it. Like, why do you have to it on feelings? Like, ⁓ it's such a hard thing because then we really never as a hygiene department know, like, are we really doing the best patient care? So then we make actual stats of, okay, great, we have this many perio patients. Like, this is our perio percentage. This is our fluoride percentage.   This is how many reviews that we get, this is how many patients are leaving on time. And then like, this is how we know that we're like hitting our daily goal to make sure we're not missing like our FMXs or different things that need to be done on a regular basis. So as you said that, I thought like even a way to get hygiene teams on board is like, what is our vision? Like you said, and then how do we truly measure that? We got to have actual stats with that. It can't just be the warm fuzzies of I think I'm doing well because what's crazy is I can think I'm doing well and then I have to go run a mile.   And I'm like, no, I've been doing my cardio. Like I'm really a great runner. And then it's like, I ran a mile in 15 minutes and people are like, are you even running? Like until I track and measure, there's no way to improve. And so I think it's when people realize like, that's the only reason we're doing it is to see like, hey, if we've got the best patient care, then like, let's prove it, let's document it. So that way we're confident in that as well. So Dana, I'm curious, I'm a dentist. How do I get my hygiene team on board that there's gonna be a consultant that's gonna like make them?   track number, like what do people even say to make a hygienist, which is you like get on board with this idea. And then Dana, we're going to dig into like how you help turn around a hygiene team. So A though, how does this dentist get his hygienist on board or hers?   DAT-Dana (06:29) Yeah,   I think it's an open and honest conversation of just like you said, like, give me give me descriptors of what an amazing hygiene department looks like to you. If you worked in an office and you said you walked in and this was the best hygiene team you've ever worked with you've ever been a part of what does that look like? And oftentimes that will lead to conversations about patient care about those things. And then it is okay, guys, how do we know, right? I   I want you guys to be the best hygiene team. probably sit here and think you are the best hygiene team. How do I know that though? And then you start to attach those metrics and those measurables to say, hey, like, we want to be this. We, we feel like maybe we even are but how do we know for sure? And I think that it's an opening that conversation and as well as like the   Best part of, yes, I worked very solo for many years in the prison, but when I went into private practice or when I got to temp in offices, the best thing that I loved was getting to learn from my other hygienists. And so we're going to get alignment. We're going to learn a lot from each other. Everybody's got their strengths and weaknesses. And so over the next couple of months, I want you to share your tips and tricks. We're going to talk about verbiage. We're going to talk about how to have conversations. But at the end of the day, our goal should be that   when patients walk in no matter which hygienist they see the same thing is done each and every time.   The Dental A Team (07:54) And I love that you say that because it's like, this is how we get them on in. And I think like, doctors, don't know, Dana, a doctor giving you their, I don't know, expectation or sharing with you as a hygienist, does that like turn you off to where you just want to go like look for another job? Because I think dentists are so scared of their hygiene team leaving that they don't even want to like tell them what they're expecting from them. Cause they're just like, it's okay. Like it's better to just.   hang on to them rather than wanting to elevate. Like how do you navigate this like hygiene drought plus the need to grow your practice? Like how do you navigate that? And what does that feel like as a hygienist?   DAT-Dana (08:31) Mm-hmm. I do feel like it can be a scary conversation. It can be an uncomfortable conversation or a conversation where a dentist kind of dread, but ultimately I think hygienists are   usually typically goal oriented, growth oriented, like they want to know what the expectations are, because at the end of the day, they want to hit it. And so they can sit here and say, Hey, I think I'm doing a great job. I feel like I'm working hard, right. But what actually tells them that? And it does come down to the expectations, the goals, the numbers, those pieces, I think   The Dental A Team (08:53) Mm-hmm.   DAT-Dana (09:06) It can be a difficult conversation, but I honestly think that hygiene departments, hygienists themselves, like they want to know what the expectations are because I'll tell you they are typically ⁓ goal driven achievement people. Like they want to hit the things that you want. And so I think again, it's like clarity is the best thing that you can do for them. And if you are frustrated that they're not meeting expectations, they're probably frustrated that they don't even know what the expectations are.   The Dental A Team (09:17) Air quotes typically.   I mean, that's fair. And I love that you say that because you're right, most hygienists do want to know what the goals are. And even if you just casually like put it on the table, they're going to casually look at that and just start to casually think about it. And I think like, Dana, I really want to dig into because I know you had a practice and you had an entire hygiene department and you worked heavily with them and they like all loved you, which I think is not common. Like I think you usually have like   three of the four that are super excited about and you got one that's just kind of off on their own planet, ⁓ which happens a lot. But I think it's like, it's okay to give expectations. I think the piece that I've gathered, and I'm not a hygienist, so please, please chime in. I think hygienists just want to make sure that like, of all the things you want them to do, that you're not hurting patient care. So it's like, I'm okay to scan, I'm okay to probe, I'm okay to take x-rays. Like I really get the vibe that hygienists truly are not upset by that. But it's like, if you want me to scan,   probe, x-ray, plus scale, polish, do a great exam. Can we just be realistic and fair of not making me be the Olympic level athlete hygienist and maybe it's we probe and then we scan on the next visit so we could break it up so it's not having to happen every time. And I think when hygienists and doctors or hygienists and consultants come together and where it's like, OK, what are we ultimately all going for? Let's be realistic with our timing. I don't want them to have to be   A star players because not every hygienist is that. So I'm like, how can we make this tour like my B players can still thrive where my A's can like crush more and my C's feel like they it's not so far away. I think like when if you can build it that way, I feel like hygienists are way more apt and I also feel like don't don't try to get them to do every single thing right at once. Like let's do baby steps to where they like if we're not even doing fluoride, if we're not even tracking our numbers, like we're not going to scan every time. And I know doctors, you want to do that. Gap leap.   but you got to baby scale them up. So Dana, I'm just going to like hand this over to you. Like, what did you do with an office? How did you win them over? How do you scale up hygiene departments? Because I think it's delicate, but I think you're the expert on our team that does this very successfully with a lot of hygiene teams.   DAT-Dana (11:43) Yeah, and I think when it comes to, Dennis, we've got to remove a lot of barriers first, right? That's the first thing. is, barriers are always going to be time. It's always going to be, well, my schedule's not full. It's always going to be, so we really talked about those barriers and yes, we want to make sure that your schedule's full, but when it isn't full, how do you maximize, right, what is in your chair? So we started with fluoride, honestly, which was an easy way, and I think that...   When we talk about goals, it helps to know like, why is this goal the way that it is? Right? Why is a fluoride acceptance goal 90 %? So let's talk about that, right? Think about the patients that sit in your chair. It's very rare that a patient sits in your chair that does that there's not something going on that fluoride would benefit.   Right? So even if they have immaculate teeth and they have very little dentistry done, let's keep it that way. Right? If they've got a lot of dentistry done, let's make sure it lasts as long as it possibly can. If they've got sensitivity, right? So just talking about what are the benefits, who can benefit from it? And honestly and truly statistically, that many patients that sit in your chair can actually benefit from it. So we did start with full ride and we worked on that.   The Dental A Team (12:31) Mm-hmm.   Right.   DAT-Dana (12:58) And then after fluoride, our next layer then was perio. And again, it came down to, well, the goal is 30 % of your patients, right, should be perio patients. Well, why? Right? Why is that the goal? Well, the goal is, right, science and statistics tell us that unless you have a very unique population within your practice, so unless you are in a college town and you pretty much see only patients in their 20s, right, or you're a pediatric practice, 30 % of the population   has that, right? And so that's just like science-based, that's just database. But having those conversations, I think, opens up windows to say, okay, this isn't arbitrary goals. We're not just picking numbers out of the sky. There's reasons that these goals exist. And unless you are truly unique in that situation, that goal applies to you.   The Dental A Team (13:29) Hmm.   ⁓ yeah, go ahead. think that that's like, was just going to chime in real quick on like, I love that you broke down the why. And as you were saying it, I was thinking some team members don't need the why. Most dental assistants don't actually need a why. Most treatment coordinators don't really need a why. They're more like, let's just drive and go. Hygienists on the other hand, like, let's just look at their natural behavior. Very detailed. I mean, they sit there and they scrape that calculus. mean, Dana, the fact that you sit there and like, you want to get every little last piece of it.   If I've got a personality that's that obsessive of that small of details, they're going to want to understand the why. So as you were saying that Dana, I was like, even explaining to dentists, like why do they need to know why the goal is and why it's based with science? And because that's who they are. They're bred with like, we want to know the science. We want to know the background behind it. And I think, I think you even just taking that step with hygienist Dana, like kudos to you for calling that out. They're going to be way more inclined to buy in because like you said, it's feeding their brain and how they're naturally wired.   to be able to like, that makes sense. I can get on board with this and I can make sure I'm following rather than you're just making me look at every patient for fluoride because you want numbers. It's like, no, 90%. I tell everybody with fluoride, like my go-to for hygienists is I'm like, look at my teeth. They're really clean. You can clean me in 30 minutes. And yet how many hygienists in my entire life has offered me fluoride? And the answer is none. And I'm like, the fact that not even one offered it to me, like how dare you hygienists assume that I don't want to be proactive and preventative with my teeth?   Gizzles offer it to me because if I would have known I can't ever go back in time retroactively and do that and I wish that hygienists when I was you know 15 16 17 would have offered this to me to proactively take care of my teeth I did not learn about fluoride until I worked in a dental practice and I'm like rude you just assumed I was like clean and healthy and wouldn't want it versus like why not offer it because even your clean immaculate patients if you tell them this is the most proactive preventative thing you can do for your teeth   for 30 bucks or 45, whatever it is, like, do know how much a filling is? I'm going to say yes to you. So I think Dana, like kudos to you on that. But what else were you gonna say? Cause I know I cut you off on your thought process too.   DAT-Dana (15:55) no, and my next thought process was then we tackled just alignment on all of those things. And so we spent a lot of time building Perio protocol ⁓ and talking about the conversations that go along with it. And even on people who don't qualify right for Perio but are heavy builders because we just kept hearing time, time, we're running behind, we're running behind. And it is just...   navigating conversations with patients because you can have heavy builders and yes is that hygienist we want to remove every last speck of calculus but if a patient presents with too much to get done in an hour we have to have those conversations. Hey since I saw you last there is quite a bit of build up here. I'm gonna do the best that I can to get to get all of it off today but moving forward I think it would be super beneficial if you came more often and I could see you more frequently to ensure that I can get   The Dental A Team (16:36) Mm-hmm.   DAT-Dana (16:51) I can remove all of this every single time. And so it is, then it came down to conversations. And so we built up period of protocol. We talked about what if a patient refuses? We talk about, we still do restorative treatment if a patient refuses period? What are we doing in those instances? Because I wanted them to feel super confident. No matter who sat in their chair, they could navigate whatever they presented.   ⁓ And that they had something to fall back on and I think it was They had a very seasoned hygienist in their practice and I can't tell you how proud of her I was she made massive moves and had Conversations that I think she kind of knew needed to happen But because she had the framework to make them happen because she had a protocol to lean back on That she had something to give her confidence to say like yeah. No, this does   The Dental A Team (17:27) you   DAT-Dana (17:45) need to move in that direction. I mean she just made leaps and bounds. I mean she went from I think about 10 % perio to about 28 % when I was done with the hygiene department.   The Dental A Team (17:56) my gosh,   that's incredible. And Dana, just to give like our listeners a little like glimpse of you worked with this team for about two years, not hitting goal. mean, not hitting perio, not hitting fluoride, not being a producing hygiene team to two years later. Fast forward, just kind of give a glimpse of what this hygiene team looked like when you were wrapping up with that office.   DAT-Dana (18:14) Yeah, we went from pretty much not hitting goal routinely ever to hitting their daily goal about 90, 95 % of the time. So they made leaps and bounds and they had a lot of hard conversations because part of it was, you know, there is doctors play a part in this. And I think doctors oftentimes like will kind of be hands off. These doctors really wanted to be hands on totally fine. And so it was even getting alignment between the hygiene team and the doctors on perio.   on those pieces and so they had a lot of hard conversations they did a lot of calibration they even were calibrating probing depths and probe readings and like they've just put in a ton of work but that work gave them so much movement. ⁓   And I think just so much confidence as a hygiene department that like, we really can learn from each other. We really can teach each other. We really can have these conversations. And I think it also empowered the doctors to understand that like, again, it was a miss of expectations. Their team wanted to do a good job. Their team wanted to meet the protocol. Their team wanted to do what they wanted them to do or the standards that they had for their practice. They just needed to have the conversations, have the alignment and create those   boundaries amongst each other and it was truly amazing to see what they could do once they once they dug in.   The Dental A Team (19:37) ⁓ Dana, this, think is just a, there were so many pieces I heard that I hope office has got the number one I heard was the hygiene team wanted to make their doctors proud. And I think so many doctors think like they don't want to produce or they don't want to do this. And 95 % of all team players, I think you and I would agree to this, coaching as many as we have, there's like a very, very, very small percentage that actually is like not wanting to take care of their doctor. I'm like 98 % of them all want to take care of their doctors. So I think you guys just realizing and hearing that.   The second thing is like Dana, it was two years that she worked with this hygiene team. And what I gathered from all of it was alignment and why, and then giving them the confidence. Because what I found with hygienists is a lot of times the reason that they do bloody profis is not because they don't like they don't want to charge out a bloody profi. Like I feel like the hygienists are like my hands hurt and I just got paid for a profi when I did a full mouth of bribement or whatever it was that they did.   but they're uncomfortable with the conversation. And I don't blame hygienists. You sit there for an hour with this patient and you gotta chat along with them. And it's very uncomfortable to then have to say like, you've been seeing me for 10 years and now I've got to tell you you have perio. Like that's just such a, like I would rather not because I have to see this patient so closely. Or dentists, like not to say you don't have intimate relationships with your patients, but you usually come in for like five minutes for an exam. And then when you are doing treatment with a patient,   Usually their mouths open and they're numb and you can't like, they're not talking to you. And where this is a hygienist, is like therapy session in there, like a hairdresser almost where it's like such an intimate relationship that these hygienists build. And so Dana, think kudos to you to give this hygiene team confidence. And that's what I gathered was like alignment, confidence, and then also getting the doctors to align on expectations. So that way everybody is there. And like also to hear you say that a seasoned hygienist was able to make transformation, I think   I also think kudos to these doctors that saw the need of the hygiene department. They were like, let's laser focus in on this for two years, like two years they worked in. Yes, they expanded a little bit to other departments, but like Dana, mean, I just think about it. If you get your hygiene team from hitting goal, like none to hitting goal 90, 98 % of the time, the amount of revenue, the amount of patients, the amount of diagnosing and co-diagnosing with your doctors that these high Gens are able to do the amount of perio uptick.   Like we're going from $90 pro fees to 250 to $400 scalings. And not to say we're doing it to uptick for revenue. It's just, what the patients need. And we're starting to diagnose it correctly. well, Dana, you like paid for yourself a hundred times over. it's, that is the type of stuff. And now that hygiene team is confident, they're equipped, they're able to care for patients. And I guarantee you, Dana, I'm not a hygienist. So I'm just curious, like.   My hunch is a hygienist who's able to have the confidence, have these conversations actually leaves with more confidence as a hygienist rather than the hygienist who feels like they're taking care of a patient, but deep down knowing that they let the patient down, they just didn't know how to get out of that conversation.   DAT-Dana (22:38) Yeah, I think that that's that's one of the things that was like the beauty of being the person looking at from the outside in and I think it honestly truly I think allow them to like love being hygienist. I don't want to say again, right but even more ⁓ because I do think that as   hygienist and I think they even admitted like, hey, we've known some of these conversations needed to happen or are on the horizon of happening and we just didn't have the tools we didn't have that and we didn't want to say something and then have a doctor come in and disagree, right? Or we didn't want to do the wrong thing unintentionally. so having those guidelines, having the set protocols, the set   The Dental A Team (23:12) Mm-hmm.   DAT-Dana (23:20) pieces in place, I think really gave them confidence and also really truly then they could see what amazing patient care they were giving. And I honestly think it brought them just like closer as a department, a better culture for the practice and truly love being hygiene.   The Dental A Team (23:40) And I think Dana like I just see it even in you I hope you guys were able to see that clip of Dana like the the glowing radiance of excitement of being able to help hygienists love their profession even more to be confident in this I think that that is just magic for all of us to be able to watch that and see and I think for you guys listening one if you need help with your hygiene department I think Dana just showed like We really do very much give confidence to your department and I think doctors it's hard for you because you want to tell the hygienist what you want   But hygienists sometimes need to feel like heard, seen, and understood by someone who's more of a colleague and comrade to them. Like Dana is, she's a hygienist. She understands what those feelings feel like. And so to have a coach and a guide guide your hygiene department, bring the doctors and the hygienists together. But I love that it was like, let's explain why, let's align, let's give verbiage, let's get doctors and hygienists alignment. And then like really have somebody who's holding them accountable, driving these results with them. And the end result is a hygiene department that's flourishing, hitting goals and loving their profession.   And to me, that's gonna retain your hygiene department way more than not having the conversations. That's going to attract hygienists to your practice way more because you've now got raving fan hygienists who are confident that when someone new comes in, they give them the tools and the resources to be these great clinicians. I think Dana just like insane kudos and I hope people also hear that. And if you're interested, reach Hello@TheDentalATeam.com. This is what we do and Dana, like I said, Dynamite Dana over there, she just like, I think it's a subtle love.   of growing them of where they need to go and the results are just incredible.   DAT-Dana (25:13) Yeah, they were, they were a great group. They really dug in. And you're right, it does, it does help when they know, you've been there, you face the things you've had to have the conversations. ⁓ It just starts out with trust. And I mean, at the end of the two years, I just remember sitting down and saying, like, thank you so much for trusting me. Thank you so much for putting in the work. Because it's, it, it allowed me right, I'm not clinical really anymore, but it allowed me just the experience of   knowing and being super confident that like amazing patient care was walking out of there ⁓ truly was a highlight for me.   The Dental A Team (25:50) That's amazing. And I think Dana hearing that and the doctors win is that they also can leave at the end of the day, knowing that their hygiene department is delivering the patient care that they wanted, that they were hoping that like the doctor just could not get, I mean, and these are seasoned doctors. It's not like we were starting with a brand new practice. Like they had been working with this hygiene department for years. The hygiene department had gone through other hygiene coaching. And I think Dana just like to be able to give that to the patients, to the hygiene team and the practice, like   Such a gift and I'm really proud of you and I hope people listening realize this is a reality that has happened. Yes, we gave a one off office autopsy, but it happens for multiple other practices the same way. So if you're interested or you're thinking about it or other departments reach out and Dana, thanks for being on the podcast with me. Thank all of you for listening and as always, thanks for listening. I'll catch you next time on the Dental A Team Podcast.  

Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!Hiring someone with no dental experience can feel like a gamble, but it doesn't have to. I walk through the same onboarding system I've used for years to turn true beginners into capable, confident front office team members without wrecking your schedule, your claims, or your cash flow. The punchline is simple: when you build the foundation first, everything else speeds up. We start where most offices should start but rarely do: the CDT book. I explain how to teach categories of service so a new hire can navigate quickly, then how to break down the anatomy of a CDT code (alphanumeric, nomenclature, descriptor) so they're not memorising numbers, they're learning a language. That one shift improves dental billing accuracy, treatment plan coding, and insurance claim outcomes because your team stops guessing and starts verifying. Then we make it practical for real-world dental practice management. I share how to pull your most commonly used codes, tab the CDT by category, and build simple worksheets that help a newbie connect clinical procedures to correct dental codes in a safe practice environment. We also talk about the mindset piece: hiring is a business decision, and onboarding needs a strategy plus a clear expectation of mutual investment. If you want fewer billing mistakes, faster ramp-up time, and a stronger dental front office system, hit play, then subscribe, share this with a practice owner friend, and leave a review with the training challenge you're facing right now. Would you like to set-up a billing consultation with Ericka?  She would love the opportunity to discuss your billing questions and see how Fortune Billing Solutions may help you. Schedule a call with Ericka:https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30minDM Ericka on Instagram to join the wait list for Elevate Billing & Coding:@dental_billing_coach Call Jamie at Riverside Dental Ceramics: 949-875-2481Email Jamie for a new Medit Scanner: jamie.ramirez@riversidelab.comEmail Ericka:ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.comEmail Jen:jen@dentalbillingdoneright.comGrab the Hygiene Billing and Coding Playbook Here:https://stan.store/hygieneunlockedEmail Ed:ed@dentalbillingdoneright.comSchedule a demo with MaxAssist to unlock scheduleing potential here:https://maxassist.com/book-a-demo-fortune-billing/Perio performance formula: (D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910)/(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910+D1110)Delta Dental Locum Tenens Form:https://www1.deltadentalins.com/content/dam/ddins/en/pdf/dentists/locum-tenens-form.pdf...

Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!Your insurance AR report can look perfect while your practice quietly bleeds money. I'm Erica Aguilar, and I'm pulling back the curtain on the uncomfortable truth: “clean” dental insurance accounts receivable can be manufactured, and the prettiest numbers on your aging report might be the biggest warning sign.We walk through a real-world story of “Biller Betty” and the fast moves that make an insurance AR cleanup look successful without improving collections at all. I explain the three biggest red flags I see in dental billing and revenue cycle management: heavy adjustments disguised as contractual write-offs, shifting denied balances to patient responsibility instead of appealing, and deleting then recreating claims to make them look fresh. That last one is especially dangerous because it wipes out your original claim submission date, weakens your prompt pay position, and can trigger timely filing problems.Then we get practical. I share the performance percentages I want you monitoring so you can run your billing department like a business: what healthy 0 to 30 day insurance AR can look like, how to keep older buckets from getting heavy, and how to audit any “cleanup” by separating what was actually collected from what was adjusted or shifted. We also talk denial strategy, appeals, when to involve the insurance commissioner, and the 24-hour, 48-hour, and seven-day follow-up system that prevents claims from aging just because they never truly landed on file.If this helped you, subscribe, share the episode with a practice owner or biller, and leave a review so more teams stop trusting “clean AR” and start measuring real performance.Would you like to set-up a billing consultation with Ericka?  She would love the opportunity to discuss your billing questions and see how Fortune Billing Solutions may help you. Schedule a call with Ericka:https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30min Email Ericka:ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.comEmail Jen:jen@dentalbillingdoneright.comGrab the Hygiene Billing and Coding Playbook Here:https://stan.store/hygieneunlockedEmail Ed:ed@dentalbillingdoneright.comSchedule a demo with MaxAssist to unlock scheduleing potential here:https://maxassist.com/book-a-demo-fortune-billing/Perio performance formula: (D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910)/(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910+D1110)Delta Dental Locum Tenens Form:https://www1.deltadentalins.com/content/dam/ddins/en/pdf/dentists/locum-tenens-form.pdf

Hygiene production problems don't start this week — they were built months ago through leading indicators you can track and influence. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt sits down with ACT Dental coach Ariel Siegel to explain why hygiene production is a lagging indicator and how to improve it by focusing on reappointment rate, perio diagnosis, and perio acceptance. You'll learn what hygiene breakdown looks like in real time, what predictable stability looks like when systems are working, and the simplest numbers to start tracking today so you can engineer future results instead of reacting to past ones.Listen to Episode 1021 of The Best Practices Show!Main TakeawaysHygiene production is a lagging indicator that is built three to six months before the appointment through daily behaviors and tracking.Reviewing last week or last month's numbers shows where you were, but it doesn't give you a chance to change those results now.Reappointment rate, perio diagnosis, and perio acceptance are leading indicators that drive future hygiene production.When hygiene is built poorly, teams scramble to rebuild schedules, cancellations feel disruptive, and there is little depth in future hygiene.Perio diagnosis will vary by provider when the department lacks alignment, consistent protocols, and consistent verbal skills.Tracking real reappointment data (patients seen vs. patients scheduled) immediately increases awareness and improves performance.Focusing on one KPI for 30 days creates clarity for the team and compounds into stronger, more predictable hygiene production.Snippets:00:00 Hygiene production problems are built months before today.02:16 Hygiene production is a lagging indicator driven by leading indicators.04:22 What it looks like when hygiene is built wrong: scrambling, inconsistency, and a weak schedule.06:33 What it looks like when you build hygiene right: stable, predictable hygiene three to six months out.09:23 Engineer hygiene production by tracking reappointment, perio diagnosis, and perio acceptance.11:16 The actionable first step: track patients seen vs. patients reappointed.13:08 Use perio diagnosis by provider to find alignment gaps and improve consistency.15:49 Pick one KPI at a time to create focus and compounding improvement.17:13 Data removes emotion and lets the team solve the problem together.18:35 New BPA resources added for hygiene systems and metrics.Guest Bio/Guest Resources:Ariel has a master's in healthcare administration and several years of dental experience in all aspects of the administrative roles within the dental office. Her passion is to work with dental teams to empower team members to realize their full potential in order to better serve patients, improve office systems to ensure a well-functioning team/office, and to help everyone have fun in the process!Resources mentioned in the episode:Best Practices Association (BPA) resources: https://www.actdental.com/free-resources/More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaUpcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.comSubscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com

Vancouver Consumer - March 14, 2026 - Dr. Ron Zokol with BC Perio

Are you struggling to get your resin work looking flawless? Wondering how to polish your composites so they shine like a pro? Curious about practical tips you can implement immediately to level up your smile makeovers? In this episode, Dr. Charles Brandon shares three game-changing secrets for mastering composite resin. From practical techniques you can apply right away to a conceptual tip that will completely transform the way you polish, Charles leaves no stone unturned. Get ready for an episode packed with actionable advice, insider knowledge, and inspiration from a dentist whose resin work is truly next-level. Whether you're refining your layering skills or aiming for that perfect finish, this episode is a must-listen. https://youtu.be/dBlN_rbHnTI Watch PDP259 on YouTube Protrusive Dental Pearl: Level up your resin veneers with the Perio Bur (code and more info here)— a long diamond bur for the slow-speed 1:1 handpiece that gives unmatched control, crisp shaping, and beautiful texture. If you use only one bur for finishing composite, make it this one. Check out this  video of Perio bur in Action on a Real Resin Veneer Case → protrusive.co.uk/periobur Key Takeaways The significance of patient communication and understanding their needs is highlighted. Mistakes are seen as learning opportunities that contribute to growth in practice. The role of mentorship in navigating challenges in aesthetic dentistry is discussed. Aesthetic communication is crucial for patient satisfaction. Patients are visually aided, not verbally aided. Effective layering techniques can enhance composite work. Practice on typodont models to build skills. The polish is secondary to proper placement and finishing. Understanding composite materials is key to success. Start with two shades for layering to minimize complexity. Courses should cover the entire process, not just techniques. Self-teaching is a valuable way to improve skills. Investing in oneself is essential for growth in dentistry. YouTube Highlights: 00:00 Teaser 01:10 Introduction 02:05 Protrusive Dental Pearl – Using a Perio Bur 05:56 Dr. Charles Brandon's Journey in Dentistry 11:42 Challenges and Reflections in Aesthetic Dentistry 19:08 Perfect Smile Secret #1: Build from the Bottom Up 26:08 Managing Temporaries During a Trial Smile 26:48 Midroll 30:09 Managing Temporaries During a Trial Smile 35:17 Freehand vs. Stent-Based Systems 39:19 Perfect Smile Secret #2: More Than Polish 44:23 Perfect Smile Secret #3: It's Not the Composite 48:19 Practice and Continuous Learning 53:20 Course Offerings and Final Thoughts 56:00 Outro Level Up Your Skills Practice at home with a simple AliExpress setup (~$200) including a 1:5 & 1:1 handpiece plus micromotor. Take it further with Dr. Charles Brandon's composite veneer Masterclass and master the full process from design to finish. If you enjoyed this episode, check out Minimal Preparation Veneers – PDP219. #PDPMainEpisodes #AdhesiveDentistry #CareerDevelopment This episode is eligible for 0.75 CE credit via the quiz on Protrusive Guidance.  This episode meets GDC Outcomes  C. AGD Subject Code: 780 ESTHETICS/COSMETIC DENTISTRY Aim: To equip dentists with practical techniques, workflows, and mindset strategies for delivering high-quality aesthetic dentistry using composite veneers, from patient communication and trial smiles to layering, polishing, and continuous skill development. Dentists will be able to – Explain the importance of patient communication, trial smiles, and expectation management in aesthetic dentistry. Demonstrate a stepwise workflow for additive composite veneers, including mock-ups, trial duration, and handling of temporaries. Apply layering, finishing, and polishing techniques effectively using minimal composite shades to achieve predictable aesthetic outcomes. Cost:Access to this CE activity is included with an active Protrusive Guidance membership. Current membership pricing is available at www.protrusive.app. Cancellation & Refund Policy:Memberships may be cancelled at any time. Access to CE activities remains active until the end of the current billing cycle. Subscription charges are non-refundable once processed. Full details are available at www.protrusive.app.

Vancouver Consumer - February 14, 2026 - Dr. Ron Zokol with BC Perio

Today we're talking about a treatment that's changing the way dentists manage periodontal disease—the LANAP protocol with the PerioLase MVP-7 Nd:YAG laser. Dr. Tyler will tell us why LANAP changed the way he saves teeth, and how it's become a true practice builder—minimally invasive, patient-friendly, and requiring no grafts, membranes, or biologics. It actually regenerates alveolar bone, cementum and PDL.

Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!Profit doesn't come from working harder or cramming more patients into the schedule. Real profit comes from running your billing department like a business within a business—and using it to lift EBITDA, create predictable cash flow, and make smarter decisions across the practice.We walk through a clear definition of EBITDA and why serious owners, lenders, and buyers use it to judge operational health. Then we connect the dots between daily billing work and big-picture results: coding accuracy as revenue capture, denial management as a cost-to-collect reducer, and AR velocity as the engine of cash strength. You'll hear why sloppy billing erodes margins from both sides—less revenue in, higher expenses out—and how a systems-first approach flips that script with cleaner claims, faster payments, and fewer reworks.From there, we get tactical. We outline the metrics that matter—first-pass claim rate, average days in AR, denial rate by payer, write-off trends, appeal success—and how to use them to forecast collections, control overhead, and plan staffing without panic. We dig into the definition of an unreasonable denial and share a practical escalation and appeal playbook that speeds recovery while protecting productivity. Finally, we make the case for a living billing manual: documented workflows for claim submission, clearinghouse and payer receipt verification, EFT reconciliation, and standardized follow-up so the whole team moves in sync.If you're ready to replace checklists with outcomes and turn billing into a true profit engine, this conversation lays out the path. Subscribe, share with a fellow office leader, and leave a quick review to help more practices build healthy, sustainable profitability. Register for the March 1st LIVE event in Riverside, CA: www.dentalbillingdoneright.com Click on "The New Rules of Dental Billing" Schedule a demo with MaxAssist to unlock scheduleing potential here: https://maxassist.com/book-a-demo-fortune-billing/ Would you like to set-up a billing consultation with Ericka? She would love the opportunity to discuss your billing questions and see how Fortune Billing Solutions may help you. Email Ericka:ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.com Email Jen: jen@dentalbillingdoneright.com Grab the Hygiene Billing and Coding Playbook Here: https://stan.store/hygieneunlocked Email Ed: ed@dentalbillingdoneright.comSchedule a call with Ericka: https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30min Perio performance formula: (D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910)/(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910+D1110) Delta Dental Locum Tenens Form: https://www1.deltadentalins.com/content/dam/ddins/en/pdf/dentists/locum-tenens-form.pdf

Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!A weekend meetup in Phoenix turned into a deep dive on the “harmless” shortcuts that quietly drain dental practices and invite compliance trouble. We compare notes from a brutal 2025 billing case, unpack the defensiveness that often surfaces when a third party steps in, and show how audit trails reveal everything from embezzlement red flags to training gaps and inefficiencies you'll never see on a P&L.We get practical fast. You'll hear why copay waivers and frequency misses aren't favors, they're liabilities; how a real chart prep process (CPP) prevents four- and five-figure monthly losses; and why templates should be fillable, not filled, to protect patient specificity and accuracy. We talk clinical notes as legal defense, route slips that actually bridge back-to-front, and the non-negotiable role of periodontal charting. If AI is reading your claims, missing perio data is a hard stop. We also tackle credentialing vs contracting, rendering provider rules, and the spreadsheet every office manager needs to track participation status and re-credentialing dates.On the clinical side, we break down case acceptance without pressure: narrate findings, ask better questions, and move patients appropriately from prophy to SRP or 4346 when gingivitis is the true diagnosis. And yes, we address the controversy head-on—billing 4346 is about medical necessity and compliance, not what pays 100 percent. Bill what you do, document why you did it, and let systems carry the weight.If you want fewer denials, stronger compliance, and calmer nights, this conversation gives you the scripts, checklists, and mindset to get there. Subscribe, share with a colleague who needs the nudge, and leave a review telling us your biggest compliance headache—we might tackle it next. Schedule a demo with MaxAssist to unlock scheduleing potential here: https://maxassist.com/book-a-demo-fortune-billing/ Would you like to set-up a billing consultation with Ericka? She would love the opportunity to discuss your billing questions and see how Fortune Billing Solutions may help you. Email Ericka:ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.com Email Jen: jen@dentalbillingdoneright.com Grab the Hygiene Billing and Coding Playbook Here: https://stan.store/hygieneunlocked Email Ed: ed@dentalbillingdoneright.comSchedule a call with Ericka: https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30min Perio performance formula: (D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910)/(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910+D1110) Delta Dental Locum Tenens Form: https://www1.deltadentalins.com/content/dam/ddins/en/pdf/dentists/locum-tenens-form.pdf

Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!We show how chart prep sets expectations and end of day confirms reality, so money stops leaking and compliance issues get fixed the same day. A practical checklist, time blocking, and coaching turn chaos into a repeatable close that protects revenue and trust.• redefining end of day as daily accountability • chart prep for expectations, end of day for verification • composite case of a busy office with open charts and rolled balances • building a lean checklist that closes every visit • spotting patterns: missed copays, incomplete notes, idle claims • coaching conversations that improve collections and documentation • blackout time to finish reconciliation without interruptions • route slips or digital equivalents for clear expectations • daily compliance as a habit, not an annual event • financial stability through same‑day close and follow‑upYou can go grab the chart prep and the end‑of‑day checklist, and there's a little guide in there on how to implement it in the show notes if you want to implement this right away If this series has been helpful for you friends, I'd really appreciate it if you would leave us a review Make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss part three And if this episode made you think of your doctor or your office manager, share it with themGet the Chart Prep + End of Day Checklist and Guide for Only $19 Here:https://ericka-aguilar-dental-billing-expert.kit.com/products/chart-prep-checklis Schedule a demo with MaxAssist to unlock scheduleing potential here: https://maxassist.com/book-a-demo-fortune-billing/ Join The Biller Acceleration Mentorship Wait List Here: (Only 5 Spots Left in 2025!!)https://linktr.ee/dental_billing_coachWould you like to set-up a billing consultation with Ericka? She would love the opportunity to discuss your billing questions and see how Fortune Billing Solutions may help you. Email Ericka:ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.com Email Jen: jen@dentalbillingdoneright.com Email Ed: ed@dentalbillingdoneright.comSchedule a call with Ericka: https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30min Perio performance formula: (D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910)/(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910+D1110) Delta Dental Locum Tenens Form: https://www1.deltadentalins.com/content/dam/ddins/en/pdf/dentists/locum-tenens-form.pdf

Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!We pull back the curtain on a “busy” practice that bled revenue because trust replaced systems. A full audit, legal counsel, and a frank lunch reveal how missing chart prep, no route slips, and zero checks led to fraud risk and wild collections swings.• redefining chart preparation as the operational backbone• why custom route slips create visibility and accountability• how one-person control hides errors and tempts fraud• what a full revenue cycle audit uncovers beyond claims• Medicaid compliance risks when notes don't match billing• legal strategy when a key staffer becomes a liability• shifting in-house focus to chart prep and eligibility• capturing every dollar with family account audits• pros handle billing; team owns preparation and handoffs• building guardrails with audits, reports and daily reviewsGrab the chart prep and end-of-day framework in the show notesPlease leave a review, subscribe for parts two and three, and share this with your doctor or a fellow office managerGrab the Chart Prep & End of Day Checklist and Guide here:https://ericka-aguilar-dental-billing-expert.kit.com/products/chart-prep-checklis Schedule a demo with MaxAssist to unlock scheduleing potential here: https://maxassist.com/book-a-demo-fortune-billing/ Join The Biller Acceleration Mentorship Wait List Here: (Only 5 Spots Left in 2025!!)https://linktr.ee/dental_billing_coachWould you like to set-up a billing consultation with Ericka? She would love the opportunity to discuss your billing questions and see how Fortune Billing Solutions may help you. Email Ericka:ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.com Email Jen: jen@dentalbillingdoneright.com Email Ed: ed@dentalbillingdoneright.comSchedule a call with Ericka: https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30min Perio performance formula: (D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910)/(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910+D1110) Delta Dental Locum Tenens Form: https://www1.deltadentalins.com/content/dam/ddins/en/pdf/dentists/locum-tenens-form.pdf

In this episode of the Dental Slang Podcast, Dr. John Bruce shares his approach to modern periodontal care, combining advanced diagnostics, interdisciplinary collaboration, and mentorship to elevate patient outcomes. From incorporating blood and bacterial testing to uncover hidden health connections, to collaborating with orthodontists, oral surgeons, and study club peers, Dr. Bruce offers a fresh perspective on comprehensive dental care. He also highlights the transformative impact of mentorship with nationally recognized periodontist Dr. David Mugford, detailing how learning from experienced clinicians can accelerate growth and refine clinical decision-making. Beyond dentistry, Dr. Bruce shares personal stories, including his unique experience as a practice player for the University of Maryland women's basketball team, adding insight into his journey and approach to teamwork, curiosity, and lifelong learning. This episode is a must-listen for dental professionals seeking inspiration, practical strategies, and a glimpse into the evolving world of patient-centered, interdisciplinary dentistry. Key Takeaways from the Episode Learn how incorporating blood testing and bacterial analysis can reveal hidden health issues, improve treatment planning, and strengthen patient trust. Discover the value of working closely with orthodontists, oral surgeons, and other specialists to achieve better patient outcomes through teamwork. Hear firsthand how guidance from experienced clinicians, like Dr. David Mugford, can accelerate learning, avoid common pitfalls, and enhance clinical decision-making. Gain insights on the importance of study clubs, staying curious, and embracing new techniques to stay at the forefront of modern dentistry. This episode of Dental Slang Podcast is a compelling blend of practical guidance, professional insight, and personal storytelling. For dental professionals seeking inspiration and strategies for modern practice, Dr. John Bruce's approach demonstrates the value of innovation, collaboration, and lifelong learning in dentistry.

Episode Summary In this episode, Andrew Johnston welcomes long-time friend and hygiene industry leader Sarah Thiel back to the show. As one of Andrew's final episodes, the two reflect on their years of friendship, the evolution of dental industry networking, and the incredible journey and impact of CE Zoom—Sarah's unique platform for tracking and managing continuing education (CE) requirements across all 50 states. Listeners get an inside look at how Sarah Thiel and her team keep up with the constantly shifting requirements of CE, the challenges of regulatory compliance, and what it means to truly support clinicians in their licensing journeys. The episode also explores hot topics in dental CE—including oral pathology, vaping, local anesthesia, substance abuse, and perio trends—plus stories from the frontlines of regulatory changes and audits. Key Topics Discussed The Evolution of CE Zoom: Sarah Thiel shares how CE Zoom went from a simple CE tracker to a comprehensive platform serving every dental license type and, now, other industries requiring CE. Navigating Audits & Regulations: Hear how CE requirements are more complex than most professionals realize, and why real-time tracking and board-specific courses matter. Networking & Relationship Building: Sarah Thiel talks about the authentic approach to networking—why helping others comes first, and how most of her professional connections (and successful matchmaking) happen in relaxed, informal settings. Hot Topics in CE: The episode spotlights recent and perennial favorite courses among dental professionals—oral pathology, vaping, local anesthesia updates, substance abuse, perio, and instrumentation. Behind the Scenes Managing Compliance: The intricate process of following every dental board's changes—thanks to Sarah's team, especially Melissa, who attends and reviews every board meeting to keep users ahead of the curve. Stories from the Field: Listen for a cautionary tale about regulatory changes and how CE Zoom went to bat for a clinician caught in a timing loophole—highlighting why trusting experts matters. Memorable Quotes "You don't know what you don't know... until you're audited and realize the rules have changed." – Sarah Thiel "Sarah's made that crossover from dental friend to real-life friend." – Andrew Johnston "I just love meeting people and figuring out ways to help them—business comes after." – Sarah Thiel "The dental boards don't care if you almost met the requirements—you have to get it exactly right." – Sarah Thiel Resources & Links CE Zoom: cezoom.com Contact Sarah & the Team: Email help@cezoom.com for questions or support. A Tale of Two Hygienists: Stay updated by following the show on social media and subscribing to the newsletter. Thanks for tuning in! Subscribe for more insightful conversations and updates as the podcast transitions to its next era.

Episode Summary In this episode, Andrew Johnston welcomes long-time friend and hygiene industry leader Sarah Thiel back to the show. As one of Andrew's final episodes, the two reflect on their years of friendship, the evolution of dental industry networking, and the incredible journey and impact of CE Zoom—Sarah's unique platform for tracking and managing continuing education (CE) requirements across all 50 states. Listeners get an inside look at how Sarah Thiel and her team keep up with the constantly shifting requirements of CE, the challenges of regulatory compliance, and what it means to truly support clinicians in their licensing journeys. The episode also explores hot topics in dental CE—including oral pathology, vaping, local anesthesia, substance abuse, and perio trends—plus stories from the frontlines of regulatory changes and audits. Key Topics Discussed The Evolution of CE Zoom: Sarah Thiel shares how CE Zoom went from a simple CE tracker to a comprehensive platform serving every dental license type and, now, other industries requiring CE. Navigating Audits & Regulations: Hear how CE requirements are more complex than most professionals realize, and why real-time tracking and board-specific courses matter. Networking & Relationship Building: Sarah Thiel talks about the authentic approach to networking—why helping others comes first, and how most of her professional connections (and successful matchmaking) happen in relaxed, informal settings. Hot Topics in CE: The episode spotlights recent and perennial favorite courses among dental professionals—oral pathology, vaping, local anesthesia updates, substance abuse, perio, and instrumentation. Behind the Scenes Managing Compliance: The intricate process of following every dental board's changes—thanks to Sarah's team, especially Melissa, who attends and reviews every board meeting to keep users ahead of the curve. Stories from the Field: Listen for a cautionary tale about regulatory changes and how CE Zoom went to bat for a clinician caught in a timing loophole—highlighting why trusting experts matters. Memorable Quotes "You don't know what you don't know... until you're audited and realize the rules have changed." – Sarah Thiel "Sarah's made that crossover from dental friend to real-life friend." – Andrew Johnston "I just love meeting people and figuring out ways to help them—business comes after." – Sarah Thiel "The dental boards don't care if you almost met the requirements—you have to get it exactly right." – Sarah Thiel Resources & Links CE Zoom: cezoom.com Contact Sarah & the Team: Email help@cezoom.com for questions or support. A Tale of Two Hygienists: Stay updated by following the show on social media and subscribing to the newsletter. Thanks for tuning in! Subscribe for more insightful conversations and updates as the podcast transitions to its next era.

Zach and Kevin kick off this episode by catching up and discussing a shared, recent hobby: pickleball. They share their experiences, the learning curve, and their thoughts on why the sport has become so popular, acknowledging its accessibility compared to tennis. The conversation then shifts to a dental topic: periodontal disease. They reflect on the emphasis of perio in dental school and discuss their personal criteria for treating scaling and root planning cases in-office versus when to refer to a periodontist. Key referral points include cases with sudden, isolated deep pockets, unresolvable widespread disease, and severe issues in patients under 40. The discussion briefly touches on molar extractions and when to sacrifice a tooth to protect an adjacent one, but they leave the topic of tissue grafting for the next episode. Join the Very Clinical Facebook group!  Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook" or "McWethy," "Papa Randy," "Lipscomb" or "Gary!" The Very Dental Podcast network is and will remain free to download. If you'd like to support the shows you love at Very Dental then show a little love to the people that support us! -- Crazy Dental has everything you need from cotton rolls to equipment and everything in between and the best prices you'll find anywhere! If you head over to verydentalpodcast.com/crazy and use coupon code "VERYDENTAL10" you'll get another 10% off your order! Go save yourself some money and support the show all at the same time! -- The Wonderist Agency is basically a one stop shop for marketing your practice and your brand. From logo redesign to a full service marketing plan, the folks at Wonderist have you covered! Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/wonderist! -- Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes! They also distribute loupe mounted cameras and even the amazing line of Zumax microscopes! If you want to help out the podcast while upping your magnification and headlight game, you need to head over to verydentalpodcast.com/enova to see their whole line of products! -- CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills and even  their very own browser based design software, Clinux! CAD-Ray has been a huge supporter of the Very Dental Podcast Network and I can tell you that you'll get no better service on everything digital dentistry than the folks from CAD-Ray. Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/CADRay!  

Tiff and Dana discuss how to achieve full team alignment on periodontal policies and protocols, even when it's the last thing you feel like doing. Their tips include which habits to build upon, which templates for conversation with the patient are most educational, maintaining team alignment, and more. Episode resources: Subscribe to The Dental A-Team podcast Schedule a Practice Assessment Leave us a review Transcript The Dental A Team (00:00) Hello Dental A Team listeners. We are back with you with us today I have Ms. Dana and I'm so excited to do these podcasts. I have podcasts all day I have podcasts with you Dana. I podcast with Britt today I never get Britt on these suckers anymore and then I think I'm Kristy later, too So it is a whirlwind of podcasting day. Thank you for letting me, you know Just bust it out and get all of you guys here today I'm really excited. I'm really excited for the one we just did. We record these just kind of like back to back to back just so you guys know in case you were wondering how this actually happens. We're not live right now. I wish we were. That'd be super cool. But it'd be really time consuming at the same time. But we just did a really fun one. I'm excited for them to hear about it. Dana though, I haven't asked you lately just how's life. had, it sounds like a full weekend of kiddos sports. Dana (00:54) Mm-hmm. The Dental A Team (00:54) ⁓ But you personally, you guys, talked about consistency in this last one. And you personally, you have some of the best consistency that I've ever seen anyone maintain. So number one, I think my big question that might be on everyone's mind is why? How do you maintain that consistency? You show up for everyone, but you still show up for yourself. You still do your workouts. You still make sure that your path for your own health is one of the most important aspects of your life. So Dana, how do you maintain that? Dana (01:29) Yeah, I think that just I learned early on in life, right? Like, especially with my health, like I had a point in my life where my health cup was pretty much empty and I had nothing to pour from. And so I just promised myself when I made it through that, that like, I would always prioritize keeping that like as a priority. And ⁓ it's just something that like, I've shown up for for myself. ⁓ And to like, because I've shown up, it just, I don't know, like it just keeps me saying it makes me a better mom, it makes me a better friend, it makes me a better partner, it makes me like, just better in so many ways, because I do take that space. And I don't always like, there's guilt, for sure that I do it and that I take the time and that you know, like I put other things aside to do it. But I think what it like, reaps and benefits and rewards for me outweigh those things. And so I'm truly on to the point now where I have kept it so consistent that when I fall off I feel terrible. The Dental A Team (02:43) Yeah, yeah, that's the real deal now. Yeah, I love that. I think that the things you pointed out there just your why is big enough. And I think a massive reminder to everyone that typically for a human being to make a change in life, it has to be hard enough. Like, we don't change things that don't feel like they're not working, right? That haven't like sprung up as a quote unquote, like broken piece of life yet, right? Like however you want to word it. If it's not hurting, we don't typically think, we're not thinking about it. If it's not hurting, we're just not thinking about it. So why are we addressing things we're not thinking about? So when it finally does get bad enough, I think I had a similar story, not the degree of health, but a similar instance where it was just like I hit the spot where it's like I actually don't have a choice. I either take care of myself or my health continues to deteriorate. So was honestly, it was easy at that point. So it's interesting because it's so easy, I think for us from the outside, especially for you and I for fitness and health, like I think you and I have, I can imagine you're the same like my whole life. It's been in my, it's been in my being for as long as I can remember. So it was very easy to see that in myself and to see that in my life and to see where. the consistencies or the inconsistencies are, but it's interesting to take a step back and see how relatable it is to just so many aspects of life. And if we applied those same steps and processes, the same thought to other aspects of life, how different things could look. And we narrow that focus because I think fitness and health just like, I don't know, I feel like it's like a box to check instead of like, away and for you and I like it's a way especially for you and so it's just gives you the template for other areas which I think for us makes a lot of times consulting fun. I think it's more fun and it's a little bit easier for us to sometimes see the structure of what needs to happen because it's literally mimicking the results that we've seen in other areas of our life and first So happy you're here, Dana, because had you not taken that initiative, things could look very different today. And I'm very happy that you did and that you dedicated to yourself and that you continue to. Second, you were teaching your kids the most important valuable lessons of their entire life. And it's so cool to watch you do that and to watch you show up for yourself, but for them too. I've always taken that stand with it. They're like, Brody's going to know that exercise is for health. It's not for the other. ideas in there. So I never wanted him to, you know, have whatever complications with health and fitness in his life. So I made it a priority for me pretty early on in his life because of that. And then really had to about six years ago. So I applaud you for those pieces. And I just think it's really, really cool. And I think it kind of stems and spurs into a more fun version of today's podcast. Because I really do think that that consistency and again that template that you have for like no I'm just going to do it and some days, you know I'm sure you wake up like I do or I'm like today's not the day and then it's like no just go just go it's 30 minutes It's an hour of my life. Like just go and you will always feel better afterwards So sometimes life comes in and this task or this duty comes in and it's like this feels like it's gonna be really hard I don't really want to talk to this person about this thing I'll do it next time. And the I'll do it next time only slides us backwards. And we see that with the health and fitness very easily. If we don't go to the gym today, like we're sliding backwards to tomorrow. But in these conversations that we're talking about today with the perio, everyone's favorite word, perio, and being in alignment on the periodontal care kind of makes me think of those areas where we really do slide backwards because we're like. I don't really want to have that hard conversation or, that kind of borderline or I don't know what we would classify this as. I'm just going to probe you today. Maybe they'll see somebody else next time. Like you're my, you're one of my favorites, Brits, my other favorite, ⁓ perio brain to pick when it comes to stuff like this, because really getting alignment on that can look like so many different things and consistency on the alignment I think is one of the key pieces. And Dana, there's so much to pick apart in there. I'm obviously alluding to have the hard conversations with the patients when they need deep cleaning, even if they've been coming to your practice forever. I don't care, just do it. But how are the doctors important in your opinion and from a hygiene standpoint in gaining the alignment within the periodontal care, within the periodontal policies and protocols? Because we can tell a hygiene team to go do it, but I feel like without the doctor, we're like 90 % there. Dana (07:22) Mm-hmm. ⁓ Yeah, and and I really and truly feel like the doctor is so crucial in to me. It's like, ⁓ we have to do in this situation is build a plan and then create habits stacking for our hygienists like to do it right. And I think that the doctor is so crucial in setting up the standard of care for perio like what are the expectations for the hygiene team for each specific perio service within the practice? What are our parameters? What are our guidelines? That way, when a patient walks in, no matter which hygienist they see, the same thing is recommended. Also too, it gives a very clear roadmap for the doctor to back you up. You've built it together. So you know that if you follow the protocol, the doctor can confidently back you up. You know that you'll get that every time that they walk in the room. And then lastly, importantly, just as important, it allows you to ⁓ confidently have the discussions that maybe you haven't. And I've seen an office as to where we built the protocol and there are moments of maybe we disagree, right? Maybe we see something different on an x-ray or maybe we see, you know, we probe slightly different or our angles are a little bit different or I've got a doctor versus a hygienist that one presses a little bit harder when they probe, right? But it allows us to definitively be able to make a decision and say, we default to the protocol. This is what the protocol The Dental A Team (09:08) Yeah. Dana (09:16) says when we have this many millimeters in probing depth, this many, and this is how often we do those things. This is the cadence in which we bring them back. These are the results that we expect to get it. And so when you have that outline, whether you are so far from it when you start or whether you're like pretty close to it when you start, it's okay. It's just build your roadmap of what you want your The Dental A Team (09:23) Yeah. Dana (09:41) period to look like in your practice first. And doctors play such a key role in developing standards of care with hygienists. The Dental A Team (09:50) Yeah. my gosh, that was beautiful. something you said at the beginning was the habit stacking and then something in pieces, ⁓ kind of pulling those together, the habit stacking, mentioned, basically you mentioned templates, right? Templates of how to get there. So I think the first template that a doctor in that habit stacking, which is 101 of anything, accomplishing anything in life, it just generally gets put on the health and like fitness industry. ⁓ side of it, but anything is habit stacking to create any kind of habit you're going to have it stack. So what you're saying there and what it makes me think of is like realistically the initial template, like what do I do with my patient? So you mentioned probing. So I think that habit stacking is like probing how often that's your, that's your first habit. Like how do we implement the x-rays and the probing at a certain interval to get the result that we want. And if we want to be able to diagnose periodontal disease, we've gotta have the x-rays and the perio charting. So then it's like, okay, our first habit is getting these things into the appointment. Our second habit is diagnosing accurately and having those three to four periodontal classifications, that's the word I want there, that we can choose from and making sure that we're in alignment on those. There's so many, you guys, you can get recommendations. You can get 15 recommendations on anything anymore. So just be careful what you're looking at. That's a true space of alignment. What is a one to three periaprobe? One to three millimeters, what does that mean? What is three to five? What is five plus? And then what is, we're referring this out. So I think when you're talking habit stacking from an outsider's perspective, I am not a hygienist, I would imagine if I were to sit in your seat, these are the things I would need. to get this started and the consistency on time, like how often are we periaprobing? How often are we taking these x-rays? Dana, I think those come from the doctor and I know I might've just made so many hygienists so angry because I know that I have this conversation so many times. You are a provider but at the end of the day, like it is the doctor's practice and the doctor's license and those types of recommendations have to come from Dana (12:11) you The Dental A Team (12:15) him or her where they're saying, I want bite wings once a year. I want bite wings every six months. I want perioprobes once a year. Dana, is that the kind of habit stacking and templates that you're looking for too? Dana (12:27) Yep, You're spot on in there. How do we gather the information that we need to make our period diagnosis or to make our cleaning recommendation with our patients and outlining and defining how often we do that, when we do that. What it means to do that, like what are we doing ⁓ is your first and foremost foundation. And then it is like bridging into what we do end up diagnosing, right? So what treatments do we choose and when do we choose them? So that's your perioprotocol, right? That is when do we do localized SRP? When do we do generalized SRP? What is scaling in the presence of gingivitis in this office, right? Because that's a term that's very broad. So how many bleeding points? do we have to have? it have to be in all four quadrants? Does it have to be 20 bleeding spots? What does that look like in your office? ⁓ What is a perio maintenance? What do we do? mean, even farther as far as, when do we refer out? If we... aren't, that's one time that I see that hygienists maybe sometimes disagree because it's hygiene comfort. Then I always say default to who you recommend to. If you have a periodontist that you love in your area, call them and say, hey, at what point would you really like to see them in your office? And we start to kind of go back and forth with this patient. So that way it's a very, very cut and dry of what we follow. Right? And then, you know, then it becomes then it's templates for the conversation. Right? So how do we get to the conversation to educate the patient? What do we say if this has been a long term patient? What do we do if a patient refuses? Right? If they just want the cleaning that insurance covers, what do we do once they've had each of these? Right? Is it are we a yes please, perio for life, right? Like once perio, always perio. Do we have wiggle room in there, right? Like what is our, like what's our protocol for all of that? The Dental A Team (14:27) Mm-hmm. Dana (14:28) And I do feel like a lot ⁓ of doctors take the place that like, hey, my hygienists are my perio experts. And I think that like, that is a great stance to have, but I think doctors, need to be a part of building the standard in your practice. And then yes, trusting your hygienists to follow that standard for sure, and make the recommendations on the things that they see. Absolutely. But I do think it's crucial that the doctors are part of the standard setting within their own practice. The Dental A Team (14:54) Yeah. Oh, you nailed it. I couldn't agree more. And that's coming from a non hygiene standpoint. And you just heard a hygienist word straight from her mouth. And I think even the most, I'm gonna say it stubborn and hard headed hygienist who are like, no, this is my world. It is your world. But I think even the most stubborn, hard headed or strong willed is probably a better word to use. Hygienist will agree that structure. helps progress. And if there is a structure to be had, there's input to be had, I think anyone would prefer that input upfront and honestly than on the back end saying like something went wrong, right? I didn't do something correctly. Well, we've all said it like, well, you didn't tell me that I didn't know, right? Or I didn't know you wanted it that way. This is the space to get all of that stuff out on the table first. And doctors, for you to be like, my standard of care is X, Y, Z. And a hygienist to be like, well, tell me more about that because I think this. You know, I think ABC. And a doctor's like, cool, this is why I think X, Y, Z. Why do you think ABC? This is a space to have conversation. it's not, Dana, what you're saying is everything you said was a conversation. So it's more about Everyone being able to bring to the table their own knowledge, what you guys have learned, we've all gone, everyone likely has gone to a different school, right? Hygienists go to a different school, typically university, than the doctors do or trade school or wherever it's from. Doctors in most practices, it's rare that you have even associates that have gone to, everybody's gone to the same school. So there's different schools of thought depending on where your training was. And there's different opinions. I walk into some practices that floss is floss. I walk into other practices that there's like, do not use glide, or do not use whatever on the wall, and it's coconut floss. And then there's other practices that are like, don't eat coconut. You just pick and choose. It's all just the best that you guys can come to terms with. And so I think that it's more of a sharing of ideas coming with the standards and protocols. Now, there are things that will be like, There are things that will be a discussion and I think everything is a discussion. ⁓ There are things that will be flexible, there's things that won't be super flexible. Like x-rays are probably not a super flexible spot. How often are you periaproping? Because these are based off of standards, literally standards of care for their licenses, but it's still a discussion. And I know I've had hygienists that are like two years bite wings, but doctors are firm on one. Like, cool, just take the bite wings. That's the standard of care. and come to an agreement. And Dana, think that based off what you're saying, like that alignment is not just a, this is the box you stay in, but it's a conversation. And what you said earlier kind of resonated with me too, because I do see sometimes, oftentimes where doctors are like, yeah, we'll do a perio alignment meeting and meeting Mondays, we'll do meeting Mondays and we'll do perio alignment meeting. And they've got a patient, they're doing a crown while hygienists are meeting. And then hygienists come out. They're like, this is what we decided. And doctors are like, OK, I'll review it. I was like, come on, just be at the meeting. Right, Dana, do you think? Dana (18:16) yeah. Yeah, I see that a lot. And then, you know, then it sits on a doctor's desk or, or a doctor does review it and has notes, but like the notes don't get to the team or then it doesn't get even fully rolled out because we're still kind of waiting to see like, did we agree? Do we agree? Like, where is this? Where is this thing? And and I think the doctors being part of the meeting and part of the The Dental A Team (18:33) Mm-hmm. Dana (18:42) conversation, I just feel like you leave with alignment and you leave with buy-in. When a doctor is just is a part of that because I feel like, As a hygienist, I never wanted to feel as if like I was doing something that was outside of what the doctor wanted as far as care for their patients. And so I think when they're part of the discussion, they're part of the building the standards, they're part of mapping out those habits stacking and the pieces that they want to see. I think then it makes sure that no matter what patient is in the chair, no matter who they see, right, everybody is aligned and everybody is doing like what is desired for that specific office. The Dental A Team (19:29) Totally, I agree. think this was so cool. And I think we spun this in some fun directions today that were a little bit different than ⁓ areas we've spoken before where it was much more structured. This one is a little, slightly less structured. There's still structure to it, but it's more giving you guys the knowledge base to understand that you get to build the structure as a team together too. Our structure, our recommendations, your action items today. Schedule a perio. alignment meeting. A lot of times these get put in the schedule as a hygiene team meeting or a hygiene department meeting and they're going to talk about perioprotocols and doctors don't think they have to attend or it's not on their schedule at all. But doctors who are listening, hygienists who are listening, office managers who are listening, schedule a full team alignment even if you're like, hey, we don't have issues, we diagnosed just fine. I just come together once, at least once a year, probably once every six months or so. Just make sure we're all on the same page, you guys. And I think Dana, Something I've seen happen the most frequently is any kind of addition to the team, even Steril Tech, who's helping turnover rooms, any kind of addition to the team, those are the pieces that get lost first. That consistency becomes inconsistent and we lose the template. So first and foremost, make sure you guys have alignment meetings and then make sure you have some sort of a structure or a checklist on what are the things that these alignment meetings... One, what are we trying to gain? Like what is the goal of the alignment meeting? And what are we going to cover? So templates A to Z, our x-rays, our perioprobing, our exams, how often do you have to have a doctor in the room for an exam? All of these pieces that might to some of you guys listening now be like, that's crazy that practices deal with this. But if you don't have it, there will come a day, there will be someone that it gets lost on. So just make sure it's there. So Dana. Let me know if you have any more action items. My first one, schedule that alignment meeting. Second, make sure there's templates. Make sure you guys know what you're working towards and why. And then implement. And I think, Dana, when we're building out Perio protocols, I think it would be safe to say you should be able to implement those within a quarter. So if you've got the alignment meeting scheduled, you hashed out on the meetings, you should be, if you do it quarter one, you should quarter two, be able to roll out those Perio protocols. Do you agree, Dana? Dana (21:51) Yeah, I do. I agree with that for sure. And then I think the last action is if you already have a perio protocol in place, make sure that every hygienist on your team knows it and make sure it is updated. Right. I think that, you know, there are some things that in the perio world have changed and will continue to change. And so I always say when you build these protocols or you build these templates and you have alignment, it's not just like set it and kind of forget it. Make sure it gets added to onboarding packets for new hygienists. Make sure that we, you know, continue to kind of check in and see what we're doing. Make sure that we've got tracking in place and make sure that we update those things as Perio changes because, you know, grading and staging is now here and pieces that if you've had a long term Perio protocol, we may need to add or consider updating. The Dental A Team (22:40) Totally, beautiful, thank you. I am leaving it at that. Everybody, if you were listening in the car, go listen again, write these things down. If you were listening, I don't know, anywhere else, I hope that you were taking some awesome notes. If not, listen again. The recordings are here for just that. So, share this with a friend, you guys. Everyone needs to know these Prairie Protocols. This is massive. It is a huge space that is underdeveloped in a lot of practices, I would say most practices. the perio space is underdeveloped. So these are some really quick, easy tools to get that ball rolling without having to take extra courses and laser certifications and all of these things. Those would be like step two or three. These are your first steps. So go do the things you guys drop us a review. We always like to see those five stars and know what you loved and any ideas that you have to add to what we talked about. And then Hello@TheDentalATeam.com. That was a hard one to say today. ⁓ is where you'll reach us. If you have any questions or you want any templates or ideas, just shoot us an email, you guys. do, Dana and I do get a lot of those requests straight to us from our Hello team. So just let us know how we can best help you and we'll catch you guys next time. Thank you.

Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!If your perio percentage hovers around 15% while half your hygiene notes mention bleeding, you don't have a production problem—you have a calibration problem. We sit down with Ed, a clinician-turned-hygiene coach with a billing background, to unpack how teams move from prophy habit to complete health care without losing trust or momentum. The through-line is simple: document what you see, code what you do, and speak with one voice so patients understand why it matters.We start with measurement. Ed breaks down perio performance percentage and why healthy practices often land between 30 and 40 percent depending on demographics. From there, we map practical calibration: agreeing on diagnostic thresholds, choosing plain language that patients can repeat back, and separating clinical conversations from benefits talk. You'll hear how co-diagnosis works when the dentist frames whole-body health and the hygienist details the treatment sequence, intervals, and home protocols.Technology becomes a teaching tool rather than a crutch. CBCT helps illustrate bone changes, intraoral photos make bleeding undeniable, and saliva testing like OralDNA turns bacteria into a color-coded story patients can follow. We also explore Perio Protect and how reducing inflammatory load lets the body “recharge,” improving healing and even sleep. The hardest part—converting long-time prophy patients—gets easier with “show, do, tell” scripts, honest framing about updated standards of care, and seed planting that respects patient pace while protecting outcomes.If you're ready to raise perio performance with integrity, this conversation gives you the metrics, scripts, and workflows to get there. Subscribe, share with your hygiene lead, and leave a review telling us which change you'll implement first. Schedule a demo with MaxAssist to unlock scheduleing potential here: https://maxassist.com/book-a-demo-fortune-billing/ Join The Biller Acceleration Mentorship Wait List Here: (Only 5 Spots Left in 2025!!)https://linktr.ee/dental_billing_coachWould you like to set-up a billing consultation with Ericka? She would love the opportunity to discuss your billing questions and see how Fortune Billing Solutions may help you. Email Ericka:ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.com Email Jen: jen@dentalbillingdoneright.com Email Ed: ed@dentalbillingdoneright.comSchedule a call with Ericka: https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30min Perio performance formula: (D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910)/(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910+D1110) Delta Dental Locum Tenens Form: https://www1.deltadentalins.com/content/dam/ddins/en/pdf/dentists/locum-tenens-form.pdf

Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!Stop letting a benefits table decide your standard of care. We sit down with dental billing expert Ed to tear down the fear, myths, and mixed messages that keep teams from coding honestly, educating clearly, and treating confidently. From fluoride and adult sealants to SDF that literally shows patients a visible change, we talk through how to make prevention tangible and persuasive without hiding behind “what insurance allows.”We get real about code 4346: when a gingivitis cleaning is performed, document it, submit it, and stop defaulting to prophy because it feels safer. You'll hear why underutilization hurts reimbursement, how to manage downgrades and co-pays with straight talk, and why transparency plus consistency builds trust faster than “people-pleasing” benefit games. Ed shares the operational fixes that work: clinicians educate and treat; the front handles money and benefits. With set protocols for LBR, LAPT, and perio maintenance, case acceptance climbs—even in tough markets.Then we shift into leadership and metrics. Treat your column like a business and aim for 3.5x your daily pay to sustain raises, instruments, and training. Design intentional schedules that blend perio maintenance, SRP, re-evals, and preventive services. Train smarter: integrate lasers and SDF to control disease and show results. We highlight common myths from seminars and social media that sabotage coding and scheduling, and we replace them with clear steps, aligned scripts, and practical KPIs, including 4346 utilization, perio maintenance rates, and photo documentation.If you want ethical documentation, stronger production, and healthier patients without awkward fee chats, this conversation will become your playbook. Subscribe, share this with your team, and leave a quick review telling us the one change you'll implement this week. Schedule a demo with MaxAssist to unlock scheduleing potential here: https://maxassist.com/book-a-demo-fortune-billing/ Join The Biller Acceleration Mentorship Wait List Here: (Only 5 Spots Left in 2025!!)https://linktr.ee/dental_billing_coachWould you like to set-up a billing consultation with Ericka? She would love the opportunity to discuss your billing questions and see how Fortune Billing Solutions may help you. Email Ericka:ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.com Email Jen: jen@dentalbillingdoneright.com Email Ed: ed@dentalbillingdoneright.comSchedule a call with Ericka: https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30min Perio performance formula: (D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910)/(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910+D1110) Delta Dental Locum Tenens Form: https://www1.deltadentalins.com/content/dam/ddins/en/pdf/dentists/locum-tenens-form.pdf

In this episode, Dr. Ben Young reflects on how his podcast helps him stay connected with patients beyond the office, offering insights into both his professional philosophy and personal life. He shares his belief in gentle, consistent home care and regular checkups as the foundation of oral health, while encouraging patients to face dental fears with courage. Personally, he discusses his involvement in Al-Anon, his love of Airstream travel, and his commitment to reading, faith, and service. Professionally, he highlights his dedication to improving periodontal care through the LANAP laser procedure and making it accessible to more patients. Ultimately, his goal is to promote lifelong gum health and build trust through open communication and education.

Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!A candid look at why AR rises even when production is strong and how access, clarity, and team alignment restore cash flow. We share the biggest blockers we see inside practices—password chaos, clearinghouse issues, unread billing emails—and the simple systems that fix them.• password and portal access as revenue gatekeeper• EFT lockouts creating delays and aged AR• Dentrix–Vine fallout and claim tracing discipline• daily email reviews and statement ownership• patient AR rising from unclear benefits and silence• stronger benefit scripts to prevent “surprise” balances• third-party alignment as team extension, not threat• kickoff meetings for roles, tools, and expectations• billers as end-of-cycle auditors spotting root causes• repeatable rhythms for faster posting and fewer denialsIf any of this resonated with you friends, feel free to leave a review, feel free to leave a comment, share this episode with someone who you feel would relate. And if you're interested in a billing consultation and seeing how fortune billing solutions can help you, go to the show notes. There's a link down below, and you can set up a time to meet with me. Schedule a demo with MaxAssist to unlock scheduleing potential here: https://maxassist.com/book-a-demo-fortune-billing/ Join The Biller Acceleration Mentorship Wait List Here: (Only 5 Spots Left in 2025!!)https://linktr.ee/dental_billing_coachWould you like to set-up a billing consultation with Ericka? She would love the opportunity to discuss your billing questions and see how Fortune Billing Solutions may help you. Email Ericka:ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.comSchedule a call with Ericka: https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30min Perio performance formula: (D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910)/(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910+D1110) Delta Dental Locum Tenens Form: https://www1.deltadentalins.com/content/dam/ddins/en/pdf/dentists/locum-tenens-form.pdf

In this episode, I sit down with Marvelyn Navarro, RDH, founder of Perio Precise, to talk all about the Perio Endoscope.With over 15 years in clinical and administrative dental hygiene, Marvelyn shares how endoscopy has transformed her approach to patient care making perio therapy more precise, predictable, and impactful. From the science behind subgingival visualization to how you can bring this technology into your own operatory, this episode will leave you inspired and curious about the future of non-surgical periodontal therapy.Whether you're a student hygienist learning the foundations, a new grad building confidence in perio care, or a seasoned clinician ready to level up your toolkit, this episode will help you see perio in a whole new way.What You'll Learn in This Episode:-What the Perio Endoscope is and how it elevates patient outcomes-How Marvelyn integrates advanced technology into daily hygiene practice-Advice for hygienists interested in endoscopic training and career growth-The importance of staying inspired and continued learning in a fast-evolving professionAbout Marvelyn Navarro, RDH:Marvelyn Navarro, RDH, is a dedicated dental hygienist with over 15 years of clinical and administrative experience. Her passion lies in preventive care, periodontal therapy, and addressing airway-related and oral-systemic health concerns to improve overall health outcomes.She is the founder of Perio Precise, where she provides advanced subgingival therapy using the Perio Endoscope and offers clinical training to hygienists nationwide. As a Key Opinion Leader, national speaker, and content creator, Marvelyn is known for her engaging and relatable approach to education and clinical excellence.Currently serving as the President-Elect of the Nevada Dental Hygienists' Association, Marvelyn is an advocate for the profession and finds great joy in mentoring and inspiring dental hygiene students. Outside of dentistry, she's a proud wife and mom of two, and together her family has traveled to over 20 countries, with many more on the list!Her mission is simple: to raise the standard of care, support her colleagues, and make periodontal therapy more precise, predictable, and impactful.Contact: Email: Marvelyn.rdh@gmail.comInstagram: @marvelynrdh | @periopreciseConnect with Brush with BrittEmail: brushwithbritt@gmail.comSocial channels: @brushwithbrittDisclaimer: The Brush with Britt podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of dentistry, medicine, or other health-care services. No provider–patient relationship is formed, and the content is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listeners should always seek the guidance of their licensed health-care providers for any questions or concerns. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Brittany Glauz, (Brush with Britt).

Maybe it's uncomfortable, or maybe you're short on time — but are you ignoring the perio conversation with your patients? In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Miranda Beeson, ACT's director of education, to break down perio visit percentage, the impact it has on your practice, and what to do to improve your numbers. Are you underdiagnosing or defaulting to prophy? To find out if you are and to learn how to fix it, listen to Episode 949 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Miranda:Send Miranda an email: miranda@actdental.com Follow Miranda on ACT's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actdentalSend Courtney an email to learn more about ACT: courtney@actdental.com More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listenJoin The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaDownload ACT's BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360Download ACT's BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_USJoin ACT's To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/tttGet The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazinePlease leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218Episode Resources:Watch the video version of Episode 949: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosRegister for ACT's To The Top Study Club (October 17, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-october-17-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1218436780209?aff=odcleoeventsincollectionRegister for ACT's To The Top Study Club (October 24, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-october-24-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1218452908449?aff=odcleoeventsincollectionRead Beat the Heart Attack Gene by Dr. Bradley Bale and Dr. Amy Doneen: https://baledoneen.com/bdm-booksMain Takeaways:This metric directly impacts hygiene profitability,

Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!What if your dental practice's schedule management system worked like your most brilliant team member instead of just another piece of software? That's the game-changing perspective Lori Streeter brings to this episode as she unpacks how modern technology can transform dental scheduling from a headache into a powerful production driver.From her beginnings as a 20-year-old dental employee to her current role as VP of US Expansion at Max Assist, Lori shares insights gained through decades of experience across multiple facets of dentistry. She illustrates the dramatic evolution from pegboard appointment books and manual recall cards to today's sophisticated AI-powered scheduling systems, highlighting how many practices still operate with inefficient processes that leave significant revenue opportunities untapped.The conversation reveals a startling reality: while practices obsess over attracting new patients, they often overlook the approximately $500,000 in diagnosed but unscheduled treatment sitting in their existing patient records. With the right tools, this treatment can be efficiently scheduled, dramatically increasing production without requiring additional marketing efforts. Even practices that appear fully booked can benefit from optimized scheduling that ensures the most appropriate procedures fill each available time slot.What distinguishes Max Assist from traditional patient communication software is its comprehensive approach to schedule management. Rather than simply sending appointment reminders, it integrates directly with practice management systems to provide actionable intelligence, identifies opportunities for filling appointments, tracks team performance for accountability, and functions as a virtual team member rather than just another tool. As Lori eloquently states, "Your tech should be part of your team."Ready to transform your approach to schedule management? Listen now to discover how modern technology can help your practice maximize productivity while strengthening patient connections. Your schedule might be full—but is it optimized? Schedule a demo with MaxAssist to unlock scheduleing potential here: https://maxassist.com/book-a-demo-fortune-billing/ Join The Biller Acceleration Mentorship Wait List Here: (Only 5 Spots Left in 2025!!)https://linktr.ee/dental_billing_coachWould you like to set-up a billing consultation with Ericka? She would love the opportunity to discuss your billing questions and see how Fortune Billing Solutions may help you. Email Ericka:ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.comSchedule a call with Ericka: https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30min Perio performance formula: (D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910)/(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910+D1110) Delta Dental Locum Tenens Form: https://www1.deltadentalins.com/content/dam/ddins/en/pdf/dentists/locum-tenens-form.pdf

How do you know if you're serving your patients well? In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Miranda Beeson, ACT's director of education, to share two metrics that will help both your patients and your practice get healthy. To learn more about perio diagnostic percentage, perio acceptance percentage, and how to improve these numbers, listen to Episode 946 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Miranda:Send Miranda an email: miranda@actdental.com Follow Miranda on ACT's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actdentalSend Courtney an email to learn more about ACT: courtney@actdental.com Send Gina an email to learn more about ACT: gina@actdental.com More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listenJoin The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaDownload ACT's BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360Download ACT's BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_USJoin ACT's To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/tttGet The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazinePlease leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218Episode Resources:Watch the video version of Episode 946: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosRegister for ACT's To The Top Study Club (October 17, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-october-17-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1218436780209?aff=odcleoeventsincollectionRegister for ACT's To The Top Study Club (October 24, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-october-24-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1218452908449?aff=odcleoeventsincollectionMain Takeaways:Align your team on what healthy looks like.Clearly define your optimal standards of care.Calibrate on what to do when patients aren't healthy.Be aligned on how...

Re-releasing a DAT listener favorite! Kiera is all about key performance indicators in this episode, and why they're important. When framing KPIs as the vitals of your practice, it makes a lot more sense! Some of Kiera's favorite KPIs are … Production (net, not gross) Collection (at least 98%) How many new patients you're getting Average diagnosis Acceptance rate Overhead There are a lot more indicators she talks about in this episode, so whether you're a beginner with KPIs or elite status, there's something you can learn. Episode resources: Subscribe to The Dental A-Team podcast Schedule a Practice Assessment Leave us a review Transcript: Kiera Dent (00:05) Hey everyone, welcome to the Dental A Team podcast. I'm your host, Kiera Dent, and I had this crazy idea that maybe I could combine a doctor and a team member's perspective, because let's face it, dentistry can be a challenging profession with those two perspectives. I've been a dental assistant, treatment coordinator, scheduler, pillar, office manager, regional manager, practice owner, and I have a team of traveling consultants where we have traveled to over 165 different offices coaching teams. Yep, we don't just understand you, we are you.   Our mission is to positively impact the world of dental. And I believe that this podcast is the greatest way I can help elevate teams, grow VIP experiences, reduce stress, and create A-Teams. Welcome to the Dental A Team Podcast.   Hello, Dental A Team listeners. This is Kiera. And you guys, how's your day today? You guys loving it? Are you crushing it? I hope you are, wherever you are. I am actually sitting in my bedroom. I ⁓ rarely ever podcast here, because usually my husband's home. But tonight, I have some friends over there in the front room, and I definitely needed to get some podcasts done. Sissy was asking me, I just love having team members that are great at what they do. And I hope you guys take time to acknowledge the team members that make you great. The team members that are   just awesome at what they do. guys, Sissy keeps me so on the ball and I love her for it. Shelby does, Tiffany does, Brittany, Dana, Kylie, they are just an incredible bunch of people. And guys, if you ever get the opportunity to meet any of them, you are one lucky person. So I hope you're having a great day. I hope you're loving it. So podcasting today from the bedroom. I hope the audio is great. I hope you're loving it. Sun's just going down and today I just wanted to dive into a topic that I think is really awesome and it's KPIs.   So what the heck is a KPI? A KPI is Key Performance Indicator. I'll be completely honest. You guys, know I'm like authentic Kiera Dent. People when they call me and they chat with us, like interested in working with us, the number one thing I get told is, Kiera, you sound just like you do on the podcast. And I'm like, this is really great because it is me.   I don't shake it up, I don't change it. The only thing I do differently is I talk in a microphone so my voice sounds a little bit like smoother, if you will, on the podcast than in real life. But beyond that, same cadence, same tones. This is Kiera real life. So you guys know I am always, I try really hard to just be authentic Kiera. So if you ever come meet me in person, you peel back the Wizard of Oz current, I would be the exact same person as I am on the podcast as I am in real life. So when I first started as an office manager,   I did not know what a KPI was. I did not know why they were important. I didn't know that I should be tracking these things. I literally had no idea. So guys, if you're in my boat, hey, welcome, welcome to the CureDent No KPI Boat. If you know what they are, welcome, welcome to the Elite Boat. And if you are using them, welcome to the Rockstar Amazing Boat. Let's make you even better. So KPIs, I call them, the way I describe a KPI is they are the vitals of your practice.   So just like when you go to the doctor and they take your blood pressure, your temperature, they listen to your heart rate, all those things, those are the vitals. They take your weight. ⁓ I just went to the doctor the other day and it's super cool, like, right? You sit on the chair and they say they'll take your weight. And it was funny, the gal asked me, she said, do you wanna know your weight today? I was like, wow, thank you. Like, thank you for not making me have a bad day if I don't want to or thank you for giving me the opportunity. It just made me giggle.   But bottom line is the vitals, we go to the doctor and they take those vitals first because if any of those are out of alignment, that's the first sign that we have trouble. So that's what I think of with KPIs in a practice. These are the core pieces that are going to show you, is your practice healthy or is it not healthy? So yes, it's tracking and there's lots of different KPIs you can track. That's why it's called a key performance indicator. I am a firm believer that you should be able to change these up.   I think there are certain things that you should be tracking consistently. But I also think as human beings, we get stagnant and bored. So give yourself a decent amount of time to track and then shake it up. That way you're growing constantly and we don't get bored with KPIs. So for me, some of my favorite KPIs, this is a question every consultant who comes to Dental A team to work with us, we ask them, what is your favorite KPI to measure? One, I'm checking to see if they know what a KPI is. Guys, I probably would have flunked the consulting test if I would have come on.   We're a more elite company, guys. I have to keep these consultants on their top notch. They can't be lower than us now. So I ask what your favorite KPI is to track and why. Most of the time I get production and collection. Production is a great KPI to track. It's something, and again, be careful on production. Make sure you're tracking it on net, not gross. A lot of people wanna tell me that they have.   These huge successful practices, but guess what guys, if you can't collect it, don't even tell me that number. I don't care. It does not impress me because guess what? That high gross number feeds your ego. Your net number feeds your family. So I don't care about it. So report that number in net. Next up is your collection percentage. I want to know how you're collecting. So if you're a $1 million practice and you're only collecting 700,000, that's stressful. That means you're at a 70 % collection rate. I am aiming for a 98 % collection rate. Now,   There are lots of other KPIs and I will say there are some great softwares out there. Practice by numbers, dental intel, divergent. Those are my top three favorites. I'd probably put them in the order of dental intel, divergent, practice by numbers. I think all three of them are great. I love them all for different reasons. The reason I'm pro-ing for dental intel is because they just merged with Medento and guess what? They are kicking it. So I love that. I love what they do and I love Medento as a company. So any company with Medento, that's going to be my favorite company right now. But bottom line is a lot of these track KPIs.   What I found that gets tricky and what a lot of offices do is we often track too many things that we don't actually move the needle on anything. I'm guilty of this. So in our company, was having Cissy track how many Instagram followers we were getting every single week. At first, I thought it was a great marketing metric. I thought it was great to see how our marketing was doing. Guess what? It was actually just feeding my ego. So guys, if you want to feed my ego, please just go follow us on Instagram. I would love it. Get your friends, get your family, get your siblings, get your kids. I don't care who.   You can boost that number just to feed my ego. At the end of the day, do the Instagram followers actually matter? No, they don't. They don't move our company forward. What matters, just like you guys, how many new patients we're getting. So don't actually care about social media followers. Yes, it's a fun number to track, but what I care is how many new patients are we getting? Then after that, I actually care about if I'm going to the elite boat or to our rock star boat on how many new patients you're getting. Do you know how much each patient's value is?   Do you also know what our average diagnosis is on each patient? And do we know what our acceptance rate is on each patient? If you don't know that and you're already tracking some of these numbers, that might be a fun zone for you to go to, to be 2.0 or 3.0 of KPI tracking. If you're just starting out, don't go there. Let's just get you tracking new patients and where they're coming from. Bottom line is these are the vitals. So first steps first, I want you with your KPIs to make sure that you have the vitals of your practice. Production, collection, new patients.   case acceptance, reappointment percentages. Those are like your main shebangs that are really gonna tell you where you're going. If you wanna add in your overhead, I also love that because that's gonna pull in the business side of it to make sure that we're actually profitable as a business and we're not just running around trying to serve, but not even being profitable as a practice. We need our practice to be profitable. Otherwise we can't serve more in our community. Those are my main things I love to focus on. So if you're just starting out, start tracking those.   I prefer you track them at a minimum every week at best. I actually like these ones to be tracked on your morning huddle. It's great. Everybody has it, have it on a whiteboard. Everybody can see it. That is the vital heartbeat of your practice. I would love you to do it. Just like on my Apple watch, I'm watching the rings on my Apple watch. That's honestly the only thing on my watch face guys, because it'd be really fun. But I decided I don't want to get distracted by other things. I need to master these items before I move on.   So that's why I love it to be front and center. Get these KPIs front and center. Get a whiteboard, guys, they're real cheap. Put it up, track these items. Production, we talked about it. Net, not gross. Collections, we wanna make sure we're collecting at least 98 % if not higher. And then I want you to know how many new patients you're getting out of goal, what your case acceptance is. A healthy practice, if we're talking dollar for dollar, I'd like you to be anywhere from 35 to 65%. Now there's a wide range on that because I actually, if you don't...   diagnose a lot of ortho and you're not diagnosing a lot of implants in larger cases, your dollar for dollar should be way up higher. If you're diagnosing these huge treatment plans constantly, you actually should be hanging out lower because we're presenting so much treatment that I'm okay with a lower case acceptance. If we're one for one, meaning one thing accepted off of our treatment plan, no matter how large it is, I want you actually to be sitting at at least a 90 % case acceptance. If you're not, we got to talk.   That's right, you and me, we're going to have a date, we're going to chat. We need to get that case acceptance up because what we're doing is we're dis-serving our patients. We're not helping them find a way to get this treatment done. You as a treatment coordinator, your job is to be a solution creator with the patient. So do your job, find the solution, get those patients accepted. That way we can help them have healthy mouths and a better life, right? That's what it's all about. Hey, Dental A Team listeners, how was your 2021? Have you reflected back? Where did you really win?   Where did you really not win? If 2021 was a year of years, congratulations. I am celebrating with you and I would love to invite you to take it to the next level. If 2021 wasn't quite your year, hey, it's all right. I'm there for you. And I would love to invite you to make 2022 the year for you. That's right, guys. If you're ready to take massive action, if you're ready to take your practice and your team to the next level, increase your profitability. Yeah, guys, through an easy way.   Get your entire team aligned and you're ready to just have your life be different. That's right. Team development, top to bottom system development, top to bottom, changing and shifting your culture, improving your team morale. If that sounds like what you're interested in guys, I'd love to invite you to join us in our Dental A Team platinum group. It's the exclusive group where we physically fly to your practice. We give you insider tips. We share with you. have a quarterly newsletter that goes to that shares all the updates we're coming up with and we share it with our platinum group.   We'd love to have you and I would like to invite you because guys remember you're always one decision away from a completely different life. So reach out guys. I'd love to chat with you. I'd love to see if you're a great platinum client or what works best for you. Email me Hello@TheDentalATeam.com and I can't wait to welcome you as our newest platinum client. Take massive action. This is your year. Let's make sure 2022 is your year. Hello@TheDentalATeam.com. Can't wait to welcome you. So those are my main KPIs that I love to track.   Once you get those dialed in and you're consistent on those and you know, then we're going to start diving into even more data. I want to know how well our hygiene department's doing. They should be producing at least three times their pay. So if I'm a hygienist making $10 an hour, wouldn't that be a dream guys? Welcome to 2022. Hygienist $10 an hour. Yeah, right. You guys are like a hundred and a billion dollars an hour. Like it's crazy how much hygienists are at right now, but let's say for the sake of this podcast, it's $10 an hour. Okay. I should be producing at least   $30 per hour as a healthy hygienist. That's on a PPO. If I'm fee for service, I like you producing at least four times your pay. So if I'm in a fee for service practice, I'm producing $40 an hour, okay? So that would be another great KPI to track. You can also break it down per department. So we might have our doctors. Great KPI to track on our doctors is what are they producing per hour? Most doctors should be producing at least $500 per hour at a minimum, okay?   So if we're working in an eight hour day, that's a $4,000 day per doctor, again on net, not gross. So that's a great metric to put in there. What are our doctors producing per hour? What's our doctor case acceptance? What's our doctor diagnosis? Great KPIs for you to start tracking. If we move on to our hygiene department, you can track fluoride, you can track perio. Perio is a great set to track. We can track ⁓ how many night guards they're doing. We can track how many orthostarts they're doing.   Great KPIs to track, again, if you're in the elite rockstar status. ⁓ Dental assistants, I like to track how many same day conversions you get. Also, how many times you leave the room is a great KPI to track. Also, how many Google reviews do dental assistants get? Those are all really, really great ones that you can do. For front office, scheduling. How often are we scheduling our hygiene and doctors to goal?   So I usually like between 80 and 90 % that they're scheduled to go. Schedulers can be how many openings they have in hygiene. It can also be how many new patients you're scheduling. For our treatment coordinators, case acceptance, right? We want to make sure that we're getting those cases up there. For office managers, what's our collection percentage that can also go to our billers? Billers, I love you to be tracking your AR. Also outstanding claims. ⁓ How long it's taking us to get our claims paid. It's a fan-freaking-tastic KPI to be tracking.   because we want to be paid quicker. Guess what? If I'm tracking that, I can see, are we not sending our claims clean and are we having errors? Could we fix that? Could we enter data better so we don't have these issues happening? Could also track how long our patients are waiting in the waiting room. If we're working on VIP new patient experience. As I just listed, there are a myriad of KPIs you could do. What happens is we often try to track too many things that were actually focused on nothing. So I suggest you usually have at least one primary KPI per   person in the practice. It's their primary. That's the one that no matter what, they're going to hit that. And we make sure it moves our needle forward. So what's going to move our doctors forward? What's going to move our hygienist forward? It's going to move our dental assistants, our scheduler, our biller, our office manager. What is the one thing if we could only focus on one thing, what's going to move each of those people forward the most and move our practice forward the most? Focus on that. Master that. Set a goal of what you should be hitting and report either weekly or daily.   on those. I'll be honest, if you report it daily, just like working out daily, you will probably see greater results than if you do it weekly or just monthly. So I also have with KPIs that you should really, really, really, really be ramping those up and making sure you're reporting consistently and that people know the goals. If we miss it, let's find out why. What's going on? Let's diagnose the problem. Let's find out what can we do to improve that. Again, I want you to think of these as vitals. KPIs are vitals of a practice.   If you don't track these, if you don't check them, you will die. Okay? If you think about it that way, well, instantly I'm like, maybe I don't need to track that. Maybe I don't need to focus on that. If you're already tracking it and you're breathing imperfect, guess what? What happened to the doctor? They start checking other things. They run blood tests on us and they check a thousand different things in that. Okay? So there are lots of KPIs you can do, but I would say keep it simple. Do the kiss method. Keep your KPIs simple. Then add to it. Maybe each quarter we add something.   Maybe each month we add something. It's also fun if you have your team help create these KPIs with you. What do they think is going to the practice board? What did they get excited about? Maybe they want to make social media posts. Maybe they care about how many followers we actually have. Maybe you guys want to do that. Maybe they do it on how many new patients they can get. I just had an office, super fun. The team decided that they were going to try and get more family members scheduled. So on average, this practice was averaging about 35 new patients. Guess what?   Guess what? Just by focusing on asking for referrals from patients and getting more family members scheduled, they use the phrase, what other family members can we get scheduled for you today? They have increased their new patients with no marketing to 50 new patients a month. Is that not rad? That's because they focus on a vital that the practice needed to do. They focus on where they were weak and they're able to move their practice forward. So guys, I would encourage each of you.   Look at these KPIs, get them set. If you don't have a regular KPI tracking, let's start there. If you do, I want to bump it up. Are those KPIs being reported weekly by all team members? And does the doctor and office manager review this? I will tell you at our company, Shelby, she's a rock star. Our whole team reports on a Google drive. We call our leadership scorecard. Those are where our KPIs hang out. Every person has a number that they're tracking. We review these, we make sure that they're the vitals of our company and they're moving us forward.   Every person reports on this every single Friday. We have a reminder that goes out, so everybody fills it in. Shelby then makes sure it comes over to me. I then with Shelby review this leadership scorecard. Then on our leadership team, we look at this every single month and make sure that those are vitals. And then we look to see where are we weak? What do we need to move forward? This is how you start to track. Also, if you want to stamp out and do more practices and you want to have more growth, having a leadership scorecard where you track these KPIs consistently.   allows you to then be able to manage and oversee multiple locations because everybody's tracking. And at a second, you can glance at this and you'll be able to know where your practice is weak and where it's strong and where you need to dive in and give it massive help. So guys, I strongly encourage you, if you're not doing it, do it. If you're doing it already, where can you ramp it up? If you're already ramping it up, get your team members involved and ask them where they want to take it to the next level. KPIs are magic. They're vitals. Also, if you're in that top, top tier,   Maybe I challenge you and say, where could you simplify? Are you overtracking? Sometimes when I look at dental intel, I'm like, holy guac. That's a lot of items you're tracking. How do they know where to focus? I think about the book, Essentialism. If you haven't read it, I would strongly encourage you to do it. If we're focused on too many things, we actually don't make a lot of progress anywhere. We make minimal progress. If we're focused on one thing, we kill it. We knock it out of the park. We dominate it. So I challenge each of you, look at those KPIs. Could you simplify them if you're already doing them?   What are the main drivers of the practice? Keep it to three per department is my recommendation. Make sure that what we're truly focused on is actually going to move you guys forward. If you need help getting those KPIs set up, if that's something you want to start doing, we make sure our practices are all tracking. Our offices have vitals. We look at them. We actually call it their vital scorecard. Truth. That's really what we call it. So if you guys want to help with this, if you'd love somebody to help hold you accountable, email me. Hello@TheDentalATeam.com. I'd love to help you out.   nothing else guys, go get these KPIs in place and know that you guys are in control of this. You can see your practice at a glance. You can know if you're healthy or not just at a glance, just like the doctor does when we go in for our medical doctors. So guys, try it out. I'd love to hear it. I'd love to hear your successes. Post your KPI scorecards and tag us. We'd love to see it. Share. If you guys want to, you can start to get on our Facebook group, Donuts with Dana. She's literally going around and she's pulling these ideas and she's sharing and she's answering questions.   So join her, she's on Facebook Live every Friday, Donuts with Dana. So hop on over there if you have questions getting this set up, she's there, she'll help answer questions. And as always guys, just take action, do it. Don't be afraid of KPIs, they're very easy. And if we can help you, email us, Hello@TheDentalATeam.com. I'd love to share it with you guys. If you need a sample, email us, Hello@TheDentalATeam.com. And as always, thanks for listening. I'll catch you next time on The Dental A Team Podcast. And that wraps it up for another episode of The Dental A Team Podcast.   Thank you so much for listening and we'll talk to you next time.  

Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!Have you ever wondered what dentists truly value in their front office teams? This spontaneous episode reveals the surprising answer, and it hasn't changed in over a decade.When a scheduled interview fails to materialize, I take the opportunity to share key insights from my journey developing a six-month dental administration school back in 2011. Frustrated by the lack of formal training programs for front office personnel and tired of dealing with qualified candidates who brought attitude problems or rigid ideas about practice management, I set out to create a solution that would shorten the learning curve and reduce turnover.My research journey involved surveying more than 300 dental practices nationwide, asking dentists a deceptively simple question: "If your front office could be expert at one thing, what would it be?" The results were startlingly consistent—billing expertise and skillful handling of new patient calls dominated their responses. What's fascinating is that when I recently conducted a similar survey with 100 practices, the results remained virtually unchanged after all these years. Nine out of ten dental practice executives still prioritize billing knowledge, paired with strong communication skills for patient interaction.Drawing from my unique experience as a dental industry professional since 1995—including roles as a consultant, practice partner, and acting owner for multiple locations—I've gained uncommon insights into what makes dental practices successful. Now I'm reaching out to you: what training would best serve your practice needs? Share your thoughts, and let me help you build the front office team your practice deserves. Join The Biller Acceleration Mentorship Wait List Here: (Only 5 Spots Left in 2025!!)https://linktr.ee/dental_billing_coachWould you like to set-up a billing consultation with Ericka? She would love the opportunity to discuss your billing questions and see how Fortune Billing Solutions may help you. Email Ericka:ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.comSchedule a call with Ericka: https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30min Perio performance formula: (D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910)/(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910+D1110) Delta Dental Locum Tenens Form: https://www1.deltadentalins.com/content/dam/ddins/en/pdf/dentists/locum-tenens-form.pdf

How do you determine if someone truly has bacterial-induced bone loss? When a patient presents with bone loss, periodontal disease is one of the most common causes, but not always. What else could it be? In this episode, we discuss various factors contributing to bone loss and recession, with malocclusion being a significant one.   We discuss:  How a slight vertical defect can lead to deterioration of bone. What is traumatic occlusion, and how is it identified? How old restorations contribute to occlusal issues What to look for before jumping straight to perio as the cause Our friends at Designs for Vision brought this episode to you.  Designs for Vision is providing a 45-day trial of their loupes to our listeners! No strings attached.  If you don't love the loupes, simply send them back for a refund.  To learn more, visit  https://www.designsforvision.com/DentHtml/D-InfinityGA.htm  

Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!Credentialing versus contracting - these terms are often used interchangeably in dental offices, but as Ericka Aguilar explains in this essential episode, they represent entirely different processes with significant implications for your practice's compliance and financial health.Credentialing is the verification process where insurance companies confirm a provider's qualifications, while contracting is the business agreement that follows, officially making a provider "in-network." Understanding this distinction is just the beginning of navigating the complex landscape of dental insurance billing.The episode delivers a stark warning about one of the most dangerous practices happening in dental offices today: billing under another provider's NPI when that provider didn't perform the treatment. This typically occurs when practices are waiting for a new associate to complete the credentialing process. What many don't realize is that this practice constitutes insurance fraud, violating state and federal regulations. With insurance companies now employing AI and aggressive auditing techniques, the risks of massive recoupments, civil penalties, and even criminal charges have never been higher.Erica also demystifies Locum Tenens arrangements, which provide a legitimate pathway for practices to maintain continuity of care when a provider is temporarily unavailable due to specific circumstances like maternity leave, disability, or death. However, these arrangements come with strict limitations that must be carefully followed to avoid compliance issues.Through real-world examples and practical advice, this episode equips dental professionals with the knowledge to protect their practices while maintaining ethical standards. Whether you're a practice owner, office manager, or dental biller, the insights shared will help you navigate the credentialing process correctly, understand when Locum Tenens is appropriate, and implement documentation practices that keep your practice on the right side of compliance. Visit dentalbillingdoneright.com to learn more about setting up proper credentialing SOPs and claim auditing for your practice. Join The Biller Acceleration Mentorship Wait List Here: (Only 5 Spots Left in 2025!!)https://linktr.ee/dental_billing_coachWould you like to set-up a billing consultation with Ericka? She would love the opportunity to discuss your billing questions and see how Fortune Billing Solutions may help you. Email Ericka:ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.comSchedule a call with Ericka: https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30min Perio performance formula: (D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910)/(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910+D1110) Delta Dental Locum Tenens Form: https://www1.deltadentalins.com/content/dam/ddins/en/pdf/dentists/locum-tenens-form.pdf

Top 5 Topics:- Doctors vs. Dentists: The Surprising Lifestyle Trade-Offs- Oral Surgeons vs. Periodontists: Inside the Hidden Rivalry- The Insurance Scam: Why Your Dentist Isn't Paid Fairly- Who Really Runs Dentistry? Private Equity, DSOs, and the Decline of Autonomy- From Wine Tasting to Surgery: How Passions Outside Medicine Make Better DoctorsQuotes & Wisdom:“You know you're doing well when the nurses trust you with their care. That's the ultimate compliment.” (00:00)“Dental school does a terrible job of exposing students to what perio really is—we're not just doing cleanings, we're doing real surgery.” (02:33)“Having a strong relationship between oral surgeons and periodontists is so crucial. That's how you best serve patients.” (03:53)“Hospitals don't pay surgeons to take call anymore. Why should young doctors work for free? This is where the system is failing.” (05:25)“Insurance companies are still paying based on 1970s rates. Everything else has inflated, but our work is being devalued.” (12:54)“Most DSOs are owned by investors, not dentists. They know money—but they never took an oath for patient ethics.” (14:42)“Interviews aren't multiple-choice exams, they're conversations. Find common ground and show who you really are.” (33:37)“Anything you can do with your hands—fashion, textiles, sewing—will make you a better surgeon.” (32:07)“Just because a wine is expensive doesn't mean it tastes good. Everyone has a different palette.” (34:59)“Four years in, life looks so different—you finally feel more stable, and that's when the real world begins.” (41:37)Questions:00:05 – Did you notice doctors steering their kids from medicine toward dentistry?01:11 – What did you mean when you mentioned “beef” between oral surgery and perio? 02:10 – Do you feel dental schools do a poor job of showing what periodontics really is?04:39 – Why don't more oral surgeons want to take trauma call in hospitals?08:32 – What are your thoughts on dental schools “boxing” specialties into insurance-driven niches?27:32 – How did you first get into running your wine Instagram pages?Now available on:- Dr. Gallagher's Podcast & YouTube Channel- Dose of Dental Podcast #169- 8.2025#podcast #dentalpodcast #doctorgallagherpodcast #doctorgallagherspodcast #doctor #dentist #dentistry #oralsurgery #dental #dentalschool #dentalstudent #doctorlife #dentistlife #oralsurgeon #doctorgallagher

This week on Brush with Britt, I'm joined by the one and only Shelby RDH — yes, that Shelby from TikTok who has been serving up relatable RDH content and making perio cool again.

Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!What happens when you try to end something, only to discover it's just beginning? After announcing what I thought would be the final episode of the Dental Billing Podcast, something extraordinary happened—hundreds of messages flooded in from listeners who weren't ready to say goodbye. From tearful voicemails to heartfelt emails, the message was clear: this podcast had become more than just a billing resource. It had become a lifeline.These messages revealed something powerful about our community. Ashley from Dallas shared that after 17 years in dental billing, this was the first time she felt truly seen. Teresa from Arizona mentioned her therapist made an exception to allow her to listen to this work-related podcast because "it supports your mental health." Nina from Chicago explained how the podcast helped her recover from burnout when "billing was breaking me." What started as technical guidance had evolved into something deeply personal and necessary.Moving forward, the Dental Billing Podcast will continue with an expanded vision. We'll maintain our commitment to sharp, accurate billing information—fighting back unreasonable denials, clarifying coding confusion, and exposing insurance company tactics. But we're also embracing what our community clearly needs: conversations about mental health, burnout prevention, and practical tools for thriving in a chaotic industry. We'll bring in licensed therapists, wellness coaches, and trauma-informed practitioners alongside powerhouse billers and respected consultants to address both the technical and emotional aspects of dental administration.This evolution reflects a simple truth: you're not just a biller or office manager—you're a human being trying to make a difference in a broken system. Whether you're looking for denial management strategies, nervous system regulation techniques, or simply the comfort of knowing you're not alone, this podcast remains a safe space for your questions, your growth, and your hope. Email me your topics, leave a review to help others find us, and know that we're in this together—not ending, but expanding. Join The Biller Acceleration Mentorship Wait List Here: (Only 5 Spots Left in 2025!!)https://linktr.ee/dental_billing_coachWould you like to set-up a billing consultation with Ericka? She would love the opportunity to discuss your billing questions and see how Fortune Billing Solutions may help you. Email Ericka:ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.comSchedule a call with Ericka: https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30min Perio performance formula: (D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910)/(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910+D1110)

Struggling to read dental x-rays with confidence? https://ivdi.org/rad Unlock the secrets of radiographic interpretation in our FREE training – perfect for techs and vets alike!   Want to stand out in veterinary dentistry? https://ivdi.org/inv Take your skills to the next level with the Veterinary Dental Practitioner Program — our most comprehensive training yet.   -----------------------------   Host: Dr. Brett Beckman, Board Certified Veterinary Dentist   In this episode of The Vet Dental Show, Dr. Brett Beckman guides you through the essential techniques for successful veterinary dental extractions. You'll master periodontal pocket management, learn the importance of proper patient positioning, and discover the benefits of hyaluronic acid application for enhanced dental procedures.   What You'll Learn: ✅ How to identify periodontal pockets using a periodontal probe. ✅ The technique for curettage to remove granulation tissue from periodontal pockets. ✅ The application of hyaluronic acid for pocket management. ✅ Why hyaluronic acid is a superior alternative to Doxyrobe. ✅ Proper patient positioning for various dental extractions (mandibular canine, first molar, maxillary first molar). ✅ How technicians should assist in patient positioning for optimal exposure. ✅ Incision techniques for canine extractions.   Key Takeaways: ✅ Bleeding on probing indicates the presence of granulation tissue in periodontal pockets. ✅ Curettage is essential for removing diseased tissue and promoting healing. ✅ Hyaluronic acid is easy to apply and promotes tissue regeneration. ✅ Correct patient positioning is crucial for successful extractions and suturing. ✅ Proper technician assistance ensures optimal visibility and efficiency during procedures.   -----------------------------   What are your biggest challenges with managing periodontal pockets or performing extractions? Share your questions and experiences in the comments below!   -----------------------------   Keyword Tags: Veterinary Dentistry, Surgical Extractions, Radiographic Interpretation, Veterinary Dental Practitioner Program, Periodontal Disease, Dental Radiography, Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Brett Beckman, IVDI, Hyaluronic Acid, Curettage, Patient Positioning, Veterinary Dental Care, General Practice, Doxyrobe, Veterinary Dental Extractions

Periodontal re-evaluation timing is essential for all therapeutic hygiene procedures... but when should this be done? We have heard a range of recommendations but listen in as Katrina breaks it down based on the case type! Resources: More Fast Facts: https://www.ataleoftwohygienists.com/fast-facts/ Katrina Sanders Website: https://www.katrinasanders.com  Katrina Sanders Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedentalwinegenist/ 

Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!Pivotal moments often arrive unexpectedly. After years of helping dental practices decode insurance denials and maximize reimbursements, I've made a significant discovery that's reshaping our journey together. What began as technical discussions about coding and claims consistently opened doors to far deeper conversations about practice culture, team alignment, and leadership challenges.The highest-performing billing departments I've encountered share one critical element that transcends technical knowledge—they operate within practices where leadership is strong, vision is shared, and team members pull in the same direction. When I stepped into offices to address billing issues, I frequently uncovered symptoms of deeper organizational challenges: fear-based decision-making, reactive management, artificial harmony, and teams trapped in survival mode. These cultural issues were directly impacting financial performance.That's why this finale of the Dental Billing Podcast marks not an ending but an evolution. While billing expertise remains my foundation and passion, our new "Practice and Purpose" podcast will embrace the whole picture of practice success. We'll explore leadership development, navigating difficult conversations, building high-performing teams, and aligning your practice with your deeper purpose—all while continuing to sprinkle in the billing wisdom you've come to expect.To my loyal listeners who've shared stories of successfully challenging insurance companies, securing deserved raises, and transforming billing departments: thank you for making this platform sacred. This shift honors the truth of what you've been teaching me all along—that our conversations were always about more than just billing. They were about becoming the leader your practice needs and creating a culture where your team and your purpose can thrive. Join me next week as we begin this expanded journey together, right here in your podcast feed. Want to learn Dental Coding and Billing? Join here:https://tr.ee/efzYrY7mp-Would you like to set-up a billing consultation with Ericka? She would love the opportunity to discuss your billing questions and see how Fortune Billing Solutions may help you. Email Ericka:ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.comSchedule a call with Ericka: https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30min Perio performance formula: (D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910)/(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910+D1110)

Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!Dental insurance companies often deny necessary treatment claims not because they should, but because they can—and we explore how to fight back effectively through appeals and regulatory complaints.• 59% of denied claims are upheld simply because no appeal is ever filed• Unreasonable denials occur when patients have benefits but claims are still denied• State insurance commissioners can investigate denials and prompt payment violations• Understanding the difference between fully-insured and self-funded (ERISA) plans• For self-funded plans, complaints must go to the Department of Labor (866-444-3272)• Gather evidence including denials, submission reports, and clinical notes• Position your complaint as patient advocacy rather than financial recovery• Insurance companies cannot dictate treatment or force doctors to work for freeRemember: You're not just a biller—you are the patient advocate and the system of checks and balances they didn't see coming.Want to learn Dental Coding and Billing? Join here:https://tr.ee/efzYrY7mp-Would you like to set-up a billing consultation with Ericka? She would love the opportunity to discuss your billing questions and see how Fortune Billing Solutions may help you. Email Ericka:ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.comSchedule a call with Ericka: https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30min Perio performance formula: (D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910)/(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910+D1110)

What is your referral protocol for perio speciality? What kinds of procedures are you referring and do you feel like you refer often enough? Give a listen to this short episode as Laura Bettencourt and Danielle Avila give their experiences! Resources:@diamondgirlscoaching on insta ldiamantecoaching.com

Special Guest Dental Disruptor: Alan Timmerman, Oral Health Therapist & Specialist Periodontal Practice Owner In this groundbreaking episode, Tabitha sits down with Alan Timmerman, an Australian Oral Health Therapist who has shattered traditional career expectations by purchasing and running his own specialist periodontal practice. This conversation explores Alan's unconventional journey from clinical practice to business ownership and provides valuable insights for OHTs looking to expand beyond conventional roles. Key Topics Covered

In this episode of Dental Unfiltered, hosts Matt Brown and Dr. Andrew Vallo tackle the challenges of managing new periodontal patients. They stress the importance of clear communication and education while being flexible in treatment approaches to improve patient experience and acceptance. The discussion also focuses on distinguishing periodontal therapy from regular cleanings, addressing patient anxiety, and demonstrating the value of treatments to achieve better outcomes for both patients and dental practices.

On today's episode, we dive into a revolutionary way to approach periodontal disease with Dr. Ben Kacos and Dr. Ashlee Hirschfeld. Instead of getting lost in probing depths and pocket numbers, Dr. Kacos shares how his practice shifts the conversation to what truly resonates with patients—the systemic health risks of gum infections.   Dr. Kacos explains how implementing a microscope in hygiene appointments has transformed case acceptance, making periodontal diagnosis more black-and-white for both patients and providers. Plus, he details how his team seamlessly integrates this into their workflow without slowing down efficiency. EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast