Are you struggling to find the right office manager? It might be costing you more than you think!

In this episode, I’m sharing how to avoid the common hiring mistakes many dental practices make when choosing the perfect manager. I’ll explain why clear job descriptions are crucial, how to prevent overloading managers with unrealistic expectations, and the key traits to look for during the hiring process.

Key Takeaways:

• Clear job descriptions are essential to avoid overloading your office manager with unrealistic expectations.

• Focus on hiring the right manager by assessing key traits like communication skills, confidence, and problem-solving ability.

• Is promoting from within the right step? 

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I created Dental Revenue Network to foster collaboration and networking amongst RCM professionals. Billing company owners and billing professionals will have access to skill building sessions, current carrier news and insurance discussions beyond “what's the code?" Check it out - I hope you'll join! https://dentalrevenuenetwork.mn.co/

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My insurance course is out! Dental Insurance Design and Management is geared toward those who want to understand the how and why of insurance. As a loyal podcast listener, please use "NTMT" for a $75 courtesy toward your investment. 

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Visit odysseymgmt.com to check out my book, webinars and courses.

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Don’t forget to check out my other podcast Chew on This - A Dental Podcast! 

**If you like the show then I’d appreciate a good rating. Tell your friends. Even podcasters ask for referrals!**

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@odysseymgmt

Along with my quick wrap up of 2024 I thought that I'd share two words that have helped me in difficult situations. Perhaps they'll come in handy for 2025 and the many decisions to come. The simple words "unless" and "until"  have helped me get to the root of objections and set boundaries. Don't worry - I'll give you examples!

What You'll Learn:

• Set Boundaries Effectively: Learn how I use "until" to create clear boundaries when encountering new situations.

• Find Real Reasons: Asking someone “unless what happens?" can be uncomfortable but I share why it's so important. Sometimes people are too nice to give you the answers you need to grow as a person and a manager.

• Imperfection Is Okay: As you go through 2025, remember to give yourself grace and permission to mess up. Perfect people don't grow because they have nothing to learn from. Besides, perfect people are annoying 😄 

2025 is going to be fantastic - I just know it. How do you feel about your resolutions and goals? I'd love to know!

More About My Passion Project: I created Dental Revenue Network to foster collaboration and networking amongst RCM professionals. Members will have access to business building sessions, current carrier news and insurance discussions beyond “what's the code?" Check it out - I hope you'll join! https://dentalrevenuenetwork.mn.co/

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https://www.odysseymgmt.com/synergy

NTMT listeners receive a 2 Month Free Trial + a 3rd Month if you buy anything from any vendor during the trial period. Also, new Darby customers receive a $200 Darby statement credit with a purchase. 

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My insurance course is out! Dental Insurance Design and Management is geared toward those who want to understand the how and why of insurance. As a loyal podcast listener, please use "NTMT" for a $75 courtesy toward your investment. 

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Visit odysseymgmt.com to check out my book, webinars and courses.

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Don’t forget to check out my other podcast Chew on This - A Dental Podcast! 

**If you like the show then I’d appreciate a good rating. Tell your friends. Even podcasters ask for referrals!**

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@odysseymgmt

Ted Osterer returns to the show to discuss recent bankruptcies and sales in our industry. Large companies are experiencing shifts and they have teams of advisors. How can a smaller dental business learn from these mistakes and strategize for their own success? Ted shares how understanding key financial metrics like EBITDA, cost of goods, and margins has become essential in the dental industry. Businesses have to use data instead of intuition.What about offices that haven’t had that kind of training? Now is the time. Now more than ever, business owners must adopt a mindset of financial clarity to make smarter decisions. 

Key Takeaways:

• The impact of DSOs on dental business practices is a double-edged sword, with positive financial insights but also challenges in maintaining company culture.

• The recent wave of mergers and acquisitions in the dental industry, like Patterson going private and BIOLASE’s bankruptcy, will likely reshape the sector.

• Education and customer success initiatives can be powerful but require long-term commitment for real results.

• To navigate current pain points, dental offices are encouraged to adapt, whether it’s adjusting payment policies, working more hours, or improving treatment presentations.

• There’s optimism for a consumer confidence rebound in 2025, with a rise in entrepreneurial tactics and a slow but steady industry recovery.

Visit The Synergy Dental Partners:

https://www.odysseymgmt.com/synergy

NTMT listeners receive a 2 Month Free Trial + a 3rd Month if you buy anything from any vendor during the trial period. Also, new Darby customers receive a $200 Darby statement credit with a purchase. 

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My insurance course is out! Dental Insurance Design and Management is geared toward those who want to understand the how and why of insurance. As a loyal podcast listener, please use "NTMT" for a $75 courtesy toward your investment. 

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Visit odysseymgmt.com to check out my book, webinars and courses.

-------------

Don’t forget to check out my other podcast Chew on This - A Dental Podcast! 

**If you like the show then I’d appreciate a good rating. Tell your friends. Even podcasters ask for referrals!**

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@odysseymgmt

#businessgrowth, #dentalpractice, #financialmetrics, #keyperformanceindicators, #businessdecisions, #profitmargins, #financialstrategy, #dentalfinance, #practicemanagement, #dentibusiness, #practicetips, #smartbusinessdecisions, #financialsuccess, #businessperformance, #metricsthatmatter, #dentalpracticgrowth, #businessprofitability, #dentalindustry, #financialplanning, #keybusinessmetrics, #practiceperformancetips

In this episode of Nobody Told Me That!, I sit down with HR expert Alan Twigg from Bent Erickson and Associates to discuss HR policies and how they can make or break a dental practice. From avoiding legal pitfalls with proper documentation to navigating the National Labor Relations Act, we cover items you need to know to safeguard your practice. It’s not easy to create and maintain a productive, compliant workplace but it’s part of our job as practice leaders. We talk about these key HR issues:

• Managing sensitive conversations versus toxicity in the workplace.

• Building legally sound ‘no gossip’ policies (this is where many managers are surprised by the law!)

• The importance of annual reviews and continuing education investments.

Plus, we’ll explore the real cost of mishandling harassment claims and tips for keeping wages and benefits competitive. It’s a must-listen for anyone leading a dental practice!

 Connect with Alan

 Website: https://bentericksen.com/

 The Dental HR Podcast

The People Power In-Person Events: https://bentericksen.com/people-power/

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https://www.odysseymgmt.com/synergy

NTMT listeners receive a 2 Month Free Trial + a 3rd Month if you buy anything from any vendor during the trial period. Also, new Darby customers receive a $200 Darby statement credit with a purchase. 

-------------

My insurance course is out! Dental Insurance Design and Management is geared toward those who want to understand the how and why of insurance. As a loyal podcast listener, please use "NTMT" for a $75 courtesy toward your investment. 

-------------

Visit odysseymgmt.com to check out my book, webinars and courses.

-------------

Don’t forget to check out my other podcast Chew on This - A Dental Podcast! 

**If you like the show then I’d appreciate a good rating. Tell your friends. Even podcasters ask for referrals!**

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@odysseymgmt

Not every patient is a good fit for your practice. Life is actually easier when you prune the bad ones. If you've dealt with patients who miss appointments, delay payments, or even compromise your team's safety, this episode is for you. This episode breaks down when and why patient termination may be necessary.  

You'll need a well-documented process for issuing termination letters and handling uncomfortable situations, like bumping into a terminated patient outside the office. Ensuring a safe, respectful work environment is essential. Your team deserves it.

Be sure to check the show notes for additional resources and links, including Teresa’s course on dental insurance design and management. Tune in and take notes—you won’t want to miss this one!

A few talking points: 

Exploring patient termination: handling difficult revenue scenarios.

Document thoroughly for legal defense and audits.

Standard responses for difficult situations.

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https://www.odysseymgmt.com/synergy

NTMT listeners receive a 2 Month Free Trial + a 3rd Month if you buy anything from any vendor during the trial period. Also, new Darby customers receive a $200 Darby statement credit with a purchase. 

-------------

My insurance course is out! Dental Insurance Design and Management is geared toward those who want to understand the how and why of insurance. As a loyal podcast listener, please use "NTMT" for a $75 courtesy toward your investment. 

-------------

Visit odysseymgmt.com to check out my book, webinars and courses.

-------------

Don’t forget to check out my other podcast Chew on This - A Dental Podcast! 

**If you like the show then I’d appreciate a good rating. Tell your friends. Even podcasters ask for referrals!**

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@odysseymgmt

Being a new manager is scary and challenging. Everything is different now. You are juggling your work friendships  and building trust with your doctor. You're managing different personalities all while  leading by example, there's a lot more to it than meets the eye. Plus, it can be lonely at the top.

I’ll share personal stories—like a lesson learned the hard way with patient emails 🤦🏻‍♀️—and share insights specifically for new managers. Be sure to check the show notes for added resources, upcoming classes, and events!

Don’t forget to subscribe!

A few talking points: 

• Navigating coworker-manager transition challenges and changes.

• Handling complaints in a constructive manner

• Activate your listening and conflict resolution skills. 

• Can you be friends with your employees?

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https://www.odysseymgmt.com/synergy

NTMT listeners receive a 2 Month Free Trial + a 3rd Month if you buy anything from any vendor during the trial period. Also, new Darby customers receive a $200 Darby statement credit with a purchase. 

-------------

My new insurance course is out! Dental Insurance Design and Management is geared toward those who want to understand the how and why of insurance. As a loyal podcast listener, please use "NTMT" for a $75 courtesy toward your investment. 

-------------

Visit odysseymgmt.com to check out my book, webinars and courses.

-------------

Don’t forget to check out my other podcast Chew on This - A Dental Podcast! 

**If you like the show then I’d appreciate a good rating. Tell your friends. Even podcasters ask for referrals!**

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@odysseymgmt

These are excerpts from two fun episodes of my other podcast Chew on This. Have you ever wondered how treatment in space would happen? Of course you have! My co-host Kevin Henry and I explore the challenges of space dentistry, including how microgravity affects oral care and the innovations being developed for astronauts.

We also discuss Minnesota's recent legislation allowing dental assistants to administer certain injections, highlighting the implications for dental practices and patient care.

Be sure to listen for more insights! 

Chew on This! A Dental Podcast

Chew on This #70 Space Dentistry, Turkey Teeth and Frisky Koalas

Chew On This! #66 Mystery Edition! Scottish Dentist Goes Rogue

Link to the articles:

Smile Beyond the Stars: A Narrative Review Exploring the Challenges for Dentistry in Space

Official Rulemaking Record Minnesota Board of Dentistry (Starts on page 269): 

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Synergy Dental Partners believes in the podcast! They are offering to double their free trial offer for NTMT listeners. Synergy is a group purchasing organization (GPO) that lowers your expenses by leveraging their purchasing power. 

https://www.odysseymgmt.com/synergy

NTMT listeners receive a 2 Month Free Trial + a 3rd Month if you buy anything from any vendor during the trial period. Also, new Darby customers receive a $200 Darby statement credit with a purchase. 

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My insurance course is here to help! Dental Insurance Design and Management is geared toward those who want to understand the how and why of insurance. As a loyal podcast listener, please use "NTMT" for a $75 courtesy toward your investment. 

https://www.odysseymgmt.com/dental-insurance

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Visit odysseymgmt.com to check out my book, webinars and courses.

-------------

Don’t forget to check out my other podcast Chew on This - A Dental Podcast! 

**If you like the show then I’d appreciate a good rating. Tell your friends. Even podcasters ask for referrals!**

What's the big deal with the AADOM Conference? New attendees are often surprised by the event so let me share what to expect. The AADOM Conference offers networking and educational sessions plus key opportunities for dental office managers to elevate their careers. ‘Recharged’ is a common way to describe how you'll feel after the sessions. I'll cover: 

•  Who attends

• How it's evolved over the years

• The quality of education

• The various awards & designations

 This conference is on my “don't miss" list. Hope to see you there!

Links:

www.AADOMConference.com

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https://www.odysseymgmt.com/synergy

NTMT listeners receive a 2 Month Free Trial + a 3rd Month if you buy anything from any vendor during the trial period. Also, new Darby customers receive a $200 Darby statement credit with a purchase. 

-------------

My new insurance course is out! Dental Insurance Design and Management is geared toward those who want to understand the how and why of insurance. As a loyal podcast listener, please use "NTMT" for a $75 courtesy toward your investment. 

-------------

Visit odysseymgmt.com to check out my book, webinars and courses.

-------------

Don’t forget to check out my other podcast Chew on This - A Dental Podcast! 

**If you like the show then I’d appreciate a good rating. Tell your friends. Even podcasters ask for referrals!**

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@odysseymgmt

I'm sharing a recent podcast episode I recorded with my friends at A Breath of Fresh Air. Their podcast focuses on dental billing and they wanted my thoughts on our industry’s future. 

We talked about the surprising ways dental and medical billing might start to merge, and why having top-notch training and qualifications isn't just a good idea — it's a must. And, of course, we’re dishing out plenty of practical tips, insider insights, and a few laughs along the way.

I hope this episode is helpful. Definitely check out their podcast for more dental billing talk!

Links

Essential Dental Services

Breath of Fresh Air Dental Podcast: The Future of Dental Billing: Teresa Duncan Looks into her Crystal Ball

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https://www.odysseymgmt.com/synergy

NTMT listeners receive a 2 Month Free Trial + a 3rd Month if you buy anything from any vendor during the trial period. Also, new Darby customers receive a $200 Darby statement credit with a purchase. 

-------------

My new insurance course is out! Dental Insurance Design and Management is geared toward those who want to understand the how and why of insurance. As a loyal podcast listener, please use "NTMT" for a $75 courtesy toward your investment. 

-------------

Visit odysseymgmt.com to check out my book, webinars and courses.

-------------

Don’t forget to check out my other podcast Chew on This - A Dental Podcast! 

**If you like the show then I’d appreciate a good rating. Tell your friends. Even podcasters ask for referrals!**

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@odysseymgmt

Dealing with out-of-control claims can feel overwhelming but I’m here to help you get a handle on it. We’ll break down actionable steps to bring order to the chaos and make sure your dental aging report cleans up nicely.

I’ll walk you through essential steps like setting up separate bank accounts to keep things organized, running insurance aging reports to keep track of pending claims, and sorting out those duplicate claims before deadlines hit. My advice on staying patient and organized will also be a key part of our discussion—these are crucial skills for mastering the insurance game.

• Run Your Reports

• Resubmit Older Claims

• Check Your Portals

• Check EFT Deposits

• Call-Chat-Inquire About Claims by Carrier

• Notify Patients about balances

The Advantages of Electronic Transactions

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https://www.odysseymgmt.com/synergy

NTMT listeners receive a 2 Month Free Trial + a 3rd Month if you buy anything from any vendor during the trial period. Also, new Darby customers receive a $200 Darby statement credit with a purchase. 

-------------

My insurance course is out! Dental Insurance Design and Management is geared toward those who want to understand the how and why of insurance. As a loyal podcast listener, please use "NTMT" for a $75 courtesy toward your investment. 

-------------

Visit odysseymgmt.com to check out my book, webinars and courses.

-------------

Don’t forget to check out my other podcast Chew on This - A Dental Podcast! 

**If you like the show then I’d appreciate a good rating. Tell your friends. Even podcasters ask for referrals!**

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@odysseymgmt

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@odysseymgmt

You should know a few facts about leaving a network before you make any big decisions. In this solo episode, I share tidbits from my hundreds of strategy calls with dentists and managers on this topic. Typically the call starts out with a focus on how much revenue can be generated and patient reactions. I’m more concerned with level-setting your expectations and taking care of your team members.

Touchpoints: 

• Losing patients will suck

• Why staying in touch with your patients is a requirement

• Plan to begin a year ahead of termination

• Are you ready to not just market but become a marketing machine?

• Your team can torpedo your out of network dreams

Going out of network may not be the answer for you right now. Or this could persuade you to take the leap. I have no skin in the game. I just want you to be successful in your chosen business model. Hope this helps!

Links: 

• Schedule a strategy session with me

• Mastering Dental Marketing with Sean Hamel

• Bite-Sized Social Media Strategies for Dental Teams with Rita Zamora

• Shake Up Your Marketing with Gary Bird of SMC National

• My events page

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Synergy Dental Partners believes in the podcast! They are offering to double their free trial offer for NTMT listeners. Synergy is a group purchasing organization (GPO) that lowers your expenses by leveraging their purchasing power.

https://www.odysseymgmt.com/synergy

NTMT listeners receive a 2 Month Free Trial + a 3rd Month if you buy anything from any vendor during the trial period. Also, new Darby customers receive a $200 Darby statement credit with a purchase. 

-------------

My new insurance course is out! Dental Insurance Design and Management is geared toward those who want to understand the how and why of insurance. As a loyal podcast listener, please use "NTMT" for a $75 courtesy toward your investment. 

-------------

Visit odysseymgmt.com to check out my book, webinars and courses.

-------------

Don’t forget to check out my other podcast Chew on This - A Dental Podcast! 

**If you like the show then I’d appreciate a good rating. Tell your friends. Even podcasters ask for referrals!**

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@odysseymgmt