On today’s episode, we have Tom Brown, a seasoned expert in dental marketing and the founder and CEO of Tom Brown Consulting. Tom shares his extensive experience in enhancing dental vendors' go-to-market strategies and his current role with My Dental SOP as a business advisor. The discussion delves into the significance of standard operating procedures (SOPs) in dental practices and how My Dental SOP helps digitize and streamline these processes for improved efficiency and consistency. Tom’s journey through the dental industry, including his pivotal role in the success of companies like LocalMed, provides valuable insights into effective communication and marketing within the dental sector. The episode is rich with advice for dental professionals on how to manage and grow their practices using strategic systemization and targeted messaging.

EPISODE RESOURCES

• mydentalsop.com
• https://www.truedentalsuccess.com
• Dental Success Network
• Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today’s episode, we’re joined by frequent guest and esteemed colleague, Dr. Ben Kacos. As they delve into the challenges and intricacies of running a large dental practice, Dr. Kacos shares insights from his role as a black belt coach, his experiences with staff and practice management, and his thoughts on leadership within the dental industry. The conversation also covers the exciting new developments at Dental Success Partners (DSP), where Dr. Kacos will play a pivotal role in enhancing the quality and consistency of care across the organization. This episode is packed with practical advice for dental professionals looking to enhance their practice management and leadership skills.

EPISODE RESOURCES

• https://shreveportsdentist.com
• https://www.truedentalsuccess.com
• Dental Success Network
• Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today’s episode, we have this two-part episode from the Dental Success Network's Lady Leaders series, titled “Tackling the Horrors of Hiring Office Managers & For All Positions,” speakers Ashlee Hirschfeld, Sydney Robinson, and Summer Kassmel delve into various crucial aspects of the recruitment process within dental practices. The first part focuses on the importance of aligning potential hires with the cultural values of the practice, emphasizing that cultural fit is often as significant as technical skills. The discussion also covers effective strategies for crafting engaging job advertisements that not only attract applicants but also ensure that they are the right fit for the dental practice's environment.

Furthermore, the speakers explore the use of preliminary assessments to screen candidates efficiently before progressing to the interview stage, which helps in narrowing down the applicant pool to those who are most likely to succeed in the given roles. Another significant point of discussion is the importance of setting clear expectations right from the start and providing comprehensive onboarding to ensure new hires integrate seamlessly into their roles and the practice's culture.

Lastly, they discuss various methods for advertising job openings, including adjusting where and how the ads are placed to optimize the quality of applicants and reduce hiring costs. This part of the discussion is particularly focused on leveraging different platforms and tailoring content to attract the most suitable candidates for the job.

EPISODE RESOURCES

• https://www.truedentalsuccess.com
• Dental Success Network
• Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today’s episode, we have the second part of the "Lady Leaders" series on "Tackling the Horrors of Hiring Office Managers & For All Positions," Ashlee Hirschfeld, Sydney Robinson, and Summer Kassmel continue to delve into the intricacies of hiring practices within dental offices, with a specific focus on the role of the Office Manager (OM). They emphasized the critical qualities and responsibilities that define an effective OM, underlining that leadership capabilities should be prioritized over mere seniority when considering promotions to management roles. This segment also tackled the hurdles that can arise when hiring an OM from outside the dental industry, stressing the necessity of seamless integration into the team.

The discussion further explored the concept of "extreme ownership," where OMs are encouraged to assume full accountability for the operational success of the practice. This approach fosters a proactive management style that can significantly influence the dynamics and efficiency of dental practices. Lastly, the speakers provided strategies for dealing with scenarios where an OM may not meet the practice's expectations. They discussed realigning the OM's responsibilities or, if necessary, transitioning them out of the role, ensuring that the management aligns well with the practice's goals and the team's needs. This session serves as a comprehensive guide for dental practices aiming to enhance their managerial hires and ensure their leaders contribute positively to their environments.

EPISODE RESOURCES

• https://www.truedentalsuccess.com
• Dental Success Network
• Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today’s part 3 episode, audience members had the unique opportunity to interact directly with Jocko Willink, posing insightful questions that delved deeper into his experiences and philosophies on leadership and management. The session began with Dr. Summer Kassmel asking about subtle, damaging traits in leaders, to which Jocko emphasized the destructive nature of ego and its ability to block personal and professional growth. He shared anecdotes from his time training SEAL teams, illustrating the critical need for humility and openness in effective leadership.

Another participant explored Jocko's recruitment strategies, particularly interested in how he assesses potential team members for his various business ventures. Jocko detailed the rigorous, real-world scenarios candidates are put through—dubbed the 'Jocotest'—to ensure they can handle the actual pressures and responsibilities of the job.

The discussion also covered how to maintain flexibility within standard operating procedures (SOPs) to avoid the rigidity that can stifle critical thinking and adaptability among team members. Jocko provided practical advice on ensuring SOPs allow for enough leeway to handle unexpected challenges effectively.

The session was not only a deep dive into the intricacies of leadership but also a testament to Jocko's profound impact on his listeners, many of whom expressed profound gratitude for the insights they had gained from his books and talks. His responses reinforced the importance of adaptability, preparation, and emotional intelligence in leadership—themes that resonated strongly with the professional audience at the summit.

EPISODE RESOURCES

• https://www.truedentalsuccess.com
• Dental Success Network
• Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today’s part 2 episode, recorded live at the 2024 Dental Success Summit in San Antonio, Texas, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Jocko Willink for a riveting discussion on leadership and change management. Jocko elaborates on his experience with instituting new processes within teams, particularly a more effective system of information collection during his military career. He emphasizes the importance of setting realistic expectations and being open to feedback to overcome resistance and enhance operational efficiency.

Jocko also explores the concept of 'dichotomy of leadership', sharing insights on how leaders can maintain balance and flexibility in their roles to foster a productive work environment. He highlights the need for leaders to recognize their emotional triggers and employ detachment techniques to remain calm and focused during high-pressure situations.

Furthermore, Jocko touches on the profound personal impacts of his military service, reflecting on the losses he endured and the deep appreciation for life these experiences instilled in him. He ties these reflections back to business and leadership, advocating for a focus on meaningful, people-centered goals rather than mere profit maximization.

EPISODE RESOURCES

• https://www.truedentalsuccess.com
• Dental Success Network
• Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today’s episode, recorded live at the 2024 Dental Success Summit, host Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Jocko Willink, a former U.S. Navy SEAL commander and celebrated author of "Extreme Ownership." The discussion dives deep into the principles of leadership and ownership, particularly how these concepts apply not only in the battlefield but also in professional settings such as dental practices. Jocko shares riveting stories from his military career, emphasizing the critical nature of true ownership and the dangers of micromanagement. The episode features a live Q&A session, offering attendees the unique opportunity to engage directly with Jocko's insights on leadership, resilience, and team management. This session is a must-listen for anyone interested in enhancing their leadership skills and understanding the profound impact of taking ownership at all levels of an organization.

EPISODE RESOURCES

• https://www.truedentalsuccess.com
• Dental Success Network
• Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today’s episode, we welcome back Dr. Chris Green, a dynamic dentist and entrepreneur who founded Green Dental Care in 2018. Dr. Green shares insights on his journey from starting a practice from scratch to experiencing rapid growth, leading to a strategic partnership in 2023. As a DSI black belt coach and co-founder of the Practice Launch Pad, Dr. Green offers a wealth of knowledge on effective dental practice management.

During their conversation, Dr. Green discusses his collaboration with Dr. Addison Killeen on a new book aimed at addressing current challenges in the dental workforce exacerbated by COVID-19. The book focuses on optimizing dental assistant training to enhance practice efficiency and patient care. Dr. Green elaborates on the structure of the upcoming manual, which includes comprehensive guides, tests, and digital resources to support both new and transitioning dental assistants.

Listeners will gain practical advice on creating a robust onboarding process, the importance of systematic training, and the integration of a tiered competence and compensation system. Dr. Green emphasizes the significance of adapting these systems to individual practice needs to foster a supportive and efficient work environment.

This episode is a must-listen for dental professionals seeking to elevate their practice through strategic staffing and operational excellence.

EPISODE RESOURCES

• https://www.thepracticelaunchpad.com
• https://www.truedentalsuccess.com
• Dental Success Network
• Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes catches up with Jake Conway, the analytics guru behind Custom Practice Analytics and a foundational figure at DSI. They reminisce about their early days as office mates and discuss the evolving challenges in dentistry post-COVID. As practices face new hurdles, Jake shares insights on the universal struggles dental offices are experiencing nationwide, from staffing to patient management. The conversation pivots to the critical role of effective practice analytics in navigating these changes and the benefits of having a supportive network to avoid isolation in problem-solving. Additionally, they touch on the strategic timing for practice expansion, the impact of patient no-shows, and how to maintain profitability through analytical decision-making. This dialogue not only dives deep into the financial and operational aspects of running a dental practice but also reinforces the importance of community and shared knowledge in the ever-changing landscape of dentistry.

EPISODE RESOURCES

• https://www.truedentalsuccess.com
• Dental Success Network
• Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today’s episode, Mark chats with Michael Lomotan, a co-founder and owner of the Dental Success Network. Michael brings a unique perspective to dentistry with over 20 years in corporate biotech before diving full-time into the dental world. In this episode, he shares his journey from being "the ultimate nerd" in biotech to playing a crucial role in the dental industry. Michael discusses his daily responsibilities, including managing vendor relations and ensuring profitability through strategic supply negotiations. He also reflects on the advantages of being deeply involved in a community like DSN, which leverages collective buying power to secure significant discounts for its members. This insightful conversation covers a range of topics from the nuances of vendor negotiations to the potential future impact of AI in dentistry. Whether you're looking to optimize your dental practice's operations or explore the intersections of technology and dentistry, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

EPISODE RESOURCES

• https://www.truedentalsuccess.com
• Dental Success Network
• Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today’s episode, we have another segment, in which Mark presents his presentation titled "Core Drivers of a World-Class Organization" at the Dental Success Summit 2024. In the final segment of his presentation, Mark honed in on the essence of leadership as the bedrock for creating a world-class organization. He simplified the concept, arguing that leadership isn't about charisma or grandeur, but about setting clear expectations, holding teams accountable, effective communication, and empathy. He moved on to discuss the 'seasons' of business, emphasizing that success requires periods of intense effort and sacrifice. During such times, he underscored the importance of having open lines of communication with family and significant others to ensure their understanding and support.

Furthermore, Mark tackled the common tendency to overcomplicate business. He stripped it back to the basics: revenue minus expenses equals profit, reminding attendees that it's not always about driving production but about managing profitability. He also addressed the importance of measuring and improving less tangible aspects of a business, such as leadership and culture, arguing that these can be methodically tracked and enhanced.

Sharing from personal experience, Mark cautioned against measuring success solely by wealth accumulation. He reflected on his own journey to financial success and the realization that it didn't bring the expected happiness or fulfillment, illustrating the importance of nurturing all aspects of life, not just financial ones.

Additionally, Mark recognized the value of charisma, the art of conversation, and the ability to build rapport and trust. He shared anecdotes to illustrate these points, including a memorable dinner with author Ryan Holiday and NBA executive R.C. Buford. He concluded by reinforcing the indispensable role of personal accountability in both personal growth and professional development, which would be further explored by guest speaker Jocko Willink. Throughout his talk, Mark's insights painted a picture of the multi-faceted nature of true success and the disciplined path to achieving it.

EPISODE RESOURCES

• https://www.truedentalsuccess.com
• Dental Success Network
• Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast