In this episode, I’m breaking down how to diagnose if you’re over-teamed or under producing and what to do about it. If you’ve got an advanced skill set—whether it’s ortho, implants, grafting, or molar root canals—you should be hitting at least $80,000 a month in production. If not, there are fundamental issues to address, and we’ll start by looking at team compensation, which should fall between 20-30% of collections. I’ll walk you through how to calculate this, including salaries, benefits, and taxes, and explain why focusing on major overhead areas is far more impactful than obsessing over saving a few bucks on supplies. Let’s dig into the metrics that will help you optimize your practice and boost profitability.

@01:00 - Understanding Team Compensation

@03:18 - Why Goals Are Hit or Miss

@07:34 - The Danger of Micro-Optimizing

@11:23 - Evaluating Your Practice

@18:40 - Taking Action

Who is Dr. Sully Sullivan?

Dr. Sully is a fourth-generation dentist from Nashville, Tn. After receiving his doctorate of dental surgery from the University of Tennessee, he moved back to Nashville to practice with his father. By continuing to invest in his education through adult orthodontics, soft tissue grafting, dental implants, third molar extractions, and obstructive sleep apnea, he helped double his practice in just 24 months.

As a millennial, he truly believes in working smarter not harder, which has led him to utilize technology to not only deliver better patient care but more efficient care. Dr. Sullivan regularly uses CEREC, 3D imaging with Galileos, 3D printing, and multiple lasers. In addition to his practice, he started the Millennial Dentist Podcast in February of 2017 to help push his fellow colleagues to take their dental careers to the next level. Dr. Sully lectures around the country on cone beam technology, cad/cam dentistry, obstructive sleep apnea, and practice management. He is also an ambassador for the 3D-Dentist teaching facility in Raleigh, NC.

As always, thanks so much for listening! If you like the show, we would love for you to review the show on Apple Podcasts as well as spread the word! If you have any questions or want to get in touch, shoot me an email at [email protected] 

Links and Resources

Email: [email protected] 

The Millennial Dentist Website: http://millennialdentist.com/ 

Millennial Dentist Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MillennialDentist 

Millennial Dentist Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/millennialdentist/

In this episode of the Millennial Dentist Podcast, I share my personal journey in dentistry and how real-life experiences shape my approach to patient care. I discuss the vital role of numbing and sedation in ensuring our patients are comfortable during their dental procedures. Drawing from my time in a growing practice, I emphasize that achieving profound numbness is key to effective sedation, as insufficient numbing can lead to discomfort and a less efficient process. I also candidly question why some practitioners underutilize anesthetics and encourage a more generous approach to ensure every patient feels at ease. 

@00:52 - Essentials of Sedation

@03:22 - Pre-Operative Routine

@07:22 - Half vs. Full Sedation

@09:48 - Sedation Protocols

@14:01 - Key Takeaways

Who is Dr. Sully Sullivan?

Dr. Sully is a fourth-generation dentist from Nashville, Tn. After receiving his doctorate of dental surgery from the University of Tennessee, he moved back to Nashville to practice with his father. By continuing to invest in his education through adult orthodontics, soft tissue grafting, dental implants, third molar extractions, and obstructive sleep apnea, he helped double his practice in just 24 months.

As a millennial, he truly believes in working smarter not harder, which has led him to utilize technology to not only deliver better patient care but more efficient care. Dr. Sullivan regularly uses CEREC, 3D imaging with Galileos, 3D printing, and multiple lasers. In addition to his practice, he started the Millennial Dentist Podcast in February of 2017 to help push his fellow colleagues to take their dental careers to the next level. Dr. Sully lectures around the country on cone beam technology, cad/cam dentistry, obstructive sleep apnea, and practice management. He is also an ambassador for the 3D-Dentist teaching facility in Raleigh, NC.

As always, thanks so much for listening! If you like the show, we would love for you to review the show on Apple Podcasts as well as spread the word! If you have any questions or want to get in touch, shoot me an email at [email protected] 

Links and Resources

Email: [email protected] 

The Millennial Dentist Website: http://millennialdentist.com/ 

Millennial Dentist Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MillennialDentist 

Millennial Dentist Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/millennialdentist/

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the real, less glamorous side of running a dental practice. After taking a brief break, I found myself navigating a challenging week filled with unexpected team drama, which reminded me that not everything in dentistry is as perfect as it seems on social media. Inspired by a candid conversation with a fellow doctor about the inevitable “suck” we all face, I dive into how I handle these tough moments while still striving for balance.

I share insights on the importance of being present, managing team dynamics, and embracing the grind, even when it gets tough. This episode serves as a reminder that we’re all human, and that those challenging weeks are just part of the journey toward building a successful practice. 

@00:52 - The "Suck"

@02:25 - Weekly Summary

@06:26 - Understanding Daily Challenges

@10:22 - Escalating Drama: Staff Shortages

@11:59 - Key Takeaways and Realizations

Who is Dr. Sully Sullivan?

Dr. Sully is a fourth-generation dentist from Nashville, Tn. After receiving his doctorate of dental surgery from the University of Tennessee, he moved back to Nashville to practice with his father. By continuing to invest in his education through adult orthodontics, soft tissue grafting, dental implants, third molar extractions, and obstructive sleep apnea, he helped double his practice in just 24 months.

As a millennial, he truly believes in working smarter not harder, which has led him to utilize technology to not only deliver better patient care but more efficient care. Dr. Sullivan regularly uses CEREC, 3D imaging with Galileos, 3D printing, and multiple lasers. In addition to his practice, he started the Millennial Dentist Podcast in February of 2017 to help push his fellow colleagues to take their dental careers to the next level. Dr. Sully lectures around the country on cone beam technology, cad/cam dentistry, obstructive sleep apnea, and practice management. He is also an ambassador for the 3D-Dentist teaching facility in Raleigh, NC.

As always, thanks so much for listening! If you like the show, we would love for you to review the show on Apple Podcasts as well as spread the word! If you have any questions or want to get in touch, shoot me an email at [email protected] 

Links and Resources

Email: [email protected] 

The Millennial Dentist Website: http://millennialdentist.com/ 

Millennial Dentist Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MillennialDentist 

Millennial Dentist Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/millennialdentist/ 

In this episode, we explore the importance of understanding when and how to delegate leadership roles in your practice. Whether you're trying to decide if it's time to hire an office manager or just wondering how to manage your current team, we dive into common misconceptions, practical benchmarks, and the strategic steps you need to take before making that call. Learn why handing over responsibilities too soon can lead to inefficiencies and what you should be focused on first before bringing on an office manager.

@01:52 - Starting Out

@04:50 - The Office Manager Myth

@09:32 - Building Team Leaders

@14:56 - When to Delegate

@20:10 - Leadership & Accountability

Who is Dr. Sully Sullivan?

Dr. Sully is a fourth-generation dentist from Nashville, Tn. After receiving his doctorate of dental surgery from the University of Tennessee, he moved back to Nashville to practice with his father. By continuing to invest in his education through adult orthodontics, soft tissue grafting, dental implants, third molar extractions, and obstructive sleep apnea, he helped double his practice in just 24 months.

As a millennial, he truly believes in working smarter not harder, which has led him to utilize technology to not only deliver better patient care but more efficient care. Dr. Sullivan regularly uses CEREC, 3D imaging with Galileos, 3D printing, and multiple lasers. In addition to his practice, he started the Millennial Dentist Podcast in February of 2017 to help push his fellow colleagues to take their dental careers to the next level. Dr. Sully lectures around the country on cone beam technology, cad/cam dentistry, obstructive sleep apnea, and practice management. He is also an ambassador for the 3D-Dentist teaching facility in Raleigh, NC.

As always, thanks so much for listening! If you like the show, we would love for you to review the show on Apple Podcasts as well as spread the word! If you have any questions or want to get in touch, shoot me an email at [email protected] 

Links and Resources

Email: [email protected] 

The Millennial Dentist Website: http://millennialdentist.com/ 

Millennial Dentist Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MillennialDentist 

Millennial Dentist Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/millennialdentist/

In this episode of the Millennial Dentist Podcast, I'm diving into a topic that's crucial for every dental practice—how to balance your schedule in a way that maintains consistent production, even when the economy isn't on your side. I’ll be talking about why it's so important to set both minimum and maximum production goals to keep things stable and avoid the rollercoaster of fluctuating income from month to month.

I'll also share some of the challenges we face as dentists when the supply of our services starts to outpace demand. This is something I’ve experienced personally, and I’ll walk you through some strategies for managing practice expenses while keeping your goals in check. I’m not a fan of traditional goal-setting methods that give you just one target to aim for—so, in this episode, I’ll explain a more strategic approach that helps you grow your business while also leveling up your skills.

@01:16 - Downside of Goals

@06:09 - Ability to Afford Yourself

@08:30 - Recap

@10:13 - Fixing the Schedule

@15:03 - Long-Term Goals as Associate

Who is Dr. Sully Sullivan?

Dr. Sully is a fourth-generation dentist from Nashville, Tn. After receiving his doctorate of dental surgery from the University of Tennessee, he moved back to Nashville to practice with his father. By continuing to invest in his education through adult orthodontics, soft tissue grafting, dental implants, third molar extractions, and obstructive sleep apnea, he helped double his practice in just 24 months.

As a millennial, he truly believes in working smarter not harder, which has led him to utilize technology to not only deliver better patient care but more efficient care. Dr. Sullivan regularly uses CEREC, 3D imaging with Galileos, 3D printing, and multiple lasers. In addition to his practice, he started the Millennial Dentist Podcast in February of 2017 to help push his fellow colleagues to take their dental careers to the next level. Dr. Sully lectures around the country on cone beam technology, cad/cam dentistry, obstructive sleep apnea, and practice management. He is also an ambassador for the 3D-Dentist teaching facility in Raleigh, NC.

As always, thanks so much for listening! If you like the show, we would love for you to review the show on Apple Podcasts as well as spread the word! If you have any questions or want to get in touch, shoot me an email at [email protected] 

Links and Resources

Email: [email protected] 

The Millennial Dentist Website: http://millennialdentist.com/ 

Millennial Dentist Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MillennialDentist 

Millennial Dentist Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/millennialdentist/

In this episode, I share the importance of guiding patients toward case acceptance before overwhelming them with treatment details. Often, young doctors and new associates make the mistake of diving into the who, what, why, and how of treatment before patients have even agreed to move forward, which can feel more like sales than patient care. We need to know the value of presenting clear options first and waiting for the patient to commit before offering detailed explanations. By shifting this approach, dentists can build stronger patient relationships and improve treatment acceptance rates. 

@01:15 Case Acceptance Before Details

@04:34 Prioritizing Case Acceptance

@07:02 Example: Patient Funnel

@09:02 Example: Educating Patients

@12:00 Game-Changing Approach

Who is Dr. Sully Sullivan?

Dr. Sully is a fourth-generation dentist from Nashville, Tn. After receiving his doctorate of dental surgery from the University of Tennessee, he moved back to Nashville to practice with his father. By continuing to invest in his education through adult orthodontics, soft tissue grafting, dental implants, third molar extractions, and obstructive sleep apnea, he helped double his practice in just 24 months.

As a millennial, he truly believes in working smarter not harder, which has led him to utilize technology to not only deliver better patient care but more efficient care. Dr. Sullivan regularly uses CEREC, 3D imaging with Galileos, 3D printing, and multiple lasers. In addition to his practice, he started the Millennial Dentist Podcast in February of 2017 to help push his fellow colleagues to take their dental careers to the next level. Dr. Sully lectures around the country on cone beam technology, cad/cam dentistry, obstructive sleep apnea, and practice management. He is also an ambassador for the 3D-Dentist teaching facility in Raleigh, NC.

As always, thanks so much for listening! If you like the show, we would love for you to review the show on Apple Podcasts as well as spread the word! If you have any questions or want to get in touch, shoot me an email at [email protected] 

Links and Resources

Email: [email protected] 

The Millennial Dentist Website: http://millennialdentist.com/ 

Millennial Dentist Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MillennialDentist 

Millennial Dentist Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/millennialdentist/

In this episode of the Millennial Dentist Podcast, I dive into the challenges of dental partnerships and how to avoid conflicts that can hurt your practice. From my own experience, I share tips on setting clear expectations when starting a partnership or bringing on associates to prevent issues down the road. I also talk about the process of transitioning an associate into a partner and how to make sure the agreements are fair for everyone involved. 

Additionally, I explain how we handle lab bills in our Sarek office, where associates save on costs while maintaining quality. This episode is full of practical advice on keeping partnerships strong and transparent to help your practice thrive.

Be sure to join the conversation on the 3D Dentist App for even more great discussions!

@01:12 - 3D Dentist App

@02:00 - Lab Bills and Sarek Compensation

@04:14 - Lab Costs and Partnership Splits

@07:44 - Balancing Lab Costs in Partnerships

@10:10 - Partnership Disagreements and Finances

Who is Dr. Sully Sullivan?

Dr. Sully is a fourth-generation dentist from Nashville, Tn. After receiving his doctorate of dental surgery from the University of Tennessee, he moved back to Nashville to practice with his father. By continuing to invest in his education through adult orthodontics, soft tissue grafting, dental implants, third molar extractions, and obstructive sleep apnea, he helped double his practice in just 24 months.

As a millennial, he truly believes in working smarter not harder, which has led him to utilize technology to not only deliver better patient care but more efficient care. Dr. Sullivan regularly uses CEREC, 3D imaging with Galileos, 3D printing, and multiple lasers. In addition to his practice, he started the Millennial Dentist Podcast in February of 2017 to help push his fellow colleagues to take their dental careers to the next level. Dr. Sully lectures around the country on cone beam technology, cad/cam dentistry, obstructive sleep apnea, and practice management. He is also an ambassador for the 3D-Dentist teaching facility in Raleigh, NC.

As always, thanks so much for listening! If you like the show, we would love for you to review the show on Apple Podcasts as well as spread the word! If you have any questions or want to get in touch, shoot me an email at [email protected] 

Links and Resources

Email: [email protected] 

The Millennial Dentist Website: http://millennialdentist.com/ 

Millennial Dentist Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MillennialDentist 

Millennial Dentist Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/millennialdentist/

In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Allie Frounfelter and we talk about the importance of mastering the fundamentals of dental preparation, emphasizing that prepping multiple teeth can be as straightforward as prepping a single one with the right understanding. We explore how understanding tooth positioning and occlusion can simplify complex procedures, enabling dentists to treat patients more confidently. We discuss the value of empowering dental team members by providing opportunities for growth, allowing them to excel and become integral parts of high-end dental practices. 

Check out the 3D Dentist Pro app:

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=three.d.dentistspro&hl=en_US&pli=1 

iOS: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/3d-dentists-pro/id6495485556 

Desktop: https://pro.3d-dentists.com/home 

Connect with Dr. Allie Frounfelter via Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralliefrounfelter/ 

@01:30 Who is Dr. Allie Frounfelter?

@05:25 Being Confident

@09:28 Team Growth

@13:42 Workflow Process

@24:11 3D Dentist Pro

Who is Dr. Sully Sullivan?

Dr. Sully is a fourth-generation dentist from Nashville, Tn. After receiving his doctorate of dental surgery from the University of Tennessee, he moved back to Nashville to practice with his father. By continuing to invest in his education through adult orthodontics, soft tissue grafting, dental implants, third molar extractions, and obstructive sleep apnea, he helped double his practice in just 24 months.

As a millennial, he truly believes in working smarter not harder, which has led him to utilize technology to not only deliver better patient care but more efficient care. Dr. Sullivan regularly uses CEREC, 3D imaging with Galileos, 3D printing, and multiple lasers. In addition to his practice, he started the Millennial Dentist Podcast in February of 2017 to help push his fellow colleagues to take their dental careers to the next level. Dr. Sully lectures around the country on cone beam technology, cad/cam dentistry, obstructive sleep apnea, and practice management. He is also an ambassador for the 3D-Dentist teaching facility in Raleigh, NC.

As always, thanks so much for listening! If you like the show, we would love for you to review the show on Apple Podcasts as well as spread the word! If you have any questions or want to get in touch, shoot me an email at [email protected] 

Links and Resources

Email: [email protected] 

The Millennial Dentist Website: http://millennialdentist.com/ 

Millennial Dentist Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MillennialDentist 

Millennial Dentist Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/millennialdentist/

In this episode, I talk about the saying "the devil is in the details" and how focusing too much on small details can slow us down. I share stories from my own practice, where trying to get every detail perfect caused more problems than it solved. Instead, I suggest a simpler approach that focuses on what really matters, helping us work more efficiently and grow our practices. I believe in making things easier, trusting our team, and keeping the big picture in mind so we can keep improving and moving forward.

@02:04 The Devil in the Details

@03:50 A Real-Life Example

@06:39 How I Grew My Practice

@08:02 The Challenge

@11:46 Setting the Standard for Excellence

Who is Dr. Sully Sullivan?

Dr. Sully is a fourth-generation dentist from Nashville, Tn. After receiving his doctorate of dental surgery from the University of Tennessee, he moved back to Nashville to practice with his father. By continuing to invest in his education through adult orthodontics, soft tissue grafting, dental implants, third molar extractions, and obstructive sleep apnea, he helped double his practice in just 24 months.

As a millennial, he truly believes in working smarter not harder, which has led him to utilize technology to not only deliver better patient care but more efficient care. Dr. Sullivan regularly uses CEREC, 3D imaging with Galileos, 3D printing, and multiple lasers. In addition to his practice, he started the Millennial Dentist Podcast in February of 2017 to help push his fellow colleagues to take their dental careers to the next level. Dr. Sully lectures around the country on cone beam technology, cad/cam dentistry, obstructive sleep apnea, and practice management. He is also an ambassador for the 3D-Dentist teaching facility in Raleigh, NC.

As always, thanks so much for listening! If you like the show, we would love for you to review the show on Apple Podcasts as well as spread the word! If you have any questions or want to get in touch, shoot me an email at [email protected] 

Links and Resources

Email: [email protected] 

The Millennial Dentist Website: http://millennialdentist.com/ 

Millennial Dentist Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MillennialDentist 

Millennial Dentist Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/millennialdentist/ 

In this episode of the Millennial Dentist Podcast, we explore the importance of effective communication in dentistry and its impact on patient outcomes. Emphasizing the need for clear and precise treatment planning and collaboration with labs, we discuss how to achieve exceptional results. The approach to mentoring young dentists is shared, highlighting the balance between freedom and guidance to prevent clinical failures and enhance learning experiences. 

@01:39 Clinical Focus and Effective Communication

@02:21 Mentoring Approach and Case Study

@03:03 Preventing Clinical Failures

@07:12 Good Lab Partnership

@11:08 Working with One Lab Team

Who is Dr. Sully Sullivan?

Dr. Sully is a fourth-generation dentist from Nashville, Tn. After receiving his doctorate of dental surgery from the University of Tennessee, he moved back to Nashville to practice with his father. By continuing to invest in his education through adult orthodontics, soft tissue grafting, dental implants, third molar extractions, and obstructive sleep apnea, he helped double his practice in just 24 months.

As a millennial, he truly believes in working smarter not harder, which has led him to utilize technology to not only deliver better patient care but more efficient care. Dr. Sullivan regularly uses CEREC, 3D imaging with Galileos, 3D printing, and multiple lasers. In addition to his practice, he started the Millennial Dentist Podcast in February of 2017 to help push his fellow colleagues to take their dental careers to the next level. Dr. Sully lectures around the country on cone beam technology, cad/cam dentistry, obstructive sleep apnea, and practice management. He is also an ambassador for the 3D-Dentist teaching facility in Raleigh, NC.

As always, thanks so much for listening! If you like the show, we would love for you to review the show on Apple Podcasts as well as spread the word! If you have any questions or want to get in touch, shoot me an email at [email protected] 

Links and Resources

Email: [email protected] 

The Millennial Dentist Website: http://millennialdentist.com/ 

Millennial Dentist Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MillennialDentist 

Millennial Dentist Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/millennialdentist/ 

In this episode, Kirk Behrendt and I  talked about my story of becoming a key figure in dental education through my podcast. I discuss the importance of understanding patient perspectives and making informed treatment presentations. Emphasizing the need for dentists to avoid projecting their value systems onto patients and to respect individual financial situations. This approach not only fosters trust but also helps in presenting comprehensive dentistry without pressuring for high case acceptance rates. 

@02:33 Who is Sully Sullivan?

@06:00 How the new generation of dentists will change the game.

@10:00 Increasing production to earn more.

@19:09 Training the team to be patient-centric.

@28:36 Millennial business tips.

Who is Dr. Sully Sullivan?

Dr. Sully is a fourth-generation dentist from Nashville, Tn. After receiving his doctorate of dental surgery from the University of Tennessee, he moved back to Nashville to practice with his father. By continuing to invest in his education through adult orthodontics, soft tissue grafting, dental implants, third molar extractions, and obstructive sleep apnea, he helped double his practice in just 24 months.

As a millennial, he truly believes in working smarter not harder, which has led him to utilize technology to not only deliver better patient care but more efficient care. Dr. Sullivan regularly uses CEREC, 3D imaging with Galileos, 3D printing, and multiple lasers. In addition to his practice, he started the Millennial Dentist Podcast in February of 2017 to help push his fellow colleagues to take their dental careers to the next level. Dr. Sully lectures around the country on cone beam technology, cad/cam dentistry, obstructive sleep apnea, and practice management. He is also an ambassador for the 3D-Dentist teaching facility in Raleigh, NC.

As always, thanks so much for listening! If you like the show, we would love for you to review the show on Apple Podcasts as well as spread the word! If you have any questions or want to get in touch, shoot me an email at [email protected] 

Links and Resources

Email: [email protected] 

The Millennial Dentist Website: http://millennialdentist.com/ 

Millennial Dentist Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MillennialDentist 

Millennial Dentist Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/millennialdentist/