Bulletproof Dental Practice

The Bulletproof Dental Podcast Episode 351   HOSTS: Dr. Peter Boulden & Dr. Craig Spodak GUESTS: Paul Vigario   DESCRIPTION Join Dr. Peter Boulden and Dr. Craig Spodak in a captivating conversation with Paul Vigario, Founder of Surf CT. Explore the trio's longstanding friendship, their journeys in dentistry, and the imperative of thinking innovatively in the field. Discover insights on the dental industry's landscape, financial hurdles, and the power of data-driven choices. Paul delves into the future of dentistry, advocating for brand-building, streamlined systems, and embracing technological advancements. Uncover strategies for designing visionary practices, fostering exceptional patient experiences, and achieving extraordinary success in dentistry. Don't miss this enlightening discussion!   TAKEAWAYS Long-standing friendships in dentistry can create deep bonds and support during challenging times. The dental industry is worth $200 billion and is controlled by corporations that prioritize sh

The Bulletproof Dental Podcast Episode 350   HOSTS: Dr. Peter Boulden & Dr. Craig Spodak     DESCRIPTION Deciding on Practice Ownership: Risk or Reward? Join Dr. Peter Boulden and Dr. Craig Spodak as they tackle a critical decision: buying a dental practice. With a net profit of $188,000 and a 40% associate earnings, is it a smart move? Explore the nuances of practice ownership, from analyzing historical data to navigating projections. Dive into the risks, rewards, and personal impacts of this pivotal choice. Plus, gain invaluable insights on financial literacy, learning from mistakes, and the future of dentistry. Don't miss this enlightening discussion!    TAKEAWAYS Buying a dental practice should be carefully considered, weighing the risks and rewards. Analyzing historical data is crucial in evaluating the true value and potential of a practice. Relying solely on projections can be misleading and may not reflect the actual performance of the practice. Consider the key man risk and the impac

The Bulletproof Dental Podcast Episode 349   HOSTS: Dr. Peter Boulden & Dr. Craig Spodak GUESTS:  Dr. Dwight Peccora & Dr. Trey Tippit     DESCRIPTION Our Fearsome Four explores the advancements in AI, specifically focusing on the launch of GPT-4 and its potential impact on various industries. We discuss examples of how AI can disrupt education, customer service, and language translation. The conversation highlights AI technology's exponential growth and improvement and its potential to transform various aspects of our lives.  Additionally, we tackle the need for regulations and consent in implementing AI in dental practices.   TAKEAWAYS AI technology, particularly GPT-4, is advancing rapidly and has the potential to disrupt various industries. Examples of AI applications include AI tutoring, customer service, and language translation. AI has the potential to revolutionize dentistry and improve patient experiences. The exponential growth and improvement of AI technology suggest that it

The Bulletproof Dental Podcast Episode 348   HOSTS: Dr. Peter Boulden & Dr. Craig Spodak     DESCRIPTION Join Craig and Peter as they discuss rural practices in rural versus urban area and the challenges and advantages of practicing in rural markets. Also, a concerning trend in dentistry: the rise of non-dentist veneer technicians, or 'near-techs.' These individuals, with minimal training, are illegally placing veneers on patients using nail supplies and acrylic. Craig and Peter express their frustration with the lack of protection for the dental profession and the potential harm caused by these unqualified practitioners.   TAKEAWAYS Rural dentists are three times busier than dentists in urban areas, highlighting the demand for dental services in rural markets. The rise of non-dentist veneer technicians, or 'near-techs,' is a concerning trend in dentistry, as these individuals are illegally placing veneers on patients with minimal training. The dental profession needs better protection and

The Bulletproof Dental Podcast Episode 347   HOSTS: Dr. Peter Boulden & Dr. Craig Spodak GUESTS:  Dr. Sulman Ahmed   DESCRIPTION This week's episode of the Bulletproof Dental Practice podcast welcomes Dr. Sulman Ahmed, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of DECA Dental Group. Discover Dr. Ahmed's expertise in building a patient-centered organization with around 200 locations across nine states. Learn from his leadership insights and personal career achievements, including prestigious awards like EY Entrepreneur of the Year and Glassdoor's Top CEOs. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights from a trailblazer in the dental industry.   TAKEAWAYS Hard work, perseverance, and vulnerability are key to achieving success. Success is a journey, and it takes time and continuous growth to reach new levels. Giving back and helping others is a fulfilling way to create a legacy. Fatherhood can take different forms and evolve over time, with each individual having their own parenting style and experien

The Bulletproof Dental Podcast: Bonus Episode! HOSTS: Dr. Peter Boulden & Dr. Craig Spodak GUESTS:  Chase Howard   DESCRIPTION BREAKING NEWS! Join us as we welcome Chase Howard for an impromptu bonus episode to discuss the recent news surrounding the FTC and non-compete agreements.    TAKEAWAYS The FTC is attempting to ban non-compete agreements, which could have a significant impact on the dentistry industry. Existing non-compete agreements will still be enforceable until the employee leaves the practice. Non-solicitation agreements may become more important for protecting patient and staff retention. The ban does not apply to the sale of practices or certain high-level executives. Dentists should consider revisiting their associate agreements and focusing on other protections such as training costs, non-disclosure agreements, and protecting intellectual property.   CHAPTERS 00:00 - The FTC's Attempt to Ban Non-Compete Agreements 06:54 - Exceptions to the Non-Compete Ban: Sale of Pract

The Bulletproof Dental Podcast Episode 345   HOSTS: Dr. Peter Boulden and Dr. Craig Spodak GUESTS: Dr. Trey Tippit and Dr. Dwight Peccora   DESCRIPTION In this episode, our Fearsome Four is back in full force as we discuss the state of dentistry in 2024 based on data from Dental Intel. We explore topics such as the stability of practices, the impact of inflation on the industry, and the increase in cancellations and no-shows. We emphasize the importance of tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) and implementing strategies to improve patient engagement and reduce no-shows. We also highlight the need for dentists to focus on their mental and emotional well-being to navigate the challenges of running a dental practice.   TAKEAWAYS The state of dentistry in 2024 shows a stratification, with top performers doing better than ever and bottom performers struggling. The average practice is experiencing more cancellations and no-shows than ever before, which can be attributed to factors such as lack o

The Bulletproof Dental Podcast Episode 344 HOSTS: Dr. Peter Boulden  GUESTS: Dr. Trey Tippit and Dr. Dwight Peccora   Join us as we break down the well know Harvard Business Review: "Who's got the Monkey" and apply it to the world of delegation, boundaries, and time management in the dental practice. We explore the concept of 'monkeys' - those pesky tasks or problems we delegate to others - and provide invaluable insights on effective delegation strategies and problem-solving techniques. From setting clear expectations to fostering open communication, we'll uncover the keys to preventing monkeys from taking over your work life. Get ready to empower yourself and your team to tackle challenges head-on while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.   TAKEAWAYS Delegation is essential for effective management and growth in any organization. Setting boundaries and managing expectations are crucial for preventing tasks and problems from becoming overwhelming. Clear communication and time management are ke

The Bulletproof Dental Podcast Episode 343 HOSTS: Dr. Peter Boulden and Dr. Craig Spodak   TAKEAWAYS Comprehensive diagnosis is essential, but effective delivery of treatment plans is equally important. Recording consultations can help dentists improve their presentation skills. Fear of rejection and discomfort can hinder effective enrollment. Empathy and understanding the patient's perspective are crucial in the enrollment process. Body language and context play a significant role in treatment presentations. Use patient-benefited language and avoid technical jargon to effectively communicate with patients. Record frequently asked questions and provide videos or resources to patients prior to consultations. The belief set and confidence of the doctor are important factors in patient acceptance. Storytelling and leadership can engage patients and build trust. Avoid talking to patients in a supine position and consider using consultation rooms for treatment presentations. Establish a smooth pat

The Bulletproof Dental Podcast Episode 342 HOSTS: Dr. Peter Boulden GUESTS:  Dr. Trey Tippit and Dr. Dwight Peccora   TAKEAWAYS Understanding the differences between acquisitions and startups is crucial in making informed decisions. Financial factors such as revenue, debt-to-revenue ratio, and cash flow play a significant role in acquisitions. Operational efficiencies and utilization rates are key metrics to consider in underperforming practices. Determining the purchase price based on body count can help in evaluating the value of an acquisition. Body count, or the active patient count, is an important metric to consider when evaluating an acquisition. Different metrics, such as average production per patient visit, can provide insights into the efficiency of a practice. Addressing attrition and periodontal disease is crucial in maintaining patient retention and improving overall oral health. Using effective verbiage and communication techniques can help navigate uncomfortable conversations wi

The Bulletproof Dental Podcast Episode 341 HOSTS: Dr. Peter Boulden & Dr. Craig Spodak GUESTS:   Dr. Trey Tippit and Dr. Dwight Peccora   TAKEAWAYS AI has the potential to revolutionize dentistry by analyzing documents and providing financial insights. Dentists can benefit from AI tools like chat GPT and copilot for financial management and analysis. Business education is crucial for dentists to succeed in managing their practices and making informed financial decisions. The transition from clinical dentistry to business ownership requires a shift in mindset and the acquisition of business skills. Minimizing student loans and financial planning are essential for dentists to achieve financial freedom and career opportunities. Debt can be a useful tool for dentists, but it requires a strategic mindset and the ability to manage it effectively. Board complaints are a common occurrence in dentistry and should not be seen as a reflection of a dentist's skills or abilities. Malpractice insurance p

The Bulletproof Dental Podcast Episode 340 HOSTS: Dr. Peter Boulden & Dr. Craig Spodak GUESTS:  Randy Smith   TAKEAWAYS Quality sponsors are crucial in real estate investments to ensure success and minimize capital loss. Investing in real estate should be a long-term strategy focused on steady cash flow and high-quality deals. Diversification is important in real estate investing to spread risk and maximize returns. Tax advantages, such as depreciation, make real estate investing an attractive option for wealth accumulation. Supporting charities, such as Warrior Sailing, can provide a sense of fulfillment and make a positive impact.   Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Favorite Places 00:30 - Different Types of Real Estate Investment 05:42 - The Challenges of Direct Ownership 08:20 - Why Real Estate is a Wealth-Building Asset 09:16 - Different Types of Real Estate Investments 21:47 - The Importance of Diversification 23:34 - The Risks and Rewards of Real Estate Investing 27:48 - Educa

 The Bulletproof Dental Podcast Episode 339 HOSTS: Dr. Peter Boulden & Dr. Craig Spodak GUEST: Brian Colao   TAKEAWAYS The dental industry is experiencing a shift towards same store growth as M&A activity becomes more constrained. Understanding your EBITDA is crucial for practice growth and valuation. Culture plays a significant role in practice value and patient satisfaction. Innovation, technology, and AI are driving same store growth and improving patient care. Joining a DSO can provide dentists with more opportunities for career advancement and financial stability. Working for a DSO can provide greater job security and protection against unpaid wages compared to private dental offices. DSOs have better quality control measures in place, ensuring a higher standard of care for patients. The dental profession is expected to become more consolidated, with DSOs accounting for a larger percentage of practices. As consolidation increases, valuations are likely to rise due to decreased su

The Bulletproof Dental Podcast Episode 338 HOSTS: Dr. Peter Boulden & Dr. Craig Spodak GUESTS:  Ophir Tanz   TAKEAWAYS Ophir’s introduction and background Applying powerful technology to industry Identify early to treat accurately Quality care beings with accurate diagnosis AI can help dentists accurately diagnose conditions such as caries and periodontal lesions. AI tools can enhance patient communication by providing visual aids and animations. The future of dentistry will likely involve the integration of AI into routine dental practice.   CHAPTERS 00:00 - Introduction and Background 02:04 - The start of Pearl AI 06:25 - The need for AI in dentistry and the impact of AI in diagnosis and treatment acceptance 08:13 - Using AI to improve patient communication 09:33 - The importance of accurate diagnosis 19:11 - The future of dentistry and AI 25:11 - The Importance of Addressing Tooth Wear 28:00 - The role, future, and impact of AI in Dentistry 37:19 - The Role of AI in quality ass

The Bulletproof Dental Podcast Episode 337   HOSTS: Dr. Peter Boulden & Dr. Craig Spodak GUESTS: Trey Tippit and Dwight Peccora   TAKEAWAYS Exploring innovative ideas can lead to improvements in dental practice. Dentistry as a service can enhance the patient experience and create a stronger connection with the practice. Self-service dental offices can provide convenience and efficiency for patients. Personalized video outreach can help retain patients and improve communication. Addressing the issue of consolidation in the dental industry can benefit dentists and promote independent practices. Incentivizing the dental team for results can help maintain growth and motivate employees. Utilizing a real-time incentive and bonus structure app can provide employees with up-to-date information on their performance and encourage them to achieve their goals. Implementing a dashboard for real-time tracking can help dental practices monitor key performance indicators and make data-driven decisions. Ga

The Bulletproof Podcast Episode 336   HOSTS: Dr. Peter Boulden & Dr. Craig Spodak GUEST: Dr. Trey Tippit   TAKEAWAYS Building trust within a dental team is crucial for effective communication and collaboration. Addressing conflicts directly and openly can lead to better understanding and resolution. Commitment to the practice's goals and values is essential for team members to work together effectively. Creating a culture of accountability helps ensure that everyone takes responsibility for their actions and tasks. Decentralization and accountability are essential as a practice scales. Inattention to results can lead to stagnation and failure to grow. Motivating the team and creating alignment are crucial for success. Working on the business and involving the team are key aspects of effective leadership. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Mastermind Retreat 05:57 - Common Themes in Dental Practices 08:21 - Absence of Trust 15:48 - Fear of Conflict 20:29 - Lack of Commitment 26:54 -

The Bulletproof Dental Podcast Episode 335 HOSTS: Dr. Peter Boulden & Dr. Craig Spodak   GUESTS:  Leo and Zach   TAKEAWAYS Dentists should have a basic understanding of SEO to avoid being taken advantage of by outside vendors. User experience is a crucial factor in SEO, and dentists should focus on providing a seamless and valuable experience for their website visitors. AI is becoming increasingly important in SEO, but it should be used as a tool for curation rather than a replacement for human input. Dentists should be cautious of plagiarized content and strive to create original and valuable content for their websites. User experience and authority are crucial for generating valuable content. Strategic marketing, which considers the synergy between different elements, is more effective than tactical marketing. The four metrics to measure marketing success are: more eyes on the content, click-through rate, conversion rate, and sales. Mastering topical relevance is essential for improving search

The Bulletproof Dental Practice Podcast Episode 334   HOSTS: Dr. Peter Boulden & Dr. Craig Spodak     TAKEAWAYS The dental industry is facing challenges such as a wage gap between dentists and hygienists, a changing market outlook, and the need to adapt to new technologies and consumer preferences.   Convenience, technology, and marketing play a crucial role in the success of dental practices, and the use of AI and automation can provide a competitive advantage.   The future of dentistry may involve a shift towards a hybrid model of acquisitions and de novos, with an emphasis on adding organizational value and creating a differentiated brand.   Partnerships can be beneficial if the right partner is chosen, but it is important to carefully consider the terms and goals of the partnership.   Job opportunities in dentistry exist, and dentists should consider their own goals and values when deciding on their career path.       REFERENCES Bulletproof Summit Bulletproof Dental Practice

  The Bulletproof Dental Practice Podcast Episode 333 HOSTS: Dr. Peter Boulden & Dr. Craig Spodak     TAKEAWAYS Recognize the difference between real goals and mere wishes by observing changes in physiology. Set specific and challenging goals to engage the brain's dopamine circuitry. Write down goals in your handwriting to activate ancestral neural pathways. Keep goals to yourself to avoid premature dopamine release and maintain motivation. Visualize both success and failure to increase the likelihood of goal achievement. Take advantage of peak motivation times, which occur 30 minutes, three hours, and 11 hours after waking. Set moderately challenging goals and break them into 12-week tranches for increased motivation and progress. Overcome procrastination by committing to five minutes of focused work on a task.       REFERENCES Bulletproof Summit   Bulletproof Dental Practice    

The Bulletproof Dental Podcast Episode 332   HOSTS: Dr. Craig Spodak GUEST: Dr. Linda Edgar   KEY TAKEAWAYS Introduction Dr. Edgar’s journey to becoming the ADA President The role of the ADA ADA is focusing on improving connections, collaboration, and communication Forsyth Institute Merger What the ADA does for you including product testing, research, and insurance legislation MLR Legislation and the Non-Covered Services Bill Is there insurance and/or DSO influence on the ADA? The rising cost of attending Dental School Repayment loan programs Ambassador Program DSO Improvements Emphasis on wellness Webinars on-demand ADA’s response to COVID Craig’s feedback     REFERENCES American Dental Association Dr. Linda Edgar Bulletproof Mastermind  Bulletproof Summit  Mighty Networks: Bulletproof Dental Practice     TWEETABLES