The Dental Practice Heroes Podcast With Dr. Paul Etchison

Running behind every day isn’t normal — it’s a systems problem. From scheduling to delayed exams, this episode explores what causes chaos in dental practices and simple fixes that can get the whole office running smoothly again.Our tips and tricks will help you time hygiene exams, handle emergencies, and create a culture that keeps everyone on time. If your days feel like a game of catch-up, this episode is for you!Topics discussed in this episode:How running behind impacts patients and your teamWhy so many offices fall off scheduleSystems that keep hygiene appointments on timeSmart scheduling and team communicationCreating a culture that values timelinessHow to plan for patient emergenciesWhat to do when you’re running behind Text us your feedback! (please note: we cannot respond through this channel)) apply for the 2025 Mastermind at https://www.dentalpracticeheroes.com/apply Sign up for the life changing Hero Collective 12 month program 2025 starting in September.  Go HereTake Control of Your Practice

Embezzlement usually starts with someone “you’d never suspect.” Dr. Josh Cochran thought he was building a strong team after opening his practice, but the financials told a different story. In this episode, he shares why it took him so long to realize his employee was embezzling, the red flags he missed, and how he would do things differently today. Learn what systems to put in place to protect your business and the most effective way to prevent embezzlement in your practice!Topics discussed in this episode:Two things you need to learn in your practiceDr. Cochran’s early mistakesCommon red flags of embezzlementHow he addressed the embezzlement in his practiceWriting exercise for managing stressThe emotional impact of embezzlementHow to prevent embezzlementConnect with Dr. Josh Cochran:https://www.youtube.com/@TheDr.JoshCochranShowText us your feedback! (please note: we cannot respond through this channel)) apply for the 2025 Mastermind at https://www.dentalpracticeheroes.com/apply Sign up for the life changin

Tired of feeling like you're the only one who gives a crap?This week, Dr. Paul breaks down one of the real causes of burnout—not just for you, but for your team. It’s not about working too hard. It’s about feeling like none of it matters.Discover how powerlessness creates disengagement, resentment, and culture rot—and how a simple shift in leadership style can turn your team from reactive employees to proactive owners.You'll learn:Why your team might be checking out (and it's not laziness)How to give people real ownership without losing controlThe one-on-one question that sparks instant engagementHow to create “collaborative ownership” across your practiceThis is how you build a team that solves problems without you.

Case acceptance is down. Patients are confused. Your team is frustrated. Sound familiar? These are all signs your practice is out of alignment. Whether you own one practice or multiple locations, this episode will help you get everyone on the same page clinically — from the front office to hygienists, assistants, and doctors.You’ll learn how to run effective calibration meetings that set clear clinical standards, get your team on board, and guide them without conflict. These tips will improve communication and cut out the chaos in your practice!Topics discussed in this episode:The key to getting your team on the same pageHow to get your team engagedThe first step to clinical calibrationWhy you should coach and not teachThe role of SOPs and team buy-inText us your feedback! (please note: we cannot respond through this channel)) Sign up for the life changing Hero Collective 12 month program 2025 starting in September.  Go HereTake Control of Your Practice and Your Life We help dentists take more time off w

What’s your opinion on AI? It can transform your team, systems, and improve case acceptance — but ONLY if you know how to use it. That’s why we're talking to Dr. David Amador, who’s built real systems with AI that make his practice more profitable and efficient.In this episode, he shares three AI tools he uses to diagnose patients, train team members, get more insurance claims approved, and streamline operations. Tune in to learn how to make AI work for your practice instead of slowing things down!Topics discussed in this episode:Why you should (or shouldn’t) become a practice ownerThe benefits of Overjet and Pearl AIHow to train your team with AI toolsAI tools that improve communicationBoosting case acceptance and “sales”The four phases of treatment planningThe secret to making technology work in your practiceConnect with Dr. David Amador:https://www.instagram.com/midtowndentalstudiofl/midtown@gmail.comText us your feedback! (please note: we cannot respond through this channel))Sign up for the life chan

The myth of discipline has perpetuated an enormous lie about what drives success in dental practices. Drawing from personal experience, I reveal why traditional definitions of discipline aren't necessary for extraordinary practice growth. Through vulnerable admissions about my own "undisciplined" habits (25 years of smoking, late-morning wake-ups, nightly cereal binges), I unpack what actually drove my success building a large group practice.Text us your feedback! (please note: we cannot respond through this channel))Take Control of Your Practice and Your Life We help dentists take more time off while making more money through systematization, team empowerment, and creating leadership teams. Ready to build a practice that works for you? Visit www.DentalPracticeHeroes.com to learn more.

Your practice is thriving, so why not sell? DPH coach Dr. Steve Markowitz owns a six-practice dental group and seriously considered cashing out, but he realized he wasn't ready to let go.In this episode, he shares why he decided not to sell even after hitting his $10M revenue goal and what changed about his approach to ownership. You'll hear the changes that helped him become a better leader, shift out of burnout, and redefine his purpose. Learn why selling isn't always the best move!Topics discussed in this episode:Why Steve didn’t sell his practiceReevaluating the practice and his role as ownerThe new goal for his practiceChanges that leveled up his practiceWhat he does to grow as a leaderText us your feedback! (please note: we cannot respond through this channel)) 

Validation might be the most powerful leadership tool you're not using. This often-overlooked skill—distinct from praise, problem-solving, or agreement—has the remarkable ability to transform your dental practice from the inside out.When team members bring concerns or patients express frustration, our instinct as dentists and practice owners is to jump straight to solutions. But this approach misses a crucial step that neuroscience shows is essential for creating real change. Validation—the simple act of acknowledging someone's feelings by showing you understand their perspective—activates reward centers in the brain, creating psychological safety and opening people to feedback. at dentalpracticeheroes.com and transform your practice into one where systems actually get implemented, team members stay longer, and you can practice fewer days while making more. The most successful dental practices aren't built on clinical excellence alone—they're built on leadership that makes people feel seen

Ever feel like your dental practice is an endless cycle of putting out fires, managing team drama, and squeezing in "just one more patient"? That overwhelming weight on your shoulders isn't just in your head—and you're definitely not alone in feeling it.Dr. Paul Etchison breaks down the three fundamental stressors that make practice ownership feel impossibly heavy: team management challenges, operational overwhelm, and the crushing clinical demands that keep you trapped chairside. But rather than offering quick fixes or motivational platitudes, he provides concrete, tested solutions that have transformed practices across the country.Text us your feedback! (please note: we cannot respond through this channel))Sign up for the life changing Hero Collective 12 month program 2025 starting in September.  Go Here The 2025-2026 DPH Mastermind is now taking applications!  Make this the year you decided to create the practice you've always dreamed about!Take Control of Your Practice and Yo

Claims keep getting denied? Here’s a hard truth: it’s probably your fault. But in this episode, Dr. Travis Campbell shares everything he's learned about how to master the insurance game, get your denial rate under 2% and stop wasting hours on appeals.His insights cover everything from the common reasons SRP claims get denied to the simple step that makes crown approvals almost automatic. We also talk about what insurance reviewers actually want to see in claims, how to avoid surprise patient bills, and what every out-of-network practice should have in their office.Topics discussed in this episode:Why practices are going out-of-networkThe biggest reason claims get deniedPerio protocols and insurance strategyHow to overcome the AI problem and get claims approvedTips for dealing with insurance reviewersThe foundational restoration codeHow to reduce crown denialsMetrics you should track in your officeHow to calculate better estimatesThe Dental Insurance Guy membershipText us your feedback! (please note: we c

Leadership's echo effect shapes dental practice culture far more than we realize. As practice owners, even when we're not actively leading, our behavior creates rippling effects that influence team dynamics long after we've left the building.True practice culture isn't what you declare in mission statements or team meetings—it's the accumulation of every feeling your team members have about working in your practice. These feelings develop through countless small interactions where your actual behaviors either reinforce or contradict your stated values. A deep sigh when interrupted, multitasking during conversations, or inconsistently holding people accountable all send powerful unspoken messages that can undermine everything you claim to stand for as a leader.Ready to create a practice that runs smoothly with less stress and higher profits? Consider joining our September mastermind where we'll help you build leadership skills and systems that create positive cultural echoes throu

You get it, you need to let go. But how do you actually step back, stop micromanaging and see what your team can really do?In this episode, we share actionable ways to reduce your workload, delegate the right tasks, and leave work stress at the office. Learn how you might be getting in your own way and why letting your practice fail is the first step to real growth!Topics discussed in this episode:Why letting go is so hard for practice ownersHow to manage the guilt of letting goExercises to redefine your role and delegate effectivelyWhy you should let your practice failBuilding your perfect work weekText us your feedback! (please note: we cannot respond through this channel))Sign up for the life changing Hero Collective 12 month program 2025 starting in September.  Go Here The 2025-2026 DPH Mastermind is now taking applications!  Make this the year you decided to create the practice you've always dreamed about!Take Control of Your Practice and Your Life We help dentists take more time off while maki

Discover the psychological key that unlocks patient follow-through with the endowed progress effect—a powerful concept that transforms how dental professionals communicate about treatment plans. This game-changing approach doesn't require changing your fees, procedures, or recommendations—just the way you frame patient progress.Through a fascinating car wash punch card study, we explore why patients who feel they've already made progress are dramatically more likely to complete their treatment. Rather than overwhelming patients with everything that needs to be done, learn to recognize and celebrate the steps they've already taken. For new patients with extensive needs, acknowledge that simply coming in was "half the battle." For returning patients after a hiatus, reinforce that they're "the type of person who cares for their teeth" rather than making them feel they're starting over.Text us your feedback! (please note: we cannot respond through this channel)) The 20

Thinking about making your associate a partner? This episode will help you decide if it’s the right move for you and what other options you have to keep associates in your practice without giving up equity.You'll learn the must-haves of a successful partnership, the common reasons they fail, and what to look for in a potential partner. Listen now to hear the benefits of partnership and why you might want to stay solo!Topics discussed in this episode:The first step to partnershipThe benefits of partnershipWhy Dr. Henry chose to stay soloWhy partnerships failHow to make partnerships successfulAlternative ways to structure partnershipsText us your feedback! (please note: we cannot respond through this channel)) The 2025-2026 DPH Mastermind is now taking applications!  Make this the year you decided to create the practice you've always dreamed about!Take Control of Your Practice and Your Life We help dentists take more time off while making more money through systematization, team empowerment, and creat

There’s an easy solution for patients who can’t afford treatment: membership plans. In this episode, you’ll learn how to structure your plan, price it so patients sign up, and get your team on board.The DPH coaches share what’s worked in their practices and easy mistakes you can avoid, whether you're creating a plan or revamping one you already have. Tune in for tips to build a plan that keeps patients coming back and feels like a win for everyone!Topics discussed in this episode:Why membership plans are good for your practiceHow membership plans benefit patientsPlan structures and pricingHow to get team buy-inMarketing and getting patients to sign upTo download the Membership Plan Documents mentioned in the episode click here! Text us your feedback! (please note: we cannot respond through this channel)) The 2025-2026 DPH Mastermind is now taking applications!  Make this the year you decided to create the practice you've always dreamed about!Take Control of Your Practice and Your Life I help dentist

Most owners manage the day-to-day; Dr. Sten Erickson is turning doctors into partners. He joins me in this episode to share how he stepped into a true leadership role and expanded his practice after leaving clinical work behind.From scheduling weekly meetings across multiple practices to case reviews, we talk about the strategies and systems that help him get doctors ready to lead, drive culture, and grow a multi-location practice without micromanaging or seeing patients. Tune in to hear how he structures his time to mentor doctors and scale without burning out!Topics discussed in this episode:Mistakes as a young practice ownerThe ideal practice size of new ownersMaintaining culture as you expandDr. Erickson’s meeting schedule and training systemHow your role changes when you step back from clinicalStrategies to keep associates engaged and growingText us your feedback! (please note: we cannot respond through this channel)) The 2025-2026 DPH Mastermind is now taking applications!  Make this the year you

Practice ownership doesn’t have to mean running an office or signing a lease. Dr. Jennifer Haddad designed her practice around a hybrid model that keeps her schedule and clinical decisions all within her control. In this episode, she shares how it works inside an existing practice, the benefits of this non-traditional path, and how she began building a brand before ownership. Tune in to find out if this model is right for the career and lifestyle you want!Topics discussed in this episode:Struggling with work-life balance as a new motherLogistics of the co-working hybrid modelBalancing responsibilities and patient careStarting a brand before ownershipBuilding a brand based on referralsText us your feedback! (please note: we cannot respond through this channel))Join our Online Mastermind Community with All the Training, Systems, and Plug and Play Protocols for you and your team.  https://www.dentalpracticeheroes.com/DPHcoaching Use the same marketing company as Dr. Etch!Get your free demo with Relevance Ma

Feeling trapped in the operatory five days a week? Imagine reclaiming an entire workday without sacrificing income or patient care. That's exactly what today's episode delivers—a practical blueprint for dental practice owners who want to work smarter, not harder.I break down five seemingly small schedule adjustments that combine to create massive efficiency gains. From the simple act of staggering assistant lunches (yes, you can eat quickly!) to training your team to handle crown deliveries up to the final cementation, these strategies address the hidden time thieves lurking in your daily operations. By implementing these changes, you'll reclaim a staggering 16 hours of production time weekly while simultaneously increasing your hourly production value.The math is compelling: just two crown appointments daily at $1,500 each generates $3,000 daily—that's $430 per hour or nearly $331,000 annually. Combined with your newly reclaimed production time, this approach transforms practice economics

Ever felt that mounting frustration when someone keeps crossing a line you never actually drew? That's exactly what happens in dental practices without clear boundaries. When you're constantly putting out fires, feeling resentful toward team members, or watching work bleed relentlessly into your personal time, it's not just about difficult people—it's about undefined limits.The truth is uncomfortable but liberating: your practice will take whatever you allow it to take. Those late-night texts from team members, patients who expect weekend emergency care despite ignoring your treatment recommendations for years, staff who consistently arrive late to morning huddles—these aren't just isolated annoyances. They're symptoms of boundary deficiency.Text us your feedback! (please note: we cannot respond through this channel))Use the same marketing company as Dr. Etch!Get your free demo with Relevance Marketing by Clicking HereTake Control of Your Practice and Your Life I help dentists ta

Why have dozens of DSOs collapsed? What’s the impact on the dental industry? And how can you protect yourself, even if you never plan to sell? Tune in to learn what’s really happening in the DSO market, and what YOU should look for if you're considering a DSO!Topics discussed in this episode:Why so many DSOs are failingWhat investors look for in DSOs today3 characteristics of an ideal partnerRisks of the DSO business modelBenefits of partnering with a DSO_________________________________****To learn more about MB2 and get a free valuation for your practice:  Text "MB2" to (312)910-2603****Text us your feedback! (please note: we cannot respond through this channel))Join our Online Mastermind Community with All the Training, Systems, and Plug and Play Protocols for you and your team.  https://www.dentalpracticeheroes.com/DPHcoaching Use the same marketing company as Dr. Etch!Get your free demo with Relevance Marketing by Clicking HereTake Control of Your Practice and Your Life I help dentist