Best Dental Practice Management Chicago Podcasts (2025)

1
Confronting Underperformance: Why You Can't Always Be the Nice Boss 23:56

1d ago23:56

23:56

That dreaded, “I need to talk to you about something?” It’s a conversation no one looks forward to, but every owner has to deal with. Whether it's an underperforming employee or tension in the office, this episode will give you the tools to address issues that can make or break workplace culture. You’ll learn how to confront underperformance and te…

1
Fun IS Profitable: How to Create a Practice You and Your Team Enjoy! 15:30

5d ago15:30

15:30

Have you ever noticed how some dental teams thrive even on the most challenging days? They laugh together, support each other, and somehow make even the toughest situations enjoyable. It's not magic—it's intentional leadership and genuine connection. The relationships within your dental team matter more than anything else—even more than compensatio…

1
The Three Essential Conversations Every Dental Practice Owner Must Master 14:39

8d ago14:39

14:39

True leadership in dental practice means empowering your team through the right conversations rather than trying to be the answer person for everything. Mastering three key conversation types – vision, accountability, and problem-solving – can solve 95% of practice problems and prevent owner burnout. • Vision conversations connect daily tasks to me…

1
Getting Your Legal House In Order In The Age of AI: Jena Taft, Senior Counsel at Dykema 23:54

12d ago23:54

23:54

As we’ve learned from our previous guests, the pace of change in the dental field seems to be accelerating all the time, with practices and DSOs striving to keep up. Much of this change comes with legal implications, and we’re going to devote this episode of Filling You In with A-Squared to understanding how to adjust legal strategy with regard to …

1
Secrets to Keep Your Practice Running On Time 25:51

12d ago25:51

25:51

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 tim…

1
A Dentist's Embezzlement Nightmare and Recovery with Josh Cochran 35:18

15d ago35:18

35:18

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…

1
Is Your Team Lazy? or is it YOU? How to Drive Profits through Engagement 14:43

20d ago14:43

14:43

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 leaders…

1
How to Get Your Team to Diagnose, Treat, and Communicate Consistently 23:30

22d ago23:30

23:30

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 ru…

1
AI Tools That Will Actually Help Your Practice w/ Dr. David Amador 32:10

27d ago32:10

32:10

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 memb…

1
Rethinking Dental Practice Growth: Santosh Patel, Chief Revenue Officer at Subscribili 32:37

27d ago32:37

32:37

As we've heard from other guests on Filling You In with A-Squared, the slowdown in rapid acquisitions in dentistry due to high interest rates and other economic challenges has resulted in more focus on same store growth. For a closer look at this trend, Areo Dental Group Co-CEOs Dr. Anushka Gaglani and Dr. Abhishek Nagaraj turn to Santosh Patel, Ch…

1
Lazy and Loving It: My Secret to Practice Growth 12:13

29d ago12:13

12:13

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, …

1
Selling vs. Staying: The Eight-Figure Practice Decision 37:46

1M ago37:46

37:46

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 c…

1
Stop Problem-Solving, Start Validating: A Gamechanger 10:08

1M ago10:08

10:08

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…

1
Creating a Caring, Convenient, Positive Dental Experience for Families: Dr. Saam Zarrabi, CEO of Rodeo Dental and Orthodontics 27:56

1M ago27:56

27:56

Today on Filling You In with A-Squared, our hosts Dr. Anushka Gaglani and Dr. Abhishek Nagaraj introduce you to one of the fastest growing comprehensive dental groups in the country, which is also one of the most interesting because of its commitment to serving people at all income levels, as well as for its theatrical flair. Rodeo Dental and Ortho…

1
How to Fix the 3 Biggest Ownership Stressors 13:22

1M ago13:22

13:22

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…

1
Playing The Dental Insurance Game: How To Slash Your Denial Rate 37:47

1M ago37:47

37:47

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 tha…

1
Beyond Words: When Your Actions Contradict Your Values 11:34

2M ago11:34

11:34

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 o…

1
How to Mentally Shut Off the Practice 19:32

2M ago19:32

19:32

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 s…

1
Why Patients Start Treatment But Never Finish: Understanding the Psychology of Momentum 8:47

2M ago8:47

8:47

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 fascinati…

1
Making Multi-Doctor Practices Work: Partnership Risks and Rewards 21:53

2M ago21:53

21:53

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 …

1
How to Make your Membership Plan Win-Win for Everyone 22:36

2M ago22:36

22:36

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 ha…

1
Leaving Clinical to Mentor Doctors Into Partners w/ Dr. Sten Erickson 33:18

2M ago33:18

33:18

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 …

1
The Hybrid Ownership Model for Ultimate Work-Life Balance w/ Dr. Jennifer Haddad 31:52

2M ago31:52

31:52

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 buildi…

1
5 Scheduling Hacks that Allow you to Easily Cut Clinical Days 9:40

2M ago9:40

9:40

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 …

1
The Role of Identity in Achieving Success: Eric Morin, President of Tower Leadership 35:48

3M ago35:48

35:48

If you own a dental practice, are you an entrepreneur or are you just self-employed? Our guest today on Filling You In, Eric Morin, has helped many dentists understand the difference and transform their practices into wealth-generating enterprises. “If you're truly an entrepreneur, that means you're investing in scale, leadership, and have a greate…

1
Why Your Practice Keeps Taking From You 14:12

3M ago14:12

14:12

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—i…

1
Why Are DSO's Failing? What's Happening Inside Dentistry with Jake Berry 33:20

3M ago33:20

33:20

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 failing What investors look for in…

1
Built to Sell: Increasing the Value of Your Practice 21:29

3M ago21:29

21:29

A sellable practice runs smoother, earns more, and stresses you less. But what does it mean to have a sellable practice? In this episode, the DPH coaches share the seven signs your practice is sellable and explain why you should build a sellable practice even if you never plan to sell. Learn how to increase the value of your practice, what metrics …

1
The Drinking Game that Taught Me Practice Culture 13:37

3M ago13:37

13:37

Ever have one of those nights where you're exhausted but someone talks you into staying up anyway—and it turns into the most fun night ever? That's exactly what happened when my family convinced me to play our ridiculous Italian-themed drinking game called "Garlic and Oil" at the lake house. The truth is that strong practice cultures aren't built t…

1
Practice Policies: Cell Phones, Tattoos, and Staff Discounts 16:32

3M ago16:32

16:32

When’s the last time you reviewed your office policies? Regular check-ins keep your practice running smoothly and your team on the same page. In this episode, the DPH coaches share how they've updated their own policies to reflect today’s workplace, cut down stress, and avoid playing favorites. Get tips on managing cell phone use, stopping patients…

1
Josey Sewell’s “High Love, High Accountability” Approach to Creating Positive, Successful Work Environments 26:30

3M ago26:30

26:30

Nearly all of our previous Filling You In guests have mentioned culture as an important ingredient in building successful dental practices and practice groups, but today, we're going to take a deep dive into what that means, how it's created, and how it works. Our guide is Josie Sewell, a trailblazer in the dental industry, known for helping practi…

1
What If Your Entire Team Quit Tomorrow? 11:36

3M ago11:36

11:36

What would happen if your entire dental team quit tomorrow? Rather than just a nightmare scenario, this thought experiment reveals critical insights about your practice's foundation. I share the story of a dentist who actually experienced this situation—when he laid out his vision for the practice and gave his team of seven the option to leave if t…

1
Beyond the Operatory: Why Some Dentists Make Millions 25:04

3M ago25:04

25:04

You can be a great dentist and still struggle to grow — and here's why: your mindset. It's what keeps some practice owners stuck and helps others build the type of practice they want. In this episode, find out how to shift out of "survival mode" and run your business instead of just working in it. From perfectionism and fear to day-to-day fundament…

1
Eliminate Hygiene Cancellations with This Simple Policy 10:59

3M ago10:59

10:59

Ever struggled with hygiene cancellations while simultaneously facing a backlog of patients desperate for appointments? You're not alone, and there's a brilliant solution hiding in plain sight. What makes this approach so powerful is its triple benefit structure. Your practice maintains a more predictable schedule and improves productivity. Your pa…

1
A Revealing Look at the State of Dentistry: Beth Gaddis, Editor in Chief at Planet DDS 26:23

3M ago26:23

26:23

If you’re wondering how your dental practice compares nationally, or just want to know what the latest trends are in the sector, today’s show is a must-listen as we welcome Beth Gaddis, Editor in Chief at Planet DDS, to share insights from the company’s 2025 Dental Industry Outlook Report based on data collected from the thousands of practices it s…

1
Managing Stress and Finding Fulfillment in Dental Practice with Chelsea Myers 21:03

3M ago21:03

21:03

Ever feel like the stress of dental practice is overwhelming? Join us on Dental Practice Heroes as we sit down with the insightful dental life coach Chelsea Myers to explore how dentists can manage stress and avoid feeling trapped in their profession. Chelsea offers practical advice on setting boundaries between work and home life and emphasizes th…

1
How Cutting Clinical Days Can Help You Grow Faster & Lead Better w/ Dr. Ryan Bradley 22:00

4M ago22:00

22:00

How can you keep your team, grow your practice, AND reclaim your time? Discover how Dr. Ryan Bradley did all three without burnout, spending big on marketing, or micromanaging his team. We talk about what worked to reduce turnover through a merger, create work-life balance, and scale while cutting back clinical days. Tune in to learn how working le…

1
Burnout to Balance: A Dentist's Journey to Wellbeing w/ Dr. Peter Dinh 25:32

4M ago25:32

25:32

What does “biohacking” have to do with dentistry? For Dr. Peter Dinh, figuring out the root cause of his low energy and burnout changed the way he felt in his body and in his practice. In our conversation, he shares how functional medicine helped him heal hidden issues like leaky gut and low dopamine, improve his mental and physical health, and sho…

1
The REAL Profit from the Hygiene Department 14:13

4M ago14:13

14:13

Dental practice owners across the country face a mounting challenge—skyrocketing hygienist wages that strain traditional production-focused models. But what if obsessing over hourly production metrics is actually holding your practice back from its true potential? In this transformative episode, I reveal why the real value of your hygiene departmen…

1
How to Stay In Control When Things Go Wrong w/ Dr. Taher Dhoon 20:33

4M ago20:33

20:33

Nothing throws off your day like a surprise complication. When a surgical or dental emergency hits, how you respond is what matters most. In this episode, Dr. Taher Dhoon joins me to share how we approach emergencies to keep our cool, make smart decisions, and lead our teams. We dive into emergency protocols, critical mindset shifts, and how to avo…

1
Advancing Women as Leaders in Dentistry: Dr. Aman Kaur, Founder of Women in DSO 24:39

4M ago24:39

24:39

Today on Filling You In with A-Squared, we're delighted to welcome a respected voice in dentistry to the podcast who has played a particularly important role in advancing women as leaders in the industry. Dr. Aman Kaur has done this both through her mentoring relationships and through founding Women in DSO, the fastest growing dental association wi…

1
Tax Hacks Your Regular Accountant Won't Tell You w/ Mike Bark 35:17

4M ago35:17

35:17

You might be missing out on tens of thousands in tax savings and not even know it. But all that can change with the help of a dental CPA. Mike Bark of Bull Moose Financial joins me today to talk profitability, tax mistakes and strategies that dentists overlook far too often. We dive into the tax landscape of dentistry, explore what a good dental CP…

1
Growing with Less Hygienists: New Models for the Age of Hygiene Scarcity 15:04

4M ago15:04

15:04

Dental practice owners across the country are facing a critical challenge: how to continue growing when hygienists seem impossible to find. This shortage creates a frustrating bottleneck - you've got the new patients flowing in, your clinical skills are sharp, your systems are solid, but without adequate hygiene capacity, your practice hits a growt…

1
Let Purpose Be Your Driver: Steven J. Neuner, Co-Founder, Superpowers | Co-Author of Superpowered 24:55

4M ago24:55

24:55

To be a successful entrepreneur you need to be all-in, but that creates the risk of letting your business become your identity. Lifetime entrepreneur Steven Neuner – who has built, scaled, and exited multi-million-dollar companies – joins us on this episode of Filling You In with A-Squared to explain how to prevent that from happening and share oth…

1
You Can Grow Without PPO's with Dr. Andrew Kokabi 29:40

4M ago29:40

29:40

Big growth isn’t reserved for in-network practices. Dr. Andrew Kokabi has built more than just a thriving fee-for-service practice — he’s built a reputation as a trusted business that gives back. In this episode, he explains what it means to be a community-driven practice and how this approach has helped him grow without relying on insurance. He al…

1
Lessons from a Lawsuit w/ Dr. Taher Dhoon 22:37

4M ago22:37

22:37

Every dentist dreads it: the day a case turns into a lawsuit. And often, it’s not the actual dentistry that gets you. In this episode, Dr. Taher Dhoon gets candid about a worst-case scenario he’s facing in real time. He shares what mistakes opened the door to litigation, and the steps every dentist can take to avoid the same fate. You’ll learn best…

1
Win-Win Business Structures in Dentistry: Brian Colao, Director of the Dental Service Organizations Industry Group at the Dykema Law Firm 27:23

4M ago27:23

27:23

You could call Brian Colao a sort of legal midwife for DSOs, because he was in the trenches helping dentists form practice groups even before the term DSO was in use. In fact, Brian’s work has led to legal opinions that helped define the legality of the DSO model and set the standards for compliance and due diligence. As he explains to our hosts Dr…

1
5 Keys to High-Performance Meetings 17:16

4M ago17:16

17:16

Great dental practices share one essential quality: exceptional team communication. Yet many offices struggle with ineffective meetings that drain energy rather than build momentum. Drawing from 13 years of practice management experience, I reveal how my team transformed frustrating, head-spinning meetings into productive sessions that actually str…

1
Beyond Clinical Skills: The Trust Factor in Dental Practice Success 23:10

5M ago23:10

23:10

Trust should be the plan before the treatment plan. It’s the foundation behind case acceptance, retention, and referrals — the things that actually grow your practice. In this episode, we dive into strategies for building trust in the day-to-day, common mistakes new dentists make, and how to ease patients into seeing a new provider without losing t…

1
Dental Consolidation Through the Eyes of A Practice Owner: Michael I. Farr, DMD, Founder of Smiles by Farr 24:07

5M ago24:07

24:07

When discussing consolidation in dentistry, most of the attention centers on profit-driven players such as DSO’s or private equity firms, but there’s not as much focus on what’s driving individual practice owners to seek affiliation or acquisition. Today on Filling You In, we’re going to get a ground level perspective on what’s motivating dentists …

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Dental Practice Management Chicago Podcasts

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