Owning, operating, and managing a dental practice can be difficult and sometimes wrought with drama. Meet Dr. Kuba, a private practice owner, and Bethany, a dental consultant, who take real-life examples and talk through issues in an open, honest, and sometimes hilarious manner. Topics are relevant to current dental and employment trends and range from “The Art of Retaining Good Employees” to “The Marriage of Dentistry and Insurance Ending in Divorce” and everything in between. Each episode ...
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Service industry business expert Brian Harding draws upon his many years of experience to share insights, strategies, tactics, and ideas to help business owners in service industries (like contractors, home and auto repair services, IT providers, CPAs, and B2B businesses) overcome challenges in their businesses. Brian takes on a wide range of topics small business owners face with growth, delegating, customers, employees, and processes, as well as the internal struggles and fears small busin ...
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Examination of small business and success in the business world
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How to Know if You Need a Second Location
34:48
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34:48When do you know if you are TRULY out of space? What are the options to consider to increase space or decrease your patient count? How do you know if you need a second location? In this episode, Dr. Kuba and Bethany discuss the potential highs and the potential lows of starting a second location. They also discuss all of the “signs” that may indica…
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To all of our male listeners, this episode is ABSOLUTELY a must listen for you, even if “Mom” is listed in the title. In this episode, Dr. Kuba and Bethany talk about one thing that is plaguing practice owners, hygienists, RDAs, and business team members alike – working mom guilt. Bethany sits with so many women who are constantly beating themselve…
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Associate dentists play an important role in private practice. They come alongside the owning doctor and help to carry out the dentistry needed to care for the patient base so that the practicing owner can see more patients, take more time away from the practice, or utilize freed-up time to focus on the administrative needs of the practice. Yet, as…
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Conflict amongst team members is almost unavoidable. At times, it can hit your perfectly happy team in the most unfortunate way. For others, it could be that conflict is the ongoing saga that always ends with “To be continued….”. It can be exhausting for all parties involved and can absolutely beat down the practice owner or leader. In this episode…
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At times, a practice owner or team leader is utterly surprised when they realize that an iron clad system is not being utilized by the team. How did this happen? How long has the system been out of use? The consequences of unfollowed systems are numerous. First, team members can be confused, leading them to spend too much time seeking clarification…
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For all the amazing, positive talk about associateships, there are aspects of it that are not glamorous or fun. In this episode, Dr. Kuba and Bethany talk about all of the sticky points that can come up between practice owners and associates. From who gets the credit on x-rays to fairly dividing up the new patients, issues can arise. Bethany encour…
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New patients are essential to not only the growth of a practice but also to the maintenance of a practice. Because it is impossible to keep every single patient in the practice forever, new patients become critical to maintaining (or growing) the size of the patient base as well as the productivity of the practice. In this episode, Dr. Kuba and Bet…
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When a Team Revolts (Kuba, Keep Your Shoe)
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34:40Kuba offers up her shoe today to Bethany, fully prepared for Bethany to beat her. While tempted, Bethany engages in a conversation with Dr. Kuba regarding a recent (gasp) drama development at her office. In an effort to make swift and necessary changes, Bethany suggests a couple of schedule changes to Dr. Kuba. The team was not a fan of the changes…
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In deep reflection, Dr. Kuba and Bethany realized that most of the Managing Dental Drama episodes center around what to say and how to say it. However, they realized that there is also a time and a place to be quiet. In this episode, they dedicate an entire episode to the important topic of “When to Shut Up.” Together, they discuss several examples…
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After spending the entire month of February focusing on compensation reviews, Dr. Kuba and Bethany get together to discuss the aftermath. After being extra excited to jump into the reviews, Dr. Kuba experienced a bit of a disappointing let down after they were complete. She and Bethany dialogue about the real reactions to expect as well as how to m…
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It is a moment that everyone dreads – the departure of a beloved and critical team member. Whether a spouse’s career takes them elsewhere, they retire, or they find a career elsewhere, it is always devastating to lose a team member who brings so much to the team. Replacing him or her seems like an impossible task, and yet it must be done. In this e…
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Searching for a new employee is wrought with challenges and often with insecurity in the process. Trying to find an associate tends to be an even more challenging process. In this episode, Dr. Kuba shares how she is currently in the associate search process. Together, she and Bethany discuss the specifics of how to search for a doctor to join your …
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How to Respond to Angry and Unhappy Patients
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38:27With an alarming growth of angry and unhappy people in the world, it’s not a surprise that the dental field is seeing its fair share. As disappointing as it is to have an angry, unhappy, or even volatile patient, it only gets harder when a dentist considers the options for dealing with the angry patient. What should a doctor and team do with the un…
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In this exclusive bonus episode, we continue the conversation from January 20th’s "Compensation Reviews." We dive deeper into how sharing financial insights with your team can foster stronger relationships and elevate morale. But what happens when transparency goes wrong? Learn how to strike the perfect balance between transparency, spending, and c…
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Quality Referral Processes for Premium Patient Care
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39:19
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39:19Patient care is often a shared process among various providers. Dentists must coordinate care with dental specialists like oral surgeons, orthodontists, periodontists, pediatric dentists, and endodontists and vice versa. In addition, dental professionals must coordinate care among medical providers to obtain medical clearances as well as important …
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In this exclusive bonus episode, we continue the conversation from January 20th "Compensation Reviews." We explore how sharing financial insights with your team can strengthen relationships and boost morale. But what happens when transparency is mismanaged? Learn how the right balance of spending and communication can lead to a more productive, tru…
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When a Patient Is Injured In Your Practice
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38:14It is a fear and unfortunately a common reality that injuries occur at the practice. A patient trips and falls on a loose rug. A patient has a seizure and hits their head on the cabinet. Or, in Dr. Kuba’s case, a patient sits on a bench and it breaks. The variety of ways an injury can occur is endless. In this episode, Dr. Kuba walks through a rece…
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On the heels of “When to Ask for a Raise,” Dr. Kuba and Bethany tackle the other side of the coin today. They dive deeply into the subject of annual compensation reviews. What are they? How are they different from performance reviews? What does the employee gain from them? How do they help the practice? Are they really necessary? No matter how big …
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Dive into the Dental Drama Digest with Bethany! The digest and bonus episode are packed with powerful content to help your practice grow, but it can feel like a lot to tackle. Tune in to this bonus episode to uncover practical ways to put the digest’s content into action and and improve your practice! Don't Miss Out on This Special Subscription Off…
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Raises and the conversations around raises can be uncomfortable and challenging for both parties involved. That is why Dr. Kuba and Bethany tackle the precursor to raise requests in this episode. They start by dialoguing an important question, “When should I ask for a raise?” Dr. Kuba draws on recent experience with a colleague who had an employee …
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200. Revamping or Starting Your Business Development Plan, Part Five
17:13
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17:13Is it time to boost your company’s revenue by going after commercial customers or getting your B2B Business Development plan back on track? Whether you are just getting started or going through an overhaul or revamp, here are some things to consider. In part five of this five-part series, we are going to talk about activity tracking. Check out Busi…
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Setting Your Course for Education in 2025
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48:06It is a new year and a new opportunity to make BIG plans for education in 2025! In this episode, Dr. Kuba and Bethany discuss the importance of utilizing the energy and enthusiasm of January to propel you into planning some great education opportunities for you and your team. Open your parameters and include non-dental conferences and get a large p…
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January Bonus Episode: Traveling with Your Team
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3:35In this bonus episode of Managing Dental Drama, we’re diving into the details of planning a successful team trip. From managing logistics to fostering team spirit, we explore the ins and outs of creating an event that’s both memorable and impactful. You'll learn how to set clear expectations with contracts, organize travel efficiently, and maintain…
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Maximize 2025: Tools for Dental Practice Success
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7:42Bethany highlights three game-changing opportunities designed to help you streamline, strengthen, and elevate your practice in 2025! The Chart Audit Program Offers a thorough review of your documentation by experts Dr. Kuba and Dr. Kavitha. With monthly audits, you'll receive a detailed report to enhance your record-keeping, ensure compliance, and …
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199. Starting or Revamping a Business Development Plan, Part Four
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17:37Is it time to boost your company’s revenue by going after commercial customers or getting your B2B Business Development plan back on track? Whether you are just getting started or going through an overhaul or revamp, here are some things to consider. In part four of this five-part series, we are going to get even more clear on our messaging. Check …
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The spotlight is on Bethany today as she focuses on her top ten suggestions, tips, and reminders for the loyal listeners of Managing Dental Drama. She reminds practice owners to put time, energy, and attention into plans and preparation for 2025. In order for 2025 to feel successful, a thoughtful reflection on 2024 is in order. She starts with remi…
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198. Starting or Revamping your B2B Business Development Plan, Part Three
21:23
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21:23Is it time to boost your company’s revenue by going after commercial customers or getting your B2B Business Development plan back on track? Whether you are just getting started or going through an overhaul or revamp, here are some things to consider. In part three of this five-part series, we are getting to arguably the most important of the topics…
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197. Revamping or Starting a B2B Business Development Plan, Part Two
22:01
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22:01Is it time to boost your company’s revenue by going after commercial customers or getting your B2B Business Development plan back on track? Whether you are just getting started or going through an overhaul or revamp, here are some things to consider. In part two, of this five-part series, we are going to talk just a little more about planning befor…
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This time of year can be incredibly hard for dentists and practice owners because there are so many decisions to make when it comes to showing appreciation for team members. Should I do cash, a gift card, or a bonus through payroll? How much should I pay my team members? Should I do an equal amount or vary the amounts based on longevity? If we do a…
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196. Revamping or Starting a B2B Business Development Plan
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19:41
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19:41Is it time to kick start or jump start your company’s revenue by going after commercial customers or getting your B2B Business Development plan back on track? Whether you are just getting started or going through an overhaul or revamp, here are some things to consider. Check out Business TIPS! For less than $100 per month you can get immediate answ…
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Dr. Kuba and Bethany tackle an important management topic – team meetings! In order to conduct productive meetings, several key components are critical. In this episode, Dr. Kuba and Bethany discuss the importance of scheduling meetings with consistency and developing a clear agenda. They also encourage practice owners and managers to include team …
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195. The Three Types of Obstacles Business Owners Must be Able to Identify and Overcome
17:03
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17:03Chasing our dreams and building a business has many obstacles. Many of those obstacles can be put into three distinct categories. This week, we’ll identify what those categories are, and how to overcome each. Check out Brian's new group: Business TIPS! For less than $100 per month (with no commitment or contracts) you can ask Brian any question you…
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Happy Holidays! This is the first of TWO bonus episodes released this month! 🎁 The holidays are a perfect time to show your team how much you appreciate them, but finding the right balance can be challenging. In this episode, Bethany and Dr. Kuba share their tips on holiday gifting, whether you're a seasoned practice owner or just getting started. …
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Bonus Episode: Insurance Verbiage to De-escalate Upset Patients
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3:29Happy Holidays! This is the second of TWO bonus episodes released this month!🎁 In this episode, Bethany discusses the importance of handling insurance challenges with empathy and understanding. As patients face frustrations with insurance coverage, it's crucial to communicate in a way that doesn’t feel defensive, but instead empowers patients to ta…
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Back by popular demand – Dr. Ludlow! Burn-out is common, and Dr. Ludlow has beaten the odds in so many ways. His large privately owned dental practice continues to grow and change in astounding ways. In fact, Dr. Ludlow excitedly embraces change year after year. So, Bethany asks an all important question of Dr. Ludlow – “How do you continue to stay…
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Following a practical, repeatable, teachable system for developing leaders is an important step to delegating decision making and problem solving. This is part five of a five-part series on how to develop up and coming leaders. Tune in and I’ll share another step to address early on that has proven to work well for me when developing leaders to mak…
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In this episode, Bethany shares multiple heartwarming accounts of doctors who chose random and sweet acts of generosity. On this Thanksgiving week, she hopes that the accounts of others and their acts of appreciation will impact listeners to stretch themselves on the topic of generosity. In addition, reflecting on how others display generosity is o…
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Following a practical, repeatable, teachable system for developing leaders is an important step to delegating decision making and problem solving. This is part four of a five-part series on how to develop up and coming leaders. Tune in and I’ll share another step to address early on that has proven to work well for me when developing leaders to mak…
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Bethany invites a beloved client to the studio today – Dr. Williamson! From the first moment Bethany spoke with Dr. Williamson, she knew he was one of the nicest people she has ever met. As she has grown to know him more over the last year, her attribution of his character has been correct. She knew he would be the perfect guest for an episode on g…
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Following a practical, repeatable, teachable system for developing leaders is an important step to delegating decision making and problem solving. This is part three of a five-part series on how to develop up and coming leaders. Tune in and I’ll share another step to address early on that has proven to work well for me when developing leaders to ma…
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It is November, and it only seems fitting that we discuss one of the more foundational truths to running a great dental practice – the art of appreciation. In this episode, Dr. Kuba and Bethany discuss the importance of having a healthy mindset toward others. The foundational respect, often preceded by humility, is critical in displaying genuine gr…
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191. A Good Second Step For Developing Leaders
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15:09Following a practical, repeatable, teachable system for developing leaders is an important step to delegating decision making and problem solving. This is part two of a five-part series on how to develop up and coming leaders. Tune in and I’ll share a second step that has proven to work well for me to develop leaders that make solid decisions I can…
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Do Elections Really Impact a Dental Practice?
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46:22Is it true that dental practices can actually be impacted by an election? In this episode, Dr. Jones and Bethany discuss the very real evidence that elections can definitely impact dental practices. Bethany discusses that the bulk of her clients see a variety of changes between September – November during an election year. One of the more evident c…
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Get a sneak peak at this month’s bonus episode! Then, sign up! Don’t miss out! Click on the link below and pick the subscription that fits your needs! Managing Dental Drama SubscriptionBy Consultant and Dentist Duo; Practice Problems
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190. A Good First Step For Developing Leaders
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16:05
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16:05Following a practical, repeatable, teachable system for developing leaders is an important step to delegating decision making and problem solving. This is part one of a five-part series on how to develop up and coming leaders. Tune in and I’ll share a first step that has proven to work well for me to develop leaders that make solid decisions I can …
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Experiencing the Fruit of a Fulfilled Vision
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54:31Dr. Smith is back in the studio today, and he shares the beauty of a fulfilled vision. Fifteen years after he took over his practice, he is still experiencing the fruit of his mission and is even able to pivot to be away from the practice more than he ever has been before. He and Bethany discuss the importance of documenting the vision and discussi…
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189. My Only Two Criteria for Keeping and Employee
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12:32It’s painful to have an employee we are on the fence about. The decision we make about whether or not to keep them impacts a wide range or areas. And there are serious consequences to getting this right or wrong Tune in and I’ll share my only two criteria for deciding if a person should be on our team. Check out Brian's new group: Business TIPS! Fo…
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Plans fail. Even the best laid plans can fail. In this episode, Dr. Kuba, Bethany, Dr. Riley, and Dr. Patel all share comments on the importance of learning to pivot when things go wrong. In fact, Dr. Kuba encourages listeners to get out AHEAD of something going wrong and to work diligently to anticipate problems and build out potential solutions a…
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188. Verifying and Getting Buy-In About What Our Customers Really Want
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20:52Gaining true understanding of what our customers really want, not just what they need, can be hard – especially in the beginning. Then, once we do know what they truly want, getting our team to focus on the actions that deliver that experience is a whole new challenge. In this episode, I talk about a way to confirm what our customers really care ab…
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When a Rotten Apple (or Employee) Spoils the Bunch
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42:40The subject of culture pops up again today! Bethany and Dr. Kuba discuss how delicate nature of a positive team culture. In some cases, one singular employee can throw off the entire balance, sometimes without the practice owner even realizing it. Bethany shares three different examples of recent culture problems that were pervasive due to a “rotte…
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