Sandy Pardue of Classic Practice Resources & Dana Salisbury discuss issues facing the dental practice owner of today. This is the podcast where you will want a pen and paper to take notes on every single procedure, system, step by step process, and lessons Sandy shares that she has accumulated in 40 years. Enjoy the fun, laid-back vibe as things get real. Sandy is an energetic lecturer and consultant in the area of dental practice management. She is Director of Consulting with Classic Practi ...
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Hiring Series: Interview Techniques that Work
33:48
33:48
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33:48In this episode of Dental Drill Bits, hosts Dana Salisbury and Sandy Pardue go beyond the surface of the interview process to reveal the deeper intentions that should guide your hiring conversations. Whether you are fresh out of dental school or a seasoned practice owner, this conversation will help you build a more intentional, compliant, and effe…
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Hiring Series: Hiring Efficiently with a Group Interview
37:12
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37:12Episode Description: In this episode of Dental Drill Bits, Dana Salisbury and Sandy Pardue continue the Hiring Series with a proven time-saving strategy: the group interview. Sandy shares her step-by-step process for getting every qualified applicant in front of you at once, identifying the best candidates quickly, and avoiding the weeks-long cycle…
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Plan Forward: A Smarter Alternative to Insurance
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38:46
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38:46Exploring Dental Membership Plans: A Smarter Alternative to Insurance In this episode of Dental Drill Bits, Dana Salisbury and Sandy Pardue are joined by Meg Lohman from Plan Forward to unpack why in-house membership plans are becoming a go-to solution for dental practices looking to grow and better serve their patients. They discuss how these plan…
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Episode Summary: In this episode of Dental Drill Bits, Sandy Pardue and Dana Salisbury tackle one of the most underestimated tools in the hiring process—your job ad. They explain why hiring should be treated like a marketing campaign and how your job postings either attract or repel the very people you are trying to hire. From crafting compelling h…
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Job Descriptions Might Be Costing You Great Hires (Part 3: Creating Job Descriptions)
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28:07Episode Summary: In this episode of Dental Drill Bits, Sandy Pardue and Dana Salisbury explore the often-overlooked power of a well-crafted job description. They explain why generic or outdated descriptions can set your practice up for failure—creating confusion, legal risk, and missed hiring opportunities. You’ll learn what must be included, how t…
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In this episode, Sandy Pardue kicks off a powerful conversation about the most overlooked step in fixing front desk chaos: assessing your team’s current morale, mindset, and motivation. Before you implement new systems or pile on training, you’ve got to address the emotional temperature of your practice. Is your team ready for change? Or are they q…
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RERUN: The Real Reason Your AR Is Out of Control (And It's Not Insurance)
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18:05In this eye-opening episode, Sandy digs into one of the most overlooked contributors to rising accounts receivable (AR) in dental practices—abandoning mailed statements too soon. You may be emailing and texting patients about balances, but do you actually know how many patients you're reaching? Sandy breaks down the data and shares real stats from …
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What if your marketing isn’t the problem—but your expectations are? In this episode, Dana and Sandy welcome Grace Rizza, the powerhouse behind Identity Dental Marketing, to break down why most dental campaigns fall flat—and what actually works. From unethical agencies to underfunded ad budgets, Grace unpacks the truth most marketers won’t say out l…
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Hiring or Hustling Backwards? (Part 2: Leadership, Metrics & the True Cost of Delay)
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26:53Hiring is never just about plugging a hole. It’s a strategic leadership move—and when rushed or mismanaged, it can quietly sabotage your entire practice. In Part 2 of the Hiring Series, Dana and Sandy dive deep into what happens between identifying a hiring need and getting the green light to bring someone on board. From pecking orders to prep work…
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A growing team sounds like success, but adding the wrong hire too soon can wreck morale, raise overhead, and increase chaos. In this kickoff to the Hiring Series, Dana and Sandy break down how to assess whether your practice truly needs to hire or if it’s time to get serious about systems, training, and communication first. They walk through real-w…
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Meetings That Matter: Turning Staff Time Into Practice Power
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27:12
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27:12A dental team without effective meetings is like a GPS with no signal—lost, frustrated, and going in circles. In this episode, Dana and Sandy dive into the often-overlooked power of consistent, structured team meetings. From setting agendas and reviewing stats to celebrating birthdays and avoiding gum-chewing drama, they lay out the exact formula f…
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Marketing Can't Save You From a Bad Phone Call
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27:52
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27:52You can have the best marketing strategy in the world, but if your phone skills are lacking, patients will walk. In this episode, Dana and Sandy get real about what happens when dental teams unknowingly drive callers away with poor phone habits, disconnection, or defaulting to “no.” They walk through mystery shopper call examples, red-flag language…
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Scoreboard Success: 10 Front Desk KPIs That Drive Production
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38:51We’re diving into a topic that separates struggling practices from high-performing ones—your front desk metrics. Dana and Sandy break down the most important KPIs your admin team should be tracking daily, weekly, and monthly. Spoiler alert: if you’re not measuring it, you can’t manage it! Whether you're brand new to tracking stats or need a refresh…
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Making Membership Work: Clearing Up some of the Myths and Why It’s Reshaping Dentistry
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28:42Membership Plans That Work: What Compliance Really Looks Like Dental membership plans aren’t new—but compliance around them is becoming more critical than ever. In this episode of Dental Drill Bits, Sandy and Dana are joined by Jane Levy, Co-founder and CEO of Plan Forward, to uncover how in-house dental plans can boost treatment acceptance, increa…
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Lonely at the Top, Leading with Authority (Even When You’re Friends)
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25:51
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25:51We’re diving into a topic many practice managers quietly struggle with—what happens when your team feels more like friends than employees? Dana and Sandy tackle a heartfelt listener question: “How do I manage a team I’ve been friends with for years?” Whether you were promoted from within, or made the mistake of hiring a friend, this episode will he…
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Vacation-Proofing Your Team Episode Description Taking time off as a dental professional shouldn't leave you stressed out or worried about what's happening back at the office. In this episode of Dental Drill Bits, Sandy and Dana break down how to set your team up for success before you leave—so you can truly unplug. They cover real-world strategies…
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Gossip at Work: The Hidden Cost of Chatter
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30:05Gossip at Work: The Hidden Cost of Chatter Dental Drill Bits with Sandy Pardue and Dana Salisbury Gossip at Work: The Hidden Cost of Chatter 0:00 Episode Description Gossip may seem like harmless chatter, but it has the power to erode trust, damage morale, and derail productivity in your dental practice. In this episode, Sandy and Dana tackle the t…
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When the economy starts to shake, most dental practices start to shrink. But Sandy says now is the time to lean in and level up—and she’s sharing exactly how to do it. In this episode, Dana and Sandy break down what it takes to recession-proof your practice before anything happens. From tightening your finances to training your team, maximizing re-…
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One-on-Ones Part 2: Keeping Your Dental Team Aligned & Engaged
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29:11Episode Summary: This week, Sandy is fresh off an energizing Front Desk Pro seminar in Burbank, California—and she’s bringing the heat! Dana and Sandy dive deep into a topic that every dental practice owner and manager needs to master: employee one-on-ones. From handling raise requests to increasing team engagement and reducing turnover, this episo…
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One-on-Ones: Keeping Your Dental Team Aligned & Engaged
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23:28Want to retain great employees and build a team that runs like a dream? It all starts with one-on-one conversations that count. In this episode of Dental Drill Bits, Sandy Pardue and Dana Salisbury share how regular one-on-one meetings can transform your culture, boost accountability, and keep your team growing in the right direction. They break do…
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Is your hygiene schedule disappearing before your eyes? You’re not imagining it! No-shows, last-minute cancellations, and poor confirmation strategies can leave your hygiene team scrambling and your bottom line suffering. In this episode of Dental Drill Bits, Sandy Pardue and Dana Pardue Salisbury break down why hygiene schedules fall apart—and how…
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Ring, Ring! Mastering the First Impression – Live Call Analysis
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22:09📢 Episode Title: "Ring, Ring! Mastering the First Impression – Live Call Analysis" 🎙 Episode Description What happens when a potential patient calls your dental office? That first impression can make or break their decision to schedule an appointment. In this episode of Dental Drill Bits, Sandy Pardue and Dana Pardue Salisbury analyze a real call f…
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Too Sick to Work? Managing the Unexpected Absentee
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20:41Episode Description Unexpected call-outs can throw your dental practice into chaos—but they don’t have to! In this episode of Dental Drill Bits, Sandy Pardue and Dana Pardue Salisbury break down how to create an attendance culture that keeps your team accountable without being rigid. They’ll share real-world strategies for managing sick calls, sett…
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Hiring is one thing—but the interview process is where you make or break your chances of getting the right person. In this episode of Dental Drill Bits, Sandy Pardue and Dana Salisbury share expert strategies to help you conduct interviews with confidence, ask the right questions, and avoid costly hiring mistakes. What you’ll learn: ✅ The differenc…
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Finding the Right Candidate Hiring the right person for your dental practice can feel like searching for a unicorn—but it doesn’t have to be! In this episode of Dental Drill Bits, Sandy Pardue and Dana Salisbury dive deep into how to attract and hire top talent for your dental practice without the frustration. What you’ll learn: ✅ Why a strong job …
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Front Desk Chaos to Clarity Episode Description: In this episode of The Dental Drill Bits Podcast, Sandy and Dana tackle one of the biggest front desk challenges in dental practices—how to maintain consistency and organization when multiple team members rotate through the same position. 🔄 One doctor from the Dental Drill Bits Facebook group asked: …
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Episode Title: Do You Really Need an Office Manager? Episode Description: In this episode of The Dental Drill Bits Podcast, Sandy and Dana tackle one of the most common dilemmas for dental practice owners—Do you really need an office manager? 🤔 Hiring an office manager can seem like the perfect solution to reducing stress and improving operations, …
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Mastering Onboarding for a Thriving Dental Practice
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23:23Episode Title: Mastering Onboarding for a Thriving Dental Practice Episode Description: In this episode of The Dental Drill Bits Podcast, Sandy and Dana dive into the make-or-break process of onboarding new team members in a dental practice. A strong onboarding system not only prevents turnover but also sets the stage for a thriving team culture an…
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Wasted Time, Open Time, and Maximizing Your Schedule
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20:09Episode Title: Wasted Time, Open Time, and Maximizing Your Schedule Episode Description: Welcome to another exciting episode of Dental Drill Bits! This week, Sandy Pardue is joined by a very special guest—Dana Pardue Salisbury, the original co-host and HR business professional. Together, they kick off the new season with a deep dive into one of the…
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Rerun Gold: How to Handle Unauthorized Overtime with Your Employees
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17:13
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17:13This is a question Sandy Pardue gets quite often in her events, so we decided to cover it here! Here are a couple things you want to do: You need a time clock software. (Sandy recommends a software) Don’t give everyone access to change their time clock. Create a policy, and be super specific in this policy. (Sandy gives us great examples). What to …
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A to Z Job Duties of a Dynamic Manager: Office Manager Essentials Part 2
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28:18
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28:18Wondering how to ease the burden and stress off yourself as the doctor? In this week's rerun episode of Dental Drill Bits, Michael and Sandy are exploring the universe of responsibilities that come with the role of an office manager in a dynamic and demanding dental practice. They break down the essential duties that will keep your practice running…
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What Makes an Effective Office Manager in Your Practice? Office Manager Essentials Part 1
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29:09In this rerun episode of Dental Drill Bits, Sandy and Michael delve headfirst into the crucial role of an office manager in your dental practice. Listen as they unlock the job description of a successful manager and explore how imperative it is for dentists to identify potential talent hidden within their teams while filling this impactful role. Sa…
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Personal Touch vs. Automation: Winning Patient Retention
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27:04Are you struggling with patient no-shows that disrupt your dental practice’s schedule? In this rerun episode of Dental Drill Bits, Sandy and Michael dive deep into practical strategies to minimize cancellations and improve patient attendance. The conversation kicks off with a focus on the art of clear communication, where they assert the power of p…
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In this episode of Dental Drill Bits, we're exploring the dynamics of a healthy vendor-client relationship as Sandy delves into an inspiring conversation with Megan Lohman from Plan Forward. Together, they unlock the powerful components of successful partnerships, from the nuances of clear communication to fostering mutual respect. The duo emphasiz…
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Overcoming Team Obstacles: Boosting Morale in Dental Teams
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21:21Managing a successful dental practice often hinges on the seamless collaboration and communication of its team. In this episode, Michael and Sandy explore the vital elements of effective team management that can transform your practice into a harmonious and high-functioning operation. They reveal how strong systems for hiring and onboarding are not…
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Navigate No-Shows: Proven Scheduling Techniques You Need
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29:41Are broken appointments disrupting the flow of your dental practice and impacting your bottom line? In this episode of Dental Drill Bits, Michael and Sandy dive deep into a chronic challenge faced by many dentists: managing broken appointments. Sandy, drawing from her wealth of expertise, sheds light on effective strategies to tackle this issue hea…
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From Hesitant to Yes: Strategies for Better Treatment Acceptance
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26:06Is your practice struggling with low treatment acceptance rates? Tune in to this enlightening episode of the Dental Drill Bits podcast, where Michael and Sandy unravel proven strategies to help you turn patient hesitance into commitment. Sandy opens up about the power of mindset, sharing how a positive and empathetic approach can transform the way …
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Marketing and Sales in Dentistry: What Should I Focus On for 2025?
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34:04Are you equipped to transform your dental practice from good to great as 2025 draws near? In this episode, Michael, Sandy, and Ali embark on a dynamic discussion about the evolving landscape of dental practice management and marketing. Ali, founder of DocSites, takes the floor to break down how his company is revolutionizing dental marketing with a…
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Have Them at "Hello": 6 Steps to Effective Phone Calls in Dental Practices
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28:35
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28:35Imagine transforming potential inquiries into loyal patient relationships with just a phone call. In this episode, Michael and Sandy dive deep into mastering effective phone communication for dental practice front office staff, a critical yet often overlooked skill. Sandy begins by highlighting the significance of first impressions, presenting a po…
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Unraveling Myths: The Real Impact of False Information in Dentistry
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19:18Does the truth always prevail when rumors run rampant in the dental community? In this eye-opening episode, Michael and Sandy confront the damaging effects of rumors and misinformation that pervade the dental industry. They tackle the common pitfalls of comparing oneself or one's practice to others, emphasizing how this can erode confidence and pro…
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Silence the Rumors: Building a Gossip-Free Practice
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25:05Is gossip silently drilling holes in your dental practice, eroding trust and harmony? In this episode of Dental Drill Bits, Michael and Sandy embark on a candid exploration of gossip within dental offices. Sandy dives deep, demystifying the corrosive nature of workplace chatter, sharing eye-opening stories, and offering firsthand insights. With the…
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Productivity Killers in Dentistry Unveiled | Part 2
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22:31Have you ever wondered why some practices struggle with last-minute cancellations while others maintain a steady flow of happy patients? In this part 2 of the Productivity Killers in Dentistry Unveiled series, Michael and Sandy pull back the curtain on one of the biggest challenges in the dental industry: broken appointments. Sandy dives deep into …
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Productivity Killers in Dentistry Unveiled | Part 1
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35:44Imagine transforming the daily chaos in your practice into a streamlined and efficient operation. In this episode of Dental Drill Bits, Michael and Sandy tackle some of the most disruptive productivity killers facing dental practices today—late patients, broken appointments, no-shows, and cancellations. Sandy brings her expert perspective by emphas…
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Working Interviews in Dentistry: Are They Worth the Risk? | From Post to Podcast
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20:35Should you have working interviews? In this episode of Dental Drill Bits, Michael and Sandy unravel the complexities of hiring processes in dental practices that often fly under the radar. They take a closer look at the commonly used "working interviews" and reveal the legal pitfalls and inefficiencies often associated with them. But fear not, as t…
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Why Is Your Practice Slow? Here's What's Often Overlooked | From Post to Podcast
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14:18Puzzled by a sudden slowdown in your practice after a period of steady growth? In this episode of Dental Drill Bits, Michael and Sandy tackle this very dilemma, driven by a listener's concern about a drop in activity despite continuous marketing efforts. Sandy shines a light on the inevitable ebbs and flows of the dental business, detailing how pea…
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Should Your Practice Offer Profit-Based or Flat Bonus Schemes? | From Post to Podcast
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18:23Imagine turning your practice into a thriving hub by simply tweaking your bonus structures for your office manager. This episode of Dental Drill Bits delves into the nuances of crafting successful bonus systems that align with your practice's financial goals. Michael and Sandy engage in an insightful discussion exploring profit-increasing bonuses v…
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Claims to Cash: Optimizing Your Dental Insurance Process | From Post to Podcast
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10:30How can you master the art of insurance collections and minimize outstanding claims? In today's episode, Michael and Sandy dive deep into the essentials of managing insurance collections with expert insights that can save your practice valuable time and resources. Sandy explains the critical importance of timely and consistent follow-up on insuranc…
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Ditching Insurance Dependency: Benefits of Dental Membership Programs | From Post to Podcast
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10:15In this episode, Sandy dives deep into the myriad benefits of dental membership plans, revealing how they are game-changers for increasing patient loyalty and cutting the ties from heavy reliance on dental insurance. Through comprehensive discussion and real-life examples from various practices, Sandy illuminates the substantial impact these plans …
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Crush the Q4 Crunch: The Survival Guide for Fourth Quarter
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28:04Are your ready to tackle the fourth quarter crunch and boost productivity in your practice? Join Michael and Sandy on this high-impact episode of Dental Drill Bits as they break down transformative strategies to keep your practice thriving, even during the most challenging times. Gain practical advice through Sandy's shared anecdotes on everything …
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Why Your Practice Might Only Need Team Leaders, Not an Office Manager
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29:02What happens when you appoint someone an office manager without proper training? In today's rerun episode Michael and Sandy dive deep into this critical issue afflicting many dental practices. They explore the stark differences between an office manager and a front office employee, debunking common misconceptions that can lead to team conflicts and…
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