Key essays from AI thought leaders, straight to your ears. Some prefer to listen vs. read, or digest better through the audio modality. This podcast is for you. We take no credit for the ideas herein, and we will direct you to the original essay, post, thread, op-ed, article, or wherever it is that we're drawing a piece from. You will be able to find this in the episode descriptions.
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Welcome to The My Practice My Business Dental Podcast. I'm Dr. Rob Thorup, Clinical Director at MPMB. In our podcast shows we help dentists profit and thrive with excerpts from The Clinical Business of Dentistry Training here at MPMB.This podcast is dedicated to helping dentists and their teams reclaim forgotten profitability in dentistry, and to learn business skills specifically designed for dental practices. We look forward to your subscription, and we hope you let your colleagues know ab ...
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In the spring of 2016 we unearthed the long forgotten 1986 Tabletop RPG that is Dinosaur Park and decided to have a quick game. This is the result. In the following months we were able to track down the rare and much beloved sequel, Dinosaur World: The Post-Apocalyptic RPG for Ages 10 and up and once again, have a quick game. Finally, it wasn't until late 2017 that we were able to seek out Dinosaur Universe: The 2001 Space Simulator and once more again have a quick game. Hosted on Acast. See ...
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The Urgency of Interpretability by Dario Amodei of Anthropic
23:37
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23:37Read the essay here: https://www.darioamodei.com/post/the-urgency-of-interpretability IN THIS EPISODE: AI researcher Dario Amodei makes a compelling case for developing robust interpretability techniques to understand and safely manage the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence technologies. KEY FIGURES: Google, Artificial Intelligence, OpenA…
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Tracy was headed down to Utah County a few months ago, listening to one of our favorite talking heads interview an author, Annie Jacobsen, on a book she wrote titled, “Nuclear War.” She ended up buying the book for me to read, and it was very eye opening. I love reading books and finding what I call “crossovers” to what I see in our profession, and…
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Where is the sense of community in dentistry?
19:06
19:06
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19:06When I first started my dental practice, back in 1989, most dentists helped each other out. There existed a sense of community that was evident, even within our state dental association. They actually had a “new dentist” committee that was really helpful. The association leadership would assign someone as a mentor, which was also really helpful. Ba…
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The "Real" Top 10 Concerns Facing Dentists
43:47
43:47
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43:47We identify what the top ten concerns dentists face every day with running their dental practices, and where to find the answers to run their dental businesses profitably. Support the showBy Robert Thorup, DDS
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My Practice My Business and the UDA help Utah dentists score another big win with legislation. We cover what this bill means to dentists and the patients they serve, and our wish for all states to pass similar legislation. Support the showBy Robert Thorup, DDS
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What It Takes To Onboard Agents by Anna Piñol at NfX
19:48
19:48
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19:48Gist: Explores the challenges of AI agent adoption, identifying critical infrastructure needs like accountability, context understanding, and coordination to transform AI from experimental technology to practical, trustworthy workplace tools. An AI voice reading of: "What It Takes To Onboard Agents" by Anna Piñol at NfX Key Figures & Topics: Gemini…
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Giving Your Dental Patients a Reason to Stay
28:24
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28:24It’s no mystery with all who know me that I love what Walt Disney created, especially when it comes to customer service. I grew up watching the Wonderful World of Disney every Sunday at 6pm, eating dinner on a TV tray in front of an RCA 26-inch color television. I was so blessed… I am a Disney University Graduate, and we have incorporated their tra…
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Listen to what Tracy and I are working on this year, and it's almost complete. Other states are copying what we are accomplishing here in Utah, and it's benefiting their dentist/association members, and the patients they serve. Go through our business trainings here at My Practice My Business and experience applications of state dental laws, and mu…
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An Open Letter To The ADA, UDA, and All Dental Associations
38:15
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38:15Dear ADA, UDA, and All State Dental Associations, As many of you know, my wife and business partner, Tracy, and I have been strong advocates for both dentists and patients through our company, My Practice My Business (MPMB). Over the years, we’ve trained dental practices in Utah and across the nation on how to achieve profitability, even when parti…
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Thomas Wolf of Hugging Face on Dario's "On DeepSeek and Export Controls"
6:02
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6:02Gist: Hugging Face's Thomas Wolf challenges closed-source AI model comparisons by emphasizing the global, innovative potential of open-source AI technologies like DeepSeek. Thomas Wolf's original tweet at: https://x.com/Thom_Wolf/status/1885093269022834943 Summary: Thomas Wolf of Hugging Face critically reviews Dario's essay about DeepSeek and expo…
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On DeepSeek and Export Controls by Dario Amodei
19:14
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19:14Summary: DeepSeek's AI advancements demonstrate the ongoing evolution of AI technology and underscore the strategic importance of export controls in managing global technological competition. "On DeepSeek and Export Control" is on Dario Amodei's blog at: https://darioamodei.com/on-deepseek-and-export-controls Deeper Summary: Dario Amodei discusses …
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You’ve Missed The Mark Dental Association Leaders
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35:28I just saw an article stating the “Washington State Dental Association (WSDA) is coming for Delta Dental of Washington (DDOW).” The name of the article is called, “Putting patient Care First: Fixing Washington’s Broken Dental Benefits System.” They stated that it’s “the battle over dental benefits.” Well, they got it partially correct. When I read …
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"The Five Stages of AI Agent Evolution" by Sarai Bronfeld of NfX
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15:58Short description: AI agents are evolving from simple chat interfaces to potentially self-governing systems capable of executing tasks, innovating, and ultimately transforming entire business ecosystems with minimal human intervention. The Five Stages of AI Agent Evolution by Sarai Bronfeld at VC firm NfX. As always, this episode is voiced by Apes …
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Short description: OpenAI's founder Sam Altman provides an introspective account of the company's evolution, challenges, and visionary mission to develop safe, beneficial artificial general intelligence that could fundamentally transform human capabilities and societal progress. Sam Altman, CEO and co-founder of OpenAI, penned and hosted his "Refle…
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The Source: Sam Altman's essay, "The Intelligence Age" as published on his blog at https://ia.samaltman.com/ on Sept. 23rd, 2024 Short Summary: "The Intelligence Age", powered by deep learning and AI, promises to dramatically expand human potential and prosperity through increasingly sophisticated technological systems that can solve complex proble…
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Dario Amodei - Machines of Loving Grace (essay)
1:28:35
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1:28:35Short description: AI has the potential to compress decades of human progress into a few years, offering transformative solutions in health, economics, neuroscience, and global governance that could radically improve human quality of life. Dario Amodei, CEO and Co-Founder of Anthropic, penned and hosted his "Machines of Loving Grace" essay on his p…
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With the beginning of a new year, I decided to Google what the top three concerns were for dentists in their practices. What resulted was interesting. The top three to five concerns tended to center around the business entity answering the questions on Google, and it’s worth reporting. The top concerns and solutions vary with who is being asked: co…
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I’m beginning to wonder if some dentists who serve in dental associations are just there for new plaque of recognition to hang on the wall. Don’t get me wrong, I know they put in time to serve, but are they effective leaders, or just going through the motions? Support the showBy Robert Thorup, DDS
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There's an old saying, "those who know the least always yell the loudest." In this episode we dissect a dental networking thread from FaceBook, and and invite the majority of commenters to the 2025 Utah Dental Association Convention on Friday from 11:45am to 1:45pm. In this presentation you will experience a live audience presentation of the My Pra…
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We hear the words “goals” and “purpose” used frequently in business classes and corporate leadership training, but do we really know what they mean and how they are the same or different? One might ask if lacking a goal means the same thing as lacking a purpose. The answer is no. It’s not the same at all. Support the show…
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If I had a dollar for every time a dentist has told me: “I believe in your training. I’ve talked with other docs who love what you’ve done for them. But, you need to convince my team that MPMB training is a good thing before I can sign up.” Dentists who do not take charge of their businesses have one thing in common. It simply comes down to a lack …
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I love how most of you tend to make business decisions about your dental business. Don’t deny it, you know how you are. You lick your finger, hold it high in the air, see which way the wind is blowing, give it some concentrated thought, and talk yourself right out of those things that could change your life for the better. I want to address some co…
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Bundling is defined by the ADA as "The systematic combining of distinct dental procedures by third-party payers that results in a reduced benefit for the patient/beneficiary." When Tracy and I met with the ADA last June, we pointed out how the ADA needs to quickly define the term “unbundling” because the dental insurance companies have been definin…
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Dentists need to stop being mislead. Challenge the status-quo, and be that leader you know you can be. I'm always asking myself, "am I embracing stupid" when it comes to everything in my life? Mitigating stupidity in life is my constant challenge. We all make mistakes, but limiting the stupid mistakes just makes life easier. Learning business princ…
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The Business Question No One Is Talking About…
17:16
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17:16At My Practice My Business, we don’t just talk about it, we teach it! We’re the only consulting company teaching it, with the right business protocols to do it. What is it that we teach that not one dental consulting company has picked up on? Procedural profitability! Support the showBy Robert Thorup, DDS
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The simple business question I have for all of you is this, “why in this world would you do MEPAT dentistry on any patient if the reimbursement is for the LEPAT? What business in this world follows that type of business mentality? I don’t believe there is any business in this world that has the same price point when there is a differential in cost …
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ADA pleads with Supreme Court for insurance reform
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13:55The ADA is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to review a decision from a lower appeals court on the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 that limits states’ traditional authority to regulate health care and insurance. This win would be big for all dentists who take PPO Plans. Go ADA! Support the show…
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Some exciting news from MPMB. Support the showBy Robert Thorup, DDS
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Dental Insurance: Obstacle or Opportunity?
21:56
21:56
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21:56We get asked this question all the time. Well, it's time to remove the obstacles. Say goodbye to providing free dental services, due in part to the confusing and often misleading EOB guidelines and contractual language from dental insurance companies. It’s also time to say goodbye to the dental consultants and other individuals who truly lack the e…
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Has anyone really looked at our wages lately? Does anyone know what the hourly minimums are for our team members to just survive, let alone live a normal life? If we are not financially stable in our dental practices, we certainly can not financially support our team members, let alone ourselves. Support the show…
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When is the last time you tested for leaks in your nitrous system? What is the danger level with leaks of nitrous when it comes to the child bearing years with our wonderful female employees? Check your system often! Support the showBy Robert Thorup, DDS
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I was asked to write an article on how to be profitable with PPO Plans, because that is our specialty here at My Practice My Business (MPMB). It’s honestly such a loaded request, as all of you who have been through our training here at MPMB understand, that I simply didn’t know where to start at first. However, I will be so bold in my old age as to…
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Why Can’t Dentists Accept Business Concepts?
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18:54What I want to address is what one doc said to one of our team members at our booth. When our team member asked the doc if he had heard about My Practice My Business, he said, “Oh yes, I’ve heard about MPMB, both good and bad.” Now I understand I might offend some people, truth always does. But my team member wanted to know what “bad” he has heard …
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After all that Tracy and I have seen, from the good to the ugly, it all comes down to one thing in dentistry: leadership! Here's to a fantastic 2024! Support the showBy Robert Thorup, DDS
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The "Dark Truth" about Delta Dental...and why Business HR Departments Should Go Elsewhere!
40:12
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40:12Before I start, let me be clear with what I do and why it matters to you. My husband and I work with dental insurance companies, insurance commissioners, state legislators, state dental associations, and representatives of the American Dental Association to ensure that both patients and their dental providers are protected against unfair and unethi…
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Titles and profits channel, or front-line advocacy channel? It’s time for the rose-colored glasses to come off, and either hold your state and national associations accountable to reality, or stop wasting your money on annual dues. May I suggest all of us stop taking a back seat, and put some pressure, a lot of pressure, on the ADA and your state d…
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Business Concepts Continue to Escape Dentistry: never be afraid to charge for what you do!
21:52
21:52
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21:52A few weeks ago, I had a fellow colleague ask us to run an analysis on his practice to see how much revenue he was losing each year. We do this for offices who are interested in our Team Training here at MPMB. After showing him the hundreds of thousands of dollars our training would bring to his practice, he asked the worst question possible. “Rob,…
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Everyone is Thinking the Same Thing, but No One Wants to Speak Out
26:50
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26:50In dentistry, dental team meetings can become unproductive, and ideas may not be conveyed effectively. This podcast aims to explore the reasons why individuals may choose not to speak up in meetings, the implications of this behavior, and possible solutions to overcome it. In today’s world, meetings have become an essential aspect of organizational…
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Understanding the Reasons Why Dentists Are Not In Charge
24:56
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24:56Dentistry is a field that requires not only clinical expertise but also strong managerial skills to run a successful dental practice. While many dentists excel in providing quality oral healthcare, there are so many instances, that Tracy and I have witnessed first-hand, where the Doc does not actively take charge of managing their dental office. I …
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If you join up (or switch over) to either a Bad Brain Boys+ or Imagination Adventures+ bundle before the end of September, on October 2 you're gonna get a little wet and sloppy gift of all 20 soaking episodes of Dinosaur Wet! After that it'll appear weekly in the Bad Brain Boys+ bundle both on our website and Apple Podcasts at apple.co/badbrainboys…
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No Doc, Low Reimbursement Rates are NOT Your Fault
18:34
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18:34As I was gathering my thoughts on this topic, my mind was racing in many directions as to where I should start with this one. Let me first begin by saying, contrary to what we read from our dental association leadership, it is definitely not your fault doc, by you signing up with PPO plans, that third-party payers have such low reimbursement rates.…
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Why are Dental Leaders Answering Questions no Dentist is Asking?
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23:32Dental leaders play an essential role in the dental industry, as they provide guidance and direction to dentists and other dental professionals. However, in recent years, some dental leaders have been answering questions that no dentist is asking, causing confusion and frustration among dental professionals. This report aims to explore why dental l…
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If you join up (or switch over) to either a Bad Brain Boys+ or Imagination Adventures+ bundle before the end of September, on October 2 you're gonna get a little wet and sloppy gift of all 20 soaking episodes of Dinosaur Wet! After that it'll appear weekly in the Bad Brain Boys+ bundle. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…
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NO, ADA, You Should Not Report Full Fees To Payers
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43:47Let me be very clear from the start. Dental Insurance Companies, commonly called “third-party” payers, DO NOT SET THEIR REIMBURSEMENT FEES BASED UPON YOUR FEE-FOR-SERVICE FEES. For the ADA to imply this false statement is factual is unbelievable to me. They should know better. It’s articles like this that drive membership downward, because those of…
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The American Dental Associations leasing of CDT Codes to dental insurance companies
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20:47The American Dental Association (ADA) owns and licenses the use of Current Dental Terminology (CDT) codes, which are a standardized set of codes used to describe dental procedures and services provided to patients. The CDT codes are used by dental insurance companies to process claims and reimburse dentists for services provided to patients. If the…
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Dentistry is an essential component of healthcare, and the dental industry is a significant contributor to the economy. In recent years, however, the economy has had a profound impact on the dental industry, particularly on the revenue of dental practices. This podcast aims to explore how the economy is affecting dentists in terms of their income, …
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Running a dental practice with critical business thinking vs. “how does this make me feel” strategies is something that Tracy and I deal with constantly. It’s where dentists and front office team members, and sometimes every team member, fail the business test. It’s what separates the average practice from the great practices. Here we go… Support t…
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Why are dentists afraid to speak out about dental insurance companies and the American Dental Association?
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19:48Dentists play a crucial role in ensuring the oral health of individuals. However, many dentists are hesitant to speak out about dental insurance companies and the American Dental Association (ADA) when it comes to policies that negatively affect patient care. This podcast aims to discuss the reasons why dentists may be afraid to speak out about the…
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One of the books that Tracy makes a required read for the Advanced OM/FO Business Training talks about “bottlenecks” in a manufacturing plant. It was an amazing business read, and I quickly understood why she requires it for all our attendees. The similarities to what dental practices experience became strikingly similar. Just like the bottlenecks …
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We’ve trained hundreds of practices here at MPMB, both in state and out of state, and I would say roughly forty percent or more of them are not members of the ADA and their state associations. When I ask them why they chose not to be members, the answers have a common ground. Another problem I believe is contributing to the decrease in ADA and Stat…
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