In this episode of the Shared Practices Podcast, Richard Low and Scott Leune explore how to implement operations in a dental practice. They discuss real-world strategies for optimizing patient flow, managing key financial metrics, and building a culture of accountability within the team. This episode offers actionable insights for dentists ready to take their operations to the next level. Key Highlights: 

1. Optimizing Patient Flow: Discover how streamlined patient scheduling and flow are critical to practice efficiency and profitability.
2. Tracking Financial Metrics: Richard and Scott discuss the importance of monitoring key financial indicators to align operations with practice goals.
3. Building Accountability within Teams: Learn how to foster accountability across your team by setting clear expectations and creating reliable systems to manage performance.

Ready to see operations in action? Tune in now to learn how to implement these strategies and run your practice more efficiently!

Have a question or topic you want us to cover? Reach out to us on social media or our website at www.sharedpractices.com. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!

Dr. Andrew Clingan shares his rollercoaster journey of purchasing a dental practice right out of school and transforming it into a million-dollar business within a year. He opens up about the brutal realities of the first few months, the importance of finding the right team, and a mix of luck and leadership.

Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform to help us reach more dental professionals like you. Visit our website for more episodes, join our community on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram for the latest updates and behind-the-scenes content.

In this episode of the Shared Practices Podcast, Dr. Jim Simpson shares his journey of buying the right dental practice. From his decision-making process to evaluating opportunities and making the best choice, Dr. Simpson dives into the key factors that helped him succeed. Whether you’re looking to purchase your first practice or planning future acquisitions, this episode offers valuable insights into what makes a practice the “right” one. Key Highlights: 

1. The Decision to Buy: Dr. Simpson talks about the importance of timing and preparation when buying a practice. He shares his personal journey of evaluating different opportunities and what helped him determine the right fit.
2. Evaluating the Right Practice: Learn the crucial factors Dr. Simpson considered when choosing the practice, including location, patient base, and financial performance. His insights offer practical guidance for anyone in the process of purchasing a practice.
3. Challenges and Successes: Dr. Simpson highlights his challenges after acquiring the practice and how he overcame them to ensure a smooth transition. He also shares the strategies that helped him turn the practice into a success.

Curious about what it takes to find and buy the right practice? Tune in now for Dr. Simpson's expert insights!

Have a question or topic you want us to cover? Reach out to us on social media or our website at www.sharedpractices.com. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!

In this episode of the Shared Practices Podcast, George discusses the difference between hygiene-led growth and hygiene-led profit. He explores how to leverage hygiene as a growth tool rather than for immediate profitability and the impact each strategy has on a dental practice’s success.

Key Highlights:

1. Hygiene-Led Growth: George explains how focusing on growth through hygiene means expanding patient volume and creating opportunities for long-term production. This approach sets the stage for future profits but requires patience.
2. Hygiene-Led Profit: The alternative strategy is maximizing profitability through hygiene in the short term. This approach focuses on immediate returns by optimizing hygiene production and collections.
3. Which Strategy is Right for Your Practice? George offers insights on choosing between growth and profit depending on your practice’s goals, financial stability, and long-term vision.

Curious about which approach will work best for your practice? Tune in now to discover how to leverage hygiene for either growth or profit!

Have a question or topic you want us to cover? Reach out to us on social media or our website at www.sharedpractices.com. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!

Richard and Caitlin dive into "metric blindness" in dental practices, focusing on how to understand and manage Accounts Receivable (AR) for financial health.

Key Highlights:

Understanding Accounts Receivable (AR):

AR reflects the money owed for services provided but not yet collected. Learn how it can be a positive indicator when managed correctly.

Key Metrics for AR Management:

Metrics like the collections ratio, AR to production ratio, and aging categories provide a clear view of your practice’s financial health.

Proactive AR Strategies:

Discover proactive measures to keep cash flow healthy, like setting clear collection guidelines and accurate cost estimates.

Don’t let metric blindness limit your practice's success. Find out how to manage AR effectively! Have a question or topic you want us to cover? Reach out to us on social media or our website at www.sharedpractices.com. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!

In this episode, George discusses every dental practice owner's crucial decision: Should you prioritize profit or focus on growth? He breaks down the key differences between these strategies, explains how to assess which approach fits your practice, and shares the financial metrics that matter most. George also explores how practices can achieve profit and growth through the right balance. Key Highlights: 

• Profit vs. Growth Strategy: Understand the differences between maximizing profit (cutting costs, optimizing cash flow) and growth (reinvesting profits to expand).
• Critical Metrics for Profit and Growth: Learn about the essential metrics to track, such as profit margin, overhead percentage, revenue growth, and patient acquisition.
• Choosing the Right Path: Get guidance on prioritizing profit or growth based on your practice's goals, financial health, and long-term vision.
• Balancing Profit and Growth: Discover strategies to balance profit and growth by optimizing current operations while reinvesting for the future.

Have a question or topic you want us to cover?

Reach out to us on social media or leave a comment on our website at www.sharedpractices.com. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!

The Shared Practices Podcast dives into the intricacies of dental practice growth and management with co-hosts Dr. Richard Low and Dr. George Hariri. In this episode, Richard and George tackle precision growth pathways, discussing how data-driven metrics shape dental practices' paths from solo to group operations. With their unique analytics-based approach, they explore optimizing patient flow, cost structures, and staffing models to accelerate profitability and sustainable growth. Engaging in the nuanced decisions that drive practice evolution, they offer insights into building a solid foundation for long-term success. Tune in for strategic insights that challenge traditional methods and embrace dynamic growth.

In this episode of Shared Practices, Dr. Jeff Casebier joins Coach Lori to share his journey through his first year as owner of a multi-doctor practice. From his background in public health to managing the complex dynamics of a larger team, Dr. Casebier reflects on the challenges and successes he faced, from reshaping practice culture to modernizing outdated systems. With guidance from Shared Practices, he discusses building trust, empowering team members for co-diagnosis, and aligning his practice with personal goals. His story offers valuable insights into the realities of practice ownership, highlighting how resilience, the right systems, and a patient-centered approach can transform a practice in its foundational year.

In this episode of the Shared Practices Podcast, Dr. Richard Low and Caitlin Embree discuss the importance of checklists for creating self-managed dental teams. They cover how clearly defined roles, structured checklists, and accountability empower team members to work efficiently, reduce micromanagement, and prepare practices for sustainable growth.

In this episode of the Shared Practices Podcast, Dr. Richard Low is joined by longtime co-host Dr. George Hariri to explore the metrics-driven growth pathways for dental practices. Building on prior discussions, they revisit the foundational concept of practice "avatars" and unveil an updated framework shaped by insights from Dr. Scott Leune. This new approach offers dentists greater clarity and tailored options for growth at every stage of their career.

Richard and George discuss the transitions between solo, productive solo, smart solo, and group practices, while diving into the critical metrics that drive growth, such as patient base size, hygiene columns, and retention rates. They address the challenges of balancing clinical and business-focused goals, and reveal strategies to navigate key transitions—like adding a second doctor—without common pitfalls. Additionally, they introduce new growth paths, including the "smart solo" and "pseudo specialist" avatars, designed to meet a range of professional priorities, from scaling income to optimizing operations.

Packed with actionable insights, this episode serves as a roadmap for dentists looking to scale intelligently and achieve sustainable success. Whether you're building your first million-dollar practice or expanding into a profitable group, this conversation is sure to spark ideas and illuminate the path forward.

In this episode of the Shared Practices Podcast, Dr. Richard Low and George Hariri dive into the debate of startup versus acquisition for dental practices. Drawing on their extensive experience, they discuss the risks, rewards, and key factors to consider for each approach, helping listeners determine the best path for their goals.

On this episode of the Shared Practices Podcast, Dr. Richard Low chats with Dr. Austin about his journey from military dentistry to owning and scaling a thriving multi-million-dollar practice. They discuss the challenges of transitioning into ownership, implementing systems, and building a ground-up 16-operatory practice while balancing growth, leadership, and family.

One decision can change everything. In this episode of Ask George, we reveal why buyer’s representation isn’t optional—it’s essential. George and Richard share the biggest mistakes pre-owners make and how to spot a growth-ready practice before someone else does. Don’t miss this masterclass in practice acquisition strategy.

Dr. Brady Smith joins Dr. Richard Low for a raw, hilarious, and insightful conversation about the wild turns his dental career has taken—from owning Comfort Dental franchises to building a hygienist-less group practice, launching comedy shows, and pioneering charitable dentistry. They explore Brady’s bold social media strategy, his unfiltered patient interactions, and how making dentistry fun again can redefine fulfillment. Whether you’re into practice ownership, stand-up, or scaling without hygiene, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode of 'Practice Underwater', George Hariri sits down with "Gregorio," a real dentist with a fake name but real numbers. After a four-year journey from associate to owner, Gregorio now runs a thriving $2M practice but faces a major crossroads—how to scale his business while reducing his clinical hours. George dives into Gregorio’s background, practice dynamics, and vision for a two-day clinical work week while maintaining high profitability. They explore his implant and endo-heavy clinical mix, the bottlenecks in hygiene, and the expansion potential of his facility. Is he on the path to a $3.5M practice, or should he drop insurance first? Tune in to hear the breakdown and strategy for his next move.

Dr. Jesspreet Parmar shares his incredible journey from solo doctor to scaling a thriving fee-for-service group practice—but it wasn’t all smooth sailing. From navigating a rocky practice acquisition and staff drama to unlocking massive growth through hygiene, leadership, and internal marketing, Dr. Parmar reveals the hard lessons and game-changing strategies that took his practice to $2.4 million in collections. Tune in as he and Shared Practices coach Caitlin Embree break down the mindset shifts and tactical moves that made it all possible!

Selling your practice to a DSO can be tempting, but is it the right move? In this episode, Dr. Scott Leune joins us for part two of our deep dive into practice sales, exploring when it actually makes financial sense to sell and how to avoid the biggest pitfalls. We break down net multiples, walkaway options, and the long-term impact of your decision—so you don’t trade one set of problems for another. If you're considering selling, this episode is a must-listen!

This episode unveils the launch of the Ask George Mastermind, a unique opportunity for growth-minded dentists to collaborate, learn, and gain direct access to Dr. George Hariri's expertise. Discover how to tackle challenges like associate mentorship, expansion decisions, and marketing strategies while learning from real-world scenarios. Don't miss out—visit mastermind.sharedpractices.com for more information.

In this episode of the Shared Practices Podcast, Dr. Richard Low and Dr. Alex Sharp tackle an important question: Once you’ve built a thriving practice and reached financial success, what’s next?

Most dentists focus on growing their practice and increasing income, but after hitting a financial milestone, the next steps become less clear. Richard and Alex explore the challenges, mindset shifts, and opportunities for investing beyond the dental practice.

In this Coach’s Corner episode, Richard and Caitlin dive into one of the most common challenges for practice owners—getting their team to truly buy in. Spoiler alert: It’s not about throwing more money at the problem! They break down three key areas that drive real engagement: genuinely caring about your team, defining the “why” behind your practice, and clearly communicating your vision and expectations. If you’ve ever felt frustrated by a disengaged team, this episode is for you.

Expanding a dental practice is an exciting but high-stakes challenge. In this episode of Ask George, Richard and George take a deep dive into the operational and financial realities of scaling up. From hiring the right office manager to streamlining systems for efficiency, they discuss the critical steps that can make or break a growing practice.

The discussion also touches on the financial stress of expansion, how to prepare cash reserves, and why managing risk wisely can mean the difference between a thriving multi-doctor office and a financial disaster. Whether you're adding an associate or considering a large-scale expansion, this episode offers real-world strategies and key insights to help you navigate the process successfully.

In this episode of the Shared Practices Podcast, Dr. Richard Low interviews Dr. Simon Wu about his journey from associate to successful practice owner in Southern California. Dr. Wu shares how he navigated the challenges of buying a practice with high overhead and low new patient flow, the strategies he used to turn it into a thriving business, and the role coaching played in his success. Listeners will gain insights on evaluating practice opportunities, negotiating PPO fees, and scaling a practice while maintaining work-life balance.

Dr. Richard Low and Dr. Alex Sharp dive into the personal financial strategies that dentists need to achieve financial escape velocity. They discuss how to manage student loans, build financial security, and make the strategic moves that lead to wealth and financial freedom. Whether you’re a new associate, an early practice owner, or looking to optimize your finances, this episode provides real-world advice on increasing income, building net worth, and making the right financial decisions for long-term success.

Expanding from one practice to multiple locations is a whole different ballgame—are you ready for it? In this episode of Ask George, Dr. Richard Low and Dr. George Hariri break down the critical decision points, from assessing your readiness to navigating the burdens of multi-practice ownership. They dive deep into the challenges of acquisitions vs. startups, the importance of long-term vision, and why patience and quality always outweigh reckless growth. If you're thinking about scaling your practice, this is the must-listen roadmap to doing it right!

In this episode, Richard Low sits down with Dr. Mohiuddin Ifaz and Lori Williams to discuss an incredible practice transformation journey. Dr. Ifaz shares how he acquired and modernized a 40-year-old dental practice with no digital systems, turning it into a thriving, fully digital, fee-for-service practice. Lori, one of Shared Practices' top coaches, details the critical role of coaching, team management, and strategy in scaling a practice successfully.

In Part 2 of our deep dive with Gregorio, we lay out the step-by-step blueprint to scale his $1.9M, 7-op practice into a $3.5M mega-group practice—all while reducing his clinical days to just two per week. George walks through the critical decisions Gregorio must make, including expanding the facility, hiring the right associate, and implementing an office manager to streamline operations. They also discuss profit-sharing vs. equity, how to finance the expansion without disrupting cash flow, and why a strategic hiring approach will be the key to long-term success.

If you haven’t listened to Part 1, go back and start there for context!

Remember Nesto’s wild story from last week? This time he’s on the mic, and he’s sharing what it’s really like to manage two totally different dental practices while building a team, coaching his associate, and chasing a dual-group-practice dream.

In this solo Practice Under Water episode, George Hariri narrates the gritty and inspiring ownership journey of “Nesto,” a dentist navigating the challenges of two practices—one thriving, one bleeding cash. George details Nesto’s path from a promising acquisition to hard financial lessons, culminating in a pivotal decision to persist with both practices. This episode is a deep dive into real-world ownership grit, strategic crossroad decisions, and long-term vision.

Richard and George explore the financial journey of a dentist’s career through three key phases: income generation, wealth accumulation, and eventual stagnation. They discuss critical decisions around practice ownership vs. DSOs, income benchmarks, and strategies for building generational wealth. This episode offers practical financial guidance for dentists navigating each stage of their career. Check out our events page for our upcoming events https://sharedpractices.com/events/

This episode features Richard Low and Alex Sharp in a deep dive on culture as a foundational driver of practice success. From turnover and team expectations to measurable metrics and mission-driven leadership, they outline how to build a culture that’s both intentional and resilient. Whether you’re just starting out or refining your systems, this conversation offers actionable strategies you can implement tomorrow. Check out our events page for all 2025 events https://sharedpractices.com/events/

Explore the essential steps to securing financing for your dental practice with Richard Low, Steve Steinbrunner, and Brian Carroll from Provide. From liquidity requirements to real estate expansion, this episode outlines best practices for both startups and acquisitions—plus details on the July Pathway to Practice Ownership event. Check out our events page https://sharedpractices.com/events/ for more details.

In this episode of Coach’s Corner, Richard and Caitlin dive into the challenges of analysis paralysis—that overwhelming feeling of having too many options and struggling to take action as a practice owner. They discuss decision-making frameworks, managing attention and focus, and avoiding the trap of endless learning without execution. Whether it’s dealing with daily operations, implementing new systems, or choosing which advice to follow, this episode provides actionable strategies to filter the noise, prioritize effectively, and actually get things done.
Visit https://sharedpractices.com/events/ for all of our upcoming events!

Struggling with last-minute cancellations and no-shows in your dental practice? In this Shared Practices Coaches Corner episode, Richard Low and Caitlin share proven scripts, cancellation policy strategies, and tips to train patients to respect your time. Whether you're considering broken appointment fees, patient deposits, or short-call lists, this episode delivers practical advice to protect your schedule and improve practice efficiency.

Discover how international virtual team members are transforming the dental industry. Richard Low sits down with Cory Pinegar, founder of Reach, to explore hiring trends, practice profitability, and operational strategy. They break down how to save $24K per hire while boosting team culture, patient satisfaction, and bottom-line growth.

Thinking of buying a practice? Hear how Dr. Brian Belsterling used Shared Practices’ tools to go from associate to thriving owner—without the stress. This candid interview with Richard Low unpacks the wins, setbacks, and strategy behind Brian’s path to long-term growth.

In this episode, Richard Low and George Hariri explore the mindset and strategic responsibilities of a dental CEO. From defining management versus leadership to understanding how to align a team with a long-term vision, they provide actionable insights for practice owners looking to elevate from operator to executive.

In this episode, Richard Low and Alex Sharp dive deep into the role of hygiene in modern dental practices, asking whether hygiene-led growth is still viable in 2025. They explore recruiting strategies, economic realities, and leadership systems that make or break a hygiene department. Packed with tactical advice and forward-thinking insights, this is a must-listen for any practice owner navigating today’s hygiene landscape.

In this impactful second part, George guides "Alejandro" through a real-time blueprint for sustainable growth in a fee-for-service practice. Learn how one owner is tackling hygiene capacity, strategic patient acquisition, and team development—all while staying true to a high-quality, low-drama vision of dentistry.

Dr. "Alejandro", a seasoned fee-for-service solo dentist, joins George to discuss the business evolution of his 20+ year-old practice. They unpack the challenges of dropping Delta, staffing hurdles, and a vision for sustainable growth with minimal drama. This episode offers a clear roadmap for mature solo owners striving to increase collections without changing who they are.

In this Ask George episode, George Hariri and Richard Low explore what it truly means to empower your team through effective leadership. Learn the crawl–walk–run framework for team development, how to create clarity and accountability, and why infrastructure—not charisma—is the key to sustainable growth. Plus, details on our free Pathway to Team Leadership course (Sept 19–20).

Think the fastest path to wealth is selling your practice or hustling outside of dentistry? Think again. In this powerful Ask George episode, George Hariri and Richard Low reveal how owning your practice long-term—on your terms—is the real key to financial freedom, sustainable income, and a life you love.

What happens when you buy a dental practice straight out of school? Richard and Andrew get real about the wins, the painful lessons, and the strategies that make it possible. If you're dreaming of ownership, this episode is packed with practical advice—and a few hard truths.

Thinking about buying your first dental practice? In this episode, George Hariri and Richard Low revisit Shared Practices' evolved approach: acquiring “ready to grow” practices. Learn how to identify these opportunities, avoid common acquisition pitfalls, and set yourself up for sustainable growth aligned with your long-term vision.

If you’re investing in marketing but missing calls, you’re leaking revenue. Learn how dental virtual assistants can boost conversions, improve verifications, and stabilize staffing.

Is rapid growth always worth it? This $8M dental owner reveals the stress, mistakes, and boundary-setting required to grow without sacrificing lifestyle.

In Part 2 of Thor’s return to Practice Under Water, George and Thor tackle the complexities of scaling a thriving $2.5M practice. From facility constraints to associate performance and insurance strategy, this episode offers a real-time masterclass in transitioning from hustle-based growth to systems-driven sustainability.

In this episode of Practice Under Water, returning guest "Thor" shares how he grew his suburban dental practice from $700K to $2.5M in just four years. George helps him evaluate the next strategic step—moving, expanding, or embracing a pseudo-specialist role—all while preserving income and quality of life.

Kick off 2026 with a plan that actually sticks. George walks through choosing your practice vision, pinpointing your #1 bottleneck, and installing a weekly operating rhythm so growth stops being random. Pick your avatar, align your team, and make the calendar turn count.

Richard and Caitlin break down a four-part framework for practice vision—anatomy/scale, philosophy of care, team culture, and life design—and show how to use it to drive buy-in, staffing math, and bottleneck-based prioritization. Learn cadence tips for communicating vision, preventing change fatigue, and creating clear pivot points that reduce burnout.

Join George Hariri and Richard Low as they dive into the real-world applications of AI in dental practice management. From co-diagnosis tools and automated SOP creation to marketing insights and team performance reviews, they explore how dentists can harness AI today—and what’s just around the corner.