Explore every episode of the podcast The Dental Economist Show
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Julianne O'Connor & Michael Keeter on Mindset Habits That Separate the Top One Percent in Dentistry | 24 sept. 2026 | 00:52:43 | |
What does it take to build meaningful influence, lead high-performing teams, and create a career that does not come at the expense of fulfillment? In this episode of The Dental Economist Show, host Mike Huffaker speaks with Julieanne O’Connor and Michael Keeter, co-founders of Influential Dental and the team behind Influence Elevée magazine, about mindset, leadership, culture, and the human side of success in dentistry. Julieanne and Michael share the origin story behind their partnership and the mission that guides their work: elevating the people who elevate others. They discuss the common traits they see in high-achieving dental leaders, including authenticity, strong systems, curiosity, and a willingness to embrace change rather than fear it. The conversation explores how leaders can sustain high performance without burning out, why achievement alone rarely creates lasting fulfillment, and the importance of focusing on the present instead of constantly chasing the next milestone. Julieanne also shares her approach to public speaking, while Michael explains why culture must be defined, lived, and connected to a purpose larger than numbers. They also discuss the launch of Influence Elevée magazine, their commitment to spotlighting the people behind dentistry, and their new initiative, Influence for Kids, which supports foster youth through awareness, experiences, and opportunity. Episode chapters 00:00 Introducing Influential Dental and Influence Elevée 04:54 The origin story behind Julieanne and Michael’s partnership 07:15 Elevating others and uncaging potential 08:16 The common traits of high-achieving dental leaders 14:22 Embracing change, AI, and sustainable high performance 21:01 Why the present moment matters more than the next achievement 27:44 Public speaking without the pressure to perform 31:43 Building a culture that people want to be part of 43:19 Why they launched a lifestyle and mindset magazine for dentistry 54:19 Influence for Kids and creating opportunity for foster youth Connect with the team: 👉 Mike Huffaker on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/huffaker/ 👉 Planet DDS: https://planetdds.com/ 👉 Influential Dental: https://influentialdental.com/ 👉Julieanna O’Connor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelkeeter66/ 👉Michael Keeter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelkeeter66/
👉 Apple Podcast: https://shorturl.at/ikORx 👉 Spotify: https://shorturl.at/SMInC Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show? If you’re a growth-focused leader in the dental business world or someone shaping its future through technology, consulting, or innovation, we’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next generation of dental technology, or helping redefine patient care, The Dental Economist Show is where the industry’s leading voices come together to discuss what’s next. | |||
| Tom Terronez on the Patient Data Question Every Dental Group Should Be Able to Answer But Can't | 17 sept. 2026 | 00:31:28 | |
Can your practice confidently explain where patient data goes after it is collected? In this episode of The Dental Economist Show, host Mike Huffaker speaks with Thomas Terronez, CEO of Medix Dental, about the overlooked data supply chain behind modern dental technology.
The conversation explores the security benefits of cloud-based practice management platforms, the risks associated with legacy on-premise systems, and why staff training remains one of the most important safeguards against ransomware. Thomas also shares why a signed BAA is not enough, what DSOs should ask vendors before connecting new technology, and how practices can begin building a clearer, more accountable view of their data ecosystem. Episode chapters 00:00 The hidden data supply chain in dentistry 02:00 From computer enthusiast to dental IT leader 04:52 Why dentistry has been slow to embrace the cloud 07:33 The risks of on-premise servers and ransomware 10:29 How many vendors are touching your patient data? 12:20 Why a signed BAA is not enough 15:03 The data-governance gap in dental organizations 18:32 AI, patient data, and the startup landscape 22:28 What responsible technology adoption looks like 28:49 The questions every DSO should ask a new vendor Connect with the team: 👉 Mike Huffaker on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/huffaker/ 👉 Planet DDS: https://planetdds.com/ 👉 Thomas Terronez: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-terronez-9371104/ You can also listen to our podcast here: 👉 Apple Podcast: https://shorturl.at/ikORx 👉 Spotify: https://shorturl.at/SMInC Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show? If you’re a growth-focused leader in the dental business world or someone shaping its future through technology, consulting, or innovation, we’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next generation of dental technology, or helping redefine patient care, The Dental Economist Show is where the industry’s leading voices come together to discuss what’s next. | |||
| Kyle Welch on Why DSO Operators Are Being Blamed for a Problem They Didn't Create | 10 sept. 2026 | 00:40:44 | |
Why DSO Operators Are Being Blamed for a Problem They Didn't Create Why has the DSO deal market stalled even as demand for dental care remains strong? In this episode of The Dental Economist Show, host Mike Huffaker speaks with Kyle Welch, Associate Professor of Accountancy at the George Washington University School of Business, about the capital-market forces shaping private equity, DSO valuations, and the path to liquidity for dental entrepreneurs. Kyle explains his central thesis: the current slowdown is not simply an operator-performance issue or a reflection of what is happening in the dental chair. It begins higher up the chain with how private equity is valued, how institutional investors allocate capital, and how rising rates have changed the economics behind acquisitions and exits. Drawing on his experience at the Stanford University endowment and his research into private equity reporting, Kyle explores why private-market valuations can appear smoother than public markets, why secondary-market discounts matter, and why the capital that once fueled DSO consolidation has become more constrained. The conversation also examines what comes next. Kyle and Mike discuss the pressure created by extended hold periods, the importance of retaining doctor partners, refinancing and debt restructuring, and why combining platforms and pursuing public-market liquidity may offer a more durable path forward for some dental organizations. Episode chapters 00:00 The capital-markets problem behind the DSO slowdown 02:09 Kyle’s path from institutional investing to academia 03:32 Why private equity’s challenges matter to dentistry 06:49 The accounting “smoothing” effect in private equity 12:36 Secondary markets and the gap between reported and market value 15:13 Why this is a private-equity issue—not just a dental issue 20:00 Capital constraints, dry powder, and the liquidity freeze 26:50 The two priorities for DSOs: debt coverage and doctor retention 33:19 Restructuring debt and working with lenders 39:56 A potential path forward: consolidation and public-market exits Connect with the team: 👉 Mike Huffaker on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/huffaker/ 👉 Planet DDS: https://planetdds.com/ 👉 Kyle Welch on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ktwelch/ You can also listen to our podcast here: 👉 Apple Podcast: https://shorturl.at/ikORx 👉 Spotify: https://shorturl.at/SMInC Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show? If you’re a growth-focused leader in the dental business world or someone shaping its future through technology, consulting, or innovation, we’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next generation of dental technology, or helping redefine patient care, The Dental Economist Show is where the industry’s leading voices come together to discuss what’s next. | |||
| Dr. Shilpi Priyadarshini on Building Clinical Systems That Help Dentists and Patients Win | 03 sept. 2026 | 00:46:35 | |
What does it take to help clinicians deliver more consistent care, build confidence in the chair, and grow into effective leaders? In this episode of The Dental Economist Show, host Mike Huffaker speaks with Dr. Shilpi Priyadarshini, Chief Dental Officer at the Dentist Entrepreneur Organization (DEO), about the clinical systems, mentorship, and communication practices that help dental organizations improve care at scale. Dr. Shilpi reflects on her journey from practicing dentist to regional leader at Jefferson Dental and now clinical coach at DEO. She explains why dentistry does not have a standard-of-care problem as much as it has a systems problem—and why clear processes, mentorship, and regular clinical audits can help clinicians make better decisions for patients. The conversation explores how radiographic AI can support more consistent diagnosis and patient communication, the importance of separating treatment planning from insurance benefits, and the role empathy plays in case acceptance. Dr. Shilpi also shares her “LIGER” framework for clinicians, practical approaches to coaching providers based on their strengths, and how better systems can reduce decision-making fatigue and burnout. Episode chapters 00:00 From the chair to clinical leadership Connect with the team: 👉 Mike Huffaker on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/huffaker/ You can also listen to our podcast here: 👉 Apple Podcast: https://shorturl.at/ikORx Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show? If you’re a growth-focused leader in the dental business world or someone shaping its future through technology, consulting, or innovation, we’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next generation of dental technology, or helping redefine patient care, The Dental Economist Show is where the industry’s leading voices come together to discuss what’s next. | |||
| Bob Fontana on Why Getting Bigger is Easy, Getting Better is Hard | 27 août 2026 | 00:46:07 | |
What does it take to build a dental organization that expands access for millions of patients while creating lasting opportunity for providers and teams? In this episode of The Dental Economist Show, host Mike Huffaker speaks with Bob Fontana, Founder, Chairman and CEO of The Aspen Group, about the principles that have shaped Aspen Dental from a single practice in East Syracuse into a multi-brand consumer healthcare platform. Bob shares the founding idea behind Aspen Dental: becoming a “yes” organization in a market where patients too often encounter barriers around cost, access, convenience, insurance, scheduling and financing. He explains why a deep understanding of the consumer—particularly working-class and middle-America patients—must inform everything from location strategy and affordability to the patient journey and on-site capabilities. The conversation also explores the operating model behind long-term scale. Bob discusses why a national brand creates both patient demand and accountability, why provider alignment and practice ownership have been fundamental to Aspen’s success, and why learning and development cannot be treated as an HR add-on. He also reflects on the evolution of his own leadership, the role of culture in helping thousands of people make good decisions at scale, the synergies across TAG’s healthcare brands, and why the next generation of DSOs must add real value for patients and providers. Episode chapters 00:00 Building a “yes” organization 04:17 The barriers to dental care: cost, access and convenience 08:32 Why a national dental brand matters 12:36 Provider alignment and the practice ownership model 18:21 TAG University and investing in people 27:18 Evolving as a leader while the organization scales 31:15 Culture as a distributed decision-making system 32:11 The multi-brand consumer healthcare platform 37:57 The founder-led advantage and passionate discontent 43:13 Building better DSOs and giving back to dentistry Connect with the team: 👉 Mike Huffaker on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/huffaker/ 👉 Planet DDS: https://planetdds.com/ 👉 Bob Fontana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-fontana/ 👉 The Aspen Groupl: https://www.teamtag.com/ You can also listen to our podcast here: 👉 Apple Podcast: https://shorturl.at/ikORx 👉 Spotify: https://shorturl.at/SMInC Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show? If you’re a growth-focused leader in the dental business world or someone shaping its future through technology, consulting, or innovation, we’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next generation of dental technology, or helping redefine patient care, The Dental Economist Show is where the industry’s leading voices come together to discuss what’s next. | |||
| Chris Moxon on How BCG Sees the Future of the DSO Market | 20 août 2026 | 00:45:42 | |
What will separate the next generation of winning DSOs from the roll-up models of the past? In this episode of The Dental Economist Show, host Mike Huffaker speaks with Chris Moxon, Managing Director and Partner at Boston Consulting Group, about the future of the dental market, DSO consolidation, and the operational foundations required for sustainable growth. Chris shares BCG’s data-led perspective on why dentistry remains a compelling market: resilient underlying demand, a significant number of patients still outside the care system, and growing recognition of the connection between oral and overall health. He explains how preventative care, salivary diagnostics, and better patient communication can improve treatment acceptance while creating better outcomes. The conversation also explores the realities of consolidation. Chris explains why dental is unlikely to consolidate like pharmacy, why de novo growth depends on more than capital and real estate, and why strategic acquisitions need a clear clinical and operational rationale. He also discusses lender-controlled platforms, specialty growth, clinician incentives, and why the doctors with the greatest clinical autonomy may be working inside the best-run DSOs. Episode chapters 00:00 Clinical autonomy inside well-run DSOs 00:17 Introduction 08:03 The case for growth in dentistry 15:10 The future of DSO consolidation and de novo growth 22:06 Strategic acquisitions, specialty, and lender-controlled platforms 35:02 The platform playbook: operations, incentives, and clinical autonomy 42:24 AI, treatment acceptance, and the connected patient journey Connect with the team: 👉 Mike Huffaker on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/huffaker/ 👉 Planet DDS: https://planetdds.com/ 👉Chris Moxon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moxon/ 👉 Boston Consulting Group: https://www.bcg.com/ You can also listen to our podcast here: 👉 Apple Podcast: https://shorturl.at/ikORx 👉 Spotify: https://shorturl.at/SMInC Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show? If you’re a growth-focused leader in the dental business world or someone shaping its future through technology, consulting, or innovation, we’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next generation of dental technology, or helping redefine patient care, The Dental Economist Show is where the industry’s leading voices come together to discuss what’s next. | |||
| David Murphy on What Buyers Are Really Looking for When They Evaluate a DSO | 13 août 2026 | 00:44:44 | |
What separates a DSO that is ready for a successful capital event from one that is not? In this episode of The Dental Economist Show, host Mike Huffaker speaks with David Murphy, Managing Director at Moelis & Company, about the M&A market, capital strategy, and what dental operators should be building today to maximize their options tomorrow. David explains the role of an investment bank, when DSO leaders should begin building advisor relationships, and how to evaluate the right banking partner. He breaks down the trade-offs between debt and equity financing, why the dental M&A market is beginning to recover after a challenging period, and how higher—but more predictable—costs of capital are changing deal structures. The conversation also explores what buyers look for in diligence: durable organic growth, clinician retention, accurate financial reporting, integrated technology, disciplined de novo performance, and high-quality EBITDA. David shares why well-integrated businesses with strong operational performance are positioned to take market share, why specialty platforms continue to command a premium, and how AI could become a major growth and margin opportunity for dental organizations. Connect with the team: 👉 Mike Huffaker on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/huffaker/ 👉 David Murphy on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-murphy-a7841462/ You can also listen to our podcast here: 👉 Apple Podcast: https://shorturl.at/ikORx Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show? If you’re a growth-focused leader in the dental business world or someone shaping its future through technology, consulting, or innovation, we’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next generation of dental technology, or helping redefine patient care, The Dental Economist Show is where the industry’s leading voices come together to discuss what’s next. | |||
| Special Edition: Steve Bilt & Andrew Smith on the Colorado Ruling That Every DSO in America Should Be Watching | 11 août 2026 | 00:33:20 | |
The conversation explores the practical effect of restrictions on DSO-held leases and clinical equipment, as well as the potential disciplinary exposure for dentists whose arrangements are deemed noncompliant. Andrew and Steve explain why they believe the rules exceed the dental board’s authority and could create serious financial burdens for dentists already operating under established support arrangements.
Connect with the team: 👉 Mike Huffaker on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/huffaker/
If you’re a growth-focused leader in the dental business world or someone shaping its future through technology, consulting, or innovation, we’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next generation of dental technology, or helping redefine patient care, The Dental Economist Show is where the industry’s leading voices come together to discuss what’s next. | |||
| Rahma Samow on Simplifying Care Delivery and Growing ClearChoice Into a Platform of Hope | 06 août 2026 | 00:20:07 | |
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| Stephen Thorne on Moving Dentistry From Sick Care to Preventive Healthcare | 30 juil. 2026 | 00:38:18 | |
How do you transform dentistry from treating teeth to improving whole-body health? In this episode of The Dental Economist Show, host Mike Huffaker sits down with Stephen Thorne, Founder and CEO of PDS Health, to discuss why the future of dentistry lies in prevention, integration and a deeper understanding of the connection between oral health and overall health. Stephen explores how integrated medical and dental care, saliva-based diagnostics and better patient engagement can help clinicians identify risk earlier and make more informed decisions. He also discusses how dental education must evolve, what will distinguish successful DSOs over the next decade, the role of private equity and why today’s dental insurance model is not built to support prevention. The central message is clear: the future of dentistry is not simply restoring what is damaged. It is preventing disease earlier, connecting oral health to overall health and giving clinicians better tools to improve patient care. #dentaleconomist #dentistry #dso #oralhealth #healthcareinnovation #dentaltechnology If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, like, Connect with the team: 👉 Mike Huffaker on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/huffaker/ 👉 Stephen Thorne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-thorne-9184146/ 👉 PDS Health: https://www.pdshealth.com/ 👉 Planet DDS: https://planetdds.com/ Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show? Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next generation of dental technology, or helping redefine patient care, The Dental Economist Show is where the industry’s leading voices come together to discuss what’s next. | |||
| Dr. Farzeela Rupani on Taking Dentist Churn From 60 Percent to 11 Percent in Three Years | 23 juil. 2026 | 00:49:06 | |
Colosseum Dental, one of Europe's largest dental organizations with 650 clinics across 11 countries, faced a staggering 60% dentist churn rate in its UK business back in 2022. How did they bring it down to just 11% in three years? We’re unpacking it all in this episode of The Dental Economist Show as host Mike Huffaker sits down with Dr. Farzeela Rupani, Group Chief Medical Officer of Colosseum Dental, for the ultimate insider’s perspective. Tune in to explore how Dr. Rupani couples clinical expertise with commercial intelligence to drive organic value , why shifting away from a defensive retention strategy transforms a DSO into a career destination , and how to leverage data-backed pilot programs to speak the boardroom's language. Most of all, this conversation highlights why the chief medical officer role must expand beyond a checklist of compliance to unlock true, same-store growth. #dentaleconomist #dsoleadership #dentaltechnology If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, like, and comment📱 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction & Meeting Dr. Farzeela Rupani 02:07 From Clinician to Group Chief Medical Officer 08:32 Bridging the Gap Between Clinical and Business Education 13:36 The DSO’s Role in Teaching Practice Financials 17:31 Taking Dentist Churn from 60% to 11% in Three Years 29:37 Creating Non-Clinical Paths for Dental Leaders 34:55 Moving the CMO Role Beyond Compliance to Growth 41:29 Building the Business Case for Clinical Investments 45:11 AI Diagnostics and the Next Frontier in Dentistry Connect with the team: 👉 Mike Huffaker on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/huffaker/ 👉 Dr. Farzeela Rupani on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-farzeela-rupani-279139153/ 👉 Colosseum Dental Website: https://colosseumdental.com/ 👉 Planet DDS Website: https://planetdds.com/ You can also listen to our podcast here:🎙️ 👉 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3SeeOfY 👉 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3tMmaO7 👉 Fame Host: https://bit.ly/4aQNQ51 Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show? If you’re a growth-focused leader in the dental business world or someone shaping its future through technology, consulting, or innovation we want to hear from you. Submit your interest here: https://forms.gle/BjAmyYLsFgNJBf8f8 Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy! The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so | |||
| Reimaginging RCM - Paul Kaiser and Drew Hamilton | 09 juil. 2026 | 00:18:04 | |
What if a dental asset sat at the center of the universe for the entire dental market? We’re unpacking it all in this special live edition of The Dental Economist Show, coming to you from the Planet DDS Ignite event in Newport Beach. Host Mike Huffaker sits down with Paul Kaiser, CEO of Dental Exchange, and Drew Hamilton, its CRO, for an insider's look into how they are redefining revenue cycle management (RCM). Tune in to explore how Dental Exchange successfully navigated explosive growth following the Change Healthcare disruption , why KKR backed their extensive 30-year transaction infrastructure , and how new innovations like Eligibility AI and Reconcile AI are pushing the platform far beyond a traditional clearinghouse. Plus, get a direct perspective on the complexities, definitions, and major growth opportunities surrounding real-time adjudication and getting payer buy-in. #dentaleconomist #rcm #dentaltechnology If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, like, and comment📱 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction & Welcoming Paul Kaiser and Drew Hamilton 01:18 KKR’s Investment in Dental Exchange 04:21 Navigating the Change Healthcare Disruption 05:19 Moving Beyond a Clearinghouse with AI Innovations 06:58 The Heartland Rollout & Process Hardening 08:19 Unique Factors Driving the Right to Win 09:14 The Strategic Power of Practice Management Partnerships 11:00 Defining Real-Time Pre-Adjudication 14:26 Looking at Instant Pay and the Future of RCM 16:01 Braving the 6 AM Pacific Pledge Connect with the team: 👉 Mike Huffaker on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/huffaker/ 👉 Paul Kaiser on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulalankaiser/ 👉 Drew Hamilton on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-hamilton/ 👉 Dental Exchange Website: https://www.dentalxchange.com/ 👉 Planet DDS Website: https://planetdds.com/ You can also listen to our podcast here: 👉 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3SeeOfY 👉 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3tMmaO7 👉 Fame Host: https://bit.ly/4aQNQ51 Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show? If you’re a growth-focused leader in the dental business world or someone shaping its future through technology, consulting, or innovation we want to hear from you. Submit your interest here: https://forms.gle/BjAmyYLsFgNJBf8f8 Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy! The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so | |||
| Keith Miller on What Dentists Should Ask Before Partnering With a DSO | 02 juil. 2026 | 00:44:13 | |
How do dental practice owners separate empty corporate promises from stable, long-term growth? In this episode of The Dental Economist Show, host Mike Huffaker sits down with Keith Miller, President and COO of Partnerships for Dentists (P4D), to unpack the operational discipline required to build a truly sustainable DSO model. Drawing on his extensive background in high-stakes retail operations at Aldi, Keith explains why transparency and structural consistency are essential for long-term clinical and financial success. The conversation dives deep into the realities of modern DSO integration, detailing how P4D achieves an impressive average EBITDA increase of 30% in year one through non-invasive yet disciplined cost management. Keith sheds light on the hidden pitfalls of over-leveraged acquisitions, why dental practice buyers must look directly at a partner's financial health, and how to effectively navigate internal resistance when transitioning to automated client systems. This episode provides an invaluable framework for any dentist looking to navigate dental support organizations without compromising their clinical autonomy. #dentaleconomist #dsoleadership #dentaloperations If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, like, and comment📱 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction & Meeting Keith Miller 02:44 Core Operational Lessons from Aldi & Multi-Site Retail 05:48 The Genesis of P4D and the Shift to True Partnership Models 09:10 Balancing Clinical Autonomy with Operational Discipline 12:19 Debunking the Myth of "Nothing Will Change" Sales Pitches 16:08 Why Dentists Must Audit a DSO's Financial Health Before Selling 19:33 Unpacking the Levers Behind a 30% First-Year EBITDA Boost 24:17 Overcoming Practice Resistance to Online Automation & Scheduling 29:10 Leading Teams through Severe Economic and Labor Pressures 36:45 The Future Health and Valuation Outlook of the Dental Industry Connect with the team: 👉 Mike Huffaker on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/huffaker/ 👉 Keith Miller on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-miller-502b945/ 👉 Partnerships for Dentists Website: https://p4d.com 👉 Planet DDS Website: https://planetdds.com/ You can also listen to our podcast here: 👉 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3SeeOfY 👉 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3tMmaO7 👉 Fame Host: https://bit.ly/4aQNQ51 Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show? If you’re a growth-focused leader in the dental business world or someone shaping its future through technology, consulting, or innovation—we want to hear from you. Submit your interest here: https://fame.so/pdds-guest The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so | |||
| Dykema DSO Conference Edition with Brian Colao | 25 juin 2026 | 00:25:07 | |
The premier legal and business platform for the DSO industry, Dykema, has established itself as the leading collaborative engine for dental group growth. How do they continue to break records and redefine industry education? We’re unpacking it all in this episode of The Dental Economist Show as host Mike Huffaker sits down with Brian Colao, the Director of the Dental Service Organizations Industry Group at Dykema, for an ultimate insider’s perspective. Tune in to explore how the DSO space is handling a massive maturation phase, what it takes to curate high-impact business content amidst challenging market conditions, and how to methodically approach networking to maximize value. Most of all, this conversation highlights what we all know and cannot afford to ignore: real-time data, historical lessons, and intentional cross-pollination across global borders are absolute game-changers in today’s day and age. #dentaleconomist #dsoleadership #dentaltechnology If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, like, and comment📱 Chapters: 00:00 Introducing Brian Colao & The 4-Time Interview Record 02:15 Challenging Industry Conditions & What Makes Dykema Different This Year 03:27 The Power of Real-Time DSO Data & Planet DDS 05:15 Maturation and Theme: Journey Through DSO History 07:53 Big Budgets, Pyrotechnics, and Cinematography Labs 09:18 Regional Leadership Events & The "No Selling Zone" 12:55 How to Maximize Conference Value & Stop Being a Jellyfish 16:10 Club Fuego Late-Night Antics, Artist Riders & Shaking Hands 17:38 Global Cross-Pollination: Jumping the Curve for International Markets 20:20 The First-Ever Dental Capital Forum & Private Equity Grand Slams Connect with the team: 👉 Mike Huffaker on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/huffaker/ 👉 Brian Colao on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-a-colao-303619122/ 👉 Dykema Website: https://dykemadso.com/ 👉 Planet DDS Website: https://planetdds.com/ You can also listen to our podcast here: 👉 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3SeeOfY 👉 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3tMmaO7 👉 Fame Host: https://bit.ly/4aQNQ51 Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show? If you’re a growth-focused leader in the dental business world or someone shaping its future through technology, consulting, or innovation we want to hear from you. Submit your interest here: https://forms.gle/BjAmyYLsFgNJBf8f8 Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy! The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so | |||
| Leslie Espinola on Why Most Dental Practices Fail for Business Reasons Not Clinical Ones | 18 juin 2026 | 00:43:19 | |
With 35 years in the dental industry, Leslie Espinola has seen practices thrive and fail from every angle. In this episode of The Dental Economist Show, host Mike Huffaker sits down with Leslie—fractional COO, executive coach at the Dental Entrepreneur Organization (DEO), and founder of High Peak Dental Advisors—to unpack why most dental practices fail for business reasons, not clinical ones. From the org chart structures that break down at scale, to the accountability gaps dentists never learned in school, to the ROI of clinical voice technology, Leslie brings boots-on-the-ground wisdom earned from dental assisting all the way to the C-suite. This is the conversation every practice owner needs to hear before opening their next location. #dentaleconomist #dentaloperations #practicemanagement If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, like, and comment📱 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction & Meeting Leslie Espinola 02:00 From Dental Assistant to Fractional COO 05:00 Why General Dentistry Is the Hardest Model to Scale 07:45 Culture & Customer Service as Your Competitive Edge 09:00 Why Practices Fail: Administrative, Not Clinical Failures 12:00 Building the Right Org Chart for Your Practice Size 15:15 The DEO’s 50% Profit Promise—and Why Some Members Fall Short 20:00 Benchmarks That Move the Needle: AR, Supplies & Labs 28:00 The ROI of Clinical Voice Technology 40:00 Why Leslie Is Still Bullish on Dentistry After 35 Years Connect with the team: 👉 Mike Huffaker on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/huffaker/ 👉 Leslie Espinola on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/leslie-espinola/ 👉 DEO Website: https://www.deodentalgroup.com/ 👉 Planet DDS Website: https://planetdds.com/ You can also listen to our podcast here: 👉 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3SeeOfY 👉 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3tMmaO7 👉 Fame Host: https://bit.ly/4aQNQ51 Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show? If you’re a growth-focused leader in the dental business world or someone shaping its future through technology, consulting, or innovation—we want to hear from you. Submit your interest here: https://forms.gle/BjAmyYLsFgNJBf8f8 Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy! The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so | |||
| Joe Feldsien on Why PDS Health Bet on the Mouth Body Connection Before Anyone Else | 11 juin 2026 | 00:51:20 | |
The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so | |||
| Dr. Arwinder Judge on Developing Doctors and Driving Clinical Excellence Across Aspen Dental | 04 juin 2026 | 00:54:42 | |
Aspen Dental is the largest branded DSO in the United States, and behind its clinical excellence is a leadership structure most organizations only dream about. In this episode of The Dental Economist Show, host Mike Huffaker sits down with Dr. Arwinder Judge, Chief Clinical Officer of Aspen Dental, for a candid look inside the organization that supports over 1,100 practices and 1,800 dentists. Tune in to explore how Dr. Judge built world-class clinical infrastructure from the ground up, why mentorship and doctor development are Aspen's most powerful competitive advantages, and what it really takes to drive consistency, case acceptance, and culture at enterprise scale. From TAG University to a 25,000 sq ft surgery center to the upcoming largest rollout of ambient listening in dentistry this conversation is packed with insights every DSO leader needs to hear. #dentaleconomist #dsoleadership #clinicalexcellence If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, like, and comment📱 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction & Meeting Dr. Arwinder Judge 02:04 From Madison Ave Dreams to DSO Leadership 03:38 What a Great CCO Does That a CEO Can’t 07:00 Clinical Consistency Across 1,100+ Practices 11:00 How Aspen Develops New Dentists from Day One 15:00 Technology, AI, and the Future of Clinical Support 18:38 Ambient Listening: Aspen’s Largest-Ever Rollout 21:02 Closing the Case Acceptance Gap with Trust 25:46 Clinical Culture at Scale & the Power of De Novo 39:27 The Bob & Dr. Judge Partnership That Built Aspen Connect with the team: 👉 Mike Huffaker on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/huffaker/ 👉 Dr. Arwinder Judge on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arwinderjudge/ 👉 Aspen Dental Website: https://aspendental.com/ 👉 Planet DDS Website: https://planetdds.com/ You can also listen to our podcast here: 👉 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3SeeOfY 👉 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3tMmaO7 👉 Fame Host: https://bit.ly/4aQNQ51 Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show? If you’re a growth-focused leader in the dental business world or someone shaping its future through technology, consulting, or innovation we want to hear from you. Submit your interest here: https://forms.gle/BjAmyYLsFgNJBf8f8 Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy! The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so | |||
| Dr. Ankoo Raina on Why Dentistry Needs to Stop Recommending and Start Prescribing | 28 mai 2026 | 00:47:32 | |
#dentaleconomist #clinicalleadership #dsolife If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, like, and comment📱
01:52 From India to Boston: Dr. Raina's Journey into Dentistry 05:03 What 15 Years at Jefferson Dental Actually Looks Like
27:03 Building Clinical Culture Across 70+ Locations 31:22 How AI & Overjet Are Changing Treatment Confidence 38:34 Lessons from Failure & Why Dr. Raina Is Still Bullish on Dentistry
👉 Dr. Ankoo Raina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ankoo-raina-058aa39a/ 👉 Jefferson Dental Website: https://jeffersondental.com/ 👉 Planet DDS Website: https://planetdds.com/
👉 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3tMmaO7
The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so | |||
| Dr. Trey Mueller on Leading Clinical Excellence Through a DSO Restructuring | 21 mai 2026 | 00:39:35 | |
Dental Care Alliance (DCA), one of the largest dental support organizations in the country, is navigating a pivotal moment—having just completed a major financial restructuring with $1.1 billion in debt eliminated and $100 million in fresh capital committed to clinical excellence and growth. In this episode of The Dental Economist Show, host Mike Huffaker sits down with Dr. Trey Mueller, Chief Clinical Officer of DCA, for a candid look at what it means to lead clinical quality across 400+ practices. From building Dental Associates of Florida from scratch to climbing the clinical leadership ladder at DCA, Trey brings a rare perspective that spans solo practice, group expansion, and enterprise-level strategy. Tune in to hear how Trey thinks about clinical autonomy versus consistency at scale, why he's now a believer in guarantee contracts for new associates, how AI-powered diagnostics like Overjet are reshaping dentistry, and what the hygiene staffing crisis really means for the industry's future. This episode is a masterclass in leading through restructuring, staying patient-first, and keeping your eye on what makes dentistry an enduringly bullish profession. #dentaleconomist #dsoleadership #clinicalexcellence If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, like, and comment📱 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction & Meeting Dr. Trey Mueller 02:00 CCO Inner Circle: What Happens When Competitors Collaborate 04:49 From Solo Practitioner to 12-Location Group Founder 09:29 Why Trey Chose Dental Care Alliance as His DSO Partner 12:34 Running 400+ Practices: The Hardest Parts of the Transition 13:47 Clinical Autonomy vs. Consistency at Scale 16:21 Deploying AI Diagnostics & Hygiene Coaching Across DCA 18:31 What DCA's Financial Restructuring Really Means for Clinical Growth 22:10 Leading Through Noise: Communicating Change to Equity Partners 31:49 Why the DSO vs. Private Practice Debate Misses the Point Connect with the team: 👉 Mike Huffaker on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/huffaker/ 👉 Dr. Trey Mueller on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/treymueller 👉 Dental Care Alliance Website: https://dentalcarealliance.com/ 👉 Planet DDS Website: https://planetdds.com/ You can also listen to our podcast here: 👉 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3SeeOfY 👉 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3tMmaO7 👉 Fame Host: https://bit.ly/4aQNQ51 Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show? If you're a growth-focused leader in the dental business world or someone shaping its future through technology, consulting, or innovation—we want to hear from you. Submit your interest here: https://forms.gle/BjAmyYLsFgNJBf8f8 Whether you're leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy! The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so | |||
| Robert “RJ” Jerome on How Heartland Dental Makes Technology Decisions at Scale | 14 mai 2026 | 00:56:08 | |
Heartland Dental—the largest DSO in the U.S. with nearly 2,000 locations—operates at extraordinary scale, and in this episode of The Dental Economist Show, host Mike Huffaker sits down with SVP and Chief Digital Officer Robert "RJ" Jerome to unpack how Heartland makes high-stakes technology decisions. From enterprise data strategy and AI deployment to insurance automation and clinical innovation, RJ shares how Heartland balances business leadership, operational discipline, and future-focused digital transformation to support thousands of doctors while preserving practice autonomy. RJ offers an insider’s look into building scalable systems of engagement, standardizing data, choosing the right technology bets with imperfect information, and why successful digital leadership requires more than managing IT—it demands business fluency, courage, and relentless curiosity. This episode is a masterclass in how one of healthcare’s most influential organizations leverages technology to shape the future of dentistry.
If you’re a growth-focused leader in the dental business world or someone shaping its future through technology, consulting, or innovation—we want to hear from you.
Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy! The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so | |||
| David Meece on Building a DSO Where Profit Follows People | 07 mai 2026 | 00:50:59 | |
Texas-based DSO, Pearl Street Dental Partners, has built one of the most distinctive dental organizations in the country by making one radical bet: that profit follows people. In this episode of The Dental Economist Show, host Mike Huffaker sits down with co-founder and CEO, David Meece, for an unfiltered look at how a recovering attorney built a people-first DSO that has made the Inc. 5,000 list every year since it was first eligible and grown to 50+ partner practices across Texas and Oklahoma. Tune in to explore how David's conviction that profitability is an outcome rather than a pursuit has shaped every partnership decision, why their invisible DSO model lets every practice keep its own name and culture, and how elective adoption not mandates drives near-universal buy-in across the entire organization. Most of all, this conversation is a masterclass in what it truly means to build a business around relationships first. #dentaleconomist #dsoleadership #peoplefirstDSO If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, like, and comment📱 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction & Meeting David Meece 01:36 From Attorney to DSO Founder: David's Origin Story 05:00 How the Pearl Street Model Was Born 08:05 Partnering with Private Equity Without Losing Your Soul 14:15 How to Define and Measure Culture in a DSO 20:05 Nothing's Gonna Change and Why That's the Wrong Promise 25:00 Centralized vs. Elective Services: How Pearl Street Structures Support 30:23 When Culture Erodes: Lessons from the Hard Moments 37:03 Organic Growth from Within: What Drives It 43:03 Why David Is Still Bullish on Dentistry's Future
👉 Mike Huffaker on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/huffaker/ 👉 David Meece on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/davidmeece/ 👉 Pearl Street Dental Partners Website: https://pearlstreetdentalpartners.com/ 👉 Planet DDS Website: https://planetdds.com/ You can also listen to our podcast here: 👉 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3SeeOfY 👉 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3tMmaO7 👉 Fame Host: https://bit.ly/4aQNQ51 Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show? If you're a growth-focused leader in the dental business world or someone shaping its future through technology, consulting, or innovation we want to hear from you. Submit your interest here: https://forms.gle/BjAmyYLsFgNJBf8f8 Whether you're leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy! The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so | |||
| Guy Ellis on What DSO Investors Get Wrong About Value Creation | 30 avr. 2026 | 00:52:57 | |
Guy Ellis has served in more than 60 chairman, board, and C-suite roles across three continents, bringing a global perspective to the dental industry. In this episode of The Dental Economist Show, host Mike Huffaker sits down with the international bestselling author and former Harvard instructor to explore what DSO investors often get wrong about value creation. Tune in to discover why the "business of dentistry" requires more than just financial engineering, how to bridge the valuation gap in the current interest rate environment, and a strategic framework for leveraging AI to drive actual EBITDA uplift. Most of all, this conversation highlights the power of "expansion through connection" and why intentional relationships remain the ultimate lever for growth in a fragmented market. #dentaleconomist #dsoleadership #valuecreation If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, like, and comment📱 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction & Meeting Guy Ellis 01:44 A Call to Excellence: Guy’s Formative Journey 05:49 Expansion Through Connection & The True Give 09:23 Why the DSO Industry Needs a "Reset" 13:25 Criteria for a Healthy Healthcare Investment 15:57 Private Equity vs. Owner-Operator Dynamics 26:20 The Investor-Operator Playbook for Value Creation 32:05 Using AI for EBITDA Uplift, Not Just "Sexy" Tools 37:16 Navigating Change Management and the AI "Underworld" 45:20 Teaching Mark Cuban and The Negotiation Code Connect with the team: 👉 Mike Huffaker on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/huffaker/ 👉 Guy Ellis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guy-ellis/ 👉 Planet DDS Website: https://planetdds.com/ You can also listen to our podcast here: 👉 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3SeeOfY 👉 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3tMmaO7 👉 Fame Host: https://bit.ly/4aQNQ51 Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show? 📱 If you’re a growth-focused leader in the dental business world or someone shaping its future through technology, consulting, or innovation we want to hear from you. Submit your interest here: https://forms.gle/BjAmyYLsFgNJBf8f8 📱 Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy! 📱 The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so | |||
| Eric Giesecke on What AI First Actually Means for Dental Software | 23 avr. 2026 | 00:53:42 | |
What does it really mean to build a DSO around support, not control? In this episode of The Dental Economist Show, host Mike Huffaker sits down with Matt Hendrick, co-founder of Elevate Dental Partners, to explore exactly that. Matt came to dentistry not through the operatory, but through Goldman Sachs and private equity—and what he saw while evaluating DSO investments convinced him to build something better. Elevate's model is designed for mid-career doctors who want meaningful partnership: true clinical and operational autonomy, personalized support, and a structure that puts doctors first from day one. Tune in to hear how Matt and his team have grown to 35 practices while staying true to their founding mission, why the first 90 days post-partnership change as little as possible, and how Elevate is thinking about AI and technology as tools for freeing up doctors not controlling them. This episode is a masterclass in building a values-driven DSO that doesn't trade culture for scale. #dentaleconomist #dsoleadership #dentalgrowth If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, like, and comment📱 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction & Meeting Matt Hendrick 01:36 From Goldman Sachs to Building a DSO 04:31 Growing Up Entrepreneurial & The Leap to Build 06:10 What 'Support, Not Control' Actually Means at Elevate 10:49 Balancing Standardization With Doctor Autonomy 16:39 The Ideal Practice Profile & Growth Strategy 21:39 Building Credibility as a First-Time DSO Founder 29:16 The First 90 Days Post-Partnership 36:35 Culture, Values & What Keeps Elevate Together 43:00 AI, Technology & What's Next for Elevate Connect with the team: 👉 Mike Huffaker on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/huffaker/ 👉 Matt Hendrick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-hendrick1/ 👉 Elevate Dental Partners Website: https://elevatedentalpartners.com/ 👉 Planet DDS Website: https://planetdds.com/ You can also listen to our podcast here: 👉 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3SeeOfY 👉 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3tMmaO7 👉 Fame Host: https://bit.ly/4aQNQ51 Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show? If you're a growth-focused leader in the dental business world or someone shaping its future through technology, consulting, or innovation we want to hear from you. Submit your interest here: https://forms.gle/BjAmyYLsFgNJBf8f8 Whether you're leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy! The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so | |||
| Jon Fidler on What Really Makes or Breaks a DSO Executive Hire | 16 avr. 2026 | 00:43:54 | |
What does it really take to make or break a DSO executive hire? In this episode of The Dental Economist Show, host Mike Huffaker sits down with Jon Fidler, founder and CEO of Fidler and Associates, who has spent nearly two decades placing executives across every type of dental organization in the country. Tune in to explore why the first 90 days are make-or-break, how AI is reshaping what executives need to bring to the table, and why transparency—from both the candidate and the hiring group—is the single biggest predictor of a successful placement. Most of all, this conversation unpacks what every DSO leader needs to hear: finding the right fit is less about credentials and more about honest self-awareness on both sides of the table. #dentaleconomist #dsoleadership #executivehiring If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, like, and comment📱 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction & Meeting Jon Fidler 02:13 The Current Hiring Environment for DSO Executives 03:54 Outside Executives Coming Into Dental: Pros and Cons 07:35 How to Do Real Due Diligence Before Accepting a Role 10:29 The Fidler Executive Transition Lab Explained 12:44 Knowing Yourself: Turnaround vs. Growth Mindset 16:35 Scaling Down: The Risk of Overqualified Executives 19:14 Hot Roles & Functions in Dental Right Now 23:10 AI's Impact on Executive Hiring and DSO Operations 27:22 What Really Makes or Breaks a C-Suite Hire 29:46 When a Placement Just Feels Like Magic 32:15 Navigating Misalignment Between DSOs and Candidates 35:52 Interview Processes by Level: What Candidates Should Expect 40:13 Why Jon Is Still Bullish on Dentistry After 20 Years 43:12 Closing Thoughts & Rapid-Fire Wrap-Up
👉 Mike Huffaker on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/huffaker/ 👉 Jon Fidler on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jonfidler/ 👉 Fidler and Associates Website: https://fidlerassociates.com/ 👉 Planet DDS Website: https://planetdds.com/ You can also listen to our podcast here: 👉 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3SeeOfY 👉 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3tMmaO7 👉 Fame Host: https://bit.ly/4aQNQ51 Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show? If you're a growth-focused leader in the dental business world or someone shaping its future through technology, consulting, or innovation—we want to hear from you. Submit your interest here: https://forms.gle/BjAmyYLsFgNJBf8f8 Whether you're leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy! The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so | |||
| Matt Hendrick on Building a DSO Where Support Beats Control | 09 avr. 2026 | 00:50:31 | |
What does it really mean to build a DSO around support, not control? In this episode of The Dental Economist Show, host Mike Huffaker sits down with Matt Hendrick, co-founder of Elevate Dental Partners, to explore exactly that. Matt came to dentistry not through the operatory, but through Goldman Sachs and private equity—and what he saw while evaluating DSO investments convinced him to build something better. Elevate's model is designed for mid-career doctors who want meaningful partnership: true clinical and operational autonomy, personalized support, and a structure that puts doctors first from day one. Tune in to hear how Matt and his team have grown to 35 practices while staying true to their founding mission, why the first 90 days post-partnership change as little as possible, and how Elevate is thinking about AI and technology as tools for freeing up doctors not controlling them. This episode is a masterclass in building a values-driven DSO that doesn't trade culture for scale. #dentaleconomist #dsoleadership #dentalgrowth If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, like, and comment📱 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction & Meeting Matt Hendrick 01:36 From Goldman Sachs to Building a DSO 04:31 Growing Up Entrepreneurial & The Leap to Build 06:10 What 'Support, Not Control' Actually Means at Elevate 10:49 Balancing Standardization With Doctor Autonomy 16:39 The Ideal Practice Profile & Growth Strategy 21:39 Building Credibility as a First-Time DSO Founder 29:16 The First 90 Days Post-Partnership 36:35 Culture, Values & What Keeps Elevate Together 43:00 AI, Technology & What's Next for Elevate Connect with the team: 👉 Mike Huffaker on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/huffaker/ 👉 Matt Hendrick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-hendrick1/ 👉 Elevate Dental Partners Website: https://elevatedentalpartners.com/ 👉 Planet DDS Website: https://planetdds.com/ You can also listen to our podcast here: 👉 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3SeeOfY 👉 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3tMmaO7 👉 Fame Host: https://bit.ly/4aQNQ51 Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show? If you're a growth-focused leader in the dental business world or someone shaping its future through technology, consulting, or innovation we want to hear from you. Submit your interest here: https://forms.gle/BjAmyYLsFgNJBf8f8 Whether you're leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy! The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so | |||
| Dr. Lincoln Harris on Solving the Clinical Confidence Gap in Dentistry | 02 avr. 2026 | 00:45:04 | |
Dr. Harris makes a compelling case that the biggest bottleneck in dentistry today isn't technology or marketing it's clinical confidence. Tune in as he shares how geographic necessity in rural Queensland sparked a global mission, why investing in dentist training can drive a 10x revenue return, and how Ripe Global's live, hands-on virtual model is transforming outcomes for DSOs across the country.
If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, like, and comment📱 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction & Meeting Dr. Lincoln Harris 02:34 From Rural Queensland to Global Dental Education 06:31 The Lightbulb Moment: Investing in Clinical Skills 09:13 Why Dental Quality Isn't What You'd Expect in Big Cities 12:45 Launching Ripe Global Five Days Into COVID Lockdown 17:28 How Live Virtual Training Changes Clinical Outcomes 23:42 Why DSOs Struggle With Clinical Training (And How to Fix It) 29:00 The Revenue Multiplier: Training Dentists Who Can Generate 10x 34:24 Ripe Global's Entry Into the US Market 41:12 Staying Bullish on Dentistry's Future Connect with the team: 👉 Mike Huffaker on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/huffaker/ 👉 Dr. Lincoln Harris on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/lincolnharris/ 👉 Ripe Global Website: https://ripeglobal.com/ 👉 Planet DDS Website: https://planetdds.com/
👉 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3SeeOfY 👉 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3tMmaO7 👉 Fame Host: https://bit.ly/4aQNQ51
If you're a growth-focused leader in the dental business world or someone shaping its future through technology, consulting, or innovation we want to hear from you. Submit your interest here: https://forms.gle/BjAmyYLsFgNJBf8f8 Whether you're leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy! The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so | |||
| Dr. Scott Asnis on Patient Advocacy and the Future of DSOs | 26 mars 2026 | 00:50:30 | |
#dentaleconomist #dsoleadership #patientadvocacy If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, like, and comment📱
02:26 From Private Practice to Building Dental 365 05:42 The Patient Moment That Sparked a Movement 10:22 Why Dental Gets the Patient Experience Wrong 20:09 Geographic Strategy & Staying in Your Lane 23:00 Doctor Alignment, Profit Sharing & Transparency 32:42 Periodontal Disease & the Oral-Systemic Connection 39:52 The Golden Age of Dentistry & Emerging Technology 46:22 Private Equity, Culture & What's Next for Dental 365
👉 Dr. Scott Asnis on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-scott-asnis/ 👉 Dental 365 Website: https://dental365.com/ 👉 Planet DDS Website: https://planetdds.com/
👉 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3tMmaO7 👉 Fame Host: https://bit.ly/4aQNQ51 Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show?
Submit your interest here: https://forms.gle/BjAmyYLsFgNJBf8f8
The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so | |||
| Dr. Victoria Yu on Redefining DSO Partnership and Ownership | 19 mars 2026 | 00:43:40 | |
03:16 From De Novo Practice Owner to DSO CEO 06:05 Balancing Clinical Autonomy with Business Accountability 10:00 Lessons from Walmart Dental & Large-Scale Integration 16:50 The First 90 Days: Leading with a People-First Lens 22:09 Elite Dental Partners' Unique Ownership & Partnership Model 27:57 Redefining What DSO Support Really Means 32:32 Growth Strategy: Acquisition, De Novo & Partnership 37:42 Patient Experience as a Competitive Advantage 40:55 Why Now Is the Best Time to Be in Dentistry
👉 Mike Huffaker on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/huffaker/ 👉 Dr. Victoria Yu on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vsyu/ 👉 Elite Dental Partners Website: https://elitedentalpartners.com/ 👉 Planet DDS Website: https://planetdds.com/
👉 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3tMmaO7 👉 Fame Host: https://bit.ly/4aQNQ51
If you're a growth-focused leader in the dental business world or someone shaping its future through technology, consulting, or innovation — we want to hear from you. Submit your interest here: https://forms.gle/BjAmyYLsFgNJBf8f8 Whether you're leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy! The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so | |||
| Dr. Cindy Roark on Clinical Innovation and AI in Modern Dentistry | 12 mars 2026 | 00:45:02 | |
01:46 From Tennessee to Nantucket: The Making of a Clinician 03:28 Why She Went Back to Harvard Mid-Career
08:00 Balancing Clinical Autonomy With Operational Consistency
19:50 Chairside 3D Printing and the Keurig Crown Revolution 26:51 Innovations Worth Watching: Ablation, Braces & Beyond 32:36 Separating Real Innovation From Social Media Snake Oil
👉 Dr. Cindy Roark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindy-roark-dmd 👉 Sage Dental Website: https://sagedental.com/
👉 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3tMmaO7 👉 Fame Host: https://bit.ly/4aQNQ51
Submit your interest here: https://forms.gle/BjAmyYLsFgNJBf8f8 Whether you're leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy! The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so | |||
| Astronaut Sara Sabry on Discipline, Resilience, and Pursuing the Impossible | 05 mars 2026 | 00:48:55 | |
What does it take to pursue the truly impossible? In this special episode of The Dental Economist Show, host Mike Huffaker steps outside the dental world to sit down with Sara Sabry the first Egyptian, first Arab, and first African woman to travel to space. A mechanical and biomedical engineer, PhD candidate, and founder of the Deep Space Initiative, Sara shares the mindset, discipline, and resilience that took her from growing up in Egypt with no path to the stars, to launching aboard Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket in 2022. The lessons she shares on innovation, fear, burnout, and the power of "why not?" are ones every leader can take back to their practice and their life. #dentaleconomist #mindsetmatters #leadershipthatlaunchesyou If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, like, and comment📱 Chapters: Connect with the team: You can also listen to our podcast here: Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show? Submit your interest here: https://forms.gle/BjAmyYLsFgNJBf8f8 Whether you're leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy! The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so | |||
| Kara Kelley on Hiring, Retention, and Compliance in Dental Practices | 26 févr. 2026 | 00:42:50 | |
In this episode of The Dental Economist Show, host Mike Huffaker sits down with Kara Kelley founder and CEO of Clinical HR. #humanresources #dentallitigation #dentalculture If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, like, and comment📱 Chapters: Connect with the team: Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show? Submit your interest here: https://forms.gle/BjAmyYLsFgNJBf8f8 Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy! The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so | |||
| Todd Cruse & Alayna Brent on Scaling a Specialty DSO Without Breaking Culture | 19 févr. 2026 | 00:43:45 | |
If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, like, and comment📱
02:12 Joining Chord: The Three-Month Road Show Strategy 06:04 Culture Building: From Siloed Practices to Unified Teams 08:46 Major Change Initiatives: Software Conversions & Same-Day Treatment 11:48 Leading with Data: How to Handle Difficult Conversations 14:13 Looking Ahead: AI, Automation, and the 60-Day Integration Playbook 19:26 Adding Specialty Service Lines & Building the Complete Flywheel 24:03 Open Book Management: Financial Transparency at the Practice Level 27:19 M&A Red Flags: Chart Audits, Deferred Maintenance & Cultural Fit 31:27 The 60-Day Integration Playbook: Payroll, Presence, and Quick Wins 36:16 Why Dentistry's Future Is Bright: Access, Evolution, and Impact
👉 Todd Cruse on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/todd-r-cruse-944a2155/ 👉 Alayna Brent on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/alayna-brent-36ab1b171/ 👉 Chord Specialty Dental Partners Website: https://chordsdp.com/ 👉 Planet DDS Website: https://planetdds.com/
👉 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3SeeOfY 👉 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3tMmaO7 👉 Fame Host: https://bit.ly/4aQNQ51 Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show?
Submit your interest here: https://forms.gle/BjAmyYLsFgNJBf8f8 Whether you're leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy! The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so | |||
| Clayton Russell on Operational Strategy Inside a 400+ Practice DSO | 12 févr. 2026 | 00:40:58 | |
If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, like, and comment📱
Connect with the team:
👉 Clayton Russell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claytonfrussell/ 👉 Dental Care Alliance Website: https://dentalcarealliance.com/ 👉 Planet DDS Website: https://planetdds.com/ You can also listen to our podcast here:
👉 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3tMmaO7 👉 Fame Host: https://bit.ly/4aQNQ51
If you're a growth-focused leader in the dental business world or someone shaping its future through technology, consulting, or innovation---we want to hear from you. Submit your interest here: https://forms.gle/BjAmyYLsFgNJBf8f8 Whether you're leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy! The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so | |||
| David McNeil on AI vs SaaS: Vertical Expertise & Software Survival | 05 févr. 2026 | 00:45:51 | |
01:51 David's Journey from SaaS to Healthcare Technology 04:00 The Future of SaaS and AI's Impact 09:00 M&A Lessons and Cultural Integration 14:00 Hiring Strategy: Domain Expertise vs. Sales Skills 18:00 The Predictable Revenue Playbook at Scale 23:00 Modern Outbound Sales in a Noisy Market 26:00 Weaving Technology into Front Office Operations 34:00 Measuring Success and Adoption Challenges
👉 David McNeil on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/davidmcneil1 👉 Weave Website: https://getweave.com 👉 Planet DDS Website: https://planetdds.com
👉 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3tMmaO7 👉 Fame Host: https://bit.ly/4aQNQ51
Submit your interest here: https://forms.gle/BjAmyYLsFgNJBf8f8 Whether you're leading a DSO, building the next big dental SaaS tool, or redefining patient experience, this show is where the smartest minds in dental business come to talk strategy! The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so | |||
| Wardah Inam on Building The Most Advanced AI Platform for Dentistry | 29 janv. 2026 | 00:43:43 | |
One doesn’t get to $80M in funding without being revolutionary. That’s the story of Wardah Inam-led Overjet, and we’re unpacking it in the latest episode of The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker as the CEO and Co-Founder lays bare her playbook on building the most advanced AI platform for dentistry. What You’ll Learn:
Tune in for a timely reminder that ignoring the hype and focusing on the long game is what separates the winners from the losers. Episode Highlights: 05:27 Why a Multi-Year Vision Beats Quarterly Wins, Everytime Wardah developed Overjet's roadmap back in 2019-2020 with a vision she calls the "Practice OS" - a comprehensive operating system for dental practices that extends far beyond a single diagnostic tool. This long-term thinking allowed her to anticipate how AI could evolve from clinical decision support into administrative automation, revenue cycle management, and voice transcription, even before large language models existed. For dental entrepreneurs and DSO leaders, this insight emphasizes that sustainable competitive advantage comes from articulating where the industry is heading, not just solving today's pain point. Rather than chasing quarterly metrics, Wardah aligned her entire company roadmap around a multi-year thesis: reduce costs by automating variation in diagnosis and administration while improving care quality. 10:26 Don't Let PMS Fragmentation Paralyze You The dental industry lacks interoperability standards (unlike healthcare's FHIR standard), forcing companies like Overjet to invest enormous resources building custom integrations with dozens of different practice management systems. Wardah points out that this fragmentation consumes engineering energy that could go toward innovation, creating a competitive disadvantage for everyone. For dental business leaders, this is a critical insight: the systems you choose today (your PMS, imaging software, RCM tools) should be evaluated not just on features, but on their openness and API maturity. Rather than waiting for perfect industry standards, start demanding better API documentation and interoperability from your vendors now. 18:50 Balancing Chaos and Process as Your Team Scales Wardah describes her CEO journey as constantly calibrating between two extremes: enough process to hire and scale beyond rock stars, but not so much process that you lose the magic and velocity of your founding team. For dental entrepreneurs scaling beyond 20-30 people, this is the critical inflection point where you need documented processes, onboarding systems and clear expectations (but not so much that every decision requires committee approval). A practical framework: identify which decisions are truly important versus those that just have to happen and spend your energy unblocking bottlenecks and setting culture, not micromanaging. 31:04 Position Your Technology as a Time-Giver, Not a Time-Taker Wardah emphasizes that Overjet's entire product philosophy centers on two levers - giving practitioners more time by automating documentation and administrative work and helping them use that time more effectively on high-value clinical decisions. Before adopting any software, ask: How much time does this save my team per day, and what higher-value work will they do with that time? When you frame technology adoption as time reclamation rather than "digital transformation" you get faster buy-in from clinicians and you can measure ROI clearly. This shifts the conversation from "cool tech" to "practical relief," which is what busy dental teams are actually looking for.
The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so | |||
| Dr Sameer Puri on Scaling Dental Practices Without Losing Clinical Autonomy | 22 janv. 2026 | 00:42:02 | |
Have you ever wondered why some dental practices thrive after joining a DSO while others struggle to grow? In the latest episode of The Dental Economist Show, host Mike Huffaker sits down with Dr Sameer Puri, Chief Clinical Officer at Imagen Dental Partners, to explore how education, leadership, and clinical autonomy shape dental business performance at scale. What You’ll Learn:
Episode Highlights: 12:50 Education Without Implementation Becomes Entertainment Dr Sameer Puri explains why most dental education fails to produce lasting change inside practices. Drawing from his experience building CDOCS and now leading education at Imagen Dental Partners, he argues that education only creates value when it changes behavior in the operatory. He breaks down how Imagen designs its internal workshops with one goal in mind, implementation that leads to better patient care and measurable growth. Courses are tied to specific procedures, tracked through data, and evaluated over time. If a workshop does not result in increased adoption, improved outcomes, or real patient benefit, it is removed. This approach shifts education from a feel good activity into a disciplined operating lever that directly impacts how a dental business performs. 18:21 Why Leadership Still Determines Practice Performance After Partnership When practices underperform inside group models, Dr Puri does not blame systems, branding, or structure. He points to leadership. He explains that some partners mistakenly assume growth becomes the organization’s responsibility once they affiliate, then reduce chairside hours or disengage from daily leadership. That mindset creates stagnation. High performing practices continue to have an active leader who sets standards, shows up consistently, and owns outcomes. Tools and support help, but they do not replace leadership. Dr Puri emphasizes that partnership works best when doctors maintain an owner mindset and treat the organization as an amplifier, not a substitute for accountability. 19:35 Clinical Autonomy vs Business Autonomy, and Why the Line Matters Dr Puri draws a clear and practical distinction between clinical autonomy and business autonomy. Clinical autonomy covers how care is delivered, procedures chosen, and treatment philosophy. That remains with the doctor. Business autonomy covers systems that allow the organization to function at scale, including technology platforms, reporting, and operational processes. Confusing the two creates friction. He explains why some decisions, like standardizing practice management systems, must be nonnegotiable, while others, like lab choice or clinical approach, remain flexible. By keeping this boundary clear, Imagen avoids micromanagement while still building an efficient, scalable dental business. 28:04 Growth Traps and Why Fundamentals Still Win in Dentistry Dr Puri challenges the idea that growth comes from chasing niche services or trendy add ons. He shares examples of practices that harmed performance by focusing too heavily on narrow offerings while neglecting core dentistry. His perspective is simple. Sustainable growth comes from strong exams, clear patient conversations, comprehensive treatment planning, and efficiency in everyday procedures like crowns, endo, and implants. For associates, this means building a solid foundation before expanding scope. For partners, it means resisting distractions that pull attention away from what consistently drives patient care and revenue. Mastery of fundamentals, not constant reinvention, remains the most reliable growth strategy.
The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so | |||
| Jeff Leger on the Bold Strategy Putting 123 Dentist in the Lead | 15 janv. 2026 | 00:44:06 | |
Canadian DSO, 123 Dentist, has become the country’s fastest-growing dental organization. How? We’re unpacking it all in this episode of The Dental Economist Show as host Mike Huffaker sits down with CEO, Jeff Leger, for the ultimate insider’s perspective. What You’ll Learn:
Episode Highlights: 07:01 Why Your First Growth Move Should Be Meeting Your Teams Jeff's strategy of visiting 100+ clinics in his first six months reveals a critical leadership principle: understanding operations requires boots-on-the-ground observation before deploying spreadsheet solutions. Many leaders default to analyzing P&Ls and data dashboards, missing the real friction points that slow clinicians down and block growth. By engaging directly with frontline teams and simply asking what's working, what's getting in the way, and what training gaps exist, you uncover bottlenecks that data alone never surfaces. For anyone building a DSO or scaling a dental practice, this approach transforms strategy from top-down mandates into collaborative problem-solving that clinicians actually adopt and sustain. 11:06 Clinical Autonomy Doesn't Mean Isolation: Peer Mentorship + Advisory Structures Jeff's solution to balancing clinical independence with organizational standards is elegant: establish regional doctor mentors and a dental advisory council rather than imposing clinical protocols from headquarters. This peer-to-peer model - where experienced clinicians coach newer practitioners on standards and best practices - removes the perception of corporate control while elevating care quality across the network. By involving academics and regulatory experts alongside practicing dentists, you create a credible, independent body that sets standards, not a DSO mandate. The outcome is clinicians who feel supported and validated rather than restricted. This structure protects both autonomy and excellence, giving clinicians the mentorship early-career practitioners desperately need while preserving their independence to make patient decisions. 16:38 90% of Your Best Ideas Are Already Hiding in Your High-Performing Locations Instead of importing operational playbooks from outside consultants, Jeff shares that the majority of scalable best practices already exist within high-performing clinics. You just need to identify them, understand why they work, and amplify them across the network. This flips the traditional "central office knows best" approach on its head and positions frontline operators as the real innovators. When you spot a clinic running efficient scheduling, nailing treatment acceptance through patient education, or retaining staff better than peers, reverse-engineer that model rather than defaulting to external solutions. The speed and adoption improve dramatically because clinicians see the proof in a peer's results, not in a corporate directive. 30:37 Culture Is Your Shock Absorber During Growth and Change Jeff defines culture as how your organization treats colleagues, patients, and clinicians. And it matters because strong culture allows teams to navigate uncertain periods and rally behind purpose when execution gets tough. During rapid acquisition-driven growth, culture becomes your invisible safeguard. Without it, each new clinic acquisition dilutes your values and creates friction. Jeff protects 123 Dentist's culture by being visible, approachable, and transparent. Examples: doing 30-50 town halls annually as a CEO, visiting 100 clinics in six months, and explaining the "why" behind every major change. This consistent demonstration of values (caring, operational excellence, continuous learning) sends a message to new team members: "This is how we actually operate here, not what's written in the manual." The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so | |||
| Andrew Smith on What’s in Store for DSOs in 2026 | 08 janv. 2026 | 00:48:41 | |
Have you ever thought about how DSOs have fundamentally shifted and redefined the dental market as a whole? In the latest episode of The Dental Economist Show, host Mike Huffaker sits down with Andrew Smith, CEO of the Association of Dental Support Organizations (ADSO), to explore the evolution of DSOs. What You’ll Learn:
Episode Highlights: 06:06 The Evolution of the DSO: Disruptive Underdogs to Mainstream Practice Model Andrew explains that when he joined ADSO in 2021, DSOs still carried the "new kid on the block" mentality despite representing a significant market force, but this perception has fundamentally shifted as DSOs now comprise 30% of the dental marketplace with 40%+ of new dental graduates entering the space. This transition matters because it signals that DSOs are no longer fighting for legitimacy - they're reshaping how dentistry is practiced across America. The challenge many DSO leaders face is understanding when and how to shift from defensive positioning to confident market leadership. A key step is recognizing that even the largest DSOs represent only 2% of the total oral health market, meaning there's substantial white space for growth and diverse practice models. 13:32 Why Operating Systems and Best Practices Matter in M&A Success Andrew points out that DSOs which grew primarily through acquisition volume without building integrated operating systems and standardized best practices struggled to realize expected efficiencies, while companies like Heartland, PDS and Smile Brands succeeded because they developed "phenomenal internal operating systems" that function as "very well oiled machines." This distinction is critical because many mid-market DSOs pursuing growth are tempted to chase acquisition targets without first establishing the operational infrastructure needed to integrate them successfully. A practical approach is to focus on 12-24 months of same-store growth optimization while simultaneously documenting and scaling best practices across existing locations. This disciplined foundation positions DSOs for sustainable consolidation and higher valuation multiples when market conditions allow for strategic M&A. 33:16 Position Your DSO's Affordability Story NOW Andrew predicts that healthcare affordability will dominate public policy discourse for the foreseeable future, driven by political focus (Trump's reelection, gubernatorial races across states) and real consumer pain around insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs and DSOs must proactively demonstrate how they expand access and lower costs rather than limit them like some private equity-backed medical providers. This matters because DSOs are increasingly scrutinized under the same private equity lens that damaged healthcare systems in hospital consolidations, creating regulatory risk and reputational vulnerability for the entire sector. The challenge is that many DSO leaders have not developed clear messaging about their cost-reduction and access-expansion strategies, leaving them vulnerable to legislation designed to prevent predatory private equity behavior. A key step is to quantify and articulate how your DSO improves affordability: reduced treatment costs through scale, flexible payment options, expanded clinical capacity, and geographic access improvements. 37:18 The Strategic Regulatory Wins with Immediate Business Impact Andrew describes ADSO's multi-year focus on breaking down state licensing barriers (licensure reciprocity) and reforming dental insurance benefit utilization as core regulatory priorities that directly improve DSO operational efficiency and access metrics. These regulatory wins matter because they remove artificial friction - dentists licensed in one state can practice across state lines more easily, and patients can access more of their insurance benefits, which increases revenue per patient and care utilization. Many DSO operators underestimate how much state-by-state licensing complexity limits their ability to deploy talent flexibly across multi-state platforms or how insurance benefit caps limit revenue potential. A concrete step is to actively track licensure reciprocity progress in states where your DSO operates and allocate resources to support ADSO's advocacy on dental insurance reform.
The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so | |||
| Brian Colao on The DSO-Success Secrets of 2026 and Mistakes to Leave Behind in 2025 | 01 janv. 2026 | 00:49:08 | |
For many dental professionals, 2025 was the year of survival. And, thriving in 2026 is going to take a complete shift on every front - leadership, technology adoption and strategy. In the latest episode of The Dental Economist Show, host Mike Huffaker starts the new year by sitting down with Brian Colao, Director of the DSO Industry Group at Dykema, for a candid retrospective on 2025's "muted recovery" and what's really coming next. What You’ll Learn:
Tune in for actionable strategies to position your organization for the growth that 2026 promises to bring. Episode Highlights: 08:20 How Tariff Chaos Killed M&A Momentum in 2025 Brian emphasizes that the unprecedented nature of 2025's tariff announcements (fluctuating between 50%, 100%, then canceled, then restarted) forced CFOs to abandon traditional forecasting and budget with massive margin-of-error buffers, instead. In a normal environment, CFOs forecast quarterly expenses with 1-3% variance; in 2025, they had to allow 15-25% swings just to account for tariff uncertainty. For DSO leadership teams making capital investment and M&A decisions, this unpredictability created a paralyzing effect because you cannot justify acquiring another practice or upgrading technology when your cost structure is a moving target. One practical step to help solve this: until policy stabilizes, focus M&A only on deals where synergies are so strong that tariff swings won't break the economic model, meaning high integration potential, immediate overhead reductions or specialty revenue that offsets supply costs. This is why 2025 saw far fewer deals than 2021-2024, and why deal quality matters more than deal velocity going forward. 13:16 The Education-Integration-Implementation-Adaptation Framework for Growth Brian reveals that most DSO groups attempting to drive same-store growth fail because they skip critical steps in the implementation journey. Only about 30-40% of organizations successfully navigate the full cycle of educating staff, integrating tools with their PMS system, rolling out implementations across multiple locations and achieving lasting adaptation. For DSO leaders focused on operational excellence and sustainable growth, this framework is essential because skipping even one step, like proper staff education or PMS integration, causes initiatives to stall mid-execution. The key is treating this like an obstacle course where you must pass each gate sequentially; falter at education and your dentists won't use the tool, falter at integration and your staff faces friction, falter at implementation planning and adoption across dozens of offices becomes impossible. 24:47 Overhead and Revenue Cycle Management: Why DSOs Fail Brian draws from years of consulting experience to reveal that 75% of struggling DSO organizations share two primary problems: bloated overhead and broken revenue cycle management (RCM). Most leaders focus on blaming same-store growth tools or market conditions, but the real issues are internal - too many managers, too many administrators, and too much money sitting in accounts receivable. For DSO executives tasked with turning around underperforming groups, this insight cuts through the noise and gives you a diagnostic starting point: before investing in new technology or chasing every growth opportunity, audit your overhead and RCM processes ruthlessly. The key action is to stop chasing ten different improvements at once; instead, laser-focus on cutting overhead by 10-15% and improving collections velocity by 5-10 days. 38:51 Fear Is the Enemy: Separating the Winners from Survivors Brian reveals that the organizations pulling ahead in 2025 were willing to accept short-term EBITDA dips to invest in systems, training, and technology - even when the market was uncertain and everyone else was freezing. This "one step back, two steps forward" mentality is counterintuitive; most groups stayed paralyzed, afraid that spending money during downturns would worsen their position. For DSO leaders navigating margin pressure and uncertainty, this distinction is critical: fear-driven organizations avoid all investment and drift sideways, while confident organizations invest selectively and come out stronger. The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so | |||
| Practice Integration, Patient Convenience & Automation: The Year That Changed Dentistry (Part 2) | 25 déc. 2025 | 00:14:53 | |
Practice integration, patient convenience and automation are all set to take over the dental landscape in 2026 (among other big trends) and we’re unpacking it all in the last episode of The Dental Economist Show of the year! Tune in as host, Mike Huffaker, brings back some of the show’s biggest hits, courtesy Eric Pastan, Mariz Tanious, Jeremy Livengood and Tobi Bosede. What You’ll Learn:
Episode Highlights: 00:54 How Clean Data Drives Clinical Wins Eric Pastan emphasizes that AI's real superpower isn't replacing dentists - it's cleaning up messy data that's currently scattered across spreadsheets and disconnected systems. For growth-minded dental leaders, this matters because systematic data pulls unlock insights that directly improve both clinical outcomes and operational efficiency. The worst thing that can happen is information overload without actionable intelligence. If you find yourself in this position, Eric suggests that you start by auditing your current data sources (practice management systems, clinical notes, patient records) to identify gaps and inconsistencies you're managing manually. When you turn "dirty data" into clean intelligence, you gain a competitive edge that drives better decisions at every level of your business. 02:25 How Automation Levels the Playing Field Mariz Tanious reveals that game-changing automation tools like 32 Health (AI-powered credentialing) and The Dental App (PMS with built-in CRM and AI consultant) are eliminating the resource gap between solo practices and large DSOs. This is valuable because solo practitioners and small groups no longer need a full leadership team to compete on marketing, operations, and compliance. Previously, solo dentists couldn't afford dedicated marketing managers, compliance officers, or business development specialists - they were simply outgunned. Now, cloud-based platforms with embedded AI consultants handle routine tasks and provide guidance, allowing a two-person office to operate with the sophistication of a twenty-person team. This democratization of tools means your competitive advantage now comes from execution and culture, not just size. 05:40 Culture-First Strategy: The Real Differentiator in a Consolidating Market Tobi Bosede identifies that as private practice continues to decline, the DSO that wins is the one delivering a private practice experience - not just operational efficiency. For dental leaders managing growth, this insight shifts the entire conversation from "How do we extract more EBITDA?" to "How do we attract and retain great dentists and team members?". The challenge is that most DSOs chase standardization and cost-cutting, which alienates the independent-minded practitioners they're trying to recruit. Instead, Tobi recommends positioning your group as a practice with autonomy, peer relationships and shared mission - not a corporate machine. By prioritizing culture and autonomy within a scalable structure, you build loyalty that outlasts margin optimization. 08:43 Integration and Enterprise Vision: What Buyers Actually Want Eric Pastan shifts the conversation away from chasing EBITDA in isolation to building what he calls a “beautiful business” - one with unified systems, enterprise-wide KPIs and a clear growth plan. This matters because modern buyers (both financial and strategic) are sophisticated enough to recognize that disconnected practices simply mashed together aren't a scalable platform. The mistake many operators make is assuming acquisition readiness equals profitability, when buyers are actually looking for infrastructure and management systems that enable continued growth post-deal. Your action step: conduct an integration audit - map your technology stack, financials tracking and KPI visibility across all locations to identify what needs unification before you're acquisition-ready. When you think like an acquirer about your own business, you build something genuinely scalable - and that attracts better capital partners. 12:07 Why Change Management Trumps Technology: Say “Why” Not “How” Tobi Bosede shares a hard-won lesson: rolling out clinical AI tools without explaining the "why" to your team guarantees resistance - not because the tech is bad, but because it feels like more work. For dental leaders implementing innovations, this is critical because adoption failure isn't usually a technology problem; it's a communication and trust problem. The trap is launching shiny tools and expecting teams to figure out the benefit on their own. Instead, Tobi recommends starting small and consistently reinforcing how each change makes their jobs easier, not harder. This approach teaches us that technology adoption is fundamentally about change management and your investment in communication and training often matters more than the tool itself. 10:37 Continuous Learning Across Disciplines Mariz Tanious lays out a multi-threaded learning approach - vendor education, dental journals, peer environments and non-dental leadership books like “Surrounded by Idiots” - that keeps leaders ahead of the curve. This is important because dental excellence is necessary but not sufficient; competitive advantage comes from understanding behavioral psychology, people management and business strategy alongside clinical knowledge. The gap most practitioners have is they optimize their clinical skills while treating business acumen as secondary. Your move: build a structured learning routine that spans four areas: clinical (journals), operational (vendor training), interpersonal (psychology/leadership books) and peer learning (network conversations). When you compound learning across disciplines, you develop judgment and adaptability that no single credential can provide. That's what separates operators from leaders. The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so | |||
| IT, AI & Aesthetics: The Year That Changed Dentistry (Part 1) | 18 déc. 2025 | 00:12:33 | |
As the year in dentistry comes to a close, there’s A LOT to unpack. Join us for a retrospective on the latest episode of The Dental Economist Show as host, Mike Huffaker reflects on some of the most thought-provoking insights, opinions and predictions we’ve witnessed on the series this year, courtesy industry experts Tom Barberio, Ryan Mingus, Greg White and Jill Nesbitt. What You’ll Learn:
Tune in for the perfect snapshot of the year gone by (in dentistry) to head into 2026 with. Episode Highlights: 00:47 Technology Isn’t a Cost Center; It’s a Growth Enabler Tom Barberio explains how the dental industry has shifted its perspective on technology from a necessary expense to a competitive advantage that drives patient acquisition and operational efficiency. This mindset change is critical for practice leaders because it directly impacts how you allocate resources and prioritize innovation investments in your business. The key step is to build IT infrastructure and expertise around clinical tools - practice management systems, digital radiography, and automation - rather than just fixing hardware problems. By adopting this enabler mindset, you're positioning your practice to compete effectively in an increasingly tech-driven dental landscape. 03:30 Aesthetics as a Gateway to Comprehensive Oral Health Greg White notes that people consistently invest in appearance and dental aesthetics can serve as the entry point for comprehensive health improvements with 40-50% projected spending growth over the next decade. This is strategically important because aesthetics-driven demand creates both revenue opportunity and a genuine pathway to improve overall patient health outcomes simultaneously. The practical step is to reframe your cosmetic services not as "luxury" but as integrated health solutions that improve oral function, periodontal health, and patient confidence. Essentially, embracing aesthetics as a legitimate business and clinical lever, allows you to tap into genuine patient demand while improving their long-term health outcomes. 04:59 AI Implementation to Reclaim Time, Improve Cash Flow and Reduce Burnout Jill Nesbitt identifies various areas in which AI is transforming dated dental management practices - revenue cycle automation, insurance coverage, scheduling and more. This matters to your bottom line because team burnout from manual collection work directly correlates with higher turnover and lower productivity. The immediate step is to implement "set and forget" automated communication systems that send statements, payment reminders, and follow-ups without manual intervention. By leveraging automation in the revenue cycle, you're not just improving cash flow, you're protecting your team's morale and creating bandwidth for higher-value clinical work. 07:57 Build Your Business to Sell Regardless of Exit Plans Ryan Mingus shares a foundational principle: structure your practice operations as if you're preparing to sell it, whether or not you ever intend to. This framework matters because the systems and habits you build today directly impact both your current profitability and your future valuation, creating a win-win scenario for present and future gains. Many practice owners optimize for short-term cash extraction, which ironically undermines long-term value creation and makes their businesses harder to scale or sell. The actionable step is to focus on three high-leverage areas: implementing AI-driven clinical tools for better case acceptance, adding higher-margin service lines like implants or orthodontics, and automating processes that don't require your direct involvement. 09:15 Build Culture on Accountability, Not Blame Greg White defines great culture as a shared commitment to accountability, zero blame, zero complaining and zero procrastination - where every team member holds themselves to high standards. This cultural framework is essential because it directly impacts staff retention, clinical quality and your ability to implement new systems without resistance or burnout. The key step is to establish clear goals, communicate expectations transparently and create safe spaces for conflict resolution that don't leave "residue" or resentment. When your team operates from internal accountability rather than external punishment, they become self-motivated problem-solvers who drive business growth without constant supervision. 10:41 Position Implementation Specialists as Your Internal Advocates Mike explains how working directly for your practice, rather than a software vendor, creates undivided allegiance and the bandwidth to bridge gaps between leadership goals and vendor capabilities that vendors alone can't fill. This matters because software implementation success depends on advocacy from someone inside your organization who understands your challenges and can push back constructively with vendors. The key step is to hire or contract with implementation specialists who are directly accountable to you, giving them skin in your success while maintaining collaborative relationships with software partners. By securing direct advocacy for your implementation journey, you dramatically increase adoption rates, reduce staff friction and maximize ROI on your technology investments. The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so | |||
| Fred Joyal on The Regret Economy & Why Not Trying Hurts More Than Failing | 11 déc. 2025 | 00:47:37 | |
What if building genuine trust and boldness in how you connect with your patients is the main key to growing your dental practice? In this episode of The Dental Economist Show, host Mike Huffaker sits down with Fred Joyal, Co-Founder of 1-800-Dentists and author of “Superbold”, to explore why patient anxiety could be your biggest opportunity, how to build a team culture that sells dentistry naturally and the counterintuitive strategies DSOs are getting right and wrong. What You’ll Learn:
Tune in for decades of proven insights on creating remarkable patient experiences and the bold mindset shifts that separate thriving practices from the rest. Episode Highlights: 04:23 Why Patient Anxiety is a Hidden Growth Opportunity Fred reveals that people experience as much anxiety about finding and choosing a dentist as they do about the actual visit itself. This insight matters because practitioners often focus solely on clinical excellence while overlooking the emotional barrier preventing patients from booking appointments in the first place. So, the key, as Fred suggests, is to train your entire team (especially front-desk staff) to be a "sympathetic voice" that reassures patients they're making the right choice, just as 1-800 Dentists did with live operators. When a patient feels genuinely cared for during their first contact, case acceptance naturally increases because they've already decided to trust you before sitting in the chair. By solving the "finding a dentist" problem, you unlock exponential growth in new patient acquisition and treatment acceptance. 17:38 Trust and Perceived Value > Information Every Time Fred emphasizes that trustworthiness and the patient's perception of dentistry's value are the two pillars of practice success - not information, blogs, or extensive patient education. This matters because many practitioners default to over-educating patients, believing that more information equals better case acceptance, when the opposite is often true. The solution is to stop worrying about being the most knowledgeable and start focusing on being the most trustworthy - show genuine care, consistency, and alignment between what you say and do. 22:32 Building Boldness Through Manageable Discomfort Fred suggests that boldness is a learnable skill, not an innate trait, and it builds exactly like a physical muscle - through progressive, daily discomfort that stays within your tolerance level. This insight matters because many practitioners feel stuck by self-doubt or fear of rejection, whether it's asking for referrals, networking or even having difficult conversations with team members. Fred's tiered approach starts simple: smile at five people daily, then talk to five strangers daily, then ask deeper questions in conversations. A real-world application for a practice owner is to deliberately do one uncomfortable thing each day related to business growth. When you build this muscle consistently, the bigger opportunities that require boldness become manageable because you've already trained your nervous system to handle discomfort. 37:21 How the Regret Economy Drives Away Inaction Fred's core philosophy is that trying and failing feels infinitely better than not trying at all, because regret, the classic "I should have done that", is the real failure that compounds over time. This matters because most practitioners have brilliant ideas for practice growth, but never execute them due to fear of failure or perfectionism. The challenge is that inaction feels safer in the moment but creates deep regret later, whereas bold attempts, even failed ones, provide information and keep you moving forward. The practical tool is to ask yourself before making a decision: "Which will I regret more - trying and failing, or never trying?" This framework transforms hesitation into action and ensures you're building a practice and career by your design, not by default. The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so | |||
| Dr. Manrina Rhode on How Personal Brand Built the World's Most Luxe Dental Clinic | 04 déc. 2025 | 00:38:44 | |
What does it take to build the world’s most luxe dental clinic? Hustle, a killer personal brand and Manrina Rhode’s unbeatable strategies. In the latest episode of The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker, Manrina, founder and CEO of DRMR Clinic in London's Knightsbridge, opens up her playbook on building a global luxury dental brand while mastering business fundamentals and growing personally, too. What You’ll Learn:
Episode Highlights: 02:01 Build Your Personal Brand Even Before Your Business is Ready Dr. Manrina Rhode started posting on Instagram in 2011, years before opening DRMR Clinic, sharing glimpses of her life, work, and aesthetic passion organically. What initially seemed like personal content eventually became the foundation for attracting global patients and building trust before they ever walked through her clinic doors. For dental practitioners looking to scale, this insight flips the traditional business timeline: your personal brand becomes your most powerful marketing asset when built authentically over time. So, by the time you're ready to launch a practice or expand your services, you'll have an engaged community that already believes in your expertise. Remember, social media shouldn’t be a reactive marketing tool, but a proactive patient acquisition engine. 09:22 The Real Cost of Business Ownership Dr. Manrina worked three days a week for a decade - traveling monthly, lecturing globally, and maintaining a life outside the clinic - before opening DRMR at age 40, despite friends repeatedly warning her about the reality of business ownership. When she finally opened her clinic, she worked seven days a week for the first six months, sleeping only when absolutely necessary and even lucid-dreaming about problems that needed solving. The hidden cost of entrepreneurship isn't just financial; it's the complete restructuring of your lifestyle and mental bandwidth that no clinical training prepares you for. So, she urges anyone with a dream - before pursuing business ownership, honestly evaluate whether the trade-offs align with your definition of success, because the initial launch phase demands a level of sacrifice that traditional associate positions never require. 12:56 The Compounding Benefit of Social Media Dr. Manrina's Instagram following of 44,000+ and patient referrals from ChatGPT recommendations didn't happen overnight; they're the result of posting consistently since 2011, long before she had a business model or clinic to promote. Every ten posts sharing her clinical work generated five new patient inquiries, proving that organic consistency eventually attracts the right audience and positions you as an authority. For dental practices struggling to see ROI from social media, the issue isn't the platform, it's the expectation of immediate returns rather than compound growth. She encourages practitioners to commit to posting three to five times weekly with genuine, behind-the-scenes content that educates your audience about your clinical process, not polished marketing speak. 19:05 Hire for Mindset Alignment, Not Just Clinical Skills Dr. Manrina's clinic culture thrives because she explicitly hires for a service-oriented mindset and includes camera-ready expectations in employment contracts, ensuring team members share her commitment to exceptional patient experiences. She prioritizes work-life balance and trust over rigid control, treating team members like partners who understand the brand vision and only ask for time off when it truly matters. The difference between a high-performing clinic and a struggling one often comes down to whether leadership can align team members around shared values rather than managing through policies and procedures. When building your team, invest time in identifying people who innately want to serve clients at the highest level and who genuinely believe in your vision, because those individuals require less management and inspire better patient outcomes. 26:39 Why Most Dentists Don't Understand Social Media Dr. Manrina identifies a critical divide in the dental industry: the vast majority of practitioners either consume social media passively without posting, or they post without paying attention to broader trends and what competitors are doing. This "poster-only" mindset protects her mental health and allows her to stay focused on her message rather than getting distracted by comparison or algorithm anxiety. For dental practitioners, the lesson is that consistency and focus matter more than optimization anxiety. So, pick a posting schedule you can sustain, commit to it and don't let scrolling through other practices' content derail your own content strategy. Start with one platform, master it, and expand only after you've built a sustainable system that doesn't consume your time. The practitioners winning at social media are those who understand their brand message clearly and communicate it repeatedly, rather than those constantly chasing the latest trends or comparing themselves to others. If social media is affecting your mental health, you're probably watching too much and posting too little—flip that ratio. The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so | |||
| Pat Bauer on How Heartland Dental Scaled From 8 to 1,900 Practices Without Losing Soul: The 100th Episode | 27 nov. 2025 | 00:47:01 | |
When a DSO legend like Pat Bauer, President and CEO of Heartland Dental, tells you to lead with kindness, you listen. In the 100th episode of The Dental Economist Show, Mike Huffaker and Pat explore Pat’s incredible journey from working at a gas station to building a DSO behemoth, the power of kindness, building sustainable organizational culture, maintaining clinical autonomy at scale and the power of consistent personal development. What You’ll Learn:
Episode Highlights: 02:28 The Three Pillars of Professional Success Pat shares that every job requires mastering three key elements: technical skills, commitment/work ethic, and leadership personality. For dental organizations, understanding these pillars helps identify areas where team members need development and support. While many professionals focus solely on technical abilities, neglecting the equally crucial aspects of work ethic and leadership capabilities, the key lies in creating systems to develop all three areas simultaneously through mentorship, feedback, and structured growth opportunities. At Heartland Dental, this framework guides their approach to professional development at all levels, from new hires to seasoned leaders. 19:17 Building a Culture of Clinical Autonomy Pat emphasizes that successful dental organizations must prioritize doctor autonomy while providing robust support systems. Rather than dictating clinical decisions, leaders should ask questions and truly listen to understand doctors' goals and treatment philosophies. This approach allows organizations to maintain high standards while respecting each doctor's individual approach to patient care, helping doctors achieve their stated objectives rather than imposing standardized protocols. Pat suggests that organizations that master this balance create an environment where both doctors and patients thrive. 25:20 The "Be Nice" Rule Patrick shares Heartland's foundational rule that "if you're not nice, you can't work here" - but clarifies that being "nice" means being honest and giving direct feedback respectfully. This principle helps create psychological safety while maintaining high standards of behavior and performance, while acknowledging that toxic behavior, even from top producers, ultimately damages culture and results. Leaders must model this balance of kindness and candor, showing it's possible to have difficult conversations while treating people with dignity. 42:52 A Successful Leader’s Morning Routine Pat details his disciplined morning routine combining physical exercise, spiritual reflection and leadership development work. He starts at 5:15 AM with an hour of exercise, followed by an hour of prayer and leadership homework where he analyzes good versus poor leadership behaviors. This structured approach ensures consistent focus on personal growth and maintaining the energy needed for executive leadership, demonstrating how disciplined habits compound over time to build stronger leaders. For growing organizations, having leaders who prioritize their own development creates a culture of continuous improvement. The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so | |||
| Stephenie Goddard on Why Vulnerable Leadership Scales Dental Businesses Faster | 20 nov. 2025 | 00:40:16 | |
In today’s ever-evolving dental landscape, it can be hard to put a finger on one’s real competitive advantage. In this episode of The Dental Economist Show, host Mike Huffaker sits down with Stephenie Goddard, CEO of Glidewell Dental, to explore how to build a thriving culture in a rapidly evolving industry, why curiosity and humility matter more than you think and the strategic moves that transform labs and practices into innovation leaders. What You’ll Learn:
Episode Highlights: 06:45 Scale Through Technology, Not Layoffs Stephenie shares how Glidewell scaled from 1,000 to 5,000 employees while automating away Bunsen burners, proving that AI and technology create opportunity rather than eliminate jobs when communicated strategically. For business leaders navigating digital transformation, this insight directly addresses the anxiety many team members feel about automation threatening their roles. The challenge most organizations face is announcing tech changes without a plan to reskill and redeploy people into higher-value work. Stephenie's approach includes tier-based leadership development programs, free LinkedIn Learning access for skill-building, and clear messaging showing how each technology transition historically created new roles. 10:06 The Advantage of Lateral Moves Stephenie emphasizes that career growth isn't always about the next promotion. Sometimes taking a strategic step sideways exposes you to new business functions and builds the holistic understanding needed for true leadership. In the dental business, leaders often get stuck in silos (clinical, operational, financial), missing the cross-functional perspective that drives smarter decisions at scale. This approach transforms your organization's succession pipeline from title-focused to capability-focused, producing leaders who can actually navigate the complexity of modern dental enterprises. 15:22 Build Culture Through Daily Action, Not Posters Stephenie clarifies a critical distinction: company values on mugs and walls mean nothing if your actions contradict them every single day. For dental practice owners and lab leaders, culture is your competitive moat in a commoditizing market, yet most organizations treat it as a one-time initiative rather than a living practice. The real work happens in how you handle tough employee conversations, whether you admit gaps in your own knowledge, and how you treat someone who's shown up late 30 days in a row (curiosity about what's happening in their life, not immediate discipline). 20:33 Recognition Has to Be Beyond Titles Stephenie confronts the title-inflation problem head-on: the past seven years created unrealistic expectations for promotion velocity, and most leaders now lack the organizational structure to meet those demands, so they avoid the conversation entirely. In dental practices and labs facing this tension, retention suffers because good people feel invisible despite doing solid work. Stephenie's solution moves recognition away from titles alone toward personalized rewards: sending high-performers to transformational leadership conferences (Center for Creative Leadership), AWS training for AI enthusiasts, spot bonuses, gift certificates to nice restaurants, or simply offering a half-day off with genuine appreciation. The key is understanding individual motivation - some crave public recognition, others are mortified by it; some respond to money, others to development opportunities or time. By having explicit conversations about career paths and demonstrating multiple ways to feel valued and progressing, you retain talented people who might otherwise leave for a fancier title elsewhere. This approach costs far less than replacing good people and builds loyalty that titles alone never will. 25:47 The Real ROI Dentists Should Care About Stephenie explains that Glidewell published the first peer-reviewed paper on AI producing a physical product (a crown) and for dentists and practice leaders evaluating AI-powered lab systems, this clarity matters. The innovation isn't about looking flashy, it's about increasing the likelihood your restoration fits perfectly on the first delivery, reducing rework and patient frustration. When you understand AI's real job in dentistry - raising the floor on consistency rather than replacing the art - you can confidently recommend advanced labs to your team and confidently trust their output. This shifts the conversation from "fancy technology" to "how do we deliver better patient outcomes consistently?" The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so | |||
| Nathan James on Taking the Leap, Trusting Dental Tech and Embracing the Future | 13 nov. 2025 | 00:37:14 | |
Dental’s in flight mode when it comes to AI and it needs to step into embrace mode. In the latest episode of The Dental Economist Show, we explore why and how. Tune in as host Mike Huffaker sits down with Nathan James, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Product Design at Planet DDS, to explore the intersection of AI innovation, product strategy, and dental practice management. What You’ll Learn:
This episode is sure to inject some much-needed curiosity and vigor into your approach to dental to tech. Episode Highlights: 11:33 AI Adoption: Explore First, Scale Later Nathan James emphasizes that adopting AI tools requires two distinct phases: discovery-and-exploration first, then adoption-and-scale, and rushing between them is where most practices stumble. During the exploration phase, you should experiment with everything available (ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot, Perplexity) to understand what's possible without committing long-term contracts. The critical mistake dental leaders make is signing three-year deals with exciting new tools before validating whether they actually solve your practice's pain points or integrate with your existing tech stack. Start by identifying early wins through experimentation, then only after proving ROI should you begin iterative rollouts into your core systems. 17:11 The Pros of Purpose-Built AI Agents While commercial LLMs like ChatGPT can hallucinate because they're trained on massive, unfiltered datasets, AI agents built for dental practices work entirely differently. They access only your practice's specific patient data and business rules through APIs. Nathan's scheduling agent example illustrates this perfectly: you tell it your constraints (hygiene appointments only on Mondays, crowns clustered Thursday afternoons), and it analyzes your actual patient database, not the internet, to rank and contact the most likely-to-show patients via voice, text, and email. This data partitioning approach delivers accuracy because the system has zero access to irrelevant information; it's solving one specific problem with one specific dataset. 20:53 How to Vet AI Vendors for Security Just as hackers once exploited SQL injection vulnerabilities in databases, they can now manipulate AI agents through "prompt injection"- cleverly phrased responses designed to trick the system into revealing patient PHI or violating HIPAA compliance. Nathan stresses that legitimate AI vendors build multiple layers of data partitioning: the agent never has access to sensitive patient details until the caller proves their identity through configurable verification (date of birth, name, insurance number). When evaluating an AI company, don't just ask "Is this cool?"—investigate their management team, financial backing, and ten-year burn rate like you would a practice acquisition. 24:47 Customer Centricity Starts with Customer Advisory Boards of "Mavens" Nathan's approach to product strategy is radically customer-centric: Planet DDS launched seven customer advisory boards populated by "mavens" - early adopters who evangelize solutions to peers - meeting quarterly to review roadmaps and monthly for iterative progress on features. The genius is that instead of product teams guessing which feature matters most (Feature A versus Feature B), they ask the customers directly: "Will this actually deliver the value we think it will, or are we solving the wrong problem?" These boards surface the consistent pain point across all DSOs - revenue squeeze and EBITDA pressure - which becomes the North Star for prioritization. By embedding customers into the product development process rather than just collecting surveys, you gain business context that no internal team can replicate, ensuring every release directly addresses real financial or operational pain rather than shiny features nobody needs. 28:43 Unpacking the Prioritization Framework When Nathan evaluates competing features or initiatives, the deciding factor is always the same: which one saves clinicians or RCM staff the most time? This ruthless impact-per-hour-saved lens cuts through nice-to-have ideas and focuses engineering effort on margin-expanding wins that directly reduce headcount costs or revenue leakage. He's discovered that even the most efficient DSOs spend one RCM FTE for every $12 million in processed revenue - still expensive - and Planet DDS's vision is to get that to one FTE per $15-20 million through RCM automation inspired by the payments industry. By always asking "How much time does this save?" instead of "How innovative is this?," you stay aligned with DSO profitability rather than chasing buzzwords, and your team understands the business logic behind every sprint. 31:05 Why Product Leaders Act as the Connective Tissue Nathan believes product managers are "connective tissue" across organizations, and that means attending real sales conversations, implementation calls, and account reviews - not via summary email, but in real-time. He even required his entire product team to read sales books so they'd understand pipeline, lead qualification, and champion dynamics, ensuring product decisions reflect what customers actually need versus what internal teams assume they need. When a sales rep struggles during a demo or a customer expresses frustration, product managers sitting in that conversation gain context no survey can provide and spot the next priority before it becomes a churn risk. This philosophy breaks down the classic product-sales wall that plagues growing organizations, ensuring your team ships solutions to the exact problems your market is experiencing today, not yesterday's assumptions. The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so | |||
| Dr. Chris Steven Villanueva on How MB2 Dental Keeps Growing Despite Market Shifts | 06 nov. 2025 | 00:43:28 | |
Contrary to popular belief, keeping your eye solely on profit-making often limits a practice’s growth. In this episode of The Dental Economist Show, host Mike Huffaker sits down with Dr. Chris Steven Villanueva, founder and CEO of MB2 Dental, to explore what happens when dental organizations shift their focus to empowering practitioners instead of just driving profits. What You’ll Learn:
We all need a reminder of what really matters; this is the reminder every dental professional needs. Episode Highlights: 07:33 Building Trust Through Authentic Leadership Chris shares how MB2's success stems from prioritizing authenticity and honest relationships over traditional business metrics. Rather than following a rigid investment thesis, they focus on creating an environment where dentists can practice without compromise while maintaining their autonomy. The approach has led to remarkable success, with only 3% of potential practices becoming partners, ensuring strong cultural alignment. Their transparent communication style and commitment to collective growth has resulted in high partner satisfaction and retention. 13:03 Creating a Politics-Free Culture Chris emphasizes the importance of maintaining a flat organizational structure where team members feel safe to contribute without office politics. The weekly executive meetings mirror the morning huddles of dental practices, focusing on open communication and collaborative problem-solving. This approach creates an environment where people can focus their energy on productive pursuits rather than navigating corporate bureaucracy. By protecting the team from unnecessary complexity and providing psychological safety, MB2 enables innovation even in areas where team members lack prior experience. Their success with initiatives like AI implementation demonstrates how empowered teams can tackle new challenges effectively. 36:18 The Power of a Direct Line Chris explains why he chooses not to have an executive assistant, prioritizing direct accessibility to partners and team members. He believes that personal relationships and quick response times are crucial for maintaining strong partnerships in a joint venture model. This approach allows him to address challenges before they become emergencies while demonstrating respect through responsiveness. The philosophy extends throughout the organization with the mantra "everyone gets their own coffee," emphasizing that no task is beneath anyone. 43:04 Non-Traditional Continuous Learning Chris describes his approach to continuous learning, emphasizing the importance of seeking knowledge through various mediums rather than following traditional paths. He actively avoids the echo chamber effect that can develop when leaders only study their immediate industry. Instead, he draws insights from podcasts, documentaries, and businesses outside dentistry to develop unique solutions. This openness to different perspectives has helped MB2 develop innovative approaches to dental practice management. The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so | |||
| Janet Hagerman on The Biggest Industry Taboos in Dental Sales & How to Break Them | 30 oct. 2025 | 00:37:10 | |
Every dental practice is only as good as the number of people who know it is. In the latest episode of The Dental Economist Show, host Mike Huffaker sits down with Janet Hagerman, a leading voice in dental sales, DSO Fractional Chief Hygiene Officer and case acceptance coach, to explore the evolution of dental hygiene leadership and the art of ethical case presentation. What You’ll Learn:
This conversation is a masterclass in dental sales ethics, patient acceptance strategies and the future of dental hygiene departments. Episode Highlights: 07:55 The Assisted Hygiene Model Janet advocates for implementing assisted hygiene programs where dedicated assistants support hygienists with room turnover and instrumentation. This model allows hygienists to focus solely on patient care while increasing productivity and reducing physical strain. And, while some hygienists initially resist sharing patient relationships, proper training and introduction of assistants to patients helps overcome these concerns. When implemented correctly with staggered scheduling and clear role definition, assisted hygiene creates a more efficient and sustainable care delivery system. 15:04 The Value-Based Case Acceptance Framework Janet reveals that selling dentistry ethically means focusing on clinically documented needs rather than unnecessary treatments. The industry's current case acceptance rate of 30-50% indicates that half of diagnosed patients aren't receiving needed treatment, creating a significant opportunity for improvement. Treatment presentations should be tailored to each patient's core values - typically centered around time, money, or pain concerns. A personalized approach such as this transforms "selling" into value-aligned care recommendations that resonate with patients' priorities and concerns, resulting in higher case acceptance rates and better health outcomes, as patients better understand how treatment aligns with what matters most to them. 24:29 Building Clinical Consistency Across Multiple Locations Janet emphasizes that growing dental organizations need clear clinical leadership and standardized protocols rather than complete provider autonomy. Monthly hygiene-doctor meetings where teams review cases together help create philosophical alignment and consistent care standards. Organizations should implement new clinical protocols through a structured process - beta testing, documented procedures, and ongoing reinforcement. For groups with 20-25 practices, having dedicated supervisors who can visit locations regularly helps maintain standards, ensuring quality care while allowing appropriate clinical judgment. 33:19 Using KPIs as Teaching Tools Janet reframes performance metrics from pure numbers into powerful coaching opportunities that drive improvement. When significant variances appear between providers' metrics, it opens the door for collaborative exploration rather than criticism. Through private conversations and open-ended questions, leaders can help team members self-discover areas for growth. The goal is helping providers recognize opportunities independently rather than forcing change through mandates, which in turn transform KPIs from threatening quotas into valuable insights that enhance patient care and practice success. The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so | |||
| How Chrissy Bridgeman Transformed Dental Billing Chaos Into 90% Clean Claims Success | 23 oct. 2025 | 00:13:19 | |
Optimizing a dental organization’s revenue cycle takes more than software - it takes strategy, systems, and people. In this episode of The Dental Economist Show, host Mike sits down with Chrissy Bridgeman, CEO and Founder of MODPractice, who describes herself as both a “revenue cycle janitor” and an “engineer.” With years of hands-on experience cleaning up accounts receivable and designing scalable billing operations, Chrissy shares how true RCM excellence lies at the intersection of automation and human expertise. She unpacks the real causes of revenue leakage, the dangers of fragmented processes across multiple practices, and why the best DSOs centralize operations only when they hit the right scale. From achieving 90% first-time claims success to transforming $1.7M in aged AR into a clean ledger, her insights reveal what it really takes to build a high-performing, transparent revenue cycle that supports both profitability and patient experience. Whether you’re managing a single practice or overseeing a growing DSO, this episode is packed with practical strategies on centralization, data-driven accountability, and the balance between technology and human touch. What You’ll Learn:
Episode Highlights: 03:13 - The Three-Practice Threshold for Centralization Chrissy Bridgeman reveals that practices should centralize their billing operations once they reach three locations. This strategic move allows practices to aggregate call centers and billing teams while enabling in-office staff to focus entirely on patient experience. The centralization threshold addresses the common challenge of balancing administrative efficiency with quality patient care. To implement effectively, practices should start by consolidating insurance-related tasks and documentation processes into a dedicated team. When executed properly, this approach leads to improved patient satisfaction and stronger referral networks, ultimately driving practice growth. 06:45 - Achieving 90%+ First-Time Claim Acceptance A best-practice goal for dental practices is achieving a 90-95% first-time claim acceptance rate, according to Chrissy. The key to reaching this benchmark lies in thorough insurance verification and proper documentation submission upfront. Many practices struggle with repeated claim submissions and denials, which creates unnecessary administrative burden and delays revenue collection. Implementation requires establishing robust systems and processes for gathering and submitting supporting documentation with initial claims. This proactive approach significantly reduces denial rates and accelerates payment cycles, improving overall practice cash flow. 07:37 - Transparent Patient Communication About Costs Chrissy emphasizes the importance of upfront communication and transparency when handling unexpected patient balances. Effective patient financial communication begins with accurate treatment estimates and proper documentation of potential insurance downgrades. When surprises do occur, the key is to break down the situation clearly, explaining insurance decisions and policy limitations in straightforward terms. This approach helps maintain patient trust and increases likelihood of payment, while reducing the perception of "bait and switch" tactics that can damage practice reputation. 11:13 - Specialized Team Roles in Revenue Cycle Management Chrissy advocates for matching team members with roles that align with their strengths and preferences in revenue cycle management. This specialized approach recognizes that different team members excel at different aspects of the billing process, from insurance verification to payment posting. Implementation involves conducting personality assessments and having direct conversations about role preferences and learning interests. When properly executed, this strategy leads to higher team satisfaction, reduced turnover, and improved overall revenue cycle performance. The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so | |||
| Alex Giannini on The $16,000 Lesson That Changed His Approach to Dental Management | 16 oct. 2025 | 00:15:09 | |
Scaling a dental organization takes more than ambition - it takes alignment. In this episode of The Dental Economist Show, host Mike dives deep with Dr. Alex Giannini, who brings over three decades of experience in building and advising successful DSOs. From his accidental start as a solo practitioner managing payroll with a $16,000 mistake, to leading one of the first large-scale dental groups in the U.S., Dr. Giannini’s story is both inspiring and brutally honest. He breaks down the evolution of dental group practice - from early operator-led DSOs to today’s private equity-driven landscape and explains why most groups stall after a few acquisitions. Through lessons learned in capital strategy, leadership alignment, and operational discipline, he offers a practical blueprint for creating sustainable growth rooted in shared values. If you’re navigating expansion, courting investors, or simply rethinking your DSO’s foundation, this conversation will change the way you think about growth, partnerships, and long-term success in dentistry. What You’ll Learn:
Episode Highlights: 01:10 - The Money Conversation: Mastering Treatment Plan Presentations Dr. Alex shares how a challenging patient financial discussion led him to develop systematic treatment planning and case presentation skills. Financial conversations are often the most uncomfortable part of healthcare practice management, yet they're crucial for business sustainability. He discovered that many clinicians struggle with discussing costs, leading to missed opportunities and patient confusion. The solution involves creating clear protocols for when and how financial discussions happen during the patient journey. His experience training his partner became the foundation for coaching hundreds of practices on effective financial communications, demonstrating how systematic approaches can transform challenging conversations into practice growth opportunities. 04:42 - Strategic Growth Through Proper Legal Structure Dr. Alex emphasizes the critical importance of establishing proper legal and organizational structures before scaling a healthcare practice. Many entrepreneurial practitioners face major challenges when expanding beyond 3-4 locations due to inconsistent legal and financial frameworks. He advises creating standardized legal and accounting structures from the beginning to maintain operational leverage and scalability. The solution involves working with experienced advisors to build proper HR, accounting, and banking systems that can support growth. This foundational approach helps practices avoid the common pitfall of becoming a "mishmash of entities" that limits future expansion potential. 08:06 -The Capital Spectrum: Timing Your Funding Strategy Dr. Alex outlines a strategic approach to practice funding, explaining the spectrum from self-funding to private equity. Healthcare entrepreneurs often struggle with timing their capital needs, leading to missed opportunities or unfavorable partnerships. The key is understanding when to progress through each funding stage - from personal capital to friends and family, then bank financing, and finally outside investment. He emphasizes choosing partners based on aligned values rather than just financial terms. This methodical approach to capital helps practitioners maintain control while accessing the resources needed for sustainable growth. 10:51 - Avoiding the "Sacred Cows" Trap Dr. Alex warns against the common pitfall of building systems around exceptions rather than standards. Many healthcare practitioners become attached to certain employees, vendors, or processes that may actually hinder growth potential. He advocates for creating scalable systems based on best practices rather than individual preferences or relationships. This requires maintaining an open mindset and willingness to change when better solutions emerge. The ability to evolve beyond comfortable but limiting practices ultimately determines long-term success in scaling a healthcare organization. The Dental Economist Show with Mike Huffaker is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so | |||