Deep Dives with Dr. Dan, powered by Orthobrain

Wondering how much you should actually spend on dental marketing? Goat CMO founder and CEO Jake Goates joins Dr. Dan for a wide-ranging deep dive that starts with wealth and ends with hard numbers. Jake — who's worked with an estimated 6,000 dentists over his 13+ years in the industry — unpacks a definition of wealth rooted in gratitude and relationships before getting tactical about DSO rollups, patient personas, and why "the fundamentals of marketing" still matter even as AI reshapes how patients find a practice.
 
From there, the conversation turns personal and practical. Jake opens up about growing up with undiagnosed ADHD and dyslexia, how that shaped his approach to sales and communication, and why he believes good salespeople are guides, not heroes. He closes with concrete marketing budget benchmarks by growth stage, a look inside Goat CMO's patient persona reports, and a preview of his upcoming panel at the Orthodontist Growth Summit in Cleveland.
Guest: Jake Goates, Founder and CEO of Goat CMO, a data-driven dental marketing agency; has worked in dentistry for over 13 years.
Key Takeaways
Wealth = gratitude and relationships, not just a bank balance
Dentistry is a vehicle to wealth, not the only wealth strategy
Vulnerability builds real connection — with patients and mentors alike
Sales is guiding the patient, not manipulating them (hero vs. guide mindset)
No silver bullet in marketing — reactive gimmicks lose to intentional planning
Marketing spend should scale with growth goals: 3% to maintain, up to 9–11%+ for hyper-growth
Quote of the Week
"We are not the hero of their story. We are the guide that allows them and empowers them to recognize that they are the hero of their own story." — Jake Goates (00:32:55)
Resources Mentioned
Goat CMO — https://www.goatcmo.com/
The Five Lessons a Millionaire Taught Me About Life and Wealth by Richard Paul Evans - https://bit.ly/45Umr19
The Psychology of Selling by Brian Tracy - https://bit.ly/4ckPRsQ
Story Brand 2.0 by Donald Miller - https://bit.ly/4qO5Nd8
Raving Patients podcast — Dr. Len Tau - https://www.drlentau.com/podcast
Orthodontist Growth Summit, Cleveland (October 7–9) — https://ogs-2026.orthobrain.com/
Weber State University Professional Sales Program - https://www.weber.edu/majors/professional-sales.html
"GOAT Event Experience" full-arch conversion event — Goat CMO - https://www.goatcmo.com/
Timestamped Chapters
[00:00:03] – Welcome & meet Jake Goates, founder of Goat CMO
[00:00:48] – From a family of 13 to a career in sales and marketing
[00:03:28] – The real story behind the "Goates" name
[00:04:44] – Redefining wealth beyond the bank account
[00:08:38] – Lessons from interviewing 6,000+ dentists
[00:12:32] – Chasing wealth to create impact, not just accumulate it
[00:16:56] – Dentistry as a vehicle to wealth in the DSO rollup era
[00:21:06] – Overcoming ADHD and dyslexia to find his voice
[00:25:27] – Vulnerability, connection, and diagnosing a plateaued practice
[00:29:22] – Reframing sales: you're the guide, not the hero
[00:34:51] – Leveling up sales skills: books, journaling, and role-play
[00:38:14] – Why dentists chase gimmicks instead of building intentionally
[00:39:58] – Are marketing fundamentals changing with AI and culture?
[00:45:25] – What dentists should actually spend on marketing
[00:49:31] – Inside Goat CMO's services and the GOAT Event Experience
[00:52:43] – Speaking at the Orthodontist Growth Summit in Cleveland
[00:55:54] – The legacy Jake hopes makes his parents proud
 
Call to Action
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EPISODE SUMMARY
What separates a dentist who runs a practice from one who builds an empire? According to Dr. Brad Hughes — founder of Vision Dental Partners and a third-generation dentist running 12 locations — it comes down to one thing: you. In this raw, high-energy conversation with Dr. Dan, Brad pulls back the curtain on the mindset shifts, hard coaching lessons, and leadership principles that took him from a single inherited practice to a thriving DSO — and what he wishes he'd known from day one.
From cigar-smoke little league coaches to Bob Knight's motion offense, Brad draws vivid parallels between elite sports and elite dentistry. He breaks down exactly how dentists get commoditized, why the 4-to-5 practice range is a danger zone, and why the most powerful thing you can do for your brand has nothing to do with Google ads or insurance panels. If you've ever felt like you were the ceiling of your own practice — this episode will blow the roof off.
3. KEY TAKEAWAYS
Process beats goal-setting. Setting goals without building a daily process is just wishful thinking. Brad's team sets a goal and then lets it go — trusting the process to deliver the outcome, just like championship sports programs do.
You are the limiting factor. It took Brad 2–3 years after taking over his dad's practice to realize the ceiling was him. The day he accepted full accountability — no excuses — everything changed.
The 3-or-10 rule for scaling. Don't get stuck at 4–5 practices. Either stay at three or fewer (manageable without a full management team) or commit to scaling past seven, where the infrastructure investment finally makes sense. The middle is the danger zone.
Charisma is a learnable skill. Brad grew up shy. He built his on-camera presence through sheer repetition. His advice to introverts: pick up your phone, turn it around, and start recording. Awkward is the price of admission.
Get paid for who you are, not what you do. Patients who know, like, and trust you say yes — not because of a $79 new patient special or an insurance network, but because of who you are. That's brand. That's unlimited upside.
Hire for leadership potential, then build it. Promoting from within works — but only if you recruit people who already want to lead. You can't manufacture that ambition after the fact.
4. QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"Get paid for who you are, not what you do. The patient that comes in that knows, likes, and trusts you will say yes to the work they need — not because you had a $79 new patient special, not because you're in that MetLife — because of who you are."
— Dr. Brad Hughes | Timestamp: 00:36:36
5. RESOURCES MENTIONED
Jay Geier & The Scheduling Institute — the coaching organization Brad credits as the catalyst for his mindset breakthrough and practice growth
OrthoBrain — the platform powering the Deep Dives with Dr. Dan podcast
Orthodontist Growth Summit (Cleveland, October) — live event where Dr. Brad Hughes will present his "Get Paid for Who You Are" talk
BPC 157 — peptide Brad uses for recovery and performance
TB500 — peptide Brad uses alongside BPC 157 for recovery
6. CHAPTERS WITH TIMESTAMPS
Timestamp
Chapter
00:00:02
Welcome & Guest Introduction
00:01:06
IU Sports, Family Bonds & What Sports Teaches Us
00:05:55
Coaching Principles Applied to Business & Dentistry
00:08:46
The Bob Knight Philosophy: Preparation Over Plays
00:11:02
Leveraging Your Superpowers: Soft Skills & Charisma
00:13:07
Brad's Fitness Journey & The Case for Physical Standards
00:19:49
Taking Over Dad's Practice & The First Hard Lessons
00:22:07
The Scheduling Institute & the Accountability Moment
00:25:41
Leadership at Scale: Single Practice vs. Multi-Practice DSO
00:27:30
The 3-or-10 Rule for Growing a Group Practice
00:30:12
Hiring & Promoting from Within
00:32:52
Building On-Camera Confidence from Scratch
00:34:29
Advice for Introverts Who Want to Build a Brand
00:36:36
"Get Paid for Who You Are" — The Core Philosophy
00:38:20
Three Generations of Dentistry & the Cost of Commoditization
00:41:30
What Would Make His Family Most Proud
00:42:21
Closing Thoughts & Call to Action
7. CALL TO ACTION
If this episode challenged how you think about leadership, brand, and what's really holding your practice back — don't keep it to yourself. Share it with your team. Subscribe to Deep Dives with Dr. Dan so you never miss a conversation like this one, and if something hit home, drop us a review — it helps more dentists find the show. Until next time, let's keep diving deeper.

Episode Summary
What does it take to start 31 clear aligner cases in a single day — without a hard sell in sight? In this episode of Deep Dives with Dr. Dan, host Dr. Dan sits down with Dr. Chad Ashley and marketing director Maria Alcantor of Franklin Street Dental to pull back the curtain on their now-legendary "Simply Clear Day." Spoiler: the magic wasn't a discount or a gimmick. It was months of preparation, a team that fully believed in the work, and patients who already trusted every doctor in the building before they ever walked in the door.
 
But this conversation goes deeper than one blockbuster day. Dr. Ashley shares how he grew a small 1996 startup into a thriving four-doctor practice — and why he's turned down two chances to open satellite offices to protect the one thing he refuses to compromise: culture. You'll hear how the right words change a patient's entire perception of treatment, why "just" is a banned word in a great practice, and the mentorship (from Pete Dawson to Ken Runkel) that keeps a 30-year veteran learning faster than ever. Whether you're building a team, launching an aligner program, or just trying to lead better, there's a pearl in here for you.
Key Takeaways
Protect culture before you chase growth. Franklin Street passed on two satellite-office opportunities because splitting the doctor team would dilute the culture that makes everything work. Any future expansion will be into an adjacent building — keeping everyone under one roof.
A themed "aligner day" can produce outsized results. The team started 31 pre-qualified clear aligner cases in a single Hawaiian-themed day — palm tree in the lobby, food truck at lunch, team tailgate after — while seven hygienists ran their normal schedule.
Pre-qualify everything. Every patient arrived already knowing their insurance coverage, discount, and monthly-vs-paid-in-full options — and had already committed to move forward. The day was a celebration of starts, not a sales pitch.
The right words change patient perception. Reframing the conversation to "Dr. Ashley is going to work with an orthodontist to develop the perfect case for you" was a game-changer — it signals a custom case built for the patient, not a product being ordered.
Ban the word "just." Dr. Dan's "Danism": words like "just a general dentist" or "just a retainer" minimize the value you deliver. Cut them from the practice vocabulary.
Vet the staff, not just the doctor. Dr. Ashley's advice to young dentists evaluating a practice: the team tells the real story. A recruit learned more watching the office play co-ed softball than he did assisting in a procedure.
Quote of the Week
"It's not about selling, it's about doing the right thing." — Dr. Chad Ashley (09:13)
Resources Mentioned
orthobrain® — clear aligner partner and podcast sponsor; case reviews that told the team when to pass on a case, not just proceed
Paragon / Ken Runkel — practice-transition mentorship; host of the Longboat Key events referenced throughout
Linda Miles — early customer-service and practice-management education
Pete Dawson series — occlusion and restorative education the practice worked through
Pankey series — continuing education Dr. Ashley started his son on
Oral-B iO6 electric toothbrush — patient giveaway on the Simply Clear Day
Simply Clear Day — Franklin Street Dental's themed clear aligner event
Chapters
00:00:02 — Welcome to Deep Dives with Dr. Dan
00:01:26 — Meet the duo: Dr. Chad Ashley & Maria Alcantor
00:03:21 — From a small 1996 startup to four full-time doctors
00:04:39 — The mentors who shaped the practice (Linda Miles, Pete Dawson)
00:05:44 — Why they chose culture over a second location
00:07:40 — Bible study, quarterly dinners & the camaraderie at the top
00:08:38 — How patients describe Franklin Street Dental
00:10:11 — Building the brand: showing patients the people behind the practice
00:11:27 — The Simply Clear Day is born
00:13:21 — Dr. Ashley's reaction: turning the practice "off" to turn it on
00:14:55 — 31 cases and the trust that made it possible
00:15:42 — Inside the Hawaiian-themed event day
00:16:32 — The timeline, the Oral-B rep & flawless execution
00:17:46 — What "pre-qualified" really means
00:18:27 — The giveaways, discounts & payment options
00:19:40 — Growth mindset: how to do it even better next time
00:21:57 — Team belief and the orthobrain® partnership
00:22:49 — Knowing when to pass: clinical judgment & honest answers
00:23:56 — "Just a general dentist" and the case for orthodentistry
00:27:12 — The parking-lot Zoom and the verbiage pearl that changed everything
00:29:47 — Longboat Key, Ken Runkel & staying hungry to learn
00:33:39 — Relationships over sales: when vendors become friends
00:34:55 — Leading as a "managing partner" in a four-doctor model
00:36:20 — Advice for young dentists vetting a practice
00:38:38 — Sports, the national-champion Hoosiers & a baseball family
00:42:09 — Parenting pearls: the batting cage, being available & having a plan
00:45:20 — What made their parents proud & closing reflections
00:47:42 — Sign-off: keep diving deeper
Subscribe & Keep Diving Deeper
If this one challenged your thinking or sparked an idea for your own practice, don't keep it to yourself. Hit subscribe so you never miss an episode of Deep Dives with Dr. Dan, leave a review to help more dental leaders find the show, and share it with a colleague or your team. Until next time — let's keep diving deeper.

1. Episode Summary
What do a golf scholarship, a fourth-generation dental legacy, and a global pandemic have in common? They all shaped one of the most energetic dentists you'll meet. In this episode of Deep Dives with Dr. Dan, host Dr. Dan sits down with Dr. Maria Jackson — the only female dentist in a family full of them, a former University of Kansas golfer, and a practice owner who built her office in 2019 only to watch the world shut down while it was still under construction. Ten years into her career, Maria brings a rare mix of clinical confidence and refreshing honesty about the highs, the lows, and everything nobody warns you about in dental school.
 
If you've ever felt alone in your operatory, overwhelmed by the business side, or unsure whether to start offering ortho, this conversation is your permission slip to begin. Maria breaks down why continuing education (like a GPR and her Academy of General Dentistry fellowship) changed her career, how the mental game of golf keeps her calm in the chair, why "ortho your way" beats a one-size-fits-all approach, and how to protect your body and your peace of mind for the long haul. It's practical, it's punchy, and it just might change how you show up to work tomorrow.
2. Key Takeaways
Dental school teaches the basics — continuing education teaches the reality. A GPR and her Academy of General Dentistry path gave Maria the surgical confidence and hands-on comfort to handle worst-case scenarios solo in private practice.
The golf mindset is the dentist mindset. Stay levelheaded, don't let your emotions run the round, and accept that perfection isn't the goal. As the books put it: "swing hard" and "take dead aim."
Career longevity is built on self-care. Pilates, yoga, cardio, good ergonomics (thank you, loops), and regular massage or chiro work keep you in the chair for decades. Start small and make it routine.
"Ortho your way" — there's no wrong answer. Match braces or aligners to the patient's lifestyle and compliance, not the other way around. Not choosing aligners isn't "failing."
GPs can and should keep ortho in-house. Patients trust you and don't want to be referred out. Lean on a support system (Maria uses orthobrain®) and never be too proud to ask questions.
Draw a hard line between clinical and business. Empower a great office manager, protect your headspace, and remember the "Q-tip": Quit Taking It Personally.
3. Quote of the Week
"You'll never regret starting. You'll be mad that you waited so long to start."
— Dr. Maria Jackson (00:22:56)
4. Resources Mentioned
orthobrain® — ortho support system and podcast sponsor
Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) — fellowship and mastership education path
Academy of GP Ortho — Texas event where Maria is speaking
Orthodentistry Growth Summit — conference Maria attended in Cleveland (and is speaking at again)
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame — Cleveland landmark visited during the Growth Summit
University of Kansas (KU) — Maria's undergrad (attended on a golf scholarship)
UMKC — Maria's dental school
Tiger Woods — referenced on the evolution of golf fitness and technology
Books referenced by Dr. Dan:
Tiger Trait
It's Not a Game of Perfect
Harvey Penick's Little Red Book and Little Green Book — source of the "swing hard" and "take dead aim" lessons
5. Chapters
00:00:02 — Welcome to Deep Dives with Dr. Dan
00:01:08 — Meet Dr. Maria Jackson: Fourth-Generation Dentist
00:02:04 — From Golf Scholarship to Dental School
00:03:04 — Why a GPR Was a Game-Changer
00:05:19 — The Academy of General Dentistry & Family Rivalry
00:06:14 — Who's the Best Dentist in the Family?
00:09:44 — Golf Lessons That Build Better Dentists
00:14:19 — Books, Perfectionism & "Take Dead Aim"
00:16:59 — Staying Healthy: Fitness, Ergonomics & Self-Care
00:19:15 — How to Actually Start (Keep It Realistic)
00:23:10 — Speaking, Teaching & Identifying Patient Types
00:25:30 — Braces vs. Aligners: "Ortho Your Way"
00:29:10 — Getting Started With Ortho as a Young Dentist
00:32:32 — The Growth Summit & the Power of In-Person Learning
00:35:28 — Advice to Her Younger Self
00:37:51 — The Business Side of Dentistry
00:39:22 — What Makes Her Parents Most Proud
00:40:33 — Closing Thoughts & Sign-Off
6. Call to Action
Loved this one? Don't keep it to yourself. Subscribe to Deep Dives with Dr. Dan so you never miss an episode, leave a review to help more dentists find the show, and share it with a colleague or your team who needs the nudge to just start. Until next time — keep diving deeper.

1. Episode Summary
Some dentists spend a career perfecting one thing. Dr. Chris Salerno collected hats instead — clinician, national speaker, chief editor of Dental Economics, ADA committee chair, and now Chief Dental Officer at Tend. But here's the twist: none of it was planned. In this episode of Deep Dives with Dr. Dan, Chris pulls back the curtain on a career built one curious step at a time, and hands over the exact take-home lessons from each chapter — how he found lecture traction in a "sub-sub-niche," why showing his "C+ cases" made audiences lean in, and how "emotional deposits before emotional withdrawals" turned networking into opportunity.
 
If you've ever felt your practice trying to be everything to everyone, this conversation is your permission slip to focus. Chris breaks down the frameworks he actually uses: Osterwalder's Business Model Canvas for defining who you serve, his own "Three Ps" (Pay, Praise, Promote) for turning culture off the wall and into behavior, and Tend's "Three Es" (Excellence, Efficiency, Experience) for hiring the right people. Whether you're a new grad, a practice owner, or an enterprise leader, you'll walk away with a clearer business model, a sharper leadership lens, and the single best question to ask before you ever sign on with a new employer.
2. Key Takeaways
Niche down to stand out. Lecturing on broad topics is a "red ocean." Chris built momentum in a sub-sub-niche (implant complications) — and by openly showing his imperfect "C+ cases," which made him more compelling, not less.
Network by giving first. Powerful networking means working the exhibit floor as hard as the lectures, meeting as many people as you can, and making "emotional deposits before emotional withdrawals" — not just asking for favors.
Enterprise leadership is a different sport. Running one great practice you touch daily doesn't automatically translate to multi-site leadership. Scaling requires buy-in, feedback loops, and bottom-up leadership — not just top-down emails.
Nail your business model first. Get clear on your target demographic and unique value proposition (Osterwalder's framework). Stop trying to be everything to everyone and be something special to a target few.
Turn culture into action with the Three Ps. Pretty words on a wall aren't culture. How you Pay, Praise (and critique), and Promote (or terminate) is what actually shapes the environment your team lives in.
Interview your interviewer. You're evaluating each other. Be a little bold and ask a prospective employer about their business model — who they serve and how — to find out if it's truly the right fit.
3. Quote of the Week
"Stop trying to be everything to everyone and be something really special to a target few."
— Dr. Chris Salerno (00:20:13)
4. Resources Mentioned
Business Model Generation — book by Alexander Osterwalder (2010) on building a business model from the ground up.
Business Model Canvas (Osterwalder) — a free framework; searchable on Google and available in-depth on YouTube.
Harvard Business Review (hbr.org) — roughly $20 an issue with access to a large online catalog; case studies on leadership, culture, and business.
The Netflix Culture Deck — the well-known culture slide deck (15+ years old), available online, including its Enron value-statement cautionary tale.
Simon Sinek — leadership content referenced by the host on confident vulnerability.
The Curious Dentist — Dr. Chris's blog, launched around 2009–2010.
Dental Economics — the publication where Chris served as chief editor for seven years.
ASDA (American Student Dental Association) and the ADA (American Dental Association) — organizations central to Chris's early involvement and leadership development.
Tend — the dental company where Chris serves as Chief Dental Officer ("dental done differently").
Net Promoter Score (NPS) — the customer-experience metric Tend uses in training and role-play.
OrthoBrain / OrthoBrain University — the podcast's sponsor.
Orthodentistry Growth Summit (this October) — event where Chris is slated to speak on business-model frameworks.
AAO Annual Meeting (American Association of Orthodontists) — referenced re: the long-running "Prioritize Your Ps for Practice Prosperity" course.
5. Chapters with Timestamps
00:00:02 — Welcome & Meet Dr. Chris Salerno
00:02:00 — A Career of Many Hats (and Why It Was Never the Plan)
00:04:16 — The Curious Dentist: Curiosity as Fuel
00:05:51 — Finding a Niche & the Power of Showing Your "C+ Cases"
00:08:46 — Networking, Writing & Editing Dental Economics
00:10:20 — From Top Producer to Enterprise Leader at Tend
00:14:08 — Confident Vulnerability in Leadership
00:19:05 — Building a Business Model: Osterwalder, HBR & Ruthless Focus
00:26:07 — Culture That Sticks: Mission, Vision & the Three Ps
00:35:52 — Inside Tend: "Dental Done Differently" & the Three Es
00:44:28 — The Smartest Question to Ask a Future Employer
00:47:36 — Best Questions, Vulnerable Confessions & Making Parents Proud
00:52:11 — Closing Thoughts
6. Call to Action
Loved this one? Don't miss the next dive. Subscribe to Deep Dives with Dr. Dan so you never miss an episode — and if something here resonated, share it with a colleague or your whole team and leave us a review. Until next time, let's keep diving deeper.

1. Episode Summary
 
Dentistry has the highest suicide rate of any occupation in the country — a staggering, sobering fact that reframes this entire conversation. In this deeply personal episode of Deep Dives with Dr. Dan, powered by orthobrain®, host Dr. Dan sits down with J.M. Ryerson, founder of Let's Go Win, whose path into the dental world began with unimaginable loss: the suicide of his father. What follows isn't your typical "grow your practice" pep talk. It's a raw, honest look at why so many high-achieving doctors are quietly falling apart behind picture-perfect practices — and what it actually takes to lead, and live, from a place of strength.
 
If you've ever felt the pressure of wearing every hat, the loneliness of being "the one who has to do it," or the addictive pull of go-go-go with no off switch, this one's for you. J.M. and Dr. Dan trade hard-won lessons on leadership, delegation, mentorship, and the burnout that hides in plain sight — plus the practical daily and quarterly habits that keep them grounded. You'll walk away with a permission slip most doctors never get: it's okay to not be okay, and there's a better way to build a practice without breaking yourself in the process.
 
2. Key Takeaways
 
Mental health is the missing conversation in dentistry. With the profession carrying the highest suicide rate of any occupation, J.M. makes the case that thriving as a doctor starts with how you're doing holistically — not just how your practice performs. His message: "It's okay if you're not okay."
Perfection is the enemy of greatness. The same straight-A perfectionism that makes doctors great clinicians can sabotage them as leaders. You'll fail, you'll scrape your knees — that's the only way you grow.
Delegation isn't enough — empowerment is the unlock. Handing off tasks while micromanaging caps your growth. Truly trusting your team (and being okay when they don't do it "your way") is where freedom lives: "It's amazing what can get accomplished if no one cares who gets the credit."
Great leaders drop the ego and ask for feedback. Telling your team "I'm working to be a better leader — help me" accelerates growth faster than any course. The ego is the downfall.
Success on the outside can mask a crisis on the inside. Watch for the warning signs — constant negativity, no excitement to go to work, and the five people you surround yourself with (they either lift you up or bring you down).
Grounding habits tame the drive. J.M.'s antidote to adrenaline addiction: a daily 40 minutes of "sacred time" (breathwork, meditation, yoga, qigong), a quarterly 2–3 day tech detox, and daily journaling to "brain dump" — because every "I have to" is really a choice.
 
3. Quote of the Week
 
"It's okay if you're not okay."
— J.M. Ryerson (05:16)
 
4. Resources Mentioned
 
Let's Go Win — J.M. Ryerson's company and his book, Let's Go Win: The Keys to Living Your Best Life, originally written for his two sons.
Ray Dalio — cited as the source of the "radical transparency" leadership philosophy.
Henry Ford — referenced for the "whether you think you can or you can't, you're right" mindset.
Ben Johns — mentioned as the top pickleball pro (used as an analogy for skill-building through practice).
orthobrain® — the show's presenting partner.
Grounding practices referenced: breathwork, meditation, yoga, and qigong ("40 minutes of sacred time"); daily journaling / brain dumps; and quarterly 2–3 day technology detoxes.
 
5. Chapters with Timestamps
 
00:00:02 — Welcome & Meet J.M. Ryerson
00:02:03 — The Book He Wrote for His Sons
00:03:51 — Losing His Dad & Dentistry's Silent Crisis
00:06:33 — Is Leadership Really Lonely at the Top?
00:09:07 — Why Dentists Are Never Taught to Lead
00:11:56 — Leadership Is a People Business
00:14:46 — Perfectionism, Ego & the Power of Feedback
00:17:30 — Delegation vs. True Empowerment
00:21:23 — Reciprocal Mentorship: Senior Meets Junior Docs
00:23:42 — Successful on the Outside, Empty on the Inside
00:27:51 — How Your Team Can Spot Burnout
00:30:23 — The Adrenaline Trap (Dr. Dan's Story)
00:34:56 — 40 Minutes of Sacred Time
00:36:55 — Victor, Not Victim: Everything Is a Choice
00:38:23 — Journaling: The Secret to Peace
00:40:37 — What Makes His Mom Proud & Sign-Off
 
6. Call to Action
 
Loved this conversation? Don't keep it to yourself. Subscribe to Deep Dives with Dr. Dan so you never miss an episode, leave a review to help more practice owners find the show, and share this one with a colleague or your team — especially anyone who might need the reminder that it's okay to not be okay. Until next time, let's keep diving deeper.

In this episode of the Orthodentistry™ Today podcast, host Dr. Dan German welcomes Shannon Pace Brinker, a passionate advocate for dental assistants and a successful teeth whitening business owner. Shannon shares her journey from being a traditional dental assistant to becoming a champion for team education in dental practices. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration between general dentists and orthodontists, highlighting how a well-educated team can significantly enhance patient care and treatment acceptance. Shannon's insights on the integration of orthodontics and whitening as foundational steps in restorative dentistry provide a fresh perspective on patient management and treatment planning.
Throughout the conversation, Shannon discusses her experiences working with various dentists and the lessons learned about patient trust and communication. She stresses the need for dental teams to engage with patients effectively, using tools like digital scans and photographs to enhance understanding and acceptance of treatment plans. The episode concludes with Shannon's advice for dental professionals to invest in their own education and to empower their teams, ensuring that they can provide the best possible care to their patients. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone in the dental field looking to elevate their practice and improve patient outcomes.
Keywords
orthodontics, dental assistants, patient care, teeth whitening, dental education, team collaboration, restorative dentistry, dental practice management, patient communication, dental team training
Takeaways
"The sky is the limit for dental assistants.""We need assistance coming with our doctors to learn how to do courses and learn how to do treatment together.""Patients trust us; they look to every team member for guidance.""Whitening is a great entryway into restorative dentistry.""Invest in yourself; nobody's going to invest more than you.""We need to celebrate the small wins with our patients.""If we can get the teeth in the right position, we can be more conservative with restorations.""The only thing more important than what you do is how you do it.""Let your team run with it; they can do amazing things.""Take photos, do a digital scan, and listen to your patients."
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Orthodentistry Today01:00 Meet Shannon Pace Brinker: Champion of Dental Assistants02:00 Shannon's Journey in Dentistry05:48 The Importance of Team Education09:46 Building Patient Trust and Communication13:56 Integrating Whitening and Orthodontics20:09 Identifying Missed Opportunities in Patient Care23:49 Innovative Educational Programs for Dental Teams27:52 Advice for Young Dental Professionals32:06 Conclusion and Key Takeaways
 

In this episode of the Orthodentistry™ Today podcast, Dr. Dan German interviews Dr. Deanna Skowronski, a passionate young orthodontist who has successfully integrated orthodontics into her family dental practice just a year after graduating from dental school. Deanna shares her journey, highlighting her early exposure to dentistry through her family and her determination to succeed despite facing challenges in getting into dental school. She emphasizes the importance of building relationships with patients and the problem-solving aspect of dentistry, which fuels her passion for the profession.
Throughout the conversation, Deanna discusses her approach to orthodontics, including the significance of early intervention and the use of technology like digital scanning and 3D printing in her practice. She also shares insights on the business side of dentistry, the value of mentorship, and the importance of continuous education. Deanna encourages her peers to embrace orthodontics, emphasizing that with the right support and resources, general dentists can confidently provide orthodontic care to their patients. Her story serves as an inspiration for both new and seasoned practitioners in the field.
Keywords
orthodontics, dental practice, mentorship, technology in dentistry, patient care, dental education, orthodontic success, general dentistry, early intervention, 3D printing
Takeaways
"If you find something you love, you never work a day in your life.""I really make a conscious effort to dial in and listen.""You don't have to reinvent the wheel; those processes are tried and true.""It's not what you do, it's what you are.""Make sure you're truly passionate about the profession."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Orthodentistry Today01:31 Dr. Deanna Skowronski’s Journey to Dentistry03:30 The Passion Behind Dentistry06:28 Navigating the Business Side of Dentistry08:41 The Importance of Mentorship and Consulting10:27 Learning from Classmates and Staying Connected11:13 Orthodontics Education and Practical Experience13:34 Engaging Patients in Orthodontics15:27 Leveraging Technology in Practice19:24 The Role of Collaboration in Dentistry22:00 Continuing Education and Future Goals24:27 Advice for General Dentists in Orthodontics27:12 Influences and Trends in Dentistry30:22 Cautions in Modern Dentistry32:57 Improving Dental Education
 

In this episode of the Orthodentistry™ Today podcast, host Dr. Dan German interviews Dr. Sam Glick, founder of Cleveland Smile Center, who shares his journey from a family of dentists to establishing a multi-location practice. Dr. Glick emphasizes the importance of collaboration between general dentistry and orthodontics, aiming to provide comprehensive care under one roof. He discusses his vision for growth, aiming for ten practices while maintaining quality and consistency through effective systems and a strong team culture. Dr. Glick also addresses the challenges young dentists face, particularly regarding student debt, and offers insights on how to navigate practice ownership and patient communication effectively.
 
Throughout the conversation, Dr. Glick highlights the significance of hiring the right team, fostering a positive culture, and adapting to different patient demographics across locations. He shares practical advice for young dentists looking to expand their skill set, particularly in orthodontics, and stresses the importance of clear communication with patients about treatment options and responsibilities. The episode concludes with Dr. Glick's reflections on the future of dentistry and the role of education and innovation in driving success.
 
Keywords
orthodontics, dental practice growth, patient communication, dental team culture, practice management, student debt, super GP, Cleveland Smile Center, dental innovation, OrthoDentistry
 
Takeaways
"I wanted to grow things even bigger, better than the dentists in my family before me."
"People are the biggest factors for growth and consistency in success within the offices."
"If you believe in yourself, taking out a loan to purchase a practice is not the end of the world."
"You have to be flexible on payment plans for orthodontics; it's a different ball game."
"Your team is your best asset in setting the table for patient treatment discussions."
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Orthodentistry Today
00:40 Meet Dr. Sam Glick: A New Era in Dentistry
01:11 The Influence of Family and Vision for Growth
04:38 Maintaining Quality Across Multiple Locations
09:11 Finding the Right Location for Expansion
12:14 Managing Student Debt and Practice Ownership
17:45 Patient Communication and Treatment Options
22:47 Getting Started with Orthodontics
24:49 Challenges in Implementing Orthodontics
27:07 Learning from Mistakes in Practice Management
30:31 Implementing Proven Business Processes

In this episode of the Orthodentistry™ Today podcast, host Dr. Dan German engages with Dr. Craig Hewitt, a general dentist who has successfully integrated orthodontics into his practice. Dr. Hewitt shares his journey from dental school to serving in the Navy, where he gained invaluable experience working alongside specialists. After returning to his hometown of Eaton, Ohio, he took over a small practice and gradually expanded it, focusing on orthodontics as a key service. The conversation highlights the importance of continuing education, patient feedback, and adapting to the needs of the community in building a thriving dental practice.
Dr. Hewitt emphasizes the significance of listening to patients and responding to their requests, which has been instrumental in his practice's growth. He discusses the transition from general dentistry to a more orthodontics-focused practice, explaining how he navigated challenges and learned from both successes and mistakes. The episode concludes with insights on the importance of investing in oneself through education and finding a niche in dentistry, encouraging young dentists to pursue their passions while providing quality care to their patients.
Keywords
orthodontics, general dentistry, dental practice growth, continuing education, patient care, orthodontic outcomes, dental community, practice management, dental innovations, dental career advice
Takeaways
"Orthodentistry is the future of comprehensive care."
"I learned so much in that first year and it provided such a great foundation for me as general dentistry to move on and grow from there."
"Experience is learning from our successes, but also learning from our mistakes."
"Invest in yourself; it's the best return on investment you can make."
"Listening to your patients is key to growing your practice."
"You can provide a service that people value and want for their children."
"I made a conscious decision to alter what I was doing to protect my physical self."
"Confidence comes from experience, and we treat with a lot of confidence."
"The beauty of general dentistry is finding where we want to focus."
"It's about delivering holistic care to precious people with real lives."
Sound bites
"Orthodentistry is the future of comprehensive care."
"You took a tiny little practice and added education."
"My physical lifespan in dentistry has an expiration date."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Orthodentistry™ Today
01:01 Dr. Craig Hewitt's Journey in Dentistry
04:34 Transitioning to Orthodontics
08:12 The Importance of Continuing Education
12:22 Navigating Patient Needs and Referrals
15:06 Choosing Between Orthodontics and Implants
20:39 The Physical Toll of Dentistry
24:00 Growing an Orthodontic Practice
29:00 Advice for Future Dentists
36:09 Conclusion and Key Takeaways