As the year comes to a close, we’re taking a step back …and looking ahead. In this episode, Eyes on the Horizon, we reflect on the key lessons, challenges, and wins that shaped dental group practices this year. From operational growth to leadership decisions to M&A activity, we’ll break down what mattered most and how those insights can fuel smarter strategies moving forward.
We’ll also shift our focus to building momentum for 2026, discussing priorities group practice owners should be thinking about now - from scaling systems and strengthening teams to navigating industry trends and opportunities. Plus, we’ll preview key events and opportunities coming in Q1, so you can plan ahead, stay engaged, and start the year with clarity and confidence.
Whether you’re refining your vision or preparing for an ambitious year ahead, this episode is designed to help you close the year strong and enter 2026 with purpose.
Check out Polaris Events HERE: https://polarishealthcarepartners.com/speaking-engagements/
What does it really take to set up a Dental Group Practice the right way?
In this week’s episode, host Jamie West Falasz is joined by Sara Stock, founder of Stock Legal, who specializes in legal services for dentists and dental group practices. Ahead of her compelling presentation at the Multisite Mastery: Designing Growth with Confidence event in March at Midmark’s Experience Center, Sara breaks down the legal structures, strategic decisions and introspection that dental practice owners need to consider and understand when scaling beyond a single location.
Sara provides a preview of her March session, discussing how to:
Whether you’re considering your next de novo or refining an existing group practice structure or acquisition plan, this episode and the Multisite Mastery event provide practical insights to help you build with intention.
Learn more about Multisite Mastery: Designing Growth with Confidence here.
Connect with Sara Stock and the Stock Legal team here:
Practice inefficiency doesn’t just waste time - it impacts revenue, patient outcomes and staff productivity. In this week’s episode, Jamie sits down with Jennie Vanderpool, Senior Manager for Process Improvement and Effectiveness at Midmark, for a conversation that connects Lean Six Sigma methodology with revenue boosting process improvement and practice design, showing how smarter workflows can reduce bottlenecks and save valuable time. Tune in for a preview of Jennie’s session at the upcoming Multisite Mastery event in March and learn how process improvements build smarter systems that simply make sense.
Tune in for this week’s episode as Jamie invites Polaris’ Mark Flock and Dr. Ben Tolley, founder & CEO of Tolley Dental behind the mic as this group practice leader shares how he’s scaling multiple locations by building trust-driven partnerships for his doctors. Dr. Tolley’s journey offers a candid look at what it really takes to grow a multi-location dental group, and why partnership pathways are essential for attracting and keeping top-tier providers. With help from Polaris and a team of allies, Dr. Tolley rolled out a fair and transparent pathway to ownership that boosts retention, strengthens culture, and aligns everyone behind the Tolley mission. If you're a dentist considering expansion, struggling with doctor turnover, or looking for a blueprint to build a sustainable group practice, this is an episode you won't want to miss.
Get ready - your roadmap to confident, strategic multisite expansion is almost here. In this special episode, host Jamie West Falasz chats with CEO Diwakar Sinha, and Midmark’s Ted Kehagias, to pull back the curtain on Multisite Mastery: Designing Growth with Confidence, the transformational event coming this March. Whether you're preparing to open your second location or scaling to fifteen, twenty and beyond, this episode gives you an exclusive preview of the sessions and breakthroughs you can expect.
You’ll hear about the architects behind the event - industry leaders, business and operations strategists, design and multisite growth innovators, and real-world operators - each sharing their expertise all in a setting that will no doubt inspire your next location, the beautiful Midmark Experience Center in Versailles, OH.
If you’re hungry for clarity, structure, design and confidence as you expand, this episode sets the stage. March 25-27 brings direct access to the Multisite Mastery event, and today’s episode tells you exactly why you’ll want to Register Today.
Buckle up - your expansion era is about to accelerate!
Growth is exciting, but in healthcare scaling too fast without pressure-tested operational systems can lead to disappointing outcomes including decreased EBITDA, increased risk and poor patient experience. In this week's episode, Jamie welcomes teammate Adin Bradley back to the show as they break down what foundational systems must be in place before expanding, and why a solid operational foundation is your true growth engine. Tune in as Adin shares a preview of his session planned for Polaris' January Masterclass: The Leadership Advantage - a "don't miss" opportunity designed to recalibrate your operational perspectives and catapult plans for scale!
LEARN MORE & REGISTER HERE
Behind every successful, high-value dental practice are doctors committed to constant growth. Join Jamie as she welcomes back Polaris Clinical Coach, Dr. Vivek Solanki, for an episode that explores what's in store for Polaris' January Masterclass in Charlotte, and what it truly means to evolve as a clinician, leader, and practice owner. A preview of growth-centric sessions guides the discussion around an experience built to elevate clinical skills, marry clinical and operational strategies, and cultivate the leaders and leadership mindset that drive lasting success. If you’re ready to step into your next level, this episode, and the Masterclass, will show you what’s possible.
LEARN MORE & REGISTER HERE
Selling a your practice isn’t just a transaction, it’s a transformation; one that deserves careful planning and an approach that fortifies and protects every dollar you've earned. If you've been approached by someone wanting to purchase your business, or are thinking of selling all or part of your business today or in the coming years, then this episode is for you! Tune in as host Jamie Falasz welcomes Polaris CEO, Diwakar Sinha, for a show that is sure to enlighten listeners on how to protect their life's work while driving for maximum value whether exiting now or years in the future.
In this special episode ahead of January's Masterclass in Charlotte, The Leadership Advantage, host Jamie Falasz sits down with returning guest Cary Smith, CEO of Done Desk, an in-demand featured speaker at the event. Cary shares a preview of his session focused on transforming practice operations through repeatable, predictable, and efficient systems that not only manage risk, but improve performance and accountability. Tune in for a sneak peek on his session highlights such as:
Whether you're leading a multi-location dental group or just starting to scale, an owner or associate, Cary’s insights offer a platform and clear roadmap to operational excellence. REGISTER FOR THE MASTERCLASS HERE
Dr. Colin Barbaro didn’t build a 10-location dental practice to chase numbers - he did it because he loves what he does. Tune in to this week's episode as Jamie and Dr. Barbaro, co-founder of Barbaro Dental Group, dive into how he and his brother Justin established and continue to grow a thriving multi-location operation driven by passion, problem-solving, and purpose. Hear how they balanced growth with values, built a strong culture, and found success not by competing, but by staying true to their love of dentistry. A must-listen for every healthcare entrepreneur!
What if the key to scaling a successful dental group was less about numbers, and more about streamlining to facilitate calm? In this episode, Jamie welcomes Dr. Vince Monticciolo, founder & CEO of Monticciolo Family & Sedation Dentistry, as he shares how his passion for sedation dentistry became the heartbeat of a 12-location (and growing!) dental group. Built to serve patients whose challenges and fears have kept them from the chair, Vince walks listeners through his proven processes and operational non-negotiables that, together with trusted experts and team members, have established this incredible group as a source of comfort for so many. From his first practice to a thriving multi-location organization, Dr. Monticciolo dives into the challenges, breakthroughs, and mindset shifts that helped him grow with purpose. If you’re a dentist, entrepreneur, or just someone curious about what it takes to build a values-driven business, this conversation is a must-listen.
Patient Resource: Find Dr. Monticciolo's podcast, Calm in the Chair, here!
Ready for the what's next in the Polaris Masterclass Series? In this week's episode, host Jamie West Falasz and Polaris CEO, Diwakar Sinha, speak directly to dental practice owners ready to accelerate growth as they unveil a powerful January 15-16 live event in Charlotte centered around empowering doctors and catapulting them into the next level of practice. Listen in for highlights on this upcoming chapter in the Masterclass series, aptly titled The Leadership Advantage, a must-attend gathering for forward-thinking dental professionals prepared to take charge of the untapped potential in their teams and their businesses.
From leadership and clinical upskilling, to mentorship and operational streamlining, this January's Masterclass offers a practical roadmap for evolving in and beyond the operatory, and dives into what professional growth really looks like for dentists today.
Don't miss this chance to take your practice and your personal development to the next level!
🔗 Register Today
📅 Jan. 15-16, 2026 | 📍 Charlotte, NC
Is your dental group's leadership team too close to the problem? In this episode, Jamie brings Adin Bradley, Fractional COO and Strategic Consulting Executive, back to the show to explore the dangers of operating in a bubble, where internal promotions, while well-intentioned and often well-earned, can create blind spots that stunt growth. From the vast array of unknowns to the power of outside perspective, we break down how groups can benefit from fresh ideas, cross-industry insights, and the humility to say, “We don’t know what we don’t know.” Plus, hear a real-world success story of how one dental group accelerated growth by breaking their own bubble!
Tune in to this week's episode as Jamie welcomes colleague and Equity Solutions Executive, Mark Flock, back to the show to explore how associates and owners can build mutually beneficial partnerships that go far beyond a traditional paycheck. As the dental industry evolves, equity opportunities are becoming a powerful tool for retaining talent, fueling growth, and creating long-term value for both associates and owners. Be sure to listen to the full show to catch a compelling story around how empowering doctors through ownership can launch production that's a winning scenario for all!
Find the ADA's updated U.S. Dentist Workforce Report here. [August 2025]
In this special episode, Polaris and Midmark spotlight their upcoming Multisite Mastery event designed for owners ready to scale through purposeful, efficient, strategic expansion. Join Jamie as she welcomes Midmark VP, Ted Kehagias, and Polaris CEO, Diwakar Sinha, as they dive into how two days of strategy-packed sessions will provide attendees with the confidence and tools to build the legacies they envision. Whether you’re preparing for your first de novo or looking to refine your existing acquisition playbook, this episode is your gateway to a high-impact event you won’t want to miss. Multisite Mastery: Designing Growth with Confidence | March 25-27, 2026
In this episode, Jamie and Polaris Clinical Coach, Dr. Vivek Solanki, dive into what it truly takes to build confident, capable highly productive dentists. From mastering the art of case acceptance to sharpening clinical skills through intentional drills, Vivek unpacks the methods that turn good clinicians into great ones. Listen in as they explore the power of mentorship and how guided experience can fast-track growth, boost confidence, and empower dentists to lead with impact. Whether you’re a new grad or seasoned clinician, this conversation is packed with actionable insights to elevate dentistry, one empowered dentist at a time.
In this week's episode of the Group Practice Accelerator Podcast, Jamie welcomes Polaris Founder & CEO, Diwakar Sinha, back to the show for a foundational discussion covering the principles and considerations around ownership, control, and options for offering equity to top performing associates and executives. Grab a pen and notepad as Diwakar walks listeners through timing, equity structures and key elements that help secure and even grow the value of your business!
We've officially hit 250 episodes! Whether you've been with us from the start or just joined recently, this milestone belongs to you—our amazing listeners. In this special episode, the Polaris team takes a look back at the journey so far: favorite moments, behind-the-scenes stories, lessons learned, and a few surprises along the way.
We'll also share what’s next for the show, including a BOLD new look, and give a heartfelt thank-you to everyone who helped us get here. Here's to the past, present, and future of this podcast—cheers to 250!
Subscribe today! https://polarishealthcarepartners.com/podcast/
In this episode of the Group Practice Accelerator podcast, Jamie sits down with Polaris in-house strategist, Founder & CEO, Diwakar Sinha to explore the growing appeal of the de novo strategy in dentistry. Instead of, or in addition to, acquiring existing practices, more dentists and DSOs are choosing to build from the ground up—and for good reason. Diwakar shares his insights into what de novos can offer within your growth strategy, and hints at an opportunity to learn firsthand what it takes to launch one successfully.
Thinking of expanding your practice or group? — or already have? Join Jamie as she welcomes special guest, Sara Stock, Founder & CEO of Stock Legal, as they navigate the top four legal and business minefields of dental group ownership. From contracts and structure to earned equity and buyouts, Sara gives guidance on the questions dentists wish they asked sooner!
sara.stock@stocklegal.com