Running a dental practice today comes with more challenges than ever—staffing shortages, regulatory compliance, patient expectations, and the pressure to maintain financial stability. But ...

Running a dental practice means balancing patient care with the demands of business—and sometimes the systems and workflows behind the scenes just don’t keep up. In this episode of the Growing Your Dental Business Podcast, host Jacquelyn Hurley sits down with Sadie Stewart, President of Office Swell, to talk about how practices can overcome bottlenecks, adopt the right technology, and build confidence in their systems.With extensive experience in both clinical and business operations, Sadie helps dental teams identify their core values, streamline their workflows, and implement customized solutions that improve patient care and profitability. From automating insurance verification to embracing AI and digital tools, Sadie shares practical strategies to help teams simplify their processes and stay ahead of industry changes.What you'll learn in this episode: * The most common workflow issues Sadies sees in dental practices - and how to fix them * Why insurance verification is often the biggest bottleneck - and what to do about it* How practices can benefit from embracing automation and all-in-one platforms* A real-world success story of a practice that transitioned from paper-based to fully digital systems* Why continuing education and team training are critical for long-term success* How consultants like Sadie evaluate new technology and help practices make smart investments Connect with Sadie StewartWant to learn more about how Sadie can help your practice or connect with her for consulting? You can find her at OfficeSwell.com (https://officeswell.com/), and @dexus.sadie.stewart (https://instagram.com/dexus.sadie.stewart) on Instagram. Sadie is always happy to be a resource and share her insights on technology solutions, workflow efficiency, and team empowerment.Brought to You by eAssist Dental SolutionsEven the best workflows can break down if billing and collections aren’t running smoothly. That’s where eAssist Dental Solutions comes in. 

Running an oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS) practice is no small feat. Between managing workflows, training staff, and ensuring consistent patient care, things can quickly shift from organized to overwhelming.In this episode of Growing Your Dental Business, host Jacquelyn Hurley sits down with Scott E. Graham, MHA, FACMPE, FAADOM, a nationally recognized OMS practice management expert and founder of SOMSA. Scott helps OMS practices across the country solve operational challenges through practice analysis, workflow improvements, checklists, and well-designed policies and procedures.You’ll learn:* What a practice analysis is - and how it uncovers growth opportunities * Why checklists aren't "too simple," but absolutely essential in busy practices * How policies and procedures drive accountability, consistency, and scalability* The biggest operational mistakes OMS practices make (and how to fix them)Scott shares practical, real-world strategies that bring structure and clarity to OMS practices, helping them run more efficiently and profitably.If you’re ready to bring more clarity and structure into your own practice, don’t miss this conversation!Listen now and subscribe to Growing Your Dental Business wherever you get your podcasts.Learn more about Scott Graham and OMS practice management at https://www.omsconsultingfirm.com/ (https://www.omsconsultingfirm.com/).Or reach out to him directly at scott@omsconsultingfirm.com (mailto:scott@omsconsultingfirm.com).And a special thank you to our sponsor, eAssist Dental Solutions - the nation’s leader in dental billing and now offering medical billing support for dental practices. Discover how eAssist can help you streamline your revenue cycle at www.dentalbilling.com (http://www.dentalbilling.com).

In this insightful episode of Growing Your Dental Business, host Jacquelyn Hurley welcomes Rusty Curtis, CEO of Lumn and author of The Book on Dental Marketing. Rusty shares why so many practices fall short of their marketing goals, the difference between strategy and tactics, and how to avoid “whack-a-mole” marketing. He explains why culture, patient experience, and authentic branding form the true foundation of successful marketing, and why skipping these steps often leads to wasted dollars and missed opportunities.From competing with large corporate dental chains to making the most of a limited marketing budget, Rusty provides practical, real-world advice for both independent practices and multi-location groups. Whether you’re a new practice owner or a seasoned dentist looking to refine your approach, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways to help you grow with purpose and attract the patients you most want to serve.If you’re ready to attract more of your ideal patients, Rusty Curtis is offering a free consultation to assess your goals and see how Lumn can help. Visit getlumn.com (https://getlumn.com/) to schedule your consultation today.And remember, marketing is only part of the success equation. This podcast is proudly sponsored by eAssist Dental Solutions, the nation’s leading dental billing company. While Lumn takes care of your marketing, eAssist handles the busy work of dental billing, ensuring you collect 100% of what’s rightfully owed. Learn more at dentalbilling.com (https://dentalbilling.com/).Stronger marketing + stronger collections = a stronger practice.

Are you ready to take the mystery out of medical credentialing in your dental practice? In this episode of Growing Your Dental Business, host Jacquelyn Hurley welcomes Dondra Edwards, founder of Transition Acceleration Group, to break down the credentialing process and why it’s the key to unlocking successful medical billing.With over 15 years in the healthcare industry, Dondra has helped dental and medical providers nationwide navigate provider enrollment, payer applications, and compliance standards. She specializes in helping dentists get credentialed to bill medical insurance - a crucial step that too many practices overlook.In this episode, you’ll learn:* The key differences between dental and medical credentialing - and why it matters. * Which payors are most challenging, and how to navigate them * The #1 factor that makes a dentist successful with medical billing* Why credentialing errors are a top reason for claim denials - and how to avoid themDondra also shares actionable insights for dentists who want to expand patient care, reduce out-of-pocket costs for patients, and open the door to a new revenue stream through medical billing.Credentialing is the foundation of clean claims and successful medical billing. Without it, even the best billing team can’t get you paid.If you’re ready to simplify your medical credentialing and start submitting clean medical claims:* Connect with Dondra at moreinfo@transitionag.com to discuss your credentialing needs. * Partner with eAssist Dental Solutions to ensure your dental and medical billing workflows are seamless, compliant, and revenue-focused.

In this episode, Kristie Boltz shares how dental practices can attract high-value patients by building a “first class cabin” - where marketing is something you do, not something you buy. She breaks down practical strategies to identify and cultivate your ideal patients, improve marketing ROI, and create a team culture that supports long-term growth. Kristie challenges the idea of marketing as a one-time spend, reframing it as a daily habit rooted in team engagement, systems, and accountability. Whether you're just starting or scaling your practice, this conversation will inspire you to think differently about marketing—and empower your team to play a winning role in it.To learn more about Kristie’s upcoming 3-hour course on “Your 1st Class Cabin” as well as her 6-week CMO Academy, where you can take your entire team and turn them into a Chief Marketing Officer. Visit (https://www.mydentalcmo.com)mydentalcmo.com for more information.This episode is brought to you by eAssist Dental Solutions, the nation’s leading dental billing company. Just like marketing works best when your whole team is engaged, your collections thrive when your systems are strong and your team is supported. eAssist helps practices collect 100% of what’s rightfully owed, reduce insurance aging, and create the financial clarity needed to grow with confidence. And if you’re ready to strengthen your billing the way Kristie helps practices strengthen their marketing, visit dentalbilling.com to learn more about partnering with eAssist.

Welcome back to another episode of Growing Your Dental Business! In today’s episode, host Jacquelyn Hurley is joined by Sophia Dunkley, a trailblazer in dental practice coaching with over 25 years of experience. Sophia is known for her innovative strategies that transform dental office dynamics and increase profitability through improved case acceptance, leadership, and patient engagement.Sophia takes us through her journey into dentistry, sharing how she started from working in a dental office to becoming a certified leadership coach and trusted speaker in the industry. She also walks us through her approach to coaching dental practices, emphasizing the importance of people, processes, and profitability.Throughout the episode, Sophia covers key topics such as:* How to create strong leadership and communication within a dental team * Tips for improving patient scheduling and ensuring treatment plan commitment * Strategies for boosting profitability by optimizing case acceptance and implementing effective revenue-cycle management Additionally, Sophia shares her expertise on leadership assessments and how they can help dental leaders improve their effectiveness and create a thriving, patient-first culture.Special Call-to-Action:Are you ready to improve your practice’s profitability and leadership? Visit (http://www.thepracticenavigator.com)The Practice Navigator (http://www.thepracticenavigator.com) to schedule a complimentary discovery call with Sophia Dunkley. Or text eAssistRCM to 3475779102 to get started!Sponsored by eAssist Dental Solutions:If you’re looking for a way to streamline your practice’s billing and optimize cash flow, eAssist Dental Solutions can help! Their team of experienced dental billers is here to support you by submitting clean claims, reducing denials, and ensuring your practice stays financially healthy. Visit (http://www.dentalbilling.com)DentalBilling.com (http://www.dentalbilling.com) to learn more.Join us for this insightful conversation and gain valuable tools to elevate your practice to new heights!

If communication is a “soft skill,” it’s also the hard truth behind great leadership and patient trust.In this powerful episode of Growing Your Dental Business, host Jacquelyn Hurley welcomes international speaker and author Dana Watson, creator of Married to Dentistry, for a heart-to-heart about what your dental team says, how they say it, and why it matters more than ever.With over 20 years of experience in the dental field and a passion for helping teams thrive, Dana unpacks how elevated communication can transform not only your team culture but also your patient experience and case acceptance.You’ll learn:* The #1 communication tip every dental team needs now* What it means to "elevate your language" chairside and in the back office * How team members can show up as leaders - no title required * Simple shifts in words, energy, and intention that build trust with patients and one another Whether you're a dentist, office manager, or team member, this episode will inspire you to speak more intentionally, lead more authentically, and grow stronger together.Ready to bring Dana into your practice for team communication training or a Five Voices deep dive?Email her directly at info@danaspeaksdental.com to connect.

Most dentists think ROI starts with a Google click and ends when the phone rings, but what if the real return comes months (or even years) later?In this episode of Growing Your Dental Business, host Jacquelyn Hurley sits down with Xana Winans, founder of Golden Proportions Marketing and creator of the SMART ROI method, to challenge the way dental practices approach marketing. From uncovering the myths that make marketing feel like a waste to sharing how to measure real patient loyalty and long-term value, Xana offers practical strategies to help practices stop guessing and start growing.She also shares how her team helps dental offices track performance throughout the patient journey, right down to collections, and why your front desk may be impacting your ROI more than you think.So… If you’ve ever thought, “Marketing doesn’t work for my practice,” this episode will change your mind, and your results.Visit (https://www.goldenproportions.com)goldenproportions.com and schedule a free marketing consultation right from her contact page. (https://www.goldenproportions.com/contact-us/)Special Offer: Mention this podcast when setting up your first consultation, and Xaña will waive the $550 setup fee to test-drive Smart Market Dental for three months, an incredible opportunity to measure what’s working in your marketing.

Is your dental practice busy, but not as profitable as it should be? Are you constantly putting out fires and feelin...

What if the success you’re striving for in your practice isn’t about working harder, but about uncovering what’s holding you back? In this powerful episode of the Growing Your Dental Business podcast, host Jacquelyn Hurley welcomes Sandy Baird, MBA, dental practice advisor and industry veteran with over 40 years of real-world experience.Sandy shares practical strategies for overcoming the inefficiencies that quietly eat away at your profits and morale. From financial leaks to front desk inefficiencies, to outdated systems and gaps in patient communication, Sandy breaks down what matters most when running a business-minded dental practice. You’ll walk away inspired and ready to take ownership of your systems, your team, and your bottom line. Want to take your practice to the next level? Visit (https://www.bairdconcepts.com)bairdconcepts.com (https://www.bairdconcepts.com) and mention this podcast to receive 30% off Sandy’s Comprehensive Practice Evaluation or a Team Development Day. And don’t forget—if your practice is ready to outsource dental billing to a trusted partner, head over to (https://www.dentalbilling.com)dentalbilling.com (https://www.dentalbilling.com) to learn how eAssist Dental Solutions can help you collect 100% of what you’re rightfully owed.Reach out to Sandy at sbaird@bairdconcepts.com

Hiring an associate should make your life easier, not harder. Yet, a staggering 75% of associate hires in dentistry fail, often within the first year. In this eye-opening and solution-driven episode, Bryton Nield joins us to unpack why that number is so high - and what private practice owners can do to get it right.As the CEO of Dentist Partner Pros, Bryton brings a proven system for hiring, onboarding, and retaining high-performing associates. Whether you're already in the hiring process or just starting to wonder if your practice is ready, this episode delivers a practical blueprint for success.Key Takeaways: * The two critical factors every practice owner must assess before hiring* Four pillars of practice readiness: patient load, production, space, and financials * Why most associate relationships feel like "just trying it out" - and how to avoid that trap* What it really costs to hire the wrong person * How to create a hiring process that leads to long-term synergy* Tips for onboarding that actually build loyalty and reduce turnover Take the Free Associate Readiness Quiz Find out if your practice is truly ready for an associate: https://dentistpartnerpros.com/associate-readiness-quiz (https://dentistpartnerpros.com/associate-readiness-quiz)Discuss your unique situation one-on-one with Bryton.Email: bryton@dentistpartnerpros.comWebsite: (https://www.dentistpartnerpros.com)www.dentistpartnerpros.com (https://www.dentistpartnerpros.com)

In this episode, Jacquelyn Hurley welcomes Tiffany Wuebben, RDH, a powerhouse hygienist, entrepreneur, speaker, and founder of The Hygienepreneur, who’s on a mission to bring sparkle, strategy, and sustainability to dental hygiene departments across the country.From her Ritz-Carlton-inspired approach to patient experience to the systems she’s developed for boosting hygiene production without burnout, Tiffany shares her heart and hustle. You’ll walk away with practical ideas for creating a hospitality-driven culture, strengthening your team’s connection, and turning your hygiene department into a true growth engine.Special Gift for Listeners:Get Tiffany’s book Hygienepreneur absolutely FREE!This digital download is available for a limited time to podcast listeners. Click here to access your free copy.  (https://bit.ly/Culturecatalystbook)Prefer a physical copy? You can grab both Hygienepreneur and Culture Catalyst on Amazon.Stay Connected with Tiffany:* Website: (https://www.thehygienepreneur.com)www.thehygienepreneur.com (https://www.thehygienepreneur.com)* Culture Training: (https://www.culturecatalystbook.com)www.culturecatalystbook.com (https://www.culturecatalystbook.com)* Email: tiffany@thehygienepreneur.com* YouTube: (https://www.youtube.com/@thehygienepreneur)The Hygienepreneur (https://www.youtube.com/@thehygienepreneur)

Are patient past-due accounts slowing down your dental practice? In this episode, we sit down with Ron Cash of Transworld Systems Inc. (TSI) to explore how automation can help your practice recover more from your patients, faster, and at the lowest possible cost.Discover proven methods to:✅ Resolve past-due patient accounts efficiently✅ Improve cash flow & reduce bad debt✅ Seamlessly integrate collections with your existing dental software✅ Leverage TSI’s partnership with the Michigan Dental Association for exclusive discountsDon’t let outstanding accounts impact your bottom line—tune in now to learn how to streamline your collections process!You can connect with Ron by calling 877-RON-CASH—it’s that easy! 

Hiring and training the right dental team members is one of the biggest challenges dental practices face. Host Jacquelyn Hurley welcomes Jennifer Paxton and Dr. Sten Ericson of Pathway Dental Solutions to share their innovative approach to building efficient, high-performing teams.Jennifer, a dental industry leader with over 25 years of experience, and Dr. Ericson, co-founder of Pathway Dental Group, reveal how their First 400 Program streamlines hiring and training, ensuring new team members become productive quickly, whether they have dental experience or not. They also discuss: * How to hire for willingness to learn over experience * Strategies to systematize training and avoid the "unicorn hire" trap* The mindset shifts that help doctors become $1M+ producers * Why transparency and accountability create stronger, more efficient teamsIf you're looking for a proven framework to optimize your dental team and grow your practice, this episode is packed with actionable insights!Connect with Jennifer & Dr. Sten at (https://www.pathwaydentalsolutions.com)PathwayDentalSolutions.com (https://www.pathwaydentalsolutions.com) or email connect@pathwaydentalsolutions.com.Sponsored by eAssist Dental Solutions – helping practices collect 100% of what’s rightfully owed. Learn more at (https://www.dentalbilling.com)DentalBilling.com (https://www.dentalbilling.com).Tune in now and take your dental practice to the next level!

Managing a dental practice is more than delivering excellent patient care, it's about building and maintaining a strong, engaged team. However, with changing employment laws, high turnover, and workplace culture challenges, HR can quickly become overwhelming for dentists and office managers.In this episode of Growing Your Dental Business, I sit down with Alan Twigg, co-owner of Bent Erickson & Associates, which has helped thousands of dentists navigate the complexities of HR and employment compliance. Alan shares insights on:* The biggest HR challenges dental practices will face in 2025* How changing labor laws impact your team and compliance* Strategies for attracting and retaining top dental talent * The importance of an up-to-date employee handbook * Training resources like People Power to empower dental leaders HR doesn’t have to be a headache. Learn how to create a stress-free, legally compliant, and thriving workplace with expert guidance. Listen now and take the first step toward a stronger dental team!

In this episode of Growing Your Dental Business, we explore how Virtual Assistants (VAs) can lighten the load for dental teams, improve efficiency, and help practices run more smoothly, without hiring more in-office staff.Join us as we chat with Rebecca Herring, a seasoned dental coach and expert in practice optimization, who shares how Virtual Assistants can reduce burnout, improve patient experience, and maximize profitability.Key Takeaways:-  Boosting Efficiency & Reducing Burnout - Virtual assistants handle administrative tasks such as scheduling, insurance verification, and patient follow-ups, allowing in-office teams to focus on patient care.- Cost-Effective Support – Many virtual assistants operate offshore and provide high-quality service at a lower cost ($11-$15/hour).-  Implementation Success – Rebecca’s practice strategically assigned VAs to specific "lanes" such as insurance verification and scheduling, optimizing workflow across three locations.- Signs that Your Practice Needs Help – If your team is overwhelmed, calls are missed, or administrative tasks are piling up, it might be time to consider virtual assistants.Want to explore virtual assistants for your practice?Rebecca is offering a complimentary consultation - contact her at rebecca@yourtdcoach.com.

Welcome to another inspiring episode of the Growing Your Dental Business podcast! Join host Jacquelyn Hurley as she sits down with Laci Philips Newland, a dynamic speaker, coach, and founding partner of Practice Dynamics. From her early days as a chairside assistant to becoming a sought-after consultant, Laci has mastered the art of helping dental teams thrive. Laci shares her journey in this episode and reveals the key elements of creating a balanced and successful dental practice. Discover why leadership matters, how to address blind spots in your practice, and why investing in a coach can be the game-changer your team needs. Laci also introduces us to her innovative new software, DYVA (Dynamic Virtual Assistant)—a cutting-edge tool where dentists and office managers can log in to find solutions and systems for every aspect of their practice. With DYVA, answers to your practice management questions are just a click away. Whether you're a dentist focused on clinical excellence or a leader seeking to empower your team, Laci’s insights and tools will inspire and equip you with practical strategies to elevate your practice. Tune in to learn how systems, leadership, metrics, teamwork, and technology like DYVA can transform your practice into a thriving success. Don’t miss this conversation with actionable advice and motivation to help you grow your dental business! Reach out to Laci at laci@practicedynamics.net. To learn more about eAssist Dental Solutions, please visit https://shorturl.at/LjEX7.

In today's episode, we're thrilled to welcome Kay Hickey, a seasoned dental industry expert with over 30 years of experience as a licensed dental assistant, educator, and clinical efficiency consultant. Her expertise spans the critical areas of organization, inventory management, and team productivity—all of which contribute to a more profitable and less stressful practice. Kay offers actionable steps for quickly resolving disorganization and inventory mismanagement. Her methods improve profitability, productivity, and patient and team satisfaction. If Kay’s approach to clinical efficiency inspires you and you would like to learn more, Kay is offering a free pre-discovery call! Don’t miss the chance to explore how streamlined workflows and lean inventory management can transform your practice. Contact Kay at kay@zirc.com, or you can call her at 763-251-3029.To learn more about eAssist Dental Solutions, please visit https://shorturl.at/h6bUX.

Are you seeking to improve your patients' experiences and streamline your practice? Join us for a conversation with Jessica Martin, a specialist in patient experience and operational efficiency. This episode explores the psychology behind patient care, tips for designing smooth workflows, impactful design insights, and strategies for handling insurance challenges to enhance profitability. Full of practical advice, this discussion is ideal for dentists aiming to elevate their practices. Ready to learn more? Connect with Jessica at martinmanagementllc.com or reach out via email at jessica@martinmanagementllc.com.To learn more about eAssist Dental Solutions, please https://shorturl.at/h6bUX.