Dental Unfiltered

In this episode of "Management Unfiltered," Kirk Teachout discusses the common pitfalls of being busy versus being productive in dental practices. He emphasizes that many office managers and practice owners confuse activity with progress, leading to a cycle of constant reaction rather than proactive leadership. Kirk highlights the importance of building systems to prevent recurring issues and encourages leaders to focus on creating clarity and improving processes. He offers insights into how real productivity can lead to more freedom and growth within a practice.

In the latest episode of Dental Unfiltered, Matt Brown and Greg Essenmacher are pulling back the curtain on the red flags you need to watch for in dental marketing.Too many marketers get caught up in the "vanity metrics"—lead counts and clicks—while ignoring the only two numbers that matter: Production and Collections. 📈In this deep dive, we’re talking about:How to spot a "shady" marketer before you sign the check. 🚩Why transparency is the non-negotiable foundation of your budget.The human element: Treating a practice like a business, not just a clinical machine.Moving from a "service provider" to a consultative partner.Stop spending money on marketing that doesn't move the needle. Listen to the full episode now!#DentalUnfiltered #DentalMarketing #PracticeManagement #DentalROI #MarketingRedFlags

In this episode of "Management Unfiltered," hosts Zach Shelley and Kirk Teachout tackle the compelling topic of "Ego vs. Confidence in Leadership." They explore the delicate balance between confidence and egotism, discussing how these traits influence leadership styles and team dynamics. Through engaging dialogue and personal stories, the hosts offer insights into recognizing warning signs, balancing transactional and relational approaches, and the importance of humility and empowerment in leadership. This episode encourages listeners to reflect on their own leadership styles and the impact of ego versus confidence in their professional lives.

In this episode, Andrew reveals how his team is creating an unparalleled experience for growing practices, with a focus on strategic decision-making, team optimization, and scalability. You’ll discover how to leverage in-person events to tap into the collective wisdom of successful entrepreneurs, with a special focus on practical applications in dentistry. From insider tips on choosing the right locations, negotiating lease terms like free rent versus tenant improvements, to scaling efficiently with smarter financing — this conversation shifts the mindset from reactive to proactive practice growth.

In this episode of Clinical Unfiltered, Dr. Sausha and Dr. Varisha Parikh discuss implant abutment connections and their role in restoration success. They cover key connection types, microleakage, and the value of custom abutments, along with challenges in selection and seating. They also highlight the settling effect and the importance of strong communication between surgical and restorative teams to improve patient outcomes.

In this episode, Matt Brown and Justin Klingshirn break down how dental practitioners can successfully navigate the practice sale market. They discuss choosing the right broker, understanding market dynamics, and strategies to maximize your practice’s value.

In this episode of Dental Unfiltered, Matt Brown sits down with dental startup consultant Stacey Peters to discuss what drives truly successful dental practices. They explore the importance of clear vision, strong culture, effective systems, and hiring for cultural fit. Stacey shares practical insights on leadership, staff management, and how intentional practice management leads to long-term growth.

Matt Brown and Kirk Teachout discuss the impact of dental industry events, sharing insights from the Yankee Dental meeting. They explore the value of face-to-face networking, tips for improving your speaking skills, and how engaging with industry leaders can elevate your practice and professional growth.

In this episode of Management Unfiltered, Zach Shelley and Kirk Teachout tackle the real challenges facing dental front office teams. They share practical strategies to boost provider revenue, elevate the patient experience, and improve time management. The conversation also explores the pros and cons of outsourcing revenue cycle management, the true costs of insurance processing, and why building patient trust is essential to long-term success. A must-listen for practices looking to maximize performance while managing resources wisely.

In this episode of Dental Unfiltered, Dr. Vallo and Matt Brown explore the decision between outsourcing and insourcing key dental practice operations such as call centers, labs, and insurance processing. They break down the costs, risks, and growth implications of each approach, sharing practical insights to help dental groups improve efficiency while staying focused on patient care.

Matt Brown and Dr. Avi Patel explore the practice-growing potential of clear aligners, especially Invisalign. They cover misconceptions around lab fees, the power of digital scanners for case acceptance, overcoming fear of new treatments, and unlocking growth within your existing patient base. A focused conversation on confidence, communication, and opportunity in modern dentistry.

In this episode, Matt Brown and Dr. Andrew Vallo break down EBITDA and why it matters for dental practice owners. They clear up common misconceptions, explain how to adjust for one-time expenses, and discuss how to work effectively with CPAs for accurate financial reporting. Tune in to learn how understanding and optimizing your EBITDA can strengthen your practice’s financial health and long-term value.

In this episode, Dr. Sausha Toghranegar and Dr. Polly compare Scaling and Root Planing (SRP) with flap surgery, discussing treatment effectiveness, instrumentation advances, and the hygienist’s role in patient education. They emphasize clear communication, thorough calculus removal, and the importance of staying current with evolving periodontal techniques.

In this episode of Dental Unfiltered, Matt Brown and Dr. Andrew Vallo discuss why a 100% reappointment rate is essential for sustainable practice growth. They cover the role of hygiene, effective scripting, team accountability, and patient experience in improving retention—sharing practical strategies to build a more predictable and profitable dental practice.

In this episode of Dental Unfiltered, Matt Brown and Dr. Spencer Greer discuss how production-based coaching can help dentists grow their practices with confidence and clarity. They explore identifying production opportunities, overcoming fear, increasing case acceptance, and balancing strong production with exceptional patient care. Dr. Greer also shares insights on self-management, personal growth, and building meaningful patient connections that drive long-term success.

In this episode of Dental Unfiltered, Matt Brown and Dr. Andrew Vallo discuss why Dr. Vallo moved away from in-house Invisalign payment plans and what that decision revealed about cash flow, default rates, and profitability. They break down the importance of tracking key financial metrics and using real data to shape smarter payment strategies.

In this episode of Management Unfiltered, Kirk Teachout and Zach Shelley tackle the challenge of working with a problematic boss. They share practical strategies for communicating effectively, asking better questions, and leading upward within a hierarchy—while emphasizing the role of leadership in creating a supportive, high-performing work environment.

In this episode of Dental Unfiltered, hosts Matt Brown and Dr. Andrew Vallo dive into high-performance biohacking and what it takes to optimize health and fitness. They share personal health challenges, dietary changes, and how tools like ChatGPT can support smarter lifestyle decisions. Dr. Vallo also walks through his health reset journey, focused on sustainable habits that improve performance—both inside and outside the practice.

In this episode of Clinical Unfiltered, Dr. Sausha Toghranegar and Dr. Polly break down the complexities of the periodontal classification system and what it means for modern dentistry. They discuss the shift from old to new terminology, staging and grading, the Cairo and Miller classifications, and how social media is shaping dental education—while highlighting the ongoing challenge of clearly communicating these concepts to patients.

Success isn’t always as glamorous as it looks. In this episode of Dental Unfiltered, hosts Matt Brown and Dr. Andrew Vallo explore the idea of the “success tax”—the emotional and social costs that often come with achievement in dentistry. They discuss loneliness, changing relationships, and the pressure of meeting external expectations, while emphasizing the importance of defining success on your own terms and building a strong support system along the way.