Dental Unfiltered

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.

In this episode of Management Unfiltered, Zach Shelley and Kirk Teachout explore the hidden costs of leaders wearing too many hats and how it impacts growth, trust, and team dynamics. They break down why delegation is so hard, the psychology behind control, and practical strategies for empowering your team to improve productivity and efficiency.

In this episode of Dental Unfiltered, Matt Brown and Dr. Andrew Vallo break down the milestones behind Dr. Vallo’s rapidly growing practices, including an incredible $165,000 in collections in a single day. They dive into strategies for maximizing revenue—especially during the holiday season—along with the power of delegation, trust, and strong leadership. The conversation also looks ahead to the future of dental practice growth, general dentistry, and the expanding role of implant dentistry.

Unexpected weather can disrupt even the best-run practices. In this episode of Management Unfiltered, Zach Shelley and Kirk Teachout discuss how dental leaders can navigate weather-related closures with clear communication, realistic expectations, and compassion. They share practical strategies for managing patients, supporting team members, and leaning on community relationships during challenging situations.

In this episode of Dental Unfiltered, Matt Brown and Dr. Andrew Vallo discuss how dentists can better position themselves to secure practice funding. They break down common loan challenges, why banks often misread dentists as employees instead of business owners, and what it takes to stand out—organized financials, clear plans, and speaking the bank’s language. A practical episode for dentists looking to fund growth with confidence.

Kirk Teachout and Zach Shelley take on toxic positivity in leadership and why “staying positive” can sometimes do more harm than good. They discuss how avoiding hard conversations and tolerating underperformance erodes trust, accountability, and team respect. Through real experiences and practical insights, Kirk and Zach explain why honest dialogue and addressing root issues—not surface-level optimism—are essential to building a healthy, high-performing team. Click here to join our free study club! https://chat.whatsapp.com/H746zQhOps161RNOv5Meut?mode=hqrt3

Matt Brown and Dr. Andrew Vallo break down why daily goals matter more than you think. They explore how tracking daily metrics drives long-term practice success, the value of transparency around financial goals, and how celebrating small wins keeps teams motivated. From setting ambitious targets to adjusting goals around holidays and slower months, this episode offers practical strategies to help dental practices stay focused, aligned, and performing at a higher level. Click here to join our free study club! https://chat.whatsapp.com/H746zQhOps161RNOv5Meut?mode=hqrt3

In this episode of Management Unfiltered, Kirk Teachout and Zach Shelley dive into how to handle difficult workplace conversations without creating unnecessary tension. They discuss why approach, tone, and body language matter, share practical tips for giving and receiving feedback, and explore how leaders can encourage open communication within their teams. Through real-world examples, they highlight how addressing issues early and listening actively can prevent conflict and build a healthier, more effective work environment. Click here to join our free study club! https://chat.whatsapp.com/H746zQhOps161RNOv5Meut?mode=hqrt3

Matt Brown and Dr. Andrew Vallo discuss how dental practices can improve cash flow by leveraging free iTero scanners and smart vendor negotiations. Dr. Vallo shares real-world insights on working with labs to secure equipment without upfront costs, optimizing payment terms, and creating flexible Invisalign payment plans. This episode highlights practical strategies to strengthen cash flow, improve efficiency, and support sustainable practice growth. Click here to join our free study club! https://chat.whatsapp.com/H746zQhOps161RNOv5Meut?mode=hqrt3

In this episode of Management Unfiltered,, Kirk Teachout and Zach Shelley break down the role of bonus systems in dental practices. They discuss different bonus structures, how they impact team motivation and productivity, and why tracking and accountability are essential for success. The conversation also touches on valuable educational resources for office managers and the importance of team-driven bonuses in creating a positive, engaging work environment that supports both staff satisfaction and patient care. Click here to join our free study club! https://chat.whatsapp.com/H746zQhOps161RNOv5Meut?mode=hqrt3

In this celebratory episode, Matt Brown and Dr. Andrew Vallo reflect on Matt being named Dental Podcaster of the Year. They discuss the podcast’s impact on the dental community, and share gratitude for their listeners and support team. They also tease exciting future projects aimed at further engaging and inspiring their audience. Click here to join our free study club! https://chat.whatsapp.com/H746zQhOps161RNOv5Meut?mode=hqrt3

In this episode, Matt Brown, Dr. Andrew Vallo, and Dr. Matt Vogt discuss what it takes to build a lifestyle practice in dentistry. They explore intentionality, balancing personal passions with practice growth, and the challenges of defining success. Dr. Vogt shares lessons from qualifying for the US Open and how elite performance translates to dentistry, highlighting the value of clear vision and thoughtful consulting. Click here to join our free study club! https://chat.whatsapp.com/H746zQhOps161RNOv5Meut?mode=hqrt3

In this episode, Kirk Teachout and Zach Shelley dive into the power of team buy-in and why it’s essential for building a cohesive, high-performing workplace. They discuss how leaders can reduce friction during change, communicate more effectively, and set clear goals and metrics that keep teams aligned and accountable. Through practical insights on leadership and engagement, the conversation shows how involving your team in decision-making and clearly explaining the “why” behind changes can lead to smoother implementation and a thriving practice. Click here to join our free study club! https://chat.whatsapp.com/H746zQhOps161RNOv5Meut?mode=hqrt3

Ken Kaufman and Dallin Kaufman clear up common misconceptions about accrual accounting, explaining why it’s more accurate and reliable than cash basis accounting. They discuss why many businesses overlook its value and why accrual accounting remains the standard across industries. Click here to join our free study club! https://chat.whatsapp.com/H746zQhOps161RNOv5Meut?mode=hqrt3

In this episode, Kirk Teachout and Zach Shelley challenge the myth of work-life balance and introduce the idea of work-life rhythm—a more intentional way to be fully present at work and at home. They discuss setting boundaries, prioritizing what matters most, and using time effectively to boost productivity. The conversation encourages embracing discomfort and designing a rhythm that leads to a more focused, fulfilling life. Click here to join our free study club! https://chat.whatsapp.com/H746zQhOps161RNOv5Meut?mode=hqrt3

Matt Brown sits down with Laura Nelson, founder of Front Office Rocks, to discuss why the front desk is critical to practice success. Laura shares insights on common front office breakdowns, using data to improve patient engagement, and how AI can support—without replacing—human connection. They also explore the shift from staying busy to working efficiently and preview Laura’s upcoming phone skills training designed to elevate the patient experience. Click here to join our free study club! https://chat.whatsapp.com/H746zQhOps161RNOv5Meut?mode=hqrt3

Zach Shelley and Kirk Teachout tackle the growing issue of burnout among practice leaders. They break down what causes burnout, the role of personal responsibility, and how team culture impacts long-term sustainability. This episode shares practical strategies like setting boundaries, delegating effectively, prioritizing self-care, and creating a supportive team environment—essential insights for leaders looking to reset and lead with clarity and energy. Click here to join our free study club! https://chat.whatsapp.com/H746zQhOps161RNOv5Meut?mode=hqrt3

Matt Brown sits down with Dr. Tom Orent (The Gems Guy) to discuss his journey from PPOs to a successful fee-for-service dental practice. Dr. Orent shares what sparked the transition, how to improve patient flow and case acceptance, and why clear communication and mindset are critical during change. A concise, practical conversation for dentists looking to build a more profitable and fulfilling practice. Click here to join our free study club! https://chat.whatsapp.com/H746zQhOps161RNOv5Meut?mode=hqrt3

Dr. Sausha Toghranegar takes a deep dive into osseodensification and its role in crestal sinus lifts. He breaks down the evolution and design of osseodensification drills, addresses common controversies, and shares practical techniques for improving implant outcomes. Through a detailed case study, Dr. Toghranegar highlights the importance of understanding bone density, healing dynamics, and proper surgical execution. The episode wraps with insight into emerging learning opportunities and what’s next in this advancing area of dental surgery.