DEO's Growth Secrets Podcast for Dental Organizations

Chris Hadziev, Head of GTM Partnerships at Planet DDS with a decade in dental tech, explains why growth stalls at three locations. She discusses the hidden breakdowns when tools are disconnected. Short, practical talks cover moving to the cloud, change management, AI and integrations, and the operational levers that separate fast growers from the rest.

Daniel Sosa, Founder and CEO of OM Performance Marketing, a tech-savvy marketer who turned his analytics skills to dentistry. He explains why vanity metrics fail and why new patients and production are what matter. He contrasts traditional marketing with performance-driven accountability. He outlines how marketing should tie to hiring, what to watch for in agencies, and when real growth typically shows up.

Dr. Whitney Weiner, board-certified periodontist and founder of Whole Dental Wellness who scaled her group from one clinic to multiple offices. She recounts starting from zero, buying practices while pregnant, and the cash‑tight realities of rapid growth. She explains learning to step out of clinical production, hire smarter people, prioritize family time, and build culture-first acquisitions and systems.

Ali Soufi, CEO of DocSites and dental marketing entrepreneur who builds affordable, high-performing websites. He explains efficiency-first marketing and where practices waste money. He calls out misconfigured ads, vanity websites, and fluffed services. He shares audits, tracking fixes, and practical ways to get measurable patient acquisition.

Seth Huish, dentist-entrepreneur scaling vertically integrated implant care across multiple locations. Clark Brinton, operator focused on clinical leadership and multi-location growth. They recount buying failing practices, surviving early chaos, shifting to partner models, using Radical Candor for tough conversations, and leveraging AI and systems to cut costs and accelerate scaling.

Joining the discussion is Ted Wegman, co-founder of Access DSO Solutions, who specializes in creating scalable systems for dental practices. He highlights the pitfalls that often derail growth, like disconnected systems and bottlenecks. Ted shares valuable insights on building effective playbooks before scaling to avoid chaos. He also discusses how proper design can enhance EBITDA and streamline operations. Discover the importance of standardization and the benefits of off-site construction, all aimed at making dental groups more efficient and profitable.

Nina Lewis, the Vice President of Revenue Cycle Management at SupportDDS, brings over 25 years of dental experience to the conversation. She discusses how many dental practices struggle with cash flow due to overlooked revenue cycle issues after patient visits. Nina highlights the misleading nature of aging accounts receivable, shares a real case of payment delays due to EFT changes, and explains how SupportDDS helps practices optimize their collections. She also touches on best practices for integrating virtual RCM teams and the vital role of KPIs in maintaining financial health.

Dr. Kalpesh Patel, a dentist and founder/CEO of Active Dental, reveals the harsh truth about dental practice growth: clinical skills alone won’t scale a business. He shares insights on transitioning from a single practice to multiple locations, emphasizing the importance of leadership and establishing strong systems. Kalpesh discusses the vital role of technology, including AI, in improving operations. He also covers the balance between personal sacrifice and professional growth, urging listeners to focus on the fundamentals to prevent practice stagnation.

Racheal Grant, VP of Dental Sales at Medusind, brings over 20 years of expertise in dental revenue cycle management. She uncovers hidden revenue gaps in dental practices caused by errors in insurance verification and claims processes. Racheal emphasizes the importance of human oversight in conjunction with AI for optimal cash flow. She also discusses the need for auditing and outsourcing to efficiently manage workflows and improve collections, helping practices transition from survival mode to stability.

Jared Duckett, partner at Duckett Ladd, and Caleb Gussner, director of emerging groups, dive into essential financial strategies for dental practice owners. They emphasize the importance of a well-structured financial playbook to avoid surprises and make informed decisions. Learn why managing from your bank balance is risky, the significance of clean financials, and how quarterly reviews can prevent costly mistakes. They also discuss practical tax strategies, owner compensation, and the value of reliable accounting services to enhance business clarity and growth.