The Best Practices Show with Kirk Behrendt

How many butts are in your chairs? It’s a simple yet overlooked question. In this episode of Metric Mondays, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Barrett Straub, ACT’s CEO, to break down capacity and help you identify if and why your chairs aren't full. Stop operating at a deficit — especially without knowing it! To learn how to get capacity to 95%, listen to Episode 883 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Dr. Straub:Send Dr. Straub an email: barrett@actdental.com Join Dr. Straub on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barrett.d.straubSend Gina an email: gina@actdental.com More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listenJoin The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaDownload ACT’s BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360Download ACT’s BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_USJoin ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/tttSee the ACT Dental/BPA Live Event Schedule: https://www.actdental.com/eventGet The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazinePlease leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218Episode Resources:Watch the video version of Episode 883: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosMain Takeaways:Start by analyzing whether your current chairs are being utilized.Use data to identify the factors causing holes in your chairs, not emotion.Your team wants to help you be successful. Help them by giving them a system.Choose a few KPIs to track and get started. You don't need to track them all at once.If you're at 95%, figure out the problem. Is it a scheduling issue or a production issue?Snippets:0:00 Introduction.0:27 Capacity, explained.1:51 The importance of chair utilization.5:00 Identify why you have a money problem.8:29 Actionable tips.11:46 Other KPIs to know.15:33 Last thoughts.Dr. Barrett Straub Bio:Dr. Barrett Straub practices general and sedation dentistry in Port Washington, Wisconsin. He has worked hard to develop his practice into a top-performing, fee-for-service practice that focuses on improving the lives of patients through dentistry.A graduate of Marquette Dental School, Dr. Straub’s advanced training and CE includes work at the Spear Institute, LVI, DOCS, and as a member of the Milwaukee Study Club. He is a past member of the Wisconsin Dental Association Board of Trustees and was awarded the Marquette Dental School 2017 Young Alumnus of the Year. As a former ACT coaching client that experienced first-hand the transformation that coaching can provide, he is passionate about helping other dentists create the practice they’ve always wanted.Dr. Straub loves to hunt, golf, and spend winter on the ice, curling. He is married to Katie, with two daughters, Abby and Elizabeth.

We all want a good lifespan. But what's critical is a good healthspan. In this episode of Clinical Edge Fridays, Dr. Bradley Bale, co-founder of the BaleDoneen Method, shares how dentists can make that happen by implementing their proven methods to prevent cardiovascular events. Help people enjoy life without disease! To learn more about the BaleDoneen Method to prevent and manage chronic diseases, listen to Episode 882 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Dr. Bale:Join Dr. Bale on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BaleDoneenMethodFollow Dr. Bale on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baledoneenLearn more about the BaleDoneen Method: https://baledoneen.comRegister for the BaleDoneen Preceptorship course with code EARLYBIRD (October 9-11, 2025): https://baledoneen.com/provider/bdm-preceptorshipMore Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listenJoin The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaDownload ACT’s BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360Download ACT’s BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_USJoin ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/tttSee the ACT Dental/BPA Live Event Schedule: https://www.actdental.com/eventGet The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazinePlease leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218Episode Resources:Watch the video version of Episode 882: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosRead Beat the Heart Attack Gene by Dr. Bradley Bale and Dr. Amy Doneen: https://baledoneen.com/bdm-booksRead Healthy Heart, Healthy Brain by Dr. Bradley Bale and Dr. Amy Doneen: https://baledoneen.com/bdm-booksMain Takeaways:You can stop arterial disease in anyone.Oral health is a vital component of arterial health.Know the myths of what causes heart attacks and strokes.Oxidative stress is the driver of many diseases. This is preventable!Remember that your work as dentists can prevent disease and save lives.Snippets:0:00 Dr. Bale’s background. 2:39 Why this is an important topic. 3:47 Statistics on common diseases. 6:35 Microvascular disease, explained. 10:49 Real-world evidence with the BaleDoneen Method. 14:51 How the BaleDoneen Method is different than the standard of care. 17:02 Cardiovascular “event”, explained. 19:23 What causes a clot to form? 24:56 Should I be treated? 27:38 We must look for disease. 31:56 Am I at risk?34:17 “Cold” versus “hot” arteries. 35:29 Biomarkers for “tennis court” inflammation. 40:46 The first step in preventing atherosclerosis. 42:19 Lipoproteins, explained. 43:26 Proteoglycans, explained. 46:26 Oxidative stress, explained. 57:28 Oxidative stress summary. 1:01:55 There is a cure for arterial disease. 1:02:43 Oral health and sleep affects disease, disability, and mortality. 1:08:56 Benefits of PerioProtect trays. 1:10:14 Effects of oral pathogens and endodontic disease on stroke and heart attack risks. 1:12:15 Oral health and arterial health summary. 1:16:19 Case example: 59-year-old Caucasian male. 1:23:19 Case example: 77-year-old with type 2 diabetes, post heart attacks, with stents. 1:27:27 Useful quotes. 1:29:01 The upcoming BaleDoneen course. 1:31:11 Q&A: Comprehensively address root causes of oxidative stress. 1:34:12 Q&A: Is eating five eggs a day bad for cholesterol? 1:35:30 Why you need to learn the BaleDoneen Method. 1:36:27 Q&A: Get a PLAC 2 exam done by a BaleDoneen provider. 1:40:31 Q&A: Other recommended blood tests. 1:43:38 Final thoughts.Dr. Bradley Bale Bio:Dr. Bradley Bale, M.D. is a Clinical Associate Professor at WSU College of Medicine, Assistant Professor at the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry, Adjunct Professor at Texas Tech Health Science Center, and runs a private practice in Gallatin, Tennessee.Dr. Bale is one of the nation’s leading specialists in preventing heart attacks, strokes, and diabetes. He co-founded the BaleDoneen Method with Amy Doneen in 2001. This personalized approach to CV risk assessment and management has shown with real-world evidence that arterial disease can be halted and reversed. Their research on CVD prevention has been published in respected medical journals such as Atherosclerosis, Post Graduate Medicine, Journal of the National Medical Association, Journal of Clinical Lipidology, Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, Physician’s Weekly, Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Archives of Medical Science, and Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing and Medical Hypothesis.Dr. Bale has also served as a reviewer for the American Journal of Cardiology and CDC’s Preventing Chronic Disease. He is co-author of two nationally best-selling books: Beat the Heart Attack Gene and Healthy Heart, Healthy Brain: The Personalized Path to Protect Your Memory, Prevent Heart Attacks and Strokes, and Avoid Chronic Illness. This recent publication won the prestigious Gold Nautilus Book Award for 2023 and the American Society for Journalists and Authors' (ASJA) 2023 June Roth Memorial Award for Outstanding Medical Book.

When you don't have alignment, bad things happen. In this episode of Practical Solutions Day, Kirk Behrendt brings back Heather Crockett, one of ACT’s amazing coaches, to share three hacks to prevent misalignment and burnout from happening in your practice. To learn how to proactively keep your team aligned, listen to Episode 881 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Heather:Send Heather an email: heather@actdental.com Join Heather on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heather.r.crockettFollow Heather on ACT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actdentalEmail ACT for the CRO tool and checklist: info@actdental.com Send Courtney an email to learn more about ACT: courtney@actdental.com More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listenJoin The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaDownload ACT’s BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360Download ACT’s BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_USJoin ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/tttSee the ACT Dental/BPA Live Event Schedule: https://www.actdental.com/eventGet The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazinePlease leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218Episode Resources:Watch the video version of Episode 881: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosWatch “How Should a Company Share Its Values?” by Simon Sinek: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yE541BY-1cMain Takeaways:Misalignment is the root of all evil.Establish consistent communication rhythms.Document your core values and make them visible.Find creative, engaging ways of celebrating your core values.Lead by example. What message do you want to show your team?Snippets:0:00 Introduction.2:22 Why this is an important topic.4:53 Alignment is a big deal.7:36 Document your core values.11:31 Find creative ways to celebrate your core values.13:02 Create consistent communication rhythms.17:02 Home in on the “why”.18:27 Lead by example.22:32 Final takeaways.Heather Crockett Bio:Heather Crockett is a Lead Practice Coach who finds joy in not only improving practices but improving the lives of those she coaches as well. With over 20 years of combined experience in assisting, office management, and clinical dental hygiene, her awareness supports many aspects of the practice setting.Heather received her dental hygiene degree from the Utah College of Dental Hygiene in 2008. Networking in the dental community comes easy to her, and she loves to connect with like-minded colleagues on social media. Heather enjoys both attending and presenting continuing education to expand her knowledge and learn from her friends and colleagues.She enjoys hanging out with her husband, three sons, and their dog, Moki, scrolling through social media, watching football, and traveling.

You feel like you should be producing more. But just doing more isn't the answer! In this episode of Metric Mondays, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Barrett Straub, ACT’s CEO, to break down the one basic equation you need to know to produce more while working less. Stop spending 220 days at the office! To learn how to produce more the right way, listen to Episode 880 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Dr. Straub:Send Dr. Straub an email: barrett@actdental.com Join Dr. Straub on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barrett.d.straubSend Gina an email: gina@actdental.com More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listenJoin The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaDownload ACT’s BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360Download ACT’s BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_USJoin ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/tttSee the ACT Dental/BPA Live Event Schedule: https://www.actdental.com/eventGet The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazinePlease leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218Episode Resources:Watch the video version of Episode 880: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosMain Takeaways:Working more days is not the answer.Make decisions with data, not with emotions.Learn the equation to calculate gross production.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:34 Why this is an important topic.2:48 Why emotion comes into this equation.3:49 The formula for gross production.7:06 Two key numbers to pull.12:35 Time is the new rich.14:21 Final thoughts.Dr. Barrett Straub Bio:Dr. Barrett Straub practices general and sedation dentistry in Port Washington, Wisconsin. He has worked hard to develop his practice into a top-performing, fee-for-service practice that focuses on improving the lives of patients through dentistry.A graduate of Marquette Dental School, Dr. Straub’s advanced training and CE includes work at the Spear Institute, LVI, DOCS, and as a member of the Milwaukee Study Club. He is a past member of the Wisconsin Dental Association Board of Trustees and was awarded the Marquette Dental School 2017 Young Alumnus of the Year. As a former ACT coaching client that experienced first-hand the transformation that coaching can provide, he is passionate about helping other dentists create the practice they’ve always wanted.Dr. Straub loves to hunt, golf, and spend winter on the ice, curling. He is married to Katie, with two daughters, Abby and Elizabeth.

Hygienists and periodontists have different roles in a practice. But that doesn't mean hygienists aren't as smart! In this episode of Clinical Edge Fridays, Kirk Behrendt shares their recent Master Class by Katrina Sanders, The Dental WINEgenist, to test your knowledge and skills in diagnosing various cases. Are you smarter than a periodontist? To find out, listen to Episode 879 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Katrina:Give Katrina a call: (612) 345-1150Send Katrina an email: info@katrinasanders.com Join Katrina on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheDentalWINEgenistFollow Katrina on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedentalwinegenistLearn more on Katrina’s website: https://katrinasanders.comRegister for Katrina’s Oral-Systemic Myth course (August 1, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-oral-systemic-myth-august-1-2025-tickets-1267455015069More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listenJoin The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaDownload ACT’s BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360Download ACT’s BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_USJoin ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/tttSee the ACT Dental/BPA Live Event Schedule: https://www.actdental.com/eventGet The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazinePlease leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218Episode Resources:Watch the video version of Episode 879: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosMain Takeaways:Periodontal disease has been on the rise in recent decades.Understand and master each segment of the ADPIE process of care.Become a partner with patients in preventing and managing inflammation.Hygienists play a critical role in reducing the number of adults with periodontitis.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.2:22 Katrina’s background and upcoming course.6:47 The prevalence of periodontitis.10:44 The current landscape of periodontitis.15:50 Be a partner in prevention and inflammation management.17:33 More about Katrina.18:30 Course objectives.20:39 ADPIE: The steps in the dental process of care.22:47 The assessment phase.25:59 Fear Factor: Perio charting.33:49 Hands-free perio charting software.38:36 How much pain are we causing for patients?41:16 Early stages of disease are not seen radiographically.42:25 Gathering an appropriate diagnosis.44:33 Stages of periodontal disease.50:33 Grades of periodontal disease.56:27 Strategies for patient communication.56:43 Family Feud: Why patients decline perio treatment.1:00:08 The importance of patient communication.1:01:45 Survivor: Implementation.1:10:09 The Newlywed Game: How well do you know your patients?1:17:06 Are you smarter than a periodontist: What do you know about Perio Tray therapy?1:23:45 Why are periodontists opposed to Perio Protect?1:24:56 Perio Protect, explained.1:32:33 Are you smarter than a periodontist: Diagnosing case examples.1:39:32 Are you REALLY smarter than a periodontist: Diagnosing case examples.1:53:47 Perio Protect for diabetic cases.1:55:03 Case example: Two months of Perio Protect therapy for a diabetic patient.1:57:20 Case example: Type 2 diabetic.2:00:53 Conclusion.2:03:24 Q&A: If the grading can be modified, how about the staging?Katrina M. Sanders RDH, BSDH, M.Ed, RF Bio:In the ever-changing world of dental science where research, technology, and techniques for patient care are constantly evolving, dental professionals look to continuing education to provide insight, deliver actionable steps, empower, and create a dramatic impact within their clinical practice.With wit, charm, and a dash of humor, Katrina Sanders enchants dental professionals with her course deliverables, insightful content, and delightful inspiration. Her message of empowerment rings mighty throughout her lectures and stirs a deep sense of motivation amongst course participants.Katrina is the Clinical Liaison for AZPerio, the country's largest periodontal practice. She performs clinically, working alongside Diplomates to the American Board of Periodontology in the surgical operatory. Katrina perfected techniques during L.A.N.A.P. surgery, suture placement, IV therapy, and blood draws. She instructs on collaborative professionalism and standard-of-care protocols while delivering education through hygiene boot camps and study clubs. 

Are you neglecting cybersecurity? You won't be starting today! In this episode of Practical Solutions Day, Kirk Behrendt brings in Travis Wentworth, cybersecurity expert from Intelligence Quest, to share five mistakes you're making that are putting your practice at risk. Cybersecurity is no longer an option! To learn how to protect your business from data breaches, financial losses, and other consequences, listen to Episode 878 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Travis:Follow Travis on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travis_iqJoin Travis on Twitter: https://x.com/travisiqWatch Intelligence Quest on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@intelligencequestMore Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listenJoin The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaDownload ACT’s BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360Download ACT’s BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_USJoin ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/tttSee the ACT Dental/BPA Live Event Schedule: https://www.actdental.com/eventGet The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazinePlease leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218Episode Resources:Watch the video version of Episode 878: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosWatch Travis’s “Cybersecurity: 5 Must-Know Tips for Small Businesses”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8vzAOGPMTQTry LastPass: https://www.lastpass.comTry Bitwarden: https://bitwarden.comTry Signal: https://signal.orgMain Takeaways:Ensure that everyone on your team is vigilant.Be diligent when choosing an IT management group.Train your team to log off from their computers every day.Use your software as intended to keep your patients’ data secure.Practice good password management. Utilize a password manager.Never share passwords or use shared accounts. Decrease your exposure.Separate duties. There should always be an additional set of eyes for each task.Put office policies in place that will proactively address cybersecurity and other risks.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:44 Travis’s background.3:08 Where we are today with cybersecurity.4:26 Make sure your team is vigilant.6:37 Trends in email phishing.8:29 Be diligent when choosing an IT management group.10:01 Why dentists and medical offices are great targets.11:45 Use your tech as it was intended.15:15 Training and onboarding.18:31 Practice good password management.24:45 Why it’s important to log off of computers every day.25:17 Don't use shared accounts.29:17 Never give employees keys to the office.31:54 Put office policies in place.40:35 Final thoughts.41:49 More about Travis and how to get in touch.Travis Wentworth Bio:Dr. Travis Wentworth has been training students in engineering, networking, and cybersecurity for over a decade. He received his PhD in engineering from the University of Kansas in 2015 and completed a Postdoctoral Research fellowship at the University of Chalmers in Gothenburg, Sweden. While there, he was part of the world-renowned research group led by Dr. Louise Olsson and had the privilege to work with the European Union, Swedish Research Council, Volvo, and Chalmers University.As a researcher, instructor, and consultant, Travis has presented his technical content to far-reaching corners of the globe including China, Germany, and Sweden, to name a few. Returning to the United States in 2017, he narrowed his emphasis to cybersecurity and networking training.Travis has a diverse background with a proclivity in the acquisition and analysis of public and proprietary data. He is a published author in numerous peer-reviewed journals for computer modeling and catalysis and is well-versed in programming, networking, data acquisition, and cybersecurity. 

You can't unbuild operatories. So, before you start building, there are a few important questions to answer about production. In this episode of Metric Mondays, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Barrett Straub, ACT’s CEO, to break down your production story and explain why you don't need as many patients as you think. Stop the churn-and-burn dentistry that's burning you out! To learn how to rewrite your production story, listen to Episode 877 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Dr. Straub:Send Dr. Straub an email: barrett@actdental.com Join Dr. Straub on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barrett.d.straubSend Gina an email: gina@actdental.com More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listenJoin The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaDownload ACT’s BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360Download ACT’s BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_USJoin ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/tttSee the ACT Dental/BPA Live Event Schedule: https://www.actdental.com/eventGet The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazinePlease leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218Episode Resources:Watch the video version of Episode 877: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosRegister for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (July 25, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-july-25-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1205497959849Main Takeaways:There's more to the story than how much you produced.Analyze your annual patient value, active patients, and gross production.Know your production story so you can figure out how to write it going forward.Stop filling production gaps with more patients. Do more dentistry on less patients.Do you want to be a dentist that chases 4,000 patients or have fewer, right patients?Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:23 Why we need a production story.2:32 Important KPIs you need to know.6:46 Do more per active patient.11:47 Countermeasures you can start today.Dr. Barrett Straub Bio:Dr. Barrett Straub practices general and sedation dentistry in Port Washington, Wisconsin. He has worked hard to develop his practice into a top-performing, fee-for-service practice that focuses on improving the lives of patients through dentistry.A graduate of Marquette Dental School, Dr. Straub’s advanced training and CE includes work at the Spear Institute, LVI, DOCS, and as a member of the Milwaukee Study Club. He is a past member of the Wisconsin Dental Association Board of Trustees and was awarded the Marquette Dental School 2017 Young Alumnus of the Year. As a former ACT coaching client that experienced first-hand the transformation that coaching can provide, he is passionate about helping other dentists create the practice they’ve always wanted.Dr. Straub loves to hunt, golf, and spend winter on the ice, curling. He is married to Katie, with two daughters, Abby and Elizabeth. 

You might use a scanner every single day. But that alone won't make you an expert! In this episode of Clinical Edge Fridays, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Christian Coachman, founder of Digital Smile Design, to share highlights from his recent collaboration event with Dr. John Kois, as well as the upcoming IntraOral Scanner Festival where you can take your scanning to the next level. To learn more about this upcoming event and how to join, listen to Episode 876 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Dr. Coachman:Join Dr. Coachman on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christiancoachmanFollow Dr. Coachman on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chriscoachmanLearn more about Digital Smile Design: https://digitalsmiledesign.comListen to Dr. Coachman’s podcast, Coffee Break with Coachman: https://open.spotify.com/show/4ADCrWhqsUKbHmZtkhhgoBRegister for DSD Residency 1 On Demand: https://digitalsmiledesign.com/dsd-residency-1-on-demandRegister for The IntraOral Scanner Festival (May 15-18, 2025) with code IOS20 for 20% off: https://digitalsmiledesign.com/courses/intraoral-scanner-festival-may-2025Register for The Visionary Dentist Summit (March 5-7, 2026): https://digitalsmiledesign.com/courses/the-visionary-dentist-summit-march-2026More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listenJoin The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaDownload ACT’s BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360Download ACT’s BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_USJoin ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/tttSee the ACT Dental/BPA Live Event Schedule: https://www.actdental.com/eventGet The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazinePlease leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218Episode Resources:Watch the video version of Episode 876: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosMain Takeaways:A scanner is not a magic tool that fixes your mistakes.Scanning a lot won't make you an expert. It’s an art you need to learn.Attend The IntraOral Scanner Festival to learn tips and techniques from the experts.No matter the level or type of scanner you have, this event will take you to the next level.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:49 The Kois-Coachman event.8:59 Revelations from Marta Revilla-León’s course.13:38 Why you should attend The IntraOral Scanner Festival.25:34 Revelations and surprises from the Kois event.37:42 Final thoughts.Dr. Christian Coachman Bio:Combining his advanced skills, experience, and technology solutions, Dr. Christian Coachman pioneered the Digital Smile Design methodology and founded Digital Smile Design company (DSD). Since its inception, thousands of dentists worldwide have attended DSD courses and workshops, such as the renowned DSD Residency program.Dr. Coachman is the developer of worldwide, well-known concepts such as the Digital Smile Design, the Pink Hybrid Implant Restoration, the Digital Planning Center, Emotional Dentistry, Interdisciplinary Treatment Simulation, and Digital Smile Donator. He regularly consults for dental industry companies, developing products, implementing concepts, and marketing strategies, such as the Facially Driven Digital Orthodontic Workflow developed in collaboration with Invisalign, Align Technology. 

Are you feeling trapped at work? Do you wish you had more time outside of your practice? In this episode of Practical Solutions Day, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Barrett Straub, ACT’s CEO, to give you the treatment plan for regaining the freedom you deserve. Your practice should serve your life — not the other way around! To learn the steps of intentional planning for a better practice and better life, listen to Episode 875 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Dr. Straub:Send Kirk an email: kirk@actdental.com Send Dr. Straub an email: barrett@actdental.com Join Dr. Straub on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barrett.d.straubSend Gina an email for your Golden Ticket: gina@actdental.com More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listenJoin The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaDownload ACT’s BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360Download ACT’s BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_USJoin ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/tttSee the ACT Dental/BPA Live Event Schedule: https://www.actdental.com/eventGet The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazinePlease leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218Episode Resources:Watch the video version of Episode 875: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosRegister for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (July 25, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-july-25-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1205497959849Main Takeaways:Success isn't just about revenue. It’s about how many days you work.Define your ideal work schedule. How many days do you want to work?Delegate and elevate your team members. They are capable — train them.Optimize your schedule by minimizing cancellations and increasing efficiency.Maximize PPD and PPV so you need fewer clinical days and fewer patient visits.If you're currently at 220 days, that's okay! Work on reducing it down to 210 days.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:55 ACT’s TTT, BPA, Pro Coaching, and BPA app.5:46 Why this is an important topic.7:54 Working harder and working smarter, explained.13:50 Define your ideal work schedule.16:55 Maximize APV.20:35 Start delegating more.22:31 Why it’s important to know your numbers.24:30 You don't need 3,000 patients.26:02 Maximize PPD and PPV.37:31 Optimize schedule capacity.44:56 Strategically pre-appoint patients.47:02 Minimize cancellations.49:30 Final takeaways.Dr. Barrett Straub Bio:Dr. Barrett Straub practices general and sedation dentistry in Port Washington, Wisconsin. He has worked hard to develop his practice into a top-performing, fee-for-service practice that focuses on improving the lives of patients through dentistry.A graduate of Marquette Dental School, Dr. Straub’s advanced training and CE includes work at the Spear Institute, LVI, DOCS, and as a member of the Milwaukee Study Club. He is a past member of the Wisconsin Dental Association Board of Trustees and was awarded the Marquette Dental School 2017 Young Alumnus of the Year. As a former ACT coaching client that experienced first-hand the transformation that coaching can provide, he is passionate about helping other dentists create the practice they’ve always wanted.Dr. Straub loves to hunt, golf, and spend winter on the ice, curling. He is married to Katie, with two daughters, Abby and Elizabeth.

Gross profit and net profit both sound great. But there's one key difference you need to know! In this episode of Metric Mondays, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Barrett Straub, ACT’s CEO, to break down true profit, the amount of dollars you get to take home to your family, to invest in your practice, and to plan for your future. To learn how to analyze and increase true profit, listen to Episode 874 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Dr. Straub:Send Dr. Straub an email: barrett@actdental.com Join Dr. Straub on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barrett.d.straubSend Gina an email: gina@actdental.com Learn More About ACT Dental:ACT’s webinars: https://www.actdental.com/136ACT’s website: https://www.actdental.comACT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actdentalACT’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/actdentalACT’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/actdentalACT’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3137520/admin/feed/posts/ACT’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/actdentalMore Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listenJoin The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaDownload ACT’s BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360Download ACT’s BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_USJoin ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/tttSee the ACT Dental/BPA Live Event Schedule: https://www.actdental.com/eventGet The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazinePlease leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218Episode Resources:Register for ACT’s To The Top Study Club (July 25, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climb-with-us-register-for-july-25-2025-ttt-study-club-tickets-1205497959849Main Takeaways:Your financial story goes beyond just the P&L.Understand the difference between revenue and profit.True profit is the dollars you can put in your personal checking account.Analyze your cash flow statement expenses — things that are not on your P&L.Ensure you have enough for Tax Day. Identify how much to put aside each month.Quotes:“[True profit] is the amount of dollars that you can actually put in your personal checking account. So, let me start here with true profit. Let me describe a scenario that I experienced as a dentist. And I can almost guarantee every private practice dentist-owner listening has experienced this. You meet with your CPA after the first quarter of a year. He or she brings a P&L, you sit down, and you look at it. You look at revenue, and overhead, and all the different percentages of each category. At the very bottom of this financial statement called the profit and loss statement is called net profit. Often, that number is good. There's a lot of money there, and you're like, ‘Wow.' He or she says, ‘You're doing great. You are right in the average where you need to be for overhead. You have a nice salary here, and there's a lot of net profit left over.’ You're like, ‘Wow, that's awesome.’ But there's this little anxiety that's creeping up because you're thinking, ‘That says $100,000. I don't have that in the bank. What's happening? Am I being embezzled? Am I a bad businessperson? I don't know where that money is going. He's saying I should have $100,000 left over, and I don't have it. Actually, I'm struggling to make payroll.’ So, there is so much of the financial story beyond the profit and loss statement.” (1:53—3:25) -Dr. Straub“Find true profit. Meaning, what is left over after I paid the overhead, after I paid myself the W-2 payroll salary, after I paid tax obligations, after I paid loans, after all of the outflows? There's a dollar figure left over where you're like, ‘That's mine. After tax, I can take that, and I can put it into my bank account.’ Now, why is that important? This is the link between your practice success and your personal financial success. We see it all the time. We coach hundreds of dentists throughout the country every year. We see it all the time with what looks like — and is — a killer practice, and the dentist-owner does not have a personally successful financial model. There is a link between them. There's more detail than any of us know in between it, and unless we know how money flows from production, to collections, to overhead, to net profit, to gross profit, and into true profit, we can't successfully plan. True profit is what you pay your house mortgage with. It's what you pay the soccer fees for your kids with. It's what you pay the voice lessons for your daughter with. This is how you pay for your vacations. This is your money after tax. So, it's maybe the most important metric that we're going to talk about in this whole segment.” (3:32—5:03) -Dr. Straub“Early in my career, more than 15, 20 years ago, I got into what's called a tax snowball. I was pulling money out, and my accountant was like, ‘You're doing great.’ Well, I thought I'd just pay taxes later and save some money. I found that I got into the next year, and I owed a tax bill for last year. My accountant was like, ‘You’ve got to pay that now!’ So, I was taking money I was earning this year and paying last year's taxes. Now, the money I'm earning this year, I have to pay taxes on it. I'm using that money to pay last year's taxes that also has a percentage built on it. He looked at me, and he goes, ‘This is the most expensive money you'll ever spend, ever.’ And I realized I've got to get out of this. What's really important is you have to understand what's below your profit and loss statement. This is a lifetime study. You don't just get this in a podcast. You've got to work it, rework it, know what it means, and evaluate it.” (6:22—7:19) -Kirk“After your net profit on your profit and loss statement, there are what we call below-the-line expenses. So, last Monday, I challenged listeners that had any sort of loan through the business — meaning a practice loan, a technology loan, or any capital expense — and I challenged them to . . . go find it on your P&L. It's an expense. It's an outflow. It should be on your P&L as an expense. I also said you're not going to find it there. The reason is that the money you are paying for any loan through your company is being paid with profit. It is not reducing your taxable income at all. It is paid with profit. So, I talked about that scenario where this net profit number, I don't know where that is. It's because that number is now going and paying your practice loan, your CBCT loan, and oh, by the way, you take $10,000 in a distribution every month. That's pre-tax, so that goes against the distribution. So, this is all IRS stuff. Your CPA didn't make this up. We're not making it up. This is how complex the IRS is, and that's a whole other debate that it needs to be this complex.” (7:54—9:07) -Dr. Straub“You have deductible expenses which are on your P&L, and you have below-the-line or cash flow statement expenses that are outflows of money but they're with your profit. Those include any loans, they include quarterly tax distributions, and they include your distributions. Meaning, when you pay yourself through W-2 through payroll, that goes through payroll. It's taxes withheld, etc. But when you just go take $5,000 out of the bank account, that's called a distribution — which is well within your legal means to do it, and you should do it. But we have to plan for taxes on that because unless you're a C corporation, which you shouldn't be, everyone is going to be a pass-through entity. Meaning, the IRS says a pass-through entity means the income of your business is no different than your personal income. The income of your business is your personal income. The IRS, however you want to take that money, are going to apply personal income taxes to it. So, if you take money in the form of distributions, you haven't withheld any taxes and you owe that. So, this is where it gets complex, and your head is going to hurt.” (9:09—10:23) -Dr. Straub“If we leave this podcast with nothing more than like, ‘Ooh, I'm armed with some really good questions for my CPA next time. In fact, I'm going to call them today and have them explain this,’ great. Then, we've succeeded in this podcast. But if you look at that net profit and you're like, ‘I don't know where that money is,’ I guarantee you have some loans or other cash flow, whether it's personal distributions or other cash flow statement items, going out. You can determine that by printing — you've already printed your P&L. Now, I want you to print your cash flow statement. Part of that cash flow statement is going to say financing activities. That's where you're going to find all this stuff. You're going to see like, ‘Oh! That's where it all went,’ and you're going to see exactly why your bank account doesn't match the bottom of your profit and loss statement.” (10:24—11:10) -Dr. Straub“You mentioned something about distributions. That is a very dangerous process. I did what my accountant said. I processed my family payroll. I had my wife on the payroll. ‘We're paying taxes through this payroll thing.’ Then, I was grabbing money as I needed — $5,000, I needed $6,000. What I didn't realize is there were tax implications on this money. I had an accountant who was like, ‘Don't worry, we'll figure that out. You won't pay the regular rate at that.’ And you start to believe those things. You don't mess with the IRS. And what Barrett is saying is — I'm going to tell you right now. I've been here a long time. There's only one way to do this — the right way. You can't mess with it.” (11:31—12:14) -Kirk“Let's consider one month in your dental practice. You have revenue, you paid your overhead expenses, and you paid yourself your W-2 salary. So, at the bottom of your P&L for the month of March, it says net profit, $10,000. Meaning, there's $10,000 left over after all your expenses are paid and you paid yourself. You're like, ‘Great. I made an extra $10,000 above and beyond my salary.’ Okay, but the IRS looks at that $10,000 as income. So, you owe $4,000 on that $10,000 already. Ideally, once we get further into this, we're going to say you're going to take $4,000 and you're going to put it in a separate bank account so that you have that money to pay taxes. So, now, your tax allocation is 40%, roughly speaking. Everyone is going to have it slightly different. Ten grand left over, but you know that, ‘I'm going to roughly owe 40% of that to taxes.’ So, there goes $4,000. There's $6,000 left over. Okay, but you bought a CBCT two years ago, and every month you pay $5,000 on that CBCT. That's paid with profit. So, now, that goes away too. Now, $6,000 minus another loan of $5,000. You have $1,000 left over in true profit. But last week, you went in and you took $2,000 for a quick distribution because you owed a little bill and you didn't quite have it, so you just took it out. Now, you're negative $1,000 true profit. So, that's a very real world — that I went through — example of, if we don't understand that we have taxation on our net profit, if we don't understand that that $5,000 loan actually reduces our true profit, if we don't understand that that quick $2,000 that we went and took out as a “distribution” reduces our true profit, we can get into some trouble.” (14:03—15:42) -Dr. Straub“If you're listening to this, and you're driving to work, and you're dreaming of this beautiful building with a whole bunch of extra ops, and you haven't figured out the PPO thing, and you're going to get an associate to “scale”, I'm going to ask you to pause, and breathe, and figure this out. Here's why. We get dentists all the time that think, ‘I'm going to grow. I'm going to scale. I'm going to add other dentists,’ and they're writing off 40%. They add an associate that they have to pay on that, and a lab bill, and all these other things, and they are in shared agreements. So, they are now adding producers and subsidizing their own salaries to grow this big practice. Now, here's the downside. You can't unbuild these operatories. They're done. Once you build them, you've got to fill them. There's no turning back. I'm not opposed to having a great practice, a beautiful practice. But we want you to do this the smart way.” (16:19—17:18) -Kirk“Progress, not perfection. Just a little bit of progress every day.” (18:10—18:14) -Dr. StraubSnippets:0:00 Introduction.1:46 True profit, explained.5:03 Kirk’s experience with the tax snowball.7:19 Below-the-line expenses, explained.13:57 Last thoughts.Dr. Barrett Straub Bio:Dr. Barrett Straub practices general and sedation dentistry in Port Washington, Wisconsin. He has worked hard to develop his practice into a top-performing, fee-for-service practice that focuses on improving the lives of patients through dentistry.A graduate of Marquette Dental School, Dr. Straub’s advanced training and CE includes work at the Spear Institute, LVI, DOCS, and as a member of the Milwaukee Study Club. He is a past member of the Wisconsin Dental Association Board of Trustees and was awarded the Marquette Dental School 2017 Young Alumnus of the Year. As a former ACT coaching client that experienced first-hand the transformation that coaching can provide, he is passionate about helping other dentists create the practice they’ve always wanted.Dr. Straub loves to hunt, golf, and spend winter on the ice, curling. He is married to Katie, with two daughters, Abby and Elizabeth.