The Best Practices Show with Kirk Behrendt

Great dentistry doesn’t sell itself if patients can’t see it. Many dentists struggle to explain conditions, earn trust, and grow into the type of practice they want because their communication relies too heavily on words. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt sits down with Dr. Zach Sisler, cosmetic dentist and educator, to break down the three lessons he learned the hard way about dental photography. You’ll learn how photography improves case acceptance, strengthens branding, sharpens clinical skills, and creates better communication with patients, labs, specialists, and your team. If you want photography to work for your practice instead of sitting unused, listen to Episode 1001 of The Best Practices Show!Main Takeaways:Dental photography helps clinicians get out of their own way by letting patients see conditions instead of hearing long explanations.What dentists find impressive in photos is often different from what patients want to see, which is typically full-face smiles and relatable transformations.Consistent photography strengthens a practice’s brand and helps patients recognize what services are possible.Treating camera equipment as an investment requires daily use; unused equipment produces no return.Reviewing clinical photos allows dentists to self-critique and continuously improve their restorative outcomes.Photography improves communication with labs and specialists by providing clearer information and better collaboration.Snippets:02:20 Who Dr. Zach Sisler is and how his practice evolved.05:00 Why dental photography is a non-negotiable for modern practices.07:47 How photography helped Zach get out of his own way with patient communication.12:05 The difference between what dentists want to see and what patients want to see.18:14 Why branding matters and how photography supports it.19:16 Treating camera equipment like gym equipment to get a return on investment.23:26 How photography improves clinical self-critique and growth.29:23 How photos improve lab and specialist relationships.34:23 Addressing time concerns and when to invest in photography.36:29 How much of the photography should be delegated to the team.Dr. Zach Sisler Bio:Dr. Zach Sisler is a cosmetic dentist and educator practicing in rural central Pennsylvania. He transitioned a traditionally focused practice into an aesthetics-driven practice by integrating comprehensive dental photography, advanced restorative techniques, and consistent branding. Dr. Sisler teaches hands-on photography and over-the-shoulder restorative courses, both in his office and on-site for dental teams across the country. He is known for his focus on predictable systems, clinical growth, and practical implementation that supports both patient care and practice sustainability.Dr. Zach Sisler Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_zachsisler/Zach Sisler Courses & In-Office Training:https://www.drsisler.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_zachsisler/Website (Courses & Education): https://www.drsisler.com/More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaUpcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/

When overhead is high, you buy cheaper supplies. But there's a better way! In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Ariel Siegel, one of ACT’s amazing coaches, to continue the series on overhead and break down supplies percentage. She shares why your numbers may be high, how that impacts your practice, and what you can do about it. For the treatment plan to reduce waste and overspending on supplies, listen to Episode 1000 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Ariel:Send Ariel an email: ariel@actdental.com Follow Ariel on ACT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actdentalSend 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/tttGet 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 1000: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosLearn more about Smile Source: https://smilesource.com Main Takeaways:Your ideal supplies percentage is 5% to 6%.Categorize your supplies correctly to track them appropriately.If your supplies percentage is high, don't panic. It can be fixed very easily.Don't buy cheaper supplies. Create systems to cut waste and overspending.A team member — never the doctor — should be the one to manage inventory.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.0:52 Supplies percentage, explained.3:56 How supplies percentage impacts the practice.6:44 Manage your inventory.8:25 Keep your systems simple.9:32 What you can do today to impact your metrics.12:03 Last thoughts.Ariel Juday Bio:Ariel has a master’s in healthcare administration and several years of dental experience in all aspects of the administrative roles within the dental office. Her passion is to work with dental teams to empower team members to realize their full potential in order to better serve patients, improve office systems to ensure a well-functioning team/office, and to help everyone have fun in the process!

Success isn't just about the medals. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Amanda Seay, president of the AACD, and Dr. Zach Sisler, board chair of the AACD, to share their journeys and lessons of the accreditation process and the importance of investing in yourself for your future. To learn what success could look like for you, listen to Episode 999 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Dr. Seay & Dr. Sisler:Join Dr. Seay on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrAmandaSeayFollow Dr. Seay on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dramandaseayJoin Dr. Sisler on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmilesBySislerFollow Dr. Sisler on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_zachsislerRegister for the AACD Scientific Session (April 16-18, 2026): https://www.aacdconference.com/event/1a1b9fe4-2097-4006-b107-822d4da3654b/main-menuMore 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/tttGet 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 999: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosRead Atomic Habits by James Clear: https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habitsRead Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell: https://www.buybackyourtime.comMain Takeaways:Being content does not mean being complacent. Find contentment with where you’re at.Accreditation is not about the medal. It’s about the process, learning, and your journey.Find your people. They will inspire and challenge you beyond what you imagine.You're capable of much more than you think. Always invest in yourself.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:01 Dr. Seay’s and Dr. Sisler’s backgrounds.6:16 Dr. Seay’s and Dr. Sisler’s journeys.13:11 Contentment, explained.15:45 It’s not just about the medal.22:35 The importance of finding your people.34:57 Dr. Seay’s and Dr. Sisler’s DiSC styles.36:33 Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell.38:22 Last thoughts.41:47 More about the AACD.Dr. Amanda Seay DDS, FAGD, FAACD Bio:Dr. Amanda Seay is the award-winning Founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Clinical Director of Expertise Dental in Charleston, South Carolina. Her expertise ranges from complex restorative treatment planning to comprehensive preventative and reconstructive dentistry.Dr. Seay is a recognized leader in the dental industry and has been featured in various dental publications for her influence and dedication to the profession. She was named the 11th Most Influential Person in Dentistry by Incisal Edge Magazine. She is the 85th dentist in the world who has earned the honor of Fellow Accredited Member status with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.Dr. Seay is the Director of Outreach and Engagement for the Seattle Study Club, an international and preeminent continuing education organization for dentists. She is also the co-creator of imPRES Dental Courses, an internationally recognized dental esthetics continuum. She holds a clinical instructor position at the Kois Center, one of the most prestigious dental institutes in the country, and has published over 70 articles covering the art and techniques of esthetic dentistry. She also serves as the Restorative Section Editor for Inside Dentistry.In addition to operating a thriving full-time dental practice, Dr. Seay is a dedicated wife and the mother of four children.Dr. Zachary Sisler Bio:Dr. Zachary Sisler is a native of Kingwood, West Virginia. He attended West Virginia University, where he received an undergraduate degree in chemistry in three years. He continued his education at the West Virginia University School of Dentistry, earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. During his time at dental school, he explored the field of dentistry by completing externships and honor programs in oral surgery and endodontics. As a further testament to his dedication, he was honored with the following awards: Simon P. Hullihen Scholarship Award for Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, American Association of Endodontics Student Achievement Award, American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Student Award, Whip Mix 2010 Hanau Prosthodontic Award, Delta Dental Student Leadership Award, and the Quintessence Book Award for Restorative Dentistry.Since graduation, Dr. Sisler has immersed himself in countless hours of continuing education. Dr. Sisler has attended lectures and hands-on courses at the prestigious Dawson Academy, where he has learned how to properly and predictably restore complex cases, not only from a functional standpoint but cosmetic as well. Dr. Sisler was asked to become an associate faculty member of The Dawson Academy, and while continuing his own continuing education pursuits, dedicates time to teaching dental professionals the concepts of complete dentistry.Dr. Sisler has earned the Accredited Member credential in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), joining an elite group of dental professionals who have successfully completed the accreditation process in The Academy. He is one of 417 to achieve this status of cosmetic dentistry in the world.Dr. Sisler has a strong passion for dentistry and the pursuit of excellence in all aspects, particularly cosmetic dentistry. He holds memberships with the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, Pennsylvania Academy of General Dentistry, Pennsylvania Dental Association, Harrisburg Area Dental Society, American Equilibration Society, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

Your expenses go up year over year — and so should your fees! In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Miranda Beeson, ACT’s director of education, to help you think better about your fees and provide tips for when and how to raise them. To learn how to start owning your value and charging what you're worth, listen to Episode 998 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Miranda:Send Miranda an email: miranda@actdental.com Follow Miranda on ACT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actdentalSend Gina an email to learn more about ACT: 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/tttGet 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 998: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosSmile Source: https://smilesource.comJoin ACT’s BPA for their Financial GAPs Calculator: https://join.actdental.com/users/sign_in?post_login_redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fjoin.actdental.com%2Fc%2Fannouncements-9fc6ae%2Ffinancial-gaps-calculator#emailJoin ACT’s BPA for their Fee Balancing Tool: https://join.actdental.com/c/practice-coaching-tools/fee-balancing-part-1Join ACT’s BPA for their PPO Roadmap: https://join.actdental.com/c/practice-coaching-tools/bpa-ppo-roadmap-2-0Main Takeaways:Start with a fee analysis so you know where you stand.Assess your office fees relative to your region and insurance contracts.When fees are low, it means more patients, more stress, and more burnout.Review your fees annually. It’s how you can match your fees to rising expenses.Believe in the value you provide so you can charge appropriately without pushback.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.3:08 Why this is an important topic.7:23 Fee analysis, explained.10:15 Master fee schedule, explained.14:02 How to conduct a fee analysis.20:29 Restorative procedures, new patient procedures, and hygiene fees.22:51 Flexible and inflexible fees, explained.24:52 Two tips for making gradual fee changes.26:33 Confidence is the most important element behind your fee increases.30:42 Why dentists should never be the ones to present fees.36:17 Final takeaways.39:31 ACT’s BPA and Smile Source.Miranda Beeson, MS, BSDH Bio:Miranda Beeson has over 25 years of clinical dental hygiene, front office, practice administration, and speaking experience. She is enthusiastic about communication and loves helping others find the power that words can bring to their patient interactions and practice dynamics. As a Lead Practice Coach, she is driven to create opportunities to find value in experiences and cultivate new approaches.Miranda graduated from Old Dominion University, and enjoys spending time with her husband, Chuck, and her children, Trent, Mallory, and Cassidy. Family time is the best time, and is often spent on a golf course, a volleyball court, or spending the day boating at the beach.

Your accountant says your practice is profitable. So, why doesn't it feel like it? In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Miranda Beeson, ACT’s director of education, to break down the cash flow gap, what it is, and how not understanding it affects your practice. To learn how to close your cash flow gap so you can grow your practice, listen to Episode 997 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Miranda:Send Miranda an email: miranda@actdental.com Follow Miranda on ACT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actdentalSend 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/tttGet 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 997: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosMain Takeaways:When your cash flow gap is wide, it creates more work without creating more wealth.A widening cash flow gap affects decision-making around investing in your practice.Your P&L doesn't tell the whole story. Be sure to review your cash flow statement.Track draws, distributions, and other activities to monitor practice health.Plan and budget for your taxes so that you're not panicking last-minute.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:09 The cash flow gap, explained.3:12 The gap between gross profit and true profit.6:00 How the cash flow gap impacts your practice.13:52 What you can do to impact your metrics.18:00 Last thoughts.Miranda Beeson, MS, BSDH Bio:Miranda Beeson has over 25 years of clinical dental hygiene, front office, practice administration, and speaking experience. She is enthusiastic about communication and loves helping others find the power that words can bring to their patient interactions and practice dynamics. As a Lead Practice Coach, she is driven to create opportunities to find value in experiences and cultivate new approaches.Miranda graduated from Old Dominion University, and enjoys spending time with her husband, Chuck, and her children, Trent, Mallory, and Cassidy. Family time is the best time, and is often spent on a golf course, a volleyball court, or spending the day boating at the beach.

Dr. Uche Odiatu, a dentist and health/wellness speaker, returns with tips for a healthier life. He emphasizes the importance of turning knowledge into action, addressing information overload as a barrier to consistency. Uche advocates for simple daily habits across movement, sleep, and nutrition, highlighting the role of choline for brain health. He encourages finding joy in the process and cultivating gratitude to boost happiness. Uche’s wisdom reminds us to avoid negative self-talk to improve resilience and aging.

Things happen that you don't plan for — and you want to be prepared! In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Paul Sletten, founder of The Sletten Group, to share how to plan for the unplanned by creating a crisis coverage group to protect you and your practice. To learn how to plan smarter and have peace of mind, listen to Episode 995 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Paul:Give Paul a call: (303) 699-0990Send Paul an email: paul@lifetransitions.com Learn more about The Sletten Group: https://theslettengroup.comMore 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/tttGet 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 995: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosMain Takeaways:Between 5% and 10% of dentists will have some type of career-interrupting event.Every dentist needs to have two plans: an ideal transition plan and a crisis plan.Choose 9 colleagues to be part of a crisis coverage group for up to 90 days.Meet with your coverage group practices frequently to keep things fresh.Each practice should appoint a crisis coordinator as a point person.Be sure to select the right people for your crisis coverage group.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.0:55 Paul’s background and The Sletten Group.2:42 Why this is an important topic.3:26 Two plans every dentist should have.5:43 The crisis coverage group, explained.10:08 Rules of the pledge agreement.11:25 Have practice valuations done at the beginning.12:51 What to know about overhead and disability insurance.14:38 General dentists versus specialists.15:59 Appoint a crisis coordinator.16:58 Have periodic meetings.17:57 What dentists get wrong about crisis coverage groups.19:12 More about The Sletten Group.21:19 Last thoughts.Paul Sletten Bio:Paul D. Sletten founded The Sletten Group, Inc. in 1975 in Denver, Colorado. They are in their 51st year of business and have developed an international clientele, having assisted and completed transitions in all 50 states, six provinces in Canada, and two states in Australia. They continue to exclusively work with fee-for-service dentists and their teams around the country.Paul has spoken at more than 285 dental meetings around the country. This includes almost all of the major dental meetings and numerous study clubs. The topics focus on all aspects of practice transitions, including buying a dental practice, selling a dental practice, and much more, as well as personal growth and development for dentists and team members.

Is your practice creating wealth, or is it just keeping you “busy”? In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Miranda Beeson, ACT’s director of education, to break down production, why it’s important to understand, and how to start improving your numbers. To learn how to be more profitable so you have a better practice and better life, listen to Episode 994 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Miranda:Send Miranda an email: miranda@actdental.com Follow Miranda on ACT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actdentalSend Gina an email to learn more about ACT: 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/tttGet 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 994: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosLearn more about Smile Source: https://smilesource.comMain Takeaways:Profitability determines your ability to invest in your team, technology, and your practice.Know and understand your profit margin, not just your production and collections.When profitability is low, you will feel super busy yet not have any money.Don't wait for your accountant to tell you how your practice is doing.If you don't know, find out what your current true profit is.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.0:48 Profitability, explained.4:18 How profitability impacts your practice.9:11 What you can do to impact this metric.11:00 More about Smile Source.15:15 Last thoughts.Miranda Beeson, MS, BSDH Bio:Miranda Beeson has over 25 years of clinical dental hygiene, front office, practice administration, and speaking experience. She is enthusiastic about communication and loves helping others find the power that words can bring to their patient interactions and practice dynamics. As a Lead Practice Coach, she is driven to create opportunities to find value in experiences and cultivate new approaches.Miranda graduated from Old Dominion University, and enjoys spending time with her husband, Chuck, and her children, Trent, Mallory, and Cassidy. Family time is the best time, and is often spent on a golf course, a volleyball court, or spending the day boating at the beach.

Avoiding conflict is like ignoring a cavity — it will eventually become a crisis! In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings in Michelle Wakeman, one of ACT’s amazing coaches, to share the right way to address conflict so your team and practice can function at their best. To learn how to proactively manage conflict as a leader, listen to Episode 993 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Michelle:Send Michelle an email: michelle@actdental.com Follow Michelle on ACT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actdentalSend Gina an email to learn more about ACT: 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/tttGet 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 993: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosJoin ACT’s BPA for their Awareness Wheel resource: https://join.actdental.com/users/sign_in?post_login_redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fjoin.actdental.com%2Fc%2Fpractice-coaching-tools%2Fthe-awareness-wheel#emailJoin ACT’s BPA for their Guide to Building Trust: https://join.actdental.com/users/sign_in?post_login_redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fjoin.actdental.com%2Fc%2Fpractice-coaching-tools%2Fa-team-playbook-to-maximize-performance-handout#emailJoin ACT’s BPA for their How Trustworthy Are You? resource: https://join.actdental.com/users/sign_in?post_login_redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fjoin.actdental.com%2Fc%2Fpractice-coaching-tools%2Fhow-trustworthy-are-you#emailRead books by Patrick Lencioni: https://www.tablegroup.com/booksLearn more about the EOS system https://www.eosworldwide.comMain Takeaways:When you avoid, ignore, or mishandle conflict, it always leads to crisis.Have healthy conflict, not artificial harmony or destructive fighting.Healthy conflict can only exist when you’ve developed trust.Give grace, assume good intentions, and be curious.Address conflict early. Never let them fester.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:41 Why this is an important topic.4:24 Patrick Lencioni's conflict continuum, explained.8:46 Healthy conflict is built on a foundation of trust.13:20 How to address conflict in a healthy way.19:17 Final thoughts.21:39 ACT’s BPA and resources.Michelle Wakeman, BSDH, Bio:Michelle Wakeman, BSDH, brings nearly 20 years of clinical dental hygiene, administrative, managerial, and sales experience to the table. She has a passion for people and a natural aptitude for communication that has led her to develop meaningful relationships throughout her career in dentistry. As a coach, she seeks to help dental practices develop systems that enable them to enhance their patient experience, leading to better relationships among owners, team members, and patients, along with profitable outcomes.In her off time, Michelle can usually be found at the ice rink supporting her son, Hunter, in hockey, the ball field cheering on her son, Carter, or the gym, reliving her days as a gymnast with her daughter, Leighton.

Are you struggling to figure out shared network agreements? In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Sandi Hudson, founder of Unlock the PPO, to help you navigate the complex world of PPOs with her expert advice. To learn everything you need to know about shared network agreements for the new year, listen to Episode 992 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Sandi:Join Sandi on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UnlockThePPOFollow Sandi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unlocktheppoLearn more about Unlock the PPO: https://unlocktheppo.comMore 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/tttGet 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 992: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosMain Takeaways:Understand how shared network agreements work to avoid misunderstandings.One contract does not equal being in-network with one insurance company.Opt out of agreements proactively. Don't leave things to chance.Regularly audit your EOBs to stay on top of any changes.Review your contracts. Don't keep this on autopilot.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:19 Sandi’s background.2:38 Shared network agreements, explained.3:54 Common misunderstandings to be aware of.5:22 Pay attention, do what you're supposed to, and follow up.7:55 Regularly audit EOBs.9:22 What to look for on an EOB.10:32 Regrouping, explained.13:21 The state of negotiating power in shared network agreements.16:14 Narrow down your procedure codes.17:45 Trends in revenue and expenses.19:46 The value of doing a retention analysis.23:40 The trend of corporations purchasing dental practices.25:54 Final thoughts.27:22 More about Unlock the PPO.Sandi Hudson Bio:Sandi Hudson, founder of Unlock the PPO, has a degree in Business Administration from the University of Iowa. After several years in healthcare and fundraising management, she transitioned into dental office management and spent a decade overseeing dental insurance participation and negotiations. Her experience comes from hands-on experience rather than concepts that just sound good on paper. She has worked with offices across the country and has a broad perspective on how to tailor insurance decisions to various regions and demographics. Her goal is to help dentists take a common-sense approach to managing insurance participation in a way that best fits their goals. By keeping abreast of industry trends, she is well-positioned to help dentists prepare for how insurance will best fit into their practices, both now and in the future. Sandi focuses on the analysis side of the business by crunching numbers and making recommendations about participation levels.Sandi is married to a dentist and has a unique perspective of both consultant and dental practice owner, uncommon to the industry.