The Best Practices Show with Kirk Behrendt

Are you truly a great leader? Or are you overestimating how good you are? In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings in Michelle Wakeman, one of ACT’s amazing coaches, to reframe what it means to be a leader, why it’s important, and to share some of the best leadership lessons from thriving practices. To learn how to lead with confidence to build a successful practice, listen to Episode 981 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 Courtney an email to learn more about ACT: courtney@actdental.com Send 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 981: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosRead Traction by Gino Wickman: https://benbellabooks.com/shop/tractionMain Takeaways:Have a clear vision. Your vision is what provides direction for your team.Clearly define your clinical, financial, team culture, and life vision.Communicate your vision and core values to your team.Repeat your vision and core values for alignment.Walk the talk as the leader. Set the example.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.0:58 ACT/Smile Source and BPA.3:29 Why this is an important topic.4:50 How does this show up in your practice?10:22 Three key things that great leaders define.14:02 Vision provides direction.18:44 Four key areas of practice vision: Clinical vision.22:51 Four key areas of practice vision: Financial vision.26:13 Four key areas of practice vision: Team culture vision.28:13 Four key areas of practice vision: Life vision.33:38 Purpose and values build meaning.38:34 Defining core values.40:27 Repetition creates alignment.46:01 Final takeaways.48:59 Q&A: The difference between mission, purpose, and vision and how they tie into values.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.

Dentists aren't just clinicians — they're also leaders and entrepreneurs! In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Miranda Beeson, ACT’s director of education, to share how to balance these three circles so you can gain control of your practice and reclaim your life. To start enjoying life in 2026 and beyond, listen to Episode 980 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 980: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosRegister to ACT’s BPA for their Dental Practice Success Triad tool: https://join.actdental.com/users/sign_in?post_login_redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fjoin.actdental.com%2Fc%2Fpractice-coaching-tools%2Fdental-practice-success-triad#emailRead The E-Myth by Michael E. Gerber: https://www.michaelegerbercompanies.com/product/the-e-myth-revisitedLearn more about The Sletten Group: https://theslettengroup.comMain Takeaways:As a practice owner, you need to balance being a clinician, leader, and entrepreneur.Don't just “live in the chair”. If you neglect the other two circles, you can't thrive.Your practice will only grow to the level of your least developed circle.Anyone can improve their leadership and entrepreneurial skills.Set aside time every week to invest in each circle.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:09 Why this is an important topic.3:44 Why most dentists “live in the chair”.6:06 Do you need to give equal time to each circle?9:57 Anyone can develop leadership and entrepreneurial skills.14:23 The three circles: The clinician (the comfort zone).19:01 The three circles: The entrepreneur.31:04 The three circles: The leader.35:16 Final thoughts.38:32 Choose one circle to work on.39:27 ACT’s BPA.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.

For the month of December, we look back at some favorite episodes of 2025. In this episode, 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 979 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 Courtney an email to learn more about ACT: courtney@actdental.com Send 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 979: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosMain Takeaways:There are two ways to produce more: work more days or produce more per day.Figure out your production per day and gross production target for the year.Set your goals and decisions based on data, not with your emotions.Just working more days is not the answer. You need a plan.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:37 Why this is an important topic.2:48 Why emotion comes into this equation.3:49 The equation for gross production.7:06 Two key numbers to pull.12:35 Time is the new rich.14:21 Final thoughts.16:47 ACT’s BPA.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.

Healthcare isn't broken — it’s rigged against wellness and patient care! In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings in Dr. Bryan Laskin, author of Unfair Care, to share his “why” behind this book and his mission to empower patients to get the best care possible in dentistry and medicine. To learn how you and your patients can make healthcare work better for you, listen to Episode 978 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Dr. Laskin:Join Dr. Laskin on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrBryanLaskinFollow Dr. Laskin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbryanlaskinLearn more on Dr. Laskin’s website: https://bryanlaskin.comLearn more about Toothapps and Cair: https://www.toothapps.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 978: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosRead The Patient First Manifesto by Dr. Bryan Laskin: https://www.amazon.com/Patient-First-Manifesto-Practice-Dreams/dp/1736643711Read Dental Disorder by Dr. Bryan Laskin: https://www.amazon.com/Dental-Disorder-Bryan-Laskin/dp/1736643762Read Unfair Care by Dr. Bryan Laskin: https://www.amazon.com/Unfair-Care-Healthcare-Deserve-Designed/dp/1736643789Learn more about Smile Source Exchange: https://smilesource.com/exchangeMain Takeaways:Even if you have world-class doctors, don't leave your health completely up to them.Be actively involved in your health. It’s the only way to get the best care possible.Healthcare systems are currently optimized for profitability, not for wellness.Our healthcare system is stacked against doctors just as much as patients.Get access to all of your dental and medical records and consolidate it.You have power as a patient. You just need to learn to leverage it.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:13 Dr. Laskin’s background.3:12 Why Dr. Laskin decided to start writing.6:16 An overview of Dr. Laskin’s three books.8:57 A sneak peek at Dr. Laskin’s next book.10:07 The “why” behind Unfair Care.13:11 Optimized for profitability, not for wellness.21:00 Bullet points of Unfair Care.25:59 Be actively involved in your care.28:16 You have power as a patient.32:32 The future of the healthcare system.37:40 More about Dr. Laskin, his books, and how to get in touch.Dr. Bryan Laskin Bio:Dr. Bryan Laskin is a Minnesota dentist and tech entrepreneur on a mission to help dental teams and patients break free of the “Dental Disorder” through innovation, education, and standardization.A practicing dentist and owner of Lake Minnetonka Dental for over 20 years, creator of Upgrade Dental, Digital Nitrous, OperaDDS, and co-founder of Toothapps, as well as author of the Amazon best-selling book, The Patient First Manifesto, and host of “The Patient First Podcast”, Dr. Laskin excels at helping others integrate technology and teamwork into their practices. He serves as CEO and chairman of the board of Dental Standards Institute, which is focused on innovation and patient advocacy, and serves as counsel for the most innovative companies in dentistry.Dr. Laskin is an advisor and investor to many of the most progressive healthcare companies. He is also a frequent keynote speaker.

You feel like your team just doesn't “get it”. But maybe it’s you, the leader, that isn't getting it! In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Jenni Poulos, one of ACT’s amazing coaches, to reveal the two skills you need to build an aligned and committed team. Saying something once isn't communication! To learn how to inspire your team just by being clear, listen to Episode 977 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Jenni:Send Jenni an email: jenni@actdental.com Follow Jenni on ACT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actdentalSend Courtney an email to learn more about ACT: courtney@actdental.com Send 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 977: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosRegister to ACT’s BPA for their Strategic Vision Creator tool: https://join.actdental.com/users/sign_in?post_login_redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fjoin.actdental.com%2Fc%2Fpractice-coaching-tools%2Fstrategic-vision-creator-tool#emailRegister to ACT’s BPA for their Chief Reminding Officer tool: https://join.actdental.com/users/sign_in?post_login_redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fjoin.actdental.com%2Fc%2Fpractice-coaching-tools%2Fcro-chief-reminding-officer#emailMain Takeaways:Alignment starts with the leader.Get aligned on what alignment really means.Create consistent communication rhythms to stay aligned.Repeat, repeat, repeat. Repetition builds predictability and trust.Telling your team something once doesn't count as communication.Clear is kind. Focus on being clear — not being nice — with your team.Stories are powerful. Use them, whenever possible, to spread your message.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:08 Why this is an important topic.1:48 Clear is kind.3:31 The importance of alignment.8:32 Repetition builds trust and predictability.10:46 Repetition amplifies influence.13:08 Use stories to spread your message.17:58 Final takeaways.19:10 ACT’s BPA and resources.Jenni Poulos Bio:Jenni brings to dental teams a literal lifetime of experience in dentistry. As the daughter and sister of periodontists and a dental hygienist, she has been working in many facets of the dental world since she first held a summer job turning rooms and pouring models at the age of 12. Now, with over 10 years of experience in managing and leading a large periodontal practice, she has a firm grasp on what it takes to run a thriving business. Her passion for organizational health and culture has been a driving force behind her coaching career. She has witnessed firsthand how creating an aligned and engaged team will take a practice to levels of success that they never believed possible! 

For the month of December, we look back at some favorite episodes of 2025. In this episode, 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 and improve your production story, listen to Episode 976 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.straubMore 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 976: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosRegister to ACT’s BPA for their Financial GAPs Calculator: https://www.actdental.com/bpaMain Takeaways:There's more to the production story than just how much you produced.Analyze your annual patient value, active patient count, and gross production.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?Figure out your production story now so you can figure out how to write it going forward.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:27 Why we need a production story.2:34 Important KPIs you need to know.6:49 Do more per active patient.11:48 Countermeasures you can start today.15:44 ACT’s BPA and TTT.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.

Freedom is what drew you to dentistry. But somehow, you're stuck working harder, earning less, and with less control of your time and life. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Miranda Beeson, ACT’s director of education, to share the key to impacting your freedom and profitability: understanding and mastering write-offs. To learn how to lower your write-offs so you can take back your time and money, listen to Episode 975 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 975: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosLearn more about Smile Source: https://smilesource.comLearn more about Clerri: https://clerri.comMain Takeaways:Figure out your effort gap, collections gap, overhead gap, and your cash flow gap.Know how many days a month you work, and how many you're working for free.Always put in your full fee. You may have more elective write-offs than you think.Evaluate your membership plan. How much are you charging versus writing off?Determine how much you're writing off by being part of an insurance plan.Eliminate emotional discounting. Learn to charge what you're worth.Start celebrating net production rather than gross production.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.0:57 Smile Source and ACT have merged!3:23 Why understanding write-offs is important.8:15 ACT’s core focus and core purpose.9:34 ACT’s GAPs at a Glance.12:16 A great coach isn't going to turn the dials for you.14:51 Overview of the financial gaps.20:35 The effort gap, explained.22:22 Three important questions to answer.25:44 How production leaves in this gap.29:28 Insurance adjustments.37:08 Membership plan adjustments.40:59 Q&A: Do you recommend anyone who helps facilitate membership plans?43:03 Elective adjustments.49:14 ACT’s energy quotient, explained.51:41 Steps to closing the effort gap.54:40 Final takeaways.56:42 ACT’s new Financial GAPs Calculator.58:46 ACT's BPA.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.

You're working hard, and you're super busy. So, why is your bank account empty? In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Christina Byrne, ACT’s director of operations, to help you understand the different financial gaps where your profit may be hiding. Don't let your hard-earned money slip through the cracks! To learn how to keep more of what you produce, listen to Episode 974 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Christina:Send Christina an email: christina@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/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 974: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosRegister to ACT’s BPA for their GAPs at a Glance tool: https://join.actdental.com/users/sign_in?post_login_redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fjoin.actdental.com%2Fc%2Fpractice-coaching-tools%2Ffinancial-gaps-at-a-glance#emailRegister to ACT’s BPA for their PPO Freedom course: Sign in | Best Practices AssociationMain Takeaways:You may be losing a significant amount of money from your different financial gaps.Working harder isn't the answer. Find where money is leaking from your practice.Know your effort gap. Being busy doesn't equal more profitability and success.Understand your collections gap. Collecting 96% isn't as good as it sounds.Be aware of your overhead gap. Be smart with spending and budgeting.Pay attention to your cash flow gap so you understand true profit.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:42 Why this is an important topic.2:52 The effort gap.9:57 The collections gap.14:11 The overhead gap.20:09 The cash flow gap.24:54 Final takeaways.26:19 ACT’s BPA.Christina Byrne, BS, RDH Bio:Christina Byrne has been involved in dentistry since 1985. Over the years, she has held many positions on the dental team, including dental assistant, business office, and dental hygienist. Christina’s extensive knowledge of the front office and clinical procedures is a great asset, and she loves to impart her knowledge to guide dental teams do the best they can to achieve a Better Practice, Better Life! 

You spend a ton of money on marketing to attract new patients. But how do you know if it’s working? In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Miranda Beeson, ACT’s director of education, to break down new patient by referral source, what it reveals about your marketing strategies, and where to focus your time and energy. To learn how to market more to your ideal patients, listen to Episode 973 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 973: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosLearn more about Pain-Free Dental Marketing: https://www.painfreedentalmarketing.comMain Takeaways:Where are new patients coming from? Knowing this helps you focus on what works.Tracking referral sources helps you align your messaging with your ideal patients.Build strong loyalty and relationships. It is the most cost-effective way to grow.Dig deeper when asking patients how they found out about your practice.Appoint a team member to track and report the data. Review it monthly.Create a system to celebrate your patients who give referrals.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.0:50 What new patient by referral source measures.2:47 How this metric impacts the practice.6:20 What you can do to impact this metric.13:19 Final takeaways.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.

Sometimes, your “ideal dentistry” isn't ideal. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Christopher Mazzola and Dr. Charlie Ward, faculty members at the Pankey Institute, to share what to do when things aren't black-and-white for your treatment plans. To learn the systems that will lead you to success, listen to Episode 972 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Dr. Ward & Dr. Mazzola:Join Dr. Mazzola on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christopher.d.mazzolaFollow Dr. Mazzola on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christopherdmazzoladdsSend Dr. Ward an email: charlie@bmoredentalarts.com Follow Dr. Ward on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drcwardddsRegister for Dr. Mazzola & Dr. Ward’s Mastering Dental Photography course (July 30, 2026 to August 1, 2026): https://pankey.org/course-category/mdp/?courseId=17781Register for Dr. Mazzola & Dr. Ward’s Mastering Treatment Planning course (September 10-12, 2026): https://pankey.org/course-category/mtp/?courseId=22975Register for Dr. Ward’s Mastering Aesthetic Restorative Dentistry course (November 19-22, 2026): https://pankey.org/course-category/mard/?courseId=19847Follow CASE TXP on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/case_txpMore 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 972: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosTry Limitless AI recorder: https://www.limitless.aiMain Takeaways:Give yourself grace. Don't fall into the trap of looking at what you didn't do “ideally”.What you may not consider “ideal dentistry” may be just as great for your patients.Stop comparing yourself to others. Everyone is at a different point in their journey.Systems make your dentistry excellent. Don't do complex cases without them.Don't skip over planning. All of your hard work is in the planning process.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:46 It’s not so black-and-white.4:56 “Ideal” isn't the only path.8:36 The patient is the difficult part of dentistry.11:38 Give yourself grace.17:16 The importance of systems.23:53 How an AI recorder will change your life.26:15 Final thoughts, about CASE, and how to get in touch.Dr. Charlie Ward Bio:After graduating from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Science degree in 2004, Dr. Charlie Ward went straight into the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. He earned his DDS degree in 2008, and since then he has completed the Essentials courses and many others at the esteemed Pankey Institute, where he now serves as visiting faculty. He is currently a member of the Maryland State Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry.When Dr. Ward isn’t spending time with Dr. Melody Ward and their two young boys, Cyrus and Lucas, he can often be found golfing or fishing. He also enjoys playing the guitar. While in dental school, he was actually in an all-dentist band called Incisal Edge! He even has his own guitar collection and has turned his basement into a music room.Dr. Christopher Mazzola Bio:Dr. Christopher Mazzola was born and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He attended the University of Michigan for his undergraduate studies where he graduated with honors with a Chemical Engineering Degree. During his undergraduate studies, he conducted research with dental school faculty on materials to aid in patients’ healing after dental surgery. He then continued his education at Michigan where he completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree. While in dental school, he was awarded the University of Michigan American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Award for his research in the clinical application of CAD/CAM technology in dentistry.Prior to joining Traverse Dental Associates, Dr. Mazzola owned a practice in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he was named one of the area’s 2013 TopDentists™. He continued with education focusing on communication and technology in private practice. He has also served as an instructor and mentor for new graduates focusing on patient interactions and CEREC CAD/CAM Technology.In his spare time, Dr. Mazzola enjoys spending time with his wife, Christina, his children, Baylor and Eliana, and his three dogs, Isabelle, Lola, and Aspen. He tries to stay active through competitive CrossFit, golfing, running, and skiing. He is looking forward to watching his family grow in the amazing community that is Traverse City!