

The Dental Marketer
Michael Arias
dental marketing ideas and strategies to attract quality patients to dentist.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 20, 2026 • 0sec
Have The Talk: Mastering Difficult Conversations with Your Team | Dr. Paul Etchison | FF
Feeling a rift between your team and struggling on how to address it? Join Dr. Paul Etchison of the Dental Practice Heroes Podcast as he recounts a challenging situation that sparked real change in his practice. Sharing his story of tension between the front desk and clinical teams, Paul opens up about stalling, fumbling, and ultimately succeeding in having a much-needed conversation. He reveals how the magic of validating one's perspective (even without agreeing completely) can bring down walls and pave the way for constructive solutions. Tap into this episode if you want to improve your communication, leadership skills, and overall practice dynamics! You'll learn that difficult conversations are not obstacles but the gateway to better relationships, growth, and success in your dental practice.Check out Paul's Media:Website: https://www.dentalpracticeheroes.com/Podcast: https://www.dentalpracticeheroes.com/podcastListen to Paul's Other Episodes Here:479: Are You on the Road to Effective Dental Leadership? The Blueprint for Teamwork | Dr. Paul Etchison – The Dental Marketer Podcast300: Dr. Paul Etchison | Nelson Ridge Family Dental – The Dental Marketer PodcastMMM [Internal Marketing] Small Details That Make a Big Difference in Team Communication – The Dental Marketer PodcastThe First Episode of 2023 & The Advice and Reflections Some of Our Guests Have Had! – The Dental Marketer Podcast"What is 1 thing You Wish You Knew Before You Opened Your Start-up/ Acquisition?" – The Dental Marketer Podcast455: Dr. Paul Etchison | Achieving Peace of Mind: Embracing Delegation for a Harmonious Dental Team – The Dental Marketer PodcastHost: Michael AriasJoin my newsletter: https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/newsletter/Join this podcast's Facebook Group: The Dental Marketer SocietyLove the Podcast? Follow on Your Favorite App! https://lnkfi.re/TDMPod

Apr 16, 2026 • 0sec
Bridging Front and Back: The Critical Role of Patient Care Coordinators | Dr. Jaspreet Gill | 603
Discover the practice-changing power of a unified team guiding every patient from check-in to checkout!In this episode, Dr. Jaspreet Gill opens up about the mental and strategic balancing act of guiding Countryside Smiles, sharing how time, patient experience, and ROI intertwine in daily decisions around hiring, technology, and workflow design. You'll hear firsthand how the focus shifted from setting up operations to facing nuanced choices: should you invest in tech, hire another team member, or build the next system to scale? Dr. Gill brings clarity to what it means to “pick your headaches wisely,” ensuring every move supports both the patients and her team.What sets her practice apart? Around year two, Dr. Gill rewrote the playbook by unifying the traditionally divided front and back office, creating patient care coordinators who guide each person seamlessly from intake through billing and beyond. This personalized model, made possible with cloud-based tech and a hand-picked team, eliminates friction and elevates quality care. She dives into performance-based incentives, salary solutions to retain talent, and hyperlocal marketing, all while sustaining profit, minimizing turnover, and keeping compassion at the center. Whether you’re a new practice owner or aiming to future-proof your office, Dr. Gill’s candid insights and tested strategies offer a blueprint for sustainable and human-centered growth!What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How to evaluate owner-level decisions for ROI in time, money, and care qualityThe step-by-step breakdown of a patient care coordinator workflow modelStrategies for reducing communication gaps between clinical and administrative staffWhy selective hiring and performance-based bonuses matter for retentionHow to implement cloud-based systems for efficiency and fewer software headachesApproaches to detailed insurance verification for upfront financial transparencySecrets to profitable marketing within your immediate community radiusTips for managing team compensation and benefits to lower turnoverBuilding a brand rooted in personal connection: asking patients “What’s your story?”Ready for practical strategies that put people before processes? Listen now for real-world lessons on practice ownership!Sponsors:Net32: Founded by a dentist, for dentists. Net32 is the leading online marketplace for dental supplies, helping dental and medical professionals save on high-quality products for over 25 years. Start saving today at: https://www.net32.com/dentalmarketerClick here for a special offer!Guest: Dr. Jaspreet GillPractice Name: Countryside SmilesCheck out Jaspreet's Media:Practice: https://countrysidesmiles.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CountrysidesmilesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/countrysidesmiles/Host: Michael AriasJoin my newsletter: https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/newsletter/Join this podcast's Facebook Group: The Dental Marketer SocietyLove the Podcast? Follow on Your Favorite App! https://lnkfi.re/TDMPod

Apr 13, 2026 • 0sec
High-Stakes Dentistry: Why Not to Chase Full Mouth Rehab Cases | Dr. Andy Tran | FF
Dreaming of landing big, full-mouth rehab cases in your practice?In this episode of Fail Forward, Dr. Andy Tran shares his sobering story of chasing high-ticket dentistry, only to find his foundation and personal life taking a toll. Hear how redefining success allowed him to save and strengthen his practice, offering valuable lessons about choosing the right patients, putting front-line systems in place, and balancing ambition with reality. Don’t fall for the shiny red object—tune into this episode to learn from Dr. Andy's missteps and fortify your foundation for sustainable growth!Listen to Andy's Other Episodes Here:Just Listen... Dr. Hieu Pham & Dr. Andy Tran – The Dental Marketer PodcastJust Listen... Dr. Andy Tran & Dr. Richard Low – The Dental Marketer Podcast83: Dr. Andy Tran & Linda Phan | What's the most important thing to know when owning a dental office? – The Dental Marketer Podcast315: Dr. Andy Tran | It's Been 2 Years Since He's Opened His Start-Up... – The Dental Marketer PodcastJust Listen... Dr. Andy Tran & Linda Phan | Apex Dental Studio – The Dental Marketer PodcastDay 2: Dr. Richard Low & Dr. Andy Tran | The Breakaway Series | Business Masters Edition – The Dental Marketer PodcastHost: Michael AriasJoin my newsletter: https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/newsletter/Join this podcast's Facebook Group: The Dental Marketer SocietyLove the Podcast? Follow on Your Favorite App! https://lnkfi.re/TDMPod

Apr 9, 2026 • 0sec
How to Grow Your Practice in 90 Days with a $5,000 Marketing Budget | Lamar Woods | 602
Can a $5,000 marketing budget over 90 days genuinely bring new patients through your front door is it a waste of money? In this episode, Michael sits down with Lamar Woods of Adhere Patient Management to strip away the guesswork. Lamar shares what truly moves the needle in dental practice marketing (and here's a hint: it’s not just impressions or clicks.) He unpacks the exact metrics that signal a win by the 90-day mark, focusing on predictable lead flow that turns into real-life appointments and patient visits, not just empty calls or unqualified leads.Lamar dives deep into the essentials every dental practice must have before investing a dime, like a trustworthy, conversion-ready website and robust call tracking. Discover common pitfalls that sabotage new patient bookings, especially at the front desk, and why scripts, coaching, and call reviews are non-negotiable when call volumes spike. You’ll walk through the recommended $5,000 marketing playbook, from campaign breakdowns on Google Search to step-by-step expectations at 30, 60, and 90 days, plus the realities of ad spend and diminishing returns. Whether you’re frustrated by flat results or hungry for predictable patient growth, you’ll leave this episode ready to take control of your marketing ROI.What You'll Learn in This Episode:The specific “winning” metrics that make or break a dental marketing investmentHow to define and set realistic new patient goals for your budgetEssential website and call tracking fundamentals for higher conversionsThe most common front desk mistakes costing you patient bookings (and how to fix them)A proven Google Ads campaign breakdown for maximum new patient flowWhy and how to monitor campaign results at each stage (30/60/90 days)The truth behind doubling ad spend and market limits in your areaPractical patient production projections based on real ad budgetsHow to hold your marketing agency accountable with lead and booking reportsCritical tools and systems for tracking, measuring, and scaling patient growthHit play and find out exactly how to turn your marketing spend into real new dental patients. No more guesswork, just clear action steps!growth!Sponsors:CallRail: Call tracking + AI that turns calls into campaigns that convert, quality patients, and cost savings. Click our link to start a free trial today! https://sta.mx/vz69Click here for a special offer!Guest: Lamar WoodsBusiness Name: Adhere Patient ManagementCheck out Lamar's Media:Website: https://www.adherepatient.com/Host: Michael AriasJoin my newsletter: https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/newsletter/Join this podcast's Facebook Group: The Dental Marketer SocietyLove the Podcast? Subscribe on Your Favorite App! https://lnkfi.re/TDMPod

Apr 6, 2026 • 0sec
Escaping the Scarcity Mindset: Navigating a Tough Buyout and Coming Out Stronger | CJ DuBe' | FF
Ever faced a setback in your practice that challenged your mindset? Learn how to escape scarcity thinking and navigate tough situations with abundance and strength!In this episode of the Fail Forward series, CJ DuBe' shares the painful story of a lowball buyout after scaling from 0 to 8 million in three years that left her questioning her worth. However, CJ didn’t let this setback define her, as she embarked on a spectacular journey, learning to channel her unique abilities in teaching, facilitating, and coaching. Listen in to discover how shifting from a scarcity mindset to an abundance outlook, and focusing on love and trust, can help overcome setbacks and bring about phenomenal growth. Don't miss out on this inspiring tale of resilience and transformation, crucial lessons for any dentist or practice owner!Listen to CJ's Other Episodes Here:287: CJ DuBe | The simple concepts and tools to gain TRACTION in your practice. – The Dental Marketer PodcastHost: Michael AriasJoin my newsletter: https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/newsletter/Join this podcast's Facebook Group: The Dental Marketer SocietyLove the Podcast? Follow on Your Favorite App! https://lnkfi.re/TDMPod

Apr 2, 2026 • 0sec
Turning Rivalry into Results: The Power of Collaboration in the Dental Field | Dr. Chethan Chetty | 601
What happens when you stop seeing neighboring dentists as rivals and start building authentic alliances instead?In this episode, Michael sits down with Dr. Chethan Chetty, fresh from a transformative three-year term as president of the Academy of General Dentistry. Having balanced his “second job” of intense advocacy with the demands of running his practice and raising a family, Dr. Chetty reflects on the unique pressures and privileges of leadership. He shares why organized dentistry is crucial for every dentist and reveals the advocacy battles few dentists realize are unfolding behind the scenes with legislators and policy makers. Hear firsthand stories of how professional unity can safeguard dentistry’s future and protect patients from disruptive policy changes.The conversation dives into the realities facing today’s dental practice owners: mounting student debt, the lure of DSO positions, insurance headaches, and shifting patient expectations. Dr. Chetty unpacks real mistakes and leadership lessons learned while scaling his practice from “mom and pop” operation to a team of four associates, all while keeping culture and communication at the heart of growth. He details practical strategies for building collaborative relationships with neighboring dentists, managing staff dynamics, implementing technology, and responding to accelerated changes in the industry, including labor law shifts, AI-driven tools, and practice management innovations.What You'll Learn in This Episode:Why organized dentistry is every dentist’s responsibility, not just for “joiners”How legislative changes can reshape your practice overnight—and what you can doReal-world strategies for balancing advocacy, practice ownership, and family lifeApproaches to healthy competition and building a local dental communityWhy student debt is reshaping the career landscape for new dentistsThe pros and cons of DSO and private ownership models todayKeys to scaling a practice while preserving its culture and patient experienceLessons learned from leadership missteps—and how to resolve team conflictThe impact of post-COVID labor law changes and innovative tech solutionsHow to future-proof your practice with smart systems and adaptable workflowsReady to see the bigger picture and seize control of your dental career? Tune in now and learn how advocacy, leadership, and community could be your next big move!Sponsors:Oryx: All-In-One Cloud-Based Dental Software Created by Dentists for Dentists. Patient engagement, clinical, and practice management software that helps your dental practice grow without compromise. Click or copy and paste the link here for a special offer! https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/oryx/Guest: Dr. Chethan ChettyPractice Name: Eagle Rock Family DentistryCheck out Chethan's Media:Website: https://www.eaglerockdentistry.com/Instagram (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/drchettydds/Instagram (Practice): https://www.instagram.com/eaglerockdentistry/ Host: Michael AriasJoin my newsletter: https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/newsletter/Join this podcast's Facebook Group: The Dental Marketer SocietyLove the Podcast? Follow on Your Favorite App! https://lnkfi.re/TDMPod

Mar 30, 2026 • 0sec
When NOT to Be a Problem Solver as a Dental Leader | Shane Simmons | FF
Are you unknowingly stifling your team's growth by constantly providing solutions?In this episode, Shane Simmons shares his experience of unintentionally becoming a roadblock in his dental marketing company, Crimson Media, due to his quick-fix problem solving approach. Discover how he pivoted his leadership style to empower his team through the 1-3-1 method, and how this can foster critical thinking, enhance team skills, and ultimately drive your dental practice growth. If you’re ready to step back and allow your team to emerge empowered and innovative, dive into today's episode!Listen to Shane's Other Episodes Here:MMM [Google Ads] How to Easily Attract New Patients with Predictability – The Dental Marketer PodcastMMM [Internal Marketing] Using Social Media Ads & Email Marketing to Target Existing Patients for Unscheduled Treatment & Referrals – The Dental Marketer PodcastMMM [Google Ads] The Best Way to Attract More Dental Implant Patients on a Limited Budget – The Dental Marketer Podcast174: Shane Simmons | The Type of Marketing That Intrigues Human Beings – The Dental Marketer PodcastMMM [Social Media] 3 Aspects of a Social Media Ad That New Patients Want to See – The Dental Marketer PodcastMMM [Uncommon] The Power of Local Business Groups and the Reciprocity Effect – The Dental Marketer PodcastMMM [Internal Marketing] Ramping Up Patient Referrals With an Annual Community Event! – The Dental Marketer PodcastMMM [Google Ads] 3 Steps You Should Take with Every Ad Campaign, From Initial Call to Scheduled Patient – The Dental Marketer PodcastMMM [Websites] 3 "Must Haves" Your Website Needs to Be Seen by Google & New Potential Patients – The Dental Marketer PodcastMMM [SEO] Most SEO Campaigns Are Missing This One Single Most Important Strategy – The Dental Marketer PodcastHost: Michael AriasJoin my newsletter: https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/newsletter/Join this podcast's Facebook Group: The Dental Marketer SocietyLove the Podcast? Follow on Your Favorite App! https://lnkfi.re/TDMPod

Mar 26, 2026 • 0sec
Going Fee-for-Service in Manhattan: Bold Practice Moves in a Tough Market | Dr. Fatina Shtivelman | 600
What happens when you stop letting insurance define your patient experience in one of the world’s toughest markets?In this episode, Dr. Fatina Shtivelman opens up about what it takes to not only build a pediatric dental practice from scratch in Manhattan, but also completely reinvent its business model. She describes the emotional and mental “second baby” her practice became, alongside the constant juggle of refining systems, surviving a pandemic, and keeping both her team and vision aligned in the heart of New York City. Dr. Shtivelman shares the pivotal decision to leave insurance networks behind, revealing why she shifted toward a boutique, fee-for-service model and how this move (while nerve-wracking) ultimately elevated every aspect of her practice.You’ll hear honest stories about hiring and leadership, from tracking interview punctuality in a city obsessed with time to watching her office manager grow from assistant to hygienist to leader. Dr. Shtivelman details the exact systems she’s built to safeguard consistency, minimize burnout, and empower every team member. She shows us the marketing, review, and tech strategies that help her attract the right families, boost profitability, and reclaim peace of mind. If you’re a dental practice owner or dreaming of becoming one, her practical insights will help you create a practice that’s both deeply personal and truly exceptional.What You'll Learn in This Episode:The mental realities of running a high-stakes pediatric dental practice in ManhattanConsiderations and steps for shifting from in-network to out-of-network modelsStrategies for managing patient expectations and navigating tough financial conversationsHow to build and align a cohesive, growth-minded dental teamPractical hiring methods for finding staff who fit your vision and valuesConcrete systems for accountability, efficiency, and minimizing daily stressGround marketing tactics and event best practices to attract ideal patientsHow to generate and track quality Google reviews every monthKeys to integrating technology (Open Dental, Modento, Dental Intelligence) for smooth operationsDr. Shtivelman’s leadership routines for handling pressure and avoiding burnoutLet's listen to Dr. Shtivelman’s hard-won practice-building secrets today!Sponsors:Net32: Founded by a dentist, for dentists. Net32 is the leading online marketplace for dental supplies, helping dental and medical professionals save on high-quality products for over 25 years. Start saving today at: https://www.net32.com/dentalmarketerClick here for a special offer!CallRail: Call tracking + AI that turns calls into campaigns that convert, quality patients, and cost savings. Click our link to start a free trial today! https://sta.mx/vz69Click here for a special offer!Guest: Dr. Fatina ShtivelmanPractice Name: Gramercy Kids SmilesCheck out Fatina's Media:Practice: https://www.gramercykidssmilesnyc.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gramercykidssmiles/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thetoothfairynycHost: Michael AriasJoin my newsletter: https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/newsletter/Join this podcast's Facebook Group: The Dental Marketer SocietyLove the Podcast? Subscribe on Your Favorite App! https://lnkfi.re/TDMPod

Mar 23, 2026 • 0sec
Hidden Costs of Saving: Why Spending on Staff Early Is Essential for Your Startup’s Growth | Dr. Brandon Prior | FF
Are you holding back spending in your dental practice and wondering why you aren't seeing the growth you expect?In this episode of Fail Forward, Dr. Brandon Prior shares how he overcame this mentality and transformed his practice. After initially hesitating to make investments due to fear of spending, he realized his actual failure was protecting cash instead of maximizing his valuable time and capacity. Learn how investing back into your practice in areas like hygiene and marketing can create leverage, increase production, and propel you into rapid growth. For dental practice owners ready to break out of the grind and embrace strategic spending for growth, don't miss Dr. Prior's game-changing insights!Listen to Brandon's Other Episodes Here:412: Dr. Brandon Prior | 100 West Dental – The Dental Marketer PodcastDay 2: Dr. Brandon Prior | The Breakaway Series | Business Masters Edition – The Dental Marketer PodcastHost: Michael AriasJoin my newsletter: https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/newsletter/Join this podcast's Facebook Group: The Dental Marketer SocietyLove the Podcast? Subscribe on Your Favorite App! https://lnkfi.re/TDMPod

Mar 19, 2026 • 0sec
Why Dental AI Is Reshaping Workflow, Patient Care, and Team Alignment | Dr. Rania Saleh | 599
Imagine a world where your workflows align effortlessly, teams communicate seamlessly, and every patient gets a tailored experience, all thanks to AI technology and all-in-one software.In this special episode, Dr. Rania Saleh returns to celebrate Oryx’s 10-year milestone and candidly shares the origin story behind building a comprehensive dental practice software platform. Drawing from her own pivotal transition, from running a thriving dental practice to founding Oryx after a health crisis exposed the limits of existing systems, Dr. Rania reveals how necessity sparked the creation of automated, clinically-driven workflows. She walks us through the earliest days of envisioning patient-facing reports, risk assessments, and truly evidence-based care, plus the surprising challenges that came with bridging technology and real-world dentistry.As Oryx evolved far beyond its early plug-in roots, Dr. Rania opens up about tough decisions: ripping out parts of the platform she once prized to keep pace with rapid advances in AI and practice management. She compares the growing pains of a scaling SaaS company with those of an expanding dental team, underscoring the urgent need for culture, leadership, and focused feedback in delivering consistent patient experiences. Whether you’re a solo dentist eyeing growth or a multi-office DSO navigating complexity, this behind-the-scenes conversation offers actionable insights on technology adoption, systematizing clinical excellence, and leading a practice (or platform) your whole team believes in!What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The real reason most dental practices struggle with “invisible” workflows (and how to fix it.)How to design patient communication that builds trust, drives case acceptance, and avoids the hard sell.Why all-in-one platforms beat piecemeal solutions as your practice grows, plus what to look for as a startup or scaling group.Lessons in rebuilding software as dentistry and technology rapidly evolve, including embracing AI.Practical strategies for keeping clinical and front desk teams aligned on evidence-based protocols.How top practices manage growth pains: leadership hiring, culture building, and systematized onboarding.The must-have components of a true comprehensive dental exam (patients and providers both notice).Commonly missed findings that impact patient outcomes and how to communicate them simply.Tips for making small, impactful workflow improvements that compound over time.Dr. Rania’s roadmap for scaling technology, alignment, and patient care in fast-growing practices.Don’t miss this inside look at building a dental practice and a platform that actually works; hit play now to transform your systems and patient care!Sponsors:Oryx: All-In-One Cloud-Based Dental Software Created by Dentists for Dentists. Patient engagement, clinical, and practice management software that helps your dental practice grow without compromise. Click or copy and paste the link here for a special offer! https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/oryx/Guest: Dr. Rania SalehBusiness Name: OryxCheck out Rania's Media:Website: https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/oryx/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oryxdentalsoftware/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OryxDentalSoftwareRania's Past Episode: 453: Dr. Rania Saleh | The Visual Edge: How to Improve Treatment Acceptance Rates – The Dental Marketer PodcastHost: Michael AriasJoin my newsletter: https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/newsletter/Join this podcast's Facebook Group: The Dental Marketer SocietyLove the Podcast? Subscribe on Your Favorite App! https://lnkfi.re/TDMPod


