Claim OwnershipThe Dental Amigos
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Friendship, collaboration and education for the dental profession. Dentistry can be a lonely profession without good friends. The Dental Amigos hope to serve as a resource for dentists and those who like, love or spend time with dentists, and to bring the dental world together for the RIGHT reasons–fun, friendship and (practical) learning inside and outside of the operatory.
151 Episodes
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This week, the Dental Amigos welcome Jaclyn Nona, CEO, Co-Founder, and Marketing Strategist of Clever Dental Co. Jaclyn helps dental practices implement effective in-house marketing and social media strategies, empowering dental practices to build authentic brands and stronger patient connections.
In this episode, Jaclyn shares her background in communications and her journey collaborating with dentists on their dental marketing strategies and working in the dental industry which began in 2013. She focuses on how in-house marketing can transform dental practices. She explains why social media is underused in dentistry, how training existing staff to manage marketing saves time and money, and how authentic, in-house content builds patient loyalty, staff retention, and community reputation.
To learn more about Jaclyn and Clever Dental Co., visit www.cleverdentalco.com or connect with her on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaclyn-nona-7b9424314/.
Listeners who want to reach Paul can do so at Paul@DentalNachos.com and those who want to reach Rob can do so at Rob@RMontgomery-law.com.
This week, the Dental Amigos welcome Sharon Bleiler, DMD, practicing dentist and co-founder of Team Care Dental, and her husband Colin Ambler, MBA, business strategist and software architect behind the platform. Together, they transformed their 14-chair practice in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania into a model of team-driven growth and innovation.
In this episode, Sharon and Colin share their journey from building a start-up dental practice to launching Team Care Dental, a platform that empowers staff through real-time incentives, performance tracking, and culture-building tools that drive profitability and engagement.
To learn more about Sharon, Colin, and Team Care Dental, visit www.teamcaredental.com.
Listeners who want to reach Paul can do so at Paul@DentalNachos.com and those who want to reach Rob can do so at Rob@RMontgomery-law.com.
This week, the Dental Amigos welcome Dr. Bob “Dee” Dokhanchi, seasoned private practice dentist, tech advisor, and founder of the Facebook group Dentistry in General. A passionate advocate for transparency and grassroots reform, Bob brings energy and insight to the future of dentistry.
In this episode, Bob shares his journey from clinical honors at Loyola to leading advocacy efforts within the ADA. He discusses DIG-A-PALOOZA , food insecurity among dental students, the licensing compact debate, and the challenges of selling to DSOs—all with his signature “fuzzy math” clarity and entrepreneurial fire.
To learn more about Bob and Dentistry in General, visit https://dentistryingeneral.com or join the Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/16J7DacEYY/
Listeners who want to reach Paul can do so at Paul@DentalNachos.com and those who want to reach Rob can do so at Rob@RMontgomery-law.com.
This week, the Dental Amigos welcome Joe McGonigal, dental industry veteran, sell-side advisor, and Partner at DDSmatch. With over 20 years of experience, Joe specializes in guiding dentists through successful practice transitions across the Mid-Atlantic region.
In this episode, Joe shares his journey from broker newcomer to trusted advisor, and dives into the evolving landscape of dental practice valuations, the impact of DSOs, and the critical role of clean data and strategic guidance in closing high-stakes transitions.
To learn more about Joe McGonigal and DDSmatch, visit ddsmatch.com or reach out to him directly at jmcgonigal@ddsmatch.com.
Listeners who want to reach Paul can do so at Paul@DentalNachos.com and those who want to reach Rob can do so at Rob@RMontgomery-law.com.
This week, the Dental Amigos welcome Diwakar Sinha, founder, CEO, and healthcare finance strategist at Polaris Healthcare Partners. With over two decades of experience in dental sales and acquisitions, practice growth, and capital sourcing, Diwakar brings deep insight into the evolving landscape of group dentistry.
In this episode, Diwakar shares his journey from traditional banking to strategic consulting and explores how younger dentists and multi-practice owners can scale responsibly, retain associates through equity partnerships, and navigate middle-market lending without defaulting to DSO sales.
To learn more about Diwakar and Polaris Healthcare Partners, visit polarishealthcarepartners.com or reach out to him directly at diwakar@polarishealthcarepartners.com.
Listeners who want to reach Paul can do so at Paul@DentalNachos.com and those who want to reach Rob can do so at Rob@RMontgomery-law.com.
This week, the Dental Amigos welcome Stephanie Mapp, DMD, dental consultant, speaker, and founder of “Mapp Your Practice.” With over 30 years of clinical and business experience, Dr. Mapp helps dentists navigate PPOs, practice transitions, and sustainable growth strategies.
In this episode, Dr. Mapp shares her journey as a multi-practice owner navigating financial and legal adversity. With the knowledge gained from this experience, she now empowers dentists to rethink PPO participation, associate hiring, and practice profitability with clarity and resilience.
To learn more about Dr. Mapp and ”Mapp Your Practice,” visit www.mappyourpractice.com.
Listeners who want to reach Paul can do so at Paul@DentalNachos.com and those who want to reach Rob can do so at Rob@RMontgomery-law.com.
Episode 143 – Dr. Rihan Javid: How Remote Teams Are Transforming Hiring in the Dental Industry by The Dental Amigos
Episode 142 - Deren Flesher, DDS: Financial Fitness, Freedom & Life Beyond the Operatory by The Dental Amigos
This week, the Dental Amigos welcome Alex Nottingham, founder and CEO of All-Star Dental Academy, for a dynamic and thought-provoking conversation about what it really takes to build and lead a high-performing dental team. Drawing on his experience as a business leader, speaker, and coach, Alex shares practical insights on reducing costly staff turnover, improving team training, and creating a culture of accountability and care.
Alex breaks down why dentists often get in their own way when it comes to leadership—and how shifting from manager to visionary can transform their practices. He also talks candidly about the value of coaching, what makes dental events impactful (or not), and why most dentists are surprisingly great on the phone.
From building onboarding systems to getting buy-in from your team, this episode is full of real-world advice for practice owners who want to work smarter, not just harder.
To learn more about Alex and explore All-Star Dental Academy’s free resources and training programs, visit https://www.allstardentalacademy.com.
Listeners who want to reach Paul can do so at Paul@DentalNachos.com, and those who want to reach Rob can do so at Rob@RMontgomery-law.com.
Episode 140 – Dee Fischer: Leading with Heart, Building with Systems, and Succeeding in Private Practice by The Dental Amigos
This week, the Dental Amigos welcome Harold Gornbein, Co-Founder partner of Apex Reimbursement Specialists who has over 30 years of experience within the dental insurance industry. Harold has worked in sales and account management for Ameritas, Dental Benefit Providers, PacifiCare Health Systems, and United Concordia, as well as his own employee benefits agency. His wealth of industry knowledge, experience, and relationships provide Apex clients crucial strategic guidance on credentialing management, UCR Fee analysis, dental billing, and fee schedule analysis and optimization. Apex’s services help to position dental practices at the head of the negotiating table for higher paying fee schedules potentially producing thousand’s more in revenue without additional chair time.
In this episode, Harold discusses PPO fee negotiation, insurance verification, collection rates, the importance of transitioning practice ownership with proper credentialing and the value of outsourcing to reimbursement specialists. He emphasizes the significance of annually updating UCR fee schedules to maximize revenue at your practice. Harold also discusses the significance of insurance compliance when transitioning practice ownership and the benefits of outsourcing billing to professionals like Apex, which can save practices significant costs and improve efficiency.
To get in touch with Harold and his team, visit apexreimbursement.com or email him directly at harold@apexreimbursement.com.
Listeners who want to reach Paul can do so at Paul@DentalNachos.com and those who want to reach Rob can do so at Rob@RMontgomery-law.com.
This week, the Dental Amigos welcome Brannon Moncrief, the Principal and CEO of McLerran & Associates, who specializes in providing sell-side advisory to large dental practice owners seeking to monetize their businesses in private buyer sales or DSO transactions. Brannon has personally facilitated the sale of over 1,000 dental practices and is widely considered to be an expert on DSO affiliations.
In this episode, Brannon offers his insight on the “DSO vs. private doctor buyer” debate, emphasizing the importance of defining personal, professional, and financial goals before making a decision. Brannon draws on his extensive experience to help listeners understand concepts like EBITDA and the different types of equity to help listeners understand highly complex and often confusing DSO offers. Finally, Brannon discusses the challenges of internal succession planning and his long term strategies for facilitating a smooth transition into retirement.
To get in touch with Brannon and his team, schedule a free, confidential discovery call here: https://dentaltransitions.com/contact-us/. Brannon can also be reached directly at brannon@dentaltransitions.com or (512) 660-8505.
Listeners who want to reach Paul can do so at Paul@DentalNachos.com and those who want to reach Rob can do so at Rob@RMontgomery-law.com.
This week, coming back for his second show appearance, the Dental Amigos welcome Dr. Cliff Moore, a former Navy dental officer, dental practice owner and ultramarathon runner. For over 10 years, Cliff has dedicated himself to serving his community through his efforts giving back to veterans, providing over $35,000 in free dental care and raising more than $75,000 through an annual ultramarathon event. His passion for service, endurance sports, and dentistry reflects his lifelong commitment to making a meaningful impact.
In this episode, Cliff discusses his strategy for balancing his practice, family, and athletic pursuits, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries to ensure a balanced life. He chats with Rob and Paul about how finding a cause one is passionate about, as he is with community involvement and fundraising for veterans, has a positive impact on his practice and personal fulfillment. By sharing his experience with veteran-focused charities and the impact of his fundraising efforts, Cliff encourages all dentists to find small ways to give back to their communities and use their platforms to help others.
To get in touch with Cliff and his team, visit MooreDentalLewisCenter.com. You can also find him on Instagram @LC_dentist.
To make a donation to Cliff’s upcoming ultramarathon fundraiser on May 3, 2025 for STRIVE, a suicide and trauma reduction initiative for veterans and first responders, click here: https://buckeyefunder.osu.edu/project/46100?utm_source=social&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=med_donor-event_fy25_strive-tribute-relay
Listeners who want to reach Paul can do so at Paul@DentalNachos.com and those who want to reach Rob can do so at Rob@RMontgomery-law.com.
This week, the Dental Amigos welcome Mike Slattery, a Managing Director at Crown Tenant Advisors, a boutique healthcare real estate firm. Mike has over ten years of experience in the healthcare industry working with young dentists to find the perfect location and space to start their dream practice and with assisting established dental practices relocate, expand, and purchase property. Mike offers a results-oriented approach through analysis, tenacity, strong negotiation skills, and customer focus.
In this episode, Mike discusses the start-up site selection process, emphasizing the importance of analyzing demographics and market competition in chosen areas to ensure that they fit the vision and goals of the practice. He then emphasizes key concessions to negotiate with the landlord, including tenant improvement allowance, free rent, permitted transfers, and renewal options. Mike also discusses critical risk mitigation language to be negotiated at the letter of intent (LOI) phase to protect the dentist, including relocation and exclusive use clauses.
To work with Mike and his team, visit crowntenantadvisors.com or call him directly at (619) 306-5048.
Listeners who want to reach out to Paul can do so at Paul@DentalNachos.com and those who want to reach out to Rob can do so at Rob@RMontgomery-Law.com.
This week, the Dental Amigos welcome immigration attorney Wendy Castor Hess to explore how dental practices can navigate the complicated world of hiring foreign-trained dentists. Wendy is a partner at Landau, Hess, Simon, Choi, and Doebley, and has over 42 years of experience in Immigration Law. She is fluent in Spanish and serves as counsel to the Mexican Consulate in Philadelphia. Wendy advises institutions across healthcare, education, and technology industries, and also represents individuals in family-based cases. She has been recognized repeatedly as one of the Best Lawyers in America, including “Lawyer of the Year” for Immigration Law in Philadelphia.
In this episode, Wendy shares her insight on OPT (Optional Practical Training) for F1 student visas and the challenges involved with the H-1B visa lottery. She also discusses the process of obtaining green cards through the PERM labor certification process, and what practice owners need to know to avoid costly mistakes. Wendy emphasizes the need for dental practices to work with immigration specialists to navigate these complexities and ensure compliance with U.S. immigration laws.
To learn more about Wendy Castor Hess and her immigration law services, visit lhscimmigration.com or email her directly at whess@lhscimmigration.com.
Listeners who want to reach Paul can do so at Paul@DentalNachos.com and those who want to reach Rob can do so at Rob@RMontgomery-law.com.
This week, the Dental Amigos welcome David J. Goodman, CPA, a partner and Dental Practice Solutions Team Leader at PFK O’Connor Davies Advisory, LLC. David has over 35 years of experience working with a client base of individuals and closely held businesses. Before joining the PKFOD, David was Managing Director of LB Goodman. He is a member of the Academy of Dental CPAs and the Practice Valuation Study Group. He is a licensed CPA in New Jersey, New York and Florida, and a frequent contributor to Dental Economics magazine on practice and financial management.
In this episode, David discusses the dental industry trends he observed in the last year. He highlights an overall increase in labor costs, but also the benefits for practice owners who invest in long-term employee retention and staff morale. David then discusses the different financial planning strategies that he recommends for independent dentists with one or two practice locations versus those that he recommends for his clients who run complex multi-location practices.
Each year, David Goodman and his team synthesize their dental industry data in their Dental Practices by the Numbers report, which you can download here for more high-level analysis of dental industry financial trends. You can also find him at pfkod.com or reach out to him directly at dgoodman@pfkod.com.
Listeners who want to reach out to Paul can do so at Paul@DentalNachos.com and those who want to reach out to Rob can do so at Rob@RMontgomery-Law.com.
Episode 133 – Mark Costes, D.D.S. on High-Level Practice Ownership and Philanthropy by The Dental Amigos
Episode 132 - Josh McSpadden, Co-Founder of the PracticeFinder App by The Dental Amigos
This week, the Dental Amigos welcome Alan Stern, D.D.S, recipient of the 2023 Nifty Award for “Most Inspirational Dental Professional.” Alan works with dentists who are looking to create a workplace that is productive and profitable and a life that is rewarding and meaningful. As a speaker, Dr. Stern conducts presentations for dental groups focused on redefining what it means to build a better team and rekindling a passion for what matters.
Dr. Stern discusses his journey from disillusionment to fulfillment as a dentist, reflecting on his initial struggles after graduating from dental school, including financial difficulties and a lack of patient acceptance. He shares his personal “AHA!” moment, when he realized the value of gratitude and perspective and their impact on revitalizing his clinical practice. Dr. Stern offers his advice to young dentists facing the same issues, urging them to find community and mentorship.
To get in touch with Dr. Stern or schedule a virtual coffee chat with him, visit his website at www.betterricherstronger.com or send him an email at alan@betterricherstronger.com. You can also check out his book, Enjoy the Ride: Lessons for the Quest to Live a Joyful, Profitable Life in Dentistry.
Listeners who want to reach out to Paul can do so at Paul@DentalNachos.com and those who want to reach out to Rob can do so at Rob@RMontgomery-Law.com.
This week, the Dental Amigos welcome Valerie Woo, D.M.D. entrepreneur, pediatric dentist, and dental consultant. She leverages her extensive experience to consult, guide, and mentor dentists, helping them transform chaotic practices into thriving, well-organized businesses. She integrates leadership, marketing and operational systems into customized programs, providing strategic guidance that is both practical and compassionate.
Dr. Woo discusses her journey from the beginning of her career as a pediatric dentist, to growing her practice and selling to a DSO. Then, she and the Amigos talk about her use of personality assessments to better understand one’s strengths and how they align with the demands of practice ownership. Dr. Woo emphasizes the importance of personal growth and challenges, outside perspectives, and accountability.
To get in touch with Dr. Woo or schedule an initial discovery call with her, visit her website www.drvaleriewoo.com. You can also find her on Instagram @drvaleriewoo.
Listeners who want to reach out to Paul can do so at Paul@DentalNachos.com and those who want to reach out to Rob can do so at Rob@RMontgomery-Law.com.
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