In this episode of Management Unfiltered, Kirk Teachout and Zach Shelley unpack how to determine the right time to bring on an additional hygienist. They discuss the operational and clinical indicators to watch for, how patient demand and scheduling bottlenecks factor in, and why proactive hiring can prevent burnout across the team. The conversation also covers how clear systems, strong culture, and team alignment make it easier to onboard new hygiene team members and maintain a smooth, efficient practice as you grow.
In this episode of Dental Unfiltered, Matt Brown, Andrew Vallo, Craig Spodak, and Peter Boulden dive into the true realities of success in dentistry. From the grind of entrepreneurship to the pressures of practice ownership, they break down the myths that social media often amplifies. The conversation explores burnout, personal clarity, and the struggle to balance ambition with well-being. Whether you’re a practice owner, aspiring entrepreneur, or simply navigating your dental career, this episode offers honest insights on finding fulfillment without losing yourself along the way.
In this episode of Management Unfiltered, Kirk Teachout and Zach Shelley dive into the essential strategies for retaining top hygienists in dental practices. They explore how streamlined systems, clear communication, and a culture of empowerment can make all the difference. From the importance of positive reinforcement and continued education to the vital role of the front office and teamwork, this conversation unpacks what it tru
In this episode, Matt Brown and Dr. Todd Fleischman explore the vital relationship between hygienists and dentists — and why collaboration and mutual respect are key to a thriving practice. They discuss the evolving role of hygienists in a post-COVID world, the shift toward a wellness-focused hygiene model, and the power of education and communication in improving patient outcomes. Dr. Fleischman shares insights on empowering hygienists to take ownership of their roles, creating a more unified, patient-centered approach to care.
In this episode, Kirk Teachout and Zach Shelley dive into how purposeful, well-structured meetings can transform a dental practice. They discuss the importance of clear communication, leadership, and consistent team alignment to improve both workflow and patient care. From defining departmental priorities to using KPIs effectively, this conversation offers practical insights for creating meetings that actually matter and drive real results.
In this episode of Dental Unfiltered, Matt Brown sits down with Dr. Todd Fleischman to unpack the vital relationship between general dentists and specialists. Together, they explore how trust, communication, and collaboration drive better patient outcomes — and why general dentists should act as the “quarterbacks” of care. The conversation also dives into how evolving dental technology and continuous learning are reshaping the modern dental landscape.
In this episode of Dental Unfiltered, host Matt Brown sits down with Dr. Todd Fleischman, a Philadelphia-based dentist, to explore his journey into dentistry and the realities of running a practice in a bustling city. They dive into the challenges and rewards of urban dentistry, the value of patient relationships, and the role of community in building a lasting legacy. Dr. Fleischman also shares his insights on practice acquisition and why patience and trust are key to long-term success in dentistry.
In this episode of Dental Unfiltered, host Matt Brown sits down with Dr. Todd Fleischman, a Philadelphia-based dentist, to explore his journey into dentistry and the realities of running a practice in a bustling city. They dive into the challenges and rewards of urban dentistry, the value of patient relationships, and the role of community in building a lasting legacy. Dr. Fleischman also shares his insights on practice acquisition and why patience and trust are key to long-term success in dentistry.
In this re-released episode, Matt Brown and Dr. Andrew Vallo revisit how dental practices can gear up for Black Friday promotions. They share timeless tips on early marketing planning, crafting enticing specials, and using social media to engage patients—strategies that are still just as effective in 2025. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro, tune in for practical ideas to boost your practice’s holiday revenue and get your team ready for success this year!If needed, here are the original links to the first time we posted this ep (YouTube | Apple | Spotify)
In this episode, Zach Shelley dives into the key elements of being an effective office manager in a dental practice. He shares insights on building strong relationships with doctors, engaging with team members, and managing time with intention. The conversation explores setting clear expectations, fostering open communication, creating a supportive team culture, and handling mistakes constructively to strengthen workplace dynamics.
In this episode, Matt Brown and Dr. Andrew Vallo dive into the pressing issue of burnout in the dental profession. They share personal stories and insights on self-care, work-life balance, and protecting mental health. Learn why intentional self-care and seeking support are vital for long-term success and get practical advice to help dental professionals thrive both in and out of the practice.
In this episode, host Kirk Teachout shares practical scheduling strategies for dental practices, including how to reverse-engineer annual goals into daily targets, structure the day using a three-column system, apply 48- and 24-hour rules to reduce no-shows, and use morning huddles to boost team efficiency and preparedness.
In this episode, Matt Brown and Dr. Andrew Vallo dive into the innovative blend of orthodontics and creative marketing, focusing on how Pokémon-themed strategies can engage younger patients. They discuss the introduction of mixed dentition clear aligners and the importance of offering in-house services to enhance patient experience. The conversation also covers the balance between creative outreach and the practical considerations of expanding dental services. The episode wraps with a teaser for future updates on the rollout of these new offerings.
In this episode, Dr. Sausha and Dr. Mark McCawley discuss the benefits of dental lasers in periodontal and implant dentistry. They cover laser applications in socket management, nerve regeneration, and depigmentation. The conversation highlights how lasers improve healing, disinfection, and outcomes in modern dental care.
In this episode of Dental Unfiltered, Matt Brown and Dr. Andrew Vallo explore the vital role of production audits in dental practices. They highlight the significance of accurate production reporting and the common challenges practices face during the auditing process. Dr. Vallo offers firsthand insights into how regular, detailed audits can enhance financial transparency, improve associate compensation structures, and streamline operations. The discussion also covers the importance of tracking production trends to make informed decisions and drive long-term practice success.
In this episode, Dr. Sausha and Dr. Mark McCawley explore the revolutionary role of Nd:YAG lasers in modern periodontal therapy. They trace the evolution of laser technology, discuss compelling research backing its effectiveness, and share real-world clinical experiences that showcase its benefits for patient outcomes. The discussion also clears up common myths about dental lasers, looks ahead to the future of dental innovation, and underscores the importance of embracing advanced technologies in clinical practice. Both doctors advocate for continuous education and adaptability as essential tools for success in the ever-changing landscape of dentistry.
In this episode, Matt Brown and Dr. Andrew Vallo delve into the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the dental industry. They discuss cutting-edge AI tools and platforms that are reshaping dental practices, from diagnostics and treatment planning to patient communication. The conversation emphasizes how AI can enhance both operational efficiency and patient care. They also explore future trends in patient engagement, underscoring the need for dental professionals to embrace innovation while keeping patient experience at the forefront.
In this episode, Zach Shelley and Kirk Teachout dive into the hidden standards that influence behavior and decision-making in leadership and team dynamics. They explore the importance of discipline, self-reflection, and clear communication in effective leadership. They stress that leaders must define and vocalize their standards, hold themselves accountable, and build systems that reinforce these expectations. By doing so, they create a productive, cohesive team culture grounded in clarity and consistency.
In this episode, Matt Brown and Dr. Andrew Vallo celebrate the milestone of opening Dr. Vallo's 10th practice. They explore the internal competitive culture driving performance among their dentists, the critical role of hiring passionate team members, and a strategic pivot from traditional dental office build-outs to more efficient, scalable practice models. The discussion also touches on the group's record-breaking financial success and outlines plans for sustainable, long-term growth—underscoring the importance of consistency in achieving lasting results.
In this episode, Dr. Sausha explores the transformative role of 3D printing surgical guides in implant dentistry. He shares his personal journey into the field and emphasizes the value of surgical guides for precision and efficiency. The discussion covers the workflow for creating guides, common challenges in implant placement, and the advantages of in-house 3D printing. Dr. Sausha also discusses costs, ROI, and advanced techniques, including the benefits and limitations of full arch implant guides. He closes with a forward-looking perspective on dental technology and encourages practitioners to embrace innovation to elevate patient care.