The Dental Brief Podcast

This episode dives into one of the biggest challenges dental practices face today, keeping your best team members engaged and empowered. Host Patrick is joined by Robyn Reis from All Star Dental Academy, who shares practical insights on building a strong practice culture and managing your team for long-term success. They unpack why so many practices struggle beyond just hiring shortages, the hidden risks of the “always-on” mentality, and how setting boundaries can actually boost productivity ...

This episode is about something every dentist faces but not enough talk about. Host Patrick Chavoustie is joined by Lisa Grogan to unpack the subtle ways providers accidentally undersell treatment… and what to do instead. They dive into the mindset traps that cost practices revenue, why patients say “no” when they might actually mean “not yet”, and how one simple shift in communication can dramatically improve case acceptance. Here’s what they cover: -Why Patients Say “It’s Too Expensive” -Ho...

This episode gets personal. Host Patrick Chavoustie is joined by Brandi Hooker Evans to explore the often-ignored emotional side of dentistry. They talk about the real reasons patients avoid care, how shame shows up in the dental chair, and what providers can do to shift from judgment to partnership. Whether you’re trying to improve patient trust, reduce no-shows, or just connect more deeply with the people you serve. This conversation is packed with insight. Here’s what we cover: How Human ...

We’ve talked about AI in dentistry before, but not like this. In this episode, Patrick is joined by Dr. Shervin Molayem, periodontist and co-founder of Trust Dentistry AI, to dive into how artificial intelligence is changing treatment planning and what dentists need to know to stay ahead. They cover real-world use cases, from clinical decision support to patient communication, plus where AI helps and where human expertise still matters. What You’ll Learn: How AI supports dental diagnosis and ...

Ever thought about dropping insurance plans or going fee-for-service but weren’t sure if it’s worth the risk? In this episode, host Patrick Chavoustie is joined by Shelly VanEpps from Allstar Dental Academy to break down exactly what dentists need to think about before making that call. They’re not just talking theory, it's real-world stuff every growth-minded practice should consider. Here’s what they cover: Why Patient Experience Matters More Than InsuranceHow to Decide If Your Practice Sho...

You already know dental insurance is a pain but do you know how much it’s really costing you? In this episode, I’m joined by Shreyas from Daydream Dental to talk about the real financial impact of billing bottlenecks, the admin burden your team silently carries, and how AI (when used the right way) can help you reclaim your revenue and your sanity. Here’s what we cover: How much money practices lose to poor collections (it’s more than you think) Why your front office staff is probably burnt o...

In this episode, host Patrick is joined by Dr. Anjali Rajpal, a Beverly Hills dentist who opened her own practice in the middle of the COVID chaos and made it work. They talk about what it really looks like to go out on your own, build a brand around your personal energy, and navigate today’s evolving dental workforce. Here's what they dig into: – How she left an associate role to start her own practice – How COVID flipped the script on hiring and hygiene – What she thinks h...

If you’re dealing with team drama, low morale, or constant staff turnover… this one’s for you. In this episode of The Dental Brief, I chat with the always-brilliant Julie Parker from Dental Business Mastery about a simple daily habit that can completely shift how your dental team shows up and sticks around. Julie shares some seriously actionable ideas, like: ✅ The 4 daily questions that boost team engagement ✅ How introverted dentists can build deeper team bonds ✅ Why you, ...

In this episode of The Dental Brief Podcast, Dr. Addison Killeen shares the #1 mistake that leaves dental chairs empty and how building genuine, personalized connections with your patients can change everything. From remembering major life events to asking intentional personal questions before treatment, Dr. Killeen breaks down how a more human approach creates loyalty, more Google reviews, and a steady stream of referrals. He also introduces his latest book: *The Dental Office Manager Posi...

In this episode of The Dental Brief, host Patrick Chavoustie dives into one of the most shocking threats facing dental practices today: embezzlement. Patrick sits down with David Harris, CEO of Prosperident, the nation’s leading dental embezzlement investigation firm, to uncover how these crimes happen, why most dentists miss the warning signs, and what you can do to protect your practice. About the guest: David Harris may have the coolest job in dentistry - he gets to chase, and catch, thos...

In this episode of The Dental Brief, host Patrick Chavoustie welcomes Lane Rizzardini from SleepApneaLeads.com, for an eye-opening conversation about why most dental sleep apnea programs don’t deliver results and how AI is changing everything. Lane explains how their AI texting agent “Sarah” is helping practices respond to leads instantly, 24/7, and increase conversion rates by up to 8x. If you're a dentist, office manager, or marketer looking to grow a sleep practice or just cur...

In this episode of The Dental Brief, we welcome back Open Dental expert Brittany Rogers from SKF Practice Solutions and she’s dropping serious knowledge on how dentists are leaving thousands on the table without even knowing it. Brittany shares how one dental practice uncovered $60,000 in missed insurance claims, all by using one overlooked feature inside Open Dental. If you're a dental practice owner or office manager using Open Dental (or thinking about switching), you can't afford t...

In this episode of The Dental Brief, host Patrick Chavoustie and guest Dr. Bryan Laskin uncover the costly systems holding dental practices back and reveal how connected dentistry is changing everything. From broken data flow to patient engagement gaps, learn how platforms like ToothApps and CAIR are helping dentists modernize, improve care, and operate more efficiently. About the guest: Dr. Bryan Laskin is a Minnesota dentist and tech entrepreneur on a mission to connect dentistry by ...

In this episode of The Dental Brief, Patrick Chavoustie and guest Mandy uncover the costly systems, third-party programs, and outdated processes that many dentists are still paying for — without even realizing how much it's costing them. Discover how to: -Reduce or eliminate processing fees -Take control with in-house membership programs -How to gain clarity and take control of your expenses -Save thousands each year and reinvest in your practice About the guest: Mandy Madeline i...

In this episode of The Dental Brief, host Patrick Chavoustie is joined by dental practice consultant Melinda Hereford to break down the hidden chaos in many dental offices—and how to fix it. They dive into the real meaning of efficiency vs. effectiveness, how to implement SOPs that actually work, and why streamlining your systems leads to higher profits, better teamwork, and improved patient care. About the guest: Melinda Hereford is the founder of Practice Management Consulting, a firm...