The Fee for Service Dentist Podcast

DR. Sonny Spera's Last Show

Steve founded Crossroads Companies in 2001. In his role as CEO, Steve oversees all aspects of Crossroads' projects, verticals and strategic initiatives. Steve has over 40 years of experience in all facets of real estate. He has spent the past 20+ years as a principal, successfully developing a significant real estate portfolio throughout the NJ/NY region.

Joshua Belof is child of God, a husband to Elizabeth, and father to 3 amazing young girls. One year ago they moved to the mountains of Franklin, NC, a very small rural town at the base of Smokey Mountain National Park, and is about to open his second FFS startup practice. Ten months ago, he sold his first startup dental practice, also FFS, after owning it for 11 years, with no commitment to return to dentistry. He has spent the last year evaluating many business opportunities but found that that dentistry is truly the best business one can own, and he will be launching his new startup practice in the next week. He believes that you don’t have to accept the current situation you are in, and that dentists are so blessed because we have so many options to reinvent our careers and rewrite our own stories. It just takes the guts to step out and make the changes. As a little boy from New Jersey, he always wanted to be an airline pilot. He and his family moved to Tampa FL in his high school years. He started working in a dental office at age 18, starting with fetching his bosses’ (and soon to become mentor’s) coffee, washing his car, cleaning out the attic, assisting chairside, filling in at the front desk, and eventually carving teeth out of soap. Dentistry was interesting, but not as much as aviation. He then went to Clearwater Christian College graduating with a BS in Pre-Medicine. However, undergrad education and the progression to dental school, was just a back up plan. While in college he earned his pilot’s license moving one step closer to his airline pilot dream. But then, everything changed. While in college, his mother received a cancer diagnosis, and passed away 6 short weeks later. There were some amazing nurses and doctors who displayed a high level of compassion and caring, and this left a big impact. He decided to turn his goal towards dentistry so that he could impact others in a manner similar to the cancer doctors. He applied to one school, and in 2007 received his DMD degree from the University of Florida College of Dentistry. Immediately after school, he went back to work for his mentor, Dr Jeff Weihe, who taught him advanced CEREC applications and that a FFS practice is a practice model worth emulating. The financial crisis hit, and Dr. Belof eventually found himself working for a large corporation- the complete opposite of a FFS practice. Needless to say, this was a poor fit and one of 3 three major career moments that motivated a big change. The only way forward was ownership. And it had to be a startup. The doors are set to open this week for Career 2.0, AKA Signature Dentistry of Franklin, a FFS startup with plans to be low overhead, high tech, high touch, in a town that is dentally underserved. The FFS aspect will help fund the Heroes program, which is meant to act almost as a second practice within the practice, that donates dentistry to local community heroes who have demonstrated selfless service to the community. Dr. Belof’s core values for his dental office are gratitude, kindness, excellence, hospitality, positivity, and difference making. These values and a renewed sense of WHY are the driving force for Signature Dentistry.

BUCK JOFFREY, MD is a former board certified surgeon turned real estate entrepreneur, best-selling author and podcaster. His podcast, Wealth Formula, has over 2 million downloads and focuses on personal finance for high paid professionals such as doctors, lawyers and small business owners. As an expert in alternative finance and tax mitigating investments, Buck oversees over $1 billion in assets as the founder of the Wealth Formula Investor Club. SURGEON, PROFESSIONAL INVESTOR & BEST SELLING FINANCIAL AUTHOR, Dr Buck Joffrey and Investing for Wealth Building and Reducing Taxes. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wealth-formula-by-buck-joffrey/id718416620

Dr. Tim Rauch knew early on that he wanted to be a dentist. He graduated from Marquette University School of Dentistry in 2010. He was the Student Body President during his time at Marquette University where he researched and presented a paper on dental materials, including modern day impression techniques. He later pursued post graduate studies in advanced implant surgery and cosmetic dentistry along with post graduate training in IV Sedation. Dr. Rauch has lectured nationally to other dentists trying to learn and incorporate high end treatment into their practices. He was selected as one of the Top 40 Dentists Under 40 years old in the US in 2014. More recently, Dr. Rauch became an author of Change Your Smile, Change Your Life, a book about the ability of modern dentistry to improve your overall health and wellness. He has also appeared on The Wellness Hour on Fox to discuss same day teeth and more details about dental implants for those with missing teeth or severely broken down dentition. When Dr. Rauch isn’t at his practice he enjoys time with his wife Sara and daughters Lily, Josie and Coco. They love to spend time at home as a family and explore the outdoors. Both Tim and his wife Sara enjoy riding their mountain bikes and traveling to new places. Medidenta Promo Code: FFSD30

Dr Lior Tamir and the episode will come separately, its on the Dental app. a new dental software that is a PMS and CRM system in one, and allows dentist to run their businesses by having the numbers and abilities to improve the patient experiences... also a special offer for out listeners - 3 MONTHS FREE- use this link, thedentalapp.com/FFS Dr. Lior Tamir is a practicing dentist and founder of The Dental App, a powerful practice management platform that consolidates all the tools needed to run and grow a practice. Over the 15 years he's practiced dentistry, Dr. Tamir has started and scaled multiple de-novo practices to multi-million dollar operations and has consulted and worked with hundreds of dentists helping them find growth opportunities and improve operations in their offices. With an extensive background in building businesses, Dr. Tamir and his team developed The Dental App, a practice management platform designed to streamline practice efficiency and boost practice growth with tools that help fill empty seats, get paid faster and deliver consistently stellar patient experiences.

Amy Adair, DMD, MSD. -Second generation pediatric dentist. (This is important as my father really shaped my values in practice ownership) -Graduated from UConn School of Dental Medicine in 2007 on Navy Scholarship. -Served as a US Navy dentist for 8 years. 3 years as a GP, including a short deployment overseas. Finished my Navy obligation working at Walter Reed Bethesda hospital as a staff pediatric dentist. -Consultant for Naval Post Graduate Dental School, Bethesda, MD where I lecture annually for the Nitrous Oxide and Pediatric Dentistry CE courses. -Private practice owner in Burke, VA. About my practice: -Purchased an existing 17 year old practice from a retiring dentist. (Good story of how we met) -Solo doc -Team of 6: 4 full time employees (DA, Hygienist, 1 Admin, 1 Admin/DA) and 2 part-time employees -I chose to stay in-network with Tricare to serve this population My husband is a retired USMC helicopter pilot who has flown 3 presidents and now currently works in cybersecurity. We have two boys age 10 and 11. Baseball is life right now :)

Dr. Dave Whitlock. has been in private dental practice for 17 years. He graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2007. He practiced in Phoenix, Dallas/Oklahoma City, Fort Collins, CO and briefly in Raleigh, NC before settling in Ashland, KY. After having practiced in heavily populated areas for most of his career his wife and he decided they wanted a change of pace and moved to a more rural community. He currently owns and operates 3 dental practices in the area. Together they have 5 children ranging in age from 20 t0 10, three daughters and two sons.

Dr. Bridgett Jorgensen started her journey towards dentistry shortly after graduating from high school in Illinois. At seventeen, she married her high school sweetheart, Allen Jorgensen, and began college for dental hygiene. After employment as a hygienist for a few years, she decided to go back to school to become a dentist. In 1992, she graduated from Southern Illinois University, School of Dental Medicine. She opened North Gwinnett Dental Care in 1994 and she is involved in the American Dental Association, the Georgia Dental Association and the Northern District Dental Association. Alan is a Serial Dental Entrepreneur.

Dr. John Aylmer, a proud Floridian, is a dedicated new father with a growing family and a thriving practice. He earned his dental degree from Nova Southeastern University in 2016. Upon graduation, Dr. Aylmer entered private practice and gained extensive experience in various associate roles before acquiring his own prestigious Fee for Service practice in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in October 2021. He is a Past President of the South Florida District Dental Association and has held numerous leadership roles within the Florida Dental Association. Through these roles, Dr. Aylmer has significantly contributed to the advancement of the dental profession and mentored countless students and new grads, helping to launch their careers in dentistry. Dr. Aylmer's practice offers comprehensive dental services, including Cerec, Invisalign, implants, and sleep apnea treatments. He prioritizes ongoing training for his team to improve both their personal and professional lives. By collaborating with practice coaches and advisors, he ensures a balanced work-life dynamic, allowing him to focus on both his professional and personal life. Above all, Dr Aylmer is committed to serving his community. He takes pride in his work and the strong relationships he has built with his patients and neighbors.

Nima Aflatooni DDS owns a general practice in Gold River, CA. He currently serves on the California Dental Association Board of Managers and is President-Elect of the Sacramento District Dental Society. He enjoys playing tennis, auto racing, and spending time with his wife and daughter.

Dr. Michael Neal is the Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Build My Team. He is a practicing Optometrist in private practice in rural Hawley, Pennsylvania. He founded Build My Team to solve his own hiring struggles in his practice by modeling how companies like Disney and the Four Seasons hire. The process worked so well he expanded it to help friends and now Build My Team services clients in 8 different health care professions in over 40 states and Canada. In his downtime, he's a Dad to 2 great sons, runs marathons with his wife and is an aspiring ultra runner.

I’m Melinda Heryford. My team and I help dentist-owners grow their practice with systems that reduce redundancy in their operations, improve team productivity, and increase patient satisfaction. We also work with dental office managers and their teams to get them performing their best on a daily basis. Through our unique approach, the Proven Prime System, we access your unique practice strengths and match them to a personalized blueprint pathway that gets you and your team to your next level of production, collection, and treatment acceptance. This process has helped clients go from a healthy 20% to an exceptional 68% in these areas. As a result, our clients share they’re more focused, see more commitment in their staff, and ultimately enjoy a more profitable, rewarding practice. We value the meaningful impact we make in dentistry, transforming lives by fostering dental health and creating confident smiles. We take pleasure in collaborating with dedicated practitioners who strive for success, partnering with passionate dental owners leading both experienced and new team members, and supporting dental practice staff who are diligently working as individuals, supporting the promise to unite and function as a high-performing team.

Dr. Sonny talks with Dr. Nicole Vane and Karyn Ross About Office Culture

Maria Vasilakis is a Restorative Dentist. She holds a B.A. in Zoology from Miami University and received her DMD from Case Western Reserve University school of Dental Medicine. She also is a member of and lifelong student at the Kois Center for Advanced Dental Study in Seattle, WA. She has a passion for her profession and is a third generation dentist in her family. Most of all she loves implant, cosmetic, computer, and sedation dentistry. She is an advocate for keeping dentistry independent, patient focused, and free from corporate influence as a board member of the Alliance of Independent Dentists. She is also Vice President for the Alumni Association of CWRU School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Maria was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, and spent a year living in Sydney, Australia. She moved to Boston immediately after dental school as she loves all that New England has to offer.

Dr. Dan Ross is a 2007 graduate from the Marquette University School of Dentistry. He is in private practice in New Berlin, Wisconsin. He started his career working at a DSO right out of school and after eight years transitioned into private practice ownership. In 2018 he bought a second office and merged it with his original. In late 2022 he bought a second standalone location. He now runs both offices completely fee for service. Dr. Ross is married with three kids and loves the freedom. He has to spend time with his family and travel

DR. NICOLE VANE was born and raised in Northern California, Dr. Vane has a degree in biology from the University of California at Berkeley, and a Doctorate in Dental Medicine from Tufts University in Boston. She graduated at the top of her class, and above the 95th percentile on both National Dental Board exams. She is the recipient of numerous awards, including the induction to the Pierre Fauchard International Honor Society. Moonlight Beach Dental 681 Encinitas Blvd Suite 309, Encinitas, CA 92024 (760) 632-0320 frontoffice@moonlightbeachdental.com Karyn Ross, author of How to Coach for Creativity and Service Excellence: A Lean Coaching Workbook, and coauthor of the Shingo Award-winning, The Toyota Way to Service Excellence: Lean Transformation in Service Organizations. An internationally acclaimed consultant, coach and lean practitioner, I’ve taught organizations of all sizes, in sectors as diverse as insurance, HR, transportation and retail how to use creativity combined with Toyota Way principles, practices and tools. This powerful combination enables organizations to create better, more effective and efficient ways to work and the peak services that each of their customers wants, now and for the future. 219 CEDARBROOK ROAD NAPERVILLE, ILLINOIS 60565 (630) 881-3068 KARYN@KARYNROSSCONSULTING.COM WWW.KARYNROSSCONSULTING.COM

Dr Grazioso attended Boston College where she received a BS in Biology; The University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine where she received her DMD, and St Christopher's Hospital for Children in Philadelphia PA where she received her certificate in Pediatric Dentistry. She is a board certified pediatric dentist, owns two practices and is celebrating 25 years as a small business owner this year! She is a passionate advocate for the dental profession and the patients we serve,has lobbied for legislation to protect the dental profession and patient rights, and is the administrator of several dentist-only facebook groups. She volunteers her time as the Vice President of the Alliance of Independent Dentists , a grassroots nonprofit group she co founded with seven other dentists in Massachusetts in 2017. The group has grown to national prominence and educates dentists on the values and benefits of independent dentistry. Dr Grazioso is an international speaker on this topic as well as practice management and business principles. She is a partner in a small consulting firm , Shero Dental Advisors. Contact info: Kristine Love Peace on Facebook kristinelovepeace@gmail.com Practice Info: South Shore Children's Dentistry www.sscdsmiles.com 781-383-0003 The Alliance of Independent Dentists www.dentistalliance.org Shero Dental Advisors www.sherodentaladvisors.com info@sherodentaladvisors.com

Dr. Lindsay Cash graduated from the College of Charleston in 2009 and went on to complete dental school at the Medical University of South Carolina in 2013. She furthered her education with a 1 year General Practice Residency at Palmetto Health Richland Hospital system in Columbia, SC. After leaving residency, Dr. Lindsay jumped into the Wild West of dental associateships, seeing the good the bad and the ugly of poorly run private practice and small town DSOs. She decided to venture into a scratch start practice in January 2020…. 6 weeks prior to COVID. Less than 4 years after opening, she has transitioned her startup practice into a fully OON FFS practice. Lindsay has achieved her Fellowship with the Academy of general dentistry, is a member of the American academy of clear aligners, the American academy of cosmetic dentistry, and is heavily involved in advanced continuing education with SPEAR and Clinical Mastery Series.

Dr. Lindsay Cash graduated from the College of Charleston in 2009 and went on to complete dental school at the Medical University of South Carolina in 2013. She furthered her education with a 1 year General Practice Residency at Palmetto Health Richland Hospital system in Columbia, SC. After leaving residency, Dr. Lindsay jumped into the Wild West of dental associateships, seeing the good the bad and the ugly of poorly run private practice and small town DSOs. She decided to venture into a scratch start practice in January 2020…. 6 weeks prior to COVID. Less than 4 years after opening, she has transitioned her startup practice into a fully OON FFS practice. Lindsay has achieved her Fellowship with the Academy of general dentistry, is a member of the American academy of clear aligners, the American academy of cosmetic dentistry, and is heavily involved in advanced continuing education with SPEAR and Clinical Mastery Series. If you’re struggling to put all the communication pieces together, get your employees on board, implement a skill set that isn’t dictated by insurance, and finally get your patients to move forward with comprehensive care, go to www.thriveoutofnetwork.com and check it out today! It’s a place where dentists and their team can go anytime for help.”