Where dentists learn how to cut clinical days while increasing profits - without sacrificing patient care, cutting corners, or cranking volume. We teach you how to grow a scalable practice through communication, leadership, and effective management. Hosted by Dr. Paul Etchison, author of two books on dental practice management, dental coach, and owner of a $6M collections group practice in the south suburbs of Chicago, we provide actionable advice for practice owners who want to intentionall ...
…
continue reading
Dental Practice Growth Chicago Podcasts
Join dentist entrepreneurs, and spouses, Dr. Anushka Gaglani and Dr. Abhishek Nagaraj for insights from dental industry experts and innovators on current and emerging trends in business practices, patient care and career development and what it takes to be successful in this dynamic field. Perfect for anyone passionate about business, the future of dental care, and dentists looking to become elite clinicians over time.
…
continue reading
Dr. Grace Yum has quietly become one of the highest profile pediatric dentists in Chicago and beyond. She is in a small pool of less than 5% of all dentists who become certified in pediatrics. She also founded and built Yummy Dental and Orthodontics for Kids into a leader in its category. In this Podcast, Dr. Yum shares pearls of wisdom based on her experience that are designed to help moms be successful in their medical careers and in their lives more broadly. She interviews a rotating cast ...
…
continue reading

1
How to Get Your Team to Diagnose, Treat, and Communicate Consistently
23:34
23:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:34Case acceptance is down. Patients are confused. Your team is frustrated. Sound familiar? These are all signs your practice is out of alignment. Whether you own one practice or multiple locations, this episode will help you get everyone on the same page clinically — from the front office to hygienists, assistants, and doctors. You’ll learn how to ru…
…
continue reading

1
318: How to Solve Staffing Challenges with Virtual Assistants
31:28
31:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:28This week, Cory Pinegar, CEO of Reach, joins us to share game-changing solutions for dental practices facing staffing headaches and rising overhead. Learn how top-tier international virtual assistants can boost your team’s efficiency, reduce costs, and support smooth, secure front office operations. Episode highlights: How Reach is helping practice…
…
continue reading

1
AI Tools That Will Actually Help Your Practice w/ Dr. David Amador
32:33
32:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:33What’s your opinion on AI? It can transform your team, systems, and improve case acceptance — but ONLY if you know how to use it. That’s why we're talking to Dr. David Amador, who’s built real systems with AI that make his practice more profitable and efficient. In this episode, he shares three AI tools he uses to diagnose patients, train team memb…
…
continue reading

1
Rethinking Dental Practice Growth: Santosh Patel, Chief Revenue Officer at Subscribili
32:37
32:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:37As we've heard from other guests on Filling You In with A-Squared, the slowdown in rapid acquisitions in dentistry due to high interest rates and other economic challenges has resulted in more focus on same store growth. For a closer look at this trend, Areo Dental Group Co-CEOs Dr. Anushka Gaglani and Dr. Abhishek Nagaraj turn to Santosh Patel, Ch…
…
continue reading

1
Lazy and Loving It: My Secret to Practice Growth
12:17
12:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
12:17The myth of discipline has perpetuated an enormous lie about what drives success in dental practices. Drawing from personal experience, I reveal why traditional definitions of discipline aren't necessary for extraordinary practice growth. Through vulnerable admissions about my own "undisciplined" habits (25 years of smoking, late-morning wake-ups, …
…
continue reading

1
317: Inside the Digital Dental Revolution with Dr. Karla Soto
36:44
36:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:44This week, we’re joined by award-winning dentist, educator, and KOL Dr. Karla Soto to talk about how digital dentistry is transforming patient care and practice efficiency. She also shares the story behind Key Elements, her platform designed to help dentists embrace digital workflows through education, community, and support. Episode highlights: Ho…
…
continue reading

1
Selling vs. Staying: The Eight-Figure Practice Decision
38:09
38:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:09Your practice is thriving, so why not sell? DPH coach Dr. Steve Markowitz owns a six-practice dental group and seriously considered cashing out, but he realized he wasn't ready to let go. In this episode, he shares why he decided not to sell even after hitting his $10M revenue goal and what changed about his approach to ownership. You'll hear the c…
…
continue reading

1
Stop Problem-Solving, Start Validating: A Gamechanger
10:12
10:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
10:12Validation might be the most powerful leadership tool you're not using. This often-overlooked skill—distinct from praise, problem-solving, or agreement—has the remarkable ability to transform your dental practice from the inside out. When team members bring concerns or patients express frustration, our instinct as dentists and practice owners is to…
…
continue reading

1
316: Story + Strategy = Predictable Practice Growth
48:01
48:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:01This week, Dr. Grace Yum welcomes back Joshua Scott, CEO of Studio EightyEight, to unpack what’s really driving successful dental marketing today. From the power of a strong brand to story-driven creative and performance marketing, Joshua shares how practices can achieve consistent, predictable growth through marketing that truly works. Episode hig…
…
continue reading

1
Creating a Caring, Convenient, Positive Dental Experience for Families: Dr. Saam Zarrabi, CEO of Rodeo Dental and Orthodontics
27:56
27:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:56Today on Filling You In with A-Squared, our hosts Dr. Anushka Gaglani and Dr. Abhishek Nagaraj introduce you to one of the fastest growing comprehensive dental groups in the country, which is also one of the most interesting because of its commitment to serving people at all income levels, as well as for its theatrical flair. Rodeo Dental and Ortho…
…
continue reading

1
How to Fix the 3 Biggest Ownership Stressors
13:26
13:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
13:26Ever feel like your dental practice is an endless cycle of putting out fires, managing team drama, and squeezing in "just one more patient"? That overwhelming weight on your shoulders isn't just in your head—and you're definitely not alone in feeling it. Dr. Paul Etchison breaks down the three fundamental stressors that make practice ownership feel…
…
continue reading

1
Playing The Dental Insurance Game: How To Slash Your Denial Rate
38:10
38:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:10Claims keep getting denied? Here’s a hard truth: it’s probably your fault. But in this episode, Dr. Travis Campbell shares everything he's learned about how to master the insurance game, get your denial rate under 2% and stop wasting hours on appeals. His insights cover everything from the common reasons SRP claims get denied to the simple step tha…
…
continue reading

1
Beyond Words: When Your Actions Contradict Your Values
11:38
11:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
11:38Leadership's echo effect shapes dental practice culture far more than we realize. As practice owners, even when we're not actively leading, our behavior creates rippling effects that influence team dynamics long after we've left the building. True practice culture isn't what you declare in mission statements or team meetings—it's the accumulation o…
…
continue reading
You get it, you need to let go. But how do you actually step back, stop micromanaging and see what your team can really do? In this episode, we share actionable ways to reduce your workload, delegate the right tasks, and leave work stress at the office. Learn how you might be getting in your own way and why letting your practice fail is the first s…
…
continue reading

1
Why Patients Start Treatment But Never Finish: Understanding the Psychology of Momentum
8:51
8:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
8:51Discover the psychological key that unlocks patient follow-through with the endowed progress effect—a powerful concept that transforms how dental professionals communicate about treatment plans. This game-changing approach doesn't require changing your fees, procedures, or recommendations—just the way you frame patient progress. Through a fascinati…
…
continue reading

1
Making Multi-Doctor Practices Work: Partnership Risks and Rewards
21:57
21:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:57Thinking about making your associate a partner? This episode will help you decide if it’s the right move for you and what other options you have to keep associates in your practice without giving up equity. You'll learn the must-haves of a successful partnership, the common reasons they fail, and what to look for in a potential partner. Listen now …
…
continue reading

1
How to Make your Membership Plan Win-Win for Everyone
22:40
22:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:40There’s an easy solution for patients who can’t afford treatment: membership plans. In this episode, you’ll learn how to structure your plan, price it so patients sign up, and get your team on board. The DPH coaches share what’s worked in their practices and easy mistakes you can avoid, whether you're creating a plan or revamping one you already ha…
…
continue reading

1
Leaving Clinical to Mentor Doctors Into Partners w/ Dr. Sten Erickson
33:41
33:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:41Most owners manage the day-to-day; Dr. Sten Erickson is turning doctors into partners. He joins me in this episode to share how he stepped into a true leadership role and expanded his practice after leaving clinical work behind. From scheduling weekly meetings across multiple practices to case reviews, we talk about the strategies and systems that …
…
continue reading

1
315: The Future is Now: AI Strategies for Dental Practice Success
35:49
35:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:49This week, we are joined by Dr. Natasha Hassam-Sarwar, a dentist turned AI enthusiast, as she explores how AI is transforming the dental field. From enhancing patient care to reducing burnout and improving practice efficiency, this episode covers why now is the time to embrace AI in dentistry. Episode highlights: Learn how AI tools enhance the pati…
…
continue reading

1
The Hybrid Ownership Model for Ultimate Work-Life Balance w/ Dr. Jennifer Haddad
32:15
32:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:15Practice ownership doesn’t have to mean running an office or signing a lease. Dr. Jennifer Haddad designed her practice around a hybrid model that keeps her schedule and clinical decisions all within her control. In this episode, she shares how it works inside an existing practice, the benefits of this non-traditional path, and how she began buildi…
…
continue reading

1
5 Scheduling Hacks that Allow you to Easily Cut Clinical Days
9:44
9:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:44Feeling trapped in the operatory five days a week? Imagine reclaiming an entire workday without sacrificing income or patient care. That's exactly what today's episode delivers—a practical blueprint for dental practice owners who want to work smarter, not harder. I break down five seemingly small schedule adjustments that combine to create massive …
…
continue reading

1
314: Smarter Notes, Better Care: How AI Is Changing Dental Documentation
33:17
33:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:17In this week’s episode, Dr. Vinni Singh—dentist and founder of DentScribe—shares how her clinical experience led to the creation of an AI-powered documentation tool designed for dental teams. Tune in to hear how DentScribe is helping practices save time, reduce burnout, and embrace technology in a way that supports smarter, more efficient care. Epi…
…
continue reading

1
The Role of Identity in Achieving Success: Eric Morin, President of Tower Leadership
35:48
35:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:48If you own a dental practice, are you an entrepreneur or are you just self-employed? Our guest today on Filling You In, Eric Morin, has helped many dentists understand the difference and transform their practices into wealth-generating enterprises. “If you're truly an entrepreneur, that means you're investing in scale, leadership, and have a greate…
…
continue reading
Ever felt that mounting frustration when someone keeps crossing a line you never actually drew? That's exactly what happens in dental practices without clear boundaries. When you're constantly putting out fires, feeling resentful toward team members, or watching work bleed relentlessly into your personal time, it's not just about difficult people—i…
…
continue reading

1
Why Are DSO's Failing? What's Happening Inside Dentistry with Jake Berry
33:43
33:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:43Why have dozens of DSOs collapsed? What’s the impact on the dental industry? And how can you protect yourself, even if you never plan to sell? Tune in to learn what’s really happening in the DSO market, and what YOU should look for if you're considering a DSO! Topics discussed in this episode: Why so many DSOs are failing What investors look for in…
…
continue reading

1
313: Confidence, Community, and Career Growth with Dr. Deepika Ganne
31:56
31:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:56In this episode, Dr. Deepika Ganne, Endodontist and MDIB Co-Regional Leader of Austin, opens up about breaking barriers in a male-dominated field, finding her voice as a partner in practice, and the pivotal role community played in her journey. Tune in for an honest, inspiring conversation on confidence, community, and creating a fulfilling career.…
…
continue reading

1
Built to Sell: Increasing the Value of Your Practice
21:33
21:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:33A sellable practice runs smoother, earns more, and stresses you less. But what does it mean to have a sellable practice? In this episode, the DPH coaches share the seven signs your practice is sellable and explain why you should build a sellable practice even if you never plan to sell. Learn how to increase the value of your practice, what metrics …
…
continue reading

1
The Drinking Game that Taught Me Practice Culture
13:41
13:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
13:41Ever have one of those nights where you're exhausted but someone talks you into staying up anyway—and it turns into the most fun night ever? That's exactly what happened when my family convinced me to play our ridiculous Italian-themed drinking game called "Garlic and Oil" at the lake house. The truth is that strong practice cultures aren't built t…
…
continue reading

1
312: Menopause & Oral Health: The Overlooked Connection with Dr. Brenda Nishimura
23:35
23:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:35In this insightful podcast CE episode, Dr. Brenda Nishimura joins Dr. Grace Yum to explore the often-overlooked link between menopause and oral health. Drawing on clinical expertise, Dr. Nishimura explains how menopause impacts teeth, gums, function, and esthetics—and what dentists need to know to deliver better patient care. Episode highlights: Th…
…
continue reading

1
Practice Policies: Cell Phones, Tattoos, and Staff Discounts
16:36
16:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:36When’s the last time you reviewed your office policies? Regular check-ins keep your practice running smoothly and your team on the same page. In this episode, the DPH coaches share how they've updated their own policies to reflect today’s workplace, cut down stress, and avoid playing favorites. Get tips on managing cell phone use, stopping patients…
…
continue reading

1
Josey Sewell’s “High Love, High Accountability” Approach to Creating Positive, Successful Work Environments
26:30
26:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:30Nearly all of our previous Filling You In guests have mentioned culture as an important ingredient in building successful dental practices and practice groups, but today, we're going to take a deep dive into what that means, how it's created, and how it works. Our guide is Josie Sewell, a trailblazer in the dental industry, known for helping practi…
…
continue reading
What would happen if your entire dental team quit tomorrow? Rather than just a nightmare scenario, this thought experiment reveals critical insights about your practice's foundation. I share the story of a dentist who actually experienced this situation—when he laid out his vision for the practice and gave his team of seven the option to leave if t…
…
continue reading

1
311: The Great Wealth Transfer: Why Women Are the New Financial Powerhouses with Brittany Frazier
35:22
35:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:22In this episode, Dr. Yum sits down with returning guest Brittany Frazier of Cain Watters & Associates to discuss women and investing. Brittany explores the Great Wealth Transfer and its significance for women, highlighting the importance of being informed, confident, and prepared when it comes to managing finances and building a secure future. Epis…
…
continue reading

1
Beyond the Operatory: Why Some Dentists Make Millions
25:27
25:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:27You can be a great dentist and still struggle to grow — and here's why: your mindset. It's what keeps some practice owners stuck and helps others build the type of practice they want. In this episode, find out how to shift out of "survival mode" and run your business instead of just working in it. From perfectionism and fear to day-to-day fundament…
…
continue reading

1
Eliminate Hygiene Cancellations with This Simple Policy
11:03
11:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
11:03Ever struggled with hygiene cancellations while simultaneously facing a backlog of patients desperate for appointments? You're not alone, and there's a brilliant solution hiding in plain sight. What makes this approach so powerful is its triple benefit structure. Your practice maintains a more predictable schedule and improves productivity. Your pa…
…
continue reading

1
310: Leadership, Advocacy, and Balance: Dr. Judee Tippett-Whyte on Life in Dentistry
38:01
38:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:01This week’s episode features Dr. Judee Tippett-Whyte, who shares her inspiring rise in organized dentistry, her passion for advocacy, and how she’s faced life’s challenges head-on—all while balancing leadership, family, and her practice. Episode highlights: Dr. Tippett-Whyte’s path and what inspired her to take on leadership Her journey through org…
…
continue reading

1
A Revealing Look at the State of Dentistry: Beth Gaddis, Editor in Chief at Planet DDS
26:23
26:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:23If you’re wondering how your dental practice compares nationally, or just want to know what the latest trends are in the sector, today’s show is a must-listen as we welcome Beth Gaddis, Editor in Chief at Planet DDS, to share insights from the company’s 2025 Dental Industry Outlook Report based on data collected from the thousands of practices it s…
…
continue reading

1
Managing Stress and Finding Fulfillment in Dental Practice with Chelsea Myers
21:07
21:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:07Ever feel like the stress of dental practice is overwhelming? Join us on Dental Practice Heroes as we sit down with the insightful dental life coach Chelsea Myers to explore how dentists can manage stress and avoid feeling trapped in their profession. Chelsea offers practical advice on setting boundaries between work and home life and emphasizes th…
…
continue reading

1
How Cutting Clinical Days Can Help You Grow Faster & Lead Better w/ Dr. Ryan Bradley
22:04
22:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:04How can you keep your team, grow your practice, AND reclaim your time? Discover how Dr. Ryan Bradley did all three without burnout, spending big on marketing, or micromanaging his team. We talk about what worked to reduce turnover through a merger, create work-life balance, and scale while cutting back clinical days. Tune in to learn how working le…
…
continue reading

1
309: Growing, Connecting, and Thriving with MDIB: Dr. Ruby’s Journey
39:50
39:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:50This week, we’re joined by Dr. Andrea Ruby—dentist, practice owner, and MDIB Minnesota Regional Leader—who opens up about her journey through practice ownership and motherhood. From the day-to-day realities of leading a practice to the meaningful support she’s found in the MDIB community, Dr. Ruby offers honest insight and encouragement for fellow …
…
continue reading

1
Burnout to Balance: A Dentist's Journey to Wellbeing w/ Dr. Peter Dinh
25:55
25:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:55What does “biohacking” have to do with dentistry? For Dr. Peter Dinh, figuring out the root cause of his low energy and burnout changed the way he felt in his body and in his practice. In our conversation, he shares how functional medicine helped him heal hidden issues like leaky gut and low dopamine, improve his mental and physical health, and sho…
…
continue reading

1
The REAL Profit from the Hygiene Department
14:17
14:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
14:17Dental practice owners across the country face a mounting challenge—skyrocketing hygienist wages that strain traditional production-focused models. But what if obsessing over hourly production metrics is actually holding your practice back from its true potential? In this transformative episode, I reveal why the real value of your hygiene departmen…
…
continue reading

1
308: Interview with Academy Educator for Chairside Solutions at Dentsply Sirona, Sue Florio
28:07
28:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
28:07An experienced Dental Lab Ceramist and Academy Educator, Suzanne brings her 35+ years of experience to each course she leads to provide participants with up-to-date information about dental products and procedures. As a Chairside Specialist, Academy Educator supporting the Dentsply Sirona Restorative and CAD/CAM teams on the Blocks, Suzanne has ext…
…
continue reading

1
How to Stay In Control When Things Go Wrong w/ Dr. Taher Dhoon
20:37
20:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
20:37Nothing throws off your day like a surprise complication. When a surgical or dental emergency hits, how you respond is what matters most. In this episode, Dr. Taher Dhoon joins me to share how we approach emergencies to keep our cool, make smart decisions, and lead our teams. We dive into emergency protocols, critical mindset shifts, and how to avo…
…
continue reading

1
Advancing Women as Leaders in Dentistry: Dr. Aman Kaur, Founder of Women in DSO
24:39
24:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:39Today on Filling You In with A-Squared, we're delighted to welcome a respected voice in dentistry to the podcast who has played a particularly important role in advancing women as leaders in the industry. Dr. Aman Kaur has done this both through her mentoring relationships and through founding Women in DSO, the fastest growing dental association wi…
…
continue reading

1
Tax Hacks Your Regular Accountant Won't Tell You w/ Mike Bark
35:40
35:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:40You might be missing out on tens of thousands in tax savings and not even know it. But all that can change with the help of a dental CPA. Mike Bark of Bull Moose Financial joins me today to talk profitability, tax mistakes and strategies that dentists overlook far too often. We dive into the tax landscape of dentistry, explore what a good dental CP…
…
continue reading

1
307: Interview with Mergers & Acquisitions Advisor at PTS, Brent Anderson and Dentist & Practice Owner, Dr. Susan McMahon
34:44
34:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:44Brent Anderson had the opportunity to help lead the largest dental group on their M&A team buying offices all over the United States, now having been a part of over 300 practice transitions throughout his career. Brent enjoys the relationship aspect of truly understanding what’s important to his clients and building a lifetime friendship with the p…
…
continue reading

1
Growing with Less Hygienists: New Models for the Age of Hygiene Scarcity
15:08
15:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
15:08Dental practice owners across the country are facing a critical challenge: how to continue growing when hygienists seem impossible to find. This shortage creates a frustrating bottleneck - you've got the new patients flowing in, your clinical skills are sharp, your systems are solid, but without adequate hygiene capacity, your practice hits a growt…
…
continue reading

1
Let Purpose Be Your Driver: Steven J. Neuner, Co-Founder, Superpowers | Co-Author of Superpowered
24:55
24:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:55To be a successful entrepreneur you need to be all-in, but that creates the risk of letting your business become your identity. Lifetime entrepreneur Steven Neuner – who has built, scaled, and exited multi-million-dollar companies – joins us on this episode of Filling You In with A-Squared to explain how to prevent that from happening and share oth…
…
continue reading

1
You Can Grow Without PPO's with Dr. Andrew Kokabi
30:03
30:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:03Big growth isn’t reserved for in-network practices. Dr. Andrew Kokabi has built more than just a thriving fee-for-service practice — he’s built a reputation as a trusted business that gives back. In this episode, he explains what it means to be a community-driven practice and how this approach has helped him grow without relying on insurance. He al…
…
continue reading