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Bulletproof Dental Practice

Dentistry is evolving - Is your practice BULLETPROOF? Marketing. Systems. Leadership. Proven strategies to grow your practice with co-hosts Dr. Peter Boulden and Dr. Craig Spodak.
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Bulletproof Dental Practice
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Now displaying: July, 2024
Jul 31, 2024

The Bulletproof Dental Podcast Episode 358

HOSTS: Dr. Peter Boulden and Dr. Craig Spodak

GUESTS: David Ensley

DESCRIPTION

In this conversation, Craig and Peter interview David Ensley, an orthodontist and part of a dental service organization (DSO). They discuss various topics including the use of Twitter for networking, the differences between GP and ortho startups, the importance of location and visibility for dental practices, the use of Google Ads and CRM for marketing, and the benefits of hiring offshore employees. David shares insights on in-house financing in orthodontics and the challenges of cash flow in the beginning. He also emphasizes the value of specialized roles and better talent that can be obtained through offshore hiring. David shares insights on managing remote teams, finding the right talent, and creating a pathway to ownership for dentists. 

TAKEAWAYS

  • Orthodontic startups face challenges with cash flow in the beginning due to the longer treatment times and monthly payment plans.
  • Location and visibility are crucial for dental practices, and retail locations with high vehicle traffic are preferred.
  • Google Ads and CRM systems like Go High Level can be effective tools for marketing and lead management.
  • In-house financing is more common in orthodontics due to the longer treatment times and the ability to break up payments throughout treatment.
  • Hiring offshore employees can provide access to specialized roles and better talent at an affordable price. Remote workers can bring efficiency and specialization to a dental practice or DSO.
  • Partnerships in a DSO can provide a pathway to ownership and increase retention and quality.
  • Collaboration with professionals outside of dentistry can bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas.
  • Twitter can be a valuable platform for learning, networking, and engaging with professionals from various industries.

CHAPTERS

00:00 - Introduction 

04:14 - Challenges and Considerations for Ortho Startups

10:10 - The Importance of Location and Visibility

15:19 - Using Google Ads and CRM for Marketing

20:54 - Benefits of Hiring Offshore Employees

25:50 - Introduction to David Ensley and Remote Workers

27:04 - Partnerships: A Pathway to Ownership in a DSO

30:15 - Reciprocity and the Democratization of Ownership in Dentistry

35:26 - Competition and Efficiency in the Orthodontic Market

39:06 - Collaboration and Learning Beyond Dentistry

44:32 - The Power of Twitter for Networking and Knowledge Sharing

46:02 - Future Plans and Invitation to Connect



REFERENCES

Bulletproof Mastermind

Bulletproof Summit 2025

David Ensley

 

Jul 24, 2024

The Bulletproof Dental Podcast Episode 357

HOSTS: Dr. Peter Boulden and Dr. Craig Spodak

GUESTS: Brannon Moncrief 

DESCRIPTION

In this episode, Craig and Peter welcome guest Brannon Moncrief as they discuss the common misconception that more dental practice locations automatically lead to higher valuations and buyer demand. They emphasize the importance of building intentionally and scaling only when the first location is successful and profitable. They also highlight the significance of EBITDA as the ultimate key performance indicator (KPI) in dental practice operations and provide insights into what private equity buyers look for in terms of EBITDA percentages. The discussion also touches on the issue of fake EBITDA and the misconception that high personal income equates to a valuable business. 

TAKEAWAYS

  • Building with intentionality and ensuring the success and profitability of each location before scaling is crucial.

  • EBITDA is the ultimate KPI in dental practice operations and is significant in valuations and buyer demand.

  • Private equity buyers look for EBITDA percentages in the range of 20-25% for healthy margins.

  • The macroeconomic climate, including interest rates, influences dental practice valuations.

  • The market for dental practice acquisitions has changed, with a shift in the mix of buyers and increased scrutiny on the quality of assets. Building a real business in dentistry requires scalability and the ability to survive without the dentist's direct involvement.

  • High personal income does not necessarily equate to a valuable business, as fake EBITDA can inflate profits.

  • Consolidation in the dental industry is expected to continue, with private equity playing a significant role.

  • Dentists should focus on optimizing their practices and adapting to changes in the industry to stay competitive.

  • Understanding the value of your business and planning for the future is crucial for long-term success.

CHAPTERS

00:00 - Introduction and Scaling Misconceptions

06:33 - Building with Intentionality and EBITDA Importance

13:08 - Macroeconomic Climate and Dental Practice Valuations

18:15 - The Future of Dental Practice Acquisitions

23:16 - Building a Real Business in Dentistry

24:48 - The Pitfalls of Fake EBITDA

28:23 - Consolidation in the Dental Industry

36:30 - Adapting and Optimizing for the Future

 

REFERENCES

Bulletproof Mastermind

Bulletproof Summit 2024

McLerran and Associates

 

Jul 17, 2024

The Bulletproof Dental Podcast Episode 356

HOSTS Dr. Peter Boulden and Dr. Craig Spodak

DESCRIPTION

In this conversation, Peter and Craig discuss the advice they would give to themselves as dental school students or new dentists. They emphasize the importance of taking care of oneself, including getting regular massages, maintaining core fitness, and having a concierge doctor for personalized healthcare. They also discuss the value of regular testing, such as the GRAIL test for detecting microscopic cancers and the MTHFR test for methylation issues. They touch on the importance of posture and mental fitness for dentists, the need for effective communication skills, the value of focusing on one's strengths rather than weaknesses, and the significance of leadership in dental practices. They also mention the upcoming Bulletproof Summit and the possibility of having a representative from the Ritz-Carlton speak about customer service.

TAKEAWAYS

  • Take care of yourself and prioritize self-care, including getting regular massages and maintaining core fitness.

  • Consider having a concierge doctor for personalized healthcare and attention.

  • Regular testing, such as the GRAIL test and the MTHFR test, can provide valuable insights into your health.

  • Practice good ergonomics to prevent back pain and other physical issues.

  • Be aware of the potential health risks associated with mercury exposure in dentistry. 

  • Maintaining good posture and mental fitness is crucial for dentists.

  • Effective communication skills, including the ability to read body language and tailor conversations to individual patients, are essential.

  • Rather than trying to improve weaknesses, dentists should focus on their strengths and surround themselves with a team that can compensate for their weaknesses.

  • Leadership skills are vital for dental practice success, and dentists should continually work on developing their leadership abilities.

  • The upcoming Bulletproof Summit will provide valuable learning opportunities for dentists, including a potential session on customer service by a representative from the Ritz-Carlton.

CHAPTERS

00:00 - Introduction and Background

03:11 - The Importance of Self-Care

08:55 - Taking Care of Your Physical Health

14:49 - The Value of Regular Testing

19:18 - Preventing Physical Strain and Injury

24:04 - Focusing on Strengths: The Key to Success

28:23 - Applying Ritz-Carlton's Customer Service Expertise to Dental Practices

REFERENCES

Bulletproof Mastermind

Bulletproof Summit 2024

 

Jul 11, 2024

The Bulletproof Dental Podcast Episode 355

HOSTS: Dr. Peter Boulden and Dr. Craig Spodak
 
 
DESCRIPTION
The conversation explores the advantages and disadvantages of DSOs (Dental Service Organizations) compared to solo dental practices. We’ll discuss the operational efficiencies of DSOs, including better lab fees, insurance negotiations, procurement of supplies, technology, and data utilization as well as highlight the importance of the patient experience and the potential for solo practices to excel in this area. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by solo practitioners, such as high team salaries and the pressure to compete with DSOs.  Peter and Craig emphasize the need for private practice owners to adapt and innovate in order to stay competitive. They also discuss the impact of student debt on private practice ownership and the role of technology in improving dental practices. 
 
TAKEAWAYS
  • DSOs have operational advantages in terms of lab fees, insurance negotiations, procurement, technology, and data utilization.
  • Solo practices can excel in providing a superior patient experience.
  • Solo practitioners should focus on improving operational efficiencies and reducing expenses to level the playing field.
  • Mergers between solo practices can provide economies of scale and enhance competitiveness.
  • The DSO model may face challenges due to the pressure for short-term returns and the potential fallout from a changing economic landscape. Private practice owners need to be aware of the changing landscape of dentistry and the rise of dental service organizations (DSOs).
  • The high amount of student debt limits options for private practice ownership and partnerships.
  • The Bulletproof Summit and Bulletproof Mastermind offer valuable opportunities for learning and growth in the dental industry.
 
 
CHAPTERS
00:00 - Reuniting and Discussing the Rise of DSOs
04:10 - The Advantages of DSOs: Operational Efficiencies and Technology
14:12 - The Importance of the Patient Experience in Solo Practices
17:09 - Challenges Faced by Solo Practitioners: Team Salaries and Competition
22:26 - Potential Solutions: Mergers and Long-Term Strategies
27:38 - The Future of DSOs: Challenges and Opportunities
30:45 - Adapting to the Changing Landscape of Dentistry
32:13 - The Impact of Student Debt on Private Practice Ownership
33:34 - The Role of Technology in Improving Dental Practices
35:23 - The Value of the Bulletproof Summit and Mastermind
 
REFERENCES
Bulletproof Mastermind
Patient Prism
Bulletproof Summit 2025
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