Advertise on podcast: The Nifty Thrifty Dentists

What if the insurance company that's supposed to pay you fairly is quietly working against you? In this episode of the Nifty Thrifty Dentists Podcast, I sit down with Benjamin Tuinei, Founder of Veritas Dental Resources and Dental Link IPA, to talk about what's really happening with PPO fee negotiation, and why so many practices are leaving money on the table without knowing it. Ben isn't a dentist. He's a business professional who has spent his career negotiating with insurance companies to raise reimbursements and protect what he calls “the financial integrity of quality care.” He shares a deeply personal story about fighting for his own son's medical care that shaped that mission, then breaks down the umbrella network mistakes quietly costing practices tens of thousands of dollars a year, and introduces Dental Link IPA, a new model borrowed from the physician world that could give independent dentists DSO-level leverage without giving up their practice. In this episode, we explore: Why PPO fees have barely moved in over 20 yearsHow Veritas Dental Resources negotiates higher fee schedules with insurance companiesWhy credentialing order and contract optimization matter more than most practices realizeWhat umbrella networks are, and how they can quietly downgrade your fees without you noticingA real example of a practice that lost over $300,000 a year from a missed opt-out noticeBen's personal story about fighting for his son's care, and how it shaped his missionWhat Dental Link IPA is, and how it adapts a model from the physician worldHow a merit-based incentive model could give independent dentists DSO-level leverage without joining a DSOBen's exclusive offer for Nifty Thrifty Dentists members Exclusive offer from our sponsor, DentalRee: Ask about the Nifty 50 Deal on dental equipment, from diamond burs to handpieces. Learn more: https://www.dentalree.com/ Exclusive offer from Ben Tuinei for Nifty Thrifty Dentists members: 30% off Veritas Dental Resources' services, bumped to 35% if enough members sign up, with credit given to everyone who joined at the 30% mark. Get a Complimentary PPO Analysis or claim the Nifty offer by contacting Veritas Dental Resources directly: Email: [email protected]: +1 (888) 808-4513Address: 384 Woodland Path, Dallas, GA 30132   👥 Join the Nifty Thrifty Dentists community: facebook.com/groups/niftythriftydentists 🦷 See all our Nifty Thrifty Dental Deals: niftythriftydentists.com/dental-deals

Are you getting more patients from your dental marketing, or just more reports full of clicks, impressions, and “qualified leads”? I asked everyone listening to raise their hand if they've ever worked with a marketing company that promised qualified leads that never turned into revenue, then blamed the front desk when nothing booked. If your hand is still up, this episode is for you. 😂 In this episode of the Nifty Thrifty Dentists Podcast, I sit down with Neil Zemba, Founder & CEO of RISE DDS, to talk about what dental practices should really be measuring when they spend money on marketing. Neil shares why his own experience running a DSO led him to start RISE DDS, how connecting marketing data directly to practice data changes the ROI conversation, and why dentists should care less about vanity metrics and more about the dollars that actually come back into the practice. We also get into RISE Maps, front desk call tracking and coaching, patient recall, and how practice owners can make smarter calls about where their marketing dollars go. In this episode, we explore: ● Why “qualified leads” don't mean anything if they never turn into revenue ● The difference between a marketing company and a true growth partner ● Why Neil started RISE DDS after years of frustration running his own DSO ● Why the cheapest marketing company usually costs you the most ● Why front desk performance and ad quality both need to be tracked separately, instead of blaming one or the other ● RISE's average monthly ROI, and why breaking even isn't actually breaking even once you count rent and payroll ● How RISE connects directly to your practice management system so the numbers can't be fudged ● RISE Maps: using real search and demographic data to evaluate a location before you buy, build, or run ads there ● What “unqualified lead” actually means inside Google's and Meta's ad algorithms ● RISE Recall: turning existing patients back into revenue instead of only chasing new ones ● The data behind when patients actually pick up the phone Exclusive Nifty Thrifty Dentists member offer: ✅ 10% off everything RISE DDS does Learn more and ask for the Nifty Thrifty member offer: https://risedds.com/ 👥 Join the Nifty Thrifty Dentists community: facebook.com/groups/niftythriftydentists 🦷 See all our Nifty Thrifty Dental Deals: niftythriftydentists.com/dental-deals #NiftyThriftyDentists #DentalPodcast #DentalMarketing #RISEDDS #DrGlennVo

What happens when a patient calls your practice and nobody can answer? In this episode of the Nifty Thrifty Dentists Podcast, I welcome back Josh Gosnell, Vice President of Revenue at Adit, to talk about missed calls, patient follow-up, and practical ways AI can support a busy dental team. I share what happened when I needed to replace an AC unit in Texas and couldn't get someone on the phone. The company that answered got my business. Texas heat doesn't leave much room for phone tag. 😂 It's a useful reminder to think about the patient who's ready to schedule and needs someone to help them take that next step. Josh explains how Adit's AI Call Intelligence helps practices understand what happened on a call, whether a patient booked, and what still needs attention. We also discuss how AI Front Desk can help with after-hours calls, daytime overflow, and scheduling requests, giving the team more room to focus on patients. In this episode, we explore: • Why AI should solve a real problem in your practice • How Adit grew from dental marketing into a patient communication platform • The difference between AI Call Intelligence and AI Front Desk • What happens after a missed call and how to track the follow-up • Finding patients who wanted an appointment but never booked • How automated tasks can help the team track unresolved questions • Supporting the patient on the phone and the patient standing in front of you • Bringing your team into the conversation about AI support • Josh's preview of AI Recare, described as coming soon in the recording Learn more about Josh and Adit: Website: https://adit.com/ This episode is sponsored by Adit. Exclusive offer for Nifty Thrifty Dentists members: • Receive a $150 Amazon gift card for completing a demo. • Sign up for an Adit package and receive free phone hardware plus VoIP service free for life. Learn more and ask for the Nifty Thrifty member offer: https://adit.com/nifty

What is financial success really worth if your income stops the moment you step away from the practice? In this episode of the Nifty Thrifty Dentists Podcast, I sit down with my mentor Dave Stech of Access Insiders for a conversation about a form of wealth that goes far beyond money. Dave explains why financial freedom should lead to time freedom and ultimately to what he calls global freedom: the ability to do what you want, with the people you care about, wherever you choose. Dave shares how he went from growing up in a trailer park to building a multigenerational family office, why he took three six-month sabbaticals to be fully present for the people he loved, and how he intentionally helped his sons grow beyond him. We also discuss why successful dentists can still feel chained to their practices, how the right relationships can expand what is possible, and why legacy needs to be built long before retirement. In this episode, we explore: • Why time not money is the real currency • The progression from financial freedom to time freedom and global freedom • Why comfort can quietly keep successful dentists stuck • What Dave learned from taking three six-month family sabbaticals • How Access Insiders approaches relationships, education, and investment opportunities • Why “who” you invest with can matter as much as “what” you invest in • How intentional parenting helped Dave's sons build lives and businesses of their own • Why quantity time creates the opportunity for quality family moments • How to build a legacy designed to serve future generations Learn more about Dave and Access Insiders: Website: https://accessinsiders.com This episode is supported by Medidenta. If you need new handpieces or have broken handpieces to trade in, ask Medidenta about its buyback program and the current Nifty 50 offer: https://medidenta.com/ The investment discussion in this episode reflects the guest's experiences and opinions and is provided for educational purposes. It is not individualized financial advice.

Insurance billing doesn't have to be one of the biggest headaches in your practice. In this episode, Dr. Glenn Vo sits down with Shreyas Parab, Co-Founder & CEO of DayDream, to discuss how AI and experienced billing specialists are helping dentists improve cash flow, recover more insurance revenue, and take the stress out of revenue cycle management. 🎉 Exclusive Nifty Deal ✅ $2,000 Onboarding Fee Waived ✅ 10% OFF Insurance A/R Services ✅ 6 Months FREE chatPMS (your AI assistant that understands your Practice Management Software) 👉 Book your demo: https://tinyurl.com/daydream-NiftyThrifty 📌 To get FREE Dental Resources and Deals, click here: https://niftythriftydentists.com/ 👥 Join the Nifty Thrifty Dentists Facebook Group 👉  https://www.facebook.com/groups/niftythriftydentists

In this episode of the Nifty Thrifty Dentists Podcast, Dr. Glenn Vo sits down with Bryan Markiet, CEO and President of Cargus International, to talk about one of the easiest ways dentists can improve profitability right now: Stop overpaying for dental supplies. Bryan shares the story behind Cargus International, how his family built the business over decades, and why the MARK3 Dental Supplies brand has become a smart option for dentists who want premium quality without premium pricing. In this conversation, Dr. Glenn and Bryan cover: -Why MARK3 is helping dentists save serious money on everyday supplies -How Cargus built a family business that has served dentistry for decades -Which MARK3 products are worth paying attention to right now -Why dentists should be aware of a possible glove shortage -How free samples and a money-back guarantee make trying MARK3 easy If you are looking for practical ways to protect your margins without sacrificing quality, this episode is worth your time. MARK3 Dental Supplies Exclusive Nifty Thrifty Offer Use promo code NIFTY20 at checkout for 20% OFF all MARK3 products 👉 Shop here: https://www.nobledentalsupplies.com/nifty-thrifty 📌 To get FREE Dental Resources and Deals, click here: https://niftythriftydentists.com/ 👥 Join the Nifty Thrifty Dentists Facebook Group 👉    https://www.facebook.com/groups/niftythriftydentists

In this episode of the Nifty Thrifty Dentists Podcast, Dr. Glenn Vo sits down with Mini Suri, Co-Founder and CEO of VELMENI, to talk about an AI platform that could change how dental practices diagnose, document, and communicate with patients. If you have ever wished patients could actually see what you are trying to explain, or if you have wanted your team to spend less time on repetitive tasks and more time doing meaningful work, this episode is for you. Mini shares how VELMENI helps practices with: - AI-assisted radiograph review - 2D and 3D image verification - Voice-powered hygiene and doctor notes - Claims support - Easier radiology reporting - Better patient communication and case acceptance What makes this conversation stand out is that VELMENI is not just one AI feature. It is a platform built to improve multiple parts of the dental workflow. And yes, there is a special Nifty deal. Exclusive Nifty Thrifty Deal Promo Codes: DOMAVELMENI50 and DOMAVELMENI20 Offer: 50% off VELMENI integration + 20% off monthly service 🌐 Learn more here: https://www.velmeni.ai/ 📌 To get FREE Dental Resources and Deals, click here: https://niftythriftydentists.com/ 👥 Join the Nifty Thrifty Dentists Facebook Group 👉 https://www.facebook.com/groups/niftythriftydentists

In this episode of the Nifty Thrifty Dentists Podcast, Dr. Glenn Vo sits down with Maria Vaysman, VP of Strategy and Operations for Clipboard Dental, to talk about one of the biggest pain points in dentistry right now: staffing. If you have ever had a hygienist call out, struggled to find temporary help, or wished there were an easier way to try out a team member before hiring them full time, this episode is worth your time. Maria shares how Clipboard Dental helps practices fill shifts fast with vetted professionals, how their platform works, and why they decided to make direct hiring completely fee-free. In this conversation, they cover: How Clipboard Dental helps offices fill urgent and longer-term staffing gapsWhy practices can bring on someone full time with zero placement feesHow the platform vets workers and tracks reliabilityWhy this works for both practice owners and dental professionalsHow offices can build a trusted roster of favorite temps over time This is one of those episodes that can save you production, reduce stress, and give your team a real staffing backup plan. Sign up, start posting shifts, and get $250 off your first invoice 👉 Claim the Nifty Thrifty deal here: https://nifty-clipboard.com/ 🌐 Learn more here: https://www.clipboardworks.com/staffing/dental 📌 To get FREE Dental Resources and Deals, click here: https://niftythriftydentists.com/ 👥 Join the Nifty Thrifty Dentists Facebook Group 👉 https://www.facebook.com/groups/niftythriftydentists

In this episode of the Nifty Thrifty Dentists Podcast, Dr. Glenn Vo sits down with Dr. Jim Arnold, Founder and CEO of Foundation Dental Alliance, to talk about what it really takes to build a successful fee for service dental practice. If you are feeling squeezed by insurance reimbursements, rising overhead, and the pressure to see more patients just to stay profitable, this conversation will resonate with you. Dr. Arnold shares: • Why insurance driven dentistry is leading to burnout • The mindset shift required to move toward fee for service • How leadership and culture directly impact profitability • Why relationship based care creates long term stability • The six pillars needed to build a freedom based practice This is not about dropping PPOs overnight. It is about building clarity, confidence, and a strategy that protects your future. If you have ever wondered whether there is a better way to practice dentistry, this episode is worth your time. 👥 Connect with Dr. Jim Arnold 🌐 https://foundationdentalalliance.com 🔷 Sponsor Shoutout: DentistOffices.com Take your practice to the next level with DentistOffices.com, the leading dental match-making platform. 🔥 50% OFF your first month - only $49.99 for Premium! Premium Benefits Include: ✔ Enhanced visibility ✔ Smart-Match™ AI technology ✔ Pre-qualified local patients ✔ 20x more traffic than free listings 👉 Claim your Nifty Thrifty deal here: https://niftythriftydentists.com/dentaldiscount/dentistoffices-com/   📌 To get FREE Dental Resources and Deals, click here: https://niftythriftydentists.com/ 👥 Join the Nifty Thrifty Dentists Facebook Group 👉 https://www.facebook.com/groups/niftythriftydentists

Scaling a dental practice isn’t just about adding operatories... it’s about having the right leadership and systems in place. In this episode of the Nifty Thrifty Dentists Podcast, Dr. Glenn Vo sits down with Erica Benavente, Founder of Quest Dental Solutions, to discuss why many dentists hit a ceiling when they try to scale without executive-level operational support. Erica shares her journey from dental assistant to COO, how she helped grow a practice into a 25-operatory super practice, and why a fractional COO can be the missing link between chaos and sustainable growth. In this episode, we cover: When dentists actually need a fractional COOWhy office managers can’t scale practices aloneHow systems and staffing must evolve as practices growWhat changes when you expand to multiple locations 🦷 Sponsor Shoutout: Dentalree Dentalree provides high-quality dental supplies and technology designed to improve efficiency and patient care. 🎉 Exclusive Nifty Thrifty Deal Get 20% OFF your entire order with code NIFTY 👉 https://niftythriftydentists.com/dentaldiscount/dentalree-2/ 👥 Join the Nifty Thrifty Dentists Facebook Group 👉 / niftythriftydentists

In this episode of the Nifty Thrifty Dentists Podcast, Dr. Glenn Vo sits down with Dr. Joy Void-Holmes, CEO & Founder of Dr. Joy, RDH, to unpack one of the biggest challenges facing dental practices today: rising hygiene wages paired with shrinking reimbursements. Dr. Joy brings nearly 30 years of experience across clinical dentistry, education, and business strategy to explain why hygiene should no longer be viewed as a cost center, but instead as a profit and practice valuation engine. They discuss how insurance mix, business literacy, training, and clear expectations on both sides of the chair can dramatically change hygiene performance, team retention, and long-term practice value. If you’re a practice owner struggling with hygiene staffing, compensation, production, or burnout, this episode will shift how you think about your hygiene department. 🧩 Sponsor Shoutout: US Dental US Dental is a leader in dental digital workflow solutions, offering CBCTs, intraoral scanners, 3D printers, CAD/CAM systems, and more backed by lifetime training, education, and support. 👉 Check out the Nifty Thrifty US Dental deal here: https://niftythriftydentists.com/dentaldiscount/youngs-dental/ Be sure to mention you’re part of the Nifty Thrifty Dentists Community. 👥 Join the Nifty Thrifty Dentists Facebook Group 👉 https://www.facebook.com/groups/niftythriftydentists

In this episode of the Nifty Thrifty Dentists Podcast, Dr. Glenn Vo sits down with Danielle Kramer, Founder & CEO of The Schedule Squad, to break down why so many dental practices struggle to keep schedules full and how to fix it without burning out your team. Danielle brings over 20 years of real-world dental experience, having worked in nearly every role inside a dental practice. She shares how Schedule Squad helps practices stay connected to patients, reduce front office overload, and keep both doctor and hygiene schedules consistently full. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why scheduling is one of the biggest hidden stressors in dental practicesHow staying connected with patients prevents cancellations and gapsTwo simple habits that instantly improve efficiencyWhy asking for internal referrals still mattersHow remote scheduling support helps your team focus on patient care If your team feels overwhelmed or your schedule feels unpredictable, this episode will give you clarity and practical direction.   🔷🦷 Sponsor Shoutout: ADIT ADIT is built specifically for dental practices and integrates with most major practice management systems. It’s the only platform that combines: VoIP phone systemsText messaging & emailOnline scheduling & patient formsReviews, payments, analytics, and more 👉 Ask ADIT about the exclusive Nifty Thrifty deal: https://adit.com/nifty   📌 To get FREE Dental Resources and Deals, click here: https://niftythriftydentists.com/ 👥 Join the Nifty Thrifty Dentists Facebook Group 👉 https://www.facebook.com/groups/niftythriftydentists

In this episode of the Nifty Thrifty Dentists Podcast, Dr. Glenn Vo sits down with Kirk Teachout, co-founder of 7-Figure Dental Practice, to break down why most dental schedules fail and how to fix them without burning out your team or yourself. Kirk shares how he and his dentist wife rebuilt their practice during COVID, reduced workdays, increased collections, and created consistency without chaos. This conversation dives deep into the business and operations side of dentistry that most doctors were never taught. In this episode, you’ll learn: ⦁ Why “busy” doesn’t mean productive in dentistry ⦁ How consistency beats roller-coaster production days ⦁ The real reason schedules fall apart (and how to fix it) ⦁ Why leadership not templates is the missing piece ⦁ One simple rule that can immediately improve schedule efficiency If you’re working hard but still feeling burned out, this episode will challenge how you think about productivity, scheduling, and growth. 🦷 Sponsor Shoutout: Black Diamond Radio Black Diamond Radio specializes in two-way radios and custom earpieces built specifically for dental practices trusted by offices nationwide for over 20 years. 🎯 EXCLUSIVE Nifty Thrifty Deal: ✔ $200 OFF a Dental 6-User Walkie Talkie System 👉 Grab the deal here: https://niftythriftydentists.com/dentaldiscount/black-diamond-radio/ To get FREE Dental Resources and Deals, click here: https://niftythriftydentists.com/ 📌 Join the conversation inside the Nifty Thrifty Dentists Facebook Group: / niftythriftydentists

Dr. Glenn Vo sits down with Dr. Brett Kessler, Past President of the American Dental Association, for a candid conversation about what really happens inside the ADA advocacy, budgets, member value, and why unified dentistry matters right now. They unpack: ⦁ How Dr. Kessler’s leadership journey started (and why “getting involved” isn’t a secret club) ⦁ What the ADA tackled this past year: wellness, advocacy, fluoride legislation, and organizational restructuring ⦁ Why member dues matter and what happens when dentists “check out” ⦁ How the ADA approaches DSOs, insurance, and professional autonomy ⦁ What’s next: Oral Health 2050 and the future of oral health delivery 🦷 Sponsor Shoutout: GetVwire GetVwire helps practices outsource front office and insurance work, and they’re offering a Nifty Thrifty deal: 50% off your first month’s invoice. 👉 Check out the deal here: https://niftythriftydentists.com/dentaldiscount/getvwire/ To get FREE Dental Resources and Deals, click here: https://niftythriftydentists.com/ 📌 Join the conversation inside the Nifty Thrifty Dentists Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/niftythriftydentists

In this episode of the Nifty Thrifty Dentists Podcast, Dr. Glenn Vo sits down with Joe Laith, Marketing & Education Manager at NeoBiotech to uncover why NeoBiotech is often called implant dentistry’s best-kept secret. They break down what truly separates implant systems today (hint: it’s not just the implant), including support, protocol, simplicity, and predictable workflows. Joe also shares how NeoBiotech approaches anytime loading concepts, restorative solutions, repair kits, stability testing, and digitally guided workflows designed to reduce guesswork and save chair time. If you’re placing implants (or thinking about starting) and want a system built around clinical confidence + real support, this episode is for you. 🔷 Nifty Thrifty Deal-NeoBiotech Exclusive to Nifty Thrifty members, NeoBiotech is offering: ✔ 50% OFF on all NeoBiotech products through the end of the year ✔ Guided Surgery Planning + Fabrication (per quadrant): • $89 with IOS scan • $99 with traditional impression ✔ Bonus: Purchase 30 implants (at the 50% discount) and receive a FREE invitation to the NeoBiotech 2026 Symposium in Vietnam (April 18–20, 2026) (registration + hotel included) 👉 To get the deal, reach out to Joe directly: Instagram: @neobiotech_joe or call 213-387-7704 👉 Be sure to mention you’re part of the Nifty Thrifty Dentists Community. 🔧 Sponsor: NeoBiotech NeoBiotech supports clinicians with implant systems, protocols, digital guided solutions, and education built for predictable outcomes. 👉 https://niftythriftydentists.com/dentaldiscount/neobiotech/ To get FREE Dental Resources and Deals, click here: https://niftythriftydentists.com/ 📌 Join the conversation inside the Nifty Thrifty Dentists Facebook Group: https://fb.com/groups/niftythriftydentists